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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NeoStrata: EXUVIANCE® Gentle Cleansing Creme #Review #Exuviance #NeoStrata

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When it comes to washes, scrubs and cleaners, the last thing that comes to mind in using a creme. It brings back memories of the old Pond’s tub my Mother used to remove her make-up, which left an oily residue after using it. You knew don’t touch Mom after she removes her make-up! When I received the Cleansing Creme from Exuviance, I must admit that was the first thought that came to mind. I also have to be frank that as much as enjoy “gentle” to my skin products, I stay away from them because they are sometimes too gentle yielding them ineffective. Okay, I have not opened the box and here I am bringing up childhood nightmares, but I always give products a chance and especially those from the NeoStrata family.

The Gentle Cleansing Creme from Exuviance, is advertised as a soap-free formula. It allows the user to gently remove everything from make-up, build-up, to the everyday impurities our face may collect during the day. At the same time it serves not only as a cleanser but a moisturizer. If you thought that was already impressive, the Gentle Cleansing Creme from Exuviance also contains anti-aging ingredients like Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA), and other botanical ingredients that help sooth and condition your skin. The product is gentle enough for sensitive skin suffers but can be used by people with combination skin too. It’s a friendly cleanser!

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Ingredients (as listed on the website): Water (Aqua), Isododecane, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/ Dicaprate, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, PEG-100 Stearate, Triundecanoin, Cetyl Alcohol, Octyldodecanol, Stearyl Alcohol, Gluconolactone, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Chamomile Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Propylene Glycol, Laureth-7, Polyacrylamide, Disodium EDTA, Chlorphenesin, Methylparaben, Parfum (Fragrance), Benzyl Benzoate.

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Retail Price Point: $32.00 via NeoStrata’s site. Ulta carries the same price point but has a current promo of a free deluxe sample of the Triple Microdermabrasion and Bionic Oxygen Facial with any Exuviance purchase (offer valid 3/13/16-4/2/16 or while supplies last). Amazon carries the product at a current price point of $26.49 and Amazon Prime members receive free shipping. See what deal suits you best!

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Verdict:
Okay, I clear my head and start using the cleanser creme twice a day as recommended. The first day the product arrived, I washed my face in middle of the day to get an idea how it worked and how it would make my skin feel. You simply moisten your face and hands, pump out a small dollop, and begin to massage your face and neck. Always with an upward circular motion. The Exuviance Gentle Cleansing Creme gives you the option in using a facial tissue for removal, or you may simply just rinse your face off with warm water. The first difference I noticed and this is just after my first use, is a silky feeling. My face was super smooth and get this, not greasy. Even my hands were left feeling soft! I opted for the rinsing with warm water method for removal and mostly because it is what I am most comfortable with but I like the idea of being able to use a tissue if needed. This means no excuses when it comes to make-up removal no matter how late I get home! The next week I began to use the wash when I had make-up and for those days I did not wear any too. If you use a waterproof eyeliner or mascara, I did find I was left with raccoon-ish eyes if I just depended on the cleansing creme, but this also goes for when I just used a common cleanser/scrub before. I always have to address waterproof anything by using a facial wet wipe to insure full removal. Other than this, the cleansing creme is gentle on the skin but it still does it’s job very well at cleaning your face! I want a clean face and washing my face is almost therapeutic for me and this is why I have a unusual collection of face washes. Being able to enjoy make-up means I have to take care of my skin and the first thing I learned about skincare, is how you begin makes a difference. A clean slate is what you want but not a depleted one. Meaning you don’t want to to do what I did in my teen years and treat my skin like if you were stripping wall paper of a wall. I use to think in my teens the cleaner, the better. No oils, no natural sheen just take it all off because I feared blemishes. I did not suffer from them in my teen years, but this is probably why when I hit 25, my face had had it with me and I began to experience break-outs. With Exuviance’s’ Gentle Cleansing Creme, you avoid the over stripping but you do actually end up with a clean surface and super soft skin. As I used the cleansing creme, by week 2, my face was soft 24/7. I did not have to depend on serums for a natural glow and the texture of my skin improved naturally, I was left with a smoother looking surface that allowed my pores and imperfections to appear…..well, smoothed out. I can’t tell you (I know I’m harping on it) how soft my skin feels and appears now. I love it. I don’t have a kid but I assume this is why people state soft as a baby’s bum! I get it now and no breakouts or anything. Right now, the weather in Southern California is mixed. Gloomy days, windy days, to sunny days and my skin is in transition again like these undefined seasons. The calendar says Spring and my nose and allergies agree, but my skin thinks it’s Fall with the way the days change so drastically from one day to another. With Exuviance’s Gentle Cleansing Creme, my skin is moisturized the minute the cleanser finishes washing off the grime of the day and the best part, it comes in a tube versus the jar that I fear! Try it and see for yourself how much the Gentle Cleansing Creme from Exuviance will change your mind and how you can do more for your skin by just using this face wash.

