Suave Skin Solutions: Smoothing with Cocoa Butter and Shea #Review #BeautyByMe

I was able to score a VoxBox from Influenster and part of the Fiesta VoxBox included a Suave Smoothing lotion bottle. The scent was so intense, that it permeated the box and it’s content. This would be a bad thing but this lotion smells divine, so it turned into a good thing. As much as I love scents, many perfumes and the such tend to aggravate my skin but so far all Suave branded products have been kind to me from hair to lotions, and even the leave-in serums.

Retail Price Point: $2.29 for a generous 10 ounce bottle

Verdict:
We established the scent factor is strong with this one but so is the moisture the lotion provides. The formula is very silky and smooth, so it tends to distribute a good barrier that is both nourishing to your skin and you notice a visual change immediately. I was concerned about feeling like their was an oily film and thankfully my skin seemed to welcome the lotion so much, which it absorbed every last drop but still left me with a soft touch when felt. I applied it after shaving and experienced zero issues when it came to things like clogged pores and/or irritation. The price for the amount of product is also fair and with Fall being here, that means I need to start preparing my skin in case we have a very cold Winter season. I will not only love how my skin feels, but that scent is just intoxicating…….but in good way!

 

Connect with Suave at:

• On-line
• FaceBook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Pinterest
• #BeautyByMe #Influenster #FiestaVoxBox

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Suave via the Influenster Fiesta VoxBox.  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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Aria Starr Beauty: Super Retinol Advanced Anti-Aging Serum; 2.5% Retinol #Review #AriaStarrBeauty

Read the fashion magazines to the beauty newsletters,, and everyone is always pushing a retinol product with a very huge price tag. Not all vitamin A products are created equal but that does not mean that retinol product is not going to cost an arm and a leg. One thing I learned, is that Vitamin A should not be as costly and it’s effectiveness will come from what the formulation yields. You then get into the source and potency of the product and that is where I come to see if the bottle has what it says it does. The skin does not lie! 🙂

Aria Starr Beauty is a young company, which originates in Corona, California and with only a few products currently on the market. They offer Argan oil, a Vitamin C serum and the Super Retinol serum they kindly sent me to try out. The company name’s is the same as the founder, and they provide their beauty aids currently only via the Amazon’s Marketplace and other sites. Getting noticed is hard in the beauty world, so I don’t always discount if a company has little social media traffic or even a limited selection. Everything starts somewhere and some start small but as long as you do it right, I prefer to know I can count on a brand for this product versus just having a large selection of beauty items that do not work…..we all have sort of been there at one time or another!

I’m always on a retinol product as it is, and currently the OTC brands are only allowed to distribute a maximum of 2.5% without a prescription. This also means you get a softer potency that is sometimes better because delicate areas like your eyes can’t tolerate higher doses. You would need a script for retinol, which contains Tretinoin and comes in both topical and even pill form (i.e. Accutane). I don’t feel I’m there yet when it comes to my skin’s needs both in appearance and let’s admit it, in cost. I stick to 2.5% retinol for now until the time the fine lines start fighting back harder.

Aria Starr Super Retinol is labeled as a advanced anti-aging serum. You get a combination of main ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E and Organic Aloe. I like that the product comes in a glass colored bottle to avoid oxidation caused by light, plus it’s a gorgeous cobalt blue in color. Aria Starr took one step further and opted for a pump action top versus the glass droppers you see with some products, so again protecting the potency of the retinol by limiting oxygen/air from diluting it’s contents. I also like pump tops because I think they are more sanitary. You don’t have to worry if you need to rest a dropper’s top on the counter and picking up whatever to not only affect your skin, but the contents of the product, and it’s future applications. I’m just not into spreading germs with my beauty routine!

Ingredients (as listed on Amazon): Organic Herbal Infusion, Organic Aloe, Botanical Hyaluronic Acid, Witch Hazel, Pentylene Glycol, Phospholipids, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Phosphate, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Carrageenan Gum, Organic Jojoba Oil, Triticum Vulgare, Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate), Organic Green Tea, Wildcrafted Resina Propoli, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin

Retail Price Point: $16.95 for a 2.0 fluid ounce bottle. The label has a printed on expiration date, which I like. It makes the consumer aware of manufacture date (11/17/2014) and expiration date (11/16/2016). Aria Starr’s products are manufactured in the USA and lot/batch numbers are also recorded on the label.  Covered by a 1-year Satisfaction Guarantee.

