Tryazon: The Ritual of Sakura Skincare Set by Rituals Review #Tryazon #RitualsUSA

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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Mediderm Laboratories: MD-12 Advanced Anti-Aging Cream #Review #MD12AntiAging #MEDIDERM

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Mediderm Laboratories is one of those brands I have heard of but never tried. The company carries an extensive line of skin care regimens, treatments, serums….pretty much anything that addresses skin and the problems that may come about from aging, acne, to just wanting to look your best. I was really amazed at the company’s portfolio and Mediderm’s motto comes down to using the latest and most innovative ingredients, so clients can see and feel results. This is why the company kept growing the line as we all experience different issues and even want to address our skin concern’s differently.

The company shared three different products with me from their line and this is the first one I will be reviewing, with the following the next week and so forth. I was interested in the MD-12 Advanced Anti-Aging Cream from the get go because it seems to cover many basis. By this I mean that the cream addresses:

  • Skin aging caused from time to even that, which was accelerated from sun damage and the environment.
  • MD-12 works on lifting your skin by decreasing sagging. Firms and tightens your skin’s texture.
  • The slowing down of collagen production comes with age but MD-12 helps in stimulating and increasing the production.
  • Works as also an anti-aging treatment, so think prevention versus just addressing the current problems you may be experiencing.
  • Works on firm lines to wrinkles by creating a moisture barrier that is nutrient rich.
  • Strengthens the lipid barrier and creates protection that comes from within, along with increasing protein production.

Okay, that is a lot from one jar of cream, so I started to see what was in it. There are some proprietary blends, like “MAXTRIXYL 3000 & DERMAXYL PEPTIDES“. This is common in the beauty industry, so I tend not to frown upon it as long as the product performs as described. You have other good properties, like ALPHA LIPOIC ACID and HYALURONIC ACID, plus CERAMIDES. Vitamin C is also listed and more.  Alright, the rest are recognizable and useful, so far so good.

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Ingredients: Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (and) Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (Matrixyl 3000), Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Dermaxyl), Ceramide 2, Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B5, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Vitamin E, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, Thioctic Acid (Q10), Saccharomyces Copper Fennel – Paraben free.

Retail Price Point: $19.95 via Mediderm Laboratories’ site and also via Amazon.

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Verdict:
I open up the jar and begin treating my face and neck area. The neck and decollete area tends to get overlooked. We focus so much on the lines around our eyes and lips, we forget that stress from the environment to the sun also affects the rest of our body, and especially if you wear any tops that exposes this area. The cream is not sticky or oily. That is always my biggest fear when using a new product. Yes, you can use less of a heavy cream but it will always feel like a thick film no matter how light you apply. Mediderm’s MD-12 Advanced Anti-Aging Cream did not feel like I was covering up my pores and suffocating them. My skin felt protected but it also absorbed most of the product. I then applied make-up. Zero issues when applying as long as I let 10 minutes pass. The cream dries to a semi-matte finish, so you get a moisturized look on the neck and chest, but again not oily. I began treatment with Mediderm’s MD-12 Advanced Anti-Aging Cream and by day 4, I noticed my skin remained soft and I did not miss my night cream that tends to be a little more heavier than this one. I used the product as instructed, twice a day, so once in the morning and again before going to bed. By week two, I found that the product does at the very least cover 3 of the products I was using before. I was using a Hyaluronic acid that came in a light serum consistency. Did not miss it. There was enough of the acid in the MD-12 cream that performed better and gave my face a brighter and more healthy appearance. My fine lines did not get deeper and remained plumped up through out the day. No adverse effects and because Mediderm’s MD-12 Advanced Anti-Aging Cream is performing so well and is not causing any breakouts or clogged pores, I do see myself continuing to use it.  It’s a simple cream to use but filled with benefits and the price is unbeatable.

Connect with Mediderm here:

 

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

Derma E: Anti-Wrinkle Vitamin A Retinyl Palmitate Crème #Review #DermaE

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Derma E is a company, which specializes in a large array of skin care and beauty oriented products. The company focuses in effective ingredients and skips on the packaging, so the consumer pays more towards what is inside the bottle, versus what is outside of it! Derma E, is not limited to just ant-aging regimens and if you checkout their website. they have everything from sun care, hair and scalp, to wipes, mask, serums and anything to satisfy your skin care needs.  The company has a long history in making products with natural ingredients, which have always been Vegan friendly and Cruelty-Free.

