Tryazon: The Ritual of Sakura Skincare Set by Rituals Review #Tryazon #RitualsUSA

As much as we enjoy a day at the spa, reality is that sometimes the spa needs to come to us. Having products that help renew your space not only helps in creating a relaxing environment, but takes the home space to another level.

In comes Rituals, which provides an array of products that can be used at home or even when you travel. Stress relievers on the go! It is no longer not having time to book an appointment but stress hits us at any hour. It can be midnight and a soak in a tub can be enough to make you finish the rest of the week strong just because you took some time to give yourself some very much needed TLC. I have yet to know a spa available at midnight and going out in my jammies at such an hour becomes a drag if the idea of getting out the car comes into play. Stay in your pajamas and use that travel time at a place that has no waiting room, your home!

Rituals has many sets to choose from and products are sold a la carte or if you wish for a more economical idea, you can get a gift set that allows you try out four products from the same line. These are not only great for self gifting but make great presents because one thing we all share, is needing a touch of less stress in our lives. I opted for the set called The Rituals of Sakura. You will find on the Rituals site that they even have gift sets available in size small, medium and large, again accommodating for every budget and each set comes with a gorgeous reusable box. Men are also not excluded (hear they get stress too 🙂 ), so you can also find products for that special guy in your life. Make it a dual spa day!

 

The Rituals of Sakura Renewing Set Includes:

• One Keepsake Luxury box with ribbon and a beautiful metal emblem
• One Celebrate Each Day Body Scrub
• One Zensational Foaming Shower Gel
• One Magic Touch Body Cream
• One Blossoming Hand Wash

All products assembled in the Netherlands (Amsterdam) and disturbed out of Delaware (USA)

Retail Price: $45 and the site advertises free shipping with orders $40 or more. You can also add an item and receive a free gift when you spend $50 or more. A pop-up window will come up and offers you sign up for emails and again offers a percentage off of orders, making the deals only sweeter.  You can also access Ritual products at Macys’s, Jet, Ulta, and Lord & Taylor

 

Verdict:
The scent in the Sakura collection is light and pleasing. The site advertises the scent of Japanese Cherry Blossoms, which is delicate and Rituals did get the fragrance spot on. The scrub has a soft almond scent that is calming when paired with the floral notes. The shower gel goes further than expected, so a small amount is needed when using. I worry as some gels can be irritating but this gel still had a nice scent that remains but is not overwhelming. I also found it nourishing to my skin versus how some gels tend to strip away moisture and leave your skin feeling tight. Not exactly a relaxing experience, but Rituals got it right where this is a foaming gel that lends itself in being kinder and beneficial to your skin’s surface. I was concerned the body cream would be overpowering as some fragrance enriched products can be. I don’t want to walk by someone and make them feel like I beat them with a cherry blossom tree! Again, a sweet cherry scent that is soft to the nose but does not linger to become annoying. The cream is not heavy and my skin absorbed it, leaving a nice even texture with zero dry spots. I would use this lotion daily and it takes the bore out of my no scent oatmeal one I had been using prior. The hand wash was a nice surprise. I thought it was that extra item in the set that I was not too ecstatic about but after several uses, my hands improved so the not so exciting item became a favorite too. Nice scent and cleanses enough that after cooking, I had no lingering unwanted smells left from making dinner. Again, it is nice when a hand wash with perfumes actually washes versus just give me scented hands.

Final Verdict:
I have purchased products from skincare and bath stores with same scents, but nothing has captured the Cherry Blossom experience as well as Rituals. The ingredients like rice milk aid in softening your skin’s texture, so this a true spa quality product versus just scented goodies that have no benefits.  Finally, a gift set where each item can be used with no throwaways included! I liked that not only for myself but when I gift a set, I know it is not just filler made to look nice and pretty. The ingredients are top notch, non-irritating, and scent wise it became a desirable fragrance I looked forward to using. This is definitely a must buy and will easily make it to the #2018GiftGuide this year!