Results:
As I stated I use retinol, so I am passed the “sensitive period” where peeling and/or redness may occur. Aria Starr’s serum is the same potency as the brand I was currently using, so I simply just jumped from one brand to another. I used the product for 3.5 weeks to see if the serum continued with my skin’s upkeep and if I saw any improvements or worse, any fine lines coming back. I used the product twice a day but in the A.M., I tend to go lighter with application and always follow-up with a SPF moisturizer. The serum does have retinol present, as my past achievements of ditching fine lines continued. I did not have any adverse reactions and this serum seems to leave a little more of a moisture barrier and this may be because of the additional beneficial properties added (i.e. vitamin oils and enriching oils).

Verdict:
You can’t beat the price point for a product where 1 to 2 pumps is needed. I still have more than 1/2 left because I needed 1 pump at night and a 1/2 a pump in the day.  A little goes a long way with serums and especially retinol infused ones.  I did not see any diminished gains that I had previously achieved and the product does work well with my skin.  No break-outs, blemishes, or anything negative I could attribute to the serum.  The product also absorbs quickly and gave me zero issues when used under make-up.

 

Connect with Aria Starr on:

• Amazon
• On-line (website under construction)
• Google+
• YouTube
• #retinol #AriaStarrBeauty

 

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

Kiss Me Organics: Ceremonial Grade Matcha Tea #Review #OrganicCeremonialGradeMatcha

Not too long ago I got the opportunity to review Kiss Me Organics Matcha Green Tea. I liked it. A lot. Clean, not jittery, energy and overall a nice switch from regular coffees and teas. Kiss Me Organics decided to then send me the Ceremonial Grade Matcha. I’m more than game.

Ceremonial grade Matcha must meet specific guidelines. From only the youngest, brightest, most vibrant leaves, grown in the shade, from only the very tip of the bush. Streamed, air dried, and stone-ground, this highest grade green tea is traditionally harvested from specific regions of the Japanese mountains, and is reserved for special occasions or a special treat due to the unique conditions required for growing and harvesting. It’s taste is unique as well, delicate but also full bodied with high sweet notes and a touch of butter at the finish.

Kiss Me Organics Ceremonial Grade Matcha is also the most sensitive to light and oxidization due to it’s delicate nature. So it comes in a vacuum sealed foil pouch inside a sealed metal tin with a twist off top that seals airtight again after. Kiss Me Organics is serious about this tea, and one taste will tell you it’s worth the effort. Ceremonial grade is the highest in nutrients, antioxidants, chlorophyll and fiber as well, with no artificial flavors or colors. I didn’t think I’d notice so much difference from one grade to the next, but I did. It’s a whisked tea that’s thicker, richer, and with more range in the flavor than the premium grade. It leave s just a little sediment at the bottom, but that’s nothing to complain about. I just love this tea.

If you’re wondering if the higher grade is worth the higher price, I say it is. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and plan to save it for special occasions. It has all the same energy benefits I noted with the premium version. It also has the one big drawback too. It’s so finely ground that it’s nearly impossible to not drop a bit, and it stains almost instantly. So I’d advise preparing your tea over glass or something that is glazed and dishwasher safe. I hope my readers treat themselves to this tea and enjoy it as much as I did.

Retail Price Point: $28.00 via Amazon

Connect with Kiss Me Organics:

• On the web
• On Facebook
• On Twitter
• On Pinterest
• On Amazon

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Kiss Me Organics LLC.  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.

Kiss Me Organics: Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder #Review

I was looking for some time for a way to incorporate a more natural approach when it came to replacing my caffeine pills. I love and enjoy drinking tea very much, but it’s not my main source when it comes to energy. In the morning if I have to run errands, the last thing I want is to drink more fluids than I already do!

