Mediderm Laboratories: MD-12 Advanced Anti-Aging Cream #Review #MD12AntiAging #MEDIDERM

Mediderm Laboratories is one of those brands I have heard of but never tried. The company carries an extensive line of skin care regimens, treatments, serums….pretty much anything that addresses skin and the problems that may come about from aging, acne, to just wanting to look your best. I was really amazed at the company’s portfolio and Mediderm’s motto comes down to using the latest and most innovative ingredients, so clients can see and feel results. This is why the company kept growing the line as we all experience different issues and even want to address our skin concern’s differently.

The company shared three different products with me from their line and this is the first one I will be reviewing, with the following the next week and so forth. I was interested in the MD-12 Advanced Anti-Aging Cream from the get go because it seems to cover many basis. By this I mean that the cream addresses:

• Skin aging caused from time to even that, which was accelerated from sun damage and the environment.
• MD-12 works on lifting your skin by decreasing sagging. Firms and tightens your skin’s texture.
• The slowing down of collagen production comes with age but MD-12 helps in stimulating and increasing the production.
• Works as also an anti-aging treatment, so think prevention versus just addressing the current problems you may be experiencing.
• Works on firm lines to wrinkles by creating a moisture barrier that is nutrient rich.
• Strengthens the lipid barrier and creates protection that comes from within, along with increasing protein production.

Okay, that is a lot from one jar of cream, so I started to see what was in it. There are some proprietary blends, like “MAXTRIXYL 3000 & DERMAXYL PEPTIDES“. This is common in the beauty industry, so I tend not to frown upon it as long as the product performs as described. You have other good properties, like ALPHA LIPOIC ACID and HYALURONIC ACID, plus CERAMIDES. Vitamin C is also listed and more.  Alright, the rest are recognizable and useful, so far so good.

Ingredients: Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (and) Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (Matrixyl 3000), Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Dermaxyl), Ceramide 2, Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B5, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Vitamin E, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, Thioctic Acid (Q10), Saccharomyces Copper Fennel – Paraben free.

Retail Price Point: $19.95 via Mediderm Laboratories’ site and also via Amazon.

Verdict:
I open up the jar and begin treating my face and neck area. The neck and decollete area tends to get overlooked. We focus so much on the lines around our eyes and lips, we forget that stress from the environment to the sun also affects the rest of our body, and especially if you wear any tops that exposes this area. The cream is not sticky or oily. That is always my biggest fear when using a new product. Yes, you can use less of a heavy cream but it will always feel like a thick film no matter how light you apply. Mediderm’s MD-12 Advanced Anti-Aging Cream did not feel like I was covering up my pores and suffocating them. My skin felt protected but it also absorbed most of the product. I then applied make-up. Zero issues when applying as long as I let 10 minutes pass. The cream dries to a semi-matte finish, so you get a moisturized look on the neck and chest, but again not oily. I began treatment with Mediderm’s MD-12 Advanced Anti-Aging Cream and by day 4, I noticed my skin remained soft and I did not miss my night cream that tends to be a little more heavier than this one. I used the product as instructed, twice a day, so once in the morning and again before going to bed. By week two, I found that the product does at the very least cover 3 of the products I was using before. I was using a Hyaluronic acid that came in a light serum consistency. Did not miss it. There was enough of the acid in the MD-12 cream that performed better and gave my face a brighter and more healthy appearance. My fine lines did not get deeper and remained plumped up through out the day. No adverse effects and because Mediderm’s MD-12 Advanced Anti-Aging Cream is performing so well and is not causing any breakouts or clogged pores, I do see myself continuing to use it.  It’s a simple cream to use but filled with benefits and the price is unbeatable.

Connect with Mediderm here:

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• Product Link
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• #MD12AntiAging   #MEDIDERM

 

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

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Valentia: Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask #Review #ValentiaBeauty

When it comes to masks, I always have a plethora of what one would call dehydrating masks. Mud masks, clay masks, peeling masks, exfoliating masks, and so forth. I tend to rely on on what I apply after as my hydration and I must admit that does not always cut it. The sensitive areas around my face, like the outer edges of my forehead and around my nose, they sometimes will exhibit the stress from over cleaning my pores. Stressed skin I can recover from in a few days, but I dislike babying it while doing it, so I have been searching for a in-between system to add to me beauty regimen.

