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:

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

 

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

 

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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.

 

Solvaderm: Eyevage an Age Defying Eye Rejuvenation Treatment #Review #Solvaderm #Eyevage

 

The second product I was sent from Solvaderm targets the sensitive skin around the eyes. Eyevage, is intended for use on “mature skin” and also for people that are experiencing problems in this area.

Eye skin can be tricky and some of us may have drooping of the eyelids, while most tend to want to target the area underneath the eye. This area is where people tend to experience issues from under-bags, puffiness, dryness, fine lines to the ever disliked crow’s feet. In other words, the skin there tends to show the most stress because of it being more sensitive than skin in other areas of your face. This also means a product needs to be strong enough to address the above issues but kind enough to not cause irritations.

Eyevage by Solvaderm, combats the aging we experience around the eye area and also helps keep the less stressed areas from rapidly showing the signs of aging. You end up with a fresher look that is associated with younger skin.

Ingredients (as listed on the website): Purified Water (Aqua), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid, Phytonadione, Arnica Montana Extract, Oxido Reductases, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein, Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Protein, Laureth-7, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Polyacrylamide, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Eriobotrya Japonica Extract.

In the list of ingredients, the first few are identifiable so for the sake of not breaking down the obvious, I will address the ones that are usually not listed in eye creams and why Eyevage stands out from other products that are of like kind. Squalane, is usually derived from olive oil and in the list you find it comes after a few other oils/emollients listed. After that you find Phytonadione listed. Phytonadione, is Vitamin K and this vitamin is associated to be beneficial to the blood and circulation. Dark circles is a result of how veins and capillaries appear under the skin. Think of when a sheet of thin fabric is draped over a dark wooden table. The dark wood and it’s pattern is not distinctive through the sheer material but you still get a dark shadow that shows through and more in the areas where the grain is darker and deeper in the wood. This is what the thin skin under our eyes reflects towards the outside. The Phytonadione combined with other powerful ingredients like the antioxidants found in Apricot oil, and this can help diminish that dark appearance.

Retail Price Point: $74.99 for a 0.5 ounce bottle of Eyevage, which comes with a pump action top that allows the product to remain free from exposure to air, bacteria and even light.

Verdict:

I used Eyevage for a period of 3 weeks to see how well it would perform with the problems I experience. My skin issues in this area are puffiness due to allergies and even though I’m fair when it comes to skin color, my veins in this area do not reflect through to give my eyes a dark circle appearance. It’s the one of the things I have been lucky in and even though my allergies are bad, I never rub my eyes because that can cause the capillaries to become damaged and even break. I just was addressing moisture retention and attempting to avoid fine lines and lessen the one I have under my left eye (yeah, I don’t even wrinkle evenly). The formula is light from Eyevage and again applies easily. My skin absorbed it quickly and eagerly. Week one passes and I am happy with the moisture effect and how it keeps my skin plump and supple in this area. Week two arrives, and I still remain content with the results and I notice improvement towards the end of the second week on texture. My skin looks smoother. I get to week three and I remain satisfied with how Eyevage is performing because the product has kept the skin around my eyes nourished and problem free. The only short coming I can find is the lack of a retinol. I know the eyes are sensitive but in my case I can tolerate a small percentage in this area but I do know others can not no matter how much they attempt to “desensitize” that area. Some people can even apply every other day and experience more negative effects than any positive ones from the retinol because their skin just can’t tolerate it. Mine can, so I will be adding a very low amount of retinol here just to increase the benefit of reducing small fine lines and making sure (an insurance policy) I don’t develop any new ones. This is just a personal choice in my part, I am however happy the Eyevage treatment is a good enough of base product that I find it worthy enough to deliver that little bit of retinol to this area because it’s not something I waste just on any product. The base product has to be good enough on it’s own and Eyevage is!

Connect with Solvaderm and their skincare solutions at:

• On-line
• Eyevage
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Google+
• LinkedIN
• Pinterest
• #Solvaderm #Eyevage

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

Majestic Pure Oils: Fractionated Coconut Oil #Review #MajesticPure

In the world of essential oils and the like, many companies like to make things fuzzy by using terms as, Pharmaceutical Grade and/or Therapeutic Grade. Who grades or certifies these oils? No one! You have to trust the supplier, unless you get into food grades where the FDA grades and then you hear terms as Virgin, Extra Virgin and the like. When it comes to real certifications, where you pay an agency for them to come in, inspect and grade your materials, you then see such certifications like the “Non-GMO” and Organic labels. It comes down to sources and knowing them, so I am a bit critical when it comes to oils and I always think about what will I be using them for and the price point attached.

