UpNature: Raw and Organic 100% Natural Honey #Review #UpNatureHoney

 

Honey is one of nature’s most simplest products and the applications are endless. Now buying honey was very simple before. You usually picked a jar or a bear shaped bottle and you had honey ready to go. Then the industry decided to get funny but not in a very laughable kind of sense. We had companies add fillers and sell honeys from around the world that were high in price but not quality. You were paying pretty much for sugars and not even the good kind. Some even add enhancements and flavoring, which are not even naturally occurring. So finding a brand you can trust and sells true and honest honey can be a bit of a hunt but so worth it. You will even find if you use the real stuff, like with vanilla extracts, you end up needing less because of the purity.

 

 

UpNature makes Raw and Organic Honey with zero surprises or fillers. You get the real stuff with zero processing. The good stuff is kept in and no bad stuff added! Simplicity and honesty at it’s finest. UpNature is USDA Organic Certified, Free of GMOs, and even Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified. Free from being heated and literally jarred in the same form it was gathered.

Price Point: $17.99 via Amazon or $19.99 via UpNature’s Website for a 400 gram jar

 

 

 

Verdict:

The first thing I noticed was that the honey in the jar was not clear like many in the stores that have been processed via heat so other fillers can be added and combined. You have a semi-opaque liquid that tends to run slower than other honeys of like kind. It’s almost the texture of a maple syrup of high grade when you move it in the jar. The color is a brilliant amber! Just beautiful and UpNature gave the bottle a beautiful beehive design on the golden colored lid, so the little details were very much appreciated. The taste test is just amazing. There is thickness to the honey but it’s a creamy texture and very smooth. I tried it on bread first to see how it tasted and I had to stop myself. I had no idea I liked honey so much until I tried UpNature’s honey. The product is from the Ukraine and the bottle states the honey is cultivated from fields that are rich in minerals, so the bees create a honey that is really made from wildflowers. I tried it with tea the second time and just a 1/4 of a teaspoon was more than satisfying and enhanced the flavor of the tea, which was orange/citrus in taste. This honey just brightened that little tea cup and changed the flavor profile completely. I love using less because this means this jar shall last! I have a recipe for blonde brownies where honey is used as a sweetener and I will be using this one because it will definitely create a better texture (moist) to the brownies.

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from UPNature. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. I received no other compensation in exchange for my review. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

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Adovia: Purifying Dead Sea Mud Mask with Aloe Vera and Vitamin C #Review #Adovia

I have been using mud masks since High School and even found that they are a great way to use as an acne (overnight) spot treatment. I don’t wake-up with red and blown up blemishes and the mud aids in drying out the pimple or bringing it up to the surface. Nonetheless, the pimple will be dealt with and gone the following day. With time, I started getting better at differentiating what a clay base is and what mud is classified as, because I would get confused. You had muds with regions, locations, to even different claims but they all purified. I have found that Dead Sea mud, the mud tends to still be as effective as other mud based masks, but tends to give less of the side effects like over drying. I have parts of my skin that are considered sensitive and other normal to even oily in the t-zone area. It’s hard to apply a mask while you trying to avoid sections, but not with Dead Sea mud. Each company has its own blend, so trying them out has been interesting in seeing how well they perform.

Adovia Mineral Skin Care, is a company that carries everything from masks, creams to even soap bars derived from more kinder and natural ingredients. Their Purifying Mud Mask fits the line perfectly and I also like that they bottled the product in a squeeze bottle, so no jar to use that always makes me hurry up and try to scoop product out while racing for time (as air is the enemy) but making sure none falls on the jar’s rim or worse, on the counter.

Retail Price Point: $24.99 for a 5.1 fluid ounce bottle via Adovia’s website and $14.95 via Amazon.

