Valentia: Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask #Review #ValentiaBeauty

When it comes to masks, I always have a plethora of what one would call dehydrating masks. Mud masks, clay masks, peeling masks, exfoliating masks, and so forth. I tend to rely on on what I apply after as my hydration and I must admit that does not always cut it. The sensitive areas around my face, like the outer edges of my forehead and around my nose, they sometimes will exhibit the stress from over cleaning my pores. Stressed skin I can recover from in a few days, but I dislike babying it while doing it, so I have been searching for a in-between system to add to me beauty regimen.

In comes Valentia, I am familiar with the line as I tried one of their products in the past. Valentia has expanded their beauty line and added other items like the Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask and the True Glow Eye Cream, which I will be reviewing after. The Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask is what I call a “feeder mask”, it feeds your skin versus just drawing out impurities and many times that includes oils that nourish our skin. The Valentia Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask has the following key ingredients in it’s formula:

• Aloe Vera
• Algae Extract
• Green Tea Leaf Extract
• Sea Buckthorn Oil
• Rosehip Seed Oil
• CoQ10
• Jojoba Oil
• Acai Berry (used as a fragrance, so no odd perfumes to irritate the skin)
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Vitamin B5
• Silk Amino Acid Blend
• Frakincense Oil (active and not used for fragrance)
• Vitamin E
• Gotu Kola
• and other emulsifiers and thickeners that are friendly to your skin

You read the key ingredients and they sound more like an overnight cream versus just a mask and this is where this Valentia product differs from the common OTC masks you find with mass merchandisers. This mask provides within 15 to 30 minutes a power punch of moisture, along with anti-aging properties but because the intense hydration is limited in time, people like myself that are prone to acne blemishes (aka: skin that rebels against moisture even when it needs it) need not to worry. I know, I know, you probably heard that before and then used a moisturizer that made your skin feel and look good but by day three, the bumps and blemishes win out any positive outcome you received from the moisturizing effect. This is different. Remember this is a beauty treatment, so you have to see it as a “power nap” where the exposure is limited in time but just those few minutes make a world of difference and allows your skin to get what it has been missing. I like the idea, so I was eager to see what Valentia’s new Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask could do for me.

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Verdict:
I tried the mask and because I have been using a microdermabrasion system at home once a week, I need a good amount of feed afterwards to give my “new skin” a huge welcome. I started by using the mask once a week after my treatments and figured if it made my new skin have a fit, my older skin was going to have a tantrum like no other. Nothing happened when it came to pimples, red bumps, blemishes, clogged pores, black heads, or let us just call them bumps from hell that sometimes do not even surface all the way to just be more difficult. My new skin acted like everything has always been hunky dory. Okay, so my new skin is literally a new beginning! I up my treatment to two times a week by week 3. I notice that my skin gets what I describe as a tickle when I first apply the mask but nothing like my pores are being pulled from their core like a mud or clay mask can do. I see softer skin and my pores are looking smaller, which I like because as much as I like clean pores, empty ones can look more pronounced because even the good oils have been pulled out.  My skin just seems more relaxed after I use the Ultra Plumping Hydration mask from Valemtia. The Green Tea’s anti-inflammation properties really calm my skin while the hydrating key ingredients feed my skin, producing a smoother and younger appearance. I don’t go to bed with a sticky face that ends up feeding my pillow more than anything and because I can control how long I do the treatment, I can limit or prolong my hydration to fit my needs. Not something you can do with many ant-aging creams out there and I literally put on the mask, watch a show and then wash my face. Painless, and my skin looks better while I do nothing extravagant. By week 4, the biggest difference and improvement has been around my eye and cheek area. Fine lines are diminished and you know how you look fresh and smooth in the morning after washing your face (i.e. less wrinkly)? Well, that effect lasts longer thru-out the day. I look less spent and so will your pocket book because this mask just costs $25 for a 4 ounce jar! It’s a win-win for a girl that wants moisturized skin without suffering the pumps later on!

Connect with Valentia at:

• On-line
• Product link
• Amazon
• #ValentiaBeauty

 

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.

