Avon has just introduced their NutraEffects collection, which uses Chia Seeds and other potent natural ingredients to hydrate skin. I was sent some of these products for my honest review.
A seed is one of nature’s most powerful creations, it’s the source of life itself. Avon NutraEffects has harnessed this power into its breakthrough Active Seed Complex. The complex is made with Chia Seeds which are used as the hydrating base ingredient across all of the products within the range. The powerful hydration quality comes from the blend of Chia Seeds which can hold up to 12x their weight in water and are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. In addition to this, each NutraEffects formula is then blended with other nutrient rich seeds and skin loving antioxidants to target one of four skin care needs: hydration, balance, radiance, and signs of aging. The combinations deliver healthier, more beautiful skin from day one. All products are suitable for sensitive skin, hypoallergenic, and paraben- and dye-free. The collection includes:
• Avon NutraEffects Active Seed Complex Hydration Daily Cream SPF15 and Gel Night Cream ($18.00 each) — Formulated with the antioxidant-packed Chia Seed, which is one of nature’s superfoods and known for its ability to hold moisture, these deeply hydrating creams improve texture and provide 48-hour hydration to soften dry, rough skin. Designed for dry to normal skin.
Key Ingredient: Chia Seed
Key Benefit: Hydration
Key Result: Dramatically improves appearance of rough, dry skin*
Designed to rejuvenate dull skin, even out skin tone, and restore the complexion’s natural glow, these radiance-boosting creams are formulated with Birds of Paradise Seed, an ingredient known for its ability to brighten and reduce the look of pigmentation.
Key Ingredient: Birds of Paradise Seed
Key Benefit: Radiance
Key Result: Reduces the appearance of discoloration**
These anti-aging products are all fortified with pomegranate extract, which is known for its powerful age-defying properties and packed with vitamins and antioxidants. All three creams firm skin, nourish the complexion, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Key Ingredient: Pomegranate Extract
Key Benefit: Combats signs of aging
Key Results: Skin looks and feels younger; youthful fullness is restored**
Visibly diminishes the look of crow’s feet (eye cream)**
I was sent products from the Balance and Ageless collections to try:
nutraeffects Ageless Day Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 20
nutraeffects Ageless Night Cream
nutraeffects Ageless Eye Cream
The Ageless collection products are creamy and hydrating, but don’t leave my skin greasy. They are also fragrance free, and very gentle on my sensitive skin. The Day cream is lighter than the night cream, and I love that it has SPF in it. The eye cream sinks right into my skin and smooths the skin on my eye area.
I have noticed that my skin is smoother and has better texture. My fine lines do look less noticeable, too.
nutraeffects Balance Day Cream SPF 15
nutraeffects Balance Night Gel Cream
My skin is combination as well sensitive and aging (fun). So the Balance collection works for my skin when it is a bit oily. It’s more of a gel texture and lighter than the Ageless collection, and will be perfect for me when it gets warmer. But for those who are oily all of the time, I think it would be a great everyday collection.
This has a light fragrance, but it doesn’t irritate my skin at all and it does give a nice matte finish!
I think for what these products do for the skin, the price is amazing! Natural and potent skin care usually comes at a much higher price point.
Even though it’s getting warmer, my skin and hair are still dry and need hydration. I love receiving new products to try for this and have been loving so many lately!
Below are natural bath and body products, anti-aging skincare and face and hair masks:
Gardener’s Hand Healer
Botanical FragranceEau Des Minimes Botanical Fragrance
Eau Serene Shower Gel
Le Couvent des Minimes Gardener’s Hand Healer ($19 2.6 oz) blends 20% of the finest grade Shea Butter with seven Beneficial Plants to enhance the appearance of your hands.This intensive formula restores moisture to the skin and protects active, chapped and cracked hands like an invisible glove to leave them soft and smooth.
Le Couvent des Minimes Eau des Minimes ($38 3.4 fl. oz.) continues the tradition of the Eaux de Cologne that were prepared in convents in times gone by. This original recipe is a fragrant water, which can be applied generously to the body. It combines 3 refreshing citrus fruits with 7 plants from the official garden, selected for their beneficial properties.
Le Couvent des Minimes Eau Sereine Relaxing Shower Veil ($12 USD) — Inspired by the breathtaking surroundings of the Convent, this botanical fragrance captures the tranquil waters of a lake high in the mountains of Haute-Provence. Inspired by the relaxing setting of the Convent,this rich, plant-based cleansing base gently cleanses skin while leaving behind a revitalizing fragrance.
