NeoStrata: EXUVIANCE® Gentle Cleansing Creme #Review #Exuviance #NeoStrata

When it comes to washes, scrubs and cleaners, the last thing that comes to mind in using a creme. It brings back memories of the old Pond’s tub my Mother used to remove her make-up, which left an oily residue after using it. You knew don’t touch Mom after she removes her make-up! When I received the Cleansing Creme from Exuviance, I must admit that was the first thought that came to mind. I also have to be frank that as much as enjoy “gentle” to my skin products, I stay away from them because they are sometimes too gentle yielding them ineffective. Okay, I have not opened the box and here I am bringing up childhood nightmares, but I always give products a chance and especially those from the NeoStrata family.

The Gentle Cleansing Creme from Exuviance, is advertised as a soap-free formula. It allows the user to gently remove everything from make-up, build-up, to the everyday impurities our face may collect during the day. At the same time it serves not only as a cleanser but a moisturizer. If you thought that was already impressive, the Gentle Cleansing Creme from Exuviance also contains anti-aging ingredients like Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA), and other botanical ingredients that help sooth and condition your skin. The product is gentle enough for sensitive skin suffers but can be used by people with combination skin too. It’s a friendly cleanser!

Ingredients (as listed on the website): Water (Aqua), Isododecane, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/ Dicaprate, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, PEG-100 Stearate, Triundecanoin, Cetyl Alcohol, Octyldodecanol, Stearyl Alcohol, Gluconolactone, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Chamomile Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Propylene Glycol, Laureth-7, Polyacrylamide, Disodium EDTA, Chlorphenesin, Methylparaben, Parfum (Fragrance), Benzyl Benzoate.

Retail Price Point: $32.00 via NeoStrata’s site. Ulta carries the same price point but has a current promo of a free deluxe sample of the Triple Microdermabrasion and Bionic Oxygen Facial with any Exuviance purchase (offer valid 3/13/16-4/2/16 or while supplies last). Amazon carries the product at a current price point of $26.49 and Amazon Prime members receive free shipping. See what deal suits you best!

Verdict:
Okay, I clear my head and start using the cleanser creme twice a day as recommended. The first day the product arrived, I washed my face in middle of the day to get an idea how it worked and how it would make my skin feel. You simply moisten your face and hands, pump out a small dollop, and begin to massage your face and neck. Always with an upward circular motion. The Exuviance Gentle Cleansing Creme gives you the option in using a facial tissue for removal, or you may simply just rinse your face off with warm water. The first difference I noticed and this is just after my first use, is a silky feeling. My face was super smooth and get this, not greasy. Even my hands were left feeling soft! I opted for the rinsing with warm water method for removal and mostly because it is what I am most comfortable with but I like the idea of being able to use a tissue if needed. This means no excuses when it comes to make-up removal no matter how late I get home! The next week I began to use the wash when I had make-up and for those days I did not wear any too. If you use a waterproof eyeliner or mascara, I did find I was left with raccoon-ish eyes if I just depended on the cleansing creme, but this also goes for when I just used a common cleanser/scrub before. I always have to address waterproof anything by using a facial wet wipe to insure full removal. Other than this, the cleansing creme is gentle on the skin but it still does it’s job very well at cleaning your face! I want a clean face and washing my face is almost therapeutic for me and this is why I have a unusual collection of face washes. Being able to enjoy make-up means I have to take care of my skin and the first thing I learned about skincare, is how you begin makes a difference. A clean slate is what you want but not a depleted one. Meaning you don’t want to to do what I did in my teen years and treat my skin like if you were stripping wall paper of a wall. I use to think in my teens the cleaner, the better. No oils, no natural sheen just take it all off because I feared blemishes. I did not suffer from them in my teen years, but this is probably why when I hit 25, my face had had it with me and I began to experience break-outs. With Exuviance’s’ Gentle Cleansing Creme, you avoid the over stripping but you do actually end up with a clean surface and super soft skin. As I used the cleansing creme, by week 2, my face was soft 24/7. I did not have to depend on serums for a natural glow and the texture of my skin improved naturally, I was left with a smoother looking surface that allowed my pores and imperfections to appear…..well, smoothed out. I can’t tell you (I know I’m harping on it) how soft my skin feels and appears now. I love it. I don’t have a kid but I assume this is why people state soft as a baby’s bum! I get it now and no breakouts or anything. Right now, the weather in Southern California is mixed. Gloomy days, windy days, to sunny days and my skin is in transition again like these undefined seasons. The calendar says Spring and my nose and allergies agree, but my skin thinks it’s Fall with the way the days change so drastically from one day to another. With Exuviance’s Gentle Cleansing Creme, my skin is moisturized the minute the cleanser finishes washing off the grime of the day and the best part, it comes in a tube versus the jar that I fear! Try it and see for yourself how much the Gentle Cleansing Creme from Exuviance will change your mind and how you can do more for your skin by just using this face wash.