In comes Valentia, I am familiar with the line as I tried one of their products in the past. Valentia has expanded their beauty line and added other items like the Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask and the True Glow Eye Cream, which I will be reviewing after. The Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask is what I call a “feeder mask”, it feeds your skin versus just drawing out impurities and many times that includes oils that nourish our skin. The Valentia Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask has the following key ingredients in it’s formula:

• Aloe Vera
• Algae Extract
• Green Tea Leaf Extract
• Sea Buckthorn Oil
• Rosehip Seed Oil
• CoQ10
• Jojoba Oil
• Acai Berry (used as a fragrance, so no odd perfumes to irritate the skin)
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Vitamin B5
• Silk Amino Acid Blend
• Frakincense Oil (active and not used for fragrance)
• Vitamin E
• Gotu Kola
• and other emulsifiers and thickeners that are friendly to your skin

You read the key ingredients and they sound more like an overnight cream versus just a mask and this is where this Valentia product differs from the common OTC masks you find with mass merchandisers. This mask provides within 15 to 30 minutes a power punch of moisture, along with anti-aging properties but because the intense hydration is limited in time, people like myself that are prone to acne blemishes (aka: skin that rebels against moisture even when it needs it) need not to worry. I know, I know, you probably heard that before and then used a moisturizer that made your skin feel and look good but by day three, the bumps and blemishes win out any positive outcome you received from the moisturizing effect. This is different. Remember this is a beauty treatment, so you have to see it as a “power nap” where the exposure is limited in time but just those few minutes make a world of difference and allows your skin to get what it has been missing. I like the idea, so I was eager to see what Valentia’s new Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask could do for me.

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Verdict:
I tried the mask and because I have been using a microdermabrasion system at home once a week, I need a good amount of feed afterwards to give my “new skin” a huge welcome. I started by using the mask once a week after my treatments and figured if it made my new skin have a fit, my older skin was going to have a tantrum like no other. Nothing happened when it came to pimples, red bumps, blemishes, clogged pores, black heads, or let us just call them bumps from hell that sometimes do not even surface all the way to just be more difficult. My new skin acted like everything has always been hunky dory. Okay, so my new skin is literally a new beginning! I up my treatment to two times a week by week 3. I notice that my skin gets what I describe as a tickle when I first apply the mask but nothing like my pores are being pulled from their core like a mud or clay mask can do. I see softer skin and my pores are looking smaller, which I like because as much as I like clean pores, empty ones can look more pronounced because even the good oils have been pulled out.  My skin just seems more relaxed after I use the Ultra Plumping Hydration mask from Valemtia. The Green Tea’s anti-inflammation properties really calm my skin while the hydrating key ingredients feed my skin, producing a smoother and younger appearance. I don’t go to bed with a sticky face that ends up feeding my pillow more than anything and because I can control how long I do the treatment, I can limit or prolong my hydration to fit my needs. Not something you can do with many ant-aging creams out there and I literally put on the mask, watch a show and then wash my face. Painless, and my skin looks better while I do nothing extravagant. By week 4, the biggest difference and improvement has been around my eye and cheek area. Fine lines are diminished and you know how you look fresh and smooth in the morning after washing your face (i.e. less wrinkly)? Well, that effect lasts longer thru-out the day. I look less spent and so will your pocket book because this mask just costs $25 for a 4 ounce jar! It’s a win-win for a girl that wants moisturized skin without suffering the pumps later on!

Connect with Valentia at:

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

 

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

 

SqueakyCleanCo’s Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer

Some days, cleanliness is next to impossible. Some days, my hands are toast from constant washing and drying. And like some people nowadays, I’m hopelessly addicted to hand sanitizer. Like, I have a bottle in every bathroom, in my purse, in the car, in the bedroom, in the garage. When Squeaky Clean offered me a bottle of their antibacterial had sanitizer to try out, I couldn’t say yes fast enough.

