Valentia: Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask #Review #ValentiaBeauty

When it comes to masks, I always have a plethora of what one would call dehydrating masks. Mud masks, clay masks, peeling masks, exfoliating masks, and so forth. I tend to rely on on what I apply after as my hydration and I must admit that does not always cut it. The sensitive areas around my face, like the outer edges of my forehead and around my nose, they sometimes will exhibit the stress from over cleaning my pores. Stressed skin I can recover from in a few days, but I dislike babying it while doing it, so I have been searching for a in-between system to add to me beauty regimen.

In comes Valentia, I am familiar with the line as I tried one of their products in the past. Valentia has expanded their beauty line and added other items like the Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask and the True Glow Eye Cream, which I will be reviewing after. The Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask is what I call a “feeder mask”, it feeds your skin versus just drawing out impurities and many times that includes oils that nourish our skin. The Valentia Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask has the following key ingredients in it’s formula:

• Aloe Vera
• Algae Extract
• Green Tea Leaf Extract
• Sea Buckthorn Oil
• Rosehip Seed Oil
• CoQ10
• Jojoba Oil
• Acai Berry (used as a fragrance, so no odd perfumes to irritate the skin)
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Vitamin B5
• Silk Amino Acid Blend
• Frakincense Oil (active and not used for fragrance)
• Vitamin E
• Gotu Kola
• and other emulsifiers and thickeners that are friendly to your skin

You read the key ingredients and they sound more like an overnight cream versus just a mask and this is where this Valentia product differs from the common OTC masks you find with mass merchandisers. This mask provides within 15 to 30 minutes a power punch of moisture, along with anti-aging properties but because the intense hydration is limited in time, people like myself that are prone to acne blemishes (aka: skin that rebels against moisture even when it needs it) need not to worry. I know, I know, you probably heard that before and then used a moisturizer that made your skin feel and look good but by day three, the bumps and blemishes win out any positive outcome you received from the moisturizing effect. This is different. Remember this is a beauty treatment, so you have to see it as a “power nap” where the exposure is limited in time but just those few minutes make a world of difference and allows your skin to get what it has been missing. I like the idea, so I was eager to see what Valentia’s new Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask could do for me.

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Verdict:
I tried the mask and because I have been using a microdermabrasion system at home once a week, I need a good amount of feed afterwards to give my “new skin” a huge welcome. I started by using the mask once a week after my treatments and figured if it made my new skin have a fit, my older skin was going to have a tantrum like no other. Nothing happened when it came to pimples, red bumps, blemishes, clogged pores, black heads, or let us just call them bumps from hell that sometimes do not even surface all the way to just be more difficult. My new skin acted like everything has always been hunky dory. Okay, so my new skin is literally a new beginning! I up my treatment to two times a week by week 3. I notice that my skin gets what I describe as a tickle when I first apply the mask but nothing like my pores are being pulled from their core like a mud or clay mask can do. I see softer skin and my pores are looking smaller, which I like because as much as I like clean pores, empty ones can look more pronounced because even the good oils have been pulled out.  My skin just seems more relaxed after I use the Ultra Plumping Hydration mask from Valemtia. The Green Tea’s anti-inflammation properties really calm my skin while the hydrating key ingredients feed my skin, producing a smoother and younger appearance. I don’t go to bed with a sticky face that ends up feeding my pillow more than anything and because I can control how long I do the treatment, I can limit or prolong my hydration to fit my needs. Not something you can do with many ant-aging creams out there and I literally put on the mask, watch a show and then wash my face. Painless, and my skin looks better while I do nothing extravagant. By week 4, the biggest difference and improvement has been around my eye and cheek area. Fine lines are diminished and you know how you look fresh and smooth in the morning after washing your face (i.e. less wrinkly)? Well, that effect lasts longer thru-out the day. I look less spent and so will your pocket book because this mask just costs $25 for a 4 ounce jar! It’s a win-win for a girl that wants moisturized skin without suffering the pumps later on!

Connect with Valentia at:

• On-line
• Product link
• Amazon
• #ValentiaBeauty

 

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

 

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NeoStrata: Exuviance SkinRise Bionic Tonic #Review #SkinRiseBionicTonic

Exuviance is back!!!

This little gem is a little different from the ordinary, as it comes in pad form. This not only makes it easier to apply but one less item you need to purchase, cotton pads. I have used tonics and toners that come in bottle form, but other than a peel that used the same method of application, this is a new item for me. At first I must admit that I was a little hesitant to add one more item to my beauty routine. I figured I have abandoned this in the past, so why add it back again? BUT, I trust the Exuviance brand and figured I see what the SkinRise Bionic Tonic is all about.

