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.

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RevivSerums: TelomErase Serum, Triple Telomere Targeting 6-in-1 Multi-Corrective #Review

Being able to find products with multiple targeting techniques is not always easy to come by. I don’t subscribe to the one-size fits all mantra and sometimes when a product advertises to do more that 2 to 3 things, it starts not being able to do any of them good enough. So, let’s say I have a critical eye and I expect if a product is revamping the beauty world/ science world, it better mean it!

I was sent a new product from a company named RevivSerums. It’s a serum called TelomErase, which has a 6-in-1 targeting system. TelomErase serum may help with:

• Smoothing of skin’s appearance by tightening and brightening
• Dark circles
• Fine Lines and Wrinkles
• Sunspots
• Redness
• Pore size reduction
• To sagging and bags around the eye area, among other aging and skin related issues, plus being a moisturizing agent.

That is a lot of power in one vial! If a product can aid with that above, plus help one’s skin rejuvenate and achieve a better looking appearance…….I’m game! I looked over the company RevivSerums and they offer a plethora of serums, just as the name would indicate. You have serums for targeting facial skin, body, healing, hair and scalp, to even eyebrow and eyelash serums. They are not a one hit wonder but does the TelomErase serum deliver on it’s promises?

Retail Price Point: $149.00 for a 2 fluid ounce bottle, which comes with an airless pump dispenser. RevivSerums is offering 10% off the $149 half-off introductory SALE price to my readers and followers! Use discount code: TIGHT10 at checkout at RevivSerums.com. Limited one per customer/household. This discount code is good through December 31, 2015

 

Ingredients (as listed on the website): Sea Kelp (Lactobacillus/Kelp Ferment Filtrate) Bioferment, Water/Aqua/Eau, Sodium PCA, Bisabolol (Alpha), Coconut Endosperm, Algae Extract (and) Pullulan, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (and) Teprenone, Lecithin (and) Ubiquinone (and) Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (and) Tocopherol (and) Vegetable Oil/Huile Vegetale (and) Glycerin (and) Benzoic Acid, Porphyridium Extract, Sodium Acrylate (and) Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer (and) Isohexadecane (and) Polysorbate 80, Fucoxanthin, Astaxanthin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, Guaizulene, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein (and) Hydrolyzed Rice Protein (and) Superoxide Dismutase, Cycloastragenol, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Pentylene Glycol (and) 4-t-Butylcyclohexanol, sh-Polypeptide-11 (aFGF Recombinant Human acidic Fibroblast Growth Factor), Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol (and) Sorbic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate.

Verdict:

I already like that the product does not start with H2o as it’s first ingredient because that would be one expensive water bottle!  You have a nice list of moisturizing agents combined with antioxidant rich ingredients.  Collagen and acid for nourishing and resurfacing are included, plus proteins derived from Soy and Rice, which help with conditioning the skin.  Rice water has been used for ages in Asia to help with improving scalp health and hair.  The ingredient is filled with nutrients and softening agents that bind well to the surface it is applied on.  You then have about seven proprietary blends (TELOSOMYL®, RENOVAGE™, PEPHA®, EYESERYL®, REGU®-AGE, SYMSITIVE™ 1609, and NANO-LIPOBELLE™).  Some of the aforementioned ingredients are trademark ingredients, so think of it as formulations combined within one unit to produce TelomErase, and I can see why the vial has such claims attached, plus licensed and trademark ingredients makes a cost go higher in production, along with trying to find ingredients that show promise.  I went in with the above knowledge in trying the product and my goal was to see first is it effective and is the product worth the price point?  I will use 6 products separately if they cost a significant amount less, versus the convenience of getting everything from one bottle.

Final Verdict:

I tried TelomErase serum for a period of 10 days.  Upon first application, you are left with instant softness and a smooth appearance, as serums tend to be lighter and much easily absorbed.  My skin did instantly absorb TelomErase.  I have used kelp based products on my skin in the past, and softening is of the skin’s surface is a result that I usually experience and especially if the product has a good base amount of it.  TelomErase was enriching and moisturizing with just day 1 of applying.  I continued to use the product and this serum does give a smooth appearance with use that lasts all day.  Think of softening agents you use on clothes to avoid wrinkles and retain a better appearance,  that is how I would describe the results I started to exhibit on about day 7 of using the serum.  TelomErase, did not irritate my skin, clog pores, and caused zero blemishes upon use.  So far I was happy, so I continued use.  I reach day 10 and I don’t miss having oodles of bottles and my mind is acclimating to the idea of using one serum, a moisturizer, sun screen and make-up if desired that day.  That is a pretty simple skin regimen!  My fine lines seem to plump out, meaning the saturation of moisture and combination of ingredients seems to flatten the lines out that not even horrible fluorescent lights make my fine lines stand out.  I have baggy eyes in the A.M when I get up and use eye drops because they are allergy related, so they do disappear within 2 hours of taking a decongestant.  It’s the only thing I am lucky when it comes to my skin and no dark circles, so I can’t vouch how the product aids with baggy/saggy eyes or dark circles.  The under-portion of my eye did not puff up as usual even though we got winds, so I can state the claims with reducing inflammation to help give a smoother appearance are true.  The smooth appearance does make your pores look less visible, meaning your complexion looks more flawless, so again TelomErase delivered on it’s statements.  Measuring TelomErase on a 10-day period, I can say I am satisfied with the results and the product did perform as well as the 6 to 7 products I usually use when not testing.  I would like to see how well it softens my fine lines with time (like 3 months use) and continual use, but because I received 2 generous trial sizes, I kept the testing period short.  I had one pump that gave me issues when using, so I jumped and started using the second one and that one works flawlessly.  The pre-measured pumps give you a proper amount of product and eliminates waste.  One pump does the entire areas I wanted to target, so the full size 2 ounce bottle would last a user between 3 to 6 months.  3 months for people that do full coverage and 6 months for people like me, which only applies the serum to “problem areas” I want to focus, target and be-gone!  TelomErase, is a product that is not like other OTC brands because you have that unity of effective ingredients that is only present in this RevivSerums formulation…….that makes it truly unique and why I saw results in just 10 days of use.

 

Connect with RevivSerums and their line of Serums at:

• On-line
• Product link
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• #RevivSerums #TelomErase

 

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

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

Verdict:

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

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

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

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

Connect with Andre Lorent and their products at:

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

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

 

EXUVIANCE® : Sheer Daily Protector Sunscreen Broad Spectrum, SPF 50 #Exuviance

It’s been established, I’m a pale girl and when the sun even touches me, I then turn into a gorgeous (<—says no one) shade of pink, followed by red, and then I may or may not tan. I can handle the red and pink hues because it makes sure my “lobster girl” name sticks, plus I remind everyone that lobster’s have claws 🙂 It’s the latter part that I wish I could control and especially in areas I don’t want to tan (aka: age, get sun damage…..all that fun stuff). Having a perma-blush look is also not so flattering! My problem remains the same, where I want to add a SPF that is beyond 30 but it will not effect my make-up. It’s never a problem when I’m at home and walking around with a “naked face”, but it always is when it comes to applying foundations and going out in public. If I even get a foundation to work with a sunscreen, I then look oily or even a clam-y white hours later and this girl wants to swim in the ocean, not look like anything that comes in a shell from it!

Exuviance has been a guest on here before and I even shared attending one of those brand events at Ulta. The products, the brand to the people that work with them is something I enjoy experiencing because Exuviance is about making products that work for real people. Real people have temperamental skin and mine acts like a toddler that is throwing a fit at the market and of course blocking the aisle, so no one can pass! I get clogged pores to even bumps that make you guess they are the beginning of a pimple, then decided to take over and turn into a growth with no center, to then making me even entertain the idea it’s a bug bite. It’s like my bumps say guess what I am? In the end, my picking at my face wins and any idea of examining it’s remains is lodged nicely under the scar I created. I resigned myself that if I want real protection from the sun, I will suffer the toddler rage, which is my skin problems versus having to deal with the consequences of going SPF free.

Retail Price Point: $42.00 via NeoStrata or Ulta for a 1.7 fluid ounce bottle.  Ulta has deals going all the time, like adding bonus items with purchase as it is, but also bonuses with exclusive brand purchases.  Amazon also carries the product and it’s sold by Exuviance too.

Exuviance sent me their Sheer Daily Protector Sunscreen Broad Spectrum in SPF 50. I immediately thought, someone at Exuviance knows me or they sent a drone out that saw what happens when this girl meets the pool. I then opened the bottle and squirted a small sample to inspect…….um,

 

Yeah, it says sheer so I thought clear or a white formula that fades to clear. Plus, the formula is ultra light. Light enough to not feel, but thin enough to spread easily and evenly. I figured they mean sheer for normal people not my polar bear white skin. I still ventured forward and started reading the directions.