 

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• #Tryazon  #RitualsUSA  #2018GiftGuide

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I received the above product(s) free of charge from Rituals USA and Tryazon. 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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Exfolimate: Exfoliating 2 piece Face and Body System #Review #FaceBodyTool

I admit it, I am addicted to exfoliating and even use a machine once a week that delivers at-home Microdermabrasion results. I still do a mild exfoliating treatment every couple of days to keep everything smooth and dead skin cells at bay. Being that I prefer no chemicals like using an acid based peel, I am always hunting for devices that may deliver the same or better results.

In comes Exfolimate with a simple scraper system. It gently removes dead skin cells in a more gentle manner, not requiring any acid based peels or rotating discs. The simplicity continues when it comes to use. You have a larger size remover that is for the body and the smaller is for the face. The handle is made out of a plastic, while the part that makes contact with your skin is made from metal. The idea is to run the Exfolimate over your skin to aid with the removal of dead skin cells and any debris (i.e. clogged pores), leaving you with a smoother looking and feeling surface.

Retail Price Point: $29.99 via Amazon and with Amazon Prime membership, the Exfolimate ships for free.

• Each Kit includes (1) Face Exfolimate and (1) Body Exfolimate

 

Verdict:

The Exfolimate system is easy to use and will always be a better option that using your nails or a wash cloth as an exfoliating method. I found the handle and size to be ergonomic and easy to hold in use.  No discs to worry about changing, chemicals that may cause irritation and/or redness. The Exfolimate can also be sanitized by using alcohol after each use to avoid any bacteria from building up. I used the system in between my Microdermabrasion treatments (usually 3 days after) to keep my skin feeling smooth, so think of it as a “touching-up” method. Th Exfolimate glided easily and was painless both in use and how it performed. I still prefer a scrub over the Exfolimate and this is because a scrub can be purchased with anti-aging or acne treating properties. I still have to wash my face, so I see using a scrub as a multi-tasker versus the Exfolimate being a one use only tool. The other stickler was the price point. I just do not see paying $30 for what pretty much breaks down to being a scraper for your skin. I get the functionality but again, this is a piece of plastic and a thin metal strip. Now, I did find the body tool more useful as I find it a waste to use a scrub intended for my face on my body. I usually purchase sugar based scrubs for body exfoliating, but I can see using the tool more on my legs and especially when some shaving creams/gels tend to leave an undesired residue behind. I can see wanting a Exfolimate for the body but again, I just can’t see the price versus results here. It was one of those things where the item did not hurt me but also did not help me (kind of thing).

Connect with Exfolimate at:

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• #Exfolimate #FaceBodyTool

 

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

Valentia Beauty: Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum #Review #ValentiaBeauty

I have reviewed for Valentia before and this year, the company has extended their beauty line by adding new products, which cover a multitude of skin problems. Valentia uses a mix of both natural and organic ingredients to create their serums/creams, and most are multi-taskers, so you reap a lot of benefits from using just one of their products. I have said it before, the less time I can spend on my beauty regimen and still have it be effective, is the more time I can spend doing other things like getting my Spring gardening done!

Valentia’s new product is called the Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum. The new serum replaces several of your products by covering such areas as:

• An anti-aging serum, which combats fine lines. Both a prevention and a treatment when it comes to aging skin issues.

• Even though the product is a light serum formula, the user still benefits from deep hydration and moisturizing properties.

• This deep hydration helps replenish loss of moisture, which helps aid with the “plumping effect”. Your skin achieves a tighter appearance by addressing tone and texture issues you may be experiencing, to elasticity.

• You also get benefits from antioxidants rich ingredients and a combination of extracts that aid with achieving a youthful and more brighter appearance. Think of a healthy glow and this serum will help with evening out any pigmentation problems that come from acne scars, sun damage, and so forth.

