Exuviance: Age Reverse HydraFirm #Review #Exuviance #HydraFirm #ARHydraFirm

 

I received a complimentary bottle from Exuviance of their Age Reverse HydraFirm cream. I tried the product out for a total of 2.5 weeks, so I could get an idea of performance, note any positive changes and overall how satisfied I was with the claims made.

HydraFirm contains Hyaluronic Acid with a proprietary blend called Prodew Triple Firming Complex, and Matrixyl. Think of the acid as a “plumper”. As always, we are chasing moisture for our skin and especially as we get older. Not just age affects how our skin retains moisture, elasticity, firmness and so forth. Weather changes can make a negative impact, the ever popular “s” word we are told to minimize called stress, to hormones and just plain genetics. When you have all these factors coming at you, this is why so many products will contain Hyaluronic Acid. The acid helps restore and allow moisturizers to perform at their best. You should see hydrated skin that is firmer, fuller (the plump effect) and be visually able to see a smoother and glowing appearance. You will feel softer skin and this helps to minimize fine lines and wrinkles with regular use. Due to how well the acid stabilizes the skin, you can suffer from conditions like acne to rosacea where the acid will actually aid in correcting the effects on the skin from such conditions. Many people get worried about using acids thinking they will stress the skin and cause irritation and redness. This is why Exuviance combines the acid with other properties that allow you to reap the benefits, like Prodew that is registered as a amino acid blend. Matrixl, is registered as a peptide blend, which helps with building collagen and signs of aging (i.e. improving elasticity). Do still be cautious and always use SPF protection to avoid getting sunburned quicker, as acids will make getting burned easier. Plus, protecting with regular sunscreen use should be part of every skin care regimen 🙂

 

 

Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Acetyl Glucosamine, Maltobionic Acid, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Steareth-2, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Octyldodecanol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Silica, Isostearic Acid, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate/VP Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Serine, Glycine, Glutamic Acid, Alanine, Lysine, Arginine, Threonine, Proline, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Betaine, Cetyl Alcohol, Steareth-20, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Ammonium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Bisulfite, Parfum (Fragrance), CI 42090 (Blue 1), CI 19140 (Yellow 5).

Retail Price Point: $78.00 for a 1.75 ounce bottle

Verdict:
I love that the bottle has a pump top. I just dislike jars because that means I need to reach for the plastic little paddle to insure my jar always remains as clean as possible. This means having to clean an instrument versus just washing my hands when a pump top is provided. I was about to jump ship on the third day of use and it was only for one reason. The product kept pilling up on my face after it dried. I tried one day with and without make up and both times had the same negative effect but this is why I like to try products for at least 2 weeks. My problem, the pump was pumping out a single serving that was more than I needed. The pilling was a side effect of heavy application. Yup, user error! I started to be kinder about how much I use at each application and 1/2 a quick pump was spot on. After reducing the amount of HydraFirm I applied, I not only saved product but I never experienced any offset of the product on my face. More never equates better and quicker effects, our skin can only “eat” so much product applied because each pore (I like to think of them as mini stomachs) can only absorb so much. The rest is literally wasted if you over use. Thankfully, HydraFirm was smarter than I and was trying to tell me to knock it off by literally trying to come off where too much was applied. I also never had negative effects like clogged pores, so again I am thankful to Exuviance for making products that did not cause an adverse effect even with my user error.

