U.S. Cake Supply: Chefmaster Liqua-Gel 12 Color Set #Review #USCakeSupply

The month of March for us means Birthdays in this home. Everyone who resides here, was born in March. You throw in St. Patrick’s Day and those times Easter falls in March….let’s say it gets busy. I always run out of red food dye because of red velvet cakes. Desperate times means I have made pink velvet cake or even purple velvet cake! I’m picky about what I use from how the food dyes  perform to what they are made of, so I don’t always buy from the local market, which only thinks the one thing food dye is made for, is for coloring eggs.

Gel based dyes are great because they tend to be more stable and don’t require a lot of liquid to achieve the pigmentation you desire.  Extra liquid may result in your frosting breaking down unexpectedly. A little goes a long way when it comes to achieving the hues you desire, so the bottles last. Stability also becomes important when temperatures alone can affect decorating. You want dyes that you truly do not need to worry about and won’t upset or compromise what you are trying to achieve! Not nice when you spent time decorating to then have the cake be soggy because the dyes began to separate the fats (butter, cream cheese, mascarpone cheese ect.) from the water, which then started to affect the cake itself. I have been there where dyes that bleed and the next day everything looks more like a swirly mess versus the pretty landscape of flowers you spent 2 hours working on the night before. Don’t wake up to nightmares!

Retail Price Point: A set of 12 colors is $19.96 via Amazon with free shipping for Prime members.  The bottles are made of plastic, which makes it easy to squeeze and control the flow of the gel (easy to just count the drops you need by gently squeezing).

When U.S. Cake Supply offered me to try the Chefmaster Liqua-Gel 12 Color Set, I was thrilled because I love to bake. These gel dyes can be used in everything from cake batters, cookie dough, sauces to simple icing/frosting decor. Even rices can be changed, so this is not just for sweet based dishes.  Sweet breads to savory breads too! That means you are just limited by your imagination! No worries when it comes to the Liqua-Gels affecting or breaking down anything because stability is what they do best, as they do to adding happy colors to your edible goods. The set comes in 12 beautiful and vibrant colors that you can even mix to make your creations go further, so 12 colors can easily become hundreds of colors by customizing your own blends. Like I said, no limits here! You get:

• Coal Black
• Royal Blue
• Sky Blue
• Buckeye Brown
• Fleshtone
• Leaf Green
• Sunset Orange
• Deep Pink
• Rose Pink
• Super Red
• Violet
• Lemon Yellow

Create edible art safely as these dyes from U.S. Cake Supply are FDA approved (certified Kosher too) and made in the USA. I was able to create 4 red velvet cakes for my Husband’s birthday and the dye never bled out onto the white batter even days late. The last thing you want is red cake with white frosting that turned pink! The Chefmaster 12 color set provides color and no off taste. You just taste what you created!

Grab a set at and connect with U.S. Cake Supply at:

• Amazon
• On-line
• Product Link
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Google+
• Pinterest
• #USCakeSupply

I received the above product(s) free of charge from US Cake Supply. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

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Tria: The new Age-Defying Eye Wrinkle Correcting Laser #Review #Tria

On my blog, I have reviewed numerous (don’t start counting) of beauty products. Many are anti-aging oriented because when we were little girls, we wanted to look older and of course now that wish has made us rethink and start fighting the hands of time. I don’t want to look stretched out and lose what my real face looks like. My goal is to look my best for my age. Not for anyone else or to compare to the standards set in magazines, I just want to look better because it makes ME feel better!

I was fortunate enough to be included into the Tria Sneak Peek program, which featured the new Age-Defying Eye Wrinkle Correcting Laser. It’s a little laser that helps improve your skin’s appearance around the delicate area surrounding your eye. I’m already a Tria fan and own their other laser so I came in with high expectations. I tried the laser as instructed without using any creams, lotions, serums that would blur the true benefits from the laser. I just used a moisturizer to keep my skin healthy.