I started reading about Green Tea and alternatives when it came to sources. Trying to think beyond the tea bag here and found Matcha. Matcha, is finely milled or fine powder green tea. So before you start just crushing tea leaves with a mortar and pestle, this is what makes Matcha distinctive and more nutritious. Matcha like other supplements has certain standards and qualities it must meet to carry the name. For one, the leaves must be grown in the shade to preserve their qualities and potency. Sun oxidizes the leaf and decreases the potency. A quality Matcha powder is rich with antioxidants (i.e. L-Theanine). L-theanine (also known as Suntheanine), is an antioxidant that helps with reducing stress and also aids the cardiovascular system. L-theanine, also minimizes the negative effects associated with caffeine; jitters, speedy effect, being jumpy/nervous is reduced. You still get that natural energy boost to help you get through the day, and may even assist with burning fat. Among the other benefits I read, Matcha can help with moods, liver cleansing, assist with sleep by allowing the state of “deep sleep” become more achievable to weight loss (balancing fat and muscle).  I even read where Matcha is attributed to better skin health, helping to detoxify and brighten your skin, which something I did notice change from just drinking green tea.

Kiss Me Organics Quality:

Getting a good source of Matcha is key and Kiss Me Organics delivers a finely milled powder that is not grainy, vibrant green in color, and it does not have that “hay smell” you get from the oxidized and less powerful Matcha out on the market. The packaging allows the product to remain in a dark environment to preserve it’s potency and you can easily seal it closed and remove much of the air as possible at the same time. I was very happy with the product and how easy it blended with yogurt to even my coconut and almond milk mixes.

Not in the Mood for Matcha?

Like with everything, you want to change it up to not get bored and this is why coffee, like tea is made in so many different ways even if they were born from a bean or leaf. For those days that I was not in a green tea mood, I resorted to just filling gel capsules. Just purchase those empty capsules and fill them with Matcha. I noticed zero changes from ingesting the Matcha combined with a food product to just taking the capsule. I got all the benefits!

Results:

I don’t miss my caffeine pill and I thought the no jitters claim was false but I must admit that I’m calmer but energized……..so let’s call it controlled energy that allows me to focus. I also do sleep better and I’m more on a regular pattern, where I wake up at the same time and need my rest and sleep around the same time everyday too. I kind of like that turning on when I need to and finally getting deep restful sleep that you don’t know you were missing until you get it. I have been doing more and getting more done, so that also makes me feel better and I guess that does lift one’s mood 🙂

Retail Price Point: Via Amazon $49.77

Kiss Me Organics is a company that really supports the products they distribute. They sent me recipes that helped change up how I got my Matcha for the day but was also making sure I was happy and satisfied with the product. That level of customer service is very appreciated now a days and Kiss Me Organics stands by their product with a zero hassle money-back guarantee!

Try Matcha via Kiss Me Organics and connect with them here:

• Amazon
• On-line
• FaceBook
• Go to their on-line page and enter your e-mail address to be alerted on promotions to even coupons
• #KissMeOrganicsMatcha

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

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

Smiley: Nature’s Bounty / Optimal Solutions Hair, Skin and Nails Gummies #Review

I’m always a supporter of finding ways to improve my skin’s health to my hair and nails. Smiley and Nature’s Bounty sent me a free bottle of their gummies, which contain Biotin and other supplements that feed your beauty. I was also sent samples to distribute with coupon cards to give away, a few beauty related items, like a compact and nail file, plus a couple of hair bands.

What’s in it:
This is for a serving of 2 gummies with a Daily Value (DV) based on a 2,000 caloric daily intake diet.

• Biotin– 2, 500 mg (833% of your DV) > Biotin is usually found in our intestinal’s bacteria and our bodies usually produce more naturally than what our body requires (DV). Biotin is what our cells need to be able to grow, produce Fatty Acids and aid with metabolizing fats and Amino Acids. Now, there are people who may have metabolic disorders, in which enough Biotin is not produced. You will also find people that have a issues producing enough gastric acid be low on Biotin, as patients who are elderly, people who consume alcohol and/or smoke. Another cause is a Immune System disorders. Another culprit that may make a person deficient in Biotin is consumption of egg whites in their raw form and on a daily basis (functional Avidin). Avidin is destroyed by cooking. Symptoms of a deficiency is hair loss, skin disorders to even neurological disorders like depression, fatigue, lethargy to hallucinations.
• Vitamin C– 15 mg (25% of your DV) > Ascorbic Acid, which is the source listed has been proven to help with oxidative stress. Being that it is classified as an antioxidant, people may see benefits in cardiovascular disease to even those who suffer from inflammation. Vitamin C also helps the immune system and is a natural antihistamine, so you will also find benefits when it comes to allergies.
• Vitamin E– 15 IU (50% of your DV) > You have probably noticed Vitamin E in many beauty products and I personally use the vitamin in oil form to hydrate and protect the skin around my eyes. Vitamin E is another antioxidant and can help with protecting lipids, neurological function, to even reducing oxidative stress.

