Exuviance: Depuffing Eye Serum #Review #Exuviance #NeoStrata

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!

 

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.

 

 

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 🙂

 

 

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).

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:

• • On-line
  • Product link 
  • Ulta Deal
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIN
  • YouTube
  • #Exuviance #NeoStrata

 

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.

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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.

 

EXUVIANCE®: Bionic Oxygen Facial Masque/Mask #Review #Exuviance

I am always on the hunt for new products that take exfoliation to another level. Exfoliating has been one of those actions that made a significant impact in the appearance of my skin. I use to think a deep facial mask every two weeks was sufficient and I had people that shared horrible stories of exfoliating and actually causing damage to their skin. Like with any procedure, knowledge is key and once I gathered information and did my homework, I have thankfully been lucky in not irritating my skin and have had zero regrets.

Exuviance is a company that I have found that innovation is key to the products they make. It’s not just trying to find a way to be different, but Exuviance is about finding the best way to satisfy your skin care needs, bottling it, and this has resulted in many happy customers. I’m one of them!

Exuviance’s latest product is the Bionic Oxygen Facial. The product is a mask that can be used 3 to 4 times a week, so you already see where this product differs from usual masks that tend to be so harsh that most manufactures want the consumer to use their products once a week. This is a facial product that also performs differently than the common clay and mud masks out there. Think of how a seltzer bubbles against a glass and that is pretty much defining what this mask creates against your skin!

The new Bionic Oxygen Facial mask pulls out the toxins that collect on your skin’s surface and within the pores. That bubbling effect gently pulls out all the build-up you get from everything you use on a daily bases, from cosmetics to even moisturizers. It’s a “reboot” for your skin….a fresh start that you can experience 3 to 4 times a week! That is cleansing on a whole other level.

Ingredients (as listed on the website): Aqua (Water), Perfluorohexane, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone PEG-7 Phosphate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Polysorbate 20, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Lactobionic Acid, Coco-Glucoside, Perfluorodecalin, Perfluoromethylcyclopentane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Butylene Glycol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Ammonium Hydroxide, Sodium Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Polyquaternium-10, Carrageenan, Disodium EDTA, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Hexyl Salicylate, Benzyl Acetate, Cyclamen Aldehyde, 2,6-Dimethyl-7-Octen-2-ol, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Heliotropine, 3-Hexenol, Methyl Benzodioxepinone, 2,4-Dimethyl-3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, CI 60730 (Ext. Violet 2), CI 42090 (Blue 1).

Retail Price Point: The new Bionic Oxygen Facial mask can be found at Ulta, Amazon or directly from NeoStrata for $65.00. This is for 3.2 ounce bottle. Where you buy matters because for the same price point (or sometimes less), you get extras usually offered at Ulta and NeoStrata. Ulta currently has a “GIft with Purchase” offer going and NeoStrata has a 20% off deal going, with free shipping and a “Gift with Purchase” offer for $100+ orders. Check-out the deals, but so far in my opinion the best bang for even less bucks is via the manufacture directly.

Ulta– FREE sample Firm-Ng6 Non-Acid Peel with any Exuviance purchase (offer valid 10/4/15-10/24/15 or while supplies last)

NeoStrata– Friends and Family Sale! 20% Off + Free Shipping on All orders.  Free Exuviance Heel Repair on orders $100+.

Verdict:
I made sure to follow directions and I have so far used 6 applications, within a 2 week period. The mask feels incredible and I make sure to have a moist and wet surface before applying the Bionic Oxygen facial mask because then the bubbling effect begins. It’s not only a re-freshening feeling but like getting a mini massage that cleanses every pore out. On the first use, I noticed my nose’s pores looked less congested and had a smaller appearance. My skin looked as refreshed as I felt and because this product is gentle, you are not left with dehydrated and over dry skin. My skin felt supple and had a nice healthy glow. I continue using the product and it takes only 5 minutes at each application to achieve results. The bubbling and foaming dissipates as time passes, so this new “smart masque” tells you when it’s finishing. On days I was short on time, I even brushed my teeth because this girl need to multitask! After the second week was closing, I can say the results are visible. My skin appears more radiant and healthy. Like with any mask, you apply a good moisturizer after and I did notice my skin would absorb better, so this also enhanced the performance of the moisturizer(s) and serums I am currently using. Being able to use this product on a more regular basis is something I always desired to have but could never find. The Bionic Oxygen Facial allows my skin to have less acne breakouts because it keeps everything cleansed and improves my complexion.

