Valentia: Even Glow Serum, Antioxidant Skin Treatment – 20% Organic Vitamin C #Review

I have been wanting to incorporate Vitamin C into my skin care regimen after doing some research. In the following weeks, I will be reviewing products that will focus around brands that deliver to your skin the maximum Vitamin C and hoping to see positive results. You can read my post on my research at- Topical Vitamin C use in Beauty Products Research and Information

My second product to review in my tour de Vitamin C, is a product distributed by Valentia. They have their propitiatory blend that is different from other serums, so this time I get the 20% concentrate Vitamin C boost among other key ingredients.

What does Valentia Even Glow Serum offer:

• Sea Buckthorn Oil– The oil is derived from the pulp and the seeds, which is rich in fatty acids. The oil has been used topically to treat burns, inflammation and help with recovery of the skin.

 

• Rose Hip Seed Oil– This oil is derived from wild roses by pressing the seeds. The oil is rich in vitamin C, essential fatty acids and omega-6 and omega-3. This oil has been used in many applications and especially to aid with “turn-over” and promote healing (scar reduction). If you suffer from acne scars, burns, to eczema, Rose hip seed oil can help improve your skin and because it leaves a protective layer, think of it as a prevention method. Great for fine lines too because how well it hydrates.

 

• Resistem– A patent anti-aging ingredient derived from plant cell cultures. Being natural, the patent states the ingredient helps soothe the skin, reduce redness, improve the evenness of the complexion and restore its natural glow.

 

• Hylauronic Acid- Think of this ingredient as a lubricant for your skin. Used on the skin for healing wounds, ulcers, burns, scars to just providing moisture. The acid promotes healing and may protect against free radical damage to cells.

 

• Green Tea– Rich in catechins, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Protects the skin by preventing free radicals and reducing inflammation. Topical green tea polyphenols can help slow down the signs of aging, plus the natural occurring caffeine may give a temporary lift to your skin.

 

• and also Organic Vitamin C– Please refer to aforementioned link for a detailed look into this vitamin.

Ingredients (as listed on Amazon):
KEY INGREDIENTS – 1.18OZ -MADE IN USA // 20% VITAMIN C, ORGANIC ROSEHIP OIL, ORGANIC SEA BUCKTHORN OIL, RESISTEM (PLANT STEM CELLS), HYALURONIC ACID(BOTANICAL), GREEN TEA EXTRACT

Usage:
I used the Valentia’s Even Glow for about 3 weeks. Upon first use, this Vitamin C serum had a citrus like color that was followed with a like kind scent. I thought I was just imagining it because the hue of the serum is yellow and almost gold in color, but I did smell orange and lemons even though no fragrance is listed in the ingredients. The serum is thicker than most and almost has a gel like feeling, which I welcomed because that means I’m not chasing after oil droplets. The dropper allowed me to measure the correct amount and about 3 to 4 drops is all I needed for my face and neck.

Retail Price Point: $35.00 on Amazon for a 1.18 ounce glass bottle

Results:
I noticed softer skin within the first week and I did not think my skin could get any smoother with all the other serums I have been using. I got a glow that was not caused by the color of the serum because after washing my face, I just had a natural and healthy glow. My fine lines did not increase or decrease but I had a smoothness in both texture and tone that was just fantastic. I did experience a few break-out on my “t-zone” the first week, however my skin was clear by the 8th day and remained that way. I did in part like that I got a few blemishes because I did notice my skin recovered quickly with Valentia’s Even Glow and I had zero scarring. My skin regenerated quicker and the final product (newer layer of skin) was better than what I had before, so I did not mind the 7 days of having a few small blemishes. I love using Valentia’s Even Glow as a primer because I need less coverage when it comes to foundation/make-up too.  Being happy with your skin means less make-up!

Valentia has a Lifetime Guarantee listed, so it’s a no risk purchase that may be what your skin needs!

Visit Valentia and see what their products can do for you:

• On-line
• Amazon

 

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.

