08 Nov 2018
by linettefm
in Product testing
Tags: #2018GiftGuide, #RitualsUSA, #TRYAZON, ALLANTOIN, ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, beauty, Benzyl Alcohol, BENZYL SALICYLATE, body cream 70ml, body scrub 125g, BODY SCRUB INGREDIENTS: SUCROSE, Butylene Glycol, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, C12-13 ALCOHOLS, C12-13 ALKYL LACTATE, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS (HYBRID SAFFLOWER) SEED OIL, CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT, Ceteareth 20, CETEARETH-12, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Palmitate, Cherry Blossom, Christmas Gift Ideas, CINNAMYL ALCOHOL, CINNAMYL ALCOHOL. BODY CREAM INGREDIENTS: AQUA/WATER, Citral, Citric Acid, CITRONELLOL, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, COUMARIN, eco-friendly keepsake box, Ethylhexyl Stearate, foaming shower gel 200ml, GERANIOL, gifts, GLYCERETH-2 COCOATE, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycine, GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, hand soap 300ml, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, HEXYL CINNAMAL, HEXYL CINNAMAL. SHOWER FOAM INGREDIENTS: AQUA/WATER, Holidays, ISOBUTANE, ISOEUGENOL, Isohexadecane, ISOPENTANE, ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, Isopropyl Palmitate, jet, limonene, Linalool, Lord & Taylor, MACADAMIA INTEGRIFOLIA SEED OIL, Macys, ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) EXTRACT, parfum/fragrance, PEG-120 METHYL GLUCOSE DIOLEATE, PEG-4 RAPESEEDAMIDE, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, PEG-6 CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC GLYCERIDES, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, propylene glycol, PROPYLHEPTYL CAPRYLATE, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, PRUNUS AVIUM (SWEET CHERRY FRUIT) EXTRACT, PRUNUS AVIUM (SWEET CHERRY) FLOWER EXTRACT, PRUNUS CERASUS (BITTER CHERRY) EXTRACT, PRUNUS SERRULATA (CHERRY) FLOWER EXTRACT, Review, Rituals, RITUALS 4-Pc. The Ritual Of Sakura Renewing Ritual Gift Set, Rituals of Sakura, Rituals USA, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Skincare, Sodium Benzoate, SODIUM CHLORIDE, Sodium Citrate, SODIUM HYDROXIDE. HAND WASH INGREDIENTS: AQUA/WATER, SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE, SODIUM METABISULFITE, SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, Sorbic Acid, Sorbitol, spa kits, spa treatments, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, TRIDECANE, Ubiquinone, Ulta, UNDECANE

As much as we enjoy a day at the spa, reality is that sometimes the spa needs to come to us. Having products that help renew your space not only helps in creating a relaxing environment, but takes the home space to another level.
In comes Rituals, which provides an array of products that can be used at home or even when you travel. Stress relievers on the go! It is no longer not having time to book an appointment but stress hits us at any hour. It can be midnight and a soak in a tub can be enough to make you finish the rest of the week strong just because you took some time to give yourself some very much needed TLC. I have yet to know a spa available at midnight and going out in my jammies at such an hour becomes a drag if the idea of getting out the car comes into play. Stay in your pajamas and use that travel time at a place that has no waiting room, your home!
Rituals has many sets to choose from and products are sold a la carte or if you wish for a more economical idea, you can get a gift set that allows you try out four products from the same line. These are not only great for self gifting but make great presents because one thing we all share, is needing a touch of less stress in our lives. I opted for the set called The Rituals of Sakura. You will find on the Rituals site that they even have gift sets available in size small, medium and large, again accommodating for every budget and each set comes with a gorgeous reusable box. Men are also not excluded (hear they get stress too 🙂 ), so you can also find products for that special guy in your life. Make it a dual spa day!