The SkinRise Bionic Tonic is described as having anti-aging ingredients, so this already differs from the “waters” I applied in the past. Before these beauty products were just to correct the pH on your skin but with Exuviance, you get much more:

• Gluconolactone
• Glucoheptonolactone
• Lactobionic Acid
• Pro Vitamins A, C, and E
• Cucumber Extract
• Eucalyptus Extract
• Green Tea Extract

The first ingredients sound familiar because they are. Gluconolactone/Glucoheptonolactone are derived from Gluconic acid. This acid helps with conditioning of your skin and that means you will see softer skin and that is because the molecules trap water. Moisture remains on the surface longer and that means the product you are using will be more effective.  The tonic’s properties will remain on the surface (being absorbed) for a longer duration, just feeding and softening the surface of your skin. Lactobionic Acid, falls under the same family and is another antioxidant. NeoStrata, the parent company of Exuviance has a patent on PHAs (i.e. Polyhydroxy Acid) and this is considered an anti-wrinkle ingredient.  The PHAs are highly regarded in the industry because they has less side effects and are gentler. You not only reap the benefits but you are less likely to experience irritation from the ingredients (acids). The SkinRise Bionic tonic goes a step further by adding vitamins, which offer more antioxidant rich qualities and then comes Cucumber and Eucalyptus extracts. This is not only re-freshening to the skin but it opens the pores, stimulates the skin and gives a user that “awakening feel/look” in the morning. It’s kinder than splashing cold water…trust me! The Green Extract, is an ingredient that has anti-inflammatory properties and again more antioxidant properties. Green Tea, can help slow down the process of collagen break down and may help with stopping and/or slowing down the damage caused by free radicals. Okay, so this is not the usual little toner in a bottle to just make me look awake in the morning, it has clinically proven powers but of course this is just some of the key ingredients to the SkinRise Bionic Tonic from Exuviance.

Ingredients (as listed on the website):
Aqua (Water), Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 80, Propylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Glucoheptonolactone, Glycerin, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Algae Extract, Lactobionic Acid, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Arginine, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Retinyl (Vitamin A) Palmitate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Camellia Oleifera (Japanese Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Menthyl Lactate, Ammonium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 20, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Parfum (Fragrance), CI 42090 (Blue 1).

Application: You simply wash your face and once your face is dry, you just take one pad an apply the tonic to your entire face. Softly massage any remaining tonic (liquid) into the skin until absorbed, and you then simply follow your beauty regimen. I used it only once a day in the A.M. and then used my serums, moisturizer and sunscreen after.

Retail Price Point: A jar with 36 pads is $45.00 via NeoStrata and on Amazon sells for $32.53 (with Prime Shipping) and is sold by Exuviance. Ulta, has the same price point as Exuviance does, but offers a gift with purchase (valid until 1/23), which is FREE deluxe samples of Bionic Oxygen Facial and Super Retinol Concentrate with any Exuviance purchase.

 

Verdict:

I did not hold high hopes or even much change would take place from adding the SkinRise Bionic Tonic to my beauty routine.  On the first week of using, I noticed my face looked clearer in both from acne but my complexion had a healthy shine.  You know how they say sometimes just washing your face is not enough…….I get now why they say that.  The tonic does not strip my face in that I feel like dried up plaster after application, my skin remains soft and supple.  I continue to use the pads and I am really liking how they balance my skin where my serums and moisturizers just glide on better.  Almost like a light exfoliation!  I am using a new foundation (thank you Sanat) and that even applies more even on my skin.  They say moisturizing is key and even though this is a tonic, stop thinking toners from the past.  You know how we welcome serums now but before they just felt like water on our skin?  That is the bionic difference.  This is a form of pre-moisturizer.  The SkinRise Bionic Tonic preps my skin so I get the most out of the products I use and achieve a better complexion with time.  I noticed my fine lines plump out better, so yeah I have been looking better!  The price tag represents over a month’s worth of supply and now that I have seen how much more moisture my skin can hold and how it looks when it does, it’s sort of hard to let go of that.  There is no burning or getting a red face from this product and if it means I even have to cut the pads in half on the months I used up my beauty allowance a little early, so be it because I don’t want to be without the SkinRise Bionic Tonic.  Yes, this how attached I am to this jar!