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

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Influenster: Boots Botanics Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask #PowerofPlants

I recently got the opportunity to try some really nifty products, thanks to Influencer. Starting with Boots Botanics. Boots Botanics uses the “Power of Plants” for a more natural approach to beauty. The mask contains Oceanic minerals, plus active plant extracts like Willow bark, which is a natural source of Salicylic Acid. Salicylic Acid is part of the beta-hydroxic acid family and is found in many acne clearing products to anti-aging regimens. The acid helps refine skin’s texture, lower inflammation (like an aspirin), and open clogged pores, helping you shed dead skin more rapidly. Continual use will produce a skin surface with smaller pores that is not constricted by clogs or bacteria, which causes blemishes.

My Results: I received this item in the #JadoreVoxBox from Influenster. I have heard of the Boots brand but have never tried any of their products. This was my first experience with the brand! The mask provides your skin with a deep clean using clay enriched with minerals. You are left with a purified clean surface, but the results are not over drying. The mask was able to clean my pores and remove any excess oils, plus I was left with pores that appeared smaller in size. My face was glowing and soft to the touch.

Price Point: $9.39 for 3.5 ounces

Ingredients (as listed on the site): Sea silt (Natural oceanic clay), Aqua (Water), Potassium sorbate, Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, Salix nigra (Willow) bark extract I was happy not only with the price point but a little product goes a long way. Application was simple, by just applying to clean skin and I left the product on for about 10 to 15 minutes. I dislike when masks over clean and get rid of not only the bad but the good, but this mask does not fall into that department. Over-stripping is not something I experienced at all! You can find this product at:

• Boots Botanics Site– http://us.boots.com/product/39907
• Connect via Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/BootsBeautyUSA
• Connect via Twitter– https://twitter.com/bootsbeautyusa
• Pinterest– http://www.pinterest.com/bootsbeautyusa/
• #PowerofPlants

I received the above product free of charge from Influenster & Boots Botanics.  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.

Eslor Botanical Peeling Gel

And the hits just keep on comin’!

Eslor offers two exfoliants in their extensive beauty line. At first I thought why not keep it simple, like the face wash, by offering one product. However, each resurfaces differently. Let me explain:

The Eslor Botanical Peeling Gel aids with the reduction of unwanted shine, refines/shrinks pores, and also serves as a skin brightener. Since the product is a gel and a peel, it makes the removal of dead skin cells easy and after application you are left with a smooth surface that will appear and also feel softer. The Botanical Peeling Gel is for Combination, Dry and Sensitive skin. I have used chemical peels and microdermabrasion in the past to achieve exfoliation. I feel this Botanical Peeling Gel is everything you want minus the harsh chemicals, and uses the botanical properties present in the formula to resurface in a more “skin friendly” manner.

Instructions for Use: The instructions indicate use of this product once or twice a week. You apply the gel all over your skin when the skin is dry. Avoid your eye area since the skin is more sensitive there. You leave the peel on for 5 to 10 minutes and the peel tends to almost melt or thin out as it’s exposed to the air and warmth from your skin. You do not drip the product off but it does liquefy as the application period passes. Your final step is then to just use your fingers and rub (gently) in a circular motion and then rinse with warm water.

Ingredients: Being that the product is botanical in nature, you see in the list of ingredients Aloe Vera as a gel base and listed first. Aloe Vera has a multitude of benefits and in my opinion there is no reason it should not be used in place of the H2O we seem to pay for in beauty products. Extracts are present that are derived from Chamomile, Papaya, to Pineapple. Chamomile has calming effects, while Papaya and Pineapple have proteins that do help with the resurfacing process. Papaya is rich in BHAs (beta hydroxyl acids) and the fruit’s benefits range from lightening dark spots (pigmentation) to evening skin tone. Pineapple like Papaya help with anti-aging and the acids assist with the rejuvenation process we all so desire. Carbomer is also on the list and this helps with the solution of the beauty product, meaning how it emulsifies (thickens) and spreads out. Think about what makes a toothpaste formula stay whipped and not separate in the tube, so it is harmless and a product really created for the beauty and health industry. Sea Buckthorn oil is also listed in the peel and this aids with anti-aging due to it’s richness in tocopherols, tocotrienols and plant sterols. To give you an idea, Sea Buckthorn oil is used on skin burns so it does wonders when used in beauty products! Triethanolamine is another ingredient and this serves as a pH balancer.