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.

 

NeoStrata: Exuviance SkinRise Bionic Tonic #Review #SkinRiseBionicTonic

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Exuviance is back!!!

This little gem is a little different from the ordinary, as it comes in pad form. This not only makes it easier to apply but one less item you need to purchase, cotton pads. I have used tonics and toners that come in bottle form, but other than a peel that used the same method of application, this is a new item for me. At first I must admit that I was a little hesitant to add one more item to my beauty routine. I figured I have abandoned this in the past, so why add it back again? BUT, I trust the Exuviance brand and figured I see what the SkinRise Bionic Tonic is all about.

The SkinRise Bionic Tonic is described as having anti-aging ingredients, so this already differs from the “waters” I applied in the past. Before these beauty products were just to correct the pH on your skin but with Exuviance, you get much more:

  • Gluconolactone
  • Glucoheptonolactone
  • Lactobionic Acid
  • Pro Vitamins A, C, and E
  • Cucumber Extract
  • Eucalyptus Extract
  • Green Tea Extract

The first ingredients sound familiar because they are. Gluconolactone/Glucoheptonolactone are derived from Gluconic acid. This acid helps with conditioning of your skin and that means you will see softer skin and that is because the molecules trap water. Moisture remains on the surface longer and that means the product you are using will be more effective.  The tonic’s properties will remain on the surface (being absorbed) for a longer duration, just feeding and softening the surface of your skin. Lactobionic Acid, falls under the same family and is another antioxidant. NeoStrata, the parent company of Exuviance has a patent on PHAs (i.e. Polyhydroxy Acid) and this is considered an anti-wrinkle ingredient.  The PHAs are highly regarded in the industry because they has less side effects and are gentler. You not only reap the benefits but you are less likely to experience irritation from the ingredients (acids). The SkinRise Bionic tonic goes a step further by adding vitamins, which offer more antioxidant rich qualities and then comes Cucumber and Eucalyptus extracts. This is not only re-freshening to the skin but it opens the pores, stimulates the skin and gives a user that “awakening feel/look” in the morning. It’s kinder than splashing cold water…trust me! The Green Extract, is an ingredient that has anti-inflammatory properties and again more antioxidant properties. Green Tea, can help slow down the process of collagen break down and may help with stopping and/or slowing down the damage caused by free radicals. Okay, so this is not the usual little toner in a bottle to just make me look awake in the morning, it has clinically proven powers but of course this is just some of the key ingredients to the SkinRise Bionic Tonic from Exuviance.

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Ingredients (as listed on the website):
Aqua (Water), Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 80, Propylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Glucoheptonolactone, Glycerin, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Algae Extract, Lactobionic Acid, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Arginine, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Retinyl (Vitamin A) Palmitate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Camellia Oleifera (Japanese Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Menthyl Lactate, Ammonium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 20, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Parfum (Fragrance), CI 42090 (Blue 1).