Start 2016 with Better Looking Skin at:

• On-line
• Product link 
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Google+
• Pinterest
• LinkedIN
• YouTube
• #Exuviance #NeoStrata #SkinRiseBionicTonic

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Neostrata/Exuviance.  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.

Smiley360: Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating Cream, Eye cream, and Night Serum #Review

I have been a Philosophy brand fan for some time now. I have sensitive skin sometimes when it comes to fragrances but for some reason the scents used in their body products play nice with me. I had seen the New Multi-Rejuvenating line but had never tried it, so when Smiley360 offered, you bet I said yes!

So, you look at the line and see SPF and think this is just another sunscreen laced product with some moisturizers. Hey, I thought the same until the products arrived and again, let’s not judge a jar by it’s cover. The Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker is an entire new way to see sun defense. Philosophy, has been able to capture protection from UVA, UVB, Infrared and visible light. It’s like a ninja in a bottle that protects you from one of the number causes of aging, sun exposure! It’s better than wearing the actual ninja outfit outdoors because that may just draw more attention than we would desire. Philosophy, then went another step further by adding bi-retinol and active plant cells, plus you will notice ingredients like coffee arabica (caffeine) for skin tightening and pongamia pinnata seed extract, another anti-inflammatory agent. You will not only be addressing the issues caused by aging and with continuous use, you will see better results (i.e. improvment), but the tighteners start working the moment you apply them.  Think of the tighteners as a booster for the moment while the rest of your skin starts catching up and looking it’s best. Okay, so Philosophy has again changed the anti-aging game plan and I like this new plan of attack because you bet I am attacking my wrinkles with everything I got and it was time to change the way I battle!

My Philosophy arsenal kit included:

• Ultimate Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating “Day” Cream with Broad Spectrum SPF 30
• Ultimate Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating Eye Cream with Broad Spectrum SPF 15
• Ultimate Miracle Worker Nighttime Multi-Rejuvenating Serum-in-Cream

• Ultimate Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating Cream Broad Spectrum of SPF 30 retails for $28.00 on-line for a 0.5 ounce jar. You can get a a 2.0 ounce jar for $75.00

Ingredients (as listed on the website): avobenzone (2.7%), octinoxate (6.99%), octocrylene (2%) Inactive ingredients- water, c12-15 alkyl benzoate, carthamus tinctorius (safflower) oleosomes, glycerin, cyclopentasiloxane, butylene glycol, methyl gluceth-20, gluconolactone, polyacrylamide, hydrogenated lecithin, cyclohexasiloxane, cetyl alcohol, bifida ferment lysate, phenoxyethanol, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, c13-14 isoparaffin, polysorbate 80, acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, sodium benzoate, sodium hydroxide, laureth-7, glycine soja (soybean) oil, fragrance, iris pallida root extract, ruby powder, disodium edta, gluconic acid, alcohol, mica, lecithin, adenosine, cellulose gum, retinol, peg-8, polysorbate 20, bht, chitosan, ethylhexylglycerin, glycolic acid, sorbitan oleate, calcium gluconate, tocopherol, behentrimonium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, ascorbyl palmitate, beta-glucan, potassium phosphate, caprylyl glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, camellia sinensis leaf extract, coffea arabica (coffee) seed extract, pongamia pinnata seed extract, isopropyl alcohol, acetic acid, angelica archangelica root extract, benzoic acid, citrus aurantium amara (bitter orange) peel extract, maltodextrin, citric acid, magnesium aluminum silicate, xanthan gum, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, sclerotium gum, bha, sorbic acid, titanium dioxide (ci 77891).

Verdict:

I am not adverse to using creams because I can control the barrier I want to create. This means lighter application for a thinner film and because this Day cream applies smoothly, application was a cinch. My skin absorbed the product and for an SPF 30 rating, the product feels lighter than my SPF 30 sunscreen alone. I used the product for 2 weeks but noticed a moisturizing difference by day 3. First, when I washed my face it remained moisturized and extra smooth. I exfoliate every 3 days and by day 3, when I need to again, my skin’s texture has changed a little. That glide I get when I apply foundations is not as smooth but with the Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating Cream, my skin felt as soft as day 1 after exfoliation. That I really liked. I stopped any retinol use from my daily regimen and depended solely on Philosophy to keep it up. It did! Now, we have been getting 100 degrees weather in Southern California and that means it is really testing out every beauty product out there. With weather this hot, cosmetics stay on or melt……there is no in-between here. I can say because my primer contained SPF and I stopped using it, this Multi-tasker again played “foundation primer” almost like it was meant to be one. No creasing or sliding off and my make-up remained in place, plus my pores were only being suffocated by the weather, not the product. Okay, I get why you call this a Miracle Worker and for once the name fits how the product performs. My fine lines did not get deeper and because my skin remained smoother longer, it tended to give me a nice healthy even look to the surface of my skin, which means I look better and that thing I aiming for…..a little not my age!

