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.

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Oz Naturals: 2.5% Retinol Serum with Astaxanthin and Vitamin E #Review #OzNaturals

 

The market is filled with ant-aging products and even though we have many too choose from, some rarely work. Like I have mentioned in past reviews, no oversight like in the supplement world, so most products just have to not hurt you and they are really overlooked and still being sold. I spent the last few weeks testing out serums to devices that help with aging skin. It’s so hard knowing I invested a few weeks and a product just did not deliver what was stated.

Thankfully, Oz Naturals was not one of them!

I love retinol and especially one that did not cost an office visit. Yes, the prescriptions are not as costly as one would think but the office visits cost money and refills require another office visit. It gets up there and I honestly do not feel I am need of the prescription strength, yet. I prefer to not over medicate my face because if I up the potency, I also up the side effects and with Summer around, I also up my chances of getting a red and peely face. I’m all for anti-aging but shedding skin like a lizard is not sexy no matter the bikini you wear!

Oz Naturals has a 2.5% retinol serum, which contains Astaxanthin and Vitamin E. The formula is a strong orange hue in color that always makes me think the retinol oxidized, as yellow is the first tinge you see when it does, followed by the orange color that comes after. Thankfully, this is just a coloring from the ingredients versus a serum going wonky and I prefer getting pass the color versus a dye being added to just calm my fears. That is what Oz Naturals does, it offers a natural approach to your skincare’s needs.

Ingredients (as listed on website): Organic Herbal Infusion, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe), Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide (botanical hyaluronic acid), HamamelisVirginiana (Witch Hazel), Pentylene Glycol, Phospholipids, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Phosphate, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Carrageenan Gum, Organic SimmondsiaChinensis (Jojoba Oil), TriticumVulgare (Wheat Germ Oil), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Organic Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea), WildcraftedResinaPropoli (Propolis), Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin.

Astaxanthin: This was an ingredient that I had heard of but was not familiar with, as not any of my beauty products contain it. It’s a carotenoid and an antioxidant. It’s what they feed salmon when people for some reason want to see a pinker/orange hue in their fish. It does not convert to retionol (Vitamin A), however research which is still limited, has reflected it may aid with inflammation, oxidation and even UV damage. I like that it’s simple and as long as it’s derived naturally and not in it’s synthetic form, it has the potential to help and protect against oxidative (free-radical) aging skin.

Price Point: $24.99 for a 1 ounce bottle with a pump top, versus a dropper.  This bottle helps keep the air out and because it’s tinted, the glass keeps the light out too.

Verdict:
I love serums because my skin loves them. They absorb quickly and that means less residue and you don’t feel that heaviness that some creams tend to leave behind. Most serums play well with cosmetics and because I have increased my retinol use to both day and night use, just making sure I use sunscreen in the day to avoid redness or hyper-pigmentation issues. The latter part would kind of go against what I am trying to do (save my skin), so please don’t skip on your SPF. I used the serum for a total of 3 weeks and like always, I am going from one 2.5% retinol brand to another. I will notice if a product works if it does or does not maintain the progress I have previously achieved, and I can then measure if the new serum brings anything new to the party. Even though Oz Naturals is orange in color, it did not leave a orange colored goop that was hard to hide. My skin absorbed the serum with no problems! I did notice that my skin at week two had a nicer and more pleasant texture. My skin had a glow that the previous retinol serum did not add. It was not an oily glow but just a healthy one and because I suffer from horrible seasonal allergies, this is something that unfortunately always reflects on my face and sadly my skin. The glow I got sort of helped make me look healthier and less tired, so it took attention away from the signs of having bad allergies gives you. I’ll take it! Any serum that can do more than just deliver retinol is what I seek. I’m always looking to simplify my routine and I literally went from Oz Naturals 2.5% retinol serum to then moisturizer at night, and done! Just switch to an SPF moisturizer in the day and it’s the easiest and most effective duo I have found, so no excuses that you have no time for your skin. With Oz Naturals, you will only need 3 minutes to get what I consider a good anti-aging beauty regimen, so you can even do it while brushing your teeth 🙂

Oz Naturals offers a large assortment of Beauty products at:

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

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

Klout: FernDale’s HelioCare Daily Antioxidant Capsules #Review #Klout

I had received a sample of HelioCare in the past but not sufficient enough to provide a detailed review. Not only did this perk provide enough capsules for me to fairly test out but also enough to share. Having a spa and pool is great minus the upkeep and of course the sun tends to tax our skin. I have a large amount of sunscreen scattered around the house to bottles in the garage (in varies SPF amounts), so no excuse to not wear it and be protected. Even the mutt has her own bottle because she seems to be a California dog and even has what I call “fur freckles”. She was snow white until she started sun bathing and you bet I yell at her too!