Results: I have mashed Papaya and Pineapple in the past to create a mask but because individual fruit does differ in acid percentages and even nourishment, I like that Eslor has done the “lab work” for me, and I don’t have to guess how long to keep this peel on by how it feels. Not good when feeling “burny”, since means this Pineapple had kick and you left the mask on too long (Ouch!). The other ingredients help counteract the redness you may get when exfoliating, and you get to benefit from calming agents that we do not all readily have at hand. My skin has been feeling soft and I like that this peel also purified my pores by cleaning out the junk, so this means less break-outs and better looking skin. Less make-up is another benefit and that means I not only see savings in that arena, but I also just like how the peel makes my skin look without make-up. I got away with using it once a week and this was just determined by the lasting effects I felt and saw. It took a week to lose the best glow I have had with a skin product and by then I was again using the peel. Shiny!

Price Point with Product Details: The product retails for $38.00 for a 2 Fluid Ounce Bottle. I used a small amount that ranged a little under a nickel’s worth in size. I made sure to avoid eye areas and if I plucked my eyebrows that day, I skipped this task to avoid irritation.

Visit Eslor and their beauty collection at:

• Their Website
• Their Contact Page
• Their Twitter
• Their Facebook Page
• & Their Pinterest Page

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

Swaggable: Sia Botanics Desert Aloe and Jojoba Cream

I’m always game to try any new moisturizer because even though I have many, I like and use on a daily basis, I am chasing that dragon, the one that is going to take me to the new and better moisturizer! You bet when Swaggable offered me this opportunity, I snapped it up in a heart beat.

Sia Botanics is company which produces several nature-based products, with “natural” as their approach to skin care. I like that they have several collections that target your needs, whether they are age related, to problems that stem from dryness, even to combination skin. Each line creates a regimen that is right for you, so there is not a “one size fits all” mentality at Sia Botanics. The cream I received is from the Desert Aloe and Jojoba collection.

The Desert Aloe and Jojoba collection features:

• Desert Aloe & Jojoba Cream Cleanser for $16.00
• Desert Aloe & Jojoba Moisture Mask for 19.00
• Desert Aloe & Jojoba Scrub for $18.00
• Desert Aloe & Jojoba Cream for $18.00
• You may also purchase the set above for the Desert Aloe & Jojoba Dry Skin Collection at $71.00
• or the Travel set that is a great way to test a brand for $19.00

The Desert Aloe and Jojoba cream takes aloe and amps up it’s benefits. The cream is for mature skin that is dry to severely dry. I know as we age we do not produce enough moisture, but I can see this cream being good at any age if you have dry spots or areas you wish to add more moisture to. I tried the cream on my face and liked that it dries to a matte finish and left no residue or oily shine for others to see. I did not find the formula to be heavy. I did like that though it was light, it did keep my under eye are soft and supple. I applied foundation 30 minutes later and did not have any issues resulting from the cream during application or hours later.

I am a fan of Aloe and use it both in gel form to naturally derived from the succulent itself. I find that it never irritates my skin and always provides enough moisture to quench a sunburn, or just those areas you want moisture minus the grease. I’m always happy and satisfied with the results and the Sia Botanics cream delivered in moisture and not just oiliness that my skin never absorbs. The cream also contains Jojoba Esther, Desert Aloe, Evening Primrose Oil and Vitamin E. I use Vitamin E around my eye area and it always responds well so this is a cream that I would use to target certain areas of my face, however it would not be moisturizer that I would apply all over. I was satisfied with the results!

Find the Sia Botanics Collection that suits you best at: http://www.siabotanics.com/default.asp

I received the above product free of charge from Swaggable. I am not obligated in providing a positive/favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product, which may differ from yours.