• Ultimate Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating Eye Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 retails for $70.00 on-line for a 0.5 ounce jar.

Ingredients (as listed on the website): avobenzone (2.7%), homosalate (2%), octinoxate (5%), octocrylene (2.16%) Inactive ingredients- water, glycerin, dicaprylyl carbonate, isononyl isononanoate, methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, tribehenin peg-20 esters, cetyl alcohol, isostearyl isostearate, trisiloxane, glyceryl stearate, peg-100 stearate, cetyl stearate, stearic acid, bifida ferment lysate, potassium cetyl phosphate, phenoxyethanol, dimethicone crosspolymer, caffeine, chlorphenesin, propylene glycol, carbomer, hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, glycine soja (soybean) oil, sodium hydroxide, squalane, hippophae rhamnoides oil, iris pallida root extract, ruby powder, disodium edta, alcohol, algae extract, mica, lecithin, ascorbyl glucoside, adenosine, cellulose gum, ginkgo biloba leaf extract, retinol, peg-8, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 60, calcium sodium phosphosilicate, bht, acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, chitosan, ethylhexylglycerin, glycolic acid, sorbitan oleate, tocopherol, aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) seed extract, glucose, lactic acid, behentrimonium chloride, glycyrrhiza uralensis (licorice) root extract, sodium benzoate, ascorbyl palmitate, potassium phosphate, potassium sorbate, camellia sinensis leaf extract, coffea arabica (coffee) seed extract, pongamia pinnata seed extract, isopropyl alcohol, acetic acid, angelica archangelica root extract, citrus aurantium amara (bitter orange) peel extract, maltodextrin, citric acid, magnesium aluminum silicate, xanthan gum, ascorbic acid, glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) rhizome/root extract, glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract, caprylyl glycol, sclerotium gum, bha, sorbic acid, titanium dioxide (ci 77891).

I looked at all my eye creams, so that means this beauty hoarder….I mean fan started checking all her eye creams and not one had SPF in it. How odd when the skin there is so delicate and I already add SPF to that area but you would think most would have had some. Nope! Things you notice when a company starts doing what others don’t.

Verdict:

I saw the price point and thought this better work. It started working and I fell in love with this eye cream, that I tried convincing myself it’s not that great. Yes, I tried lying to myself because it worked so well. I then added all the eye creams I have that have disappointed both my checking account and my face, and 3 bottles in…….I had already exceeded the retail price. I have to honest and I dislike the price point but this eye cream delivered in every way anything from a jar will ever be able to. I suffer from severe seasonal allergies and that means as long as mother nature has seasons, I shall sneeze, have watery eyes, puffy eyes, look sad when I am not and so forth. This eye cream changed that! I look healthy and alive. Like I sleep like I should and most importantly, happy. The first thing I noticed in the 2 weeks of trying this product was the firmness. My skin’s texture is now smooth under the eye and firm. Not a sag from allergies and zero puff. I also noticed I would get a little tint of yellow when the skin around my eyes was being kept constantly wet by my eyes watering, but this eye cream created a moisture barrier that kept my skin protected, plus improved it. I was aiming for just simple protection and being able achieve that and looking better. Well, I will have a pout when I check out to purchase the eye cream but I just can’t see skipping on it.

• Ultimate Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating Nighttime Serum-in-Cream retails for $80.00 for a 2.0 ounce jar.