Ingredients (as listed on the bottle):
Citrus Aurantium (Orange Hydrosol), Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera), HamamelisVirginiana (Witch Hazel), Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide (botanical hyaluronic acid), GlobulariaCordifolia Callus Culture Extract (plant stem cells), Sodium Lactate, UndariaPinnatifida Cell Culture Extract, Organic SimmondsiaChinensis (Jojoba Oil), d-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Organic GlycyrrhizaGlabra (Licorice), Wildcrafted Arnica Montana (Arnica), Organic ArganiaSpinosa (Argan Oil), Proprietary Silk Protein Amino AcidBlend, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, (2s)-2-Amino-5-guanidinopentanoic Acid, Citrus ClementiaHortext Tan (Clementine Essential Oil), Camellia Oil, Organic Rosa Canina (Rosehip Seed Oil), Organic CentellaAsiatica (Gotu Kola), Wildcrafted Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail), WildcraftedTaraxacumOfficinale (Dandelion), Wildcrafted Geranium Maculatum (Wild Geranium), Alcohol, Lecithin, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol

Retail Price Point: The serum costs $35.00 for a 1.18 ounce bottle. You can find the product on Valentia’s website and on Amazon.  If you are an Amazon Prime member, shipping is also free.

Verdict:

I tried the new Clear Lift Revitalizing serum from Valentia for 3 weeks. The serum is very light when applied and just a thin coat is needed upon application. The first thing I noticed, was the serum is quickly absorbed. I lightly rubbed after to see if any residue would peel up like with other serums, but no residue was detected. This means I can use the serum before applying my foundation primer and not expect little rolled up balls of serum after. My make-up also did not separate hours later after application, so that is a plus when you can add a new product that does not effect the ones you already use. My skin remained hydrated and plump, which was the first change I noticed. My fine lines did not increase but because the serum gives my skin a nice glow and smoothing effect, it made that area of my skin appear smoother. I never experienced any break-out or blemishes, such as clogged pores either. By week two, the healthy glow remained after washing my face and the smoothing effect was both felt and seen. I had softer skin. I have light colored freckles on the top of my cheeks, which did not lighten but I am only within 3 weeks of treatment. I have not noticed any color changes on the one acne scar I have but not even retinol works this quick either, at least with the OTC products. I usually see color changes with 4 to 5 weeks, unless the product is heavy on “cell turnover accelerators”, which can sometimes cause redness, so I prefer the slow and sure thing when it comes to this process, which Valentia’s new Clear Lift Revitalizing serum seems to provide. My biggest positive change has been being able to drop two products, like my Vitamin C serum and the Lactic Acic in the serum helps renew my skin quickly. Simple to use and affordable when you start adding up the products that equate what this one serum can provide. I save money and time by using this multi-tasker!

 

Connect with Valentia at:

• On-line
• Product link
• Amazon
• Facebook
• Instagram
• #ValentiaBeauty

 

 

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

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

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!

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.

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!

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:

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• #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.

 

Valentia : True Glow Eye Cream #Review #ValentiaBeauty

Next on the Valentia beauty line, comes the True Glow Eye Cream for review. I use eye creams and serums on a daily basis and twice a day because I find this area tends to reflect signs of aging sooner than the rest of my face. My goal is to always keep this area hydrated and moisturized at all times because of this!

Valentia’s True Glow Eye Cream comes in a glass bottle with a pump action top. The product advertises as being an Intense Corrective Eye treatment, which not only works as a preventing regimen but also aids with current issues. The eye cream helps with:

• Reducing Fine lines and Wrinkles
• Restoring Radiance by helping repair and nourish the delicate skin around our eyes
• Hydration from oils to Anti-inflammatory ingredients to reduce puffiness that may further diminish the appearance of aging skin.
• Tightening the area around the eye by aiding with elasticity and targeting dark circles. which can make a person look tired and cause an irregular skin tone/color effect to the area.

Ingredients (as listed on the package):

Retail Price Point: $25.00 via Amazon for a 1.18 ounce glass bottle with a pump action top.