I was sent a jar of their Anti-Wrinkle Vitamin A Retinyl Palmitate Crème, which is part of the Anti-Wrinkle Vitamin A Essentials line. Focused on aging skin and helping with cell rejuvenation via Retinyl.

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Ingredients (as listed on the jar):
Purified Water (Aqua), Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetyl Alcohol, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Panthenol (Provitamin B5), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Allantoin, Cedrus Atlantica (Cedarwood) Essential Oil, Phenylethyl Alcohol, Vanillin, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.

Retail Price Point: $14.95 for a 4-ounce jar via Derma E’s website .  You can also save at Walgreen’s by using this coupon!

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Verdict:
I tested out the product for 10 days to get an idea of how well it satisfied my skincare needs. The creme is thicker in texture than most products of like kind, however I noticed that if I use a small dab, not only does it cover the treated area well but it’s more than enough for treatment. I apply Retinyl only to the areas that I feel are my problem areas and because Retinyl palmitate tends to have an oily texture, I know to go light with application. Being a past Retinol user, my skin has also acclimated to any adverse effects and I no longer experience any sensitivity or redness from such ingredient.  I applied to where I suffer from fine lines, so I focused in the under eye area and forehead. The creme is smooth and does aid with softening the skin, which not only hydrates but protects well. With the mixed weather we have been experiencing from Autumn, the warmer days into cold nights tend to stress my skin out. The Dema E creme made sure to always keep that layer of protection present. Retinyl palmitate, is effective in the “turn over” process, meaning skin cells shed quicker and it’s almost speeding up the clock to be able to rejuvenate quicker and produce a newer layer of skin that appears more flawless. The Retinyl palmitate formula from Derma E is filled with antioxidants and a selection of oils to insure the user gets the best chance at recovering a more useful appearance. I did feel the creme was thicker of course than my serums but after 2 days of getting use to the amount I needed to accomplish full coverage, it then got easier estimating how much to get out so it would not affect my make-up. I was satisfied with the product because the claims made are true and this jar is not pricey, plus gives the user real results! The creme from Derma E has 10,000 I.U’s, so it’s on par with the recommended amount for a user to experience results. The only con I have is the product coming in jar form, as I prefer tubes that keep fingers/nails away from the product but I do have a plastic spatula I use just for these type of containers. Other than that, I was happy using and testing a product that works and I know I can easily fit into my budget because it’s affordable.

Connect with Derma E at:

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

Smiley360: Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating Cream, Eye cream, and Night Serum #Review

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I have been a Philosophy brand fan for some time now. I have sensitive skin sometimes when it comes to fragrances but for some reason the scents used in their body products play nice with me. I had seen the New Multi-Rejuvenating line but had never tried it, so when Smiley360 offered, you bet I said yes!

So, you look at the line and see SPF and think this is just another sunscreen laced product with some moisturizers. Hey, I thought the same until the products arrived and again, let’s not judge a jar by it’s cover. The Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker is an entire new way to see sun defense. Philosophy, has been able to capture protection from UVA, UVB, Infrared and visible light. It’s like a ninja in a bottle that protects you from one of the number causes of aging, sun exposure! It’s better than wearing the actual ninja outfit outdoors because that may just draw more attention than we would desire. Philosophy, then went another step further by adding bi-retinol and active plant cells, plus you will notice ingredients like coffee arabica (caffeine) for skin tightening and pongamia pinnata seed extract, another anti-inflammatory agent. You will not only be addressing the issues caused by aging and with continuous use, you will see better results (i.e. improvment), but the tighteners start working the moment you apply them.  Think of the tighteners as a booster for the moment while the rest of your skin starts catching up and looking it’s best. Okay, so Philosophy has again changed the anti-aging game plan and I like this new plan of attack because you bet I am attacking my wrinkles with everything I got and it was time to change the way I battle!

My Philosophy arsenal kit included:

• Ultimate Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating “Day” Cream with Broad Spectrum SPF 30
• Ultimate Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating Eye Cream with Broad Spectrum SPF 15
• Ultimate Miracle Worker Nighttime Multi-Rejuvenating Serum-in-Cream

