Exuviance: Age Reverse HydraFirm #Review #Exuviance #HydraFirm #ARHydraFirm

 

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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Exuviance: Depuffing Eye Serum #Review #Exuviance #NeoStrata

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I have featured Exuviance/NeoStrata products in the past on my blog and have become a huge fan of their lines. The company really addresses all your skin’s needs with products that not only target, but most even reverse and/or prevent from skin issues worsening. My biggest issue most of the year is puffy eyes. No matter how many hours of snoozing I get, I am a puffer fish every morning. As long as the world has nature, which produces pollen and the such, my eyes will swell. I take decongestants and allergy pills but none address the poof I get around my eyes. I have been target treating this area since my teens! My biggest worry was getting dark circles due to the constant pressure and swelling. So far taking care of the problem via eye drops has worked by reducing the problem by 50%, but I’m still puffy! Eye drops also make the sensitive skin around my eyes irritated. I will experience redness to peeling if my watery eyes cry out a few tears after application. Playing catch-up is not so simple, so when Exuviance stated they have a Depuffing Eye Serum, this Puffer Fishy raised her hand!

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Exuviance’s Depuffing Eye Serum, works in several ways. First, being in serum form, the product itself is easily and rapidly absorbed. No adding heavy creams that tend to make already that stressed out skin feel heavy and like it can’t breathe. Their proprietary “Eyeliss™ and Actiflow® ” promotes circulation to the area. This action aids with swelling dissipating the fluid that builds and causes the puff effect. This is why I am more puffy in the early morning when I wake up. Everything was allowed to pool up giving me that look that I have been crying when I have not been! As I mentioned and you have heard countless times, our eye skin differs in texture and fragility compared to the rest of our skin on our face. This is why even when applying products you have to be extra nice and why Exuviance created “NeoGlucosamine® “. Think of this as the body builder for your eyes. It will help firm the skin and regain it’s tone, plus this is like I said a new way to treat your eyes. You can apply the Depuffing Eye Serum to the bottom and top of your eyelids. So droopy eyelids also get a work-out! The roller itself creates a soft massage while you apply and being softer is better than being told to use your ring finger when applying. Can’t count the times my ring finger has not played nice and applied product to my eye versus outside of my eye. Exuviance, also added caffeine to the product for instant results. While the other ingredients help your skin regain it’s losses, the caffeine gives you instant lift. You will see in seconds shrinking and tightness, and your eyes look more…..well like they should.

 

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Retail Price Point: $72.00 via Exuviance and Ulta. Ulta currently offers a gift with purchase. You get a FREE full size Targeted Wrinkle Repair with any $75 Exuviance purchase (offer valid 7/3/16-7/23/16 or while supplies last). Amazon has a price point of $49.04 but zero free item and because the free gift is at full size, it is hard to overlook a product for free that usually costs $65!  Free shipping via Ulta with a $50 purchase too 🙂

 

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Ingredients (as listed on the website):
Aqua (Water), Isododecane, Dimethicone, Acetyl Glucosamine, Glycerin, Polysilicone-11, Polysorbate 80, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Caffeine, PEG-14M, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Citric Acid, Steareth-20, Propylene Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, CI 42090 (Blue 1), CI 15985 (Yellow 6).

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Verdict:

The price. I know. One thing I have learned though that price in the beauty world says zilch about a product. You can pay a lot and get zero results, or it will be the best thing ever. I have also been using a fair priced eyebrow pencil and it works better than the $40+ kit for brows I purchased last year. So, when evaluating this serum, I measure by how it works/if it works, and it has to outperform products of like kind. I love the applicator from the get go. No risk of contamination by messing with fingers in a jar, easily slides and allows me to be kind to the skin around my eyes. Game changer, you can address both upper eyelid and under eye areas. Yes, this is an all purpose eye product that addresses finally the entire eye! So tired of under eye limitations with everything called E-Y-E creams! It’s a serum and my skin loved it. Absorbed it just like the ground in California absorbs water when it rains! I love this because this means no messing with my foundation or even BB Creams. I tend to go light with coverage in the Summer anyways, so this plays well with the let’s go light what I put on my face habit. Now, the results. I wanted to not like you. Okay, the price stings but when I applied Exuviance’s Depuffing Eye Serum to my right eye and lost my Puffer Fish status……..well, it’s a cute name from a Husband that is trying to be sweet about my puffy eyes but it looks like I am sad when I am not. This serum brought the happy me out. I know, I wanted to really say whatever. It works like any caffeinated/Green Tea thingy you can get off the shelf at the drug store, but it did not. I was left with zero residue to deal with like with some gel formulas that peel and my eyes just looked open and like they should. This made me feel better because looking better has a positive effect (at least for me it does). It also lasted.  That is the real kicker because 8 hours later and I look in the mirror, still me with normal eyes! I am not trying for model status but I sure as heck want my eyes to look like my own and not like I have been partying all night (looking like you had fun and did not……so wrong). The price is a hit but softened by Ulta when I hunted because I knew I would be re-buying this serum. Giving me a $65 product that I like and would use…..you got me! I tried running but you worked, so I can either moan and groan (and then give myself more wrinkles) or walk out with smooth eyes and you may call me now the former Ms. Puffer Fish lady 🙂

 

Connect with Exuviance at:

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from NeoStrata/Exuviance. 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.

Solvaderm: Stemuderm Professional Strength Anti-Wrinkle Dermatological Treatment #Review #Solvaderm

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Solvaderm is a company that provides a large array of beauty related products and treatments. If your skin is ailing from age, sun damage, just plain gravity, Solvaderm most likely has the solution to your skin’s needs.

I was sent a skincare product from their line of anti-aging regimens called Stemuderm. The solution is geared to aid with skin issues that may arise at any age from prevention to correction needs. The bottle stated this was a concentrated formula and “professional strength”, something I always like to get on anything to help with this thing called aging that I am not very fond of :). Aging, is great when it comes to gathering knowledge but not so great when it comes to gathering creases of the wrinkling kind! Stemuderm contains peptides that help with preventing and also slowing down the process of creases and furrows from deepening. So, if you have a wrinkle, this formula is like a laundry softener and will relax the skin. In then comes collagen production that helps increase elasticity and aids with toning. Stemuderm is like a skin work-out minus the sweating (or do we call it glowing?). The product contains several moisturizing agents, which soften the skin’s surface, nourishes it and also gives you some plumping action because I am all for trying to fight what gravity brings to the party.

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The Benefits of Stemuderm-

  • Helps us girls that tend to frown and “make faces” even when we are not knowing it by helping relax the skin and muscles.
  • Stimulates collagen production, elasticity and the Hyaluronic Acid radically improve skin’s firmness, smoothness, and fullness.
  • Reduces the depth of fine lines around the eyes, forehead wrinkles, laugh lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet.
  • You also get help when it comes to healing of the skin and this is great for spots or uneven skin, like from acne marks.
  • Moisturizers reverse age-related losses in hydration and noticeably improve texture and softness.

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Ingredients (as listed on the website): Purified Water (Aqua), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid, Laureth-7, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Polyacrylamide, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-3, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-1, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide -7, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.

Retail Price Point: $79.99 for a 1.7 ounce bottle

Verdict:

Okay, the price point scared me at first but then I realized how many bottles I was dropping when it came to replacing while I tested this product out.  I literally was able to drop all of them except my sunscreen.  That made the regimen simplified and easier, both in application and my pocket book.  The scare from the price point started to evaporate but will my wrinkle and fine lines do the same?  It’s hard just dropping everything I use because I have attachment issues, like I’m attached to not having many fine lines and I’m starting to accept the one wrinkle in between my eyebrows.  I don’t like the dude but I’m starting to accept he wants to stay and be part of my face, even though behind his back I’m trying to annihilate his presence (still talking about the wrinkle 🙂 ) .  I cut out all my other products cold turkey and in week one I noticed nothing.  No diminishing or improvement.  In came week two and I noticed my skin has a glow and it’s not from the 90 degree weather and even though in California we are experiencing a drought, my face knows nothing of it.  The moisturizing agents, I am liking because they do work on a deep level but do not feel heavy on the surface.  My skin quickly absorbs the product and no hitting heads when it comes to cosmetic application afterwards.  Stemuderm actually is improving my skin’s surface because my foundation is gliding on and I’m using less.  No acne breakouts or clogged pores from the product either because I never get how skin is suppose to be improved by some products and then you get clogged pores, which result in small marks. You then use the same poor quality product to diminish the marks that clogged your pores in the first place.  It’s a never ending cycle and Stemuderm does NOT play that game.  So far I’m liking it!  By week three I noticed my lines around my eyes are still there but flatter and not so obvious.  I play a yo-yo game where those lines show up one week and for two weeks I fight them off and then I have a lazy third week, where my skin gets ignored because life got busy.  Stemuderm allows my life to get busy without ignoring my skin in the process.  I like this 1 bottle for my skin and 1 bottle for my sun protection and the rest is just “my crayons” (i.e. make-up).  It makes life easier and the cost may sting at first but look at your drawer of regrets……you know the one that has all the bottles, jars, and even has emptied testers and squeeze packets.  They add up in $$ and drawer space.  With Stemuderm, that goes away and I like having zero regrets when it comes to purchases, plus fighting wrinkles in the process!