Meaningful Beauty Skin Softening Cleanser: ($30 USD) — Gentle and oil-free, it contains a unique apple extract that helps to minimize the skin from the visible signs of premature aging. This lightweight, softening cleanser is gentle enough to be used alone as a makeup remover, yet strong enough to strip away makeup, dirt and debris, leaving behind healthier, more refreshed looking skin.
Meaningful Beauty Deep Cleansing Masque: ($40 USD) — Referred to as the line’s “facial-in-a-bottle,” it’s designed to lift the skin and exfoliate impurities. An infusion of antioxidants and marine extracts deep clean, purify and revive stressed skin to reveal fresh, younger, radiant looking skin after one use.
Meaningful Beauty Créme de Serum: ($64 USD) — Combines the power of a serum with the rich, moisturizing effects of a crème, it works to combat the signs of aging with three powerful anti-aging ingredients: super-antioxidant melon complex, anti-aging peptides and hyaluronic acid. Its designed ‘s help protect skin, increase hydration and prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while providing a fresh, dewy look.
Masqueology Collagen Hydro Gold Gel ($2.50 USD). A synthetic mesh 2-piece single use facial mask saturated with advanced multi-functioning ingredients creates a gel like texture that contours to your face leaving it softer and hydrated while refining fine lines and wrinkles. The Gold Gel mask is loaded with collagen and gold to help hydrate and revitalize the dull fatigued skin while detoxifying the impurities in the skin to give an overall glow and life to the skin.
Masqueology Volumizing hair mask ($3 USD) will supply nutritious ingredients to help hair that are flat and drooping giving bounce and elasticity. Ingredients such as keratin, potato, macadamia, camellia help volumize and give shine to lifeless hair. This one and only kind of hair mask utilizes the heat from your body to help deliver the nutritious ingredients deep into the follicles and shaft of the flat drooping hair to give bounce and elasticity.
Masqueology Aqua Hydrating Sleeping Pack ($2.50 USD) — creates a moisture barrier while you sleep to retain moisture and to hydrate the dry tired skin. The skin will feel smooth and revitalized when you wake up in the morning.
Hi all! I usually do my favorites post on Sunday, but I am a little late this week. The weather has been so nice in Kansas City, it’s hard to sit down and write!
I have still been testing fantastic products, including ones to help transition into spring. Below are fast working sheet masks for all types of skin issues, cute and slimming capri pants and a rose elixir:
Alba Fast Fix Sheet Masks
Alba Fast Fix Sheet Masks ($3.49 USD) Individually wrapped, serum-soaked fiber masks contour to your face to deliver concentrated doses of active botanical ingredients. In as little as 5 minutes, skin experiences a powerful beauty-enhancing treatment! 100% vegetarian ingredients, no animal testing, synthetic fragrances, artificial colors or parabens.
Coconut Water Hydrate Sheet Mask: an infusion of coconut water, cucumber and chamomile provide a mega-moisture oasis to return skin to healthy, hydrated happiness
Camu Camu Anti-Wrinkle Sheet Mask: camu camu, cocoa and caffeine fight the good fight to help firm, tone and tackle those pesky lines and wrinkles
Papaya Anti-Acne Sheet Mask: the zit-zapping trio of papaya, lemon balm and salicylic acid penetrate pores to give pimples their proper punishment
Grapefruit Even Tone Sheet Mask: grapefruit, charcoal and turmericvanish visible pores, soothe redness and help lighten shadows, to give skin a soft, even glow
What I think: What I love about sheet masks are that they are so easy to apply and are finished in minutes. I tried the Grapefruit mask first and it soothed my sensitive skin and gave it a glow. My daughter liked the Papaya mask for her occasional acne. The Coconut Water mask is perfect for when my skin is very dry and the Camu Camu mask is great for ladies (like me) who need to firm skin.
Purchase at Target, Wal-Mart, Whole Foods & natural food stores
SlimSation Floral Print Capri
SlimSation Floral Print Capri ($64 USD) –Ultra-comfortable, wrinkle-resistant SlimSation stretch fabric feels beautiful on every body. Slim-fitting and flat front for a smooth look along with side decorative faux pockets and 2 flat pockets in the back.
Contoured waistband on capri cut.
SlimSation stretch moves with you while retaining its shape.
What I think: These pants are so cute! The print is a dark navy blue and it is is gorgeous. They do slim the stomach and rear and look amazing on. Perfect for spring and summer!