The Tria Age-Defying Eye Wrinkle Correcting Laser features:
A new laser system that is FDA-approved and requires (sit down for it), just 2 minutes a day. That is the same amount of time it takes to brush your teeth! The laser from Tria is a Fractional laser. These type of lasers allow for the user to treat and diminish fine lines and wrinkles. It is the same as you would see in a Dermatologist setting. The laser aids with resurfacing the layers of your skin, meaning removing the older layers without damaging and producing a new and smoother looking surface. Such lasers are used to remove skin problems like acne marks, age spots, fine lines and wrinkles. You are left with beautiful skin that reflects a better looking you with zero down time. The laser stimulates the skin to heal, by leaving a column when it “zaps”. You are left with chambers that have been treated, with walls (columns) of intact skin to aid in the healing process. This allows the skin to stimulate and creating a more flawless appearance. Fine lines smooth out, skin elasticity improves and cells renew producing a younger look that is still as natural looking as you, so no worries of looking like you had extensive procedures.

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Retail Price Point: $249 for the Age-Defying Eye Wrinkle Correcting Laser or you can purchase the “Black Friday Deal” for $259, which includes Prep Cloths and a Nourishing cream (very much worth it for just $10 more).

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Verdict:
I tried the Tria Age-Defying Eye Wrinkle Correcting Laser and because I am accustomed to zaps of the other Tria laser I own, this one provided zero discomfort. I came in with high expectations because of the results Tria is known to deliver but also because this is a laser that I was familiar with when it came to performance, even though I had only read about it and not ever had a treatment. When I saw just 2 minutes a day, I was unsure then about what to expect. It just seemed so simple and there are serums I have used longer periods (i.e. months) and have been disappointed. I used the laser and noticed improvement at the 2 week mark! Okay, this is better than anything I have ever used out of a bottle, jar, you name it. My Husband noticed my skin around my eyes was “less squint-y” (his words). When Tria said, “Eye Opening Results”, okay I see what you did there. My eyes looked more awake, brighter and even though I don’t have a lot of fine lines in that area, what I had just went poof! Like gone and no tricks of lighting or creams that reflect this to make that look better. This was real, true results that remained after I washed my face. You don’t get that with products that temporarily plump and smooth out your skin! This is looking good make-up and magic potion free. I continued to use the laser down to the day the trial period ended and reported my results. I was thrilled and did not want to let go of “my precious” laser but part of the agreement was letting it go so I could get one from the final model that would be going into production. I have spent……well, let’s not go there in what I call empty and broken promises that come in bottles, jars, good for the environment squeeze packs and so forth . Nothing delivered as quickly and as well, as the Tria Age-Defying Eye Wrinkle Correcting Laser! Being able to look good this quickly and knowing it’s for keeps as long as I keep with the treatments (8 weeks treating with a 4 week break), that is just something I have never been able to achieve. I am 100% satisfied and Tria stands behind the success their products bring. You get a 90-Day Money Back Guarantee if you are not satisfied…….something very few brands of anything beauty ever print on their own packages. You have nothing to lose other than a few wrinkles and fine lines 🙂

Connect with Tria at:

• On-line
• Product Link
• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube
• Google+
• LinkedIN
• Pinterest

 

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

 

 

 

Swiss Ultimate Labs: Swiss Ultimate Sonic-Ionic Infusion Wand #Review #SwissBeauty

I was able to try the mini-me version of Swiss Ultimate Lab’s under-eye massager and now I get to try the larger size.

This Swiss Ultimate Labs Sonic Ionic Infusion wand is more than double the size and that means it lends itself to use in other areas and I found this wand had more power, even though the wand uses the same battery power (one AAA battery). The battery is included with this wand too! The wand is advertised as providing Ultrasonic therapy and Negative-ion; micro-electric pulses. That is delivering up to 170 sonic beats per second where applied. The game is to increase collagen production by driving water (moisture) to the skin’s surface. That is what minimizes and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You will see on the first treatment a temporary improvement that is visible and you can feel a smoother’s skin surface. Over time the idea is that you make this the state of your skin, meaning it gets use to being plump, nourished, and minimizing the fine lines/wrinkles you may have.  You aid this process by providing skincare products to the surface and so forth.

Retail Price Point: $13.87 via Amazon for one wand

Directions: The product comes with directions but they are not written very well. You simply apply any skincare product for that area (i.e. eye serum for the eye area, anti-aging creams, ect.) and then treat each area for 30 seconds. This does not mean you stay stationary in one place but more like 30 seconds under one eye and when that lapses, you then treat the other eye for 30 seconds and so forth.