 

Now, that I am back on track and using what is only needed, let us get into how HydraFirm worked. I used the product in the AM and PM and by week one, I noticed the first positive change and that was visually (and also feeling) a more softer complexion. The acid and combo of effective ingredients were working because my forehead and cheeks are ultra soft and smooth. My pores appear smaller because my skin is hydrated. No blackheads or acne, even though I have months my skin just wants to play teenager and add bumps to my face that are not welcoming at any age. I will say the one thing you will notice immediately is that plump effect. You apply HydraFirm and your skin gets quick results that really does smooth out the skin’s surface, and gives your skin a lift. With continued use, the effects are more lasting than just a burst of hydration you get from initial first-time usage. Those pore “tummys” get use to the good food and the diet of eating well on HydraFirm, starts to show and beyond just the impact upon application. The smoothing out remains and that means my fine lines look finer (more like starter lines) and my wrinkles start not looking so tight and begin to blend out (sort of how my face use to look). Exuviance, again stays with uncomplicated ingredients that show scientific results. No weird gimmicks and the latest hot trend that fades out because the juice was not worth the squeeze. Each HydraFirm pump is providing what your skin needs, has shown to work, and just remember to be soft on the pump when using. This also means the product will last longer and that means a happy user with happy skin!

Connect with Exuviance at:

• On-line
• Product link
• Ulta Deal
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Google+
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• LinkedIN
• YouTube
• #Exuviance #HydraFirm #GotItFree #ARHydraFirm

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Exuviance. 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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Solvaderm: Juvabrite Age Spot and Pigment Brightening Complex #Review #Juvabrite

Solvaderm, is on my list of companies that I welcome to review any product they make or recently released. Why? They work. It’s that simple when it comes to getting listed in my book of companies I enjoy products from. So many and especially in the beauty industry just do not deliver on their claims. Solvaderm does not over hype the claims attached to their products and the ingredients in their skin care lines always support what they are intended to do. I then use the products and I have never been deceived when it came to how they performed because what is listed, is what is included. You may not see Solvaderm being pushed via television ads or flooding magazines with glossy pictures on thick paper stock, however thhey prefer to depend on honest word-of-mouth marketing. I have never been pushed or guided in what to even write when it came to reviewing. It’s literally here’s a bottle and please write an honest review. That’s brave but Solvaderm can be because so far their skin care products are really some of my favorite to to use.

I was sent recently two products to review by Solvaderm and this review will be breaking down the Juvabrite Brightening Complex they included.

What is Juvabrite?
If you suffer from pigmentation alterations that are caused by age spots, sun damage, acne, or just uneven skin tone, Juvabrite is a product you should consider. I have areas on my face that suffer from such and this is usually caused by an acne breakout. I get a breakout once a month and because it’s hormones induced, there is also limits to the options I have considered. Yes, I can take pills that may aid with this and have but I’m the type of girl that seeks solutions that at least give me good and acceptable results when it comes to percentages. Pills reduced my acne flair up by 25%, and no I won’t take a product that fails me 75% of the time, so I resorted to treating the issue topically. I go for products that will even out my skin’s complexion and will address the problem areas, so a product like Juvabrite fits my needs.

Ingredients (as listed on the website): Seaweed Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Purified Water, Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Morus Bombycis Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Extract, Primula Veris (Primula) Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris (Lady’s Mantle) Extract, Veronica Officinalis (Speedwell Herb) Extract, Melissa Officinalis (Balm Mint) Extract, Achillea Millefollium (Yarrow) Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.Seaweed Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Purified Water, Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Morus Bombycis Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Extract, Primula Veris (Primula) Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris (Lady’s Mantle) Extract, Veronica Officinalis (Speedwell Herb) Extract, Melissa Officinalis (Balm Mint) Extract, Achillea Millefollium (Yarrow) Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.