KYPRIS Beauty Elixir I: 1,000 Roses ($90 for 14ml or $225 or 47ml) — A 100% active, moisturizing Beauty oil formulated with holistic principles in mind. Scientifically established nutrients, a plethora of botanical extracts, and the essential oil of 1,000 organic Bulgarian roses combine to repair signs of environmental challenge to deliver dewy, glowing, rose-petal-soft skin. (SRP: $90 or £70/14ml or $225 or £175/47ml). Actives have been selected based on their recognition by both western and natural medicine as beneficial to skin. Each Beauty Elixir features 18 or more active natural ingredients, including:
CoQ10 certified by Kaneka, shown to diminish the appearance of sun damage both acute and over time
Vitamin C Ester and Vitamin E Protects and inspires collagen production, the vitamin c ester has several clinical studies behind it establishing its benefit to collagen in skin
Prickly Pear Seed Oil Wild-crafted from the high deserts of Arizona, KYPRIS is currently the only company using US grown and procured Prickly Pear which is a distinct genus species to North America and boasts 150% the vitamin E of argan oil, minerals, and amino acids – anti-inflammatory and healing to restore irritated, dry skin
Baobab A wealth of phytosterols that nourish and soften
Rosehip Phytonutrient, Vitamin, Antioxidant, and essential fatty acid rich
Pomegranate 60% punicic acid, diminishes inflammatory effects of UV over exposure
Delivers luminous, lusciously soft skin. Diminishes the appearance of UV overexposure. Mega dose of nourishment to skin.
Use 2-5 drops per application
What I think: This oil smells like fresh roses and is so luxe! It is very hydrating and softens skin immediately. I love this as a night treatment. In the morning my skin is soft and smooth.
Getting ready for your Valentine’s Day date soon? Or maybe want a day to pamper yourself or a friend? There are so many fantastic products for skin, body and hair to get you ready for a night out, or a day in!
Below are some of my current faves:
Rituals Energy Bubbles
Rituals Energy Bubbles ($19 USD) — Luxurious bath foam with rich, creamy soft foam. Enriched with the luxurious fragrance of Indian Rose and soothing Himalayan Honey. Leaves your skin feeling rich and silky soft. It smells amazing and refreshes the mind while it softens the body!
Purchase at us.rituals.com
Spa @ Home by Masque Bar Luminizing Charcoal Peel Off Mask
The Spa @ Home by Masque Bar Luminizing Charcoal Peel Off Mask ($9.99 USD for three masks) helps to detoxify, purify and deep cleanse. Its deep cleansing ingredients draw out dirt and oil. It contains key ingredients like charcoal powder, bergamot extract and lotus root extract to purify and cleanse your complexion. I like this for days my skin feels a bit oily and when it needs a good cleansing. I think it will be great for hot summer days when skin needs deep cleaning, too.
Available at Walgreens and Duane Reade
KORRES Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial
KORRES Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial($48 USD) — to wake up with brighter and refreshed skin. This overnight Wild Rose facial-in-a-jar is a breakthrough in beauty sleep. More than a mask, more than a night cream, it contains a generous dose of wild rose oil, boosted with super C for powerful brightening and antiaging. This product’s weightless, whipped texture melts instantly into skin and works while you sleep to re-texturize and address visible signs of premature aging. I use this the night before a big day (or date) and my skin is glowing by morning!
Purchase at Sephora and Sephora.com
Violent Lips InstaPlumper
Violent Lips InstaPlumper ($18 for 8 applications) — Get a sexy pout– without the needles with Violent Lips’ newest innovation – the InstaPlumper. Created by sisters Isabella and Sophia Haddad (19 and 15 years old), the InstaPlumper by Violent Lips is a safe, new alternative to lip fillers, and the first-ever lip plumping appliqué. It lasts up to 8 hours and will leave you with lips that rival the look of professional injections.
Available at ViolentLips.com
Lavanila Vanilla Bean Creamy Body Oil
Lavanila Laboratories Vanilla Bean Creamy Body Oil ($39 USD). Patent pending natural technology spins pure Madagascar vanilla bean, argan, and coconut oils into a uniquely greaseless formula that instantly absorbs to rescue skin with intense 24-hour hydration and nourishment. With the lightweight texture of a lotion, it transforms dry, dull skin into hydrated, soft, supple skin.
