HydroPeptide: On the Go Glow Anti-wrinkle Travel Set #Review #HydroPeptide

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In the beauty world there is one thing that has really triumphed when it comes to brand awareness……sample sizes. Whether you call them deluxe size, trial size, travel or just plain samples, being able to try and not invest the full dollar amount towards a product has really yielded dividends both for the consumer and brand-names. I see beauty items like medications, in where you have one popular product that works with many but not all. I have used foundations that get out of the world ratings and then I use it and have a what are they talking about moment. This is why I love being able to try without getting the full sting and not feel bad if a product is not for me.

HydroPeptide believes in the same. A company that is brave enough and confident about what they make, that they decided why not make travel size products for consumers to try and see if they like them. If you become a fan, you can then later buy the full size and also the travel size for those weekend getaways.

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I was sent the Anti-wrinkle travel set called, “On the Go Glow“. The set comes with:

  1. Exfoliating Cleanser
  2. Pre-Treatment Toner
  3. Purfiying Mask
  4. Eye Authority
  5. Face Lift
  6. Everything you need and even a beautiful and useful size pouch to carry the HydroPeptide products along with any mini shampoo and conditioners to complete your travel to-go bag.

 

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Verdict:

The regimen is simple. I welcome that not only when travelling but when trying a brand. I always follow the directions to see if the products yield the claims made. This kit left nothing untreated and except for adding my spot acne cream when needed, I just used the HydroPeptide set exclusively. The solutions are light when applied and like the eye cream and face lift, my skin was left feeling fresh after about day 4 of use. By this I mean that I had a natural and healthy sheen without any ill effects of transitioning over to using HydroPeptide exclusively. The mask is out of this world when it comes to clarifying and not over drying. The mask really needs a light application that is thin and even and I am not kidding, your skin’s surface changes after removal. I mean serious positive changes that also helped any acne/blemishes I was suffering from pre to post breakout. The entire set played well with my skin and even though I am not a fan and believer of toners, I can say the refreshing and balanced pH was something that changed my mind about my opinion of toners. This toner is also a “pre-treatment”, so it’s a way to prep your skin for absorption of the coming products after you have exfoliated and washed your face. I get it! It makes sense with this system and I did not view it as an add-on that was wasted. The eye cream is thick but because you use the dab method and a 1/2 a pea size, just with the warmth of my skin, the product quickly was absorbed.  I was left with just a thin layer that I call “good left-overs” because it’s there to protect and continue nourishing my skin as needed. This system by HydroPeptide is an AM and PM kit. Many anti aging systems are geared towards only night use because of the ingredients maybe being to harsh for morning and day time use. Some acids tend to activate worse in sunlight but that is what sunscreen is for and I don’t ever skip on treatments of this kind because just one safeguard means you can get double the benefits, so don’t skip on SPF and you will be fine. I noticed the eye area was my biggest improvement and while I would love to boast that just get the eye cream and go, I have to realize I used everything as directed and that unison of products is very likely the cause for the positive effects. Using 1/2 a pea size on the eye cream and just a pea size for the face cream, I could see the deal with the kit.  Just look at the ingredients on the site and these are serious products when it comes to results and free from sulphates to artificial fragrances and anything that is added as fillers with most beauty brands designed towards anti aging formulas.  I never understood why companies add ingredients that cause aging and/or irritations and still advertise the items as anti wrinkle care.  It’s nice when a company like HydroPeptide comes along and removes the fillers and just works on what you want, your skin and getting the most of the results for the money you invested.  The “On the Go Glow” kit is just that and a great starter at just $78!  I have spent more on nail polishes in one visit and walked away less satisfied.

 

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Give HydroPeptide a Go at:

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from HydroPeptide. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. I received no other compensation in exchange for my review. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

 

 

 

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LANEIGE: Lip Sleeping Mask, Water Sleeping Mask and SoltreeBundle Natural Hemp Paper Trio #Laneige #SoltreeBundle

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Laneige, may be new to some of us in the U.S., however the brand has been providing skin care products in Asia since 1994.  In 2007, being a well recognized and respected brand, Laneige later expanded their line into beauty and cosmetic lines.  Still dominating the “Beauty of Asia” market.  In 2013, Laneige expanded further and began distributing skin care products in the U.S. market, and especially their moisturizing “water masks”.  You can find many of their products now at major retailers and I have even received Laneige products in beauty boxes, which is how I became familiar with the brand.

