moisturizer Tag Archives

Spring into a new beauty routine! #beautyunited

 

*I received these products for review*

Spring in your step, spring forward, spring cleaning-I’m cool with spring.  This year, I got started a bit early with my spring clean and am 80% ‘done’ (just 2 more closets to tidy up and those are going to be doozies!).  Spring is also a great time to make some changes to your beauty routine.  Check out the products below-these are some great additions to my spring regime!

Herbal Essences Repair argan oil of morocco shampoo & conditioner

Raise your hand if you wish they would bring back the Herbal Essence commercials of the 90’s-I KNOW you all know what I mean (but in case you don’t, check out one of the original commercials here).  I never completely fell ‘out’ of love with this line-the ‘naked’ shampoo is a great clarifying shampoo that I slip in 2 times a month.  I tend to use salon professional shampoos & conditioners, but I did try this one and it is quite nice.  It is incredibly hydrating, and leaves my strands feeling nourished.  I find myself wanting to touch my hair more after using these.  The scent is beautiful-it’s what I would term an ‘exotic floral’

Fun fact:  The shampoo & conditioner are made in a plant that matches electricity with renewable wind credits.  

Olay ultra moisture shea butter body wash

I love body washes that have that ‘extra’ hydration component.  The ‘lock in moisture’ technology infuses skin with moisture without leaving it feeling greasy.  Spring is the perfect time to incorporate a product like this into your routine-your skin is still trying to recover from the dry, bitter winter temperatures.  I still apply a lotion post shower but find that adding a hydrating body wash helps keep me flake free all day.

Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Concentrate & Olay Regenerist Micro sculpting cream

Okay so up front I’ll tell you, I’ve used the Micro Sculpting cream before and rather like it.  The concentrate is ‘new’ to me.  This is a great time of year to give your face a spring cleaning too by helping your skin cells turn over.

From the Olay website:

The Miracle Boost concentrate:

Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Concentrate is an advanced anti-aging, ultra-lightweight formula booster which is designed for use with a Regenerist moisturizer. Infused with advanced Amino-Peptide Complex II, Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Concentrate skin hydrating booster enhances skin absorption.
Its fragrance-free formula has a consistency and feel like a face serum.

  • Each Drop Immediately Renews a Million Skin Cells to Instantly Smooth Skin Texture
  • Delivers 60% more anti-aging ingredients when paired with Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
  • Infused with Advanced Amino-Peptide Complex II, Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Concentrate skin hydrating booster enhances skin absorption
  • Helps reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles by boosting skin’s natural surface cell regeneration
  • Fragrance-free Formula with a consistency and feel of a face serum
  • Recommended use: after cleansing, Use this to prep your skin, before you use your moisturizer

The Micro sculpting cream:

Regenerist is Olay’s Advanced Anti-Aging Skin Care Collection. Micro-Sculpting Face Moisturizer Formula is designed with Advanced Anti-Aging ingredients for visible wrinkle results starting day 1.
Infused with Hyaluronic Acid, Amino-Peptides and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), this Moisture-Binding Formula Instantly Plumps & Lifts Surface Cells. The luxurious-feeling moisturizer immediately leaves skin hydrated, softens the look of fine lines and wrinkles and firms the look of skin with plumping hydration, to help take years off your skin age.

  • Hydrates skin better than ten of the top creams – even the $440 cream – proven by Good Housekeeping
  • Visible wrinkle results start day 1
  • New formula with Amino Peptide Complex II, Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) regenerates surface cells to help take years off your skin age
  • Anti-aging moisturizing formula penetrates deep into skin’s surface to improve texture and elasticity

Crest 3D White Supreme flexfit whitestrips

I’m all about the pearly whites year round but when I want to wear my spring lipsticks, having my teeth be their best shade of white is important.  Dental bleaching kits from the dentist are great-but they cost big $$$$.  These Crest whitestrips do the trick and are easy to apply.

Unleash a brilliantly dimensional smile with your beauty “must have,” Crest 3D White Supreme FlexFit Whitestrips. These whitening strips are formulated with the same enamel-safe ingredient dentists use and whiten as well as a professional treatment.