Purchase at Lavanila.com
John Frieda Luxurious Volume Forever Full Hairspray
John Frieda Luxurious Volume Forever Full Hairspray ($9.99 USD) — Give fine hair lush body and a lasting hold. With Caffeine Vitality Complex, Luxurious Volume Forever Full Hairspray is an ultra-fine mist formulated to give you our highest level of hold with brushability. Create and keep touchably full style all day.
Valentine’s Day is getting close! Just over a week away. Whether you’re spending the holiday with your significant other, friends or even on your own, there are ways to make the day fun and chic with great beauty products!
The products below include skin care, hair care, makeup and some wonderful candles to get ready for the day — and many more great days, too!
DDF Salicylic Wash
DDF Salicylic Wash ($39 USD) — Salicylic Acid has effective exfoliating effects as well as the ability to combat excess oil. Allantoin and Panthenol provide skin conditioning benefits to keep skin feeling clean without being excessively dry or tight. Leaves the skin feeling refreshed and oil-free. Ideal for face and body.
Lumene VALO Glow Boost Essence ($24.99 USD) — Water and light, hydration and glow, beautiful combinations are the foundation of this miracle water. Cloudberry extracts and brightening vitamin C team up in our newly formulated brightening technology, which instantly enlivens fatigued and dull-looking skin. Uniquely pure Arctic Spring Water and moisture preserving hyaluronic acids increase skin hydration, giving you smoother, more radiant- looking skin. Enjoy the radiance of natural Arctic beauty.
Available at at Walgreens, Ulta and CVS
Scunci Hello ü Lipgloss Compact
Scunci Hello ü Lipgloss Compact ($3.99-$5.99 USD) This cute lip gloss palette is housed in a glittery heart compact. Take this gloss on the go. 3 colors in one small compact! Semi-Nude Colors to keep your lips soft + subtle for hours!
Purchase at food, drug and mass retailers nationwide, including Walmart stores.
AQUIS Lisse Luxe Hair Turban
AQUIS Lisse Luxe Hair Turban ($30 USD) — The all around gentleness of Lisse Luxe. With the convenience of an easy to fasten turban. Great for curly and delicate hair needing the gentlest treatment. New generation Aquitex improves absorbency and comfort. Wraps and fastens easily leaving hands free while hair dries. Dries fast with less friction, to minimize frizz and damage.
Purchase at Sephora.com
Conair Detangling Cushion Brush
Conair Detangling Cushion Brush($4.99 USD) — Conair’s Detangling Cushion Brush glides easily through wet or dry hair without snagging or pulling. Use on straight, curly or thick hair – the bristles will not pull, and hair becomes tangle free, quickly and painlessly.
Available at at food, drug and mass retailers nationwide
MALIN+GOETZ Votive Set
MALIN+GOETZ Votive Set ($46 USD) — Best-selling Dark Rum, Vetiver and Tobacco Candles, conveniently packaged together, offer a great gift and sampling mix for a perfect sensory experience in your bedroom, kitchen or bath. Each votive features our earth-friendly blend of beeswax, vegetable and soy waxes. This blend offers a cleaner and better burn.
The weather has been mild this week in Kansas City, but unfortunately I’ve had the flu and haven’t been able to enjoy it.
Even though I have been ill, I have been testing some great new products sent to me for my honest review! Read on for my weekly favorites:
Pur Cosmetics Velvet Matte Liquid Lipstick
Pur Cosmetics Velvet Matte Liquid Lipstick ($18 USD) — Dump those dry matte lipsticks. Velvet Matte Liquid Lipsticks provide sumptuous lip color in an innovative mousse texture that glides on with ease and coats lips in a rich and conditioning burst of color in a true matte finish. Designed with color perfecting technology, the formula does not flake or dry lips and provides a smooth and flawless finish. Soft, kissable lips and bold colour – it’s everything you want in a matte.
What I think: I’m not a fan of the super drying liquid matte lipsticks that are popular right now, but I have been switching from gloss to a more matte look lately. The products I like are matte, but also hydrating, and this one is perfect! It smells yummy and goes on like a mousse. It gives gorgeous matte color and stays! LOVE!
By using John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Visibly Brighter, Visibly Deeper, or Sheer Blonde Go Blonder In-Shower Lightening Treatments, you subtly lighten or deepen your hair color without having to consistently visit the salon for touch ups. Because the Treatments only take hair one shade deeper or brighter, the end result is extremely natural—simply an enhanced version of your normal shade.
What I think: I have very dark brown hair, so I tried the Brilliant Brunette Visibly Brighter, and it did lighten it a bit. I applied it on wet hair and let it set for 5 minutes. It was really easy to use. It left my hair a bit dry, so I recommend conditioning with sulfate-free products after use. This is a fun product!
