08 Nov 2018
by linettefm
in Product testing
Tags: #2018GiftGuide, #RitualsUSA, #TRYAZON, ALLANTOIN, ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, beauty, Benzyl Alcohol, BENZYL SALICYLATE, body cream 70ml, body scrub 125g, BODY SCRUB INGREDIENTS: SUCROSE, Butylene Glycol, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, C12-13 ALCOHOLS, C12-13 ALKYL LACTATE, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS (HYBRID SAFFLOWER) SEED OIL, CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT, Ceteareth 20, CETEARETH-12, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Palmitate, Cherry Blossom, Christmas Gift Ideas, CINNAMYL ALCOHOL, CINNAMYL ALCOHOL. BODY CREAM INGREDIENTS: AQUA/WATER, Citral, Citric Acid, CITRONELLOL, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, COUMARIN, eco-friendly keepsake box, Ethylhexyl Stearate, foaming shower gel 200ml, GERANIOL, gifts, GLYCERETH-2 COCOATE, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycine, GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, hand soap 300ml, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, HEXYL CINNAMAL, HEXYL CINNAMAL. SHOWER FOAM INGREDIENTS: AQUA/WATER, Holidays, ISOBUTANE, ISOEUGENOL, Isohexadecane, ISOPENTANE, ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, Isopropyl Palmitate, jet, limonene, Linalool, Lord & Taylor, MACADAMIA INTEGRIFOLIA SEED OIL, Macys, ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) EXTRACT, parfum/fragrance, PEG-120 METHYL GLUCOSE DIOLEATE, PEG-4 RAPESEEDAMIDE, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, PEG-6 CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC GLYCERIDES, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, propylene glycol, PROPYLHEPTYL CAPRYLATE, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, PRUNUS AVIUM (SWEET CHERRY FRUIT) EXTRACT, PRUNUS AVIUM (SWEET CHERRY) FLOWER EXTRACT, PRUNUS CERASUS (BITTER CHERRY) EXTRACT, PRUNUS SERRULATA (CHERRY) FLOWER EXTRACT, Review, Rituals, RITUALS 4-Pc. The Ritual Of Sakura Renewing Ritual Gift Set, Rituals of Sakura, Rituals USA, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Skincare, Sodium Benzoate, SODIUM CHLORIDE, Sodium Citrate, SODIUM HYDROXIDE. HAND WASH INGREDIENTS: AQUA/WATER, SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE, SODIUM METABISULFITE, SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, Sorbic Acid, Sorbitol, spa kits, spa treatments, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, TRIDECANE, Ubiquinone, Ulta, UNDECANE

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:
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!
To Connect with Rituals, please visit:
​​
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.
Like this:
Like Loading...
28 Mar 2018
by linettefm
in Beauty, Health and Beauty, Product Samples, Product testing, Review
Tags: #ARHydraFirm, #GotItFree, Acetyl Glucosamine, age spots, Alanine, all visible signs of aging - poor texture, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate/VP Copolymer, Ammonium Hydroxide, anti-aging, Aqua (Water), Arginine, Betaine, Bionic and Peptides help target collagen, Butylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Cetyl Alcohol, Chlorphenesin, CI 19140 (Yellow 5), CI 42090 (Blue 1)., Cyclohexasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, disodium edta, elasticity of skin, Exuviance, Exuviance Sale Alert, Exuviance: Age Reverse HydraFirm, Exuviance: Age Reverse HydraFirm Review, Firmer skin, FREE 5 Pc Essentials Set with any $75 Exuviance purchase, Gift with Purchase, GLUTAMIC ACID, Glycerin, Glycine, helping plump and fill skin so it appears lifted, Hyaluronic Acid, Improve skin aging problems, Isostearic Acid, Item #: F20060X, Item 2256794, loss of firmness and wrinkles, Lysine, Maltobionic Acid, Matrixyl, NeoGlucosamine and Matrixyl®, NeoGlucosamine®, Octyldodecanol, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Parfum (Fragrance), Peptides, Peptides target collagen, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 20, Potent antioxidants, potent antioxidants help prevent damage from daily environmental stressors, Prodew, Proline, propylene glycol, replenishes optimal hydration levels, Review, Saccharide Isomerate, Serine, silica, skin care, skin sagging, Sodium Bisulfite, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium PCA, Sorbitol, steareth-2, Steareth-20, Threonine, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate, Triple Firming Complex of NeoGlucosamine, Ulta, Ulta Coupon Deals and Sales, Ulta Exuviance Freebie, Ulta Exuviance Sale, Ulta Item #2256794, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Xanthan Gum, youthful plumping moisture