 

Connect with Solvaderm and their skincare solutions at:

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

 

 

 

Swiss Ultimate Labs: Swiss Ultimate Sonic-Ionic Infusion Wand #Review #SwissBeauty

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I was able to try the mini-me version of Swiss Ultimate Lab’s under-eye massager and now I get to try the larger size.

This Swiss Ultimate Labs Sonic Ionic Infusion wand is more than double the size and that means it lends itself to use in other areas and I found this wand had more power, even though the wand uses the same battery power (one AAA battery). The battery is included with this wand too! The wand is advertised as providing Ultrasonic therapy and Negative-ion; micro-electric pulses. That is delivering up to 170 sonic beats per second where applied. The game is to increase collagen production by driving water (moisture) to the skin’s surface. That is what minimizes and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You will see on the first treatment a temporary improvement that is visible and you can feel a smoother’s skin surface. Over time the idea is that you make this the state of your skin, meaning it gets use to being plump, nourished, and minimizing the fine lines/wrinkles you may have.  You aid this process by providing skincare products to the surface and so forth.

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Retail Price Point: $13.87 via Amazon for one wand

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Directions: The product comes with directions but they are not written very well. You simply apply any skincare product for that area (i.e. eye serum for the eye area, anti-aging creams, ect.) and then treat each area for 30 seconds. This does not mean you stay stationary in one place but more like 30 seconds under one eye and when that lapses, you then treat the other eye for 30 seconds and so forth.

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Verdict:
I tried the little version like I mentioned and that one came with a cap to put over the contact tip after use, while this one did not and came in a box that is more for featuring, versus storing. That is the only small negative I could find because the rest was positive. The wand delivers pulses at a greater speed and I treated everything from my under-eye area, the middle of my eyebrows to my forehead. The wand was easier to hold and navigate and more speedy pulses were present. I have been using this wand for 2.5 weeks because I could not use it in conjunction with the other one, in order to know what benefits belonged to which wand. The manufacture states you will see benefits in 4-6 weeks and I can state I have already and I’m happy with a device that only needs a battery and is not invasive, like shots would be. I don’t even feel needles, so that is never my concern but what is in the tube and the possible side effects is a risk at this moment I do not want to take. As a skincare maintenance wand, this one fits the bill perfectly in performance and cost.

Connect with Swiss Ultimate Labs and see what new products they have to offer at:

 

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Swiss Ultimate Labs.  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.

Swiss Ultimate Labs: Swiss Ultimate Eye Serum with Sonic-Infusion Skincare Wand #Review #SwissUltimate

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I have used many beauty treatments and have started to get curious about devices, lasers to even light technology. So much information out there but I am semi-familiar when it comes to wands. Years back (2012), L’Oreal released a similar device, which vibrated and helped distribute a eye serum. The unit had the vibrator on one end and the tube on the other. It was a nice unit that was easy to store and even travel with. I finally ran out of the serum but I kept the device end and would occasionally use it. Since, this unit and skincare combo was similar, I figured I give it a try and see how this unit performed.