Connect with Exuviance at:

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• Product link 
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• #Exuviance #NeoStrata

 

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.

 

ISA Professional: XANADU 24K Gold Vitamin C Serum and Foundation Primer Review #ISAprofessional

I have used copper infused creams and serums in the past and with great results. I was eager to try gold, as I have nail polishes with gold flakes but never tried a gold infused product in my skincare routine. You do a courtesy google search and you find everything from masks and lotions, but all pretty much guaranteeing collagen stimulation, so I decided to look further into the data when it came to clinical results. I could find none! I found information in dental work and such, to even devices that contained the metal and for surgical procedures but nothing when it came to topical application. So, I went into testing this product by what results I witnessed and that means I needed to take extra care, so I decided to stop use of anything that may aid the product when it came to performance. Yup, and I did it for 22 days!

Let’s start with that I have tested out and was currently using a Vitamin C/Hyaluronic acid combo prior, so I expected results from daily use prior, to continue to present themselves (or even increase) with the use of ISA Professional’s Xanadu formula. The formula is gorgeous just in the bottle. The kind of thing you want to have light glimmer through while it sits on your vanity…..it’s that pretty.

Retail Price Point: $59.00 via their website and Amazon

Ingredients (as posted on their Website):
24K Gold, Deionized water, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Collagen, Rose Extract, Hyaluronic acid, Creatine, Beta-Glucan, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide (Matrixyl-3000), Epidermal Growth Factor, P-anisi

Application:
As I mentioned the vial holds a beautiful serum but does that beauty transfer to the face? I was afraid of looking like Tinkerbell attacked me with highlighter powder after application, but thankfully my skin looked moisturized and natural with pretty much the same amount of glow left behind like any other product would leave. No chunky glitter look when it comes to application because I never exactly liked shimmering lotions that resulted in shimmering clothes and anything else you touched. You apply the product like any other serum by the thinnest going on first and I allow it absorb before proceeding to the next product. Like with any acid, I always follow with a moisturizer after to get the best results, even though ISA Xanadu’s serum does contain a lightly formulated amount of Vitamin E oil.

Verdict:
The price point is high but so is the metal and the claims made. This one I was looking at as it’s a buy or a bust in my mind……there was no in-between when it came to testing, so no 3.5 stars and the such. The product needs to outperform my $20 bottle that claims to do the same.

At day four, I noticed that any inflammation my skin exhibited from seasonal allergies to sun exposure was not as visible. That undesired puffy look I achieved I could only describe as how I look after doing the nasal spray, allergy pill and then eye drops in each eye regimen. Hey, I’m a little of a Puffer fish when I first wake-up! After I do my “so nature won’t kill me regimen”, I must admit my skin looked smoother than my $20 bottle could do. So, in 4 days this product surpassed what I had been using and this is why I continued use. In two weeks time, I did have a glow that remained and this was before product application. My skin had a nice healthy shine and a natural plump achieved by how well my skin could hold and distribute moisture. This made any fine lines less visible and that is always a positive! The bottle is easy to use and the dispenser pumps out the required amount with zero waste. No bacteria can build like when stored in a jar, and I can say a lot has been thought out when it comes to the Xanadu formula. I like products that work and I admit, I don’t always like the price tag. You bet I wish it cost less and the thrifty person in me wants a coupon or even a 1/2 off sale but sometimes we do have to pay for results. My results were positive and the only reason I discontinued use……well, I’m testing more stuff! I did however keep the bottle because I plan to add it to my skincare regimen when I discontinue use of the product I am currently testing. Just the results as a primer under my foundation made it a winner because many primers on the market contain so many synthetics and yes you get a smoother face, but later your skin’s health pays for it. With Xanadu, I did not have to worry about a plethora of chemicals that would cause a break-out and still achieve a smooth complexion that made applying foundation easier and I use less of it too! Maybe that is where my savings is 🙂

Connect with ISA Professional at:

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• #ISAprofessional

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

EXUVIANCE® : Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish Review #Exuviance

Exuviance, is a company that I have heard of but never had been able to try their products. I am always game in trying a new anti-aging product and must admit that exfoliating really changed my skin, so the Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish was exactly what I am always looking for.

As a kid, we would always reserve the uneaten portions of a papaya that we would use to make fruit salads with and smoothies. The papaya’s flesh that was close to the skin would be wrapped in saran wrap and then left in the freezer for about 15 to 20 minutes, then quickly applied to the skin. We would look like sea creatures but I always loved how my skin felt after. I seriously thought this little beauty regimen was just something you did and as much as I loved how my skin felt afterwards, I just stopped doing it after I got married. No one else eats papaya here and it’s a large fruit so my papaya facial went the way of the Dodo! I still do egg white facials but I must admit they are not the same.