Available at Food, drug and mass retailers nationwide
KORRES Greek Yoghurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial ($45 USD) — This sleeping facial is a weightless soufflé powered by super-charged proteins that melts into skin and works overnight for intense, immediate moisturization. A centuries-old Greek remedy for skin soothing, moisturizing Greek Yoghurt provides a natural source of proteins, minerals, and vitamins to instantly nourish stressed, dry skin. This ultra-hydrating facial-in-a-jar contains a Greek Yoghurt concentrate with two and a half times the protein content of regular yogurt, and works overnight to provide skin with intense, long-term moisturization and nourishment to create a smooth, even complexion.
What I think: I enjoy night moisturizers because you can treat and hydrate your skin while you are sleeping. This sleeping facial is so rich and in the morning my skin is so soft! It’s great for sensitive skin because it calms and doesn’t irritate.
Available at Sephora.com
SKINDINAVIA Post-Makeup Recovery Spray
SKINDINAVIA Post-Makeup Recovery Spray (4oz | $26 // 8oz | $36) — NEW Post-Makeup Recovery Spray delivers a quick boost of key nutrients, including powerhouse mineral Zinc that is clinically-proven to help prevent breakouts and clear clogged pores. Sprayed on within 5 minutes of removing makeup, our cutting edge delivery system quickly delivers a winning formula of zinc, magnesium and willow bark to keep skin clear, healthy and radiant the moment your skin needs it the most!
What I think: This is such a cool product! I spray on after I cleanse my face at night. It does smell slightly of minerals, and feels cool going on. I let it sink in for a bit, then apply my nightly treatments. I feel that it cools my skin and cleans out the pores. I’ve noticed that my skin looks clearer since starting use.
Is it cold where you live? In Kansas City it’s 20 degrees one day and 50 the next! Crazy, but it has been fairly dry. So my skin and hair are dry, too!
I have been sent some amazing products for my honest review. The following products are my current favorites for hydration.
Curél Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer
Curél Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer ($10.99 USD) — This lotion is an easy, yet effective way to calm, smooth, soften and heal dry, flaky skin. The formula’s water-activated properties work to penetrate deep into skin’s surface all while in the shower – no rinsing required – so you can just dry off, dress and go! When applied daily, it helps heal dry skin and restore the body’s ability to retain its own much-needed moisture with the use of its revolutionary wet skin technology from:
a breakthrough water-activated formula
a propriety ceramide complex which helps replenish and fortify the skin’s natural moisture barrier
two soothing and restorative ingredients — allantoin and panthenol
cationic technology that binds together the positive charge of the moisturizer’s innovative ingredients with the negative charge of moist skin.
What I think: Wet skin moisturizers are so cool, but take some getting used to, especially drying off with lotion. But afterwards, my skin is so soft. This one is really nice, it leaves my skin so soft and smooth, especially in the cold, dry air.
Available at select drug and mass merchant stores nationwide
Dermalogica Best-Selling Brightening Duo
Dermalogica Best-Selling Brightening Duo ($65 USD) –Limited time only! Your skin collects pollutants, excess oils and long-wearing make-up during the day – all of which dulls its natural radiance. Reveal your skin’s healthiest glow with this best-selling duo. Includes a full-size PreCleanse (5.1 OZ) to melt away stubborn buildup and a full-size Daily Microfoliant (2.6 OZ), the original powder exfoliant for smoother, brighter skin!
Deep-cleansing oil melts away excess oil, make-up and impurities.
Gentle, daily-use exfoliating powder works for all skin conditions.
Activates with water to deliver a cleaner, healthier-looking glow.
Massage PreCleanse over face with dry hands. Add water to create a milky emulsion. Rinse with warm water. Dispense about a half-teaspoon of Daily Microfoliant into hands and create a creamy paste. Massage gently onto skin for one minute, then rinse.
What I think: This set is a thorough way to cleanse the skin. Not only does it clean, the exfoliating powder is an easy way to get all of the gunk out of pores and really make skin glow! This is safe, even on sensitive skin, to use every day.
Purchase at Dermalogica.com
Organic to Green Only Arctic Skin + Lip Moisturizer
Organic to Green Only Arctic Skin + Lip Moisturizer ($12 USD, 1 oz) — As beautiful as a glacier, ARCTIC is Organic to Green’s artisan edition creamy white coco shea formula made to soothe and repair dry skin and lips. With just a hint of natural vanilla it’s a perfect travel companion to moisturize and heal skin from sun or environmental exposure.
