Poppy Austin: Green Tea & Vitamin C Bright Eye Moisturizer #Review

Poppy Austin, is a beauty company, which carries products derived from natural and organic sources. The sources may not be your everyday common lingo, like Barbary Fig seed oil, but that does not mean it’s not something that should be overlooked. The old ways are becoming the new ways, so look at it like you would your skin, new ways to find rejuvenation.

I was sent an eye cream from Poppy Austin to test-drive. The eye cream has green tea, vitamin C and 72% of the ingredients are organic. The base of the solution is mostly an herbal infusion and Aloe Vera, so the product feels light when applied. The skin quickly absorbs the product and the eye moisturizer targets these major issues:

• Puffiness
• Dark Circles
• Increases Elasticity
• Fine Lines and Wrinkles
• Protects against signs of Aging
• and also Moisturizes

 

 

Directions: Being that this is an eye cream, a little goes a long way and I use a dabbing technique to disperse the product and then gently applied it to create an even layer. I waited for the eye cream to fully absorb, which ranged between 1 to 2 minutes time lapse, before applying any make-up. I did not experience issues during application of cosmetics to the area or hours later, when some eye creams can cause a “bubbling up” film that tends to make your foundation look like you forgot to blend. This eye cream gave me none of that, so I continued use for 3 weeks.

 

Retail Price Point: $22.49 via Amazon for a 30 ml fluid ounce bottle, which has a top with a pump dispenser.

 

Ingredients (as listed on the bottle): Herbal Infusion, Jojoba Esters, Glycolic Acid, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Carrageenan Gum, Grapeseed oil, Green Tea, Licorice, Methylsulfonylmethane, Evening Primrose oil, Sodium Ascorbyl.Phosphate (Vitamin C), Wildcrafted Euphrasia Officinails, Tamanu oil, Oregon Grape, Helichrysum essential oil, Jojoba oil, Rosehip seed oil, Palm oil, Hydrogenated Castor oil, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Coenzyme Q10, Phytic Acid, Phospholipids, Tocopheryl, Lecithin, Apple, Lemon, Sugar Cane, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Lemongrass, Vitamin C Palmate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, Sclerotium Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin, and Alcohol.

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Verdict: On the first week of use, I noticed that the skin surrounding my eyes was moisturized and because I suffer from allergies, I continued use to see if I could get rid of some of the puffiness. I do not suffer from dark circles thankfully, so I could not test the cream against that. My skin remained the same but nourished with continued use. On week two, I still use my eye drops to get rid of my red eyes but also the puffiness and swelling I wake up with. I am happy with the way the product disappears after being absorbed. Zero residue and it does not haunt me later in the day by creating an oily film. The manufacture desires two applications per day for maximum results and I continue use into week 3. As I’m in California, the Winter we have has been mild but I did notice that when the nights are cold, my skin looks firm and feels like so, however not as moisturized. I have been needing to add a small droplet of oil (argan) on those evenings. I attribute it to my own needs due to my seasonal allergies that tend to be serious as we get closer to Spring. I will say for firming and protecting the skin around your eyes, this cream does the job as long as you keep in mind that puffiness will only go so much down without the use of eye drops but compared to the over-the-counter eye creams I have tried, this one fought the battle of the “Puffy Eyes” with great valor!

Connect with Poppy Austin and check-out their line of products at:

• On-line
• Product’s link
• Amazon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• YouTube
• #PoppyAustin

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Poppy Austin.  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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Yalmeh Peerless Beauty: Aloe Super Youth Eye Cream with Vitamin E and Vitamin C #Review and #Giveaway

Yalmeh Peerless Beauty, is a company that specializes in beauty products fro Men and Women. Their lines cover everything from Hair Care products, Skin Care to Cosmetic Tools and Brushes. Many of the products are simple being that they have natural and/or plant based ingredients, but remain economical.

I was able to try a product from their eye cream line called, the Aloe Super Youth Eye cream. The product contains 100% Organic Aloe Vera, Vitamin E and Vitamin C. The other ingredients range from natural oils, gels and extracts to natural plant based products, even some organic based. Free of mineral oil, propylene glycol or parabens. The only preservatives within the cream are labeled as natural.

Effects: The eye cream is advertised as protection that helps treat and repair wrinkles. Also, addresses dark circles, reduction in the look of age spots, moisturizes and softens the skin.