Seaweed Extract and Hyaluronic acid is listed first in Juvabrite’s ingredients. Seaweeds and Algae are in the same class of family and are ingredients that are full of nutrients and some have cleansing properties, and this is why you sometimes see it listed in things from diet pills to beauty aids. The ability to purge out toxins and the renewal of the surface (i,e, skin). This regeneration is what a company that adds seaweed/kelp to their products wants the user to experience. That “flip-over” process aids the skin’s ability to produce a new layer that may appear less flawed than the layer before. Think exfoliation and the skin’s ability to purge what it suffers from (scarring). Scars and discoloration tend to experience a lightening effect when this process occurs and of course for example when you start drinking more water, the more you continuously use a product like Juvabrite, the results reflect better with time. I have covered anti-inflammatory properties in the past and amino acids, antioxidants, and again these are properties associated with kelp and seaweeds. You will even notice people refer to such as “anti-aging” because using these ingredients help strengthen and protect the skin’s areas that may have no discoloration at the moment, and help prevent or even lessen the effect if it occurs in the future (i,e. blemishes, sun damage, ect.). Hyaluronic acid I have covered many times in the past too and what makes this agent so widely used, is it’s ability to retain moisture. It’s molecular structure allows more water to be held against the surface it’s applied to. You know how flour expands and absorbs at a much greater rate to the point that what you initially used is never how the final product looks. Think cakes and how the batter expands, well it’s the same idea with Hyaluronic acid. A little goes a long way and a few grams result into liters of fluid being held.

Retail Price Point: $69.99 for a ounce bottle of Juvabrite and the bottle has a nice pump dispenser, which keeps the product clean and less exposed to air and bacteria.

Verdict:
I used the Juvabrite Age Spot and Pigment Brightening complex for 3 weeks. My time span when it comes to usage was limited because I am always testing out new products and will only use one product in a category at a time. I don’t like to blend products because that blends the results! I strictly restricted my use to the Juvabrite complex and used no other brightening system. What I love about Juvabrite, it can be used in spot application. This means if you have acne marks or an area that is experiencing dark spots, you can address just that zone. Yes, the user can control and address their skin’s problem areas as they desire. Love that! I literally picked one spot and awarded it to Juvabrite. It was a pimple mark that I picked at (not proud of that part) and I won at picking at it, but it won back by leaving a brownish colored mark. It was light enough to be covered by foundation but the moment I washed my face…..I’m still here is what I heard. Within 2 weeks, the brown mark became a lighter brown mark and if I moved my face in the light, it began to only be seen slightly in certain angles. By week 3, the mark was gone and reduced by 75% in being able to be visibly noticeable and became one of those things that I knew was once there but no one else could see. The solution is light in texture and because as I mentioned above a little goes a long way due to the ingredients used to make Juvabrite, you are talking about only applying a thin layer. You can apply the product to your entire face and I did this once to twice a week to even out my skin’s tone (color). I then went back to spot treating. I am happy with the results and the ease of use of twice a day. Juvabrite fits into my everyday skin regimen and it’s effective by positively changing my skin’s appearance.

Connect with Solvaderm and their skincare solutions at:

• On-line
• Juvabrite
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Google+
• LinkedIN
• Pinterest
• #Solvaderm #Juvabrite

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Solvaderm.  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.

Dr. Song: 50% Lactic Acid Gel Peel (Professional) #Review #drsong

I love peels and I admit I’m an exfoliation addict, so you bet I was thrilled when I was able to review Dr. Song’s Lactic Acid peel in 50%.  Before I go into the review, below is a little information on the acid and my non-professional steps when I do my own peels.

What is Latic Acid:

You have heard of products containing “AHA”, well this is the product, alpha hydroxy acids.  Available in several percentages from a mild 20% to higher ones like 50% to 70%.  The acid is derived from milk and considered to be mild when it comes to irritations and used in “peel/mask” form by many, and especially first-time users.

Why use Lactic Acid:

There are many benefits in a peel of this form because it provides a deeper exfoliation.  Great for resurfacing of the skin, cleaning out debris from pores and especially beneficial for mature/aging skin.  The acid helps with acne scars, fading of dark circles, and even hyper-pigmentation.  You get skin that is smoother, younger looking, and firmer in tone.  Great for fading finer lines and improving overall the look of your skin.  You will notice improvements in tone and even a glow.

