I'd like to thank BR for allowing me to the opportunity to try this from the Beauty Vault. I picked up the Charcoal version of this in the last vault and was blown away, so I was keen to see how this version compared.
The scrub comes in a white resealable pouch. I found the packaging of this rather awkward to use as it was difficult to get the scrub out of the pouch in the shower, and it was a struggle to not allow water to get in and ruin the scrub. Unfortunately, towards the end of the packet too much moisture got in and this turned to sludge. I also found it annoying having to remember to bring a spoon into the shower everytime I wnated to use this so that I could scoop the product out. This would be much better packaged ina tub with a scooper or spatula. However, I did enjoy the cute marketing on the packaging such as the 'your friend with benefits' tagline and all the compliments on the packet. I found it a nice touch.
I liked that this is all natural, cruelty free, vegan friendly and Australian made as I have been trying to use more ethical products and gentler products for my sensitive skin.
Scent wise, this smells exactly how it sounds; like green tea. The scent is rather refreshing but it smells a bit odd on the skin.
The scrub was an unappealing green in colour, but as this is green tea that can't really be helped. My main issue was that unlike the charcoal version, this doesn't hold together very well when trying to get this onto a bath pouff, so this mostly ends up on the floor and not on my skin.
I found that after using this my skin was definitely significantly smoother, and the visibility of my stretchmarks was diminished and my cellulite felt smoothed. However, maybe I just have high expectations for this product due to my great experience with the charcoal version. I normally find scrubs like this great for acne and scarring and exfoliation but I felt this just didn't do a good enough job, especially for the retail price. My acne and scarring didn't really improve since using this. I found this wasn't really abrasive enough to exfoliate my skin enough. I feel that a simple home-made scrub could probably do a better job.
Overall, this just didn't really work for me so I wouldn't want to purchase this for myself but I'd definitely try some of their other scrubs.
I love green tea in my skincare, so when I saw this Buddy Scrub in the vault I knew I had to get my paws on it.
Packaging: Straight away I am drawn to this adorable packet, the white and different shades of green definitely appeals to me but I absolutely hate the ziplock bag. First of all, it can be quite difficult to get the bag open with wet hands. Secondly, it can be a little annoying to try and pour out some scrub from the bag. And thirdly, the zip closure doesn't close properly as sugar/salt granules get stuck in it. So as cute and eye-catching as it is, it's very impractical.
Scent: I previously tried a sample of the charcoal scrub and that smelt awful! But I am pleased to say that this smells delicious. It's definitely not green tea but it's still lovely, very zingy, tangy and citrusy. I can smell lime and lemon and get a hint of lemonade which makes for an invigorating shower.
Product: I like that this is a sugar/salt combination. It makes for a more effective exfoliant because sugar dissolves more quickly than salt so you still get the scrubby feel even as the product starts to melt down. There are some little shell pieces in it I think or maybe they are tea leaves, I'm not entirely sure but they don't seem to add to or take away from the formulation. The oils leave my skin feeling soft and slightly nourished which is nice but it's not hydrating enough to use without a lotion afterwards. Now here's my gripe. This formulation has no preservative. I know that people are on a "no preservative" kick right now but when a product is coming into contact with water it absolutely needs one. As soon as water comes into contact with the product it can start to harbour bacteria and that is a big no-no.
Overall: I love the smell and the effectiveness of the product but I will not repurchase due to the packaging and lack of preservative. If this were to be sold in a container and have a preservative added, then I would definitely buy this and continue to use as it is lovely. But it's not worth the money when it could easily start going rancid well before it's use by.
Tips: Don't take the bag in the shower with you to avoid getting water on the product. I keep mine outside the shower door and grab some when needed. I then store it in a drawer so that moisture can not get in.