The 14 Day Skinny Teatox System Review #SkinnyTeaTox

I love tea as it is, so doing this review came easy for me. Two weeks to a skinnier me and also a detox, I’m game!

The 14-Day system is very easy to adhere to. You make a cup in the morning from the loose tea and the Skinny TeaTox team included a strawberry shaped tea infuser to use. It is made of silicone and it’s the first of this type I have used, as all mine are metal base. The infuser was so easy to clean and dry that I became a huge fan of silicone infusers and can’t wait to get my hands on that adorable Manatea (get it!) one!

 

The A.M. tea steeps for about 4 minutes and I found it a little on the weak side in taste, so I let it steep longer. On warmer days, it was about 20 minutes and I would then walk by and toss 2 ice cubes in for a cold refreshment. Easy to make and the A.M. tea has very light notes that I would describe more towards an herbal like flavor versus the stronger notes you get from black and green teas. I started my morning hydrated and the effect I felt was mostly in energy. It was a welcoming effect because it did not just hit me, but it was the type of energy you don’t notice but I did notice I kept going. It gave me that extra edge and no jitters or negative effects like with energy drinks. I mostly had the tea with zero types of sweeteners but I did have a couple cups with a smidge of honey but to give you an idea of how light the tea tasted, I felt even a 1/4 teaspoon of honey made the tea taste like honey water versus tea, so I skipped on doing this.

Retail Price Point: 14-Day system is currently on sale for $32.00 on the site, from $42.00.  The tea infusers are separate and each sells for $11.00.

The evening tea comes in bags and is a much stronger tasting tea. Senna leaf is what I mostly picked up and it is known to be used as a laxative. Now, the tea did zero for me when it came to whatever it was suppose to do. I never feel hungry in the evening, so it maybe helps someone if they have issues with that. I had the tea hot and you drink the P.M. version every other day, not once a day like the A.M. one. Senna leaf is known to be used for constipation, to help move digestion and so forth. I would get a lot of stomach noises and sometimes the activity was loud when it came to noise but never did I feel like I had to rush to the bathroom or an unpleasant…..well, gurgle.  I expected to use the restroom more, but just got a lot of noises and squeals like you would experience with hunger and it got a little annoying.  Anyone around me would ask me if I was hungry or if I was okay.  That is how loud the noises were.

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Verdict:

All in all the system is super easy to follow and remember. One evening my Husband reminded me of my P.M. tea and I had to let him know it’s every other day and why….so he quickly kept tabs in case I would forget. He is always kind enough to offer to make me a hot cup of tea every night, so this why he kept tabs and would know what tea to offer me. The system’s main goal is detoxification that causes weight loss, via good energy and just helping the system to move along at doing what is suppose to do. See it as a cheerleader! I did however not lose a pound. I watch what I eat as it is but I only experienced an interruption in how I regularly use the restroom. When I took the evening version of the Skinny TeaTox, the following day I would not go like I go on my regular schedule (once after breakfast and once after dinner).  I had no need to go in the morning, so I felt uncomfortable and bloated (now, the noises make sense). I would then go two to three times that evening. It disrupted my healthy going pattern and a detox (if needed and remember healthy organs already do this for us) was not what I felt and saw. My skin does not look good. I thought maybe the purge is happening to my skin and it will look bad and then better. Thinking it’s part of the detox phase. Nope! My face recovered when the program ended and it took me about a week after to start seeing the effects and I had to push more water than before I started the program. In conclusion, my normal regimen of teas and water, plus a healthy diet is what keeps me losing weight and feeling better. My body says so by responding as it should and keeping even a healthier bathroom schedule. I think where you are when it comes to dieting, is how well any program, including the Skinny TeaTox will respond with you. If you eat bad then you may have things you wish to purge from your system but in the end, purging yourself of eating badly on a regular basis is what will make the real change. I maybe see Skinny TeaTox as a jump start program.  The program also details a healthy eating system and what foods you should eat and what to avoid.  This is where I praise the system highly because if you are lost or need a re-freshening course, the Skinny TeaTox provides information in a pamphlet they included and also on their site.  I can also see using the A.M. tea combined with any morning tea, as a natural energy booster shot!