Results: I did a 3 week trial and used the eye cream in the daytime and also at night. I figured I just replace my former brand and give Yalmeh’s eye cream it’s place. The texture of the cream was pleasant and did not leave an oily residue. My make-up glided on smoothly and did not separate hours after. I have had issues with eye creams/serums in the past where a few hours later my make-up appears as if I never blended it in and sort of floats on top of whatever base I used. Thankfully, Yalmeh played very nice and I did try different foundation brands to make sure this did not occur.

• The first week, I noticed constant hydration to the eye area and this was more visible after I washed my face. I have “dry zones” that become noticeable after washing, like my lips will look dry and so will the sides (corners) and bottom portion of my eye. Part is do to seasonal allergies and the other part is just my luck! I noticed my eye area remained plump and just healthy in appearance, followed by feeling smooth and soft when touched. I continued use.

 

• Going on to week two, I noticed the same positive results but an even tone when it came to color/pigmentation of the area. My redness and pink skin was now just matching the rest of my face. The cream sort of calms the ill effects I experience from seasonal allergies and does not allow the tearing I may get, to irritate the delicate skin we have around our eyes.

 

• Week three is here and I do feel that the product is labeled correctly when it comes to calling it a moisturizer that protects, because it does just that. I did not notice differences when it came to fine lines and wrinkles because I have very little in those areas, but protecting the skin is something Yalmeh did well an even calmed it when stressed. The Aloe, Alpha Lipoic and Alpha Hydroxy acids did their job well. These ingredients also allowed the oils and vitamins to nourish the area and most importantly, moisturize.

Ingredients as listed on the site:
Proprietary Organic Herbal Infusion, Organic Aloe, Jojoba Esters, Glycolic Acid**, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Carrageenan Gum, Grapeseed Oil, Wildcrafted Green Tea, Organic Licorice, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Evening Primrose Oil, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Wildcrafted Eyebright, Tamanu Oil, Wildcrafted Oregon Grape, Helichrysum Essential Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Rosehip Seed Oil, Squalane (olive oil based), Lactic Acid, Palm Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10), Phytic Acid, Phospholipids, Tocopheryl, Lecithin, Pyrus Malus (Apple), Lemon, Sugar Cane, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate (peptides), Lemongrass, Butylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C Palmitate), Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, Sclerotium Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol. **1% Glycolic Acid

Retail Price Point: $15.95 for the 15 gram jar via their site and the same price point via Amazon (but with the new tube packaging)

Yalmeh’s eye cream is a product that will protect and moisturize in an effective manner.  The product is made in the USA and is also backed by a 90 day money-back guarantee.  Companies that stand by their products are worth trying and the Yalmeh Peerless Beauty brand does just that!

Giveaway Details: You can win and try your own Yalmeh Aloe Super Youth Eye Cream by just commenting below.  That’s all! Just leave a comment and in a week (November 12th), I will notify the winner.  Yalmeh Peerless Beauty will send the winner their very own product 🙂

Check-out Yalmeh Peerless Beauty  and their other lines at:

• On-line
• Amazon
• FaceBook
• Pinterest
• #EyeCream15 #Yalmeh

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

 

Klout: Fair Trade Moms Make a World of Difference #Perk #FairTrade

Here’s another great Klout perk to share and I list the Fair Trade boxes in my top 10 perks to get. The boxes are filled with wonderful goodies and are always a hit in my home. I have become a fan of many of the brands and have continued to purchase them all, just because of my introduction via these great Klout Perk boxes. This one was smaller but did not disappoint!

Included were 6 items from 4 different manufacturers that adhere to the Fair Trade global practices of delivering goods from workers treated fairly. Fair Trade USA is not a charity but a global organization that helps developing communities improve their quality of life, and also make it possible for us to enjoy the goods they produce. This can range from clothing to foods, but always knowing that the symbol on the package goes beyond just a simple promise. It’s a social movement constantly improving and finding ways to do things not only better…..also, the right way.

 

Numi Organic Tea– An indulgent tea and in a Chocolate Spice flavor. You think chocolate and tea does not seem right and you start associating it to maybe being a light latte or some thinned out hot chocolate drink. This is none of that! It’s a clear and light chai tea, which has nice soft notes of dark chocolate with just a hint of spice. It’s smooth and delightful and kills any sweet tooth craving you may have. The box comes with 12 tea bags and is also non-GMO certified. I enjoyed this blend and found that the chocolate taste is very present but balanced well with the tea leaves, plus you can adjust the strength by letting it steep a little longer. This is on my “buy again” list.