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:
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.
Like this:
Like Loading...
21 Sep 2017
by linettefm
in Beauty, Health and Beauty, Product testing, Review, Samples
Tags: #beehot, #KenraProfessional, #snailedit, #Sponsored, a highly concentrated blend of proteins, anti aging for hair, anti-aging, antiaging, Bee Propolis, BrandBacker, Breakage, cc cream, cc cream for hair, coarse texture, conditioner, Damaged Hair, dry hair, dryness, Dulling hair, Elasticity, Enriched with Snail Essence, Free of Parabens, frizz, Frizzy hair, hair, hair care, hair conditioner, hair products, hair protection, Hair Shampoo, hair snail products, hair styles, Hair styling, haircare, Heat Block 22, Heat Block Spray 22, Heat Block Spray 22 by Kenra Platinum, Item #: 2309085, Item #: 2515479, Item #: 2515480, Item #: 2515481, Item #: 2515482, Item #: 2515483, Item #: 2515976, Kenra, Kenra Hair, Kenra Platinum Review, kenra professional, Kenra Shaping Spray 21, Korean beauty, Manageable hair, Platinum Snail CC Crème, porosity, Scalp irritation, Shaping Spray 21, Shaping Spray 21 by Kenra Platinum, Shaping Spray 21 Review, Snail Anti-Aging Conditioner, Snail Anti-Aging Conditioner by Kenra Platinum, Snail Anti-Aging Shampoo, Snail Anti-Aging Shampoo by Kenra Platinum, snail essence, snail slime, Sodium Chloride Free, Sulfate Free, thinning hair, Ulta, ultra-fine finishing spray featuring unique Bee Propolis

I really try to take care of my hair by not exposing it to heat and/or too many products. My hair is pretty long, reaching down towards my waist. At times it can be a fight with my hair when it is not playing nice like on a windy day and hair meets car door. My extinct is to yank and say some unkind words but I’m working on it, just like I am working on trying to better my hair’s overall health and condition.
Â
When Kenra offered a snail care line to review, my first instinct was ewww. I imagined a slug at the time swimming at the bottom of the bottles sort of like you see a worm in a Mezcal bottle. The idea sounded wrong until I quickly recalled the high priced creams with what was pretty much slug juice that many swore by. I decided to read and the ewww factor quickly dissipated.
Â
Things to know:
Â
No slugs or worms are swimming in your products or if you are a pro-snail person, no snails were harmed in making this new Kenra Snail Anti-Aging hair care line. The benefits stated by Kenra read like a dream come true if you are seeking what we all desire.
Â
- Shine restored
- Helps with age related thinning of hair
- Controls Frizz
- Scalp IssuesÂ
- Dryness
- Breakage from ends to just from over treated
- Better manageabilityÂ
- Helps strengthen your hair so it is just not appearing healthier, but actually improving your locks!
Â
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Â
Â
My first wash was amazing. The shampoo really lathers up with very little product needed. When it came time to rinse, my hair did not feel dry or stripped. Still clean but super soft. Not weighed down but a smoothness that made you think I had added a leave-in conditioner already. This is just the shampoo! The conditioner made me fall in love with the duo. You know how I said how soft my hair felt just after shampooing? Well, the conditioner left my hair feeling like I never use a blow dryer. Silk. Pure silkiness and a shine that was instantly seen. I was super happy but I always wait for how my hair appears when I use the hair dryer. I am pretty good about not using it on super high heat and not over touching my hair to create frizz and static. I applied a small dollop of the CC Cream provided in place of my usual leave-in hair product. My hair was pretty tangle free because of how soft and relaxed the wash left it, which made distributing the CC cream easy. I used my finger to get rid of some small tangles that unraveled the minute my fingers passed through. I used very little of the CC cream because my hair felt great as it was. Now, came drying. Can I say I welcome less drying time on any day? My hair took only 10 minutes to dry and not the usual semi-wet head I stay with before because I lazied my way out of doing it all the way. My hair was like I wished I had time to dry it every time and soft. Not a lion head mane but natural lift and body that made me love my hair how it looked and felt. It was midnight and my hair looked so good I wanted to go out!