The Rituals of Sakura Renewing Set Includes:
All products assembled in the Netherlands (Amsterdam) and disturbed out of Delaware (USA)
Retail Price: $45 and the site advertises free shipping with orders $40 or more. You can also add an item and receive a free gift when you spend $50 or more. A pop-up window will come up and offers you sign up for emails and again offers a percentage off of orders, making the deals only sweeter. You can also access Ritual products at Macys’s, Jet, Ulta, and Lord & Taylor

Verdict:
The scent in the Sakura collection is light and pleasing. The site advertises the scent of Japanese Cherry Blossoms, which is delicate and Rituals did get the fragrance spot on. The scrub has a soft almond scent that is calming when paired with the floral notes. The shower gel goes further than expected, so a small amount is needed when using. I worry as some gels can be irritating but this gel still had a nice scent that remains but is not overwhelming. I also found it nourishing to my skin versus how some gels tend to strip away moisture and leave your skin feeling tight. Not exactly a relaxing experience, but Rituals got it right where this is a foaming gel that lends itself in being kinder and beneficial to your skin’s surface. I was concerned the body cream would be overpowering as some fragrance enriched products can be. I don’t want to walk by someone and make them feel like I beat them with a cherry blossom tree! Again, a sweet cherry scent that is soft to the nose but does not linger to become annoying. The cream is not heavy and my skin absorbed it, leaving a nice even texture with zero dry spots. I would use this lotion daily and it takes the bore out of my no scent oatmeal one I had been using prior. The hand wash was a nice surprise. I thought it was that extra item in the set that I was not too ecstatic about but after several uses, my hands improved so the not so exciting item became a favorite too. Nice scent and cleanses enough that after cooking, I had no lingering unwanted smells left from making dinner. Again, it is nice when a hand wash with perfumes actually washes versus just give me scented hands.
Final Verdict:
I have purchased products from skincare and bath stores with same scents, but nothing has captured the Cherry Blossom experience as well as Rituals. The ingredients like rice milk aid in softening your skin’s texture, so this a true spa quality product versus just scented goodies that have no benefits. Finally, a gift set where each item can be used with no throwaways included! I liked that not only for myself but when I gift a set, I know it is not just filler made to look nice and pretty. The ingredients are top notch, non-irritating, and scent wise it became a desirable fragrance I looked forward to using. This is definitely a must buy and will easily make it to the #2018GiftGuide this year!
To Connect with Rituals, please visit:
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I received the above product(s) free of charge from Rituals USA and Tryazon. 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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28 Mar 2018
by linettefm
in Beauty, Health and Beauty, Product Samples, Product testing, Review
Tags: #ARHydraFirm, #GotItFree, Acetyl Glucosamine, age spots, Alanine, all visible signs of aging - poor texture, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate/VP Copolymer, Ammonium Hydroxide, anti-aging, Aqua (Water), Arginine, Betaine, Bionic and Peptides help target collagen, Butylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Cetyl Alcohol, Chlorphenesin, CI 19140 (Yellow 5), CI 42090 (Blue 1)., Cyclohexasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, disodium edta, elasticity of skin, Exuviance, Exuviance Sale Alert, Exuviance: Age Reverse HydraFirm, Exuviance: Age Reverse HydraFirm Review, Firmer skin, FREE 5 Pc Essentials Set with any $75 Exuviance purchase, Gift with Purchase, GLUTAMIC ACID, Glycerin, Glycine, helping plump and fill skin so it appears lifted, Hyaluronic Acid, Improve skin aging problems, Isostearic Acid, Item #: F20060X, Item 2256794, loss of firmness and wrinkles, Lysine, Maltobionic Acid, Matrixyl, NeoGlucosamine and Matrixyl®, NeoGlucosamine®, Octyldodecanol, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Parfum (Fragrance), Peptides, Peptides target collagen, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 20, Potent antioxidants, potent antioxidants help prevent damage from daily environmental stressors, Prodew, Proline, propylene glycol, replenishes optimal hydration levels, Review, Saccharide Isomerate, Serine, silica, skin care, skin sagging, Sodium Bisulfite, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium PCA, Sorbitol, steareth-2, Steareth-20, Threonine, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate, Triple Firming Complex of NeoGlucosamine, Ulta, Ulta Coupon Deals and Sales, Ulta Exuviance Freebie, Ulta Exuviance Sale, Ulta Item #2256794, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Xanthan Gum, youthful plumping moisture