 

Verdict:
I always give myself about 3 to 4 weeks when it comes to trying any beauty creams and serums. I need to know if the effects I experience belong to the product I am testing or they are just the remaining benefits from the one prior. I can then also get an idea how well a product performs! The first week of trying the eye cream from Valentia, I noticed the product tends to linger longer on the skin than my former eye cream. As much as I love quick absorbing products, my prior eye cream left no residue but also no hydrating protective layer. It would just vanish within four hours and if the day was even breezy in nature, I could feel that tight feeling your skin gets when it’s drying out too much. The True Glow Eye Cream from Valentia left a protective layer that kept my skin looking smoother longer through out the day. I used the product twice a day and experienced zero irritations from use. The thin layer allowed for make-up application after and no odd little rolled up residue balls formed hours later, or worse, when your make-up separates making it look like you forgot to blend. None of that happened! I did not notice fine line repair by week three, but I can state that the product is phenomenal went it comes to working as a prevention aid. I looked more awake because the skin in that area was smooth and naturally plump, not swollen from my seasonal allergies! My eyes water at night and when I sleep, creating what I call “teary eyes”. I get red streaks from the irritation if I forget to apply eye cream or applied a poorly formulated one. I can state the Valentia’s True Glow Eye cream prevented any red marks from setting in, so I woke up looking fresh and not like I have been weeping! This is an eye cream I would continue to use but also along with the Ultra Plumping Hydrating Mask from Valentia. These two products help each other out and I get a balanced appearance that is noticeable with this duo.

 

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.

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.

 

PMD: Personal Microderm Microdermabrasion Device #Review

The new year means I am keeping with the trend of trying at home beauty related devices, to see if they deliver better results. I have tried so far laser and a glass unit that was more cumbersome as time went on. So far, laser has been the technology that I feel has delivered visible results at a lower price point than what you get at a spa facility or even out of several jars of beauty creams!

My new unit is from PMD, a company that makes several Microdermabrasion devices and also has a skincare line. I have seen these units at Ulta, Sephora to even Costco. At Costco, the PMD representative allowed me to handle the unit and see how it worked, which is always a plus because the other beauty stores have the unit as an “on-line only” purchase. I noticed the unit was easy to handle, ergonomic in shape, which made it easy to maneuver and even though the abrasion technology used has a spinning motion, the unit did not vibrate so much that it made it awkward to hold. The technology used makes sure the user is able to just focus on the skin, versus a device that sometimes can be unwieldy. So, I had already a positive mindset when it came to using PMD tools. My only question was, does it work? Will I see a difference that justifies ownership and investing in refills?  Hey, I get upset when fragrance refills get changed and I they expect me to buy all new units!

I did not want this to be like printers of the past, where the ink makes you never, ever want to print in color and only printing in “fast-econo mode” when you print anything else, because a refill breaks the bank. Not bringing in another machine into this house that makes me feel guilty for using it! I first looked at refills and that fear was easily put to rest. Each disc is easily differentiated by a color coding system:

• White disc– Training / Ultra Sensitive
• Grey disc– Very Sensitive
• Blue disc– Sensitive
• Green disc– Moderate
• Orange disc– Coarse
• Red disc– Very Coarse
• Black disc– All Over Body
• Yellow disc– Intense Body

The cost was something I had to do a double-take because it was actually (dislike using this word) cheap, so let us say cost effective :). I know. I wanted an excuse before the unit was out of the box to convince myself that exfoliating was something that I was doing fine with by using a mask and/or scrub. Six individual refills costs $20.00. Okay, but what does that bring to the table? Well, one disc has a lifespan of 3 to 4 treatments. You do one treatment a week……..well, this is actually cheaper than my scrub that I use every 3 days, not counting the daily one! What the heck! I had to redo the math and somehow PMD found a way to not “get you” with the refills like so many other companies tend to do. This is why I do not use my facial scrubber machine because I do not want to kill the rechargeable battery and/or buy another refill. In the end, I am trying to make my face scrubber last longer by not using it! Yeah, no logic in that!

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Retail Price Point: The starting price for PMD tools (units) start at $159.00 and go as high as $199.00.  Visit here to compare the devices and the differences, plus see what tools suites your needs best.

So, I am past the refill fear and get this, this device requires no charging or batteries. As I was reading the manual, I plugged in the device thinking I would get somewhere in the manual while reading it, where it would state how long to charge for, or unplug when whatever light turns green. I had a laughing moment when I read you just plug it in and go. Okay, PMD……you are making me like you!