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Ingredients (as listed on the website): avobenzone (2.7%), octinoxate (6.99%), octocrylene (2%) Inactive ingredients- water, c12-15 alkyl benzoate, carthamus tinctorius (safflower) oleosomes, glycerin, cyclopentasiloxane, butylene glycol, methyl gluceth-20, gluconolactone, polyacrylamide, hydrogenated lecithin, cyclohexasiloxane, cetyl alcohol, bifida ferment lysate, phenoxyethanol, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, c13-14 isoparaffin, polysorbate 80, acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, sodium benzoate, sodium hydroxide, laureth-7, glycine soja (soybean) oil, fragrance, iris pallida root extract, ruby powder, disodium edta, gluconic acid, alcohol, mica, lecithin, adenosine, cellulose gum, retinol, peg-8, polysorbate 20, bht, chitosan, ethylhexylglycerin, glycolic acid, sorbitan oleate, calcium gluconate, tocopherol, behentrimonium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, ascorbyl palmitate, beta-glucan, potassium phosphate, caprylyl glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, camellia sinensis leaf extract, coffea arabica (coffee) seed extract, pongamia pinnata seed extract, isopropyl alcohol, acetic acid, angelica archangelica root extract, benzoic acid, citrus aurantium amara (bitter orange) peel extract, maltodextrin, citric acid, magnesium aluminum silicate, xanthan gum, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, sclerotium gum, bha, sorbic acid, titanium dioxide (ci 77891).

Verdict:

I am not adverse to using creams because I can control the barrier I want to create. This means lighter application for a thinner film and because this Day cream applies smoothly, application was a cinch. My skin absorbed the product and for an SPF 30 rating, the product feels lighter than my SPF 30 sunscreen alone. I used the product for 2 weeks but noticed a moisturizing difference by day 3. First, when I washed my face it remained moisturized and extra smooth. I exfoliate every 3 days and by day 3, when I need to again, my skin’s texture has changed a little. That glide I get when I apply foundations is not as smooth but with the Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating Cream, my skin felt as soft as day 1 after exfoliation. That I really liked. I stopped any retinol use from my daily regimen and depended solely on Philosophy to keep it up. It did! Now, we have been getting 100 degrees weather in Southern California and that means it is really testing out every beauty product out there. With weather this hot, cosmetics stay on or melt……there is no in-between here. I can say because my primer contained SPF and I stopped using it, this Multi-tasker again played “foundation primer” almost like it was meant to be one. No creasing or sliding off and my make-up remained in place, plus my pores were only being suffocated by the weather, not the product. Okay, I get why you call this a Miracle Worker and for once the name fits how the product performs. My fine lines did not get deeper and because my skin remained smoother longer, it tended to give me a nice healthy even look to the surface of my skin, which means I look better and that thing I aiming for…..a little not my age!

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Ingredients (as listed on the website): avobenzone (2.7%), homosalate (2%), octinoxate (5%), octocrylene (2.16%) Inactive ingredients- water, glycerin, dicaprylyl carbonate, isononyl isononanoate, methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, tribehenin peg-20 esters, cetyl alcohol, isostearyl isostearate, trisiloxane, glyceryl stearate, peg-100 stearate, cetyl stearate, stearic acid, bifida ferment lysate, potassium cetyl phosphate, phenoxyethanol, dimethicone crosspolymer, caffeine, chlorphenesin, propylene glycol, carbomer, hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, glycine soja (soybean) oil, sodium hydroxide, squalane, hippophae rhamnoides oil, iris pallida root extract, ruby powder, disodium edta, alcohol, algae extract, mica, lecithin, ascorbyl glucoside, adenosine, cellulose gum, ginkgo biloba leaf extract, retinol, peg-8, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 60, calcium sodium phosphosilicate, bht, acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, chitosan, ethylhexylglycerin, glycolic acid, sorbitan oleate, tocopherol, aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) seed extract, glucose, lactic acid, behentrimonium chloride, glycyrrhiza uralensis (licorice) root extract, sodium benzoate, ascorbyl palmitate, potassium phosphate, potassium sorbate, camellia sinensis leaf extract, coffea arabica (coffee) seed extract, pongamia pinnata seed extract, isopropyl alcohol, acetic acid, angelica archangelica root extract, citrus aurantium amara (bitter orange) peel extract, maltodextrin, citric acid, magnesium aluminum silicate, xanthan gum, ascorbic acid, glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) rhizome/root extract, glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract, caprylyl glycol, sclerotium gum, bha, sorbic acid, titanium dioxide (ci 77891).

I looked at all my eye creams, so that means this beauty hoarder….I mean fan started checking all her eye creams and not one had SPF in it. How odd when the skin there is so delicate and I already add SPF to that area but you would think most would have had some. Nope! Things you notice when a company starts doing what others don’t.