Other Ingredients listed- Corn Syrup, Sugar, Dicalcium Phosphate, Grape juice color concentrate, Gelatin, Modified Food Starch, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Natural Strawberry flavor, Black Carrot juice color concentrate, Maltodextrin, Fractionated Coconut oil, Carnauba wax, Beeswax and Silica.

Dosage: For adults, Nature’s Bounty recommends a serving of 2 gummies once or twice on a daily basis. They suggest taking them with a meal. A full size bottle comes with 80 gummies in total, so you will run short on a 30-day supply if you go beyond the minimum requirement (once daily).

The Flavor/Taste Test:
The gummies are Strawberry flavored and sweet, with almost a corn starch after-taste. Not your usually clear looking gummy but a more cloudy and waxy consistency.

Overall Performance/Results:
I took the product until I finished the bottle and I must admit I did not like being short on a 30-day supply if I took the product twice daily (total of 4 gummies). It’s just not convenient and not a manner I usually buy or take supplements. I like the amount of Biotin and Vitamin C and E found in the blend. I found taking 1 gummy in the morning and 1 gummy in the afternoon worked best for me because 833% of a my Biotin daily value in one dose is really just going to purge out with the amount of water I tend to drink through out the day. I prefer absorbing my supplements a little through out the day versus flooding my system with higher (mega) doses. I noticed changes mostly in my nails and the growth cycle did speed up. My hair grows quickly as it is, so I could not comment there but I did not notice any significance when it came to changes in my skin. I did not have fewer or more breakouts.

A few things I did find negative when it came to this supplement was the corn syrup as first ingredient, then more sugar, to the clear window where you can see the gummies from. Vitamin C oxidizes and becomes useless when exposed to light and this is why you always see the supplement stored in dark/solid colored bottles. I know people like to view products when buying but not at the cost of potentially losing a benefit when you are seeking to better your health. I know I m not Biotin deficient and could not locate studies where a person who produces, or in our case naturally produce more than needed; needed a mega-dose on top of that to see results in skin, hair, or nails. I have been drinking more water so I know that helps with the aforementioned, and it comes at a lower cost per unit, plus you don’t get shortened on a 30-day supply there 🙂

Price Point: 80 gummy count bottle retails for $5.79 to $7.99. I found the lower price point at Walmart, with Amazon being $0.10 more and Walgreen’s being the most expensive at $7.99.

You can save by signing-up to their Newsletter- $1.00 off coupon http://www.naturesbounty.com/signup/

You can also try the product and if it does not provide you with satisfied results; get your money back here:

• 30 Day Challenge Guarantee form- http://www.naturesbounty.com/challenge/

I am glad I tried the gummies because I do believe in working from within to improve our outside. With the coupon and guarantee, I personally feel that it may be something you wish to try and see if you get results. It’s a win/win in my book!

To find more information on Nature’s Bounty and the above product, please visit them here:

• On-line– http://www.naturesbounty.com/optimalsolutions/053545
• Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/NaturesBounty
• Twitter– https://twitter.com/NaturesBounty
• Pinterest– http://www.pinterest.com/naturesbounty/

 

I received the above product free of charge from Smiley and Nature’s Bounty/Optimal Solutions.  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.

Eslor #Beauty Line #Review: Rejuvenating Day Cream, Firming Collagen Day Cream, Active Night Cream, Soothing Cream, Herbal Soothing Gel, Brightening Activator and Firming Eye Cream

I tried to be a good girl. I really did. I tried to go one at a time, review each Eslor product on it’s own. Eslor was so good to me, they sent their entire product line. But much like that forbidden treat that you binge on when no one’s looking, I went and dove into Eslor’s entire line, using it together. There’s so many brands that make so many claims, I have my “Drawer of Broken Promises”©. You know the one. Where all those fancy boutique brands go to their final rest. You won’t toss ’em, because they cost so much, but they just don’t work, so you don’t use them. I’m here to tell you Eslor’s keeps their promises, and won’t break your bank doing it.

So it’s time to dive, face first (pun intended), into the final batch of Eslor’s awesomeness. Starting with the Healthy Aging Collection. You see, Eslor has collections that target specific needs or wants in you skin care routine. There’s something for everyone, starting with the Rejuvenating Day Cream.