Verdict:
It all comes down to results. Is PMD going to give my skin same like results that I can’t achieve cheaper via another method. This is how I break down what products stay and what products go in our home. It’s all about what they bring to the table. PMD discs use aluminium oxide crystals and I started really reading about the material and what it can do. The aluminum oxide crystals are hypoallergenic, so already a plus because there is no chemical or ingredient like in a scrub that may irritate the skin. So, that already takes that worry out of the equation and also no beads that are not only harmful to the environment but also plumbing. The ability for the disc to not grow or spread bacteria is important, because when we exfoliate or do Microdermabrasion procedures at home, we are causing the skin to open (i.e. minor damage) in order for it to heal and resurface a new layer of skin that has a better appearance. You are not going to yield great results if a product has fragrance or welcomes bacteria to the party! There is no scrubbing here, the device just glides (once over each section of the skin) and does all the work. The user is key and that means be mindful that you pass only once over each treated area and the PMD device does all the work. This unit can also be used for the face and body, and again easy as the discs clearly tell you what and where they can be used. I like having that option and choice!  The PMD device also helps circulation, so your skin will increase collagen production and help the skin look plumper and healthier over time.  So, this is more than just discs removing dead skin, this is a total skincare system!

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Final Verdict:
I did as instructed and removed all products that could irritate or really were being replaced by what PMD’s system does for you. Check! No retinol, no acids, no peels, no anything and just allowing PMD be what my skin depends on and getting use to the idea of only using this unit once a week and nothing in between but a good moisturizing regimen to pick up the rest. Doing less in the beauty world is always welcoming but when you have habits and someone tells you do this once a week and you will be more better than fine, like your skin will look and feel better…….well, you get suspicious (or at least I do). I had a few bumps from using a new hair spray, which were beginning to sort of emerge but not fully on the sides of my forehead. I did the PMD treatment and I was done quickly after doing my practice run a few days before that only made sure I got the hang of it, but that I would not experience irritation. I just softly pulled my skin taught where needed and the PMD device did all the work. I was finished with my face in 5 to 7 minutes. No masks or peels take that little time and it was odd not worrying about cracking a mud mask by laughing and not talking for 20 to 25 minutes. The feeling on my face felt like when I do an aspirin mask, that fresh and clean feeling but not over dry. Day three, my pimples submerge. Like with any beauty treatment, this is something I brought to the party and I wanted to see how PMD would deal with it. Hey, I get breakouts here and there and I need a system that knows this and not have a rule that my face has to be 100% clear to use it because it might as well go hang out with the face scrubber! Week two comes by, and my pimples never fully went all angry on me. I always get 2 or 3 when they come out what I call in “island formation” that are going to be pests. No pests and I did not pick (man, that was hard), but I did not want to pick at my face and blame PMD for the ouch. Again, I do another treatment and you can see my skin gets a little red but within one hour the redness is gone and I do the treatment at night.  This is something I always did to allow my skin to calm down. My pimples do not get white heads or clog up. You know how when a pimple pops but then wants to do it again 3 days later (when it gathered more bacteria making buddies)? That did not happen. Healing happened. They did not over peel as I stayed away from anything that would hurry the turn-over process up and cause irritation to the “good skin”. Then I noticed when entering week three, that the pimples I had in week one is all the pimples I have dealt with. The non-pimpled skin is smoother and softer, but remains pimple free. My skin is not missing the daily scrub, masks, peels, and you name it. I then noticed when ending week three that my skin has improved dramatically. I took pictures and I have no scars I will have to work with. Just little peeling skin where the pimple was but no pimple revisiting and I just used one disc to do all this. One disc, only once a week and no battery to charge! That means my one disc costs about $3.50 ($3.33 to be exact) and that is all it took for almost a month’s worth of treatments. This is also the disc price with no coupons as PMD advertises on the site discounts to add that usually take 20% to 25% off, so the deal can be sweetened! The sweeter part is my face. I love it! Scars do come off on me from acne because I thankfully do not get deep ones but it takes 2 months to lighten them up to the point you can’t see them. The PMD device made sure not only did I not develop scar making marks (blemishes, zits, blackheads, white heads, pimples, bumps of unknown origin, ect.) but started to race up my healing periods. I am done with scrubs that tend to over dry my skin and the discs PMD offers means I can just change discs as the weather changes because this means my skin is more sensitive in the Winter months when it is cold. No new scrub I need to get that then will rot under the sink until I need it again 1 year later! The PMD works with your skin, not you needing to work for it!