  • Deliver whitening results as effective as a  professional teeth whitening treatment
  • Give you results that last 18 months and beyond- (I haven’t tested this yet but will let you know)
  • Exclusive FlexFit technology design stretches and molds to custom fit your unique smile for a comfortable, no-hassle teeth whitening experience at home
  • Use the same enamel-safe whitening agent that dentists use
  • Advanced Seal™ Technology’s no slip grip stays put. No slipping, no sliding!
  • Whitestrips are so easy to use: you can whiten while you walk, talk, work, even drink water
  • The strips mold to the shape of your teeth and come off cleanly

And there you have it.  I’d love to hear about your ‘spring cleaning’ routine (in regards to beauty).

My Morning Skincare Routine – for my best skin ever!

So you’ve been asking about my morning skincare routine. And asking. It’s time for me to deliver. So here’s what I use on my skin in the MORNING. Now. I can’t lie. The evening is when the real magic happens in terms of products. Or maybe not. I think there are equal parts of pixie dust in both the morning and the evening.

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Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles

I started noticing that my eye area was changing when I was in my late 30’s-especially the appearance of fine lines, which REALLY bothered me. I had never investigated eye creams specifically, and knew that I probably should’ve been using one (or three) but didn’t bother, assuming that since my skincare was great, that my eyes would absorb the product I was using on my face and everything would be dandy. Well, I was wrong about that-hence this blog post. Please see my picks for the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles.

What are your favorite or best eye creams? Found anything that really works for you that you’d care to share? Leave your recommendations in the comments below!

Want to keep it natural?

Try Rosehip & Hibiscus Eye Cream  by LilyAna Naturals.

Best eye creams: Rosehip & Hibiscus Eye Cream

This best selling cream hydrates, moisturizes and softens delicate facial skin to help stop the advancement of aging with no parabens, artificial colors or artificial fragrances. It is 77% organic, contains Rosehip oil and is not tested on animals.

Benefits:

  • Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, dryness and sagging.
  • Increase elasticity, firm and plump skin.
  • Improve skin tone and texture. Reduce discoloration and scaring.
  • Hydrate, soften and smooth the skin to prevent premature aging.
  • Not just for the eyes! Apply on face, neck and décolletage area for radiant looking skin.

 

Looking for the perfect hybrid of Natural & Cutting Edge?

Try: Baebody Eye Gel for Dark Circles, Puffiness, Wrinkles and Bags by Baebody

Best eye creams: Baebody Eye Gel for Dark Circles, Puffiness, Wrinkles and Bags

This light textured gel contains Hyaluronic Acid to Hydrate and Plump Skin, Matrixyl 3000 to Firm Skin, Vitamin E, MSM, and Plant Stem Cells to Strengthen Skin to Protect Against Sun Damage and Aging.

Benefits:

  • Reduce puffiness & dark circles
  • Hyaluronic Acid Hydrates and Plumps Skin, Matrixyl 3000 Firms Skin, Vitamin E, MSM, and Plant Stem Cells Strengthen Skin to Protect Against Sun Damage and Aging.
  • No Fillers, Harmful Fragrances, Dyes or Parabens. Cruelty free, not tested on animals.

 

Want something no-nonsense and wallet-friendly?  

Try Garnier Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Eye Cream

Best eye creams: Garnier Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Eye Cream

With Pro-Retinol from nature, this anti-wrinkle firming eye cream works in the eye area to firm wrinkles and fine lines without harsh side effects.

Benefits:

  • Non-comedogenic—won’t clog pores
  • Gentle to skin
  • Allergy tested
  • Non-greasy

*Ingredient complexes developed exclusively by Garnier to work on skin’s outer layer.

 

Looking for a next-level eye treatment?

Try Pure Body Naturals Gel Eye & Face professional treatment, a rejuvenating and enriching anti aging eye gel to revitalize your skin

Best eye creams: Pure Body Naturals Eye Cream for Dark Circles Puffiness Wrinkles and Bags

Benefits:

  • Restores skin by rejuvenating, enriching and moisturising so it is smooth,firm, and filled with moisture.Contains Matrixyl 3000 and Plant Stem Cells to reinforce the skin and prevent eye bags and wrinkles.
  • Protects the skin with Hyaluronic acid, preventing sagginess, and helps  dark circles around the eyes.
  • Gel can also be used on all parts of the body, leaving the skin looking radiant and feeling smooth and nourished.