How-to-Use:

Since we are dealing with an acid, you will need to first do a “spot test”, to get an idea how your skin will react.  Next, comes choosing a time and it may seem small but for first-time users, it’s best to start with 30 seconds and slowly progress next time depending on your skin’s reaction.   If you know you have sensitive skin/spots or areas, decreasing to a lesser time span is suggested.  No longer than 5 minutes as you work up and adjust to how the peel reacts over time, but always spot check first!.  Always avoid the eyes, lips, nostrils and areas of that kind. The longer the lactic acid is in it’s active state, the deeper it will clean and resurface but like with any product, you can cause severe irritation and/or damage (i.e. burns) to your skin.  This is not one of those times you want to get a peel a day before a big event! Lastly, comes the neutralizing phase; removal and making sure the acid is “deactivated”.  Some people use toners, Witch Hazel, just water, mild soap, to even a baking soda rinse.  The rinse is something crucial and you must make sure to get all the acid off and a good 45 seconds to a minute rinsing is suggested.

What to Expect:

Like with any beauty product, time and regular use will yield the best results.  The first peel you may see little results and this is why the time of how long the lactic acid peel stays on increases, as you get to know what your skin can tolerate.  With time and regular use, you should start seeing positive changes but taking it slow is best to avoid any negative reactions.  I would start with a every 2 weeks schedule if you experience positive results, then see how once a week does.

After Care:

Always wear sunscreen (if going out) and protect (moisturizer) your skin as you just had a peel.  Your skin may be red/pink in color, so this is why I never do a peel prior to a big event.  I have used Aloe Vera gel to just a mild lotion to make sure I heal well.  I usually give myself a peel a week prior to any event, to make sure I look my best! Always consult with a doctor/dermatologist first because what works for one person, may not for you.

Dr Song 50% Lactic Acid Gel Peel (Professional)

 

Dr. Song’s Lactic Acid comes in gel form and I find that beneficial, as you don’t want to be chasing the acid around when applying.  I first did a “spot test”  and after 45 seconds, I felt that was my good start point.  I let a day lapse to make sure my spot did not have a negative reaction.  I applied with a cotton ball all over my face, avoiding the sensitive areas like my eyes, lips, and nostrils.  Set the timer and I then used a mild facial wash to deactivate the acid.

Ingredients (as listed on the site):
Lactic acid, purfied water, sodium carboxylmethylcellulose, propylene glycol

Retail Price Point: 24.99 for a 4 ounce bottle on Amazon  (15-20 full facial peels)

Results:

My first peel let me know I can increase the time to one minute and I did just that and started seeing results with my second peel, which were more noticeable.  Dr. Song’s Lactic Acid peel provided the deep exfoliation in a milder way for me.  I could never get these results with my facial brush and sometimes I tend to over focus in one area and cause irritation.  This was a simple peel that does all the work, all treated areas at one time, and you just wash it off.  Like with any acid peel, as long as you read the directions and follow them carefully, you should be happy with the results.  My only con is that the directions are not included with the product and are e-mailed, also available on their website.  You could accidentally delete an e-mail, so I suggest printing them and sticking them in the box with the product.

Dr. Song offers several products to fit your beauty needs:

• Amazon
• On-line

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Dr. Song.  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.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

 

Olay Total Effects 7 in One with SPF 15, fragrance free Moisturizer

I am always very enthusiastic to try new brands, new products, and love sharing them with you.  I tend to get a little more happier when I receive an Olay product because who doesn’t want more of the good stuff?  Olay is the good stuff!

After I shared one of my many reviews, Olay kindly sent me a little gift as a show of appreciation.  I was floored!  I seriously thought it would be a coupon and this girl never shrugs saving money and especially on brands I buy.  I waited and soon after a parcel arrives.  I open the parcel to find a beautiful black box with the Olay logo (you bet I kept it), a beautifully written card thanking me (kept it too), the Olay Total Effects 7-in-One item, and a manicure/pedicure kit.  I just have to EeeeeK……all over again.  I could not hold back my enthusiasm and was floating on cloud 9 for a bit there.  Now, that I have come down, I can do this review.