Good sanitizers, at their most basic levels, are pretty much the same: Copious amounts of ethyl alcohol in a glycerin suspension. There’s usually some other things to stabilize it, some fragrance, and maybe a moisturizer to keep our hands from becoming dry, cracked like an old catcher’s mitt. And because alcohol is ridiculously cheap, hand sanitizer is  affordable. I usually pick up Target’s Up & Up brand for about $5 for a 32 ounce bottle. It’s not too fancy, it’s got some weird green color to it, but it also does the job. So here’s where brands like Squeaky Clean start diverging from Purell, Up & Up, and almost every other brand I’ve tried: It’s expensive. A 16 ounce bottle is over $14 on Amazon.com. Yikes! Multiplied out, I’d be spending nearly $30 to get the same amount as what I normally pay $5 for at Target. That makes no sense.

In Squeaky Clean’s defense, their product smells divine, and the aloe and vitamin e left my hands smooth, soft and not at all dried out, plus there’s no added dyes to make it that funky green color as my usual brand. It has 62% ethyl alcohol instead of my usual 70%, so it’s more on par with Purell there too. The box it came in looked very chic and high-end, and the pump reaches to the bottom so you’re not shaking the bottle at end to use the last little bit of it. It’s delightful fragrance stays with you for some time, too. But I don’t know that those pluses are worth more than 3 times the price of leading brands. In fact, I’m sure they’re not. I like the product, it does what it says it’ll do and is what it says it is, but it’s far, far too expensive for me to recommend.

Connect with SqueakyCleanCo:

• Online
• On Amazon
• Buy your bottle here

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

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

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

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

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

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

Verdict:

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

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

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

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

Connect with Andre Lorent and their products at:

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• #AndreLorent

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

 

Smiley360: Nutrition Now™ MultiVites; Women’s Gummy Vitamins #Review

I am always looking to improve my health and nutrition needs. Being able to pop a gummy and then go about my day not only is easy, but sort of hard to forget. So many supplements in the market are made to fit the needs of both males and females, even though their needs differ greatly. Men require more caloric intake than a female would, so we already eat differently! Why take the same vitamins? I prefer always having to choose something that is tailored to me and will help when it comes to my hair’s appearance and nails…..something most guys don’t have at the forefront of their mind 🙂

Nutrition Now MultiVites not only come in gummy form and I’m not oppose to taking a pill, but why not take something that I can enjoy too. Their dietary supplement provides a blend of essential vitamins and minerals, that may help improve your hair, nails and skin’s health. You also get energy and metabolism support. What’s not to love? You add supporting bone health and great berry flavor combinations, that it makes having an excuse to not take your vitamins on a daily basis non-existent.

Retail Price Point: $7.39 via Amazon was the best price point I could locate, however the vitamins are carried at Vitamin Shoppe and other retailers like Walgreens too.

Ingredients: Glucose Syrup , Sucrose , Gelatin , Natural Flavors , ColorsPurple Carrot Juice Concentrate, Blueberry & Carrot Concentrate , Citric Acid , Lactic Acid , Fractionated Coconut Oil , Beeswax

Verdict:
I took the gummy vitamins by Nutrition Now on a daily basis for 25 days. The indications are for two gummy bites a day and one bottle comes with 70 gummy vitamins, so you get a little over a month’s worth. Nutrition Now made sure to give you a little cushion when it comes to those extra few days in case you forget when you need to buy more and I always appreciate that versus other companies that like to play the game of only giving you 28 days worth of product. Each gummy is only 15 calories and I can’t think of a better way in getting 30 calories a day packed with all your nutritional needs. I never had an upset stomach or an awful aftertaste. It was sort of too good to be true and I liked that if I had a sweet tooth that day, the gummy aided in nipping it…..so it was sort of like a treat. I did not notice significant changes because I do try to eat as clean as possible and at the same time get more than the amount of required vegetables and fruit in a day, but I did not break a nail! I always chip a nail at least once a month with all my crafts and baking, however I did not and you know it was not because I was careful. I think Nutrition Now is the better tasting when it comes to the gummy world of vitamins and for once it’s called berry flavor and actually contains blueberry. The product is gluten free and also free of dyes/artificial coloring because they use real ingredients like purple carrot juice as coloring. Easy to take and actually enjoy, so I would at least give Nutrition Now gummy vitamins a consideration because they are full of the “good stuff” and have none of the “bad stuff” that I usually have to look up to even know what is.