 

Are you a multi-tasker? Work on your eyes while you sleep with First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy Overnight Balm

Best eye creams: First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy Overnight Balm

This balm will help nourish, firm and smooth the appearance of the skin around the eye area-all while you sleep!

Benefits:

  • Safe for sensitive skin
  • Allergy tested
  • Fragrance free

 

These are just some of my best eye creams for wrinkles.  Let me know if you’ve tried any of them or have any others you’d like to recommend.

Breaking: Local beauty brand goes Hollywood!

Because you know how much I love my local skincare!

BEE23 Natural Beauty is a Canadian beauty brand specializing in full body high performance skincare. In harnessing the potent power of plants, flowers, trees and beeswax, our product line has served as an exceptional natural alternative for maturing, dry and sensitive skin care with excellent results in soothing eczema and acne.

Queen Bee of BEE23 Natural Beauty, Michelle Rosetta, began this venture in an off grid cabin outside Thunder Bay, ON when she was impassioned by the current state of our environment and the impact our beauty industry had not only on our planet but on our people. “After suffering from severe headaches, I realized the trigger was my favourite perfume.” says Rosetta “Although the scent was soft, with research I realized there were severely detrimental synthetic chemical additives in my product. As a woman and mother, I immediately saw the connection between what I wore on my skin, my health and the impact it had on those around me and my environment.” Taking matters into her own hands, Michelle set out on a journey to gain the knowledge and skills to create a natural formula that would soothe, restore and rejuvenate with all the aspects of a potent facial moisturizer and none of the contaminants that actually can dry, irritate and take away from a youthful complexion.

Three years later with a “we can do it” attitude, she has gained a growing incredibly loyal customer base, a substantial retail presence and of course the next step is the red carpet! Now, BEE23 Natural Beauty has been invited to bring their natural glow to one of the notorious gifting suites at the 2017 Awards Week in Hollywood. The goal is to have their products that you love and use become the talk of Tinseltown. If you have seen them in action, then you know they’ve been hustling hard and going to La La Land is in their sights. BEE23 Natural Beauty will be posting their Hollywood adventure from opening curtains to end of chapter via YouTube and social media, so you can join them every step of the way.

Some of my favorite products below-anything you want me to review? Let me know!

  

 

 

 

 

Find Bee23 :

on the web

on instagram

on Facebook

 

Looking for brighter skin? Reveal your bright with L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Influenster VoxBox

I received these products through Influenster VoxBox.

I truly and honestly have mixed feelings about L’Oreal Paris.  Some products I like, some products I do NOT like and lately, their high price point is a big-turn off.  I was surprised to receive this box and wanted to give these products a thorough run through (been using for 2 weeks) and give you an HONEST review.

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From the campaign: (more…)

Cleaning up with Olay!

*Disclosure: I am a #BeautyUnited blogger. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events. The opinions on this blog are my own.

I’ve been enjoying summer sans several hurdles (illness being a major hurdle over the past month).  One thing that I have been doing is spending weekends at the family cottage several hours north in ‘cottage country’ -a term that I learned (by living in Canada) could be anywhere there are cottages.  It’s a beautiful serene place, right on a lake.  It’s rustic. I gave up being rustic (for the most part) in 2001 after my honorable discharge from the U.S. Army.  However, I’ll compromise for the cottage….there’s a toilet, running water, and electricity.  Still haven’t ventured into the shower there yet (probably never will). For that reason, when I get back-first order of business, take a thorough shower and CLEAN MY FACE & BODY.  I’d like to walk you through some of the products I use to do this.  Let me know in the comments below if you’ve tried any of these products and if you like them or not!
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Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-aging micro sculpting cream with sunscreen:  This anti-aging moisturizer hydrates to regnerate volume and shape across the skin’s surface.  It’s supposed to improve skin’s texture in 4 weeks and visibly reduces the appearance of wrinkles quickly with an Amino-Peptide Complex.  This product also contains Broad Spectrum SPF 30.