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Application:
It’s good to read things and this one matters. You shake the bottle for 15 seconds, which is longer than my 4 to 5 shakes I give things even though I consider myself a person that shakes with “meaning”. I will always shake things from condiments, inhalers, drinks if they must be shaken and even if I saw you shake it, I will do it again out of habit. Sort of like my 3 extra shakes will make up for the settling that happened in the time it took for you to pass me the mustard bottle! I shook and counted. I can say Exuviance is making my heart healthy with this early A.M. exercise. Then you simply apply a good layer, that easily spreads out and then quickly my skin absorbed it. You saw above where the product looked like it had tint……well, none was detected once applied. It’s seriously like that wall patch stuff that comes tinted and when it dries, it blends into the wall. This was that stuff and played the same way out where I could see where I applied and then magic….my skin went back to same hue I have but improved.

Ingredients (as listed on their Website); 

Active Ingredients- Titanium Dioxide 7.0%, Zinc Oxide 6.0%

Inactive Ingredients- Benzoate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Gluconolactone, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Alumina, Ammonium Hydroxide, Lactobionic Acid, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Phenethyl Benzoate, Nylon-12, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate, Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Isohexadecane, Tocopherol, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Dipropylene Glycol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Methicone, Propylene Carbonate, Sodium Citrate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sodium Bisulfite, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77491 (Iron Oxide Red), CI 77492 (Iron Oxide Yellow), CI 77499 (Iron Oxide Black).

 

Verdict:
Once the poof! happened and the product was not visible, I noticed my skin felt smooth and did not have a shine. I had a semi-matte finish and because my skin felt smooth, I skipped on my primer. Yup, I was going to see what this product was made of! Even my pores looked less visible, so why not?  I then applied my foundation, which is a sheer to medium coverage formula. Blended the same way as if I had applied nothing and realize my foundation has no SPF (hard to find) because I just want to avoid “skin happenings”. I looked and my skin’s appearance improved because my foundation applied and leveled out better once it set. I continued and started to wonder if I was sent water. This is too good to be sunscreen, feels too nice to even think I’m making a sunscreen pretend to be a primer and I expect SPF 50 protection? Nope, not gonna happen.

I then went out on that day and I had to do returns, plus shop……..at one of those outdoor malls! You walk the same distance as in a normal “indoor” mall but someone got a great idea to make things fancy-shmancy looking by making me try to walk in heels on cobblestone and outside like with real natural air and weather! I started to rethink my decision but it’s noon and I’m ready to go. I go and shop around. I have more problems with my heels and wish when they make self-driving cars, that it means the car comes to me, gets the bags, and goes back from hence it came! It’s getting hotter because my head feels it and my left arm is getting pink but my shoulder is a nice red glow. I walk into a store and pretend I’m interested in what they have to offer but it’s really the AC that I care about. Looking and my face feels that slight sweat feeling but I got to the AC in time. I look in the mirror and my face is still the same. No pink nose or cheeks and I only need to fix my lipstick. My foundation is a little glossy where I started to “almost sweat” but once dry, I’m set. Okay, maybe it’s not tinted water in a bottle!

I expected to write a review that was not glowing because I jumped and thought no-way is this product sheer and no way can any SPF product over 30 and even 50 be like this. I thought the 50 meant the amount of applications per day.  I was wrong (sowwy Exuviance). The next day, I expected the chin bumps but nothing and I realized after reading (yeah, I know I caught myself again when it came to what I said about reading directions), the product is called “Sheer Daily Protector”. It’s more than just sunscreen and you get a formula that protects, nourishes, and this a product that goes beyond what I understood sun protection was. I thought you stick to to the huge amounts of sunscreen, say a few positive words, and then hope for the best when you head out.  I even try talking nice to the sun!  I used the product the following day and because I know read and stuck, it’s also a product that can be used on the body.  I cover my decolletage (hey, I went to a fancy-shmancy mall 🙂 ) and even my left arm that is tanner than the other from when I drive.  I keep expecting to experience problems with coverage, protection to even small irritations but my skin pretends it can play in the sun…….I sort of go along with it because maybe, just maybe this year I can get a nice (but healthy) t-a-n.  Okay, I’ll settle for a glow!

Experience an outdoor mall but not before connecting with Exuviance at:

• On-line
• Product link to Exuviance’s Sheer Daily Protector
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Google+
• Pinterest
• LinkedIN
• YouTube
• #Exuviance

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.

InstaNatural: Age Defying Retinol Serum, Supercharged Antioxidant Blend #Review #InstaNatural

 

The next couple of weeks, I will featuring several products from InstaNatural. Next on the list, InstaNatural’s Age Defying Retinol Serum. .