Connect with Nutrition Now:

• On-line
• Amazon
• Facebook
• #NutritionNow

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Nutrition Now and Smiley360.  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.

ISA Professional: XANADU 24K Gold Vitamin C Serum and Foundation Primer Review #ISAprofessional

I have used copper infused creams and serums in the past and with great results. I was eager to try gold, as I have nail polishes with gold flakes but never tried a gold infused product in my skincare routine. You do a courtesy google search and you find everything from masks and lotions, but all pretty much guaranteeing collagen stimulation, so I decided to look further into the data when it came to clinical results. I could find none! I found information in dental work and such, to even devices that contained the metal and for surgical procedures but nothing when it came to topical application. So, I went into testing this product by what results I witnessed and that means I needed to take extra care, so I decided to stop use of anything that may aid the product when it came to performance. Yup, and I did it for 22 days!

Let’s start with that I have tested out and was currently using a Vitamin C/Hyaluronic acid combo prior, so I expected results from daily use prior, to continue to present themselves (or even increase) with the use of ISA Professional’s Xanadu formula. The formula is gorgeous just in the bottle. The kind of thing you want to have light glimmer through while it sits on your vanity…..it’s that pretty.

Retail Price Point: $59.00 via their website and Amazon

Ingredients (as posted on their Website):
24K Gold, Deionized water, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Collagen, Rose Extract, Hyaluronic acid, Creatine, Beta-Glucan, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide (Matrixyl-3000), Epidermal Growth Factor, P-anisi

Application:
As I mentioned the vial holds a beautiful serum but does that beauty transfer to the face? I was afraid of looking like Tinkerbell attacked me with highlighter powder after application, but thankfully my skin looked moisturized and natural with pretty much the same amount of glow left behind like any other product would leave. No chunky glitter look when it comes to application because I never exactly liked shimmering lotions that resulted in shimmering clothes and anything else you touched. You apply the product like any other serum by the thinnest going on first and I allow it absorb before proceeding to the next product. Like with any acid, I always follow with a moisturizer after to get the best results, even though ISA Xanadu’s serum does contain a lightly formulated amount of Vitamin E oil.

Verdict:
The price point is high but so is the metal and the claims made. This one I was looking at as it’s a buy or a bust in my mind……there was no in-between when it came to testing, so no 3.5 stars and the such. The product needs to outperform my $20 bottle that claims to do the same.

At day four, I noticed that any inflammation my skin exhibited from seasonal allergies to sun exposure was not as visible. That undesired puffy look I achieved I could only describe as how I look after doing the nasal spray, allergy pill and then eye drops in each eye regimen. Hey, I’m a little of a Puffer fish when I first wake-up! After I do my “so nature won’t kill me regimen”, I must admit my skin looked smoother than my $20 bottle could do. So, in 4 days this product surpassed what I had been using and this is why I continued use. In two weeks time, I did have a glow that remained and this was before product application. My skin had a nice healthy shine and a natural plump achieved by how well my skin could hold and distribute moisture. This made any fine lines less visible and that is always a positive! The bottle is easy to use and the dispenser pumps out the required amount with zero waste. No bacteria can build like when stored in a jar, and I can say a lot has been thought out when it comes to the Xanadu formula. I like products that work and I admit, I don’t always like the price tag. You bet I wish it cost less and the thrifty person in me wants a coupon or even a 1/2 off sale but sometimes we do have to pay for results. My results were positive and the only reason I discontinued use……well, I’m testing more stuff! I did however keep the bottle because I plan to add it to my skincare regimen when I discontinue use of the product I am currently testing. Just the results as a primer under my foundation made it a winner because many primers on the market contain so many synthetics and yes you get a smoother face, but later your skin’s health pays for it. With Xanadu, I did not have to worry about a plethora of chemicals that would cause a break-out and still achieve a smooth complexion that made applying foundation easier and I use less of it too! Maybe that is where my savings is 🙂