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Connect with Skinny TeaTox at:

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• #SkinnyTeaTox

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Skinny TeaTox.  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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Adovia: Purifying Dead Sea Mud Mask with Aloe Vera and Vitamin C #Review #Adovia

I have been using mud masks since High School and even found that they are a great way to use as an acne (overnight) spot treatment. I don’t wake-up with red and blown up blemishes and the mud aids in drying out the pimple or bringing it up to the surface. Nonetheless, the pimple will be dealt with and gone the following day. With time, I started getting better at differentiating what a clay base is and what mud is classified as, because I would get confused. You had muds with regions, locations, to even different claims but they all purified. I have found that Dead Sea mud, the mud tends to still be as effective as other mud based masks, but tends to give less of the side effects like over drying. I have parts of my skin that are considered sensitive and other normal to even oily in the t-zone area. It’s hard to apply a mask while you trying to avoid sections, but not with Dead Sea mud. Each company has its own blend, so trying them out has been interesting in seeing how well they perform.

Adovia Mineral Skin Care, is a company that carries everything from masks, creams to even soap bars derived from more kinder and natural ingredients. Their Purifying Mud Mask fits the line perfectly and I also like that they bottled the product in a squeeze bottle, so no jar to use that always makes me hurry up and try to scoop product out while racing for time (as air is the enemy) but making sure none falls on the jar’s rim or worse, on the counter.

Retail Price Point: $24.99 for a 5.1 fluid ounce bottle via Adovia’s website and $14.95 via Amazon.

Ingredients (as listed on the box):

Verdict:
I found that Adovia knows a lot about the products they make and this was seen by the indications/Directions listed. Most people apply masks, allow them to dry for 20 to 30 minutes, and then rinse. Muds work best when kept in a moist environment, whether this be a shower or sauna, to even a sink filled with hot water that is giving off steam. It keeps the ingredient in their active state and allows more of that “gentle pulling” and purifying of the skin’s surface to take place. This increases circulation and aids in promoting a better looking skin’s surface after treatment. This is why our face looks so smooth and has that beautiful natural glow after a mud mask treatment. I found that if I do the application in the shower, my results last longer. My skin remains in that improved state for about three days, so I got more out of the results by doing the “wet treatment”, and it also makes removal easier and less messy. I tried the Adovia Purifying Mud Mask for a period of one month and I used it once a week and did some spot treatments as needed. I am satisfied with the product’s consistency and it’s wet enough to make application a cinch but not so wet that I am chasing it. I even treated my chest area because bikini wearing season is here! No matter where applied, I got positive results that lasted. Less breakouts or skin issues and who doesn’t like flawless (or as closest as I can get) skin? I like getting maybe 1 pimple and then having clear skin. I also found that Adovia’s mask helped speed up the healing process and drying out period. If I got a “blinder”, those pimples that can’t make-up their mind about coming up all the way or going away, no problem as the mask’s influence made them decide really quickly. I found 75% just gave up the and left, while 25% would come up within 24 hours so I could pop (hey, I’m not walking around with a whitehead) and then they would dry out. Within three days, I had zero effects left behind from redness to swelling being totally gone. The mask also helps any marks or dark spots left behind from scabs.  Your scab will peel off quickly and no dark marks left behind!  The more religious you are about using it and by this I mean keeping on schedule (once or twice a week and staying faithful to the schedule), the less issues I had the following weeks. I skipped a week and by day 12, I could tell my skin was starting to get problematic again. I had no excuse other than time but I shower everyday, so I could have easily taken the bottle in with me. You are worth it, so stick to a schedule and you will be happy you added Adovia’s Purifying Mud Mask to your beauty routine.