A simple day cream that manages to feel rich and luxurious, and formulated to hydrate and firm you skin all at once. Without all the harsh chemicals and parabens, it re-plumps tired skin and leaves your complexion radiant with nothing but the finest natural ingredients. It gives your face a nice matte finish, so I can use this as a makeup base too. Talk about win-win.

Active Ingredients: Aloe Vera Gel, Squaline and Sweet Almond Oil, Vitamin E, Pentapeptides, Horsetail, Arnica and Hops Extracts.

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

 

Next, in the line is the Firming Collagen Day Cream, for the days you feel your face needs that little extra “oomph “.

Recommended for normal or dry skin, this cream keeps your face soft, supple, and will help keeps those pesky wrinkles at bay a little longer. Using only the finest Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen and other natural oils and extracts, this cream is the ultimate age defense cream, and I love it. It made my face look firmer almost immediately.

Active Ingredients: Lactic Acid, Ginseng Extract, Aloe Vera Gel, Avocado Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Sesame Oil, Avocado Butter, Olive Butter and Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen.

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

Rounding out this line is Eslor’s Active Night Cream.

I thought I was set in this department, using one popular brand for years. Eslor just supplanted them. Price and performance met my old cream on the battlefield, and kicked some serious butt. A true biological stimulator, it significantly increased my skin’s elasticity, while leaving my skin nourished, soft, and refreshed. It’s keeping that youthful glow and keeping those fine lines away, too. One of my favorites, by far.

Active Ingredients: Hydrolyzed Soy Milk Protein, Pentapeptides, Ginseng Extract, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Aloe Vera Gel, Sweet Kernel Oil, Squalene, Peach Kernel Oil, Mango Butter, Almond Butter, Glycerin and Carrot Oil.

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

Now we move on to the Sensitive Skin Collection. Specifically formulated for the minimizing of inflammation and with a emphasis on restoration, I’ve covered two of the products already here and here, but let’s get right to the final one, shall we? May I present Eslor’s Soothing Cream.

Here’s an example where a simple name is not just a simple product. This cream features superoxide dismutase, the bane of free radicals everywhere. With a host of natural oils and extracts scientifically matched to restore your skins natural balance and vitality. It goes to work almost instantly, and I can say as a fair-skinned, fairly sensitive faced girl, I appreciate that it’s effective, yet gentle.

Active Ingredients: Live Yeast Extract, Ginkgo Biloba, Aloe Vera Gel, Avocado Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Hazelnut Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Vitamin E, Vitamin Complex and Pentapeptides.

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

Onward we go now to Eslor’s Targeted Collection. Specific products to meet specific needs. And there’s none better to start with than Eslor’s Herbal Soothing Gel.

Ever have those days where you spent a little too long is the sun? Where the wind made your cheeks feel flushed and prickly all day? ME too. More than I’d care to admit. Thankfully, I have Eslor’s Herbal Soothing Gel on hand to help repair my “oopsies”. Oil-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free… The only thing it’s not free of is results. This would have to be the BEST after-sun treatment ever! And we’re not talking just treating the symptoms, we’re talking repairing the damage. No more dry, chapped skin just looking for a reason to wrinkle and age. Loaded with natural extracts, this targeted gel is something no gal should be without.

Active Ingredients: Aloe Vera Gel, St. John’s Blossoms Extract, Arnica Blossoms Extract, Calendula Blossoms Extract and Chlorophyll.

How can you prevent some of this, you ask? Let me answer with Eslor’s Brightening Activator.

Loaded with anti-oxidents, this is a patented blend designed to optimize protection from harsh elements, and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and age spots. While a goodnight sunscreen is recommended for prolonged sun exposure, no sunscreen will do for your skin what this serum can. I do wish it came with some form of UVA/UVB protection, because let’s face it: this planet is only getting sunnier lately. At this price point, I feel it really should, but I understand how hard it can be to add those things and stay true to the “natural” part of their passion.

Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and pure Essential oils of Lemon, Orange and Mandarin.