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Verdict:
I tried the little version like I mentioned and that one came with a cap to put over the contact tip after use, while this one did not and came in a box that is more for featuring, versus storing. That is the only small negative I could find because the rest was positive. The wand delivers pulses at a greater speed and I treated everything from my under-eye area, the middle of my eyebrows to my forehead. The wand was easier to hold and navigate and more speedy pulses were present. I have been using this wand for 2.5 weeks because I could not use it in conjunction with the other one, in order to know what benefits belonged to which wand. The manufacture states you will see benefits in 4-6 weeks and I can state I have already and I’m happy with a device that only needs a battery and is not invasive, like shots would be. I don’t even feel needles, so that is never my concern but what is in the tube and the possible side effects is a risk at this moment I do not want to take. As a skincare maintenance wand, this one fits the bill perfectly in performance and cost.

Connect with Swiss Ultimate Labs and see what new products they have to offer at:

• Online
• Amazon
• #SwissUltimate

 

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Swiss Ultimate Labs.  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.

Swiss Ultimate Labs: Swiss Ultimate Eye Serum with Sonic-Infusion Skincare Wand #Review #SwissUltimate

I have used many beauty treatments and have started to get curious about devices, lasers to even light technology. So much information out there but I am semi-familiar when it comes to wands. Years back (2012), L’Oreal released a similar device, which vibrated and helped distribute a eye serum. The unit had the vibrator on one end and the tube on the other. It was a nice unit that was easy to store and even travel with. I finally ran out of the serum but I kept the device end and would occasionally use it. Since, this unit and skincare combo was similar, I figured I give it a try and see how this unit performed.

• Swiss Ultimate Labs Eye Serum:

Not like any other dispensing unit I have ever used and I wish knowing about this now, that more beauty products pick-up this trend. The eye serum is pre-measured and the dispenser has a turn and click mechanism, that dispenses enough product to use on both eyes. You just push down on one end, and the unit will deliver the same amount of serum every time. You can also only push the part that allows the dispensing to begin at the half-way point, and you get a lesser portion. You are in complete control and no waste! The serum never comes in contact with copious amount of air like products stored in jars and the tip is easy to keep clean and keep sanitized. No worries of bacteria coming in contact, plus the manufacturer thought ahead and included a top to keep the dispensing tip clean and safe.

I used the serum that is more like a cream in texture when it comes out but once you start distributing the product, it disappears. You sort of get a sheen from the moisturizers but no white film left behind. I gave it a good 5 minutes before applying any make-up to make sure the product did not interfere. Moisture was something that you feel quickly and actually see on first use. Within 15 minutes, you will see a surface that is nourished and sort of plumped up by the moisture delivered. I felt my skin and you feel a little bit of tack when you leave the skin make-up free, but nothing that is oily or sticky. I used the eye serum for 3.5 weeks and while I did not see any reversing effects when it came to fine lines, I did see diminishing in appearance due to the high moisture level. I also liked that the product did not pill up when I applied make-up and/or hours later cause a sheen that changed my foundation’s texture. The serum played well with all the other products I use and who doesn’t like that!

Retail Price Point: $27.87 via Amazon for the eye serum and wand combo.  The manufacturer also offers a satisfaction guarantee.

Ingredients (as listed on the website)
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Seaweed Extract, Water, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Hesperidin Methyl, Chalcone, Ilomastat, Steareth-20, Glycerin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3, Carnosine, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Chrysin, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

• Swiss Ultimate Labs Sonic-Infusion Wand:

I underestimated what a wand and the right vibrations can do. My previous wand would vibrate but the wand from Swiss Ultimate Lab is more finely calibrated. You get a fine pulse and vibrations that are fast and in short successions. It’s not hurtful like my other wand was, where on my cheek bones it caused discomfort and sometimes a slight bruise if it skipped off. The Swiss Ultimate Lab wand does none of that. It’s kind to the skin and what I like best, when it comes off (stops contacting with your skin), it stops vibrating. That ceasing of movement when it does not have pressure from the surface is what makes sure boo-boos don’t happen. My other one had a on and off switch and I had to constantly click it on and off at the sides to save my battery, add moisturizer, distribute product, and so forth. I stop and the Sonic-Infusion wand works with me and stops too. The wand is what I felt made the product and any eye product you use work better. Wands of this kind help the production of collagen by pushing water up. I did not believe this claim before until I read this and when I got surgery on my leg, a plastic surgeon stated that the act of rubbing/massaging will make all the difference to my 3 month old scar. I started rubbing and massaging and it definitely started to diminish the appearance of my scar in 2 weeks time. It reduced the redness and perma-bruising that was left from the surgery and in no time I was just left with a semi-visible scar but not an ugly looking one like before. After getting this know how, I wanted a wand again and the one by Sonic-Infusion is perfect for the eye area because it’s compact and delivers just enough pulse to do the job. You will see within 30 seconds how the serum and or cream you use disappears and it’s not because it transferred to the tip on the wand. I checked and it was not there, it had been absorbed with just enough left to leave a protective barrier.