Ingredients (as listed on the website): aqua/water/eau, sodium citrate, isononyl isononanoate, glycerin, caprylic/capric triglyceride, alcohol denat., steareth-21, polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, polyglyceryl-2 diisostearate, cyclopentasiloxane, cyclohexasiloxane, cetearyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, bifida ferment lysate, glyceryl stearate, peg-100 stearate, steareth-2, citric acid, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, iris pallida root extract, acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, xanthan gum, glycine soja (soybean) oil, alcohol, t-butyl alcohol, lecithin, parfum/fragrance, adenosine, cellulose gum, retinol, peg-8, polysorbate 20, bht, chitosan, ethylhexylglycerin, glycolic acid, sorbitan oleate, tocopherol, behentrimonium chloride, limonene, ascorbyl palmitate, potassium phosphate, camellia sinensis leaf extract, coffea arabica (coffee) seed extract, pongamia pinnata seed extract, sodium benzoate, isopropyl alcohol, acetic acid, angelica archangelica root extract, citrus aurantium amara (bitter orange) peel extract, maltodextrin, magnesium aluminum silicate, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, caprylyl glycol, sclerotium gum, bha, sorbic acid.
The Pearls – aqua/water/eau, glycerin, prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil, propanediol, pentylene glycol, phenoxyethanol, alumina, iris pallida root extract, hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid, silica, xanthan gum, algin, synthetic fluorphlogopite, bht, sodium hydroxide, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium hyaluronate, tocopherol, beta-sitosterol, squalene, titanium dioxide (ci 77891), iron oxide (ci 77491).

First, it felt like I was making a magic potion when I opened this jar. You pour the pink colored pearls that contain the serum and incorporate it with the cream. Wait 5 minutes until it “bakes” (no oven needed), mix again and your beauty potion is complete. The pearls do not remain visible in the cream and dissolve to become one mighty anti-aging concoction.

Verdict:

I am always up for a concoction and this is why I still make my own face masks at home, so this was a welcoming site when I got to play mad scientist for 5 minutes. The jar is large and the serum-in-cream once mixed applies well. My skin felt breathable and I experienced zero problems when it came to clogged pores, blemishes or break-outs. Any small and light scars I have from a recent acne breakout are gone! Yes, that is how quick the turnover process worked for me. I first noticed lightening in week one and I attribute this to the combo work from the kit. The night cream remains on and moisturizes so well, that the next day I would wake up and a thin layer of skin on my marks would peel to reveal a less marked new layer. The darkness went away and I can only see shadows now of the break-out I got last month. My skin on my face is good at healing but it has never pressed on the gas pedal this hard to hurry up the process. I also have a nice glow after I wash my face in the morning to apply make-up. It remains on the days I don’t apply cosmetics, and corrected my T-zone from getting too oily. The pores around my nose are less visible and only depending on Philosophy to control my fine lines, well they came through and again turned back the clock a bit to make them look less visible.

Final Verdict- Very few kits work in conjunction like this one does. I depended on 3 products solely for 2 weeks and only changed because I am reviewing another brand but will be returning back to Philosophy when I am not testing other manufactures. I don’t say this much because let’s be frank, not everything works as promised. Philosophy exceeded my expectations and I was already positive about the brand! My must buys are the eye and night cream but you have better pick-up an SPF for the day time!

***Coupon Alert***
Use Promo Code: Welcome15 to receive a philosophy welcome gift (includes 1oz purity made simple facial cleanser, 1oz amazing grace shower gel, and 0.4oz hope in a jar moisturizer) with any $25 purchase

Connect with Philosophy and try their New Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating line at:

• On-line
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Pinterest

• #UltimateMiracleWorker #Smiley360 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Philosophy and Smiley360.  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.

Andre Lorent: Daily Rehydrating and Anti-aging Sunscreen with SUNDRISOL7™ #Review #AndreLorent

Sunscreen is a year round product I use on a daily basis. I have tried practically every brand from organic, natural ingredients based and every SPF number you can think of. I have been burned and not just by the sun when it has come to sunscreen products. Some protect from the sun very well but do nothing for my skin’s health. I end up with clogged pores and sometimes even breakouts. I don’t believe in this day and age that I need to settle for a product and it seems Andre Lorent believes the same!

Andre Lorent is a beauty company, which offers products for skincare, to hair and even beauty application items like brushes. They carry a little bit of everything! I was sent a bottle of their Daily Rehydrating and Anti-Aging sunscreen. The first difference I noticed, was that this product is a multi-tasker, serving as protection but also nourishing your skin.

Ingredients (as listed on the website):
Key Ingredients include– Sundrisol7, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Seaweed Extract, Algae Extract and Orchid Extract.

Active ingredients– Octinoxate 7.5%, Homosalate 6%, Octisalate 5%, Avobenzone 3%, and Zinc Oxide 10%

Verdict:

I used the product for a total period of 3 weeks. It was my go-to sunscreen and I used it on my face, neck and decolletage. I also wanted to see how well Andre Lorent’s daily rehydrating sunscreen worked with my skin’s needs, so I forwent any use of primers. I wanted to really test how the product performed on it’s own and if it caused any skin blemishes or problems, something that a primer could block from happening or could be a contributor, so I went with just the Andre Lorent’s product and make-up for the days I went out.