Verdict:

I saw the price point and thought this better work. It started working and I fell in love with this eye cream, that I tried convincing myself it’s not that great. Yes, I tried lying to myself because it worked so well. I then added all the eye creams I have that have disappointed both my checking account and my face, and 3 bottles in…….I had already exceeded the retail price. I have to honest and I dislike the price point but this eye cream delivered in every way anything from a jar will ever be able to. I suffer from severe seasonal allergies and that means as long as mother nature has seasons, I shall sneeze, have watery eyes, puffy eyes, look sad when I am not and so forth. This eye cream changed that! I look healthy and alive. Like I sleep like I should and most importantly, happy. The first thing I noticed in the 2 weeks of trying this product was the firmness. My skin’s texture is now smooth under the eye and firm. Not a sag from allergies and zero puff. I also noticed I would get a little tint of yellow when the skin around my eyes was being kept constantly wet by my eyes watering, but this eye cream created a moisture barrier that kept my skin protected, plus improved it. I was aiming for just simple protection and being able achieve that and looking better. Well, I will have a pout when I check out to purchase the eye cream but I just can’t see skipping on it.

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Ingredients (as listed on the website): aqua/water/eau, sodium citrate, isononyl isononanoate, glycerin, caprylic/capric triglyceride, alcohol denat., steareth-21, polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, polyglyceryl-2 diisostearate, cyclopentasiloxane, cyclohexasiloxane, cetearyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, bifida ferment lysate, glyceryl stearate, peg-100 stearate, steareth-2, citric acid, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, iris pallida root extract, acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, xanthan gum, glycine soja (soybean) oil, alcohol, t-butyl alcohol, lecithin, parfum/fragrance, adenosine, cellulose gum, retinol, peg-8, polysorbate 20, bht, chitosan, ethylhexylglycerin, glycolic acid, sorbitan oleate, tocopherol, behentrimonium chloride, limonene, ascorbyl palmitate, potassium phosphate, camellia sinensis leaf extract, coffea arabica (coffee) seed extract, pongamia pinnata seed extract, sodium benzoate, isopropyl alcohol, acetic acid, angelica archangelica root extract, citrus aurantium amara (bitter orange) peel extract, maltodextrin, magnesium aluminum silicate, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, caprylyl glycol, sclerotium gum, bha, sorbic acid.
The Pearls – aqua/water/eau, glycerin, prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil, propanediol, pentylene glycol, phenoxyethanol, alumina, iris pallida root extract, hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid, silica, xanthan gum, algin, synthetic fluorphlogopite, bht, sodium hydroxide, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium hyaluronate, tocopherol, beta-sitosterol, squalene, titanium dioxide (ci 77891), iron oxide (ci 77491).

First, it felt like I was making a magic potion when I opened this jar. You pour the pink colored pearls that contain the serum and incorporate it with the cream. Wait 5 minutes until it “bakes” (no oven needed), mix again and your beauty potion is complete. The pearls do not remain visible in the cream and dissolve to become one mighty anti-aging concoction.

Verdict:

I am always up for a concoction and this is why I still make my own face masks at home, so this was a welcoming site when I got to play mad scientist for 5 minutes. The jar is large and the serum-in-cream once mixed applies well. My skin felt breathable and I experienced zero problems when it came to clogged pores, blemishes or break-outs. Any small and light scars I have from a recent acne breakout are gone! Yes, that is how quick the turnover process worked for me. I first noticed lightening in week one and I attribute this to the combo work from the kit. The night cream remains on and moisturizes so well, that the next day I would wake up and a thin layer of skin on my marks would peel to reveal a less marked new layer. The darkness went away and I can only see shadows now of the break-out I got last month. My skin on my face is good at healing but it has never pressed on the gas pedal this hard to hurry up the process. I also have a nice glow after I wash my face in the morning to apply make-up. It remains on the days I don’t apply cosmetics, and corrected my T-zone from getting too oily. The pores around my nose are less visible and only depending on Philosophy to control my fine lines, well they came through and again turned back the clock a bit to make them look less visible.

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Final Verdict- Very few kits work in conjunction like this one does. I depended on 3 products solely for 2 weeks and only changed because I am reviewing another brand but will be returning back to Philosophy when I am not testing other manufactures. I don’t say this much because let’s be frank, not everything works as promised. Philosophy exceeded my expectations and I was already positive about the brand! My must buys are the eye and night cream but you have better pick-up an SPF for the day time!

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***Coupon Alert***
Use Promo Code: Welcome15 to receive a philosophy welcome gift (includes 1oz purity made simple facial cleanser, 1oz amazing grace shower gel, and 0.4oz hope in a jar moisturizer) with any $25 purchase

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

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Philosophy and Smiley360.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

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