Final Verdict:

I think Swiss Ultimate Labs offers a combo kit that is easy to use and satisfies your skincare needs.  It’s simple and kind in both ingredients used for the eye serum and the wand delivers the right amount of pressure, vibrations and increases absorption, while easing  distribution.  If you have early signs of again like fine lines but not deep wrinkles, you will notice a difference and realize I have used the product for a short period of 3.5 weeks.  The company has a reasonable guarantee period of 90-days and I noticed a moisturizing effect quite rapidly.  I like using the serum and feel it satisfies my needs.  You can always add a retinol product for night use and boost up the turn-over effects but for being an eye cream, I enjoyed not having a toxic combo near my eyes and it was light enough to keep me using it.

 

Connect with Swiss Ultimate Labs and see what new products they have to offer at:

• Online
• Amazon
• #SwissUltimate

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Swiss Ultimate Labs.  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.

Gurin: GO-410 Fingertip Pulse Oximeter #Review #FingerPulseOximeter

 

One can never have too much information about your own health. One can sometimes share too much about it, but the knowledge is invaluable and important to all. So when I get a chance to try out tools that tell me more about my overall health, I’m thrilled. Enter Gurin, and their GO-410 Pulse Oximeter, stage right. Not just an oximeter (which measures the oxygen saturation of your blood), but it also tells you your pulse as well. The color OLED display is easy to read, bright, and large enough to be easily seen. It even adjusts the display to whatever angle you need, depending on how it faces you.  The oximeter is lightweight, conveniently portable, and even comes with 2 AAA batteries (Always a favorite feature I will always, always praise. Nothing’s better than including batteries. Take note, every company that doesn’t!).

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This momentary-use device (it’s not for continuous use) uses infrared light to measure from one finger. It has a soft rubber interior for a very comfortable fit for any size finger. It has a lanyard for easy retrieval, and even a velcro-sealed pouch for safe travels. It has an auto-renew feature for battery life extension, and even remembers the last reading to keep track of your health. It has a high/low alarms well! Perfect for families or households that have someone with respiratory issues or for when someone comes down with a URI. Like I said, the more information you have about your health, the better.

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This seems like a quality device, and for $38.95 or less from Amazon or other retailers, you could do much worse. Plus, it’s backed by Gurin’s 100% satisfaction guarantee, so it’s a no-brainer as far as I’m concerned. A quality good I’m happy to know is as close as my medicine cabinet.

Connect with Gurin Products:

• Online
• On Facebook
• On Twitter
• On Amazon
• #FingerPulseOximeter

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

BakeItFun: Baking Mat in Blue #Review #BakingMat

 

 

I always use the best ingredients we can afford when cooking and baking, and the same goes for the tools we use in the kitchen. Price does not always equate good quality and/or performance, so I give opportunity to everything because I have been disappointed by high prices/good known name and fallen in love with items that did not even cost half as much!

BakeItFun, makes professional grade silicone baking mats that fit your cookie sheet. I already use parchment paper and I do use a baking mat of like kind made by a French company. I have been happy with both materials, as each serves different needs, so I was eager to see how BakeItFun would perform against my expensive silicone mats.

I baked the most common recipe of them all, chocolate chip and chunk cookies. The cookie dough contains both shortening and butter, with sugars coming from dark brown sugar alone. I begin by unwrapping and washing the BakeItFun mat and washed it as instructed. The directions state the product needs a oil finish before the first use. First time I have seen this, as oil usually beads up/off silicone surfaces. I thought this was odd but I do as directed and opted for Vegetable oil due to it’s neutrality in flavor. Once the mat was “primed” with the oil, I proceeded to bake and tested with one cookie alone.