Connect with ISA Professional at:

• On-line
• Amazon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• #ISAprofessional

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

Zakia’s Morocco: Moroccan Black Soap & Moroccan Ghassoul Clay Powder Reviews & Giveaway #ZakiasMorocco

I received two products from Zakia’s Morocco and when I was accepted into the campaign, I decided to check out their website…….I was stunned at all the products and how well presented the site is. You have a skin issue, they have the products for you. Even though I was unfamiliar with some of the active ingredients, I quickly was able to educate myself and gain some knowledge about what an ingredient provides, application to long term benefits. I like companies that have an “open book” policy and allow the consumer to learn because I appreciate that, versus just being told, “here is a special potion in a jar and just apply it”. The latter always has no evidence supporting the ingredients and is usually a costly lesson to your skin and your wallet. So, I admit I started liking Zakia’s Morocco before anything had even arrived.

Zakia’s Morocco, Moroccan Black Soap with Argan Oil-

I looked at the jar and it’s a dark colored solution that is more a very dark brown but the hue is maybe 2 shades lighter before black. Not the hue you associate with soap and then I thought about charcoal and again I was wrong! I open the jar and the scent is earthy but not unpleasant. I then realize after reading that the product is made with an olive pulp that is sometimes called “olive pumice”. The pulp is classified as a by-product, meaning it’s the left-over from production and on most times it’s olive oil. Now, the color makes sense! When you produce olive oil, the pulp left is about 50 to 70 percent and some manufactures will then produce a lesser quality oil on the second press or find a second use elsewhere. The olive pulp is rich in antioxidants and nutrients (lipids, oleic acid to Vitamin E), so it’s not in any way just trying to find a use for left-overs. These left-overs will not only feed your skin but are gentle enough to be used for all skin types. I can see why the pulp is used and makes for a great emollient and for exfoliating applications. Zakia’s Morocco then takes this rich ingredient and adds Argan oil and a little salt and it’s really simply created but beneficial.

Ingredients (as listed on the website): Potassium Olivate, Aqua, Sodium, Potassium Hydroxyde, and Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (Argan Oil)

Retail Price Point: $24.99 for a jar that has a net weight of 8.82 ounces.

Verdict:
I used the soap two times a week for a period of 3.5 weeks. It’s gentle and feels good on the skin once you add a little bit of water and you work the lather up between your hands, before applying it to your skin. The Moroccan Black Soap by Zakia’s Morocco can be applied to your face and body, so great for the back and chest area. The soap did not ever over dry or cause patchy areas, it remains gentle but effective because my skin was soft and clean. My feet start getting dry being in sandals during warmer weather and the pool’s chlorine water tends to exasperate it but once I started using the soap on my feet, it not only felt nice but left my skin soft and helped it retain moisture. Even my nail’s cuticle improved. You use small amounts and it’s really a nicer soap for your skin that enriches it but also cleanses it.

 

Zakia’s Morocco, Moroccan Ghassoul Clay Powder-

The Atlas Mountain produces a clay that you have probably heard of called Ghassoul or Rhassoul. The clay is rich in minerals that help with skin’s circulation, texture to cleansing but without pulling moisture. The clay actually encourages moisture to build and this is why you see it in many facial masks. The Ghassoul Clay from Zakia’s Morocco, comes in powder form, which I love. I adore this form of application because I don’t have to worry about the product drying out and I can add it to other ingredients and make my own customized mask. The clay powder is not limited to the face, but you can spot treat blemishes to even areas of the body. Ghassoul Clay helps rejuvenate the skin and I always like how gentle it is at removing dead skin cells to build-up, and it’s irritation free. You can also treat your hair by making a loose putty consistency and it will help you regain luster back and also re-balance your scalps health. Things like an over-dry scalp to dandruff tend to correct themselves to even over production of oil, with Ghassoul Clay powder.

Ingredients (as listed on the website): Moroccan Lava clay

Retail Price Point: $19.99 for an 8 ounce jar.