InstaNatural is a company which features a large array of beauty products that range from serums, masks to products that target problem areas that suffer from stretch marks, scars to cellulite. You can get all your beauty needs satisfied with InstaNatural, as they have hair products to even supplements! If you sign-up on their site for the Club Discount, you get an instant 15% off. Need to save more? Order $25 worth of beauty products that are guaranteed to work, as they all covered by the InstaNatural 100% Lifetime Satisfaction Money Back Guarantee and get free shipping. Nothing to lose than some fine lines!

InstaNatural: Age Defying Retinol Serum; Supercharged Antioxidant Blend

This product is part of their serum collection. You get a combination of ingredients that deliver youthful and radiant skin:

• Aloe Vera Base (no H20 fillers here)
• 2.5% Retinol
• 20% Vitamin C
• 10% Hyaluronic Acid
• Fruit and Plant acids
• Vitamin E
• Witch Hazel
• Organic Jojoba oil
• Green Tea
• Pink Grapefruit Essential oil
• Willow Bark
• All products at InstaNatural are made in the USA and never animal tested

Retail Price Point: $23.75 for a 1 fluid ounce glass bottle with dropper dispenser

Application- Wash your face and gently pat dry. Being that this is a serum and a very light formulation, you usually apply this product after a toner and before applying a moisturizer. Always keep in mind the easy rule of applying skincare products in the order they are formulated, from thinnest first to heaviest being your last. This allows the products to absorb quickly and also allows your skin to reap the product’s full benefits by creating a moisturizing barrier. I lightly dabbed my problem areas like under eyes, forehead, middle of eyebrows, and neck area. You can opt to apply a thin layer all over your skin or just target the zones you feel need the most attention. Keep in mind this is a retinol based product, so you have to keep sensitivity in check and any sun exposure (always use sunscreen). You can use the serum twice a day with your skincare regimen, unless you spot redness and/or peeling, which then you would use once daily or until you find the time schedule that works best for your skin (i.e. every other day if you continue to experience sensitivity).

What to Expect- I tested the product for 3 weeks. The product comes in a dark amber colored glass bottle, which keeps oxidation down to a minimum. The dropper allows the user to use what is needed without wasting or over dispensing. The serum is light in texture but closer to a gel versus being watery. This means you are not chasing the product around and it stays where applied. I started using the Retinol Serum once a day and after day three, I moved up to applying once in the day and once at night. This was my way to make sure I did not have red skin during the holidays. Due to the antioxidant blend and also the vitamins, I noticed a quick plumping from the vitamin C, which smoothed out my face nicely before applying moisturizers and make-up. The retinol is definitely present, as I did see the turnover and newer (better looking) skin rather quickly. I don’t mind quick results and neither will you!  I did like that any scars or discoloration from previous blemishes (acne scars) are a thing of the past and this serum provided the quickest “scar turn-around” so far.

 

Connect with InstaNatural and their large array of Beauty products at:

• Online
• Product’s Link
• Amazon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Google+

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

Sano: Vitamin C Serum+ Daily Skin Revitalizer and Vitamin C Eye Gel+ with Silk Peptides #Review #SanoSerum

I have been wanting to incorporate Vitamin C into my skin care regimen after doing some research.  In the following weeks, I will be reviewing products that will focus around brands that deliver to your skin the maximum Vitamin C and hoping to see positive results. You can read my post on my research at- Topical Vitamin C use in Beauty Products Research and Information

My first to test and review is by a brand named Sano Naturals.  I liked from the get-go that they back-up their beauty products.  If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase and skin care experience, they will refund your entire purchase price, no questions asked.  They also include a bonus item with purchase and that is always a positive!

 

Sano Vitamin C Serum+:

On the bottle it states the product is of high potency and a Daily Skin Revitalizer. The bottle is a beautiful cobalt blue in color and the dark hue aids with preserving the product, which is rated at 20% concentration. I next looked at the ingredient list and you have an Organic Herbal Infusion, Aloe, and then Vitamin C. So far I am happy that water is not the delivery agent and other good quality binding ingredients were used along with the vitamin. The list goes on but everything is recognizable and friendly, not something I am use to in the “beauty world”. You get Hyaluronic Acid, which helps with inflammation (puffiness) and dry skin. It’s an ingredient you see for treating Eczema. Sano also uses kosher Vegetable Glycerin to Organic Jojoba oil. Jojoba has many good properties from being used as a fungicide and preventing mildew growth, to being able to deliver moisture without leaving an oily residue.