I set the timer for 14 minutes, as this is how long this recipe takes with my other silicone mats and keep a close eye. I first notice a smell from the vegetable oil and I look inside the oven and notice oil beads sort of floating above. I notice at the 10 minute mark that the cookie looks browner than usual, plus the smell in the air is sort of close to “toasted cookies”. I take the cookie out and allow it to cool one minute on the pan and then move it over to the cooling rack. Once the cookie was on the spatula, I notice the bottom is over crisped and brown. We allow it to cool completely and do a taste-test. The cookie is much crisper on the bottom than desired. I decide to deeply wash the mat and even if I feel the oil is off, I am not adding it back on. Instructions state to oil only at first use and if you use the dishwasher (top rack only) to clean the mat.

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I bake fries and the such as the weeks go by and the mat performs perfectly. It saves me on parchment paper, as I have been using the mat to bake savory dishes from potatoes, rewarming pizza, to puff pastry appetizers I made and froze for later enjoyment. I clean the mat by hand and the directions do say dishwasher safe but I feel it will last better if treated kindly 🙂

Retail Price Point: $11.97 via Amazon for a Half Sheet, 16.5″ x 11″

Final Verdict-

BakeItFun silicone mats can withstand temperatures from -40°F up to 450°F, so it is freezer safe too and also says microwave safe. I found the product easy to wash and it did not absorb smells of what you cooked prior, so no blending of odd flavors when reusing it. The price point is low for these type of products and this is BPA free materials and FDA approved. My only con, was having to oil it and knowing the results that would cause. It made no sense as all other mats of same like kind do not require any oil prior use. Oil beads up and the entire point of using these surfaces, is to not have foods sit in oil or leak through. Once I stripped the oil off, which was easy as it just floated in bead form…..I was 100% satisfied with the product. I always follow directions but in my opinion, I would not pre-oil a product like this again! No type of oil is also recommended and with the list of fats from Coconut Oil, Peanut Oil, Olive Oil, Grape Oil……I went with one I felt would add little to no flavor if it was going to remain on. BakeItFun also has a 100% Life-Time Guarantee (no questions asked) and I value that greatly. The product has up to 2000 re-uses and if you bake like me, that adds up quickly with daily oven use and not just using it once a day………so I save on parchment paper and my cookie sheets as well!

Connect with BakeItFun at: 

• On-line
• Amazon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Google+
• YouTube
• Instagram
• #BakingMat

 

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

Grazia: Premium Bakeware Silicone Baking Cups, 24 count #Review #graziabaking

The last silicone cups you will need to buy! When silicone cups and “pans” came on the market, I was excited to see how the material would work with my baking mixes. I went from being optimistic to then using a pan with 6-cupcake molds that I literally used once and tossed away. First, the thing was flimsy and you had to be careful filling it with batter as a collapse was eminent and lastly, it did not perform well leaving me with uneven baked cupcakes that were dry. Easily clean-up made me rethink what was easy in my book was not at all easy in theirs. I had to soak the wanna-be pan and in 1 years time, the pan became sticky to the touch like the silicone was breaking down by just being exposed to air because I never used it again. Hardest 6 cupcakes, which I later tossed, that I ever had to bake! I swore off silicone and just baked in parchment cups.

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In comes Grazia with the heaviest silicone cups I have ever felt. To give you an idea, the container of 24 cups weighs close to 9 ounces (unfilled). Sturdy and the happiest colors that fit with any celebration. The silicone material that Grazia uses is:

• Oven Safe
• Microwave Safe, meaning you can make “one-cup” servings to satisfy any craving
• Can be used in the Freezer, so you can have ready-to-bake batches ready to go
• Dishwasher Safe for easy clean-ups
• The product has a non-stick finish too, so no need for baking sprays with harsh chemicals
• Most importantly, also BPA-Free and Grazia uses a silicone material that is FDA&LFGB approved (food-grade silicone)
• Temperature Safe from -40 degrees (for freezer use) to 440 degrees (for oven use)
• Each cup holds 2.5 ounces of batter, filling, anything you want to create! You can make savory treats too by using Puff Pastry combined with cheeses and meats.  Great way to welcome in 2015 with little mess to clean-up.