 

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I am a fan!  Let’s start there and if a Laneige anything is even part of a well price beauty box, I grab it.  The water mask lines have never caused me any irritation and nothing plumps my skin like their masks.  No clogged pores and just positive benefits.  When I saw the bundle at Amazon being offered to bloggers, I jumped on it because who doesn’t like to share reviews of products they already use and have become favorites.

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Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask: This one was a new one for me because I had not tried this one yet.  The Lip Sleeping Mask is really a game changer from the lip balms, overnight concoctions, to sticks and glosses that state they will change your lips’s skin but seem to fail time and time again.  Resurfacing the skin on our lips is part one but many products provide ingredients that do this but the problem is their “all-in-one” solutions.  The formulas aggressively exfoliate to the point the dryness becomes excessive and/or repetitive.  Yes, many OTC products are combined with moisturizers but when you have ingredients that are suppose to accelerate skin cell rejuvenation, you sort of leave your lips confused.  What Laneige did was create a product specialized for the lips.  A mask!  Just like eye creams address the sensitive skin around our eyes that differs from that around our face, this Lip Sleeping Mask is formulated to deeply nourish and re-hydrate your skin….but on your lips.  Treating your lips overnight is something I love because who doesn’t want to solve problems while sleeping and wake up with better looking anything?  I sure do and I see it as multi-tasking.  The product even comes with an applicator brush, which is soft and the Laneige mask has no odd odor or taste.  It’s just one swipe to both your top and bottom lip, then set the alarm to wake-up the next morning with soft and supple lips.  Love it!

Ingredients (as listed on the website): Diisostearyl Malate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Polybutene, Microcrystalline Wax, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Synthetic Wax, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Methicone, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Water, Potassium Alginate, Glycerin, Propanediol, Alcohol, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Sapindus Mukurossi Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Fragaria Chiloensis (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Extract, Magnesium Sulfate, Calcium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Beta-Glucan, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Fragrance+/-CI 15850, CI 15850:1, CI 45410:1, CI 45380:2, CI 45380, CI 45410, CI 17200, CI 12085, CI 19140, CI 15985, CI 47005, CI 42090, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77499, CI 77491, Mica

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Laneige Water Sleeping Mask: This is one I have used before.  My skin and especially when seasons are a little harsher like Winter and Summer tend to be, just loves it.  I don’t dry out and my skin quickly absorbs it.  I have used this mask even in the day when it has been extra hot or even windy, no problems with my foundation peeling up because my skin literally drinks it up.  Many products and serums dry fast, making us think they have been absorbed when really it’s just the alcohols in them evaporating away.  You then get that glossy/oily affect hours later and can’t understand why the oil production has been amp-ed up.  You kick your pores into over drive but because the residue remains, then any moisturizers/oils the product had to even parabens start rearing their ugly face and make a disaster of your skin.  With Laneige, I experience zero of that.  I was afraid a mask would equate to a heavy feeling, sort of like when you add an oil mask to your hair.  The word mask is more of play in words where it addresses your skin overnight and you wake up with a replenished surface.  Yes, it works that well.  I have even been able to use the mask over acne treated spots and no more peeling from the spot treatments.  My acne medication still works overnight but I don’t wake up with lizard like skin the following day.

Ingredients (as listed on the website): Water, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Trehalose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Root Extract, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract, Beta-Glucan, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Chloride, Potassium Alginate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Polysorbate 20, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Stearyl Behenate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, HYDROXYPROPYL BISPALMITAMIDE MEA, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Alcohol, 1, 2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, CI 42090

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This trio package also includes a SoltreeBundle 50 count pack of Hemp blotting papers.  It’s a nice little add-on because I had not used blotting papers derived from hemp before.  The less chemicals I can use the better because my last set of blotting papers had peppermint, which made the product smell nice and especially around the holidays.  What was not nice was finding out that peppermint oil irritated my skin and I was out shopping and running errands!  These hemp based papers are simple, safe and work.  No irritations or oils to fear.