Â
Verdict:Â
As I used the products, I was expecting my first wash was as good as it gets. Wrong. My hair just got shinier and shinier and some people inquired if I got a new cut or was I using a new oil. Nope. The luster was amazing and when I was looking at our home security cameras to see if the sprinklers had come on that morning, I caught myself leaving the house that day. I don’t usually give myself compliments but my goodness………,my hair rocks! The luster and the way it just moves makes you think I am getting a blow out once a week. I was stunned at how beautiful my hair looked and how the individual highlights gleamed in the sun and realize I don’t dye my hair. This is just natural highlights that I get during Summer. I can’t wait for the Winter change where my hair gets a more deeper chocolate/auburn hue and how that will look. I dumped my other regimen and have replaced it with the new Kenra Snail Anti-Aging line. It costs less because I won’t be seeking deep treatments to restore my hair. It is now part of my hair care routine. I use the Kenra shaping spray if I desire a longer lasting style and some hold but not on a regular basis. The spray is alcohol free and that means all the work the Kenra Snail Shampoo & Conditioner, plus CC Cream is not lost. No worries of over drying because of styling. You can also incorporate into your routine the Kenra Platinum Heat Block Spray. This spray protects your hair up to 450 degrees and I used it once when I wanted to use my flat iron. My hair’s remained the same like no hot iron ever met it but if you really want the best top 3 products, please splurge and treat your hair to the Kenra Platinum Snail Anti-Aging Shampoo and Conditioner, and the Kenra Platinum Snail CC Creme. Your hair will thank you!
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Â
Â
I received the above product(s) free of charge from Kenra. 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.
  Â
Connect with Kenra at:
Â
Like this:
Like Loading...
12 Jul 2016
by linettefm
in Beauty, Fashion, Health and Beauty, Influenster, Product Samples, Product testing, Review
Tags: #VividMatte, 2016 beauty trends, Alumina, Aluminum Hydroxide, Amazon, beauty, bht, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Caprylyl Glycol, CI 15850 / Red 7, CI 15985 / Yellow 6 Lake, CI 19140 / Yellow 5 Lake, CI 42090 / Blue 1 Lake, CI 45380 / Red 22 Lake, CI 45410 / Red 28 Lake, CI 75470 / Carmine., CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 / Iron Oxides, CI 77891 / Titanium Dioxide, Color Sensational, Cosmetics, Diisostearyl Malate, DIMETHICONE, dimethicone crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glides on smooth and hydrates, HDI / Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Influenster, Influenster: Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid™ VoxBox #Review #VividMatte, isostearyl isostearate, Kaolin, Kylie Cosmetics, Kylie Dupes, Kylie Jenner, limonene, Linalool, lip gloss, lipstick, make up, Matte, matte finish, Matte lips, Matte Trends in Beauty, Maybelline, Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid™, Maybelline NY, Medium Coverage, Nude Flush, Nylon-12, Parfum / Fragrance. May Contain: Mica, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Pentylene Glycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyethylene, pure pigments for high-impact color, Rebel Red, Review, silica, synthetic fluorphlogopite, Target, Tin Oxide, Tocopherol, trends, Ulta, Vinyl Dimethicone / Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Vivid, VoxBox

I have been a member of Influenster for several years and love the VoxBoxes they share. I was beginning to think I was stuck with Virtual Vox Boxes for life when my dashboard had 4 going and no real products. I then received that Influenster e-mail, which makes you smile. I was getting a Maybelline VoxBox featuring the Vivid Matte collection. Hooray! I have come back to the VoxBox arena.

Maybelline’s Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid has been spreading like wild fire and especially when some people shared it was a great copy cat to the Kylie Cosmetics’ line. Am I curious about the line? Yes. The price? No. Hey, I have other things I have my eye on and one thing I have plenty of is lip glosses, lip crayons, lip palettes, oh and the old fashion lip sticks (remember those 🙂 ). So, I keep buying because colors change, seasons change and it really is the one item that I don’t mind splurging a $10 here and there to see what the buzz is about. Copy cats can be colors and not always formulations and so far the two colors I received, #10 Nude Flush and #35 Rebel Red are vivid indeed. The collection features 10 colors in total and retails for $7.99 a piece. A pretty fair bargain!