Grazia Bakeware is not like any other silicone baking cup I have felt on the market. No collapsing when pouring can occur because the cups are engineered with “real-life” baking in mind, meaning the cups stay put and are easily moved on-to a baking pan and again easily transferred without worrying of spilling or even crushing a cupcake if you happen to touch/move the cup. I can just bake as I always do minus wasting money and parchment paper with the cups I would buy or make before. You just pop-out your creations and start munching or easily make a basket of goodies to give-away.

Easy to fill and use!

24-Cups in 4 beautiful and bright colors!

Sturdy cups that keep their shape and form!

 

Retail Price Point: $11.99 on Amazon and Grazia stands by their products by providing a Life-time Gurantee

 

Grazia also supplies you with 24 cups to use in 4 different colors. You can use as many as you need and not have to clean-up an entire pan even if some cups were not used. You simply soak in warm soapy water after using and I let mine air dry on the rack before storing them away in the same plastic cylinder holder provided.  So easy to clean that I felt I did not even need to use the dishwasher!

Connect with Grazia Baking products at:

• Amazon
• On-line
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• YouTube
• #GraziaBaking

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

Dr. Song: 50% Lactic Acid Gel Peel (Professional) #Review #drsong

I love peels and I admit I’m an exfoliation addict, so you bet I was thrilled when I was able to review Dr. Song’s Lactic Acid peel in 50%.  Before I go into the review, below is a little information on the acid and my non-professional steps when I do my own peels.

What is Latic Acid:

You have heard of products containing “AHA”, well this is the product, alpha hydroxy acids.  Available in several percentages from a mild 20% to higher ones like 50% to 70%.  The acid is derived from milk and considered to be mild when it comes to irritations and used in “peel/mask” form by many, and especially first-time users.

Why use Lactic Acid:

There are many benefits in a peel of this form because it provides a deeper exfoliation.  Great for resurfacing of the skin, cleaning out debris from pores and especially beneficial for mature/aging skin.  The acid helps with acne scars, fading of dark circles, and even hyper-pigmentation.  You get skin that is smoother, younger looking, and firmer in tone.  Great for fading finer lines and improving overall the look of your skin.  You will notice improvements in tone and even a glow.

How-to-Use:

Since we are dealing with an acid, you will need to first do a “spot test”, to get an idea how your skin will react.  Next, comes choosing a time and it may seem small but for first-time users, it’s best to start with 30 seconds and slowly progress next time depending on your skin’s reaction.   If you know you have sensitive skin/spots or areas, decreasing to a lesser time span is suggested.  No longer than 5 minutes as you work up and adjust to how the peel reacts over time, but always spot check first!.  Always avoid the eyes, lips, nostrils and areas of that kind. The longer the lactic acid is in it’s active state, the deeper it will clean and resurface but like with any product, you can cause severe irritation and/or damage (i.e. burns) to your skin.  This is not one of those times you want to get a peel a day before a big event! Lastly, comes the neutralizing phase; removal and making sure the acid is “deactivated”.  Some people use toners, Witch Hazel, just water, mild soap, to even a baking soda rinse.  The rinse is something crucial and you must make sure to get all the acid off and a good 45 seconds to a minute rinsing is suggested.

What to Expect:

Like with any beauty product, time and regular use will yield the best results.  The first peel you may see little results and this is why the time of how long the lactic acid peel stays on increases, as you get to know what your skin can tolerate.  With time and regular use, you should start seeing positive changes but taking it slow is best to avoid any negative reactions.  I would start with a every 2 weeks schedule if you experience positive results, then see how once a week does.

After Care:

Always wear sunscreen (if going out) and protect (moisturizer) your skin as you just had a peel.  Your skin may be red/pink in color, so this is why I never do a peel prior to a big event.  I have used Aloe Vera gel to just a mild lotion to make sure I heal well.  I usually give myself a peel a week prior to any event, to make sure I look my best! Always consult with a doctor/dermatologist first because what works for one person, may not for you.