Ingredients (as listed on the box):

Verdict:
I found that Adovia knows a lot about the products they make and this was seen by the indications/Directions listed. Most people apply masks, allow them to dry for 20 to 30 minutes, and then rinse. Muds work best when kept in a moist environment, whether this be a shower or sauna, to even a sink filled with hot water that is giving off steam. It keeps the ingredient in their active state and allows more of that “gentle pulling” and purifying of the skin’s surface to take place. This increases circulation and aids in promoting a better looking skin’s surface after treatment. This is why our face looks so smooth and has that beautiful natural glow after a mud mask treatment. I found that if I do the application in the shower, my results last longer. My skin remains in that improved state for about three days, so I got more out of the results by doing the “wet treatment”, and it also makes removal easier and less messy. I tried the Adovia Purifying Mud Mask for a period of one month and I used it once a week and did some spot treatments as needed. I am satisfied with the product’s consistency and it’s wet enough to make application a cinch but not so wet that I am chasing it. I even treated my chest area because bikini wearing season is here! No matter where applied, I got positive results that lasted. Less breakouts or skin issues and who doesn’t like flawless (or as closest as I can get) skin? I like getting maybe 1 pimple and then having clear skin. I also found that Adovia’s mask helped speed up the healing process and drying out period. If I got a “blinder”, those pimples that can’t make-up their mind about coming up all the way or going away, no problem as the mask’s influence made them decide really quickly. I found 75% just gave up the and left, while 25% would come up within 24 hours so I could pop (hey, I’m not walking around with a whitehead) and then they would dry out. Within three days, I had zero effects left behind from redness to swelling being totally gone. The mask also helps any marks or dark spots left behind from scabs.  Your scab will peel off quickly and no dark marks left behind!  The more religious you are about using it and by this I mean keeping on schedule (once or twice a week and staying faithful to the schedule), the less issues I had the following weeks. I skipped a week and by day 12, I could tell my skin was starting to get problematic again. I had no excuse other than time but I shower everyday, so I could have easily taken the bottle in with me. You are worth it, so stick to a schedule and you will be happy you added Adovia’s Purifying Mud Mask to your beauty routine.

Connect with Adovia Mineral Skin Care and their skincare products at:

• On-line
• Amazon
• Facebook
• #Adovia

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Adovia.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Eu Natural: Caffeine with L-Theanine, Energy Support & Mental Focus; 60 capsules Review #Caffeine

Sometimes a cup of coffee or tea is the last thing I want in the morning and energy drinks are usually full of sugars, so I opt in taking Caffeine pills. A half pill to start the day is what I usually need and the other half I take in the afternoon to get that “umph” to finish the day with completed tasks. I thought all Caffeine pills were the same and most times, I just looked at contents and where the caffeine was derived from, and then at pill count. I later realized that even though caffeine is a simple drug, it’s a supplement, so let the games begin! Some brands gave me no energy, while others had me buzzing around like a Humming Bird even if both bottles stated the same milligrams. It made no sense other than what I was taking was not always what was really what I was getting and disclosed. I now even pick my manufactures carefully to simply purchase caffeine pills, and so should you.

Eu Natural provides the consumer with a product that not only provides you caffeine, but also has L-Theanine.

What is L-Theanine-
The ingredient is usually added to caffeine to aid with jitters, shakes, and more so to curb the not so great effects we sometimes experience. It helps give caffeine a boost, where you also feel more alert and perform faster. L-Theanine, does not effect the potency by diminishing it’s effectiveness either, it just makes sure you get the benefits faster.  It’s just a add-on ingredient that I don’t see on many caffeine bottles and I have only taken the supplement in conjunction in the past. Theanine is a natural ingredient found in many foods, drinks, and teas. Think of Green Tea when it comes to this ingredient, and small clinical studies have shown that it helps by reducing anxiety and so forth, so you can see why it’s beneficial to have this with caffeine intake.

Retail Price Point: $19.95 for a bottle that has a 60-Capsule count.

Directions: You can take one capsule up to 4 times a day, and it’s suggested each capsule be ingested with 8-ounces of water.