Verdict:
First, I was a bit puzzled by the formula. I blamed the plastic tube for the semi-gloss like finish the colors seemed to cast. I then open the first tube, the Rebel Red and the pigments are vibrant and just saturated with color, but not like any matte finish I have ever seen. I’m into paints from artistic to just plain old house paints and deciding on finishes is where I get stuck sometimes, because some rooms shed a different amount of light from our windows. The Vivid Matte collection would cancel all that, it would not matter what light or amount of it, from real to just coming from a bulb…..these beauties are not Matte. I don’t stop there because so what it’s not a real matte? I did feel they were still pretty. I open the tube and you do get a fragrance from the formula. It’s not faint and noticeable where the Nude hue is more like a sweet floral scent and the Red hue closer to a perfume/cosmetic scent. So far, okay. I apply the Rebel Red. Everything I have been rebelling against just went out the door. The consistency of the product is thick and opaque with a gloss finish. Not a translucent gloss by any stretch and a little goes a long way with at least this color. It’s a night color for me or at the very least a color I can mix with another if I feel daring in the AM hours. The product has a nice moist finish and not goopy like I was afraid it would feel like.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Next, comes the Nude that has more of a purple note to it versus a pink or pale beige. There are no yellows or oranges in this nude color, it seriously owns purple! The less I apply, the more I feel it appears light enough to be called a nude like product but I mean this is me getting the wand out and using the tip to apply 2 dots at the top portion of my lip, and two on the bottom. There is no wand application going on here. Again, moist and the scent is more welcoming off this product than the former color. I prefer the Nude Flush over Rebel Red because maybe my full head on rebel days are over or I just need a slighter tan to not look so pale in this red. It’s starting to look more like Corvette Red on me. I do like the formulas though and found that application via a lip brush allows the product to flow better against the lip and you get an even finish. Again, these are opaque and not matte in finish, with the red having a more semi-gloss to it but the colors are vivid all the way!
Connect with Maybelline and view their Collections at:
I received the above product(s) free of charge from Influenster and Maybelline. 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.
Like this:
Like Loading...
12 Jul 2016
by linettefm
in Beauty, Health and Beauty, Product Samples, Product testing, Review
Tags: Acetyl Glucosamine, Actiflow®, aging, aging skin, aging skin problems, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, anti-aging, Aqua (Water), Butylene Glycol, Caffeine, Caffeine stimulates and invigorates, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, chamomile, Chlorphenesin, CI 15985 (Yellow 6), CI 42090 (Blue 1)., Citric Acid, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, crows feet, cucumber, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, de-aging, Depuffing Eye Serum, DIMETHICONE, Dipeptide-2, elastin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Exuviance, Exuviance Depuffing Eye Serum, Exuviance's Depuffing Eye Serum, Exuviance's Depuffing Eye Serum Review, Eye creams, Eye serum, Eyelid Creams, Eyelid serums, Eyeliss™, Eyes, firming and toning both eyelid and under eye droopiness over time, Glycerin, Green Tea, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Isododecane, Item #: 2264355 Size: 0.2 oz, natural citrus antioxidant, NeoGlucosamine®, NeoStrata, Not tested on animals, Ophthalmologist tested, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Paraben free, PEG-12 Dimethicone, PEG-14M, Phenoxyethanol, Polysilicone-11, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, providing a supportive cushion for collagen, puffiness and bags under eyes, puffy eyes, Reduce puffiness, reducing the leaking and pooling that can lead to puffiness and bags, refresh, Review, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, soothe, Sorbitan Isostearate, Steareth-20, target microcirculation and help strengthen the fragile capillary network, Ulta, Ulta Deals, Ulta Exuviance Deals, Ulta Freebies, Under eyes, unique blend of peptides