Trying out new skin care systems can be exciting at times and sometimes even disappointing. It’s re-learning from what we are accustomed to but I am always up to for what is new and can actually make a difference. Throwing dollars towards just the familiar but necessarily the best, is not an option for me. So, get out of your comfort zone because your skin will thank you when you try the new Exuviance Bionic Oxygen facial!

Connect with NeoStrata, the parent company of Exuviance today at:

• On-line
• Product link to Exuviance’s Bionic Oxygen Facial
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Google+
• Pinterest
• LinkedIN
• YouTube
• #Exuviance #NeoStrata #BionicOxygenFacial

 

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.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Fifi & Fido All-Natural Oatmeal and Aloe Pet Shampoo

Our little girl is our whole world. She’s the fuzzy center of our universe, and she knows it. She’s also, some days, a barely mobile meat loaf that stays in bed all day and builds up a serious funk. When she does, it’s the dreaded “bath time”, and she knows this because she loses her collar, towels come out, and the hose gets unwound. Her ears droop and she tries to slink back into her room unnoticed, but in the end, she knows there’s no escape. Mano and Mano sent us their Fifi & Fido All-Natural dog shampoo and conditioner for those dreaded days when you can’t outrun a bath.

To start, it has a very pleasant scent and has a choice of a squeeze top or pump top, which can be extremely handy when one has a hose in one hand and a soapy pooch in the other. Our dog has short fur, but it’s very dense on her back and neck, but thin on her legs, underside and head. And it can be a little oily at times. So we usually try to find something that will clean off the accumulated grime without stripping her fur too much, but also not irritating her delicate skin. This Fifi & Fido Shampoo hit those butter zones nicely, but didn’t “foam” all that much so we ended up using a lot more than we planned. That seems to be par for the course with Oatmeal based pet shampoos, so I won’t hold that against this one. Their soap-free formula is free of harsh chemicals, and based mostly from the aforementioned oatmeal, as well as aloe vera extract, so it won’t strip away the dogs essential oils that keep her coat smooth and lustrous. It rinsed away clean and left our girl bright and white again, not the dingy off-white she seems happiest being.

One issue I’ve had with these Mano and Mano products is the price. While this Fifi & Fido pet shampoo is not sporting the high markup that I saw with their hand sanitzer, it’s still quite a bit more than you’d find on Amazon, or Target, or even Petco. At $11.95 for 16 fl. oz., it’s not that far off from the “high-end” products at the local pet retail chains, though, and the ingredient list is comparable to brands costing more, but not so different from brands costing much less either. I feel it was much better than a brand I previously reviewed that cost about the same, and I’d even consider it if I couldn’t find my dog’s usual brand of shampoo at say, Target. Not quite a value, but not so expensive that you would’t consider it. I liked it and so did our dog. After the fact, because while it happens, it’s the worst time, ever. But the hugging and loving she gets after more than make up for that, and she gave the Fifi & Fido 2 paws up after her bath.

Connect with Mano and Mano:

• Online
• On Amazon
• Buy your own from Amazon right here!

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

Andre Lorent: Daily Rehydrating and Anti-aging Sunscreen with SUNDRISOL7™ #Review #AndreLorent

Sunscreen is a year round product I use on a daily basis. I have tried practically every brand from organic, natural ingredients based and every SPF number you can think of. I have been burned and not just by the sun when it has come to sunscreen products. Some protect from the sun very well but do nothing for my skin’s health. I end up with clogged pores and sometimes even breakouts. I don’t believe in this day and age that I need to settle for a product and it seems Andre Lorent believes the same!

Andre Lorent is a beauty company, which offers products for skincare, to hair and even beauty application items like brushes. They carry a little bit of everything! I was sent a bottle of their Daily Rehydrating and Anti-Aging sunscreen. The first difference I noticed, was that this product is a multi-tasker, serving as protection but also nourishing your skin.

Ingredients (as listed on the website):
Key Ingredients include– Sundrisol7, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Seaweed Extract, Algae Extract and Orchid Extract.

