I2 By Ivana K.

Skin Care At Its Best!
By Nicole Lindsay
www.page28.com

A great makeup application starts with perfecting the skin underneath. As a makeup artist, I’m constantly informing my clients that the condition of their skin is much more important than makeup they use. However finding products that will give you the results you’re looking for can be like finding a needle in a hay stack. After working in the cosmetics industry 10 years I’m extremely skeptical of new products and I expect nothing from them until I see them work.

While trying to find the right products to erase my acne problem, I can definitely testify that the last 15 years have been an expensive skin experiment. For me, it takes a lot of creativity and diligence to get the right skin care ‘cocktail’ that will keep my skin clear and flawless, therefore I’m usually not open to trying out new products. One false promise of ‘hope in a jar’ can send all of my hard work into an acne fire storm.

When a friend told me about a new skin care line called I2 by Ivana K, I wanted to try something new but was too afraid to try natural skin care. I like the soaps, detergents and synthetic ingredients that currently reside in my Neostrata products. That’s what keeps my oily skin squeaky clean right? Sure, but are those over active ingredients good for our skin? Not necessarily. After speaking to Ivana Knezevic I felt very reassured that my skin was in good hands.

Beginning 15 years ago, Ivana’s goal was to work her way into the field of Cosmetic Pharmaceuticals. When she finished Pharmaceutical Technology studies in Europe, Ivana found that there was no spaces available in the Pharmaceutical Cosmetics program in her area so she studied on her own to create the skin care line that has become so popular today.

Her I2 line of 50 natural skin care products for face and body are now in high demand by estheticians and private clients throughout North America. Making her focus the perfection her current products, Ivana creates 1 new skin care product per year and she’s now focusing on the anti-aging section of her line. What amazes me is that not only are the products formulated by Ivana but to keep the integrity of the formulation she produces them herself in small batches.

The I2 line prides itself in high quality pure organic ingredients and produces them using the following criteria: There are no colours, petrochemicals or perfumes No detergents are ever used There are no animal tissue extracts, such as collagen, elastine, placenta etc. The preservatives that are used are botanical extracts not synthetic chemicals Neither ingredients nor final products are tested on animals She uses real women and the knowledge of the estheticians she works with in order to perfect her products.

Ivana and I spoke via telephone in order to find out what my skin concerns were. She then sent 5 samples of her products so I didn’t have to commit to purchasing large sizes with out knowing if the product worked. Packaged in simple jars and bottles, this product line stands out on my counter top amongst the on-slot of fancy commercial potions and lotions I currently use. During my trial I tested the following I2 by Ivana K. products.

Greens
In keeping with her principles of natural products, the Cleanser for oily skin is mainly composed of vegetable soap and clay. Because this cleanser doesn’t foam its different then the cleansers I’m used to; instead of feeling squeaky clean my skin felt refreshed. Although I needed to use my regular foaming makeup remover first in order to get rid of my foundation at night, I felt that this cleanser did provide a clean palette before using toner.

Aqua Botanica
This toner is a blend of herbal extracts that can be used in its normal form with a cotton pad or in a spray bottle to mist on top of makeup and refresh the skin during the day.

Harmony
This product could give the celebrity miracle potion Crème de La Mer a run for its money! Although I have very oily skin this rich cream is great to use in the evening to help hydrate the skin during sleep.

Secrets of Fruit
This peeling mask with natural AHA’s contains fruit extracts and enzymes. Because of my tendency to break out, I love exfoliating to keep my pores clean and I’m an avid user of anything AHA or Glycolic. Ivana assured me that this lower level AHA would still be effective and I’m now hooked!

Anti-Rides
I love eye crème and I’m always on the hunt for the perfect formulation. The Anti-Rides eye crème is I2 ‘s best seller. It’s very rich and when she says use a small amount take heed! A little goes a long way which means you won’t have to replenish your product very quickly.

When I asked Ivana what she enjoys most about creating these products she answered “The creative challenge brings me the most joy. I could have gone into being a pharmacist but the creative outlet of helping people find natural products they love is exciting to me.”

Over all I enjoyed using this line, would I recommend it to my clients? Most definitely.

You can find Ivana’s I2 line at www.skinbeautique.com or at 416-485-0160.