Ingredients (as listed on the site): Caffeine (Pharmaceutical-grade), L-Theanine (Pharmaceutical-grade)

Verdict:
I took one capsule in the day and one in the afternoon, as I usually buy tablets and this being a capsule, it meant I could not cut the pill in half. I did get energy and the claims of staying alert and focused, minus the nervous twitch is true. The Humming Bird in me was not flying off the walls and I was able to think and function clearly. I got through my tasks quickly and never had a moment where I felt a drop in dosage and was just hit with tiredness. I was awake when I needed to be and the capsules from Eu Natural did not interfere when it came to sleep and/or downtime. I could control the dosage and not as finely as with a tablet, but enough that I did not feel I was taking more caffeine than needed. My only negative is the price point. It’s high and really up there for the simple ingredients. I like simple supplements and especially when I just want caffeine, however if you take 2 pills a day, this bottle lasts you a month. Take more or the maximum of four pills, and you are looking at spending $20 for a two-week to three-week supply. Ouch! I can see adding Eu Natural into my supplement routine for days the jitters matter but not for everyday consumption. I don’t want to spend that much on what really breaks down to one simple supplement and I myself prefer purchasing L-Theanine separately because I don’t mind taking two pills, versus one when it comes to saving some funds.   If you want an all-in-one, then Eu Naturals is for you!

Connect with Eu Naturals at:

• On-line
• Amazon
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• #Caffeine 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Eu Naturals.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Trilane: Retinol + Vitamin C Anti-Aging Moisturizer #Review #Trilane

Trilane is part of Healthy Directions LLC., which has an extensive line of serums, moisturizers to battle all your anti-aging needs.

I was sent a bottle of their 100% Natural Retinol and Vitamin C moisturizer. The Trilane line reflects several acting agents and the ones that stood the most, was Olive Squalane and Jojoba Esters. The rest of the ingredients are familiar from Pomegranate, Cucumber, Licorice and so forth.

• Olive Squalane-
  Upon researching what makes this ingredient different and more powerful, I discovered that it is really just an emollient. It is also a Vegan friendly alternative as Shark Squalane is derived from their liver. I’m not a vegetarian, but the latter is not exactly something I want to purchase and much less apply to my skin…..no matter the claims. Olive Squalane provides a lightly formulated oil like substance that is rich in lipids. Much like olive oil when it comes to the beneficial properties, but you have some differences that can be felt in how the final product feels and applies. It’s thinner and provides a rich barrier, something you want to seek out because you want a moisturizer that applies thin and absorbs quickly, but leaves no oily slick behind. I tried seeing if Squalane as an individual source differed greatly when it came to nutritional properties, like is it more potent (percentage wise) but could not allocate any clinical information stating so. After pages and pages, I could only find that it penetrates (absorbs) into the skin quickly at a rate of 2MM per second when the agent is used singularly (by itself). So, it gives you an idea on why it was added to this moisturizer!

 

• Jojoba Esters-
  Jojoba is always identified as an oil and it’s really technically a wax, but still an emollient. You have a wax that has been boiled down to produce a purer and more intensified solution. Jojoba is rich in fatty acids, so you not only get improvement in how a product applies but a richer and more nutritional formula. Due to Jojoba being close to the properties found in human sebum, you can see why it’s so “skin friendly”.

Retail Price Point: $42.53 via Amazon, but make sure to scroll down and use the code to get a discount!  The product retails for $44.99 (with Auto-ship) via the website.

Verdict:
The Trilane Retinol + Vitamin C anti-aging moisturizer, is simple when it comes to the properties that make-it up, so I was looking forward in trying a product that can cause less interactions, but still provide results. I tried the product for a period of 2 weeks and stopped using any alternate Vitamin C and Retinol product. I figure this was a 2-in-1 product, so let us see how it does on it’s own. While I was very happy with the moisturizer and how well it applied, distributed and absorbed, I did find I was not satisfied with the Retinol level. I have been using OTC products with 2.5% and none was declared on the package from Healthy Directions, but I did feel I needed to amp it up and decided to incorporate back my serum (containing Retinol) back by the 2.5 week point. Then I did get what I felt a better edge on keeping any fine lines at bay and I can say the Trilane line does deliver a lot of moisture and I say this again, because it put up with the weather swings we have been experiencing in Southern California. It’s been cloudy and in the 60’s to then the 80’s three days later! Trilane kept my skin’s temperaments at bay because it likes to misbehave when the weather swings like this.