I have featured Exuviance/NeoStrata products in the past on my blog and have become a huge fan of their lines. The company really addresses all your skin’s needs with products that not only target, but most even reverse and/or prevent from skin issues worsening. My biggest issue most of the year is puffy eyes. No matter how many hours of snoozing I get, I am a puffer fish every morning. As long as the world has nature, which produces pollen and the such, my eyes will swell. I take decongestants and allergy pills but none address the poof I get around my eyes. I have been target treating this area since my teens! My biggest worry was getting dark circles due to the constant pressure and swelling. So far taking care of the problem via eye drops has worked by reducing the problem by 50%, but I’m still puffy! Eye drops also make the sensitive skin around my eyes irritated. I will experience redness to peeling if my watery eyes cry out a few tears after application. Playing catch-up is not so simple, so when Exuviance stated they have a Depuffing Eye Serum, this Puffer Fishy raised her hand!

Exuviance’s Depuffing Eye Serum, works in several ways. First, being in serum form, the product itself is easily and rapidly absorbed. No adding heavy creams that tend to make already that stressed out skin feel heavy and like it can’t breathe. Their proprietary “Eyeliss™ and Actiflow® ” promotes circulation to the area. This action aids with swelling dissipating the fluid that builds and causes the puff effect. This is why I am more puffy in the early morning when I wake up. Everything was allowed to pool up giving me that look that I have been crying when I have not been! As I mentioned and you have heard countless times, our eye skin differs in texture and fragility compared to the rest of our skin on our face. This is why even when applying products you have to be extra nice and why Exuviance created “NeoGlucosamine® “. Think of this as the body builder for your eyes. It will help firm the skin and regain it’s tone, plus this is like I said a new way to treat your eyes. You can apply the Depuffing Eye Serum to the bottom and top of your eyelids. So droopy eyelids also get a work-out! The roller itself creates a soft massage while you apply and being softer is better than being told to use your ring finger when applying. Can’t count the times my ring finger has not played nice and applied product to my eye versus outside of my eye. Exuviance, also added caffeine to the product for instant results. While the other ingredients help your skin regain it’s losses, the caffeine gives you instant lift. You will see in seconds shrinking and tightness, and your eyes look more…..well like they should.

Retail Price Point: $72.00 via Exuviance and Ulta. Ulta currently offers a gift with purchase. You get a FREE full size Targeted Wrinkle Repair with any $75 Exuviance purchase (offer valid 7/3/16-7/23/16 or while supplies last). Amazon has a price point of $49.04 but zero free item and because the free gift is at full size, it is hard to overlook a product for free that usually costs $65!  Free shipping via Ulta with a $50 purchase too 🙂

Ingredients (as listed on the website):
Aqua (Water), Isododecane, Dimethicone, Acetyl Glucosamine, Glycerin, Polysilicone-11, Polysorbate 80, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Caffeine, PEG-14M, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Citric Acid, Steareth-20, Propylene Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, CI 42090 (Blue 1), CI 15985 (Yellow 6).