Exuviance took what was a proven ingredient and amped it up into making a professional product that is effective and brilliant. No worries if your home is a papaya free-zone anymore! The enzymes in papaya help dissolve the “yuck stuff” your pores are filled with. It’s done in a gentle manner but with the other ingredients that Exuviance added, like the Glycolic Acid and the fine crystals, that you are guaranteed to resurface gorgeous skin. It’s also faster than the old fashion way mentioned above. It would take me 30 minutes to get some results and let’s be honest, we did not consume papaya daily, so this was a weekend regimen at best. With Exuviance no limitations and the product can be used once to twice a week and takes a simple two minutes from start to finish.  One minute if you have sensitive skin.

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Not your everyday Scrub:
This product like listed on their site is a polish for your skin and not your everyday scrub. You are using fine grains to gently exfoliate and brighten your skin, not at all like I would describe a scrub that originates from fruit pits or even plastic micro-beads. The texture from the Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish felt what I would describe like fine sand. The kind of sand you use for decorative purposes not the type you dump in a play box! It’s not only great for skincare but safer for the environment.  Exuviance calls the base “Professional Grade Crystals” and I do agree there is a huge difference in how this product feels and works from a drug-store brand.

Ingredients (as listed on the website):
Aqua (Water), Glycolic Acid, Alumina, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Isononyl Isononanoate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glyceryl Stearate, Ammonium Hydroxide, Arginine, Butylene Glycol, Stearyl Alcohol, Polyacrylate-1 Crosspolymer, PEG-100 Stearate, Lactobionic Acid, Papain, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, PEG-75 Stearate, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Carbomer, Algin, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Parfum (Fragrance), CI 19140 (Yellow 5), CI 14700 (Red 4).

Retail Price Point: 2.6 oz bottle for $72.00 via their website or you can visit your local Ulta on-line or in-store to check out the entire line.

Final Verdict:

I always think brand oriented events are cool and wish I could attend them but then back out.  This time even though Exuviance did not require I attend, I did visit the Glendora, CA Ulta and finally made it to such event.  I wish I had not and it’s because I fell in love with the brand.  The Exuviance crew was attentive and left my skin feeling and looking gorgeous.  Everyone was buying products and I am the first to pass judgement on a price point because the product has to justify it, and not only in flashy packaging.  I had a head start with the Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish in achieving better looking skin before the 4/18 event at Ulta, but when paired with the Collagen Triple Boost serum and all the other products in Exuviance’s anti-aging line……ooh-la-la.  I know now why some companies are highly regarded for their entire product lines and Exuviance is one I put up there.  By week one, I had used the product only twice and saw the difference in texture.  My skin was not just smooth to the touch but smooth when it came to how the surface looked.  By week two, I know now why people chase after products that shrink your pores and I admit it, it looks good.  My clear pores helped give that smaller pore appearance and this again leaves you with an ultra-smooth surface.  Make-up, creams, anything you apply glides on and performs better when you start with better looking skin!  I use less foundation and skip on any concealer use, to the point that if I don’t need or use the concealer soon, I am okay with letting go of it 🙂 .  You will be happy with the results and I warn you, you will get addicted to better looking skin and Exuviance’s products.  I can’t wait to try more!

Satisfy your skin’s need and visit Exuviance products at:

• On-line
• Product link to Exuviance’s Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish
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• #Exuviance

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.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

InstaNatural: Age Defying Retinol Serum, Supercharged Antioxidant Blend #Review #InstaNatural

 

The next couple of weeks, I will featuring several products from InstaNatural. Next on the list, InstaNatural’s Age Defying Retinol Serum. .

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!

InstaNatural: Age Defying Retinol Serum; Supercharged Antioxidant Blend

This product is part of their serum collection. You get a combination of ingredients that deliver youthful and radiant skin:

• Aloe Vera Base (no H20 fillers here)
• 2.5% Retinol
• 20% Vitamin C
• 10% Hyaluronic Acid
• Fruit and Plant acids
• Vitamin E
• Witch Hazel
• Organic Jojoba oil
• Green Tea
• Pink Grapefruit Essential oil
• Willow Bark
• All products at InstaNatural are made in the USA and never animal tested

Retail Price Point: $23.75 for a 1 fluid ounce glass bottle with dropper dispenser

Application- Wash your face and gently pat dry. Being that this is a serum and a very light formulation, you usually apply this product after a toner and before applying a moisturizer. Always keep in mind the easy rule of applying skincare products in the order they are formulated, from thinnest first to heaviest being your last. This allows the products to absorb quickly and also allows your skin to reap the product’s full benefits by creating a moisturizing barrier. I lightly dabbed my problem areas like under eyes, forehead, middle of eyebrows, and neck area. You can opt to apply a thin layer all over your skin or just target the zones you feel need the most attention. Keep in mind this is a retinol based product, so you have to keep sensitivity in check and any sun exposure (always use sunscreen). You can use the serum twice a day with your skincare regimen, unless you spot redness and/or peeling, which then you would use once daily or until you find the time schedule that works best for your skin (i.e. every other day if you continue to experience sensitivity).