I can state the product protects very well with it’s SPF 30 rating. The SPF amount was perfect for the delicate areas and the formula did not leave a white visible film that is both unappealing to the eye and tends to rub off on anything you touch. I applied, distributed the product evenly and the formula just disappeared, but I was still left with breathable skin. On the days I applied cosmetics, I did not experience any interactions with my foundation, such as peeling or beading up that tends to happen if you even perspire just a bit. Everything remained just as I left it and that is really a sign of a sunscreen that has a base that is not only welcoming to your skin, but can play well with other products like make-up. As long as I did not get wet or over perspire, I was satisfied with not getting burned, so the Andre Lorent sunscreen passed the protection phase and exceeded my expectations.

Retail Price Point: $24.95 via Amazon and $27.95 via the website, however they are sold-out on the website.

Next, came the skin health factor. My skin still felt comfortable and not suffocated by a nasty film like so many other sunscreens tend to do. The formula felt lightweight and I did not experience any pore blockage when I used it on a daily basis. After washing my face, the product did not leave any residue and calling a rehydrating formula is spot-on. My skin did not feel over dry after washing and remained healthy. The Sundrisol7 is a proprietary ingredient and it’s suppose to aid with your skin’s anti-aging needs that are caused by damage from the sun. The blend blocks UVA and UVB rays that are the leading cause to wrinkles, sun spots, pigmentation, and so forth. I felt my skin was protected and did not even get lobster red cheeks when I used the sunscreen, so it does work at protecting you from sun damage. I think with continued use, the user would be able to receive sufficient protection from aging caused by sun exposure. With the formula’s hydrating qualities, you also will visibly see nourished skin that remains soft when touched and glowing from being healthy, versus a sun burn!

Connect with Andre Lorent and their products at:

• On-line
• Amazon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Instagram
• YouTube
• #AndreLorent

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

 

InstaNatural: Cellulite Cream #Review #InstaNatural

InstaNatural is a company which features a large array of beauty products that range from serums, masks to products that target problem areas that suffer from stretch marks, scars to cellulite. You can get all your beauty needs satisfied with InstaNatural, as they have hair products to even supplements! If you sign-up on their site for the Club Discount, you get an instant 15% off. Need to save more? Order $25 worth of beauty products that are guaranteed to work, as they all covered by the InstaNatural 100% Lifetime Satisfaction Money Back Guarantee and get free shipping. Nothing to lose than some fine lines, blemishes and better skin for 2015!

InstaNatural: Cellulite Cream

This product is part of their Body Creams collection and helps with everything from the cellulite to the dimples a person may suffer from. You get a boost from:

• Caffeine- Derived from green tea, which provides you with instant firming and lifting results
• Retinol- allows the skin to resurface at a quicker pace, lessening the appearance of the cellulite/dimples
• Cocoa Butter- softens and also helps keep the skin looking beautiful
• Shea Butter- allows the “newer” skin to get a healthy amount of nutrients and moisture
• Vitamin C- helps your skin hold more moisture and gives it a healthy glow (brightens)
• Vitamin B5- helps to keep skin soft and healthy, but also provides a smoother look
• All products at InstaNatural are made in the USA and never animal tested

Retail Price Point: $23.75 for a 5 ounce bottle with a pump top

Ingredients list (as posted on the site): Deionized Water, Organic Aloe Vera, Glyceryl Stearate (Plant Derived), Cetearyl Alcohol (Plant Derived), Safflower Seed Oil, Witch Hazel, Bladderwrack (Fescues Vesiculosus), Caffeine, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Castor Seed Oil, Fragrance, Stearic Acid (Plant Derived), Sunflower Seed Oil, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Green Tea, Sage Extract (Salvia Officinale), Cinnamon Extract (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum C. Cassia), Retinol, Vitamin B5 (Panthenol), Vitamin E (d-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate), Evening Primrose Oil, Raspberry Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Organic Hempseed Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Bayberry (Myrica Cerifera), Bugleweed (Lycopus Virginicus), Butcher’s Broom (Ruscus Aceleatus), Cayenne (Capsicum Annum), Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum Procumbens), Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis), Elder Flower (Sambucus Spp), Ginger (Zingiber Officinale), Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis), Hawthorn (Crataegus Oxycantha), Shea Butter, Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate), Wildcrafted Horsetail (Equisetum Arvense), Organic Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica), Algae Extract, Japanese Green Tea Leaf Extract, Palm Oil, Decyl Glucoside (plant derived), Glyceryl Caprylate (Natural Preservative), Sodium Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide (pH Modifier), Tocopherol (Antioxidant), Ethylhexylglycerin (Preservative), Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Extract (Natural Preservative)

Application- The product works best when applied twice a day, just like a facial skincare regimen. You apply the cream to skin that is clean and dry. You simply pump out the amount needed and apply to your thighs, stomach, legs, and anywhere you wish to address! Use a healthy amount of motion to make sure the cream penetrates and the caffeine hits those targeted areas. I went with a deep massage and allowed the cream to fully dry before dressing.

