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.

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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.

 

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

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

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

What does Valentia Even Glow Serum offer:

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• On-line
• Amazon

 

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

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers

Eslor: The Art of Beauty Skin Care, Replenishing Scrub

So the year is refreshed, started anew, full of promise and fresh looks. Speaking of fresh looks, isn’t it time to replenish your face too? Enter Eslor, stage left.

I’ve covered a couple of their products recently, and there’s plenty more coming, but today it all about Eslor’s Replenishing Scrub.

You’ll remember Eslor and their HTP System, using natural plant extracts and vitamins. They eschew the toxic chemicals prevalent to many products designed to improve our skin’s health. The Replenishing Scrub is no different. Simple ingredients like aloe vera, whole wheat flour, almond meal, corn meal, oatmeal, and honey. Wow. It’s almost good enough to eat! (Please, for the love of Pete, don’t eat it) It’s effective, my face felt fresh and renewed, and my skin had a healthy glow. I liked that I didn’t have to worry about this chemical interacting with that chemical. I only wish my makeup was this hassle free.

However, as fantastic as this product is, as much as I love this scrub, I’m hesitant to give it an unfettered “would-buy” rating. Not because I’m not in love with it, but because it’s pricey. Very much so. And again, while it works, works very well in fact, it doesn’t do anything a less expensive scrub could do almost as well. It becomes a game of inches: How much more would you pay for incremental gains?

Ingredient list as listed on the site:

Active Ingredients– Almond Paste, Honey, Apricot Kernel Powder, and Peach Kernel Powder.

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

Price Point: For a 1.7 fluid ounce container, the cost is $28.00 and this why I felt that the product is great but for the price point you can find a lower cost product, which would deliver the same results.

Lastly, let me just say as someone who is very sensitive to fragrances and perfumes, this one has both in spades. While it didn’t irritate me per se, I can see that it might over time. So this one, while great in the results department, has some drawbacks that left me wanting. Let’s see if Eslor has a return to it’s heretofore flawless performance in it’s next product, it’s Comforting Mask.

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

• On-line: http://shop.eslor.com/products/replenishing-scrub
• Contact Page: http://shop.eslor.com/pages/contact-us
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/eslorskin
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eslorskincare
• and on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/eslorskin/
• 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.

 

7th Heaven, Montagne Jeunesse Argile Miracle Masque

7th Heaven Montagne Jeunesse Argile Miracle, part of the Miracle Mud collection. This is the second masque I tried and discovered all muds are not created equally. ***Getting Closer to Giveaway Time, so stay tuned***

The Argile Miracle Masque contains Dead Sea Mud along with Dead Sea Salt. This mud aids in the brightening of the skin by helping remove dead skin’s cells but also giving the new skin surfacing pretty much a healthy shake full of benefits.

Let’s break down the Masque:
By providing the new skin with a huge dose of hydration and minerals, it really gets it’s start on the right foot. The rich minerals found in the mud moisten the surface and allows everything from blood flow to oxygen to reach those very hungry cells. Your pores are unclogged and you will visually notice a reduction in size, giving you a more youthful appearance and your skin will also feel softer to the touch. The mud is also rich in vitamins so you will be left with improved skin to regenerated cells. Dead Sea mud is rich in salt too! Sodium helps detoxify and exfoliate, to just simply sanitize your skin. Salt also helps draw out toxins that may cause issues like acne, clogged pores, to black and white heads. Other riches found in the mud are Magnesium, Potassium and Calcium.

The Argile Miracle Masque gets it’s magic not only from the Dead Sea but from the other ingredients it has. You have Organic Baobab, considered a super fruit and has more Vitamin C than oranges. Organic Marula Oil, considered an anti-aging ingredient that helps rejuvenate, hydrate, and also filled with fatty acids. The oil also provides a layer of protection because it is full of antioxidants. You will also find Organic Aloe Vera, Dulse Seaweed, and Marine Mud.

The Double Punch of Mud and Goodies Difference:

I thought I would not notice a difference from one mud to another but since this one has both Dead Sea Mud and Marine Mud, I was hoping for double the “ooh-la-la”. The masque was applied and left on for 25 minutes and blame the phone call I got at 15 minutes for my 5 minute lapse! After wiping off the phone and hanging up, I washed my face and patted dry. I noticed a reduction in pore size and my skin felt soft, not over dry at all. I had gotten a little on my eyebrow and eye area (unsure how, let’s blame the phone call on that too) but I experienced no issues thankfully, and I do have sensitive skin in my area after an allergic reaction I experienced this summer with an “Urban” eye primer. It was good to know that I was safe but I would recommend still being careful when you apply. I applied my make-up and then went off about my day.

Final Verdict:

I would consider this masque from the 7th Heaven family a keeper because it is not hard on my skin. This masque would be my “maintainer”, meaning it helps maintain my skin but is not a corrector or detoxifier. I don’t always need rescue masks and I use the detox ones on a bi-weekly basis, so the Argile Miracle would be my mini weekly spa retreat!