Verdict:
The price. I know. One thing I have learned though that price in the beauty world says zilch about a product. You can pay a lot and get zero results, or it will be the best thing ever. I have also been using a fair priced eyebrow pencil and it works better than the $40+ kit for brows I purchased last year. So, when evaluating this serum, I measure by how it works/if it works, and it has to outperform products of like kind. I love the applicator from the get go. No risk of contamination by messing with fingers in a jar, easily slides and allows me to be kind to the skin around my eyes. Game changer, you can address both upper eyelid and under eye areas. Yes, this is an all purpose eye product that addresses finally the entire eye! So tired of under eye limitations with everything called E-Y-E creams! It’s a serum and my skin loved it. Absorbed it just like the ground in California absorbs water when it rains! I love this because this means no messing with my foundation or even BB Creams. I tend to go light with coverage in the Summer anyways, so this plays well with the let’s go light what I put on my face habit. Now, the results. I wanted to not like you. Okay, the price stings but when I applied Exuviance’s Depuffing Eye Serum to my right eye and lost my Puffer Fish status……..well, it’s a cute name from a Husband that is trying to be sweet about my puffy eyes but it looks like I am sad when I am not. This serum brought the happy me out. I know, I wanted to really say whatever. It works like any caffeinated/Green Tea thingy you can get off the shelf at the drug store, but it did not. I was left with zero residue to deal with like with some gel formulas that peel and my eyes just looked open and like they should. This made me feel better because looking better has a positive effect (at least for me it does). It also lasted.  That is the real kicker because 8 hours later and I look in the mirror, still me with normal eyes! I am not trying for model status but I sure as heck want my eyes to look like my own and not like I have been partying all night (looking like you had fun and did not……so wrong). The price is a hit but softened by Ulta when I hunted because I knew I would be re-buying this serum. Giving me a $65 product that I like and would use…..you got me! I tried running but you worked, so I can either moan and groan (and then give myself more wrinkles) or walk out with smooth eyes and you may call me now the former Ms. Puffer Fish lady 🙂
Connect with Exuviance at:
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.
Like this:
Like Loading...
22 Mar 2016
by linettefm
in Beauty, Grooming, Health and Beauty, Product testing, Review, Uncategorized
Tags: 7.2 Fluid Ounce, 732013087050, 794866410362, aging skin, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Amazon, Amazon Beauty, Amazon Prime Deals, anti-aging, anti-aging benefits, ASIN: B0001EKYJM, beauty, Benzyl Benzoate, better looking skin, Butylene Glycol, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetyl Alcohol, Chamomile Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Chlorphenesin, combination skin, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, DIMETHICONE, disodium edta, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Exuviance, Exuviance Gentle Cleansing Creme, face, face cleansers, face creams, face scrubs, Face washes, Face washes with moisturizer, face wipes, Fine Lines, gentle anti-aging cleanser, gentle face creams, gentle face creme, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Isododecane, Item #: 5013711, Item #: 8705, Item model number: 8705, Laureth-7, make-up removal, Methylparaben, Moisturizers, NeoStrata, NeoStrata: EXUVIANCE® Gentle Cleansing Cream, NeoStrata: EXUVIANCE® Gentle Cleansing Creme, Octyldodecanol, Parfum (Fragrance), PEG-100 Stearate, Polyacrylamide, Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA), propylene glycol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/ Dicaprate, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, sensitive skin, skin care, Skincare, smooth skin, soft skin, Stearyl Alcohol, Triundecanoin, Ulta, Ulta Coupons, Ulta Deals, Ulta Exuviance, Ulta Promos, UPC: 793379274980, Water (Aqua), wrinkles


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:
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.
Like this:
Like Loading...
03 Feb 2016
by linettefm
in Beauty, Coupon, Electronics, Gadgets, Grooming, Health and Beauty, Product testing, Review, Tools, Uncategorized
Tags: #PMD, #PMDBeauty, #PMDPretty, #PMDSkin, acne. clearer skin, Age Sciences Inc., aging skin, Aluminum oxide, Aluminum oxide discs, Beauty devices, Beauty Tools, beauty units, blemishes, boosting collagen production, collagen production, Costco, elastin, elastin production, Exfoliate, Exfoliating, fine lines and wrinkles, firmer skin for the entire body, five different levels of exfoliation, Hypoallergenic, Improves acne and blemishes, improves skin, improves skin's appearance, Microdermabrasion, Microdermabrasion devices, Personal Microderm for Men, PMD device, PMD Device Coupons, PMD device discount codes, PMD device Promo Codes, PMD Discs, PMD Personal Microderm, PMD Personal Microderm – International, PMD Personal Microderm Plus, PMD Personal Microderm Pro, PMD Personal Microderm Pro – International, PMD Plus & Daily Regeneration System, PMD Review, promotes new cell growth and breaks up adipose tissue, resulting in smoother, scars, Sephora, Skin, skin care, Skincare, smoother skin, Ulta, Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day Gift Ideas