What to Expect- Cellulite is one of those attributes you hear everyone has but that does not make you love it, or much less accept it. While over-the-counter products will not fully remove the appearance of the skin, it certainly can diminish it. I’m all for zapping it any way I can and InstaNatural’s Cellulite cream does aid with this pesky little problem. Thank the healthy amount of Caffeine in the product because it not only minimizes the appearance but provides you with instant results. You get to see a difference on the first day but it does not stop there. The cream has a nice amount of moisturizers like Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter, which penetrate and soften the appearance of the cellulite and surrounding skin. Then comes the Retinol punch that helps in not only repairing but rejuvenation, and by this I mean, it helps the “turn-over” process of shedding our “damaged” looking skin quicker.  The Retinol helps produce a less marked skin in less time than if not used! The cellulite/dimple mark will still be present but with continual use, you can achieve a minimizing look and the finer lines will be less visible, along with the dimples. I found the cream to not only help moisturize and produce softer and a more supple skin’s surface, but it also produced a more firmer appearance that was visible to the eye and touch. I am all for the instant results and especially as the days get warmer and the bikini is due to come out!

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

EnvyDerm: Eyelash Enhancement and Conditioning Volume Mascara #EnvyDermEyes #Review

Like many of us girls, the one thing we change next to nail polish more often, is our mascara. There is always a new formula, wand, volume promising, to even seasonal colors that just capture our eye. I have been guilty of telling myself that my mascara is reaching the 3-month mark of expiration, so it’s for a good cause and eye health that I should buy this new revolutionary tube that has been advertised so much (that I know the commercial). I have been burned by drugstore to fancy store and boutique-ish brands; so many tubes have been unkindly thrown into the trash. In my mind, the mascara science world should not be as complicated as the foundation universe. We want separation, a formula that does not flake or smear but creates nice smooth strokes that add volume. None of us want to look like a raccoon or if we do, it shall be a smoky eyed one and done on purpose! I finally grew so tired that I am guilty of buying mini sample sets filled with different brands in hopes of finding “the one” that will end this hunting game. I find it but then get the surprise that the formula changes to quick by aging in the tube before I even get 1/4 way down, or it’s temperamental and only wants cold weather and once the seasons changes, it betrays me!

In comes EnvyDerm, a cosmetic company that advertises their lines as “high performance”. They not only promise a good cosmetic look, but also deliver nourishment to lashes. So, it’s a multi-tasker formula that already went over and beyond what I expected or even dared to imagine. I just wanted my mascara to give me a faux perfect look but with time and regular use, my lashes may grow and make the look actually belong to me versus just lights and magic!

EnvyDerm enhances your lashes by making them look better, longer, and strengthening. Their patent serum boosts and repairs, plus it also promotes length and thicker lashes. The Lash Enhancement & Conditioning serum contains Hydrolyzed Keratin and Peptides, which help nourish and encourage positive results!

Ingredients (as listed on their site):
Formulated without: Prostaglandin, Parabens, Synthethic fragrance, Sulfates, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, GMOS, Tricolosan, Mineral Oils, Animal products.

PURIFIED WATER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, MYRISTOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-17, CERA ALBA (Beeswax), COPERNICIA CERIFERA (Carnauba) Wax, SUCROSE ACETATE ISOBUTYRATE , STEARIC ACID, GLYCERYL STEARATE, ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, VP/EICOSENE COPOLYMER, ADIPIC ACID/ DIETHYLENE GLYCOL/GLYCERIN CROSSPOLYMER, EUPHORBIA CERIFERA (Candellia) WAX, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, MEDICAGO SATIVA ( Alfalfa) EXTRACT, ARNICA MONTANA (Arnica) FLOWER EXTRACT, MEL (Honey) EXTRACT, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (Chamomille) FLOWER EXTRACT, ALGAE EXTRACT, SODIUM HYALURONATE, HYDROLYZED KERATIN, HYDROLYZED (MARINE) COLLAGEN, MYRISTORYL HEXAPEPTIDE-16, DIMETHICONE, TRIETHANOLAMINE, PHENOXYETHANOL, TRITICUM VULGARE (Wheat) GERM OIL, ORGANIC SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (Jojoba) SEED OIL, ORGANIC ARGANIA SPINOSA (Argan) EXTRACT OIL, ALLANTOIN, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE (Vitamin E), PANTHENOL (Vitamin B5), HYDROLYZED GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS, URTICA DIOICA (Nettle) Extract, MICA. May contain: Iron Oxides (Cl 77492, Cl 77491, Cl 77499).