Connect with Trilane and their products at:

• On-line
• Amazon
• Save 20% off your first purchase of Trilane Retinol + Vitamin C sold by Healthy Directions on Amazon.com. Promotion code (SAVERETC) expires 12/31/15
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• #Trilane

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Trilane (Healthy Directions).  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

 

 

Body Merry: Retinol Surge Moisturizer #Review #BodyMerry

Body Merry has been a guest over here in the past and always welcomed! Like you don’t need to call before you arrive type of guest 🙂 and it’s because I really enjoy using their products. They work and who doesn’t like using stuff that shows results because my beauty regimen is not just for fun……I’m sort of on the run from the tick-tock clock of time. I enjoy the memories with people and experiences, just don’t wrinkle me!

I was sent Body Merry’s Retinol Surge Moisturizer. It’s an all-in-one product that can be used by itself as a last layer application or you can amp your routine by using a serum and then a thin layer of Body Merry’s Surge Moisturizer. The product offers:

• 2.5% Retinol in a cream form
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin B5
• Green Tea

Ingredients (as listed on website): Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Sunflower Oil, Palm Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Phospholipids, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Phosphate, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E), Plant Derived Hyaluronic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Organic Jojoba Oil, Wildcrafted Green Tea, Wildcrafted Propolis, Shea Butter, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid.

The moisturizer really covers everything from giving you an instant boost from the green tea, uses Aloe Vera versus water as it’s base and you have nourishing agents like Shea Butter, Jojoba oil and Vitamin E. Body Merry goes one step further by making sure their Hyaluronic acid is derived from plants and let us not forget the major player here, the 2.5% percentage of retinol. The product is all packed in a pump action bottle, so no air, light or even bacteria can easily come in contact. That to me is insurance on your purchase!

Application:
A one pump serving was enough for me to cover the areas I wanted to treat on my face because I have combination skin and that means some areas get more moisturizer than others. I then had enough to treat my neck and chest area because people tend to over focus on the face when the rest of your body can also show aging. I applied the product under make-up and never had issues of my foundation not looking right hours later or even problems with blending. The acids in the moisturizer keep everything in check. Make sure to use SPF (even though you should already be) because retinol products may make skin sensitive to the sun, plus why damage the skin you are trying to take care of.

Retail Price Point: $23.49 via Amazon or $24.99 via their website for a generous 3.4 fluid ounce bottle.

Verdict:
Like with all of Body Merry’s products so far, I am happy with the results and the price point. I got tired of OTC products not declaring the percentage of retinol in their products and just taking their word that there was even a significant amount to make a difference. I might as well squeeze a bottle down the sink if it’s not going to work! With Body Merry products, everything is forthcoming and no proprietary blends to hide behind. Body Merry tells you what you are getting, how it’s going to work and what to expect, plus goes beyond and adds a satisfaction guarantee. No hassles and I like exchanges like that because the beauty world should not be complicated. We all want to look our best, we all can’t afford and/or don’t want to undergo surgery, so we just want stuff that works. Body Merry’s stuff works and that is something I (and my skin) truly appreciates.

Connect with Body Merry at:

• On-line
• Amazon
• FaceBook
• Twitter
• #BodyMerry

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Body Merry.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

NutriGold: Organic, Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil Gold Review #CoconutOil #NutriGold

NutriGold is a supplement company, which offers an extensive line of products to fit your nutritional needs. Most products you will find are organic and also Non-GMO certified. Your options are endless with NutriGold, as they offer anything from multi-vitamins to herbal and dietary supplements, and simple ingredients like the Coconut Gold oil I was able to review.

Coconut oil comes in many forms from fractionated, Virgin, Refined, Extra-Virgin, to Cold Pressed and others. The clear distinction here is that you want to sort on quality and also take into consideration what you will be using it for. You don’t want to spend on a high grade quality oil if all you will be doing is filling a jar with essential oils and only need a “filler” oil, and this is where fractionated oil found it’s place. When you will be applying the product to your skin and/or consuming the oil, this is where being picky and smart really comes into play, so doing your homework will insure you get what you pay for. I always resort in seeking out a trusted source first and then narrow down what they have to offer. Anyone can claim anything so this is key!