I have seen the commercials of the young bride that starts her life with marriage, work, then the kids and still looks like the day she got married after “X” amount of bottles.  Okay, the advertisement infected my mind and I wanted the bottle she uses.  I even told my husband that I bet I could make my bottle stretch longer than she did!  I know, I know, I have no shame and Hubby called me cheap!  I then started to see the same model in advertisements in the magazines I read and yup, I took that as I taunt :)!!  Taunt me no more and Olay must have read my brain, or maybe before I start assigning them mind reading capabilities…….just maybe they picked one of their most popular products to send now that Summer is nearing.  Nonetheless, I must know if I can turn back and slow down time so let’s attack the aging clock of doom again!!  I bet you did not know I have magical powers 🙂

The Olay Total Effects 7-in-One very clearly states it’s an anti-aging, fragrance free moisturizer with sunscreen.  These are the three things that any dermatologist states is needed to really take some power back against the hands of time.  You need a Broad Spectrum SPF and this one has it at a nice SPF 15.  You need to prevent future damage and the sunscreen is the first key to that, plus protecting against free radicals that are out there waiting to get us and sometimes associated with fragrances too.  This is a fragrance-free formula, and last but not least, you need properties that fight anti-aging.  I will get into that right now:

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Total Effects Fights 7 Signs of Aging

1. Fine Lines and wrinkles: reduces the appearance of both!

2. Age Spots: reduces brown spots!

3. Uneven Texture: smoothes and evens out skin’s texture!

4. Dryness: we always hear, “moisturize…moisturize”, and this moisturizer does that plus nourishes with vitamins and antioxidants!

5. Free Radical Damage: Remember what I stated above?  This product helps defend you against those pesky Aging Demons!

6. Dullness: everyone wants that healthy glow and this product delivers, giving your skin a healthy radiance!

7. Pores: my husband says having pores is part of having skin, but he also snacks on cheese and crackers and does not gain a pound!  I snack on them……well let’s not go there and just say minimization can be had with this moisturizer!

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Let’s do the math and that is seven exclamation marks and that looks like this !!!!!!!……so does it work?

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I use my magic skills again and I speed up time to 2 weeks and I can say that “!!!!!!!” should really be times 8,9,10…..!  Not only did the moisturizer deliver on it’s claims but I experienced zero issues with acne, blemishes, clogged pores, whatever makes my skin bump. The only bumps I want on my skin are goose bumps because they last a few seconds and I usually get rosy cheeks right after (sort of a healthy glow).  I purchase sunscreen but my application is poor.  I always use a quarter size, rub it into my hands and then lightly pat up and down my face for what I call even coverage.  So, it’s my way of saying, “yeah, I use sunscreen everyday”, but won’t admit that I dislike what it does to my face so I pretend to sort of apply it.  Then comes that whole argument about being indoors most of the time anyways but you know in the end my skin loses.  I can finally cut back on all the layers of “stuff” because it is not proper to state what my husband calls my beauty regimen.  I have to wait while everything dries and then top it off with make-up.  With Summer approaching, I never look forward to it.

My new beauty regimen is now Olay Total Effects 7-in-One moisturizer with sunscreen (only 1 pump needed), eye cream……ummmm make-up.  Yeah, I just shocked myself.  No more fanning myself with my hands or standing under the ceiling fan with my face tilted up.  I wonder what the dog thinks of that one!  Now, to simplify my night regimen.

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Oh, in case you think I forgot, now when the Total Effects commercial comes on…..yeah, I tell her I have my own bottle too 😛

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 The Olay Total Effects 7-in-One product comes in 1.7 FL. OZ for about $18.99.  Please do not forget to look for coupons when purchasing and don’t forget about the Procter & Gamble rebate programs!

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I received this product free of charge from Olay, as a gift.  I had no obligation in reviewing it but after having such positive results, I wanted to share.  My review is based on my experience and usage,  which may differ from yours.