Dr Song 50% Lactic Acid Gel Peel (Professional)

 

Dr. Song’s Lactic Acid comes in gel form and I find that beneficial, as you don’t want to be chasing the acid around when applying.  I first did a “spot test”  and after 45 seconds, I felt that was my good start point.  I let a day lapse to make sure my spot did not have a negative reaction.  I applied with a cotton ball all over my face, avoiding the sensitive areas like my eyes, lips, and nostrils.  Set the timer and I then used a mild facial wash to deactivate the acid.

Ingredients (as listed on the site):
Lactic acid, purfied water, sodium carboxylmethylcellulose, propylene glycol

Retail Price Point: 24.99 for a 4 ounce bottle on Amazon  (15-20 full facial peels)

Results:

My first peel let me know I can increase the time to one minute and I did just that and started seeing results with my second peel, which were more noticeable.  Dr. Song’s Lactic Acid peel provided the deep exfoliation in a milder way for me.  I could never get these results with my facial brush and sometimes I tend to over focus in one area and cause irritation.  This was a simple peel that does all the work, all treated areas at one time, and you just wash it off.  Like with any acid peel, as long as you read the directions and follow them carefully, you should be happy with the results.  My only con is that the directions are not included with the product and are e-mailed, also available on their website.  You could accidentally delete an e-mail, so I suggest printing them and sticking them in the box with the product.

Dr. Song offers several products to fit your beauty needs:

• Amazon
• On-line

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

 

Petunia Skincare: Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C Moisturizing Serum #Review #PetuniaSkincare

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 third product to try, is by Petunia Skincare. This Vitamin C product has Hyaluronic Acid and a short ingredient list, which is always welcoming. Other features from this like kind products that differs from previous ones reviewed, is that this one comes with a nice pump top versus a dropper. This allows the serum to get zero light when in use and/or air to help the oxidation process along; causing the active ingredient to become inert. So far Petunia Skincare has thought ahead of other manufactures.

Petunia Skincare carries a line of beauty serums to Derma rollers. A small collection, however Petunia Skincare remains focused in providing serums that aid with anti-aging and provide a powerful punch of moisture that our skin needs as we age! That’s a punch I’ll take!

Ingredients (as listed on their website):
Water, Neroli (Citrus Aurantium) Distillate, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Ferulic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid.

I also noticed that the ingredients differ from others I have covered, so I will highlight the new ones I have not addressed before.

• Neroli Water- A blossom originating from the Bitter Orange tree, which is usually used to create an oil. Due to the fragile like nature of the blossom, the oil is produced using a method called water distillation. This floral water is not only pleasant when it comes to scent but is also very refreshing to the skin. Usually used for it’s soothing and hydrating qualities.

• Ferulic Acid- A plant-based antioxidant, which helps neutralizes free radicals, may inhibit UV-induced skin discolorations, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Combining Ferulic Acid with L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), helps amplify the protecting effects these two ingredients have. Think of it as making it more powerful!

Directions:
If using toner, apply before serum. Apply on clean and damp face. Follow with regular skincare regimen and lastly, apply moisturizer to secure optimum moisture in the skin.

I tried Petunia Skincare’s Moisturizing Serum for a period of two weeks:

• Week One- Instant hydration and my one fine line (between my eye brows) continues to diminish and soften in appearance. I get a nice but even “plump look” that appears to last day after day. The effects are long lasting, as long as I continue use and my skin continues to repair by reflecting a more even tone (both in color and texture).

• Week Two- The aforementioned results continue and I find myself looking into BB and CC creams when it comes to future foundation purchases. I am that happy with my skin’s appearance and you can’t beat the glow you get from Vitamin C based serums of this kind.

Retail Price Point: $35.00 for a 1 fluid ounce bottle on-line or on Amazon for just $19.97

There is a large range of Vitamin C based serums and some are identical with just variations in price tags, and then you have those that provide the difference in ingredients that may seem slight quirks, until you use them for a couple of weeks. Petunia Skincare products are 100% Natural and Made in the USA, at a FDA Approved Facility. That is a major plus and they took the extra measure in making sure how the product dispenses via a pump, keeps the serum cleaner and more effective. At just $19.97 and just a few drops a day, Petunia Skincare added the final touch to seal the deal: Try It RISK-FREE With Our 30 Days Money Back Guarantee.

Check-out what Petunia Skincare can do for you by connecting on:

• Online
• Amazon
• FaceBook
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Google+
• #PetuniaSkincare

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