Results-

Even though most studies for Vitamin C ranged from a month to 12 weeks, I used the product for a period of 2 weeks. I eat a pretty balanced diet that is rich in greens, vegetables and fruit but I have those days that I wish I could say I ate bad, but it’s mostly that time gets in between meals and I eat late. Inconsistency happens! I noticed when I apply the Sano Vitamin C Serum+, my skin quickly absorbs it. It was so quick that my skin felt soft but with no product residue. I even tested one side of my face by applying just simple H2o and even water does not get absorbed at this rate. It usually would roll off but not this serum. So far I was happy with my first application and in not getting an oily appearance and/or feeling. I continued use and by day 4 saw what appeared as smoothness. Let me add no blemishes, pimples, blackheads or any skin occlusions. This serum is friendly when it comes to any acne suffers and even though people say mine is in the mild range, I myself is the one that deals with it so I rate it moderate at times to those moments that you get the monster bump that never comes up. My pores appear smaller just because my skin looks smoother and plumped up but in a good way! I continued use and noticed less was needed as I continued to use the product. My skin was hydrated enough that where I used 2 to 3 drops in one area, then changed to only needing one drop. The one drop then glided better when applied because my skin did experience positive changes. I don’t feel I have lost “years” when it comes to aging but I definitely look better. I look like I slept well, drank all my 8 glasses of water, and even ate well……even though that is not always the case. I was definitely happy with the results!

Retail Price Point: $18.95

Sano Vitamin C Eye Gel+:

This is a bonus item with purchase.  You again have a cobalt blue colored jar and I love that the product comes with a safety seal that you peel, so no air or anything that can damage or eat up the Vitamin C benefits while in storage. Easy to store and even pack in an overnight bag.

Results-

I never thought a gel could deliver moisture I was happy with but this one did the trick. Being that it’s a gel, the product goes on cold and instantly starts working on my morning’s puffy eyes. The Aloe in the product is very gentle to the skin in that area and I love how my make-up glides on after. Some eye creams would roll up sometimes due to the residue left behind and I had to then try to collect these little eye cream left-overs while at the same time not messing up my make-up. Not with the Sano’s Vitamin C Eye gel+. The product is rich in Peptides to Hyaluronic Acid. Do not be fooled, this gel does moisturize but the area is left with a supple and replenished look. I had zero eye irritations and found the gel friendly to my allergy suffering eyes. A little goes a long way, I used what I could as lightly dab out of the container, maybe the size of two rice grains per eye. The instant results alone of reducing puffiness is hard to beat and I used it with the Sano Vitamin C Serum +, just to get that extra help in my problem areas. My only small con is the product coming in jar form. I prefer bottles with pumps or that have an applicator like a dropper. I’m just not a fan of dabbing into a jar due to bacteria/germs, but due to the performance of the product, it would not deter me from buying it.

Check-out the products provided by Sano Naturals at:

• Purchase on Amazon
• Online Site
• #SanoSerum

 

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

 

Topical Vitamin C use in #Beauty Products Research and Information

I have been researching and doing my homework on the effects of Vitamin C at the dermis level because even though I have tried products that contain trace amounts, I have never tried a beauty item that it’s main focus was delivering Vitamin C.

How does Vitamin C benefit our Skin:
Upon reading and even finding “home-remedies” for DIY serums to putty like creams, I decided to leave my Vitamin C manufacturing to the professionals.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a collagen builder. Collagen is a protein that helps in the growth of blood vessels, to cells (and yes, the skin kind too). Your body needs collagen to be able to rebuild and to even creating scar tissue, as this is a form of “rebuilding”. Collagen is what also gives our skin firmness and that supple look we all want due to it’s smooth looking effects. We all want to look vibrant and younger, so this where the antioxidants also play a part, something that Vitamin C contains. Antioxidants aid with everything from inflammation to neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals is what causes damage to our DNA and it’s results is aging, so may see early signs like fine lines, wrinkles, just plain old cell damage that comes from products, to the environment (oxidative damage) and sun exposure/burns. The vitamin is used for dry skin, healing wounds, helping with reduction of fine lines/wrinkles to elasticity.

The research is still limited to the total effects and benefits from Vitamin C via topical application, however I did read that the pH of our skin does effect how much we can absorb, thus benefit from the vitamin. Topical application of ascorbic acid will cross the epidermis into the underlying dermal layers, but you want the higher percentage (concentrate) to be able achieve maximum benefits.