 

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Adovia: Purifying Dead Sea Mud Mask with Aloe Vera and Vitamin C #Review #Adovia

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

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

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

Ingredients (as listed on the box):

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

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

• On-line
• Amazon
• Facebook
• #Adovia

 

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

Montagne Jeunesse 7th Heaven, Argile Nettoyante Masque

7th Heaven, Argile Nettoyante Masque is part of Montagne Jeunesse’s “Clean Up Mud” collection. Considered a volcanic mud exfoliating masque.

Volcanic Clay, is considered to purify and with the finely grounded Lava Pumice added, you will get to the “new you” with this baby! The masque is intended to clean-out the yuck and welcome in the baby smooth skin and it does deliver a unique blend of ingredients that will get you there. ****We have reached Giveaway Time, stay Tuned****

So, is it more than Lava Rocks?

7th Heaven uses a high quality Volcanic Clay that helps with evening skin tone to removing that dull appearance. The clay is rich in nutrients from minerals that aid with removing sebum that causes skin issues to giving your skin a firmer appearance The pumice effect gives you that edge in exfoliating and works as an extra insurance in resurfacing that beautiful glowing skin! Added benefits come from Organic Rosemary and Witch Hazel. Rosemary, is an ingredient you find listed in many at-home tonics and there is many reasons why. From the plant to the oil it produces, the benefits range from increasing blood flow, firming and toning to even having anti-inflammatory properties. Also included is Organic Aloe Vera and Organic Cloves. Cloves? Um, I’m hammed out by now but Cloves goes beyond just holding pineapple rings down on your ham! Cloves, have antiseptic properties and the Eugenol compound found in them help with acne to reducing swelling. Call it a puffiness killer! Just because 7th Heaven treats us so well, the masque also includes Organic White Willow and Organic Tree Oil. I have used Tree Oil for many things but I first started when I heard it was great for spot treatments associated with blemishes. I love being able to cure things naturally whenever possible!

Final Results
I was an Apricot Scrub user for…….well, let’s just say years because I started to count and Junior High came up and then I thought about HOW MANY years are in between. Let’s say Apricot Pits are so yesterday and it’s all about the Lava Pumice! The pumice is better and I reward whoever finely crushes it so Mr. Lava Rock Crusher….thank you! The fine texture did not allow me to over exfoliate and because it is a masque and begins to dry, your play time is ended and that means the chance to cause damage does to. I left the masque on for 20 minutes and after removing, I loved the results. Out of all the masks, my skin liked how the Argile Nettoyante exfoliated best. It beat the face brush I was using and I got 2 uses out of one packet. You just can’t find a more nourishing product on the market for the price point and a packet is easier to store than a bottle!

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.

Montagne Jeunesse, 7th Heaven Argile de Detoxification

This holiday season I have experienced a cold that turned into a flu, plus with the added stress…..well, my skin showed everything I had been going through. I want my skin to look great all year round but with meeting up with friends and family, this is the time of year the camera comes out and I really do not want to remember 2013’s holiday season along with the havoc my skin has gone through. Oh yeah, I remember that pimple on my cheek where I never get it until two days into December! I was ready to turn things around and hopefully 7th Heaven will be my salvation!  ***Giveaway will be launched soon, so stay tuned***

I was sent three masques to try and I quickly reached out for what I felt explained perfectly what I need, the Argile De Detoxification Deep Pore Cleaning Masque. In 15 to 20 minutes, I have a chance to change my skin and it’s appearance and you bet I am taking it!

This Masque is part of the “Detox Mud” collection and I already like how 7th Heaven carries lines that can be paired up with your skin’s needs to the results you desire. Yes, make it easy for me because at this point with all the glitter everywhere, I am wondering if that is clogging my skin (yes, I walk out like a cat lady with cat hairs, but my evidence is glitter-rama). You know you have hit your glitter quota when you look in your mailbox and yes…..there was glitter even in there so now it’s even getting delivered! Your Argile de (aka:glitter) Detoxification starts with Glacial Mud, which is rich in minerals that help get rid of dead skin cells while at the same time softening and purifying your skin. You think of mud and dryness may come to mind but that is not the case with Glacial Mud, the mud hydrates by actually attracting water! You then have Organic White Tea, which I have mentioned before I absolutely love. You have zero adverse effects with a product like White Tea because it’s gentle but rich in antioxidants….the stuff that attacks those free radicals that love to ruin the day, and your skin. Free radicals can be blamed for pretty much everything from damaging your skin, accelerating aging and causing not only problems to your outward appearance but your overall well being. Probably even the holes in the ozone layer. Okay, maybe not that.