The ingredients almost reads like a list you find in a good moisturizer but this is about feeding your lashes versus your skin! I was happy so far with what I was seeing and reading.

Ease of Application: The tube is a nice size and you get a generous 0.27 fluid ounces, Easy to open and the brush on the wand does separate and apply a fluid and even coat to my lashes. The directions are simple, you apply one coat and within one minute’s time, apply one more coat or more if desired. The product does build up nicely and you don’t get that “spider look” we fear when applying additional coats. I’m a 2.5 coats girl when it comes to application. One coat to cover and a second for volume, .5 to get corners and any places that need extra attention. My only negative is that the applicator (not the wand stick portion) tends to “boing” a bit and is not as solid and fixed in one place. The brush is soft and pliable, almost like soft rubber. I don’t like that bounce back but after three uses, I expected that slight movement and was able to learn to adjust around it. I attribute this to being kinder on lashes and it’s just a learning curve. The hourglass shape and bristles make up for this shortcoming alone!

Retail Price Point: $27.00 on Amazon and $29.00 via the site (with free domestic shipping)

Results: I was using coconut oil at night to condition my lashes and I saw in 1 month’s time, my lashes tended to never fall (shed) or break, they just remained healthy and even stronger with time and this was just using one oil. EnvyDerm uses Moroccan Argan oil, vitamins, amino acids and just a more suitable and nourishing formula. I stopped the coconut oil use to see how EnvyDerm could pick-up.

• Nourishing- The product does help when it comes to overall lash health. My lashes were soft and not dehydrated after removing the mascara.

• Appearance- I was happy with how the brush flared my lashes and separated, plus I did get what I would call a medium rating when it comes to volume. I seek medium volume because that makes the mascara perfect for day or night. I don’t want to look like I have feather dusters for lashes no matter what trends say. The color was a nice pigmented black, which looked beautiful but also highlighted the eye area nicely. My eyes looked open and I look awake even with 5 hours of sleep!

• Endurance- I never touch my face and much less my eye area due to my fears of bacteria and messing up my make-up. Right now, even though it’s Fall, I’m in Southern California so I get all that the weather has to offer and even windy days. It was hot, humid, cold, to even some rain when I used the product. On normal days, I experienced zero flaking or smudging. If it was above 90 degrees, I did get some smudging and stopped applying the product to the lower lashes. Wet days, again some smudging and slight flaking that tended to occur when I entered a store that was blasting the heater (after about 7.5 hours of wear). I gave it an 8 out of 10 when it came to handling the roller-coaster ride of temperatures we get in California.

Overall, I was happy that my lashes did not feel heavy and weighed down by the product. EnvyDerm’s formula nourished and I did see what I call great “lash health”. I did not have to do anything but wear my mascara in the day and throughout the afternoon to keep up with the results I was getting from my coconut oil treatments. I still had to curl before applying because it was my way to insure I was getting the look I wanted but because the formula is light, you can get away without curling and get some minor lift but never compared to what a lash curler can do. I trim my lashes as it is (I know sounds odd) because if I don’t, my lashes hit my sunglasses and that bothers me. I did not experience growth but because they remained healthy, they did look fuller (thicker) and felt super soft when the mascara was off.

This is after wearing the EnvyDerm mascara for 8 hours and no issues with flaking or smudges.

Compared to my list of mascaras that I am currently using and with Benefit’s They’re Real mascara being my 10 at the moment, I give this one an 8. The one thing it has over most mascaras, is that the product promotes longer and thicker lashes with their serum. I also use Tarte’s Gifted with Amazonian Clay and that was a 7 for me. I use Lancome’s Hypnose Doll lashes and that is a favorite when it comes to brush shape and formula, and this one I rate an 8…..the same as EnvyDerm but Lancome’s is $0.50 cents more in cost and minus the benefits.

See what EnvyDerm has to offer and start 2015 with prettier lashes at:

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