Anna Bellina Skin Care

"I stumbled over a website: store.annabellina.com that states they incorporate Dr. Perricone's and Dr. Loren Pickart's philosophies in their products.

They mix their own and list almost every ingredient for skincare there is. They also mention they have a "broth" similar to Crème de la Mer.

From their home page, I clicked on "lines" on the left hand side, and then on Patricia's Selection for skin over 40. It all looks pretty interesting and thought you might want to check it out."

I did check out Anna Bellina. I skipped past the marketing hype and went looking for ingredient lists.

While there is a lot of ad copy describing the ingredients used as well as those not used (like parabens and mineral oil), I couldn’t find any actual ingredient lists.

Because of that, I am not able to offer any opinion as to whether Anna Bellina products might be effective or not.

The lack of a ingredients list raised some flags for me.

[Plus, you’ll find my opinion on the use of parabens in skin care products here.]

Then I checked out the website’s Policies section and just went, “Whoa!”

Anna Bellina encourages customers to order samples the first time to make sure they like the product and are not allergic to it. That sounds like a nice idea until you read that most of the samples cost $6 to $7 plus taxes, shipping and handling. I feel this is a bit pricey.

The sample size is supposed to be enough for 3 applications. I have read some dispute about that. Why this might matter is described below.

However, in my opinion, the statement, “Samples are made available so that all skins can try our products before investing in retail sizes. Our formulas also change seasonally so may vary from order to order. [Samples are] Highly recommended as we do not accept returned product” raises some questions for me.

How helpful is a sample if it is: a. possibly so small it hardly represents a fair trial of the product; and b. may not even be the same as the product you get when you order the full size?

If you don’t live in the same climate zone as Anna Bellina, will these seasonal changes suit your skin?

Elsewhere on the site I found a more complete explanation of the “seasonal variations”:

“The body becomes acclimated to regularly used ingredients so we change to assist your skin for optimum results. Products are adjusted seasonally to keep them effective. While the base ingredients remain pretty much the same, the amounts of certain botanical extracts, oils, etc. are adjusted slightly (for example, more oils in the winter to combat dryer colder conditions or more natural acids to combat sun-exposed summer skin or more anti-oxidants to protect winter skin). This not only makes them better-suited for use, but ensures your skin continues to respond because of the slightly changed formulations. Thus, if you notice slight changes when you re-order, don't be alarmed, it's our products working in new ways for you”

“Each batch will differ in color, texture, thickness, aroma, feel, separation, specks, grains due to: seasonal formula changes, availability of ingredients, no artificial fillers or binders or emulsifiers, tinctures contain bits of botanicals, hand blending verses large machines, no heating to melt ingredients ... all of which are normal. Aromas, appearance, cloudiness, granules, textures may change as product ‘ages’. Shake before each use. I also intuitively blend formulas so this is the main reason for variations.”

Maybe it’s just me, but I would have a hard time buying a skin care product from a company that readily admits that they sort of make it up as they go along. I wonder how you can market a product while admitting that you might not be able to obtain the proper ingredients?

I was also offended by the tone and content of several other Anna Bellina policies. Just a few examples follow.

"ALL SALES ARE FINAL ~ NO RETURNS"
"NO Returns-Exchanges-Refunds-Credits-Unclaimed Packages-Refused Packages-Chargebacks Policy', strictly enforced, no exceptions. This assures my customers totally fresh and safe product and protects us against unethical customers. Remember, you initialed your order that you have entered into a legally binding agreement and have read, understand, and agree to abide by all Anna Bellina Policies. All charge backs are turned over to our corporate attorneys and collection agencies. Packages returned to us are refused. Do not store items in shopping cart."

"Orders are processed immediately, therefore cannot be changed, added to, or canceled."

"Customer pays all shipping charges therefore we reserve the right to add additional postage, insurance, or signature receipt. Once your package is picked up by the mail carrier, it is no longer our possession."

"Anna Bellina is not responsible for product that has been used, used incorrectly, or in the customer's possession for more than a couple of hours. This is plenty of time to notice any problem with a container/package or any allergic reaction that you may experience. Notification of any discrepancies or problems longer than a couple of hours after receiving/opening your order relieves Anna Bellina of any responsibility as we then consider the product ‘used’."

It appears to me that Anna Bellina might be a small concern that maybe cannot afford to support its product. It is up to you to decide if this the type of skin care company you would care to do business with.

I order online all the time myself, but I do use caution.

I am very comfortable ordering known brand names from reputable online merchants. None of the merchants I patronize have such stringent terms and conditions attached to the products they sell. As a matter of fact, the opposite is generally true.

If you are interested in Anna Bellina products, spring for the samples to make sure the product is right for you. Make sure you understand that once you place an order, there might not be anything you can do if the product does not meet your needs or expectations or is totally different from the sample you received.

This article contains my opinions formed after review of the Anna Bellina website. As such, it is not a recommendation to either buy or not buy the products advertised there nor meant as a disparagement of the actual products themselves whose effectiveness cannot be judged without a full ingredient list.

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