Flavonoids, a class of antioxidants, inhibits the growth of cancer cells and prevent the development of new ones so if I could bathe in tea, I would! The good stuff continues with Organic With Hazel, Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Ginseng, to Organic Cucumber. Another ingredient is Quillaja (aka: Soapbark tree), which is usually used in place of Xanthan Gum (emulsifier) but Quillaja has added benefits. Current studies have seen benefits in acne to even dandruff problems. Quillaja is not only was safe for sensitive skin but provided less oil production and allowed your pores to look smaller. I also liked that the study found a reduction in acne lesions……please, oh please annihilate that cheek pimple that is right where my dimple is so I love how when I smile it likes to move up and down!

Let the discovery of the new me begin:

I applied the masque in the shower because I was short on time but I also like how mud/clay masks perform by using this wet and dry method. I felt a cooling effect that opened up my pores and I thank the peppermint oil present in the masque for that wake-up call. I made sure to apply the masque knowing I would be out in 10 minutes. I then made sure to remember to not dry my face and walked out with the masque still on. I like using my time wisely when I pretend I am having a mini spa day, so the last 10 minutes I did things like put more lotion on my feet to those forgotten elbows. After 20 minutes, the masque had changed colors and had dried, so I washed my face and softly patted with a towel. I applied my creams, serums and magic potions and then headed off to bed. The next day, I awoke and my cheek pimple was no longer pudgy and pink. I had a thin scab but no hardness in the center like it had for 2 long days. The thing had finally dried out and was now healing versus playing the game of I may burst today if I feel like it but then there is tomorrow. I looked in the mirror and my skin had a glow but that imbalance issue I was experiencing while sick was now gone. For some reason when I get the flu, my forehead likes to get oily along with my chin. My nose then gets enlarged pores and starts pretending to look like Rudolph, so I was glad to drop the red nose act that I blame my overuse of tissue on. Thankfully, the pain I felt in the corner of my nose was gone and I was so glad because I hate those “blind pimples” that hurt and enlarge the area but never come out to play (get popped). The masque had definitely kicked the no face pimple out. I applied my make-up and went Christmas shopping!

Final Verdict:

I would buy this masque again and again and even use it as a spot treatment for acne and blemishes, even though that is not what the product was made for. I apply make-up more frequently in December and sometimes even go wash my face to change to a evening look, so my skin gets dry to even producing more oil in my “t-zone” area because I have stripped the good oils too. If I felt an area where a blemish may be trying to come through, I would sleep with a dot of something over the area and the next day the pimple would be dry or it would decide to wreak havoc on someone else. No matter what…..it skipped me! I want to be skipped with the yuck stuff wants to attack my skin! Get this mask because not only does it help get your skin back on the healthy track when you were ill, but it also helps keep it there.

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.

Montagne Jeunesse Face Masque

These packs cost just under $2! I know, it’s just too great to believe and they have so many to choose from so you are not stuck with a huge jar when you need another variety. I received the Fruit Smoothie in Crushed Raspberry. This product is a deep pore cleaning masque and smells as delicious as it sounds. It has Mango too! I entered 2013 with a less than bright complexion but after just 15 minutes, I had baby soft skin that glowed like I did not stay up too late on New Year’s Eve. I quickly googled and saw that ULTA has these and I drove out the next day and picked up 6 masques. I love the clays they use and my skin did not breakout the following day because it does not over strip your skin. I will be using the Montagne brand from now on because I’m a true believer that there are many great companies that can make you beautiful without emptying your pocket book! @MontagneJeuness / #FaceMasque

• Montagne Jeunesse website: http://bit.ly/VCSE1z
• Montagne Jeunesse Product Page: http://bit.ly/VNjT9y

The above article is based on my own opinions and none of the brand/companies require I provide a negative and/or positive review. My opinions are honest and based on trying the products at zero cost. My opinions may vary from yours and others.