What to Expect- I tested the product for 3 weeks. The product comes in a dark amber colored glass bottle, which keeps oxidation down to a minimum. The dropper allows the user to use what is needed without wasting or over dispensing. The serum is light in texture but closer to a gel versus being watery. This means you are not chasing the product around and it stays where applied. I started using the Retinol Serum once a day and after day three, I moved up to applying once in the day and once at night. This was my way to make sure I did not have red skin during the holidays. Due to the antioxidant blend and also the vitamins, I noticed a quick plumping from the vitamin C, which smoothed out my face nicely before applying moisturizers and make-up. The retinol is definitely present, as I did see the turnover and newer (better looking) skin rather quickly. I don’t mind quick results and neither will you!  I did like that any scars or discoloration from previous blemishes (acne scars) are a thing of the past and this serum provided the quickest “scar turn-around” so far.

 

Connect with InstaNatural and their large array of Beauty products at:

• Online
• Product’s Link
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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.

Forlan: Hyaluronic Acid Serum with Vitamin A, C, D, and E #Review #ForlanHyaluronicAcidSerum

Forlan offers a Hyaluronic Acid that is not your typical blend. The serum contains a healthy mixture of Vitamin A, C, D and also Vitamin E. This anti aging moisturizer comes in a nice bottle with a pump action top, so oxidation is kept at a minimum with zero light and minimal air exposure.

Hyaluronic Acid, is found in greater quantity in younger skin’s cells and is attributed to that smooth, elastic and beautiful skin. HA provides moisture to the cells, almost a drowning effect that allows the surface to hold up to 1000 times it’s water weight, so you get a nice plump that smooths out fine lines and wrinkles. See it as your skin getting it’s 8 glasses of water a day but on the surface!

Vitamin A- A retnoid that helps boost collagen and aids in resurfacing of the skin, meaning you plump the layers below and quicken the turn-over process. Your older layer is shed but you are left with smoother looking skin that appears more flawless than before. It takes time and regular use to see greater results.

Vitamin C– Please refer to this post for a comprehensive break-down of it’s benefits.

Vitamin E– An antioxidant and a very rich moisturizer. The oil tends to remain on the skin longer, thus providing longer protection. Studies have shown that Vitamin E combined with Vitamin C, may give the skin a level of “sun protection”. Vitamin E also defends against free-radicals and helps with inflammation.

Ingredients (as listed on the site):
Deionized Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Juice, Phenoxyethanol, Witch Hazel Extract, Acrylates/C 10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, MSM, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E), Sodium Hydroxide,Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (vitamin C), Lavender Oil, L-Arginine, Retinyl Palmitate (vitamin A), Cholecalciferol (vitamin D).

Price Point: $19.95 for a 2.0 ounce bottle from Amazon

Results:
I applied the Forlan Hyaluronic Acid Serum for a period of 3 weeks; twice a day, both day and at night. I washed my face and this was the second step of my daily skincare routine. I followed up with make-up and on the weekends with just sunscreen. I discontinued used of all other products and this included my retinols. I will say the simplification process was appreciated because this is an all-in-one product. You can follow-up with a moisturizer but 80% of time, I felt that the serum was enough for me. It satisfied my skin’s needs by keeping it moisturized and protected. I did not experience any blemish or acne breakouts, or even clogged pores, so that also convinced me to keep using the serum as-is without adding anything else. My routine was cut in half and I found myself sort of feeling like I was forgetting to put something else on my face but by week two, I was liking this short-cut. The formula may be a short-cut in steps but not when it comes to delivering results. I had a nice glow that made me stop using my highlighter powder and a girl likes it when she can glow all on her own. My cheeks were smooth and I did encourage the resurfacing process by exfoliating twice a week. I was hesitant about the Vitamin E because the oil can be heavy at times and cause irritation but I did not experience any adverse effects. I think as the days get colder and Winter is upon us, the Vitamin is E is more welcoming than anything. I was very satisfied with the results and how well this all-in-one product performed!

Get your Forlan Advanced Skincare experience at:

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I received the above product(s) free of charge from Forlan Advanced Skincare.  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.