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  • Swiss Ultimate Labs Eye Serum:

Not like any other dispensing unit I have ever used and I wish knowing about this now, that more beauty products pick-up this trend. The eye serum is pre-measured and the dispenser has a turn and click mechanism, that dispenses enough product to use on both eyes. You just push down on one end, and the unit will deliver the same amount of serum every time. You can also only push the part that allows the dispensing to begin at the half-way point, and you get a lesser portion. You are in complete control and no waste! The serum never comes in contact with copious amount of air like products stored in jars and the tip is easy to keep clean and keep sanitized. No worries of bacteria coming in contact, plus the manufacturer thought ahead and included a top to keep the dispensing tip clean and safe.

I used the serum that is more like a cream in texture when it comes out but once you start distributing the product, it disappears. You sort of get a sheen from the moisturizers but no white film left behind. I gave it a good 5 minutes before applying any make-up to make sure the product did not interfere. Moisture was something that you feel quickly and actually see on first use. Within 15 minutes, you will see a surface that is nourished and sort of plumped up by the moisture delivered. I felt my skin and you feel a little bit of tack when you leave the skin make-up free, but nothing that is oily or sticky. I used the eye serum for 3.5 weeks and while I did not see any reversing effects when it came to fine lines, I did see diminishing in appearance due to the high moisture level. I also liked that the product did not pill up when I applied make-up and/or hours later cause a sheen that changed my foundation’s texture. The serum played well with all the other products I use and who doesn’t like that!

Retail Price Point: $27.87 via Amazon for the eye serum and wand combo.  The manufacturer also offers a satisfaction guarantee.

Ingredients (as listed on the website)
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Seaweed Extract, Water, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Hesperidin Methyl, Chalcone, Ilomastat, Steareth-20, Glycerin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3, Carnosine, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Chrysin, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

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  • Swiss Ultimate Labs Sonic-Infusion Wand:

I underestimated what a wand and the right vibrations can do. My previous wand would vibrate but the wand from Swiss Ultimate Lab is more finely calibrated. You get a fine pulse and vibrations that are fast and in short successions. It’s not hurtful like my other wand was, where on my cheek bones it caused discomfort and sometimes a slight bruise if it skipped off. The Swiss Ultimate Lab wand does none of that. It’s kind to the skin and what I like best, when it comes off (stops contacting with your skin), it stops vibrating. That ceasing of movement when it does not have pressure from the surface is what makes sure boo-boos don’t happen. My other one had a on and off switch and I had to constantly click it on and off at the sides to save my battery, add moisturizer, distribute product, and so forth. I stop and the Sonic-Infusion wand works with me and stops too. The wand is what I felt made the product and any eye product you use work better. Wands of this kind help the production of collagen by pushing water up. I did not believe this claim before until I read this and when I got surgery on my leg, a plastic surgeon stated that the act of rubbing/massaging will make all the difference to my 3 month old scar. I started rubbing and massaging and it definitely started to diminish the appearance of my scar in 2 weeks time. It reduced the redness and perma-bruising that was left from the surgery and in no time I was just left with a semi-visible scar but not an ugly looking one like before. After getting this know how, I wanted a wand again and the one by Sonic-Infusion is perfect for the eye area because it’s compact and delivers just enough pulse to do the job. You will see within 30 seconds how the serum and or cream you use disappears and it’s not because it transferred to the tip on the wand. I checked and it was not there, it had been absorbed with just enough left to leave a protective barrier.

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Final Verdict:

I think Swiss Ultimate Labs offers a combo kit that is easy to use and satisfies your skincare needs.  It’s simple and kind in both ingredients used for the eye serum and the wand delivers the right amount of pressure, vibrations and increases absorption, while easing  distribution.  If you have early signs of again like fine lines but not deep wrinkles, you will notice a difference and realize I have used the product for a short period of 3.5 weeks.  The company has a reasonable guarantee period of 90-days and I noticed a moisturizing effect quite rapidly.  I like using the serum and feel it satisfies my needs.  You can always add a retinol product for night use and boost up the turn-over effects but for being an eye cream, I enjoyed not having a toxic combo near my eyes and it was light enough to keep me using it.

 

Connect with Swiss Ultimate Labs and see what new products they have to offer at:

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Swiss Ultimate Labs.  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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