Retail Price Point: On Amazon, the bundle above is $39.98 for the trio.  If you factor in that one of the items usually retails for $24 and the other for $25, you already are saving a fair amount. With the blotting papers added, it just makes the deal even sweeter!
Connect with Laneige at:

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from SoltreeBundle. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. I received no other compensation in exchange for my review. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Influenster: Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid™ VoxBox #Review #VividMatte

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I have been a member of Influenster for several years and love the VoxBoxes they share. I was beginning to think I was stuck with Virtual Vox Boxes for life when my dashboard had 4 going and no real products. I then received that Influenster e-mail, which makes you smile. I was getting a Maybelline VoxBox featuring the Vivid Matte collection. Hooray! I have come back to the VoxBox arena.

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Maybelline’s Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid has been spreading like wild fire and especially when some people shared it was a great copy cat to the Kylie Cosmetics’ line. Am I curious about the line? Yes. The price? No. Hey, I have other things I have my eye on and one thing I have plenty of is lip glosses, lip crayons, lip palettes, oh and the old fashion lip sticks (remember those 🙂 ). So, I keep buying because colors change, seasons change and it really is the one item that I don’t mind splurging a $10 here and there to see what the buzz is about. Copy cats can be colors and not always formulations and so far the two colors I received, #10 Nude Flush and #35 Rebel Red are vivid indeed. The collection features 10 colors in total and retails for $7.99 a piece. A pretty fair bargain!

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Verdict:

First, I was a bit puzzled by the formula. I blamed the plastic tube for the semi-gloss like finish the colors seemed to cast. I then open the first tube, the Rebel Red and the pigments are vibrant and just saturated with color, but not like any matte finish I have ever seen. I’m into paints from artistic to just plain old house paints and deciding on finishes is where I get stuck sometimes, because some rooms shed a different amount of light from our windows. The Vivid Matte collection would cancel all that, it would not matter what light or amount of it, from real to just coming from a bulb…..these beauties are not Matte. I don’t stop there because so what it’s not a real matte? I did feel they were still pretty. I open the tube and you do get a fragrance from the formula. It’s not faint and noticeable where the Nude hue is more like a sweet floral scent and the Red hue closer to a perfume/cosmetic scent. So far, okay. I apply the Rebel Red. Everything I have been rebelling against just went out the door. The consistency of the product is thick and opaque with a gloss finish. Not a translucent gloss by any stretch and a little goes a long way with at least this color. It’s a night color for me or at the very least a color I can mix with another if I feel daring in the AM hours. The product has a nice moist finish and not goopy like I was afraid it would feel like.

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Next, comes the Nude that has more of a purple note to it versus a pink or pale beige. There are no yellows or oranges in this nude color, it seriously owns purple! The less I apply, the more I feel it appears light enough to be called a nude like product but I mean this is me getting the wand out and using the tip to apply 2 dots at the top portion of my lip, and two on the bottom. There is no wand application going on here. Again, moist and the scent is more welcoming off this product than the former color. I prefer the Nude Flush over Rebel Red because maybe my full head on rebel days are over or I just need a slighter tan to not look so pale in this red. It’s starting to look more like Corvette Red on me. I do like the formulas though and found that application via a lip brush allows the product to flow better against the lip and you get an even finish. Again, these are opaque and not matte in finish, with the red having a more semi-gloss to it but the colors are vivid all the way!