• Twitter
• Facebook

 

Alter ECO chocolate truffles– I received my parcel in the start of the hot weather and also that week we got a nice little heat wave. My truffles were hot and liquidy inside and thankfully only one oozed a little outside of it’s wrapper. I quickly put them on a dish and into the fridge they went. I kept hoping the truffle would stiffen up and remain edible. Even though I did not enjoy these chocolates in their prime state, they still held up well regardless of their not so fair arrival. The truffle center that is soft stayed in place, so it seems I was lucky!

I received the Black Truffle and the Velvet Truffle. I can say that both had a very smooth consistency and were velvety soft with the difference pretty much being one was a dark chocolate and the other a milk. The Black truffle was very smooth with no bitter after-notes or a waxy consistency left in your mouth. It melted and dissipated nicely……sort making me wish I had another. The Velvet truffle was pretty great for being milk and had a rich flavor, smooth but not super milky. You taste the chocolate and for being a milder variety, I wished I had 2 more of these after I finished. I can say the truffles peaked my curiosity and Alter Eco Foods has a pretty large assortment of treats that I hope to try in the near future. Their brand goes beyond chocolate and you have Rices to Quinoa and even Sugars to choose from. My opinion is that if a stressed out little melted truffle can taste this good……can you imagine one in it’s prime state? I know, let me just ponder about it a little more 🙂

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Nutiva Virgin Coconut Oil– I was so happy when I saw this bottle and Nutiva did not just include a sample packet, but a full size bottle. There is a reason why you visit the site and the product in the standard size is sold-out. Not all oils are created equal and this non-GMO oil takes the Coconut experience to whole another level. Clean and pure in taste, this comes from using fresh Organic coconuts in production. I baked delicious cookies that were moist in the inside and crisp on the outside and the pineapple chunks just gave them that tropical burst I was looking for. Nutiva makes everything you can get out of a coconut from flours, sugars, oils to you got to check out what an “o’ coconut” is! They also carry Hemp, Chia and Red Palm derived products. I got lost on their site just checking out everything they make!

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• Facebook

 

Fair Trade pin– I know it’s just a pin but I love this little stuff and I can now take pictures of my Fair Trade certified products with a pin by it! That makes the blogger in me happy and yes, I still have it in it’s plastic so it remains beautiful and shiny 🙂

• Twitter
• Facebook

 

Runa Clean Energy– A Guayusa based drink that comes in an array of flavors, I was able to try the Lemon Lemongrass variety. I chilled mine before enjoying it. The product is a natural energy drink without the crash or too speedy feeling. You get a “pep in your step”, with no after-burn, plus it’s refreshing and tastes great. The lemon is nice too…think of a sweet tea that is not super sugary, so your thirst in quenched and you get that extra energy to go about your day. One bottle is only 50 calories and that is something your waist line will appreciate with Summer around the corner. Runa also carries other products made with Guayusa from the bottles to energy drinks and even loose leaf tins.

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• Facebook

 

I recommend checking out the companies above by simply clicking on the titles and please read on how they grow, make, cultivate, to how they get products to your door via the Fair Trade practices. Many have other advantages to being Organic and using non-GMO ingredients. To a healthier Summer 2014 and better choices!

You can also become a Klout member buy visiting Klout and all you need is a Facebook or Twitter accoount.  Simple and takes less than 3 minutes and you can start enjoying Klout Perks too!

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Fair Trade USA and the above named companies.  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.

 

 

Swaggable: Farmer’s Market Lemongrass Lemon Soap by Beaumont Products, Inc

When I received this bar of soap, the first thing I noticed was the aromatic scent it left in my mailbox. The scent is strong but very pleasant and not just because it’s soap, the bar has a very clean and welcoming smell.

You will notice by the ingredients listed below, that this soap is made with ingredients you can pronounce, recognize and friendly to not only a human but the environment 🙂 My take has always been that I will opt for an environment friendly product as long as it performs equal or better than the science created one. I watch my chemicals closely because not everything from a lab will hurt you but unfortunately some may, and especially with long term use. This soap is as friendly as it gets and so far has passed the nose test but how does it leave my skin?

LEMONGRASS BASIL Ingredients (as listed from their site):
Organic sodium palmate, organic sodium cocoate, aqua, organic and natural glycerine, sodium citrate, organic essential oils: ocimum basilicum (basil) oil, citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel oil, cymbopogon schoenanthus (lemongrass) oil, citrus aurantium dulcis (sweet orange) oil, organic butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, organic elaeis guineensis (palm) butter, organic simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, organic vaccinium angustifolium (blueberry) fruit and organic persea gratissima (avocado).