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This is where NutriGold comes into the picture because they offer a Coconut oil that is sourced from the Philippines and is unrefined. You get 100% Extra Virgin Coconut oil that meets the standard and practices to not only be classified as Organic, but also Non-GMO certified. In the coconut oil world, it is not like the olive one where extra virgin and virgin have clear definitions/standards but a “virgin” oil is commonly known to come from the first press. You have the flesh of the coconut that is in it’s fresh form, pressed to extract coconut milk first, and then comes the water and the oil. The oil from that first press is what you get in every NutriGold bottle.

Retail Price Point: $10.99 for one pound or two pounds for $19.99

The benefits come in droves when it comes to uses of Coconut oil. You start on the outside and you have a plethora of applications that fall under the beauty category, from softening and nourishing hair to your skin. I use it to nourish and replenish my eyelashes after wearing a waterproof mascara, that can be very drying to the follicle and surrounding skin. You can’t find anything more safe and natural than NutriGold’s Coconut oil and it works, plus my lashes grow beautifully since I started this practice. I have used it also as a nail oil in place of those little cuticle oil bottles that always cost more than meat at the market for a small little bottle! I use the same form of application but save money too. No hangnails to report and because it works, I continue my weekly regimen. Go into the Cooking category and you have an oil that has a decent smoke point for being virgin and produces a crisp on meats to vegetables that made me rethink the fats I use. Coconut oil does not leave a fruit flavor, so you can really use it in different cuisines. It has a light finish, so anything you cook leaves you tasting what you made, versus what you cooked with. No refrigeration is required once opening, so it’s not an oil that needs to take up space in the fridge to avoid it going rancid.

I was very happy with the one pound bottle from NutriGold that when this one runs out, I will be seeking out the two pounder!

Connect with NutriGold and their array of products at:

• On-line
• Product Link
• Amazon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• #CoconutOil
• #NutriGold

I received the above product(s) free of charge from NutriGold.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

The Japanese Konjac Sponge: Green Tea Puff Review #KonjacSponge

I’m still on my Konjac sponge binge because they really perform so well. My skin has improved dramatically and I attribute it to being able to achieve gentle exfoliation on a daily basis, with zero irritations or adverse effects. Not all natural items agree with us, however the Konjac root really is so gentle and kind to the surface of my skin, that I can report less blemishes and just overall a better glowing complexion.

I learned this past week that not all sponges are created equal and a few days back had to unfortunately give negative remarks to a charcoal one that did not seem it was derived from what was noted. Not this time! I can easily report that I think I found the company to stick with. You know! The company that actually uses and makes a great product that is still 100% natural……that company is, The Japanese Konjac Sponge.

First, you will see just by how the product is made, stored and shipped to the consumer that this puff is on a whole other level. The Konjac sponge is nicely crafted and larger in circumference from the other brands I have tried. I have also learned through observation on how the “milling/grinding” of the vegetable root is done really makes the difference. Those air bubbles on this sponge are small and tight, just like I want the pores on my face to be! The Japanese Konjac Sponge company also has a huge array of sponges that are infused again with 100% natural ingredients to fit your needs:

• Bamboo Charcoal
• Cherry Blossom
• Green Tea
• Pure White
• Wild Mint
• Citrus Fruits
• All the above selections are also available in larger sizes for the Body.

I wish I found this company before because I was so happy with my first Konjac sponge, which I tried several months ago and that “Konjac High” started to fade when I noticed that respecting what you produce and make is not something everyone takes seriously. I started to feel the sponge was being treated as a fad and not really what it is, a product that works without gimmicks. You may see infusions to optimize performance but the base product has to be solid and The Japanese Konjac Sponge company produces one solid and great quality product that as of today, has outperformed all other brands I have tried.

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Retail Price Point: $11.65 for facial sponges and just $13.90 for the Body puffs via their website.  Visit Amazon and score this awesome sponge for $11.00!

