Valentia: Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask #Review #ValentiaBeauty

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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.

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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!

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Connect with Valentia at:

 

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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SlimQuick Pure: Extra Strength Mixed Berries Drink Mix Review #SlimQuickPure

 

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Not all caffeine is created equal and that means some sources will cause more tremors, jitters and some even perform better than others. I try to always keep the source of my caffeine as natural as possible and also simple. I just want to boost my metabolism a little and get that much needed energy that gives me enough “umph” to make it through the day.

SlimQuick Pure covers the six reasons a female may be experiencing difficulties when it comes to weight loss:

  1. Increasing your Metabolism
  2. Reduction of Appetite
  3. Energy boost
  4. Reduce Excess Water
  5. Hormones Support
  6. Stress Reduction

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The mix is simple and even contains antioxidants and a SlimQuick’s patent mix named BioPure Green Tea™. The company also has support when it comes to diet plans and even a 25 pound weight loss challenge in as little as 13 weeks. With community support and being able to get advice and seek out information, I feel it’s more than just picking up an OTC product and “winging it”. It’s a drink with a program and with people that are sharing the same experiences and goals, such as weight loss and improving overall health.

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Ingredients:
Rest assured Slimquick Pure Drink Mix contains natural ingredients like Antioxidants, Calcium, Vitamin D and Exclusive BioPure Green Tea™.

Other Ingredients: Maltodextrin, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Citric Acid, Cane Juice Crystals, Malic Acid, Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose, Silicon Dioxide, Red 40, and Blue 1.

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Retail Price Point: $13.48 vi Amazon, $19.99 at Walgreen’s and Target had the product at $14.19.  The product also reflects a 100% Money-Back Guarantee on the packaging.

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Verdict:
Most mixes that are great for you are not always great to the taste buds but this drink was pleasant in flavor. Increasing your water intake not only helps with keeping you full and hydrated, but it’s just a good habit to get into. I felt the berry flavor also made the drinking of water a change from the plain. Now, when it comes to energy, the product does deliver and I felt more motivated to do the things I am suppose to do on an everyday basis, plus not get out of working-out. SlimQuick Pure’s Drink mix is that little helper and you can adjust your intake by your needs. I started off slow and did half a packet to see how I felt. The package states to not exceed more than 4 servings in a day and starts you off with one in the morning and then 1 packet in the afternoon. You increase on day two, in taking 2 packets in AM and 1 in the afternoon. Day 3, you do 2 in the morning and 2 in afternoon and stay at this intake level. I felt for the small amount of weight loss I wanted, I did not need that amount of intake and with the product’s box yielding 26 packets, that can make for one expensive dietary supplement. The one thing that sticks is that it works. It worked for me doing 1 packet in the morning and 1 packet in the evening and I curbed my intake by my activity level. No reason to get an energy boost I was going to do nothing with and that usually in my experience results in jitters. I do like that I can customize SlimQuick Pure’s drink mix and as long as you stay within the guidelines, you may see the results you are looking for like I did. 5 pounds on week 1 and I took less in week two and lost 3 pounds. So, far that means this mix works perfectly for me.

Connect with SlimQuick Pure at:

 

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

 

 

Lovely Fresh: I Love my Dog Shampoo #Review #ILoveMyDogShampoo

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I got a chance to try something that seasonally, anywhere but in Southern California, would have been impossible. See, our little pooch? Let’s be honest. Sometimes, she gets a little funky. And if there’s one thing she hates (besides the outdoors, car travel, cheap kibble, and expensive toys), it’s bath time. Sure, she’ll do it, because she gets to snuggle and play afterwards, and then get a good brushin’, which is tantamount to a full body massage for her. So she “suffers” through the former to thoroughly enjoy the latter!

But in the peak of Fall? Luckily we got (yet another) bout of freakishly hot weather, which means we got to test out I Love My Dog Shampoo by Lovely Fresh. We’ve tried more than a few pooch shampoos (even one or two human ones too!) on our little girl. Some are too perfume-ey, some too drying, some with promises no shampoo could ever hope to deliver.

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I Love My Dog shampoo by Lovely Fresh makes a few boasts, like it being formulated to make your pet’s skin and coat beautiful and healthy, from roots to tips, promoting overall wellness of skin and coat, removing bacteria and adding strength and shine. It also says it’s “vet recommended”, but what vet and where it doesn’t say. It also claims to leave a lasting fresh scent, but truthfully, I can’t say this was the case. While it did banish her “poochy” scent for a little while, it came back the next afternoon. Next up, was the natural ingredient claim, with oatmeal and neem. It also says it’s soap, detergent, and alcohol, but will still work up a rich lather. Again, the product fell short in that last portion, as I found myself having to use more and more product to get any foamy goodness going. As an aside, the instructions say to let the shampoo sit on her coat for 5 minutes. I had no luck getting our dog to hold still for 2 minutes while she’s wet and foamy(ish), let alone 5 minutes. Poor girl even gave me that look like what are you waiting for! Your mileage may vary here. With a satisfaction guarantee, it’s really your call if you want to pay return shipping if your results are not up to snuff.

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Retail Price Point: $14.95 on Amazon

Overall, I’d have to say there are probably better products you could use that cost the same or less. Like people, every dog is different, and what might not be great for our girl might be fantastic for yours. There’s really no way to know but to try. I’d have to mark this one as a “pass” for us. But again, with a satisfaction guarantee, it never hurts to try.

Check-out Lovely Fresh’s, I Love my Dog Shampoo at:

 

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

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

Eslor: The Art of Beauty Skin Care; Comforting Mask

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This hit parade from Eslor just keeps on going, as I’m taking a few moments to tell you about another big winner, their Comforting Mask.

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Like all these fabulous Eslor products, this Comforting Mask has been formulated with their HPT System (Hydrate, Protect, Treat), and is part of the Healthy Aging Collection. Formulated with Marine Collagen and a bounty of the natural ingredients, this mask makes your skin feel truly alive, firm and naturally healthy. No harsh chemicals or an ingredient list that reads like a science experiment. I like that. A lot. Because let’s face it, none of us gals want that toxic gunk on our faces,  and Eslor will certainly help us all age a little more…*ahem* gracefully. Another thing I like is you’ll notice that a great deal of competing products use a water base. Not Eslor. Natural aloe vera gel is their first ingredient. Aloe Vera has been used for centuries for it’s healing and renewal properties. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Now, to the Mask.

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It’s got a pleasant scent, and goes on smooth. No oily feel, no grit. Very no-nonsense. I like that it’s not heavy or crusty like some masks that can crumble and leave a trail wherever you’ve been in house like Hansel and Gretel. You put it on, let it be for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse away with warm water. Easy peasy. It has seaweed extracts, proteins and minerals carefully chosen for their regenerating, softening and strengthening properties.

I can say that my face felt refreshed, renewed, and clean. Like, really clean. Like, “I don’t want to walk out in that California smog” clean. It’s a twice weekly Mask, but I may fudge that a bit and add an extra day. It tones well without making your face skin feel like it’s been stretched over a skull one size larger. And, it gave my skin a health glow. I almost didn’t want to put on makeup.

Almost.

At an MSRP of just $38, this one is an absolute must-buy. I just can’t say enough good things about Eslor’s Comforting Mask.

Ingredient list as listed on the site

Active Ingredients: Seaweed Extracts, Aloe Vera Gel, Kaolin, Glycerin, Zinc Oxide, Sweet Almond Oil, Avocado Oil and Ginseng Extact

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

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

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

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