In comes HelioCare’s capsules that are simple to take. Many supplements want you to take several pills through out the day but this one is easy. You simply take one capsule, once a day! This means a 60 capsule bottle fulfills a 60-Day supply. Each capsule has 240 milligrams, plus secondary ingredients like Corn Starch, Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate, Titanium Dioxide for color and also FD&C Yellow.

Indications:

1 capsule 30 minutes before sun exposure. If remaining in the sun longer than 2 to 3 hours, take a second capsule after the initial “protected period” period passes (2 to 3 hours of sun exposure).

What is “FernBlock PLE ” Technology:

The capsules from HelioCare are filled with Polypodium Leucotomos, also known as Calaguala leaf extract. The leaf has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit the skin. The pill does not replace topical sunscreen but look at it as an extra layer of protection. The PL extract also aids with free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and could help with UV photo-aging process.

Benefits:

• Increases tolerance to exposure to the sun
• Reduces skin changes after chronic exposure to the sun
• Helps maintain the skin’s elasticity (skin’s health)
• Provides cell protection in the epidermis
• Protects skin cell DNA

Results:
I took HelioCare as indicated and also noticed the product’s packaging recommended a second dose, if I am going to be out in the sun for longer than 2 to 3 hours. On the third hour, I did take a second pill but this was a rarity for me because I do limit my sun exposure to about 2 hours in the pool. Having a light skin’s complexion means I just have to watch it! I used sunscreen with a 50 SPF at all times too. I did notice on week two that I did NOT get the “lobster effect” when I was in the pool. The pool’s water just reflects like a mirror and the sun’s intensity tends to magnify. To give you an example when it comes to my skin, my legs will tan even when I am in the water. Yup, that means just swimming, floating or exercising and not sunbathing. If I happen to hop on to a floaty, I can only lounge on it for 10 minutes top and then I hear usually from someone that I need to flip like a pancake because I’m overcooking on my topside. With Heliocare I still followed my “sun rules” but I did not get the red effect. It was kind of nice not to look like a crustacean and just get a little nice glow from the sun. This alone made me want to continue use. It may seem vain not to want to look red but I don’t want people to think “ouch” when they see me outside near water!

Price Point: MSRP is $50, however I found the bottle on several sites that ranged from $29.99 to $32.00, but Amazon beat all by listing a $21.99 price point. Shop wisely!

My only Con: The dyes/color additives serve no purpose other than making the product look yellow and eye appealing.  I prefer a natural appearance (as-is) versus taking anything with this additives, but the benefits outweigh the negative when it comes to HelioCare.

To get more information on HelioCare, please visit:

• On-line 
• FernDale (HelioCare) Coupons
• Amazon to purchase 
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• #TryHeliocare #Klout
• Become a Klout member bu visiting Klout on-line at http://www.klout.com

I received the above product(s) free of charge from HelioCare and Klout.  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.

POMx: The Pomegranate Capsules by PomWonderful #Review

If you know me by now, or even just a little, it is well known that I am a Pomegranate addict. I love incorporating the fruit with savory and sweet foods alike, or just drinking a glass reduced with sparkling water because nothing makes me smile more than a fizzy POM drink. I have been drinking POM branded drinks from back when all their teas and juices came in an actual glass bottle. I still have a POM tea glass that I use today.

When I saw the POMx pills come out, I was super curious and just could not wait to get my paws on them. Paws has pills!

What does POMx offer:

One capsule is the equivalent to the antioxidant dosage you would get from a 8 ounce glass of 100% Pomegranate juice. That is a powerful little capsule and even though I love the flavor of the juice, sometimes I just do not want the calories so this fits well being zero calories. POMx states in their pamphlet that there are more antioxidant properties in their capsule versus any other 100% natural antioxidant supplement! You get 1000mg of natural Pomegranate Polyphenol extract in every capsule. No artificial sugars, colors/dyes, or fillers. No preservatives and the pills Vegan and Kosher friendly. The capsules are made with the same California Pomegranates that POM makes their juice from and I am also a fan of their fruit.

Free Radicals and why you should “x” them out:

This super-pill helps with the everyday exposure to free radicals. Free radicals are those molecules/atoms which destabilize and start to misbehave but in a seriously bad way. It goes beyond just sending them to “their room” because they have the potential to damage the cells in your body. A damaged cell does not seem like a big thing since it’s not like we don’t have plenty of cells running through our bodies. The theory is that cells become oxidative. Think of cells like sticks of dynamite, alone and unlit the sticks cause no worry or hazard. Have someones drop a match and you have trouble! Once this trouble starts, you want to quickly diffuse it. Diffusing it would be where the naturally occurring antioxidant superoxide dismutase comes in. It’s what takes the potential harm away from a healthy cell……It’s the bucket of water!

Antioxidants are helpful in reducing and preventing damage from free radical reactions because of their ability to neutralize the radical without forming another.