Results:

I was kindly given the green tea version that is suitable for oily and combination skin types. My T-Zone has been acting up as the days warm up and my routinely normal skin areas have actually been more towards the dry side. On my first use, my skin is immediately evened out. The sponge feels solid in weight and balances nicely in my hand because of how well the vegetable root is packed and shaped. It’s soft on my skin and when I rinse my face, I notice I have an even skin tone and the green tea balanced my skin beautifully. I pat dry with a towel and 5 minutes later, my skin air drys and does not feel ultra-dry and stretched out, but just normal. Still soft to the touch and a nice glow but I can’t get pass the even complexion it left. I’m not blotchy and I remain like this for hours because I went with zero moisturizers to see if the green tea would dry me out. It did not!

Ingredients: 100% Konjac Glucomannan, Japanese Green Tea Extract, and Green Clay. The product is also handmade in Japan.

Final Verdict:

All these sponges orbit the $10 price point and some fluctuate up towards $12, with $18 being the highest I have seen. As most are $10, let me tell you that your face and safety of what you are using is worth the extra $1.65 here! The Japanese Konjac Sponge company takes care in production, they have a website that is full of information that is well written and easy for the consumer to learn how and what Konjac sponge will fit their needs. They have a web presence and coming from the girl that has tested all these 100% natural products, they are truly not all 100% equal so go with the best I have found so far, The Japanese Konjac Sponge Company.

Find the Konjac Sponge that fits your needs at:

• On-line
• Green Tea Konjac Sponge Link
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Amazon
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• Google+
• YouTube

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from The Japanese Konjac Company.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Milagrous Beauty: Natural Exfoliating Facial Massage Konjac Sponge #Review #Milagrous

I have been very eager to try new Konjac sponges from several different companies because trying is really the only way to know what’s the difference with all the infused additions like charcoal, green tea and so forth. I also get to learn what to look for in quality because you see some sponges ranging from $10 to $18. They all claim to do the same and let’s be honest, they look the same via the computer screen.

Konjac Charcoal sponges are usually formulated for oily complexions, acne prone to combination skin. The sponge is still like the original versions, made from the Konjac root, which is a vegetable. The vegetable’s fibers are perfect for gentle exfoliation and detoxifying the skin. The addition of charcoal helps clean out impurities that cause your typical skin problems like blackheads, clogged pores, blemishes to even controlling the oil (sebum) your skin may be susceptible to producing. Due to the product being natural and gentle to the skin’s surface, if you suffer from sensitive skin, this form of washing and exfoliating will not cause further irritation but actually calm your skin. You should see improvements in as little as 2 weeks with daily use.

I notice the Sponge is not formed well (dented)

Lighter in color and texture than other Charcoal Konjac Sponges

I have tried the original/plain Konjac sponges, Charcoal and also a Green Tea versions prior to using the Charcoal sponge from Milagrous Beauty. I first noticed this is the first sponge that arrived in a bag versus a box like most others. The sponge is also not pre-wrapped in a plastic wrap….just sort of dancing in the bag. I notice this sponge feels lighter in weight and density (in dry form) from my other Charcoal based Konjac sponges from different manufactures. I wet the sponge and begin gently exfoliating, using a circular motion and applying light pressure. I notice that the sponge has at the center a more dense portion that feels almost like a knot but 75% of the remainder of the sponge, is not very dense at all. The bathroom’s light reflects through much easily than with other charcoal sponges I have used and this one is more a gray in color as it furthers away from that middle knot I referred to before.

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Results:
My skin does not feel too clean, so I tried a second use and notice the sponge is leaving an almost jelly like residue. I understand the charcoal and root leave a residue but I have never experienced a jelly/sticky film. I have to be super delicate in how I hold the sponge because like any wet product, it becomes softer but this one dimples and collapses badly that I am afraid to poke a nail through and shorten the life span of the sponge.