This Valentine’s Day show your skin some love and Connect with PMD at:

• On-line

• Discount Codes:

1. Go to here (www.GetPMD.com/save) to subscribe and save 15%, plus get a limited lifetime warranty.
2. Use Code HEART20 to save 20% on your next order of replacement discs.
3. Use code: LovePMD to save on Pink Pro and Pink PMD.

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• #PMDBeauty #PMDSkin  #PMDPretty #PMD

 

 

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

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.

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).

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.

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:

• On-line
• Product link 
• Facebook
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• LinkedIN
• YouTube
• #Exuviance #NeoStrata #SkinRiseBionicTonic

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.

Derma-E : Now available at Target Stores! #NoticeTheLotus in 2016 Derma-E Skincare #Review

I hope everyone is having a Happy New Year. With a new year, means new products for 2016 and this is always something I look forward to when it comes to new trends and beauty related products.

I reviewed Derma-E products in late 2015 and I am happy to report they will be starting the new year with us! This also means new changes and Derma-E will also now be available at Target stores, both on-line and in stores. If you have the Red Card from Target, you not only save 5% with every Derma-E purchase, but you can also subscribe to get timely delivered products (refills) and save an additional 5% on top of that! You combine that with any rebate/money-back program, the savings will be non-stop as will be looking younger, which always makes me feel better. You add a cartwheel deal from Target, or if you purchase a Target beauty box, they always come with a $3 off $15 purchase coupon…….well, I get excited when I see my receipts from Target because I want to save as much as I can! It has become a challenge for this girl!

Great Coupons that come with the Beauty Boxes from Target

Derma-E sent me 4 products to try that will be hitting Target stores this January:

• Firming DMAE Eye Lift
• Firming DMAE Moisturizer
• Hydrating Day Creme
• Hydrating Night Creme

Shopping at Target just got better for me and I am guilty of bargain shopping but it’s only a real bargain if the product works. With Derma-E, I get the best of both worlds, the products are not super expensive, so any additional savings just adds up instantly and the products perform well. I don’t leave feeling guilty because I wanted to take better care of myself and with Derma-E, this just does not happen. The company is open about what their products contain and also do not oversell how they perform. You know what every bottle, tube and jar will be able to do for you without any “photoshopped like” picture that will never yield what real world results do. Honesty, in the beauty world has always been hiding behind an asterisk and you will notice the Lotus is Honest. I don’t have to flip a Derma-E product to find what that little star by a statement really means, so when I first tried the products, I instantly gained a new respect for the company. I then tried the products and it shifted how I shopped for beauty items (again). I already knew a price tag was not an indicator of results/performance, but companies change formulations and what was a bargain once, stops and then the product you relied on stopped working too! It’s the same with beauty products as it is with food products, always read the label and know what it means.

We finally have a real Winter in Southern California and it has been cold, windy, dry and now wet. My skin has been feeling the stress from both the climate and the holidays. All because the calendar flipped and Christmas was a month ago, I am still in week one trying to box anything that glitters. So, I am trying to box last month while dealing with a new one. You would think with every passing year I would get use to what to expect, but I don’t. New traditions, dropping old ones and so forth is just a juggling game that I pretend I do well. My motto was not to get overwhelmed this year and I thankfully took it easier but still experienced some stress. I started to skip on masks, peels, and then moisturizing. Events meant I was trying new looks, new make-up and now my face is as tired as I feel. I still want to pretend I can juggle, so I started 2016 with new face products from Derma-E.

 

 

Derma-E Firming DMAE Eye Lift- This product comes in a tube and I like that because it means less contamination or air that can affect how a product performs, plus easy to just toss into my drawer when storing. I eat Goji berries every morning, well now so does my skin! The product has a patented ingredient called InstaLift, which is Goji berry glycopeptides, which are rich with antioxidants. A small amount used twice a day is all that is needed. This is an eye cream that not only fights signs of aging, but also helps smooth away any that you may already have. It works double duty as preventing, slowing down and helping you with any fine lines that sneaked by! The formula is light enough to use under cosmetics but provides enough moisture through out the day, no matter the season!  Available at Target for $21.99, before any discounts apply.