Verdict-
Oh, I love it! Let me just get that out of the way because I already loved this clay before but you are giving it to me in powder form? So, I pay for the lava clay and that is it? I’m so there and I was able to use the clay to make my own facial masks to even giving my hands a little rejuvenation treatment. Being able to add other ingredients like oils to boost up the moisture for hands and feet (I even added a little to an avocado to produce a mask) is not something that can be done with other products.  I could use this one product to help my skin’s needs and to suit my “going on right now” issues like a blemish on my nose!  You rarely find the clay in powder form and I see it like when you buy herbs/spices for your kitchen, the pure product alone will always beat any (all salt) mix that is advertised as an all-in-one product. No fillers or anything else with Zakia’s Morocco Ghassoul Clay powder and finally being able to make my own masks to fit my needs no matter the problem, weather, stress level, is something I seek!  You can use it as a spot treatment too for pimples, blackheads, or any surprises you wake up!

!!!Giveaway Alert!!!

Win a gift card to Zakia’s Morocco for $50 by clicking here .  Then click below and start making a list!  Good luck!!

 

Find the time and please visit Zakia’s Morocco and you will love all the products they have to offer:

• On-line
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• #ZakiasMorocco

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Zakia’s Morocco.  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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Naturalico: Organic and Natural Vitamin C & Vitamin E Serum Review #vitamincserum

 

 

As you may know, I have been using Vitamin C serums and/or creams back to back. This allows me to know if a product is effective by easily seeing improvements (i.e. better potency), or a decline (i.e. not as advertised). Sometimes I stay as-is and this to me means that the product was as effective as the one before. I’m a believer at finding the best value when it comes to anything and this includes beauty products. Why pay more for the same ingredients? Vitamin C is not expensive or a limited source, so I look for absorbency rates and what makes this bottle the go-to one.

Naturalico, is company that makes two products and based in the U.S. Their products are a combination of natural and organic ingredients. I received a bottle of their Vitamin C 20% and Vitamin E serum to try for a period of 4-weeks.

I noticed at first that the product contains one of the longer list of ingredients associated with the Vitamin C (20%) serums now on the market. Everyone is punching up the percentages and/or combination of vitamins to anti-aging ingredients, to distinguish themselves from the rest and Naturalico is no different.

Ingredients:

• Key Ingredients- 20% VITAMIN C, ORGANIC ROSEHIP OIL, ORGANIC SEA BUCKTHORN OIL, RESISTEM (PLANT STEM CELLS), HYALURONIC ACID(BOTANICAL), GREEN TEA EXTRACT

 

• Herbal Infusion Ingredients- Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Gotu Kola, Organic Horsetail, Organic Geranium, Organic Dandelion

 

The formula is complex and I did experience hydration benefits, as Vitamin C is suppose to do. The Vitamin E is light in texture and not at all like you would experience from a capsule. I get hesitant when I see Vitamin E in a product and it’s not for disliking the vitamin’s benefits, but the oil can be clogging to my pores and cause a little bit of irritation. I did not experience any congested pores from Naturalico’s product. The dropper easily distributes the amount needed and like with ingredients that oxidize, a amber toned bottle was used to minimize and slow down the loss (in potency) that occurs. I used the product under my eyes and any areas of the skin that ranged from ultra-sensitive to just normal, never experienced peeling or redness……just that good old moisturizing punch you get from these ingredients.

Retail Price Point: $18.88 for a 1 fluid ounce bottle via Amazon

Naturalico, guarantees the product and wants the user of their products to be satisfied, so I did see a 100% Money-Back guarantee in the listing. I used the serum under make-up and my foundation did not ripple or suffer hours later from having used it. Some serums and creams can increase oil production but this formula did not, and actually kept mine in check.

 

 

Connect with Naturalico at:

• Amazon
• On-line
• FaceBook
• Twitter
• #VitaminSerum

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

InstaNatural: Cellulite Cream #Review #InstaNatural

InstaNatural is a company which features a large array of beauty products that range from serums, masks to products that target problem areas that suffer from stretch marks, scars to cellulite. You can get all your beauty needs satisfied with InstaNatural, as they have hair products to even supplements! If you sign-up on their site for the Club Discount, you get an instant 15% off. Need to save more? Order $25 worth of beauty products that are guaranteed to work, as they all covered by the InstaNatural 100% Lifetime Satisfaction Money Back Guarantee and get free shipping. Nothing to lose than some fine lines, blemishes and better skin for 2015!