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

Let’s be honest, we don’t take care of our eyes like we should. Especially the skin around them. Nothing can make a girl look older than tired, ringed eyes. Thankfully, Eslor’s Firming Eye Cream rides to our rescue. Nourishing your skin, reinforcing your skins natural strength and barriers, your see less puff, less circles, and brighter, healthier skin under your eyes in no time at all. I’ve had no small amount of hell with the skin around my eyes (I’m looking at you, Urban Decay), but thankfully I’ve had Eslor and their Firming Eye Cream to help reverse the damage. It’s gentle on my skin while producing measurable results. I’m thankful for this cream, truly.

So there you have it. That’s the entire line of Eslor’s passion for better skin. This company has turned this into a labor of love, and when they say “The Art of Beauty”, they have certainly made good on it. Their HTP system (Hydrate, Protect, Treat) is a complete system that puts the health of your skin at the forefront while avoiding the science experiments we’ve all tried putting on our faces. Made in the USA, forgoing toxic chemicals, parabens and sulphates, they have created synergy between natural products and good skin health. I am truly fortunate to have been able to try this line, and I hope by sharing it with you, you feel empowered to go out and try it for yourself. You owe it to yourself.

With collections, samples and trial kits to fit any budget, you should add Eslor to your e-shopping basket.

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

• Online
• Their Contact Page
  
• Their Twitter
  
• Their Facebook
  
• and on Pinterest
  
• Make sure to check out the new Trial kits that make trying products a cinch. Use code KIT15 to receive your discount

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

Influenster: Vaseline 24-Hour Men Spray Lotion #MenSpray

The hits keep on coming with Influenster. Next up: Vaseline has come out with a line dedicated just for Men with non-floral scents and formulas that have “man-staying power”, like 24 hours moisture protection. You have lotions that dry in seconds but hydrate, leaving your skin feeling non-greasy, but still soft. I know many men skip on lotions but no lady wants to see or feel cracked skin……so here comes Vaseline with it’s fast-drying formulas, giving you zero excuses on why a man should skip on skincare!

Finally, a product that is not for me or the pup! Yes, I blog and I try to find products I can share or even just geared towards men but they are really hard to come by. I would so try a hammer and many times would even find it as a stress relieving tool, but I have yet to find the company that sets this lady up with such a tool and I would even take a mallet at this point! So, I may not be able to start hitting things but I can at least help in the skin department. Men sometimes act like toddlers when a lotion bottle is brought up. I hear claims of it smelling “girly” or the ever popular that the skin will feel “icky”. Ummmm, dry and cracked skin is icky and I have seen some guys with let’s say ashy knees and elbows!

Test Results:

In comes Vaseline to save the real icky skin with a light formula. We spray a leg and give it a try. Husband states it feels light and wet but quickly drys, leaving your skin feeling like nothing bad happened. I never knew applying lotion was so traumatizing but I’m thinking some Hubbies add drama to the mix! I noticed the skin color changed (it’s alive!) but remain mum about how his skin now looks nourished and just focus on how it feels……like nothing happened. Hubby uses the 24 hour spray after showering and I hear everyday the spray going after he turns the water off. It goes on and on, day after day,  until I notice it on my shopping list, which hangs on the side of the fridge the words written, “Vas lotion MEN”. This is a guy that tells me he is out of something when I ask to be told when he is low on stuff! I still have to make “emergency trips” to the store to pick-up deodorant because he swore he had an extra one that then disappears. I blame the invisible funk gnome that must be one clean smelling guy for the stash of extra deodorants, floss, to even shampoos that just go poof. In the end, I am glad for the hygiene help and finally a lotion that is “non-icky” and feels like nothing happened, but thankfully is working 🙂

Price Point: $7.99 for a 6.5 ounce can

Ingredients (as listed on the site): Water (Aqua), Isopropyl Myristate, Glycerin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Tapioca Starch, Fragrance (Parfum), Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Ammonium, Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Dihydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Disodium EDTA.

You can find the Vaseline Men Spray Lotion and other items in the line at:

• Vaseline Men Spray Line on-line– http://www.vaseline.us/products/vaseline-spray-go/fast-absorbing/default.aspx
• Connect via Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/VaselineUS?brand_redir=1
• Connect via Twitter– https://twitter.com/VaselineBrand
• #MenSpray

I received the above product free of charge from Influenster & Vaseline. 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.

Eslor: The Art of Beauty Skin Care; Comforting Mask

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

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

Now, to the Mask.

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

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

Almost.