My thoughts:

While I can’t say I have noticed a significant decrease in wrinkles (and I’d love to think I don’t have any significant ones), I do notice an improved skin texture.  It’s also notable that I don’t see any increase in the amount of sun damage I have on my face either!

Olay Total Effects 7 in one Anti-Aging Moisturizer with sunscreen:  This is a daily moisturizer that revives skin and helps protects against harmful UVA/UVB rays. Formulated with Its VitaNiacin Complex and skin conditioners, it fights 7 signs of aging for younger, healthier-looking skin. Its vitamin-rich formula helps reduce the look of age spots, instantly minimize the appearance of pores, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

My thoughts:

I don’t use this product in combination with the sculpting cream but do alternate using the two.  I like this product more for reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and minimizing pores.  The sunscreen is an added bonus. I also like the consistency of this-it’s not runny and it’s not thick.

Olay Deeply Clean Mineral Face Cleanser: This daily facial cleanser lathers and cleanses without over-drying skin. Specially designed for oily/combination skin types, its natural kaolin clay formula controls shine and reduces the appearance of pores in just one use. Infused with a mineral complex, it draws out impurities like a magnet for a deep, down-to-the-pores clean. Dermatologically tested, oil-free, and noncomedogenic, this cleanser has the purifying power of a mask to leave skin looking healthy and brighter.

My thoughts:

I cannot get enough of this product.  I love it as it reminds me of my charcoal cleanser from the Face Shop.  I actually prefer this product as the Face Shop’s version dried my skin out! I have to agree with everything that is said-especially with the combination skin part (I don’t recommend for dry skin).  I have combination skin and this is probably the best part of my nighttime skin care routine.  This gets EVERYTHING off and leaves me nice and clean.  I can skip astringent because I use this – which is not something I can say often.  This is my ‘rockstar’ product out of these for sure.

Olay Fresh Outlast CoolingWhite Strawberry & Mint bodywash: This is designed to work with your skin’s natural pH. This lower sulfate formula has 3x more mild cleansers than before. It’s a fresh twist on cleansing. Aromas of white strawberry & mint leave you feeling refreshed and beautiful.

My thoughts:

This needs to be a cocktail….I’m thinking an on-the-rocks type of gin or vodka?  Or maybe an upscale daiquiri?  Either way, this is a great bodywash to use to feel clean and smell great!  Apparently over time, it’s supposed to provide vibrant, fresh, skin.  I’ll keep you posted.

Review: Amie Morning Light Hydrating Daily Moisturizer

I received this product for review!  I like to mention that up front -my opinion of this product is my own!

I have combination skin-an oily T-zone and normal-ish cheeks.  I suppose I could use 2 moisturizers….I often use different primers on my face (one that mattifies for the T-zone and a ‘normal’ primer for the cheeks and neck).  I would rather be able to use one product-it’s a Goldilocks type of scenario.  One moisturizer is too light, one is too heavy…..

Amie Morning Light Hydrating Daily Moisturizer would be my ‘just right.’  Before I jump into my thoughts, here are the product details:

amie

Skin-friendly natural extracts of rosehip seed oil, rose extract and mallow.

Amie’s new MORNING LIGHT Hydrating Daily Moisturizer is a perfect blend of high-quality plant extracts and skin-friendly natural ingredients all designed to keep your skin soft and moisturized, all day long.

Perfect for skin that is prone to dryness and in need of gentle, effective nourishment, this lightweight rose-scented lotion is easy to apply and absorbed quickly, giving skin long-lasting hydration.

Perfect for even sensitive skin.

Key natural extracts include:

Rosa Canina Fruit Oil – the pressed seed oil extracted from the hips of the rose bush which grows wild in the Southern Andes. Rosehip oil contains a list of active ingredients which are beneficial to skin, as well as a high level of essential fatty acids which help the skin hold moisture and reduce dryness.

Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract – an extract from the flowers of the Cabbage Rose, Rosa Centifolia has skin-conditioning and toning effects on the skin.

Malva Sylvestris Extract – the flowers of the mallow plant are well-known for their soothing and softening effect on the skin.