Connect with Maybelline and view their Collections at:

 

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Influenster and Maybelline. 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: Depuffing Eye Serum #Review #Exuviance #NeoStrata

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I have featured Exuviance/NeoStrata products in the past on my blog and have become a huge fan of their lines. The company really addresses all your skin’s needs with products that not only target, but most even reverse and/or prevent from skin issues worsening. My biggest issue most of the year is puffy eyes. No matter how many hours of snoozing I get, I am a puffer fish every morning. As long as the world has nature, which produces pollen and the such, my eyes will swell. I take decongestants and allergy pills but none address the poof I get around my eyes. I have been target treating this area since my teens! My biggest worry was getting dark circles due to the constant pressure and swelling. So far taking care of the problem via eye drops has worked by reducing the problem by 50%, but I’m still puffy! Eye drops also make the sensitive skin around my eyes irritated. I will experience redness to peeling if my watery eyes cry out a few tears after application. Playing catch-up is not so simple, so when Exuviance stated they have a Depuffing Eye Serum, this Puffer Fishy raised her hand!

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Exuviance’s Depuffing Eye Serum, works in several ways. First, being in serum form, the product itself is easily and rapidly absorbed. No adding heavy creams that tend to make already that stressed out skin feel heavy and like it can’t breathe. Their proprietary “Eyeliss™ and Actiflow® ” promotes circulation to the area. This action aids with swelling dissipating the fluid that builds and causes the puff effect. This is why I am more puffy in the early morning when I wake up. Everything was allowed to pool up giving me that look that I have been crying when I have not been! As I mentioned and you have heard countless times, our eye skin differs in texture and fragility compared to the rest of our skin on our face. This is why even when applying products you have to be extra nice and why Exuviance created “NeoGlucosamine® “. Think of this as the body builder for your eyes. It will help firm the skin and regain it’s tone, plus this is like I said a new way to treat your eyes. You can apply the Depuffing Eye Serum to the bottom and top of your eyelids. So droopy eyelids also get a work-out! The roller itself creates a soft massage while you apply and being softer is better than being told to use your ring finger when applying. Can’t count the times my ring finger has not played nice and applied product to my eye versus outside of my eye. Exuviance, also added caffeine to the product for instant results. While the other ingredients help your skin regain it’s losses, the caffeine gives you instant lift. You will see in seconds shrinking and tightness, and your eyes look more…..well like they should.

 

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Retail Price Point: $72.00 via Exuviance and Ulta. Ulta currently offers a gift with purchase. You get a FREE full size Targeted Wrinkle Repair with any $75 Exuviance purchase (offer valid 7/3/16-7/23/16 or while supplies last). Amazon has a price point of $49.04 but zero free item and because the free gift is at full size, it is hard to overlook a product for free that usually costs $65!  Free shipping via Ulta with a $50 purchase too 🙂

 

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Ingredients (as listed on the website):
Aqua (Water), Isododecane, Dimethicone, Acetyl Glucosamine, Glycerin, Polysilicone-11, Polysorbate 80, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Caffeine, PEG-14M, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Citric Acid, Steareth-20, Propylene Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, CI 42090 (Blue 1), CI 15985 (Yellow 6).

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Verdict:

The price. I know. One thing I have learned though that price in the beauty world says zilch about a product. You can pay a lot and get zero results, or it will be the best thing ever. I have also been using a fair priced eyebrow pencil and it works better than the $40+ kit for brows I purchased last year. So, when evaluating this serum, I measure by how it works/if it works, and it has to outperform products of like kind. I love the applicator from the get go. No risk of contamination by messing with fingers in a jar, easily slides and allows me to be kind to the skin around my eyes. Game changer, you can address both upper eyelid and under eye areas. Yes, this is an all purpose eye product that addresses finally the entire eye! So tired of under eye limitations with everything called E-Y-E creams! It’s a serum and my skin loved it. Absorbed it just like the ground in California absorbs water when it rains! I love this because this means no messing with my foundation or even BB Creams. I tend to go light with coverage in the Summer anyways, so this plays well with the let’s go light what I put on my face habit. Now, the results. I wanted to not like you. Okay, the price stings but when I applied Exuviance’s Depuffing Eye Serum to my right eye and lost my Puffer Fish status……..well, it’s a cute name from a Husband that is trying to be sweet about my puffy eyes but it looks like I am sad when I am not. This serum brought the happy me out. I know, I wanted to really say whatever. It works like any caffeinated/Green Tea thingy you can get off the shelf at the drug store, but it did not. I was left with zero residue to deal with like with some gel formulas that peel and my eyes just looked open and like they should. This made me feel better because looking better has a positive effect (at least for me it does). It also lasted.  That is the real kicker because 8 hours later and I look in the mirror, still me with normal eyes! I am not trying for model status but I sure as heck want my eyes to look like my own and not like I have been partying all night (looking like you had fun and did not……so wrong). The price is a hit but softened by Ulta when I hunted because I knew I would be re-buying this serum. Giving me a $65 product that I like and would use…..you got me! I tried running but you worked, so I can either moan and groan (and then give myself more wrinkles) or walk out with smooth eyes and you may call me now the former Ms. Puffer Fish lady 🙂