Active ingredients– Octinoxate 7.5%, Homosalate 6%, Octisalate 5%, Avobenzone 3%, and Zinc Oxide 10%

Verdict:

I used the product for a total period of 3 weeks. It was my go-to sunscreen and I used it on my face, neck and decolletage. I also wanted to see how well Andre Lorent’s daily rehydrating sunscreen worked with my skin’s needs, so I forwent any use of primers. I wanted to really test how the product performed on it’s own and if it caused any skin blemishes or problems, something that a primer could block from happening or could be a contributor, so I went with just the Andre Lorent’s product and make-up for the days I went out.

I can state the product protects very well with it’s SPF 30 rating. The SPF amount was perfect for the delicate areas and the formula did not leave a white visible film that is both unappealing to the eye and tends to rub off on anything you touch. I applied, distributed the product evenly and the formula just disappeared, but I was still left with breathable skin. On the days I applied cosmetics, I did not experience any interactions with my foundation, such as peeling or beading up that tends to happen if you even perspire just a bit. Everything remained just as I left it and that is really a sign of a sunscreen that has a base that is not only welcoming to your skin, but can play well with other products like make-up. As long as I did not get wet or over perspire, I was satisfied with not getting burned, so the Andre Lorent sunscreen passed the protection phase and exceeded my expectations.

Retail Price Point: $24.95 via Amazon and $27.95 via the website, however they are sold-out on the website.

Next, came the skin health factor. My skin still felt comfortable and not suffocated by a nasty film like so many other sunscreens tend to do. The formula felt lightweight and I did not experience any pore blockage when I used it on a daily basis. After washing my face, the product did not leave any residue and calling a rehydrating formula is spot-on. My skin did not feel over dry after washing and remained healthy. The Sundrisol7 is a proprietary ingredient and it’s suppose to aid with your skin’s anti-aging needs that are caused by damage from the sun. The blend blocks UVA and UVB rays that are the leading cause to wrinkles, sun spots, pigmentation, and so forth. I felt my skin was protected and did not even get lobster red cheeks when I used the sunscreen, so it does work at protecting you from sun damage. I think with continued use, the user would be able to receive sufficient protection from aging caused by sun exposure. With the formula’s hydrating qualities, you also will visibly see nourished skin that remains soft when touched and glowing from being healthy, versus a sun burn!

Connect with Andre Lorent and their products at:

• On-line
• Amazon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Instagram
• YouTube
• #AndreLorent

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

 

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.

Joyal Beauty: Super Brightening Vitamin C Serum #Review #JoyalBeautyVitaminCSerum

I have reviewed many Vitamin C serums, creams, lotions, potions, and you would think I would have one that mimics another, but I have yet to find one that is identical in formulation. Each has it’s own unique ingredients and the three I have reviewed that sort of were close in formulation, they all behaved differently once applied. I think in the end the source of the product matters and being able to take that leap of faith and trust that what you are buying, is what you are getting.

Joyal Beauty is a company, which satisfies the serum junkie in me. Seriously, look at their product line and it’s serum heaven. I always start any beauty regimen with a serum because the skin quickly absorbs it and they rarely leave any residues that interfere with other products. What’s not to love?

As with other vitamin C serums, the claims remain the same:

• Free Radical Protection caused from oxidation to sunburns
• Antioxidant protection and nourishment
• Brightening of skin and with long term use smoothness in texture
• Helps reduce age spots, dark spots and such from aging, acne to sun damage
• Wrinkle reduction because the product aids with hydration absorption, causing a more “plump” appearance
• Improvement in skin texture where you may achieve better elasticity and Vitamin C serums with the ingredients listed, have also been proven to help moisturizers perform better by increasing the time the skin stays hydrated.
• Your skin’s complexion will not only have a better appearance but also be more stable (better skin’s health)

The big difference is what ingredients were used with Joyal Beauty, is the use of STA.Y-C® 50 The manufacture states this is a more stable and superior form of Vitamin C and the proprietary blend will actually hydrate up to 72 hours. That is a huge difference!