I received a complimentary bottle from Exuviance of their Age Reverse HydraFirm cream. I tried the product out for a total of 2.5 weeks, so I could get an idea of performance, note any positive changes and overall how satisfied I was with the claims made.
HydraFirm contains Hyaluronic Acid with a proprietary blend called Prodew Triple Firming Complex, and Matrixyl. Think of the acid as a “plumper”. As always, we are chasing moisture for our skin and especially as we get older. Not just age affects how our skin retains moisture, elasticity, firmness and so forth. Weather changes can make a negative impact, the ever popular “s” word we are told to minimize called stress, to hormones and just plain genetics. When you have all these factors coming at you, this is why so many products will contain Hyaluronic Acid. The acid helps restore and allow moisturizers to perform at their best. You should see hydrated skin that is firmer, fuller (the plump effect) and be visually able to see a smoother and glowing appearance. You will feel softer skin and this helps to minimize fine lines and wrinkles with regular use. Due to how well the acid stabilizes the skin, you can suffer from conditions like acne to rosacea where the acid will actually aid in correcting the effects on the skin from such conditions. Many people get worried about using acids thinking they will stress the skin and cause irritation and redness. This is why Exuviance combines the acid with other properties that allow you to reap the benefits, like Prodew that is registered as a amino acid blend. Matrixl, is registered as a peptide blend, which helps with building collagen and signs of aging (i.e. improving elasticity). Do still be cautious and always use SPF protection to avoid getting sunburned quicker, as acids will make getting burned easier. Plus, protecting with regular sunscreen use should be part of every skin care regimen 🙂

Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Acetyl Glucosamine, Maltobionic Acid, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Steareth-2, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Octyldodecanol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Silica, Isostearic Acid, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate/VP Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Serine, Glycine, Glutamic Acid, Alanine, Lysine, Arginine, Threonine, Proline, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Betaine, Cetyl Alcohol, Steareth-20, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Ammonium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Bisulfite, Parfum (Fragrance), CI 42090 (Blue 1), CI 19140 (Yellow 5).
Retail Price Point: $78.00 for a 1.75 ounce bottle