Retail Price Point: $10.00 via Amazon

You can see here the fray ithe sponge came with

Once wet the fray becomes worse

I used a hook supplied from another Manufacture for proper drying

The product states a shelf life of 3 years on the packaging, which lists Qingdao Fujiale Cosmetic Products Co., Ltd as the manufacture and states to refer to the “sealing” for the date it was made. None was listed or written anywhere on the packaging. Like with all my Konjac sponges, they need to dry and air out to stay clean and reduce any bacteria from producing, so most manufactures include hooks. None was included. Bacteria is bad enough for anyone’s skin and can be worse if you suffer from acne, where you may have open skin caused by pimples…….so maybe using such packaging is not the safest for the product or even user. You add that no hook is supplied and I’m willing to even make the leap that this is a refill as I use the hook I already was supplied by another company.  I was just not too satisfied seeing sponge dust at the bottom of the bag, the sponge is not well shaped/formed, and you have dead links when it comes to the companies Facebook, Twitter to the Website page they supplied as contact information.  The product did not perform like any other Konjac sponge I have used prior to this one and that is even trying to ignore the jelly like residue left on my skin.  You then take into account the price point that is identical to other manufactures where the sponges outperformed this one, so I can’t even say you pay 1/2 and get 1/2 the performance.  You still pay $10 and end up with what I call a sponge.  I just can’t recommend a product that is not consistent to what I have seen and used on the market.  Milagrous Beauty does offer a 100% Money-Back Guarantee, so this may be something to consider if you wish to try their products.

 

Connect with Milagrous Beauty when they are up and running at:

• On-line
• Amazon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• #Milagrous

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Milagrous Beauty.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

 

Celestial Seasonings: Candy Cane Lane Decaf Green Tea #CelestialTea #FrostyVoxBox

Influenster’s Frosty Vox Box included a sample of their holiday tea, along with a coupon to save on a future purchase. I enjoyed the tea as-is with just a touch of honey. I like that the tea is decaffeinated because that means I can enjoy a cup at anytime and not worry about being too alert later, and not getting any sleep. The peppermint is not overwhelming and really makes this herbal tea different from the everyday flavors I already enjoy. Not just a holiday drink, since I have been enjoying it all Winter!

Connect with Celestial Seasonings and find your favorite at:

• Facebook
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• On-line
• Flickr
• Pinterest
• #CelestialTea
• #FrostyVoxBox

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Influenster and Celestial Seasonings. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

GreenForce Labs No2 PreWorkout Supplement Review #GreenForce

I’ve passed off workout supplements to hubby before, and this one is no different, but thankfully for him, this one was much better than the last. I don’t think he could take another horrible product to be my crash test dummy for. So, without further adieu, here’s hubby:

I’ve been using pre-workout supplements for years now. Some tasted good and did bupkis for me. Some tasted horrible, and did bupkis for me. Some tasted tolerable and worked out well. I have yet to find one that wasn’t overly sweet, loaded with sugars, artificial colors and flavors, or ingredients that I’d rather not ingest. I think, however, I’ve found one in Greenforce Labs No2 Preworkout that hits every metric I want.

Some background on what I consider essential preworkout primers. One is a bit of caffeine. It really helps get my butt up and moving. Next are some B-vitamins to keep it moving. A little arginine to keep the blood vessels wide open. Everything else for me is gravy. Greenforce No2 Preworkout ups the ante by adding l-ornithine and l-citrulline to combat muscle fatigue, and a new one for me, beet root extract, which aids in greater output, lowers fatigue, and possibly greater strength. Hey now, I’m in. And for me, this product worked. I matched my exercise output and results from my powdered product, at half the cost. I’m happy to alternate between this and my usual.

After making sure I cleared my system of my previous preworkout powder, which I consider seriously flawed due to being obnoxiously sweet. I can happily report that Greenforce No2 Preworkout has no added sugars, natural OR artificial, a major failing of almost every single preworkout on the market. You can easily tailor your intake to your needs or workout. With a 4 capsule serving, that’s simple to say “Okay, it’s late, I’m only taking half tonight”. Also, this is an all-natural product made in the USA, NFW and GMP certified. You get a month’s worth for $21.95 with 120 capsules per bottle.

Now for the best part. This product is 100% satisfaction guaranteed. From the first capsule to the last. Greenforce Labs stands behind this product, no questions, full stop. I had a minor issue with shipping and Greenforce Labs bent over backwards to make sure I was a satisfied customer. Above and beyond. Show me a supplement company that does that. I’ve had dealings with some of the biggest, and it’s all finger-pointing and no guarantees. I’m happy to report there none of that nonsense with Greenforce Labs. I’m happy to support them and look forward to see what they bring to market next.

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I received the above product(s) free of charge from Greenforce Labs.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.