Ingredients (as listed on their website): 72% of the ingredients are ORGANIC!- FULL INGREDIENTS(and major functions): Organic Herbal Infusion( Excellent base to provide natural herbal protein and minerals); Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe) (Moisturizer,Wound healing and anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant); Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) (STAY-C 50. The most stabilized vitamin c as effective as L-ascorbic acid; Brightening, Anti-wrinkle, Anti-spots, Anti-aging) ; Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) (Nutrient in superfood. Softening, Deeply hydrating and smoothing; Anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing effect, useful for inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, acne and psoriasis); Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide (Botanical Hyaluronic Acid),(Reduces dryness, itching and burning of the skin;Hydrating ability plumps the skin; Softening; Anti-wrinkles); Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) (Control acne by reducing inflammation and decreasing oil; Tighten skin; Help de-puff or reduce under eye baggage; Tighten pores; Eliminate water loss; Treats sunburns; Helps ease symptoms of eczema and psoriasis); d-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) ( strong antioxidant that prevents premature aging, anti-wrinkle,lubricating); Carbomer (Safe formulation stabilizer and thickener); (2s)-2-Amino-5-guanidinopentanoic Acid ( Anti-aging and healing damaged skin); Ferulic Acid (Potent antioxidant; Improved stability of the vitamins C+E and doubled photoprotection); Kosher Vegetable Glycerin (Natural skin softener); Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Oil) ( Natural moisturizer); Phenoxyethanol (Safe preservative ); Ethylhexylglycerin (Skin-conditioning agent).

Indications:
You simply apply the product to a clean surface and because it’s a serum, you apply Joyal Beauty’s Super Brightening Vitamin C first and allow the skin to absorb the product. This process only takes a few minutes and you then follow up with a moisturizer, and don’t forget SPF for daytime use. I used the product twice a day to achieve better results and the serum was gentle enough to be used around my eyes and great for plumping and nourishing lips.

Retail Price Point: $24.95 via Amazon for a 1 fluid ounce bottle.

Verdict:
I had zero issues with interactions and found the serum helped control my “T-Zone” and I experienced less issues with a shiny forehead, nose, and chin come mid-afternoon.  The product also absorbed very quickly and started to plump my skin up instantaneously.  I am hesitant when it comes to proprietary blends because a company may hide behind what they really are, but I could not state the same when it came to Joyal Beauty.  Even their ingredient list is forthcoming when it comes to what makes their ingredients and even down to what purpose they serve.  Very open in a world of beauty where products are treated like secret potion recipes, that are never to be shared!  I am not use to that, so I still even approached the use and performance with greater judgement.  Yes, they made me wary being honest! 🙂 About day 7, my judgmental thinking was turned when I started seeing positive results and because I use Vitamin C serums daily, followed after with retinol, I am again just jumping from one Vitamin C serum to another.  Okay, I must admit that whatever makes up that STA.Y-C® 50, the potion works! I wanted to tell you it was just like any other Vitamin C serum I have used and if you changed the labels I would not be the wiser but my fine lines did not only diminish……they went poof!  I like poof when it comes to wrinkles!  I got serious hydration and in just 7 days noticed smoother skin that remained with the same texture after washing.  That means a face that is clean and residue free still remained hydrated and plumped because the benefits were kept (mine all mine!).  I like to call that looking still good with a naked face is always a positive.

Look good and find your serum at Joyal Beauty here:

• On-line
• Amazon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• #JoyalBeautyVitaminCSerum

 

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

VIDI Skincare: IncreduLASH Enhancer Serum for Eyelashes and Eyebrows ‪#Giveaway ‪#‎IncreduLASH‬

*********GIVEAWAY********

Get your own IncreduLASH Enhancer Serum for Eyelashes and Eyebrows bottle by entering today!  The product will be provided by the manufacture, VIDI Skincare and they will ship the winner one bottle (a $39 value) and all you have to do is:

1. Like VIDI Skincare’s Facebook page
2. Follow VIDI Skincare via Twitter
3. Leave a comment on the Review page for IncreduLASH‬: http://wp.me/p2B5Rd-1oW ‪

and that is all!  Winner will be notified on May 25th.  I will then forward the information to VIDI Skincare, which will send the winner a free bottle!  Good Luck!

VIDI Skincare: IncreduLASH Enhancer Serum for Eyelashes and Eyebrows #Review and Giveaway #IncreduLASH

We have all seen the commercials for the product that increases eyelash growth and it’s something that we all want and/or need. Well, more like want! I’m not going to see my doctor to discuss my healthy lashes and then pay for a prescribed product. That is just not happening here! I can see though, like purchasing a mascara doing the same when it comes to using a serum. I buy serums for my skin, so why not buy something for my lashes too?