Verdict:
I love that the bottle has a pump top. I just dislike jars because that means I need to reach for the plastic little paddle to insure my jar always remains as clean as possible. This means having to clean an instrument versus just washing my hands when a pump top is provided. I was about to jump ship on the third day of use and it was only for one reason. The product kept pilling up on my face after it dried. I tried one day with and without make up and both times had the same negative effect but this is why I like to try products for at least 2 weeks. My problem, the pump was pumping out a single serving that was more than I needed. The pilling was a side effect of heavy application. Yup, user error! I started to be kinder about how much I use at each application and 1/2 a quick pump was spot on. After reducing the amount of HydraFirm I applied, I not only saved product but I never experienced any offset of the product on my face. More never equates better and quicker effects, our skin can only “eat” so much product applied because each pore (I like to think of them as mini stomachs) can only absorb so much. The rest is literally wasted if you over use. Thankfully, HydraFirm was smarter than I and was trying to tell me to knock it off by literally trying to come off where too much was applied. I also never had negative effects like clogged pores, so again I am thankful to Exuviance for making products that did not cause an adverse effect even with my user error.
Now, that I am back on track and using what is only needed, let us get into how HydraFirm worked. I used the product in the AM and PM and by week one, I noticed the first positive change and that was visually (and also feeling) a more softer complexion. The acid and combo of effective ingredients were working because my forehead and cheeks are ultra soft and smooth. My pores appear smaller because my skin is hydrated. No blackheads or acne, even though I have months my skin just wants to play teenager and add bumps to my face that are not welcoming at any age. I will say the one thing you will notice immediately is that plump effect. You apply HydraFirm and your skin gets quick results that really does smooth out the skin’s surface, and gives your skin a lift. With continued use, the effects are more lasting than just a burst of hydration you get from initial first-time usage. Those pore “tummys” get use to the good food and the diet of eating well on HydraFirm, starts to show and beyond just the impact upon application. The smoothing out remains and that means my fine lines look finer (more like starter lines) and my wrinkles start not looking so tight and begin to blend out (sort of how my face use to look). Exuviance, again stays with uncomplicated ingredients that show scientific results. No weird gimmicks and the latest hot trend that fades out because the juice was not worth the squeeze. Each HydraFirm pump is providing what your skin needs, has shown to work, and just remember to be soft on the pump when using. This also means the product will last longer and that means a happy user with happy skin!
Connect with Exuviance at:
I received the above product(s) free of charge from Exuviance. 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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22 Oct 2014
by linettefm
in Beauty, Health and Beauty, Product Samples, Review, Uncategorized
Tags: #SanoSerum, (2s)-2-Amino-5-guanidinopentanoic Acid, 100% Money=Back Guarantee, 20% concentration, acne, acne marks, acne scars, aging process, Amazon, Amazon Prime, anti, anti-aging, Antioxidant Moisturizer, Antioxidants, Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbic acid; Dehydroascorbic acid, battle free radicals and decrease inflammation, beauty, beauty and health, beauty products, blemishes, blood vessels, Blueberries, bones, Botanical Hyaluronic Acid, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, Cantaloupe, Carbomer, Carrageenan Gum, cauliflower, Cell Damage, Citrus fruits, collagen, Cranberries, creams, crows feet, Cucumber Distillate, Diets, Dry Skin, dry skin repair, elasticity of skin, ETHYL HEXYL GLYCERIN, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin. Vitamin C Eye Gel: Organic Herbal Infusion, Fine Lines, fine lines & wrinkles - Provide UV protection - Neutralize free radicals, free radical damage, Free Radicals, fruits, Glycine, Grapefruit, Green peppers, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Health, High Potency Vitamin C, Highly concentrated Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, inflammation, inflammation reduction, Juices, Kiwi fruit, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, L-Alanine, L-ascorbic acid, L-Aspartic Acid, L-Histidine, L-Isoleucine, L-Phenylalanine), L-Proline, L-Pyrrolidonecarboxylic Acid, L-Serine, L-threonine, L-Valine, LArginine, leafy greens Sweet, ligaments, lotions, Mango, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), natural antioxidant, Orange, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe), Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Herbal Infusion, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Oil), OrganicLicorice, oxidative stress, Papaya, Phenoxyethanol, pimples, Pineapple, Potassium Sorbate, puffiness, Raspberries, rebuilding, rebuilding collagen, red peppers, Reduces Oxidative Stress, reduction of fine lines, Repair, Repair and maintain cartilage, Sano Naturals, Sano Naturals Vitamin C serum, Sano Vitamin C Eye Gel+, scar tissue, scars, scurvy, serums, Silk Protein Amino Acid Blend (Sodium L-Pyrrolidone Carboxylate, Skin, skin care, Skin care regimen, Skin Issues, skin problems, Skin Repair, Skincare, smoother skin, Sodium Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Lactate, Spinach, Stimulate collagen production - Dramatically reduce the visible signs of aging, Strawberries, sun burns, Sun Damage, Sun Exposure, sunburns, supple skin, supplements, teeth, tendons, tomato juice, tomatoes, Topical Vitamin C, treating scars, turnip greens, Vegetables, vibrant skin, Vitamin C, vitamin C deficiency, Vitamin C Eye Gel Concentrate, Vitamin C in beauty products, vitamin c rich diets, Vitamin C rich foods, Vitamin C Serum+, Vitamin E, Vitamins, Watermelon, white potatoes, Wildcrafted Periwinkle, Winter squash, wound healing, wrinkles, younger looking skin