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

Ingredient list as listed on the site: 

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

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

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

• Online
• Their Contact Page
  
• Their Twitter
  
• Their Facebook
  
• and on Pinterest
  
• Make sure to check out the new Trial kits that make trying products a cinch. Use code KIT15 to receive your discount

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

SheSpeaks: Lancome DreamTone Customized Skin Tone Correcting Serum

I received the DreamTone by Lancome from SheSpeaks and with the hefty price tag of $98.00, this was a product that had to wow me with results to make it worthwhile.

What it Does:
DreamTone is a customized skin-tone correcting serum. I like serums because they are usually light in texture and quickly absorbed by my skin. My pigmentation selection was no. 1 for Fair complexions, however the line also comes in no. 2 for Medium skin-tones and no. 3 for Darker complexions. DreamTone is formulated as a dark spot and blemish diminisher, meaning it will lighten the pigmentation associated with these marks. It reduces redness and also targets imperfections and you are left with a overall smooth skin appearance that improves with use. Changes and improvements should be seen and felt at the one week period with a higher satisfaction rate at the 4 week point. Maximum overall changes should be present in 8 weeks.

Ingredients: Water, Cyclohexasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol, Squalane, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Polysilicone-11, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Hydroxyphenoxy Propionic Acid, Grifola Frondosa Fruiting Body Extract, Carbomer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Mannitol, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide / Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Disodium Edta, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-15, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Acrylates Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Ci 19140 / Yellow 5, Ci 75470 / Carmine, Ci 77163 / Bismuth Oxychloride, Ci 77891 / Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Geraniol, Eugenol, Limonene, Citronellol, Benzyl Alcohol, Fragrance.

I was able to test DreamTone a little shy of 4 weeks and was able to get an idea if DreamTone is a buy or pass.

Results:

1. At the 1 week point, I did notice that my skin remained smooth and I very much like how the product distributed throughout my skin. Cosmetics tended to flow better, as in foundations went on smoother and I did not have any negative effects like make-up caking up hours later or any adverse skin issues. The product did not increase any acne breakouts but it also did not decrease them. I did not notice any pigmentation changes in the first 7 days.
2. At the 2 week period, I still benefited from the aforementioned results and did notice a “glow” improvement in my skin. I had a nice healthy shine that was not greasy or oily in nature, more like a brightness. My skin did remain healthy looking but again no improvement in any of the pigmentation issues or skin tone improvements.
3. I reached the 3 week mark and with continual use, I did feel my skin improve by retaining a healthy glow and my skin’s dullness had improved. My imperfections, like the small darker tone marks that I had from my last break-out (3 weeks ago), were lighter. Going by the history of how my skin rejuvenates on it’s own with exfoliation, this is my regular cycle so I did not reward those benefits to Lancome’s DreamTone. I thankfully have fair skin that tends to fight to remain pale no matter how much I wish to tan and thankfully this goes for any marks I may get for popping a blemish I should have left alone. Hard to detour from such behavior when my punishment only last about 3 to 4 weeks on my face!
4. Reaching the 4 week time span, I found that I like to use DreamTone as a base/primer for my make-up. The product really does help achieve the greatest results in a smooth make-up application even though this was not an advertised claim. I did not breakout from the product as DreamTone tends to protect my skin nicely. I even experimented with several new cosmetic lines and did not get the punishment I usually get by getting new blemishes or skin reactions like clogged pores or even redness. I did feel that the serum provides a almost preventative effect. Mattifying  or evening of the skin-tone was achieved but my freckles and the appearance of dark spots did not reflect a noticeable difference, but technically I am still in the middle of what is considered optimum results in 8 weeks.

Would I buy it?
This is where some of us take for granted results already obtained, we make them ours and forget what got us there in the first place. DreamTone did smooth out and even my skin’s tone, plus it made my make-up perform better. In other words, it improved how my cosmetics work and also protected me when I used a new product. That alone has a value but I’m unsure on the $98 price point for what I really used as a base (primer?) and still had to take into consideration the cost of a moisturizer and an anti-aging product. With continual use, DreamTone should give me skin that needs less coverage from make-up and give me the courage to go bare……but I’m not there yet! Have I lightened on my foundation use? Yes, because Lancome’s DreamTone does allow my foundation to glide on meaning I can work more magic while I blend and use less at the same time. I use a corrector on a light basis anyways and I did not feel that fluctuated in use with DreamTone.