Connect with Adovia Mineral Skin Care and their skincare products at:

• On-line
• Amazon
• Facebook
• #Adovia

 

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

Eslor #Beauty Line #Review: Rejuvenating Day Cream, Firming Collagen Day Cream, Active Night Cream, Soothing Cream, Herbal Soothing Gel, Brightening Activator and Firming Eye Cream

I tried to be a good girl. I really did. I tried to go one at a time, review each Eslor product on it’s own. Eslor was so good to me, they sent their entire product line. But much like that forbidden treat that you binge on when no one’s looking, I went and dove into Eslor’s entire line, using it together. There’s so many brands that make so many claims, I have my “Drawer of Broken Promises”©. You know the one. Where all those fancy boutique brands go to their final rest. You won’t toss ’em, because they cost so much, but they just don’t work, so you don’t use them. I’m here to tell you Eslor’s keeps their promises, and won’t break your bank doing it.

So it’s time to dive, face first (pun intended), into the final batch of Eslor’s awesomeness. Starting with the Healthy Aging Collection. You see, Eslor has collections that target specific needs or wants in you skin care routine. There’s something for everyone, starting with the Rejuvenating Day Cream.

A simple day cream that manages to feel rich and luxurious, and formulated to hydrate and firm you skin all at once. Without all the harsh chemicals and parabens, it re-plumps tired skin and leaves your complexion radiant with nothing but the finest natural ingredients. It gives your face a nice matte finish, so I can use this as a makeup base too. Talk about win-win.

Active Ingredients: Aloe Vera Gel, Squaline and Sweet Almond Oil, Vitamin E, Pentapeptides, Horsetail, Arnica and Hops Extracts.

100% Free of Parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES).

 

Next, in the line is the Firming Collagen Day Cream, for the days you feel your face needs that little extra “oomph “.

Recommended for normal or dry skin, this cream keeps your face soft, supple, and will help keeps those pesky wrinkles at bay a little longer. Using only the finest Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen and other natural oils and extracts, this cream is the ultimate age defense cream, and I love it. It made my face look firmer almost immediately.

Active Ingredients: Lactic Acid, Ginseng Extract, Aloe Vera Gel, Avocado Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Sesame Oil, Avocado Butter, Olive Butter and Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen.

100% Free of Parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES).

Rounding out this line is Eslor’s Active Night Cream.

I thought I was set in this department, using one popular brand for years. Eslor just supplanted them. Price and performance met my old cream on the battlefield, and kicked some serious butt. A true biological stimulator, it significantly increased my skin’s elasticity, while leaving my skin nourished, soft, and refreshed. It’s keeping that youthful glow and keeping those fine lines away, too. One of my favorites, by far.

Active Ingredients: Hydrolyzed Soy Milk Protein, Pentapeptides, Ginseng Extract, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Aloe Vera Gel, Sweet Kernel Oil, Squalene, Peach Kernel Oil, Mango Butter, Almond Butter, Glycerin and Carrot Oil.

100% Free of Parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES).

Now we move on to the Sensitive Skin Collection. Specifically formulated for the minimizing of inflammation and with a emphasis on restoration, I’ve covered two of the products already here and here, but let’s get right to the final one, shall we? May I present Eslor’s Soothing Cream.

Here’s an example where a simple name is not just a simple product. This cream features superoxide dismutase, the bane of free radicals everywhere. With a host of natural oils and extracts scientifically matched to restore your skins natural balance and vitality. It goes to work almost instantly, and I can say as a fair-skinned, fairly sensitive faced girl, I appreciate that it’s effective, yet gentle.

Active Ingredients: Live Yeast Extract, Ginkgo Biloba, Aloe Vera Gel, Avocado Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Hazelnut Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Vitamin E, Vitamin Complex and Pentapeptides.

100% Free of Parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES).

Onward we go now to Eslor’s Targeted Collection. Specific products to meet specific needs. And there’s none better to start with than Eslor’s Herbal Soothing Gel.