 

Connect with Exuviance at:

 

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.

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

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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:

 

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.

 

Derma-E : Now available at Target Stores! #NoticeTheLotus in 2016 Derma-E Skincare #Review

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I hope everyone is having a Happy New Year. With a new year, means new products for 2016 and this is always something I look forward to when it comes to new trends and beauty related products.

I reviewed Derma-E products in late 2015 and I am happy to report they will be starting the new year with us! This also means new changes and Derma-E will also now be available at Target stores, both on-line and in stores. If you have the Red Card from Target, you not only save 5% with every Derma-E purchase, but you can also subscribe to get timely delivered products (refills) and save an additional 5% on top of that! You combine that with any rebate/money-back program, the savings will be non-stop as will be looking younger, which always makes me feel better. You add a cartwheel deal from Target, or if you purchase a Target beauty box, they always come with a $3 off $15 purchase coupon…….well, I get excited when I see my receipts from Target because I want to save as much as I can! It has become a challenge for this girl!

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Great Coupons that come with the Beauty Boxes from Target

Derma-E sent me 4 products to try that will be hitting Target stores this January:

Shopping at Target just got better for me and I am guilty of bargain shopping but it’s only a real bargain if the product works. With Derma-E, I get the best of both worlds, the products are not super expensive, so any additional savings just adds up instantly and the products perform well. I don’t leave feeling guilty because I wanted to take better care of myself and with Derma-E, this just does not happen. The company is open about what their products contain and also do not oversell how they perform. You know what every bottle, tube and jar will be able to do for you without any “photoshopped like” picture that will never yield what real world results do. Honesty, in the beauty world has always been hiding behind an asterisk and you will notice the Lotus is Honest. I don’t have to flip a Derma-E product to find what that little star by a statement really means, so when I first tried the products, I instantly gained a new respect for the company. I then tried the products and it shifted how I shopped for beauty items (again). I already knew a price tag was not an indicator of results/performance, but companies change formulations and what was a bargain once, stops and then the product you relied on stopped working too! It’s the same with beauty products as it is with food products, always read the label and know what it means.

We finally have a real Winter in Southern California and it has been cold, windy, dry and now wet. My skin has been feeling the stress from both the climate and the holidays. All because the calendar flipped and Christmas was a month ago, I am still in week one trying to box anything that glitters. So, I am trying to box last month while dealing with a new one. You would think with every passing year I would get use to what to expect, but I don’t. New traditions, dropping old ones and so forth is just a juggling game that I pretend I do well. My motto was not to get overwhelmed this year and I thankfully took it easier but still experienced some stress. I started to skip on masks, peels, and then moisturizing. Events meant I was trying new looks, new make-up and now my face is as tired as I feel. I still want to pretend I can juggle, so I started 2016 with new face products from Derma-E.

 

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Derma-E Firming DMAE Eye Lift- This product comes in a tube and I like that because it means less contamination or air that can affect how a product performs, plus easy to just toss into my drawer when storing. I eat Goji berries every morning, well now so does my skin! The product has a patented ingredient called InstaLift, which is Goji berry glycopeptides, which are rich with antioxidants. A small amount used twice a day is all that is needed. This is an eye cream that not only fights signs of aging, but also helps smooth away any that you may already have. It works double duty as preventing, slowing down and helping you with any fine lines that sneaked by! The formula is light enough to use under cosmetics but provides enough moisture through out the day, no matter the season!  Available at Target for $21.99, before any discounts apply.