What to look for in Vitamin C beauty products:
Like with most vitamins and my experience with Vitamin A (retinol), oxidation is a factor in deterioration of a skin product that contains Vitamin C. Just exposure to sun, air, light will start the degrading process, so look for products that come in dark colored bottles to make sure you are getting the best bang for your buck. Many of the better products will add other antioxidant rich ingredients to boost and also slow the rate of deterioration and conserve the ascorbic acid properties.

What can you expect by using Vitamin C:
I read studies both in humans and animals. Mostly noted was a high potency of Vitamin C levels being used and in combination with other binding ingredients but the main impact came from the 5 to 10% concentrations used in those studies. This may be why a high potency level will give best results. People reported elasticity changes to reduction of fine lines/wrinkles to a supple and smoother appearance. The impact is greater in people who may not consume diets rich in Vitamin C but even those that did have such a rich diet, noticed positive changes just not as apparent as those that did not. Topical Vitamin C may also have skin lightening effects in a mild form, which are caused by reductions in melanin production and melanin oxidation.

I hope the above helps when making decisions to include Vitamin C as part of your beauty routine!

Klout: FernDale’s HelioCare Daily Antioxidant Capsules #Review #Klout

I had received a sample of HelioCare in the past but not sufficient enough to provide a detailed review. Not only did this perk provide enough capsules for me to fairly test out but also enough to share. Having a spa and pool is great minus the upkeep and of course the sun tends to tax our skin. I have a large amount of sunscreen scattered around the house to bottles in the garage (in varies SPF amounts), so no excuse to not wear it and be protected. Even the mutt has her own bottle because she seems to be a California dog and even has what I call “fur freckles”. She was snow white until she started sun bathing and you bet I yell at her too!

In comes HelioCare’s capsules that are simple to take. Many supplements want you to take several pills through out the day but this one is easy. You simply take one capsule, once a day! This means a 60 capsule bottle fulfills a 60-Day supply. Each capsule has 240 milligrams, plus secondary ingredients like Corn Starch, Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate, Titanium Dioxide for color and also FD&C Yellow.

Indications:

1 capsule 30 minutes before sun exposure. If remaining in the sun longer than 2 to 3 hours, take a second capsule after the initial “protected period” period passes (2 to 3 hours of sun exposure).

What is “FernBlock PLE ” Technology:

The capsules from HelioCare are filled with Polypodium Leucotomos, also known as Calaguala leaf extract. The leaf has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit the skin. The pill does not replace topical sunscreen but look at it as an extra layer of protection. The PL extract also aids with free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and could help with UV photo-aging process.

Benefits:

• Increases tolerance to exposure to the sun
• Reduces skin changes after chronic exposure to the sun
• Helps maintain the skin’s elasticity (skin’s health)
• Provides cell protection in the epidermis
• Protects skin cell DNA

Results:
I took HelioCare as indicated and also noticed the product’s packaging recommended a second dose, if I am going to be out in the sun for longer than 2 to 3 hours. On the third hour, I did take a second pill but this was a rarity for me because I do limit my sun exposure to about 2 hours in the pool. Having a light skin’s complexion means I just have to watch it! I used sunscreen with a 50 SPF at all times too. I did notice on week two that I did NOT get the “lobster effect” when I was in the pool. The pool’s water just reflects like a mirror and the sun’s intensity tends to magnify. To give you an example when it comes to my skin, my legs will tan even when I am in the water. Yup, that means just swimming, floating or exercising and not sunbathing. If I happen to hop on to a floaty, I can only lounge on it for 10 minutes top and then I hear usually from someone that I need to flip like a pancake because I’m overcooking on my topside. With Heliocare I still followed my “sun rules” but I did not get the red effect. It was kind of nice not to look like a crustacean and just get a little nice glow from the sun. This alone made me want to continue use. It may seem vain not to want to look red but I don’t want people to think “ouch” when they see me outside near water!

Price Point: MSRP is $50, however I found the bottle on several sites that ranged from $29.99 to $32.00, but Amazon beat all by listing a $21.99 price point. Shop wisely!

My only Con: The dyes/color additives serve no purpose other than making the product look yellow and eye appealing.  I prefer a natural appearance (as-is) versus taking anything with this additives, but the benefits outweigh the negative when it comes to HelioCare.

To get more information on HelioCare, please visit:

• On-line 
• FernDale (HelioCare) Coupons
• Amazon to purchase 
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• #TryHeliocare #Klout
• Become a Klout member bu visiting Klout on-line at http://www.klout.com

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