My thoughts:

1. Love the fact that this moisturizer has natural extracts and oils in it.

2. My sister has sensitive skin so I may see if she likes this product.

3.  This product isn’t tested on animals and is paraben free, free of Mineral Oils,
Sulphates, GM Ingredients and Petrochemicals.

4. It does have a scent but it’s light (rose) and dissipates quickly. I like it.

5. It plays nicely with most of my makeup/primers.

My only caveat is that this moisturizer is a bit too light for my entire face during the harsh winter months-end of December through February.  I think in my case, I can use this moisturizer on my T-zone but will  pull out a ‘heavier’ moisturizer for my cheeks and neck.  In the spring and the summer is when I would get the most use out of a product like this.

Is it for you?

If you want a moisturizer that’s effective, and natural and you don’t have any major skin issues, I’d say go for this one.  It’s a great option and is priced well at $12.00 CAD for 100ml.

 

 

 

Addicted to all things pretty-The Luxe Oil that you need to know about!

I like oils for face and body. It’s that simple.

I chat with a lot of people on twitter. one of the lovelies I chat with (I discovered) has a line of oils for face, body, hair-I suppose they could be called “multi-purpose.”  I had to get my hands on some of this.

All of the products interested me but I restrained myself and purchased the LUXE oil (and yes, I asked for recommendations of what to buy before purchasing).

Luxe oil *photo used with permission

Luxe oil *photo used with permission

Here’s what the website says:

Not only only does LUXE OIL moisturize and nourish the skin but it also has healing properties and helps clear blemishes as well as scarring from small wounds, cuts, and burns and eczema. Some have reported a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles… just another benefit of LUXE OIL. With continued use you’ll see improvements in your skin.

*photo used with permission*

*photo used with permission*

How to use:
LUXE OIL is a very versatile oil that can be used many ways. One primary use is as an in-shower moisturizer with 1-3 pumps into a well lathered towel or body sponge. The amount needed varies since some use body soaps that are harsher than others, and some of us use soaps that are free of sulfates and detergents.  You can also use it on damp skin fresh out the shower as you would a regular body oil. Other great uses include; hair oil to seal moisture, cuticle oil, and face moisturizer.

Instructions:

– In-Shower Moisturizer
Add 1-3 pumps (more if you’re using the treatment pump that dispenses less product) into a well-lathered towel or body sponge
Wash as usual
Rinse
Pat dry with dry towel or prance around… allow the oils to absorb

– Body Moisturizer
Apply all over
Prance around… allow the oils to absorb

Ingredients:
Coconut Oil
Safflower Oil
Sea-buckthorn Oil
Avocado Oil
Olive Oil
(optional) Fragrance

There are many choices of fragrance for the oil as well as having the choice to skip fragrance!  Please see the website for a description of fragrances (there are SO many).  I chose ‘Scorned Nymph’ which includes notes of juicy plum and frankincense.  I describe it as a fruity scent with a warm, spicy, exotic finish…it kind of creeps up on you.

How do I use it LUXE oil?

I listed the ways to use the product above but my FAVORITE way to use it is fresh out of the shower-I pat myself with a towel so my skin is so damp, and apply luxe oil to trap moisture in my skin.  I know the instructions say to prance around.  Maybe I do and maybe I don’t. I’ll leave that to your imagination.  If you know me at all, you know I probably prance. It absorbs fairly quickly but I would give it a solid 2-3 minutes before putting clothes on.

I ALSO use it on my scalp the night before I wash my hair.  I know that there is some minor controversy regarding oiling the scalp but I find it incredibly beneficial-after all, that is the root of your hair, why not nourish it?

Overall thoughts

I know there are a lot of oils on the market. I’ve tried a lot of the oils on the market. Why do I like this one so much? It’s made with ingredients I can pronounce-there are many ways to use it, the scent is intoxicating, and someone I know makes this product.  All great reasons.  LUXE oil is definitely worth checking out-and it’s offered in several different sizes so it will fit into your budget.  Also please note, there are face oils, bath salts, scalp oils,and shea butter too!

photo used with permission

photo used with permission

photo used with permission

photo used with permission

photo used with permission

photo used with permission

 

Find LUXE oil:

on their website

on twitter

on facebook