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? Â 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:
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!
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
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! Â The PMD device also helps circulation, so your skin will increase collagen production and help the skin look plumper and healthier over time. Â So, this is more than just discs removing dead skin, this is a total skincare system!
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
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. Â 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:
- Go to here (www.GetPMD.com/save) to subscribe and save 15%, plus get a limited lifetime warranty.
- Use Code HEART20 to save 20% on your next order of replacement discs.
- Use code: LovePMD to save on Pink Pro and Pink 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.
Like this:
Like Loading...
07 Jan 2016
by linettefm
in Beauty, Health and Beauty, Product testing, Review, Uncategorized
Tags: #SkinRise, 732013087814, 787461360835, acne. clearer skin, ALGAE EXTRACT, Amazon, Ammonium Hydroxide, Anti-Aging Aids, anti-aging benefits, Aqua (Water), Arginine, ASIN: B000CR0J1Q, beauty, Butylene Glycol, Camellia Oleifera (Japanese Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Chlorphenesin, CI 42090 (Blue 1)., Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, disodium edta, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Exuviance, Exuviance SkinRise Bionic Tonic, Exuviance SkinRise Bionic Tonic Review, Fine Lines, Glucoheptonolactone, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Item #: 2064351, Item #: 8781, Item model number: 8781, Lactobionic Acid, look younger, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Menthyl Lactate, Methylparaben, Multi-Antioxidant protection, NeoStrata, New Beauty Products for 2016, Parfum (Fragrance), Phenoxyethanol, Polyhydroxy Acid, Polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, protects stressed skin from free radicals, Retinyl (Vitamin A) Palmitate, skin products, Skincare, skincare. antioxidants, SkinRise Morning Bionic Tonic, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (vitamin C), Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate, Toners, tonics, Ulta, Ulta Deals, UPC: 787461674048, wrinkles


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. Â 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. Â 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. Â On the first week of using, I noticed my face looked clearer in both from acne but my complexion had a healthy shine. Â You know how they say sometimes just washing your face is not enough…….I get now why they say that. Â The tonic does not strip my face in that I feel like dried up plaster after application, my skin remains soft and supple. Â 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. Â Almost like a light exfoliation! Â I am using a new foundation (thank you Sanat) and that even applies more even on my skin. Â They say moisturizing is key and even though this is a tonic, stop thinking toners from the past. Â You know how we welcome serums now but before they just felt like water on our skin? Â That is the bionic difference. Â This is a form of pre-moisturizer. Â 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. Â I noticed my fine lines plump out better, so yeah I have been looking better! Â 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. Â 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. Â Yes, this how attached I am to this jar!
Start 2016 with Better Looking Skin at:
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.
Like this:
Like Loading...
23 Dec 2015
by linettefm
in Beauty, Health and Beauty, Product Samples, Product testing, Review, Samples, Uncategorized
Tags: #SleepOnIt, Acetyl Glucosamine, Acetyl Tyrosinamide, all skin types, Amazon, Amazon Beauty, amino sugar, anti-aging, Aqua (Water), ASIN: B01256C716, beauty, Caprylyl Glycol, cell turnover, cell turnover and exfoliation, Chlorphenesin, CI 14700 (Red 4), CI 19140 (Yellow 5), clear skin, dead skin cells, DermStore, disodium edta, Exuviance, Exuviance Firm-NG6 Non-Acid Peel, EXUVIANCE®: Firm-NG6 Non-Acid Peel #Review, Fine Lines, Firm-NG6 Non-Acid Peel, healthy cell production, hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, improve elasticity, Item #: F20111X, Look good in 2016, NeoGlucosamine®, NeoStrata, non-acid peel, peel without the irritation, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 20, polysorbate 60, promoting new, propylene glycol, reduce wrinkle depth, reduces pigment to brighten skin, silky skin, skin care, Skin care regimen, skin non-acid peels, skin peels, Skincare, sloughing away dull, smooth finish that reduces line, smooth skin, smoother skin, soft skin, Sorbitan Isostearate, sugar peels, Ulta, Ulta Gift with Purchase, UPC: 732013201111, wrinkles


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):Â 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. Â 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:
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.
Like this:
Like Loading...
21 Nov 2015
by linettefm
in Beauty, Coupon, Gadgets, Health and Beauty, Product testing, Review, Tech, Tools, Uncategorized
Tags: Age-Defying Eye Wrinkle Correcting Laser, Age-Defying Eye Wrinkle Correcting Laser Review, aging skin, and dermatologist recommended, Ant-aging Laser, anti-aging, At Home Laser Treatments, beauty, clinically proven, Corrects eye wrinkles in just 2 minutes a day, Eye creams, FDA Approved, Fine Lines, Fractional laser, Item #: 2295428, ITEM 1737378, ITEM 1737386, Nourishing Eye Renewal Cream, radiant skin, Safe for all skin tones and types, Sagging skin, Sephora, Sephora Black Friday, Sephora Deals, skin care, skin problems, Skincare, smoother looking skin, Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin around the eye area, Tria, Tria Black Friday Deals, Tria Review, Ulta, Ulta Black Friday Deals, wrinkles, youthful-looking eyes

