Exuviance: Age Reverse HydraFirm #Review #Exuviance #HydraFirm #ARHydraFirm

 

I received a complimentary bottle from Exuviance of their Age Reverse HydraFirm cream. I tried the product out for a total of 2.5 weeks, so I could get an idea of performance, note any positive changes and overall how satisfied I was with the claims made.

HydraFirm contains Hyaluronic Acid with a proprietary blend called Prodew Triple Firming Complex, and Matrixyl. Think of the acid as a “plumper”. As always, we are chasing moisture for our skin and especially as we get older. Not just age affects how our skin retains moisture, elasticity, firmness and so forth. Weather changes can make a negative impact, the ever popular “s” word we are told to minimize called stress, to hormones and just plain genetics. When you have all these factors coming at you, this is why so many products will contain Hyaluronic Acid. The acid helps restore and allow moisturizers to perform at their best. You should see hydrated skin that is firmer, fuller (the plump effect) and be visually able to see a smoother and glowing appearance. You will feel softer skin and this helps to minimize fine lines and wrinkles with regular use. Due to how well the acid stabilizes the skin, you can suffer from conditions like acne to rosacea where the acid will actually aid in correcting the effects on the skin from such conditions. Many people get worried about using acids thinking they will stress the skin and cause irritation and redness. This is why Exuviance combines the acid with other properties that allow you to reap the benefits, like Prodew that is registered as a amino acid blend. Matrixl, is registered as a peptide blend, which helps with building collagen and signs of aging (i.e. improving elasticity). Do still be cautious and always use SPF protection to avoid getting sunburned quicker, as acids will make getting burned easier. Plus, protecting with regular sunscreen use should be part of every skin care regimen 🙂

 

 

Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Acetyl Glucosamine, Maltobionic Acid, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Steareth-2, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Octyldodecanol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Silica, Isostearic Acid, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate/VP Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Serine, Glycine, Glutamic Acid, Alanine, Lysine, Arginine, Threonine, Proline, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Betaine, Cetyl Alcohol, Steareth-20, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Ammonium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Bisulfite, Parfum (Fragrance), CI 42090 (Blue 1), CI 19140 (Yellow 5).

Retail Price Point: $78.00 for a 1.75 ounce bottle

Verdict:
I love that the bottle has a pump top. I just dislike jars because that means I need to reach for the plastic little paddle to insure my jar always remains as clean as possible. This means having to clean an instrument versus just washing my hands when a pump top is provided. I was about to jump ship on the third day of use and it was only for one reason. The product kept pilling up on my face after it dried. I tried one day with and without make up and both times had the same negative effect but this is why I like to try products for at least 2 weeks. My problem, the pump was pumping out a single serving that was more than I needed. The pilling was a side effect of heavy application. Yup, user error! I started to be kinder about how much I use at each application and 1/2 a quick pump was spot on. After reducing the amount of HydraFirm I applied, I not only saved product but I never experienced any offset of the product on my face. More never equates better and quicker effects, our skin can only “eat” so much product applied because each pore (I like to think of them as mini stomachs) can only absorb so much. The rest is literally wasted if you over use. Thankfully, HydraFirm was smarter than I and was trying to tell me to knock it off by literally trying to come off where too much was applied. I also never had negative effects like clogged pores, so again I am thankful to Exuviance for making products that did not cause an adverse effect even with my user error.

 

Now, that I am back on track and using what is only needed, let us get into how HydraFirm worked. I used the product in the AM and PM and by week one, I noticed the first positive change and that was visually (and also feeling) a more softer complexion. The acid and combo of effective ingredients were working because my forehead and cheeks are ultra soft and smooth. My pores appear smaller because my skin is hydrated. No blackheads or acne, even though I have months my skin just wants to play teenager and add bumps to my face that are not welcoming at any age. I will say the one thing you will notice immediately is that plump effect. You apply HydraFirm and your skin gets quick results that really does smooth out the skin’s surface, and gives your skin a lift. With continued use, the effects are more lasting than just a burst of hydration you get from initial first-time usage. Those pore “tummys” get use to the good food and the diet of eating well on HydraFirm, starts to show and beyond just the impact upon application. The smoothing out remains and that means my fine lines look finer (more like starter lines) and my wrinkles start not looking so tight and begin to blend out (sort of how my face use to look). Exuviance, again stays with uncomplicated ingredients that show scientific results. No weird gimmicks and the latest hot trend that fades out because the juice was not worth the squeeze. Each HydraFirm pump is providing what your skin needs, has shown to work, and just remember to be soft on the pump when using. This also means the product will last longer and that means a happy user with happy skin!

Connect with Exuviance at:

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• Product link
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• #Exuviance #HydraFirm #GotItFree #ARHydraFirm

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Exuviance. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. I received no other compensation in exchange for my review. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

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NeoStrata: Exuviance 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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• #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.

NeoStrata GIVEAWAY: Skin Active Antioxidant Defense Serum (a $78 value!) to 25 Lucky Winners

 

 

Serums are one of the greatest invention when it comes to skincare products. It’s a thin solution, which gets absorbed quickly with the user being able to layer other products over the serum to enhance the results.

I have featured NeoStrata products on my blog and you could be one of the 25 (U.S. Only, sorry) winners of their serum called Skin Active Defense. This is a $78 product you could win for free!

The serum you use makes a world of difference because this is the first layer you apply and the product your skin will absorb the most from. I always look for anti-aging properties and extra benefits, other than just moisturizing agents. I want to combat everything from free radicals because prevention is key! Some serums give instant “lifting” results, while others work with long term continual use but many now a days that come from a good brand like NeoStrata, well they can do both jobs with great success.

NeoStrata Skin Active Antioxidant Defense Serum (as posted by the manufacturer)-

NeoStrata Skin Active Antioxidant Defense Serum protects skin from future signs of aging and is formulated with 8 powerful multi-action antioxidants designed to combat oxidative damage. The potent combination of Citric Acid and Lilac, Green Tea and Chardonnay Grape Seed Extracts works together to neutralize five different types of free radicals and helps preserve healthy DNA, lipids and cellular membranes. In addition, this super potent source of EGCG Green Tea Extract protects against inflammatory mediators in the skin.

Giveaway form: http://bit.ly/1GvoLNf

It’s easy to win by just completing the form and following NeoStrata and interacting via Twitter (@neostrataskin)

Good Luck!

Connect with NeoStrata at:

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• #NeoStrata #Giveaway

 

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
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• #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.