VIDI is a skincare company that offers an eyelash/eyebrow serum as part of their beauty line. This is my first time working with VIDI and they were kind enough to send me the product to give it a 4-week try, plus a GIVEAWAY*

IncreduLASH is a product that nourishes your own natural eyelashes and promotes growth, plus it comes with 0% of the risks and side effects, which are associated with other products on the market, including the prescribed brands. Permanent darkening of my eye’s skin is not something I am willing to risk when the dark circles look is not my cup of tea! It’s a serum that can be applied to encourage growth to your eyebrows in case you plucked one too many in your lifetime or with age, we tend to start getting growth that is no longer fuller or longer in length. I’m so far so good when it comes to my lashes and thankfully I was blessed with both eyebrows that are as full as my lashes. I just wanted to enhance the look and also test how effective and how quick it worked. It took me 3 months to get Coconut oil to show it’s effects on my eyebrows when I read they need to be moisturized too. Eyebrow gels, cosmetics, and anything you use to temporarily darken or make your eyebrows look fuller and thicker……well, they tend to stress them out too. Yup, that means you get thinning and just loss of hairs and lashes, which then means you need more cosmetics to get the look you want that is being compromised by the product(s) you use (the never ending cycle).  I use a clear eyebrow gel and I noticed that my skin, plus the hairs get dehydrated over time. I then started to apply oils to my eyebrows but this is only something I can do at night, as oily eyebrows is not something I have heard is the “gotta have it” look at the moment :).

Ingredients (as listed on the website): Aqua (Water), Glycerine, Hydrolyed Starch Phosphate, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Pterocarpus Marsupium Bark Extract, Malus Domestica (Apple) Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Mannitol, Panthenol (D), Glutamic Acid (L), Xanthan Gum, Lecithin 1, 2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Chloride Disodium Succinate, Tropolone, Phenoxyethanol, and Phytic Acid.

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Application:
Simple to apply and like anything you use in that area, just watch it when it comes to getting it in your eye. Hey, even Coconut oil hurts when it starts travelling into my eye! You simply take the wand and brush along the eye’s skin where your lashes start (the root, per say). One continuous stroke on each eye and done. You also apply the serum after freshly washing your face because the surface must be clean and free of anything else, like with most serums should be applied to any skin area (i.e. thinner product in texture gets applied first). You only use it once a day too, so it really is easy to work into any beauty regimen. For eyebrow use, the same application principle as your eyes applies and make sure the product dries and absorbs before applying anything else.

Retail Price Point: $39.75 via Amazon and one bottle lasts up to 6 months.

Verdict:
I added IncreduLASH to my nightly beauty routine and used it only once a day on my lashes. I use the product as a “spot corrector” on one eyebrow because I had an “oops” while plucking and created a spot that was missing 2 to 3 hairs. Yes, my spot would eventually yield hairs again but I’m a girl that has little patience when it comes to my boo-boos being corrected. The serum by VIDI states most start seeing results within 2 weeks. I can say by 2.5 weeks, my lashes felt and looked nicer. I had zero stragglers like when you have those mini lashes that began to grow and they are too short to notice before you apply mascara, but then obstruct your vision once you do! Those mini lashes drive me crazy and I then have to use the mascara wand’s tip to make them stick to a lash-buddy that is of normal length……I have also plucked them when they don’t play nice. Yes, it starts the process of growing again but I then hope the new lash heard the screams of the last lash being plucked and will behave :). It was nice not having to deal with shorties, so that was a definite positive that I saw from IncreduLASH’s results. I also found the texture of the hairs were enhanced I lost less when I curled my lashes and/or washed the mascara off. Sometimes I even lost none! Next, the spot on my eyebrow. What spot? By week three the spot was a thing of the pass and from my experience, it would take me a month and a half to see those mistakes show any hairs that are long enough and I did not need to blot some eyebrow pencil to cover it up. IncreduLASH does work and because you use so little product upon application, it makes the investment sting less when it comes to sticker price. I use less mascara and like this natural fuller lash look that did not need a doctor’s visit to get. I’m a DIY gal and especially when it comes to beauty solutions and IncreduLASH is a soultion that works, plus VIDI guarantees it!