Performance Test:
I first tested the bar out by simply washing my hands in case the oils the scent derives from would be too strong. The bar lathers quickly and with very little product needed. I was able to get a nice foam within a few seconds, which lasted and that meant not needing to go back to the bar to sustain the lather. I washed for 1 minute and then rinsed the soap off. I dislike soaps that leave a film that when you rinse, it feels like nothing came off the hand and you actually feel more dirty than when you washed. Thankfully, this is not one of those soaps! Yes, my hands felt soft but remained breathable. The scent left behind is that of clean and you are not left with a “perfume-y” cloud emitting from your finger tips. The shea butter in the soap left my skin supple and soft!

Final Results:
I used the soap for a week and the bar barely looks used and that means the product will last long. I am an “Ivory girl” because I enjoy a clean feeling and not bars that are supposed to feel like you washed your hands with lotion. This bar left my hands soft, hydrated and actually help combat the dry hands I get in Winter from over washing. No oily residue left behind that you then spread onto everything you touch and I also judge a soap’s build-up by how my sink looks within that week I used the bar. My sink was also residue free and left clean! I saw that Farmer’s Market has other scents and like Blackberry Preserves, Apple Orchard to even Pumpkin Spice and Unscented. I will share that I kept the box and once the soap dries, I put it back in and it makes the bathroom smell really nice, so that was another positive I found welcoming.

Farmer’s Market soap retails for $4.99 a bar and are made in the U.S.A

Connect with Farmer’s Market Soaps:

• On-line Store– http://farmersmarket.beaumontproducts.com/farmers-market-soap/farmers-market-bar-soaps
• Store Locator– http://app.xtremelocator.com/custom/beaumont/
• Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/farmersmarketsoap
• Twitter–https://twitter.com/farmersmrktsoap

I received the above product from Swaggable and Beaumont Products, Inc., free of charge. I am not obligated in providing positive/favorable feedback, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the brand and/or it’s products, which may differ from yours.

Swaggable: Runa Guayusa Teas in Cinnamon-Lemongrass

I have been a yerba mate user for many, many years and grew up drinking this wonderful tea. Yerba mate, is rich in antioxidants and nutritional benefits combined to help improve the immune system. Known to relieve allergies, detoxify your system, aid with digestion and acts as an appetite suppressant that may benefit in weight loss too. There is many other benefits as decreasing the risk of diabetes and hypoglycemia to even nourishing your heart by increasing nutrients and oxygen to the organ, which also aids in reductions of strokes. You name it and this tea helps! llex Guayusa is an improved version for me so I very much follow products that contain this labeling. It’s nothing new and this leaf has been consumed for many years but sometimes the “good stuff” takes time to trickle over here but better late than never!

I saw that Runa teas had the “Guayusa” tea written on the top of the package, so I was very happy to see that along with the teas being Fair Trade certified. Double Plus! You add USDA Organic certification and Kosher and this little packet tea has had one heck of a journey to reach my tea cup but very well worth it.

My first favor to try was the Cinnamon-Lemongrass packet. I prepared the tea as directed and I always love one thing about teas, they lift your mood before you even take the first sip. As the tea steeps, it fills the house with a nice calming aroma! I liked that the cinnamon could be detected but it did not smell like I stepped into one of those pine-cone cinnamon infused bags you smell every holiday season. There is such a thing as using too much of something good in my book. Runa teas, thankfully did not assault my senses or my taste buds. The cinnamon is warm and adds enough spice to waken up the lemongrass notes. It tastes nice and what I liked best was I recouped my energy but was not turned into an energizer bunny. It’s just a wave that hits you and gives you that “oomph” and desire to complete tasks……sort of like this review 🙂

Yerba mate can be over brewed creating bitter notes and pretty much ruining the tea but Guayusa tea leaves are impossible to over brew so they are foolproof. This means your tea cup is guaranteed to be successful every time and I have just become a new fan of Runa teas. A little trick I learned years ago is that the Guayusa leaves tend to yield more flavor, thus when I am brewing a cup of tea with a packet, I have a mason jar filled with hot water. Once my cup reaches the desired strength, I transfer the bag over to my large mason jar and allow it to steep for an hour. After that it goes in the fridge and before bed, I remove and dispose the tea bag. The next day, I can yield two nice cold glasses of tea that are rich in flavor. Enjoy!

I received the above products from Swaggable, free of charge.  I have no obligation is providing a favorable/positive review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the brand/product, which may differ from yours.