In case you have never seen a Goji Berry 🙂

 

 

 

Derma-E Firming DMAE Moisturizer- Just like the eye cream, this product gives you the same benefits but this is formulated for use on the entire face. The moisturizer hydrates, which helps with elasticity that is visible to the eye and also touch. Your skin improves with daily use and as long as I gave the product about 5 minutes to absorb before applying make-up, I did not experience any issues with application.  Available at Target for $18.99, before any discounts apply.

 

 

Derma-E Hydrating Day Creme- This little creme is my everyday go-to moisturizer. Any little dry patch that an acne gel caused, this creme will fix in no time. I suffer from blemishes and breakouts when my stress goes up, so I apply topical acne treatments that kill the pimple but everything around it too. I try to dot with a q-tip but that never works and I flip so much in my sleep that I am lucky I never ended up with acne anything in my eye! The Hydrating creme from Derma-E will even out the skin’s color and any little “peelies” of skin will either go back and stay with the rest of the party, or I can simply rub softly enough that they will come off. I then can look normal and like nothing happened. The moisture is retained all day, so come noon I don’t look how I did when I woke up.  Available at Target for $23.99, before any discounts apply.

 

 

Derma-E Hydrating Night Creme- I started a new technique where I apply a light layer of night cream around the healthy edge of my skin, that is between the pimple I want to kill.  I then apply the dot of acne gel onto the pimple itself and this has reduced the side effects of redness to peeling that would be the end result of what would happen to the skin closest to the blemish.  This Night creme created a barrier of protection and kept my healthy skin safe.  I also found this creme to work well enough on my skin that when I needed extra hydration, I would add a few dots to my other moisturizer to pump up the effects.  Great for around the lips after exfoliating because we tend to neglect that area between our skin and lips.  I always treat my lips to achieve smooth results but I noticed as I age, that edge where I apply lip liner……well it could always be smoother!  Available at Target for $25.99, before any discounts apply.

Connect with Derma-E at Target by visiting them at:

• On-line at Target
• On-line
• Coupon Link to $2.00 in-store coupon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• Google+
• #DermaE #NoticeTheLotus #TargetBeauty

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Derma E.  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®: Firm-NG6 Non-Acid Peel #Review #Exuviance #NeoStrata #SleepOnIt

My worst holiday horror story usually involves a cosmetic treatment failure. We all try to look our best when cameras will be shining upon us, so I try to make my skin look as beautiful as possible and because I’m adventurous when it comes to trying new beauty routines, this has bit me back…….and sometimes a little too hard.

Rudolph, having a glowing red nose is cute, I on the other hand, not so cute. I decided in 2010 to get rid of every clogged pore on my nose and face that year, thinking a dinner event in 3 days is more than enough time and a safe buffer to have. Well, at least the scabs stopped bleeding in 3 days! I looked like a hummingbird came at me and I lost the fight (hey, I’m sure there is a wild pecking Hummingbird in some Amazonian jungle or in Australia) 🙂  . I had pore sized scabs that looked like little dots, I almost added a glitter speck to each one of them hoping I looked festive but thank goodness for concealer that covered evidence of that horrid adventure.

I have learned my lesson and that is for a drastic positive change, don’t take drastic measures anywhere close to an event, holiday or where evidence like picture taking can result. I still want my skin and face to glow from beauty and not from a treatment failure because stress is an all year around occurrence but for me, it goes into overdrive come November. I’m trying to juggle a bird to then be thrown into Santa’s arms in early December to then forget everything jolly, and a week before December is over…….then comes New Year Eve! I’m baking, blogging, trying new make-up and looks, cleaning, decorating, sending cards that by this time I can’t stand anything with glitter on it. Thankfully, the Exuviance Firm-NG6 Non-Acid Peel is glitter free!