This has led to the theory that large amounts of antioxidants with their ability to decrease the numbers of free radicals, might lessen the radical damage causing chronic diseases, and even radical damage responsible for premature aging.

Where I come in on this:

I feel aging is a part of life and it’s not like taking these pills will provide us with magical shoes that will allow us to remain young. I am a strong believer of making the best of what you have and just not putting out a welcome mat for ailments if I can help it. I go by proven facts that reducing inflammation helps and a diet rich in antioxidant foods is usually not shunned by anyone. Pomegranates are placed highly on the scale when it comes to antioxidants and if they could help with other things like aging and maybe saving me from ailments….I’ll take it.

POMx was very clear when it came to the claims and made sure to use “preliminary studies” in their wording. Clinically tested and 15 studies have been published regarding the POMx pills.

I took the leap and was happy with the daily pills. I felt the same effects like do when I take the juice, which is also great in preventing or relieving bloating. Think of a cranberry but with a superhero’s cape, that is how I see Pomegranates.

Price Point: 1 month supply of 30 superpills is $29.95, plus $4.95 for a trial bottle. You can opt auto-shipment on a monthly basis (cancel at anytime) and the shipping fees are waived. Save if you have them ship quarterly (3-month supplies when shipped), where each bottle is then $25.95 and shipping is still free. Cheaper when it comes to each pill yielding the same benefits you would get if you purchased the juice and consumed 8 ounces of pomegranate juice a day. POMx provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so they do stand by their products.

Get your POMx fix at:

• On-line– https://shop.pomwonderful.com/pills/buy_pills.aspx
• POM on Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/pomwonderful
• POM on Twitter– https://twitter.com/pomwonderful
• Capture the fruit in pictures on Pinterest– http://www.pinterest.com/pomwonderful/

I received the above product free of charge from POMx.  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.

REBOOTizer: My 30-Day #Review and my #Results

I did a review of REBOOTizer at the end of December 2013 (located here http://wp.me/p2B5Rd-Aw) and touched bases with the company because I wanted to try it for a longer period for better results. Fast forward to April 2014, this girl has been on it for 30 days!

Quick recap- Rebootizer is a drink that is packed with ingredients that aid in eliminating free radicals and toxins. Known as the Anti-Aging Antioxdant drink.  This is what you get with some of the REBOOTizer ingredients:

• Dandelion– A diuretic and antioxidant. I have taken teas in the past that contain this “weed” and I’m familiar with it’s benefits. Dandelion has many health benefits from being a digestive aid to removing toxins. It’s classified as a “super-food” and studies have shown improvements with liver and kidney function to boosting the immune system.

• Licorice– Helps with protecting the liver and also classified as an antioxidant. Licorice is used for many ailments from digestive issues, sore throats, to eczema.

• Angelica– A plant that has been used in the past from the roots, to the leaves and the stem, to the fruit. The plant has been proven to help with arthritis to the digestive system. Classified as a anti-spasmodic and a gastric stimulant.

• Artichoke– More than just a dip, the artichoke has many health benefits and is also filled with antioxidants, so much so that it ranks on the top 10 foods to eat if you seek such benefit. Artichoke is also good for your liver and encouraged for those that suffer from irritable bowel to gallbladder conditions.

• Lemon– With the lemon infused water craze, we are all very familiar with the power this citrus provides. Helps the immune system, antioxidants, to aiding with weight loss and clearing up your skin.

• Lemon Balm– Considered to belong to the mint family, Lemon balm is a calming herb. You will see benefits with insomnia, anxiety to being used as a digestive aid.

• Acerola– Is rich in Vitamin C and many times sold in powder form. Also, another antioxidant and has been used for it’s medicinal properties, like preventing hardening of the arteries to blood clots. Athletes have also used Acerola to increase endurance.

As you see, the REBOOTizer is a complete system that helps eliminate the “bad stuff” and encourages the “better stuff” to stay, plus adds more “good stuff” to your body. Think of it as a system restart after hitting +Ctrl+Alt+Delete. I did see improvements in my skin and sleep after week three and the latter helped with waking up and finally feeling clear headed. My endurance did increase and I just felt overall better. I see it as a daily maintenance drink that helps eliminate the bad things I can’t always avoid, like free-radicals. I love that it is filled with antioxidants and that helps with inflammation, something that in the past has effected me.

If you want a boost or just a way to help your system with the everyday stress, I recommend REBOOTizer. The company changed the delivery system (improved), so I thankfully did not get bathed by the drink even though I’m sure my skin benefited from it. Every package opened as it should with no surprises!

Get your own REBOOTizer at:

• On-line– http://rebootizer.com/
• Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/RebootizerUSA
• Twitter– https://twitter.com/rebootizerusa
• Instagram– http://instagram.com/rebootizerusa
• Pinterest– http://www.pinterest.com/rebootizerusa/

I received the above product free of charge from REBOOTizer.  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.