In Conclusion:
Yes, I would buy it but unsure at the $98 price point. I have been convinced to spend between $50 and $75 for what I have achieved and if I get more added benefits by week 8, then that would be the deciding factor in if I will pony up the addition $50 to $25 dollars. I will be updating this review if I reach week 8 and have more to jazz about. The product does come in a generous amount of 1.3 fluid ounces and because it is a serum, a small amount is needed. It may be that I’m the consumer that needs a “deluxe sized” bottle for how I have used and seen DreamTone perform. I suggest visiting Sephora, Macy’s or even Ulta and ask for a sample size before making a full purchase. I do hope they make a smaller size because that also means a smaller price point 🙂

For more Information, please visit:

• Lancome http://www.lancome-usa.com/DreamTone/1000402,default,pd.html

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

Influenster brings you the New Aveeno Active Naturals, Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream

Being a member of Influenster (www.influenster.com) has it’s perks from receiving and reviewing items, to the large database they have with reviews from members on pretty much anything from beauty items to snack foods.

I received the Aveeno Active Naturals, Positively Radiant Intensive Night cream with vitamin B3. The products features 5 factors that will boost your Radiance. What I like already are the claims listed on the package that the cream will improve:

• Tone
• Dullness
• Brown Spots
• Texture
• Blotichness

The vitamin B3, also known as Niacinamide is featured in many beauty products and this is why:
Niacinamide improves the appearance of aging and has a soothing calming effect. You will notice acne products also contain this ingredient because of the inflammation associated with those nasty blemishes, to products made to combat the dryness associated with Rosacea. Niacinamide, also helps the skin produce less facial oils and this may help acne suffers too. Vitamin B3, stimulates the production of collagen and this helps with fine lines and wrinkles. It improves the surface of the face by usually combining the B3 vitamin with other ingredients, for better absorption and Aveeno has done this with this night cream.

The directions are simple, you just smooth cream over entire cleansed face and neck. I used a quarter size and found that was sufficient for overall coverage and even though this is a cream with impressive claims, it is not heavy or oily on the face.

I have been an Aveeno user for years and every time Costco has the Aveeno body lotion in their coupon book, I am there to stock up. Their products are mild but also effective. If the bottle states something will last for 24 hour, it does!

I went into this testing trial with high expectations when it came to the proven results and used the product for a total of two weeks. I was impressed already by the Total Soy-Complex added because of the benefits associated with soybeans, but also the price point. Target stores has this product priced at an affordable $14.99 per unit and each bottle has 1.7 ounces.

The Results:

I have combination skin and that in itself can be challenging because what satisfies the dry areas, usually annoys my oily ones. The normal areas of my skin just flaunt and ignore what is happening to the rest of me! Having skin with such an attitude frustrates me. I find myself “patting” my face with different creams for each “type” of skin that sometimes I confuse what I have on my left or right hand and figure at that point, I just pat lightly all over my face and hope whatever lands anywhere will help. Aveeno’s Intensive Night cream took the game away and thank goodness because I was about to just have a fit and flip that game board over. The cream is good no matter if it lands in Oily-ville or the Dry-lands of my face. Again, Normal-place just ignores the rest of me. I found on week #1 that my face looked the same from my forehead to my chin. My cheeks tend to be sensitive and because I suffer from environmental allergies, I’m sure that is from doing what I am not suppose to do, rub my eyes. The reddish inflammation I experience was minimized drastically so that “punchy eyed” look was lessened. My skin reflected a more even tone both in texture and appearance. Okay, so far I see no reason to stop usage.

Week #2: I find myself happy because I have not experienced any clogged pores or residue build up from Aveeno’s Intensive Night Cream. I can say my face is not dull and has a glow that seems to last through out the day and after I wash my face, so it’s not just the product making me believe I have it through application. I have some freckles on my cheeks and they are the same color as before I began the cream, so for brown spots that come from freckles or post-acne marks, I did not notice anything when it came to changes there. I say for getting 4 out of the 5 claims with just a two week use, it is a great night cream to add to the make-up bag at the $15 price point. You add a coupon at time of purchase and that makes me smile more……but not too much because I’m fighting fine lines here people!

I received the above product free of charge from Influenster.  I am not obligated in providing positive/favorable feedback, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product, which may differ from yours.  Need more information on Aveeno: Visit their Facebook page at- https://www.facebook.com/aveeno?fref=ts or on-line at- http://www.aveeno.com/