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 first to test and review is by a brand named Sano Naturals. Â I liked from the get-go that they back-up their beauty products. Â If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase and skin care experience, they will refund your entire purchase price, no questions asked. Â They also include a bonus item with purchase and that is always a positive!
Sano Vitamin C Serum+:
On the bottle it states the product is of high potency and a Daily Skin Revitalizer. The bottle is a beautiful cobalt blue in color and the dark hue aids with preserving the product, which is rated at 20% concentration. I next looked at the ingredient list and you have an Organic Herbal Infusion, Aloe, and then Vitamin C. So far I am happy that water is not the delivery agent and other good quality binding ingredients were used along with the vitamin. The list goes on but everything is recognizable and friendly, not something I am use to in the “beauty world”. You get Hyaluronic Acid, which helps with inflammation (puffiness) and dry skin. It’s an ingredient you see for treating Eczema. Sano also uses kosher Vegetable Glycerin to Organic Jojoba oil. Jojoba has many good properties from being used as a fungicide and preventing mildew growth, to being able to deliver moisture without leaving an oily residue.
Results-
Even though most studies for Vitamin C ranged from a month to 12 weeks, I used the product for a period of 2 weeks. I eat a pretty balanced diet that is rich in greens, vegetables and fruit but I have those days that I wish I could say I ate bad, but it’s mostly that time gets in between meals and I eat late. Inconsistency happens! I noticed when I apply the Sano Vitamin C Serum+, my skin quickly absorbs it. It was so quick that my skin felt soft but with no product residue. I even tested one side of my face by applying just simple H2o and even water does not get absorbed at this rate. It usually would roll off but not this serum. So far I was happy with my first application and in not getting an oily appearance and/or feeling. I continued use and by day 4 saw what appeared as smoothness. Let me add no blemishes, pimples, blackheads or any skin occlusions. This serum is friendly when it comes to any acne suffers and even though people say mine is in the mild range, I myself is the one that deals with it so I rate it moderate at times to those moments that you get the monster bump that never comes up. My pores appear smaller just because my skin looks smoother and plumped up but in a good way! I continued use and noticed less was needed as I continued to use the product. My skin was hydrated enough that where I used 2 to 3 drops in one area, then changed to only needing one drop. The one drop then glided better when applied because my skin did experience positive changes. I don’t feel I have lost “years” when it comes to aging but I definitely look better. I look like I slept well, drank all my 8 glasses of water, and even ate well……even though that is not always the case. I was definitely happy with the results!
Retail Price Point: $18.95

Sano Vitamin C Eye Gel+:
This is a bonus item with purchase. Â You again have a cobalt blue colored jar and I love that the product comes with a safety seal that you peel, so no air or anything that can damage or eat up the Vitamin C benefits while in storage. Easy to store and even pack in an overnight bag.
Results-
I never thought a gel could deliver moisture I was happy with but this one did the trick. Being that it’s a gel, the product goes on cold and instantly starts working on my morning’s puffy eyes. The Aloe in the product is very gentle to the skin in that area and I love how my make-up glides on after. Some eye creams would roll up sometimes due to the residue left behind and I had to then try to collect these little eye cream left-overs while at the same time not messing up my make-up. Not with the Sano’s Vitamin C Eye gel+. The product is rich in Peptides to Hyaluronic Acid. Do not be fooled, this gel does moisturize but the area is left with a supple and replenished look. I had zero eye irritations and found the gel friendly to my allergy suffering eyes. A little goes a long way, I used what I could as lightly dab out of the container, maybe the size of two rice grains per eye. The instant results alone of reducing puffiness is hard to beat and I used it with the Sano Vitamin C Serum +, just to get that extra help in my problem areas. My only small con is the product coming in jar form. I prefer bottles with pumps or that have an applicator like a dropper. I’m just not a fan of dabbing into a jar due to bacteria/germs, but due to the performance of the product, it would not deter me from buying it.

Check-out the products provided by Sano Naturals at:
I received the above product(s) free of charge from Sano Naurals. Â I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. Â 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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