Majestic Pure Oils, is a company that carries an array of products and especially oils. They have “Carrier” oils, which get used in addition to essential oils. Think of a candle and the wax is the carrier, where the fragrance would be the essential oil. I was sent a bottle of their, Fractionated Coconut Oil to try. What exactly is Fractionated Coconut Oil- You know how we have Extra Virgin, Virgin and then just everyday olive oil…..this is the latter. This is the oil that has been broken down and stripped down of certain ingredients. Stripping down is a way to simplify what is needed and in this case simple has it’s uses. You are left with an oil that does not go rancid or oxidize because the fatty acids have been removed. The oil has zero odor and this is why it mixes so well with essential oils that do. The oil is colorless and this means no stains and also lighter in form, so you do not produce those oil marks you would usually suffer from if it came in contact with fabrics. It’s light texture usually means your skin will not be aggravated, suffer clogged pores and is easily absorbed.

I used Majestic Pure’s Fractionated Coconut oil, for a period of 2 weeks to see how well it performed. The bottle came sealed and nicely packaged, with an additional “pop-open” cap if needed. I first used the product as a carrier oil for an essential oil blend I purchased to give fragrance to the home. A simple bowl suspended by iron, with a tea candle below will slowly heat the oils to create fragrance. The Fractionated Coconut oil was slow to dissipate and this is why I enjoy this kind of oil.  The oil comes with a manufacture date label and states it has a 5-year shelf life.  This type of oil will not solidify like virgin quality oils and will remain in clear liquid form. Retail Price Point: $14.95 for 16 Fluid Ounce Bottle with 100% Satisfaction Guarantee I used the oil in a purely topical application and like I mentioned, I am picky about what I ingest. Majestic’s Pure Oil is 100% Natural and not like other companies that do not have a “web presence” . They have many ways to contact them, are located in my home state and let’s not forget they have very favorable feedback. I like that and want that from a company and especially when it comes to the world of oils. The oil left my skin nice and soft with no residue and even though I may be wearing a tank top and it’s Winter in California, no one wants oil spots on them no matter the season! Connect with Majestic Oils and their selection of oils and soon to be Beauty Products at:

• On-line
• Amazon
• FaceBook
• Phone– 1.866.253.5404
• E-mail
• Address– 2928 Jefferson St, Ste 2H Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Majestic Pure.  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: Boots Botanics Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask #PowerofPlants

I recently got the opportunity to try some really nifty products, thanks to Influencer. Starting with Boots Botanics. Boots Botanics uses the “Power of Plants” for a more natural approach to beauty. The mask contains Oceanic minerals, plus active plant extracts like Willow bark, which is a natural source of Salicylic Acid. Salicylic Acid is part of the beta-hydroxic acid family and is found in many acne clearing products to anti-aging regimens. The acid helps refine skin’s texture, lower inflammation (like an aspirin), and open clogged pores, helping you shed dead skin more rapidly. Continual use will produce a skin surface with smaller pores that is not constricted by clogs or bacteria, which causes blemishes.

My Results: I received this item in the #JadoreVoxBox from Influenster. I have heard of the Boots brand but have never tried any of their products. This was my first experience with the brand! The mask provides your skin with a deep clean using clay enriched with minerals. You are left with a purified clean surface, but the results are not over drying. The mask was able to clean my pores and remove any excess oils, plus I was left with pores that appeared smaller in size. My face was glowing and soft to the touch.

Price Point: $9.39 for 3.5 ounces

Ingredients (as listed on the site): Sea silt (Natural oceanic clay), Aqua (Water), Potassium sorbate, Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, Salix nigra (Willow) bark extract I was happy not only with the price point but a little product goes a long way. Application was simple, by just applying to clean skin and I left the product on for about 10 to 15 minutes. I dislike when masks over clean and get rid of not only the bad but the good, but this mask does not fall into that department. Over-stripping is not something I experienced at all! You can find this product at:

• Boots Botanics Site– http://us.boots.com/product/39907
• Connect via Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/BootsBeautyUSA
• Connect via Twitter– https://twitter.com/bootsbeautyusa
• Pinterest– http://www.pinterest.com/bootsbeautyusa/
• #PowerofPlants

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