On my blog, I have reviewed numerous (don’t start counting) of beauty products. Many are anti-aging oriented because when we were little girls, we wanted to look older and of course now that wish has made us rethink and start fighting the hands of time. I don’t want to look stretched out and lose what my real face looks like. My goal is to look my best for my age. Not for anyone else or to compare to the standards set in magazines, I just want to look better because it makes ME feel better!
I was fortunate enough to be included into the Tria Sneak Peek program, which featured the new Age-Defying Eye Wrinkle Correcting Laser. It’s a little laser that helps improve your skin’s appearance around the delicate area surrounding your eye. I’m already a Tria fan and own their other laser so I came in with high expectations. I tried the laser as instructed without using any creams, lotions, serums that would blur the true benefits from the laser. I just used a moisturizer to keep my skin healthy.
The Tria Age-Defying Eye Wrinkle Correcting Laser features:
A new laser system that is FDA-approved and requires (sit down for it), just 2 minutes a day. That is the same amount of time it takes to brush your teeth! The laser from Tria is a Fractional laser. These type of lasers allow for the user to treat and diminish fine lines and wrinkles. It is the same as you would see in a Dermatologist setting. The laser aids with resurfacing the layers of your skin, meaning removing the older layers without damaging and producing a new and smoother looking surface. Such lasers are used to remove skin problems like acne marks, age spots, fine lines and wrinkles. You are left with beautiful skin that reflects a better looking you with zero down time. The laser stimulates the skin to heal, by leaving a column when it “zaps”. You are left with chambers that have been treated, with walls (columns) of intact skin to aid in the healing process. This allows the skin to stimulate and creating a more flawless appearance. Fine lines smooth out, skin elasticity improves and cells renew producing a younger look that is still as natural looking as you, so no worries of looking like you had extensive procedures.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Retail Price Point: $249 for the Age-Defying Eye Wrinkle Correcting Laser or you can purchase the “Black Friday Deal” for $259, which includes Prep Cloths and a Nourishing cream (very much worth it for just $10 more).
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Verdict:
I tried the Tria Age-Defying Eye Wrinkle Correcting Laser and because I am accustomed to zaps of the other Tria laser I own, this one provided zero discomfort. I came in with high expectations because of the results Tria is known to deliver but also because this is a laser that I was familiar with when it came to performance, even though I had only read about it and not ever had a treatment. When I saw just 2 minutes a day, I was unsure then about what to expect. It just seemed so simple and there are serums I have used longer periods (i.e. months) and have been disappointed. I used the laser and noticed improvement at the 2 week mark! Okay, this is better than anything I have ever used out of a bottle, jar, you name it. My Husband noticed my skin around my eyes was “less squint-y” (his words). When Tria said, “Eye Opening Results”, okay I see what you did there. My eyes looked more awake, brighter and even though I don’t have a lot of fine lines in that area, what I had just went poof! Like gone and no tricks of lighting or creams that reflect this to make that look better. This was real, true results that remained after I washed my face. You don’t get that with products that temporarily plump and smooth out your skin! This is looking good make-up and magic potion free. I continued to use the laser down to the day the trial period ended and reported my results. I was thrilled and did not want to let go of “my precious” laser but part of the agreement was letting it go so I could get one from the final model that would be going into production. I have spent……well, let’s not go there in what I call empty and broken promises that come in bottles, jars, good for the environment squeeze packs and so forth . Nothing delivered as quickly and as well, as the Tria Age-Defying Eye Wrinkle Correcting Laser! Being able to look good this quickly and knowing it’s for keeps as long as I keep with the treatments (8 weeks treating with a 4 week break), that is just something I have never been able to achieve. I am 100% satisfied and Tria stands behind the success their products bring. You get a 90-Day Money Back Guarantee if you are not satisfied…….something very few brands of anything beauty ever print on their own packages. You have nothing to lose other than a few wrinkles and fine lines 🙂
Connect with Tria at:
I received the above product(s) free of charge from Tria. 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.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Previous Older Entries