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Application: You simply wash your face and once your face is dry, you just take one pad an apply the tonic to your entire face. Softly massage any remaining tonic (liquid) into the skin until absorbed, and you then simply follow your beauty regimen. I used it only once a day in the A.M. and then used my serums, moisturizer and sunscreen after.

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Retail Price Point: A jar with 36 pads is $45.00 via NeoStrata and on Amazon sells for $32.53 (with Prime Shipping) and is sold by Exuviance. Ulta, has the same price point as Exuviance does, but offers a gift with purchase (valid until 1/23), which is FREE deluxe samples of Bionic Oxygen Facial and Super Retinol Concentrate with any Exuviance purchase.

 

Verdict:

I did not hold high hopes or even much change would take place from adding the SkinRise Bionic Tonic to my beauty routine.  On the first week of using, I noticed my face looked clearer in both from acne but my complexion had a healthy shine.  You know how they say sometimes just washing your face is not enough…….I get now why they say that.  The tonic does not strip my face in that I feel like dried up plaster after application, my skin remains soft and supple.  I continue to use the pads and I am really liking how they balance my skin where my serums and moisturizers just glide on better.  Almost like a light exfoliation!  I am using a new foundation (thank you Sanat) and that even applies more even on my skin.  They say moisturizing is key and even though this is a tonic, stop thinking toners from the past.  You know how we welcome serums now but before they just felt like water on our skin?  That is the bionic difference.  This is a form of pre-moisturizer.  The SkinRise Bionic Tonic preps my skin so I get the most out of the products I use and achieve a better complexion with time.  I noticed my fine lines plump out better, so yeah I have been looking better!  The price tag represents over a month’s worth of supply and now that I have seen how much more moisture my skin can hold and how it looks when it does, it’s sort of hard to let go of that.  There is no burning or getting a red face from this product and if it means I even have to cut the pads in half on the months I used up my beauty allowance a little early, so be it because I don’t want to be without the SkinRise Bionic Tonic.  Yes, this how attached I am to this jar!

Start 2016 with Better Looking Skin 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.

Boots: No7 Beautiful Skin Normal/Oily Night Cream #Review #No7BeautifulSkin

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When it comes to beauty creams, sometimes you want just a simple moisturizer and I tend to add one after using serums and lighter textured formulas. My skin is temperamental and can’t make up it’s mind, so some days my T-zone will be oily and other days normal. I tend to always purchase products that will satisfy both because I am not buying a cream just for my T-zone that may or may not be used ever day.

Ingredients (as listed on the website)-

Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Methylparaben, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium PCA, Zinc PCA, Xanthan Gum, Ethylparaben, Alcohol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Tetrasodium EDTA, Magnesium PCA, T-Butyl Alcohol, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Distillate, Dimethicone, Potassium Hydroxide, Dipropylene Glycol, Manganese PCA, Simethicone, Potassium Sorbate.

Retail Price Point- $14,24 for a 1.69 ounce jar via Target

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Verdict:

I am a fan of Boots products and No 7 is part of that family brand. I received a sample of the No 7 Beautiful Skin care line, which offers night creams for all types of skin (i.e. oily, dry, normal, ect.) and is also hypoallergenic. This is a simple cream that is lightweight in texture but provides enough moisture for the (hopefully) 8 hours you will be sleeping. The moisturizer helps rebalance oil production while you rest, so you don’t wake up an oily mess and at the same time nourishes. Oily skin is not fought by depleting it because then your pores will kick in on over drive, and produce more of the stuff you don’t desire (oil!). Skin is funny that way. The Boots No 7 skin night cream I found to be the perfect simple moisturizer that does not have anti-aging properties but addresses my everyday needs like a too shiny chin!

Connect with Boots No7 and find the products that fit your Skin’s needs at:

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Boots No 7 via Influenster. 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® : Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish Review #Exuviance

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Exuviance, is a company that I have heard of but never had been able to try their products. I am always game in trying a new anti-aging product and must admit that exfoliating really changed my skin, so the Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish was exactly what I am always looking for.