Visit Montagne Jeunesse, 7th Heaven on:

• Their Facebook
• Their Twitter
• Their Pinterest
• Their Web Store  *Right now they have a sale where you buy one for $1.99 and get a second one for $0.99!!
• Also, Their Website
  

I received this product free of charge from 7th Heaven. 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 or brand, which may differ from yours.

SheSpeaks: Lancome DreamTone Customized Skin Tone Correcting Serum

I received the DreamTone by Lancome from SheSpeaks and with the hefty price tag of $98.00, this was a product that had to wow me with results to make it worthwhile.

What it Does:
DreamTone is a customized skin-tone correcting serum. I like serums because they are usually light in texture and quickly absorbed by my skin. My pigmentation selection was no. 1 for Fair complexions, however the line also comes in no. 2 for Medium skin-tones and no. 3 for Darker complexions. DreamTone is formulated as a dark spot and blemish diminisher, meaning it will lighten the pigmentation associated with these marks. It reduces redness and also targets imperfections and you are left with a overall smooth skin appearance that improves with use. Changes and improvements should be seen and felt at the one week period with a higher satisfaction rate at the 4 week point. Maximum overall changes should be present in 8 weeks.

Ingredients: Water, Cyclohexasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol, Squalane, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Polysilicone-11, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Hydroxyphenoxy Propionic Acid, Grifola Frondosa Fruiting Body Extract, Carbomer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Mannitol, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide / Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Disodium Edta, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-15, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Acrylates Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Ci 19140 / Yellow 5, Ci 75470 / Carmine, Ci 77163 / Bismuth Oxychloride, Ci 77891 / Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Geraniol, Eugenol, Limonene, Citronellol, Benzyl Alcohol, Fragrance.

I was able to test DreamTone a little shy of 4 weeks and was able to get an idea if DreamTone is a buy or pass.

Results:

1. At the 1 week point, I did notice that my skin remained smooth and I very much like how the product distributed throughout my skin. Cosmetics tended to flow better, as in foundations went on smoother and I did not have any negative effects like make-up caking up hours later or any adverse skin issues. The product did not increase any acne breakouts but it also did not decrease them. I did not notice any pigmentation changes in the first 7 days.
2. At the 2 week period, I still benefited from the aforementioned results and did notice a “glow” improvement in my skin. I had a nice healthy shine that was not greasy or oily in nature, more like a brightness. My skin did remain healthy looking but again no improvement in any of the pigmentation issues or skin tone improvements.
3. I reached the 3 week mark and with continual use, I did feel my skin improve by retaining a healthy glow and my skin’s dullness had improved. My imperfections, like the small darker tone marks that I had from my last break-out (3 weeks ago), were lighter. Going by the history of how my skin rejuvenates on it’s own with exfoliation, this is my regular cycle so I did not reward those benefits to Lancome’s DreamTone. I thankfully have fair skin that tends to fight to remain pale no matter how much I wish to tan and thankfully this goes for any marks I may get for popping a blemish I should have left alone. Hard to detour from such behavior when my punishment only last about 3 to 4 weeks on my face!
4. Reaching the 4 week time span, I found that I like to use DreamTone as a base/primer for my make-up. The product really does help achieve the greatest results in a smooth make-up application even though this was not an advertised claim. I did not breakout from the product as DreamTone tends to protect my skin nicely. I even experimented with several new cosmetic lines and did not get the punishment I usually get by getting new blemishes or skin reactions like clogged pores or even redness. I did feel that the serum provides a almost preventative effect. Mattifying  or evening of the skin-tone was achieved but my freckles and the appearance of dark spots did not reflect a noticeable difference, but technically I am still in the middle of what is considered optimum results in 8 weeks.

Would I buy it?
This is where some of us take for granted results already obtained, we make them ours and forget what got us there in the first place. DreamTone did smooth out and even my skin’s tone, plus it made my make-up perform better. In other words, it improved how my cosmetics work and also protected me when I used a new product. That alone has a value but I’m unsure on the $98 price point for what I really used as a base (primer?) and still had to take into consideration the cost of a moisturizer and an anti-aging product. With continual use, DreamTone should give me skin that needs less coverage from make-up and give me the courage to go bare……but I’m not there yet! Have I lightened on my foundation use? Yes, because Lancome’s DreamTone does allow my foundation to glide on meaning I can work more magic while I blend and use less at the same time. I use a corrector on a light basis anyways and I did not feel that fluctuated in use with DreamTone.

In Conclusion:
Yes, I would buy it but unsure at the $98 price point. I have been convinced to spend between $50 and $75 for what I have achieved and if I get more added benefits by week 8, then that would be the deciding factor in if I will pony up the addition $50 to $25 dollars. I will be updating this review if I reach week 8 and have more to jazz about. The product does come in a generous amount of 1.3 fluid ounces and because it is a serum, a small amount is needed. It may be that I’m the consumer that needs a “deluxe sized” bottle for how I have used and seen DreamTone perform. I suggest visiting Sephora, Macy’s or even Ulta and ask for a sample size before making a full purchase. I do hope they make a smaller size because that also means a smaller price point 🙂

For more Information, please visit:

• Lancome http://www.lancome-usa.com/DreamTone/1000402,default,pd.html

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