Ever have those days where you spent a little too long is the sun? Where the wind made your cheeks feel flushed and prickly all day? ME too. More than I’d care to admit. Thankfully, I have Eslor’s Herbal Soothing Gel on hand to help repair my “oopsies”. Oil-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free… The only thing it’s not free of is results. This would have to be the BEST after-sun treatment ever! And we’re not talking just treating the symptoms, we’re talking repairing the damage. No more dry, chapped skin just looking for a reason to wrinkle and age. Loaded with natural extracts, this targeted gel is something no gal should be without.

Active Ingredients: Aloe Vera Gel, St. John’s Blossoms Extract, Arnica Blossoms Extract, Calendula Blossoms Extract and Chlorophyll.

How can you prevent some of this, you ask? Let me answer with Eslor’s Brightening Activator.

Loaded with anti-oxidents, this is a patented blend designed to optimize protection from harsh elements, and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and age spots. While a goodnight sunscreen is recommended for prolonged sun exposure, no sunscreen will do for your skin what this serum can. I do wish it came with some form of UVA/UVB protection, because let’s face it: this planet is only getting sunnier lately. At this price point, I feel it really should, but I understand how hard it can be to add those things and stay true to the “natural” part of their passion.

Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and pure Essential oils of Lemon, Orange and Mandarin.

100% Free of Parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES).

Let’s be honest, we don’t take care of our eyes like we should. Especially the skin around them. Nothing can make a girl look older than tired, ringed eyes. Thankfully, Eslor’s Firming Eye Cream rides to our rescue. Nourishing your skin, reinforcing your skins natural strength and barriers, your see less puff, less circles, and brighter, healthier skin under your eyes in no time at all. I’ve had no small amount of hell with the skin around my eyes (I’m looking at you, Urban Decay), but thankfully I’ve had Eslor and their Firming Eye Cream to help reverse the damage. It’s gentle on my skin while producing measurable results. I’m thankful for this cream, truly.

So there you have it. That’s the entire line of Eslor’s passion for better skin. This company has turned this into a labor of love, and when they say “The Art of Beauty”, they have certainly made good on it. Their HTP system (Hydrate, Protect, Treat) is a complete system that puts the health of your skin at the forefront while avoiding the science experiments we’ve all tried putting on our faces. Made in the USA, forgoing toxic chemicals, parabens and sulphates, they have created synergy between natural products and good skin health. I am truly fortunate to have been able to try this line, and I hope by sharing it with you, you feel empowered to go out and try it for yourself. You owe it to yourself.

With collections, samples and trial kits to fit any budget, you should add Eslor to your e-shopping basket.

To learn more about Eslor and their great beauty lines, please visit them at:

• Online
• Their Contact Page
  
• Their Twitter
  
• Their Facebook
  
• and on Pinterest
  
• Make sure to check out the new Trial kits that make trying products a cinch. Use code KIT15 to receive your discount

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

Arbonne Essentials Energy Fizz sticks Review

Everyone needs a little pick-me-up from time to time, I know. And the markets are positively flooded with energy drinks from every company, in every possible variation of color, potency, size and composition. It can get confusing especially with some of the, shall we say…dubious claims made on the cans, bottles or packets.

So it’s nice to see Arbonne throw their hats into this crowded ring with their Arbonne Essentials Energy fizz sticks. The pamphlet included states that these little packets are loaded with antioxidants, B-vitamins, and chromium. They also claim to “promote alertness, enhance cognitive function, promote endurance, and enhance motor skills”. Wow. That’s a lot to pack into a little “stick”. Key ingredients include green tea, ginseng, and guarana. My first try-out was the pomegranate flavor. Here goes!

First things first: I have no idea how much water to include because the packet says to refer to the box, and the pamphlet I got says nothing about it either. So I guestimate about 8 ounces. It does indeed fizz, so much so that it speckles the mixer bottle I’m stirring it into. I’m keeping an open mind because after the protein shake crashed and burned, I approached this with some trepidation. But it smells pleasantly fruity, and my first sip confirms it. This is yummy. Reminiscent of Red Bull, but much, much lighter. There are light pomegranate notes here too, but not a smack in the face some Pom drinks have. The fizz dies out pretty quickly, but the flavor stays nice. My only quibbles would be that it does thicken up the saliva at the back of your throat, and the. lack of an ingredient list. Those issues might be exclusive to my situation, though, so don’t hold that against them. I also noticed nothing the way of a boost, pick-me-up. or extra energy. But again, this could be me just being used to green tea drinks and caffeine in my coffee.