Firm-NG6 Non-Acid Peel, is a peel that is friendly to your face and takes the nerves and stress out of getting a peel that may peel more than intended. Exuviance, came up with NeoGlucosamine, a sugar molecule known as amino-sugars. This is a natural occurring molecule that is already abundantly found on our skin and N-Acetyl-d-glucosamine is the one that is found in greater numbers. I was already familiar with sugar based peels and masks, and I’ll take anything sugar that does not equate to the bathroom scale telling me to stop munching on cookies!

Retail Price Point: $51.00 via Exuviance /Neostrata for a 1.7 ounce jar, and you can also find the product at Ulta for $68.00, currently with a gift with purchase offer. Dermstore has the same $68.00 retail price point but I saw no perks added as a free gift or anything with purchase, just that it is free on the 5th purchase.

Ingredients (as listed on the website): Aqua (Water), Acetyl Glucosamine, Propylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Acetyl Tyrosinamide, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 20, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, CI 19140 (Yellow 5), CI 14700 (Red 4).

Directions (as listed on the website): Remove cap. Depress top with even pressure on both sides of opening. Smooth one to two pumps of Firm-NG6 Non-Acid Peel on clean skin in an even layer without rubbing. Lightly tap any excess into skin. Wait 5-10 minutes while the product penetrates. Once product feels absorbed, follow with an Exuviance moisturizer such as Evening Restorative Complex.  Does it have to be washed off? No, this is a leave-on peel for all skin types.  How often is it used? It can be used daily after cleansing, before applying a cream (rub gently and let the product absorb for 5-10 minutes first).

Verdict:
I become less afraid the more I read about how this peel works. The main thing that draws me in, is that the peel is irritant free. No redness or adverse effects that increase the chances of a reaction with an acid based peel. This sugar is kind but still powerful. The non-acid peel provides cell rejuvenation by quickening the turn-over process, so your skin looks better quicker! You are left with skin that is glowing and radiant due to gentle exfoliation. This aids with diminishing any recent acne scars to fine lines and wrinkles. With continued use, the benefits increase and you will look better, which for me that always makes me feel better too!

I tried the peel and it is hard to train your brain to the idea that the Exuviance Firm-NG6 Non-Acid Peel can be used daily. Yes, it is that nice and I feel like Christmas came early for me. I had to also remind myself that this is the only peel I can do this with, don’t go applying that idea onto other peels (remember that brain!)! The peel is gentle and no need to wash it off. Yup, you read that right, this is a no-rinse needed peel. I applied the peel, let a few minutes lapse and then applied a gentle moisturizer to my skin. I like that this beauty treatment does not interrupt anything I have planned.  I don’t need to make excuses because it takes very little time to reap the benefits. The first indication this peel is working, was seeing smoother skin that felt soft to the touch. By day 3, I’m loving it because my skin appears clear both from clogged pores and any evidence that a pimple/blemish is trying to join in on the holiday festivities. By week 1, my skin is glowing but this a healthy glow, no redness or any adverse effects. Just healthy skin and I find no need to enhance my beauty routine with any highlighters or shimmering bronzers, or even blush. I just let my skin shine and do the talking on it’s own! Okay, I’m happy and the price is more than I would want to spend but then the skin care nightmares come back, and those are not pretty flash backs to remember. It took money and more experimenting to get my skin to bounce back and look less pecked at, so the price now becomes easier to spend on. New products that work, well they are rare these days and this peel costs as much as my foundation does, but I use less of it because of this peel. December has been the month that I have only used a concealer stick to cover areas around my eyebrow where I tried tweeze-ing out a hair that in the end won by staying, and I added a few red marks as evidence of the battle I had with it. That means Z-E-R-O concealer anywhere else! In December. The month that likes to munch at me with everything stress related and my face looks like I can handle it. Clear and smooth skin that glows radiant because of good care by Exuviance’s Firm-NG6 Non-Acid Peel, is a great way to welcome 2016!

 

End 2015 and Start 2016 with Gorgeous Skin at:

• On-line
• Product link to Exuviance’s Firm-NG6 Non-Acid Peel
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Google+
• Pinterest
• LinkedIN
• YouTube
• #Exuviance #NeoStrata #SleepOnIt

 

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