Start your Summer with lashes that flutter and brows that WOW at:

• On-line
• Amazon
• Save today and use promo code: TOMO2115 via Amazon and you get the tube for just $19.95! A $20 savings!! Code expires June 30th
• FaceBook
• Twitter
• Google+
• YouTube
• #IncreduLASH
• #EyeLashes

****GIVEAWAY***** Details:

I will posting a giveaway soon, so stay posted but start by liking VIDI’s Facebook page and Twitter page, and leaving a comment on this review.  That means you have a head start on entering!!! 

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

The Japanese Konjac Sponge: Green Tea Puff Review #KonjacSponge

I’m still on my Konjac sponge binge because they really perform so well. My skin has improved dramatically and I attribute it to being able to achieve gentle exfoliation on a daily basis, with zero irritations or adverse effects. Not all natural items agree with us, however the Konjac root really is so gentle and kind to the surface of my skin, that I can report less blemishes and just overall a better glowing complexion.

I learned this past week that not all sponges are created equal and a few days back had to unfortunately give negative remarks to a charcoal one that did not seem it was derived from what was noted. Not this time! I can easily report that I think I found the company to stick with. You know! The company that actually uses and makes a great product that is still 100% natural……that company is, The Japanese Konjac Sponge.

First, you will see just by how the product is made, stored and shipped to the consumer that this puff is on a whole other level. The Konjac sponge is nicely crafted and larger in circumference from the other brands I have tried. I have also learned through observation on how the “milling/grinding” of the vegetable root is done really makes the difference. Those air bubbles on this sponge are small and tight, just like I want the pores on my face to be! The Japanese Konjac Sponge company also has a huge array of sponges that are infused again with 100% natural ingredients to fit your needs:

• Bamboo Charcoal
• Cherry Blossom
• Green Tea
• Pure White
• Wild Mint
• Citrus Fruits
• All the above selections are also available in larger sizes for the Body.

I wish I found this company before because I was so happy with my first Konjac sponge, which I tried several months ago and that “Konjac High” started to fade when I noticed that respecting what you produce and make is not something everyone takes seriously. I started to feel the sponge was being treated as a fad and not really what it is, a product that works without gimmicks. You may see infusions to optimize performance but the base product has to be solid and The Japanese Konjac Sponge company produces one solid and great quality product that as of today, has outperformed all other brands I have tried.

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Retail Price Point: $11.65 for facial sponges and just $13.90 for the Body puffs via their website.  Visit Amazon and score this awesome sponge for $11.00!

Results:

I was kindly given the green tea version that is suitable for oily and combination skin types. My T-Zone has been acting up as the days warm up and my routinely normal skin areas have actually been more towards the dry side. On my first use, my skin is immediately evened out. The sponge feels solid in weight and balances nicely in my hand because of how well the vegetable root is packed and shaped. It’s soft on my skin and when I rinse my face, I notice I have an even skin tone and the green tea balanced my skin beautifully. I pat dry with a towel and 5 minutes later, my skin air drys and does not feel ultra-dry and stretched out, but just normal. Still soft to the touch and a nice glow but I can’t get pass the even complexion it left. I’m not blotchy and I remain like this for hours because I went with zero moisturizers to see if the green tea would dry me out. It did not!

Ingredients: 100% Konjac Glucomannan, Japanese Green Tea Extract, and Green Clay. The product is also handmade in Japan.

Final Verdict:

All these sponges orbit the $10 price point and some fluctuate up towards $12, with $18 being the highest I have seen. As most are $10, let me tell you that your face and safety of what you are using is worth the extra $1.65 here! The Japanese Konjac Sponge company takes care in production, they have a website that is full of information that is well written and easy for the consumer to learn how and what Konjac sponge will fit their needs. They have a web presence and coming from the girl that has tested all these 100% natural products, they are truly not all 100% equal so go with the best I have found so far, The Japanese Konjac Sponge Company.

Find the Konjac Sponge that fits your needs at:

• On-line
• Green Tea Konjac Sponge Link
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Amazon
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• Google+
• YouTube

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from The Japanese Konjac Company.  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.