Like all Arbonne products, this one is vegan, free of artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners. This particular product comes in both citrus and pomegranate flavors. I label this product a “buy”, and it’s something I would look forward to and enjoy from time to time.

• Arbonne Fizz Sticks: http://www.arbonne.com/shop_online/showCatalog.asp?category=198

I received this product free of charge from an Arbonne representative.  I am not obligated to provide a favorable/positive review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product/brand, which may differ from yours.  

Arbonne Essentials Protein Shake in Chocolate and Vanilla Review

I recently had a chance to try a few different products from the Arbonne Essentials. I thought I’d share my experiences with you.

The first product I tried was the Arbonne Protein Shake Mix. I will say that, thanks to Hubby, I have been able to try a wealth of different protein powder shakes from almost every major brand out there. So he was my “taste buddy” on this little trial run as well.

A few things about Arbonne Essentials before we go any further. They strive to “keep it simple”, keep it healthy, and to make “good for you” products that are free from artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, cholesterol, trans fats, and 100% animal product free. These are vegan products, and they take that seriously. They have a very comprehensive line of products to address a multitude of needs.

So, back to the shake. I got to try chocolate (Our favorite flavor for EVERYTHING!) and vanilla. We tried to read on the package what the ingredients were, what the nutritional breakdown was, stuff like that. Nothing to really be found. Okay. Let’s look at the pamphlet that came with it. That tells me that it’s “pea protein” blend, 20 grams of it. It’s gluten free. It has coenzyme Q10, alfalfa, ginseng, and flax seed. Unless that doubles as an ingredient list, I have no idea what else is in there. That’s a little…frustrating. I tear into it and I’m immediately hit with a smell that I most closely identify with….latex paint?!? That can’t be right. We dip our respective fingers in and give the dry power a little taste. “Not chocolate” says Hubby. There’s a very strong vegetable flavor that immediately overpowers any hint of chocolate that might be there. Okay, well, it’s dry. You’re not supposed to taste it dry, so let’s add the requisite water and let the flavors bloom. I notice right away there’s A LOT of powder. Hubby’s go-to protein powder has been Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Whey powder, and for comparison purposes, it’s a much smaller scoop. He has a few different shaker bottles, so we select his best big one and give it the old “30-second shake up”. There’s chunks of goo everywhere. So Hubby shakes some more, and with great vigor this time. No luck. It’s a chunky mess. Well, sometimes it helps to sit in the fridge a bit and let the particles super-saturate and help the process. So sit it shall.

After an hour, we take it out, noticing that it’s started to separate a bit, but after a couple of shakes it’s still kinda gloopy. Hubby gamely offers that he’s “had worse” and goes in for a taste. He immediately tells me it’s got a very chalk-like consistency and it’s kinda gritty. There’s a very strong veggie taste, even pepper-ish, and the aftertaste that remained as “horrible”. The smell is still off, but I will myself to give it a go and I regret it almost immediately. He’s right, something is off. I really can’t taste any chocolate, but it’s closer to a malted V8. Hubby gamely goes back for more, and after 3 sips, he says he can’t finish it. Just so you know, I’ve seen this man chug things that would choke a billy goat, all in the name of fitness. For him to tell me he can’t finish is shocking to me. I open up the vanilla and smell the same “latex paint” smell from before and I’m not even going to torture ourselves and go through this again. I’m ashamed to admit I didn’t even mix it.

I have to wonder if there was something off about the samples I received. For company to be so high on their products that they send out samples like this tells me there must be something there, and hopefully this was just an anomaly.

I also got a chance to try their Energy Fizz Sticks, but that is for another post! =D

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