InstaNatural: Cellulite Cream

This product is part of their Body Creams collection and helps with everything from the cellulite to the dimples a person may suffer from. You get a boost from:

• Caffeine- Derived from green tea, which provides you with instant firming and lifting results
• Retinol- allows the skin to resurface at a quicker pace, lessening the appearance of the cellulite/dimples
• Cocoa Butter- softens and also helps keep the skin looking beautiful
• Shea Butter- allows the “newer” skin to get a healthy amount of nutrients and moisture
• Vitamin C- helps your skin hold more moisture and gives it a healthy glow (brightens)
• Vitamin B5- helps to keep skin soft and healthy, but also provides a smoother look
• All products at InstaNatural are made in the USA and never animal tested

Retail Price Point: $23.75 for a 5 ounce bottle with a pump top

Ingredients list (as posted on the site): Deionized Water, Organic Aloe Vera, Glyceryl Stearate (Plant Derived), Cetearyl Alcohol (Plant Derived), Safflower Seed Oil, Witch Hazel, Bladderwrack (Fescues Vesiculosus), Caffeine, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Castor Seed Oil, Fragrance, Stearic Acid (Plant Derived), Sunflower Seed Oil, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Green Tea, Sage Extract (Salvia Officinale), Cinnamon Extract (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum C. Cassia), Retinol, Vitamin B5 (Panthenol), Vitamin E (d-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate), Evening Primrose Oil, Raspberry Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Organic Hempseed Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Bayberry (Myrica Cerifera), Bugleweed (Lycopus Virginicus), Butcher’s Broom (Ruscus Aceleatus), Cayenne (Capsicum Annum), Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum Procumbens), Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis), Elder Flower (Sambucus Spp), Ginger (Zingiber Officinale), Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis), Hawthorn (Crataegus Oxycantha), Shea Butter, Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate), Wildcrafted Horsetail (Equisetum Arvense), Organic Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica), Algae Extract, Japanese Green Tea Leaf Extract, Palm Oil, Decyl Glucoside (plant derived), Glyceryl Caprylate (Natural Preservative), Sodium Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide (pH Modifier), Tocopherol (Antioxidant), Ethylhexylglycerin (Preservative), Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Extract (Natural Preservative)

Application- The product works best when applied twice a day, just like a facial skincare regimen. You apply the cream to skin that is clean and dry. You simply pump out the amount needed and apply to your thighs, stomach, legs, and anywhere you wish to address! Use a healthy amount of motion to make sure the cream penetrates and the caffeine hits those targeted areas. I went with a deep massage and allowed the cream to fully dry before dressing.

What to Expect- Cellulite is one of those attributes you hear everyone has but that does not make you love it, or much less accept it. While over-the-counter products will not fully remove the appearance of the skin, it certainly can diminish it. I’m all for zapping it any way I can and InstaNatural’s Cellulite cream does aid with this pesky little problem. Thank the healthy amount of Caffeine in the product because it not only minimizes the appearance but provides you with instant results. You get to see a difference on the first day but it does not stop there. The cream has a nice amount of moisturizers like Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter, which penetrate and soften the appearance of the cellulite and surrounding skin. Then comes the Retinol punch that helps in not only repairing but rejuvenation, and by this I mean, it helps the “turn-over” process of shedding our “damaged” looking skin quicker.  The Retinol helps produce a less marked skin in less time than if not used! The cellulite/dimple mark will still be present but with continual use, you can achieve a minimizing look and the finer lines will be less visible, along with the dimples. I found the cream to not only help moisturize and produce softer and a more supple skin’s surface, but it also produced a more firmer appearance that was visible to the eye and touch. I am all for the instant results and especially as the days get warmer and the bikini is due to come out!

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

InstaNatural: Age Defying Retinol Serum; Supercharged Antioxidant Blend

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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