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In case you have never seen a Goji Berry 🙂

 

 

 

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Derma-E Firming DMAE Moisturizer- Just like the eye cream, this product gives you the same benefits but this is formulated for use on the entire face. The moisturizer hydrates, which helps with elasticity that is visible to the eye and also touch. Your skin improves with daily use and as long as I gave the product about 5 minutes to absorb before applying make-up, I did not experience any issues with application.  Available at Target for $18.99, before any discounts apply.

 

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Derma-E Hydrating Day Creme- This little creme is my everyday go-to moisturizer. Any little dry patch that an acne gel caused, this creme will fix in no time. I suffer from blemishes and breakouts when my stress goes up, so I apply topical acne treatments that kill the pimple but everything around it too. I try to dot with a q-tip but that never works and I flip so much in my sleep that I am lucky I never ended up with acne anything in my eye! The Hydrating creme from Derma-E will even out the skin’s color and any little “peelies” of skin will either go back and stay with the rest of the party, or I can simply rub softly enough that they will come off. I then can look normal and like nothing happened. The moisture is retained all day, so come noon I don’t look how I did when I woke up.  Available at Target for $23.99, before any discounts apply.

 

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Derma-E Hydrating Night Creme- I started a new technique where I apply a light layer of night cream around the healthy edge of my skin, that is between the pimple I want to kill.  I then apply the dot of acne gel onto the pimple itself and this has reduced the side effects of redness to peeling that would be the end result of what would happen to the skin closest to the blemish.  This Night creme created a barrier of protection and kept my healthy skin safe.  I also found this creme to work well enough on my skin that when I needed extra hydration, I would add a few dots to my other moisturizer to pump up the effects.  Great for around the lips after exfoliating because we tend to neglect that area between our skin and lips.  I always treat my lips to achieve smooth results but I noticed as I age, that edge where I apply lip liner……well it could always be smoother!  Available at Target for $25.99, before any discounts apply.

Connect with Derma-E at Target by visiting them at:

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

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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

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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***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

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

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.

Boots: No7 Beautiful Skin Normal/Oily Night Cream #Review #No7BeautifulSkin

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When it comes to beauty creams, sometimes you want just a simple moisturizer and I tend to add one after using serums and lighter textured formulas. My skin is temperamental and can’t make up it’s mind, so some days my T-zone will be oily and other days normal. I tend to always purchase products that will satisfy both because I am not buying a cream just for my T-zone that may or may not be used ever day.

Ingredients (as listed on the website)-

Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Methylparaben, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium PCA, Zinc PCA, Xanthan Gum, Ethylparaben, Alcohol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Tetrasodium EDTA, Magnesium PCA, T-Butyl Alcohol, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Distillate, Dimethicone, Potassium Hydroxide, Dipropylene Glycol, Manganese PCA, Simethicone, Potassium Sorbate.

Retail Price Point- $14,24 for a 1.69 ounce jar via Target

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Verdict:

I am a fan of Boots products and No 7 is part of that family brand. I received a sample of the No 7 Beautiful Skin care line, which offers night creams for all types of skin (i.e. oily, dry, normal, ect.) and is also hypoallergenic. This is a simple cream that is lightweight in texture but provides enough moisture for the (hopefully) 8 hours you will be sleeping. The moisturizer helps rebalance oil production while you rest, so you don’t wake up an oily mess and at the same time nourishes. Oily skin is not fought by depleting it because then your pores will kick in on over drive, and produce more of the stuff you don’t desire (oil!). Skin is funny that way. The Boots No 7 skin night cream I found to be the perfect simple moisturizer that does not have anti-aging properties but addresses my everyday needs like a too shiny chin!

Connect with Boots No7 and find the products that fit your Skin’s needs at:

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Boots No 7 via Influenster. 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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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:

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.

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