As a kid, we would always reserve the uneaten portions of a papaya that we would use to make fruit salads with and smoothies. The papaya’s flesh that was close to the skin would be wrapped in saran wrap and then left in the freezer for about 15 to 20 minutes, then quickly applied to the skin. We would look like sea creatures but I always loved how my skin felt after. I seriously thought this little beauty regimen was just something you did and as much as I loved how my skin felt afterwards, I just stopped doing it after I got married. No one else eats papaya here and it’s a large fruit so my papaya facial went the way of the Dodo! I still do egg white facials but I must admit they are not the same.

Exuviance took what was a proven ingredient and amped it up into making a professional product that is effective and brilliant. No worries if your home is a papaya free-zone anymore! The enzymes in papaya help dissolve the “yuck stuff” your pores are filled with. It’s done in a gentle manner but with the other ingredients that Exuviance added, like the Glycolic Acid and the fine crystals, that you are guaranteed to resurface gorgeous skin. It’s also faster than the old fashion way mentioned above. It would take me 30 minutes to get some results and let’s be honest, we did not consume papaya daily, so this was a weekend regimen at best. With Exuviance no limitations and the product can be used once to twice a week and takes a simple two minutes from start to finish.  One minute if you have sensitive skin.

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Not your everyday Scrub:
This product like listed on their site is a polish for your skin and not your everyday scrub. You are using fine grains to gently exfoliate and brighten your skin, not at all like I would describe a scrub that originates from fruit pits or even plastic micro-beads. The texture from the Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish felt what I would describe like fine sand. The kind of sand you use for decorative purposes not the type you dump in a play box! It’s not only great for skincare but safer for the environment.  Exuviance calls the base “Professional Grade Crystals” and I do agree there is a huge difference in how this product feels and works from a drug-store brand.

Ingredients (as listed on the website):
Aqua (Water), Glycolic Acid, Alumina, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Isononyl Isononanoate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glyceryl Stearate, Ammonium Hydroxide, Arginine, Butylene Glycol, Stearyl Alcohol, Polyacrylate-1 Crosspolymer, PEG-100 Stearate, Lactobionic Acid, Papain, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, PEG-75 Stearate, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Carbomer, Algin, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Parfum (Fragrance), CI 19140 (Yellow 5), CI 14700 (Red 4).

Retail Price Point: 2.6 oz bottle for $72.00 via their website or you can visit your local Ulta on-line or in-store to check out the entire line.

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Final Verdict:

I always think brand oriented events are cool and wish I could attend them but then back out.  This time even though Exuviance did not require I attend, I did visit the Glendora, CA Ulta and finally made it to such event.  I wish I had not and it’s because I fell in love with the brand.  The Exuviance crew was attentive and left my skin feeling and looking gorgeous.  Everyone was buying products and I am the first to pass judgement on a price point because the product has to justify it, and not only in flashy packaging.  I had a head start with the Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish in achieving better looking skin before the 4/18 event at Ulta, but when paired with the Collagen Triple Boost serum and all the other products in Exuviance’s anti-aging line……ooh-la-la.  I know now why some companies are highly regarded for their entire product lines and Exuviance is one I put up there.  By week one, I had used the product only twice and saw the difference in texture.  My skin was not just smooth to the touch but smooth when it came to how the surface looked.  By week two, I know now why people chase after products that shrink your pores and I admit it, it looks good.  My clear pores helped give that smaller pore appearance and this again leaves you with an ultra-smooth surface.  Make-up, creams, anything you apply glides on and performs better when you start with better looking skin!  I use less foundation and skip on any concealer use, to the point that if I don’t need or use the concealer soon, I am okay with letting go of it 🙂 .  You will be happy with the results and I warn you, you will get addicted to better looking skin and Exuviance’s products.  I can’t wait to try more!

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Satisfy your skin’s need and visit Exuviance products 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.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

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