What I think: This generous amount of lip moisturizer is perfect for cold and dry weather. It has a light scent of vanilla, and is super hydrating. A little goes a long way. It can also be used for cuticles and dry patches, like on elbows.
Bhave Rescue Shampoo ($27.25 10.1 fl. oz) – your go-to shampoo for hair in dire need of rehabilitation caused by chemical treatments, heat appliances and environmental aggressors. It restores strength, condition, elasticity & shine, rebuilds & repairs dry, brittle, damaged hair, provides a protective shield – guards against future damage, weightlessly moisturizing and luxurious feel.
Bhave Rescue Conditioner ($27.25 10.1 fl. oz) – a luxurious conditioner formulated to nourish, strengthen & repair severely damaged hair. It has the same benefits as the shampoo above.
Bhave Deep Conditioning Masque ($27.75 5 fl.oz) – a deep conditioning masque that provides intense moisture and repair to extremely stressed, colored, dry or damaged hair. Benefits are intense moisture & repair, nourishes & conditions, restores elasticity, improves strength and boosts shine.
What I think: First of all, these all smell really amazing! Very refreshing and clean. They all hydrate the hair so well. A little of the conditioner and masque goes a long way. Hair is so moisturized. I use the shampoo and conditioner every day, but the masque only once a week. It hydrates so well! It keeps my hair soft and shiny.
PHYTO PHYTOELIXIR Intense Nutrition Mask ($59 3.7 fl. oz. USD) — This indulgently rich mask becomes a luxurious hair rescuer that transforms even the driest, most porous hair. Narcissus flower wax, a beauty powerhouse envelops hair in prodigious nourishment. Macadamia oil, extremely rich in essential fatty acids, replenishes hair lipids with the promise of new suppleness and radiance. The mask is formulated to offer continuous active ingredient release to the hair, protecting it against the recurring drying-out process. Hair is infinitely soft to the touch and totally manageable. This light-as-air formula is suitable for all hair textures, even the finest hair.
What I think: This is such a luxe hair mask! It smells amazing and is so hydrating. I only need to leave it on for a few minutes and my hair is bouncy and shiny. My hair is very porous and dry and this makes it feels so healthy.
How’s your new year going? Mine is going pretty well. I’m trying to stick to resolutions, but as I have brownies baking in the oven now, I guess it’s not working! LOL!
This week I’m loving products that are perfect for a fresh start. They include a cleansing face mask, hydrating skin care, a luxe perfumen and a hair towel to reduce frizz:
Beauty 360 Rose & Pearl Brightening Multi-Use Face Mask Pods, 2CT
Beauty 360 Rose & Pearl Brightening Multi-Use Face Mask Pods, 2CT ($5.99 USD) — For a quick all-over glow, the re-sealable, multi-use Rose & Pearl Brightening Multi-Use Face Mask Pods are infused with Pearl Extract, known to help tone and rejuvenate the complexion, and Rose Water, rich in antioxidants and known for its moisturizing properties.
What I think: Although I like sheet masks, I think my favorites are cream, clay or gel masks. There’s something satisfying about dipping fingers into goo and spreading it on the face! This mask smells like fresh roses and feels cool on the face. I left it on for about 10 minutes (can be left on for 5-10). It dried on my face and I removed it with a soft towel and warm water. My face felt firmer and very clean. It was a little dry, so I used moisturizer on it afterwards. I think this is a great mask to clean firm the skin!
Lumene Sisu Urban Intense Hydrating Serum ($28.69 USD on Amazon) –In the midst of busy days, get closer to nature with this hydrating serum. Pine bark and spruce knot extract, laden with antioxidants, combine with pure Arctic Spring Water to protect and moisturize skin. Powerful anti-pollution formula shields skin against urban pollution locking in hydration. The result is skin that appears healthier and a radiant, fresh-looking complexion.
Lumene Sisu Recover & Protect Facial Oil ($28.46 USD on Amazon) — Savor the power of Arctic berries with this restorative facial oil. A precious blend of antioxidant-rich blackcurrant, bilberry and lingonberry seed oils, with essential omega fatty acids and vitamin E, work in union with skin to help to defend against external elements, for deep replenishment and soft, supple skin. With the help of these Arctic berry oils, Sisu Facial Oil works with skin’s natural protective outermost barrier to restore moisture, leaving skin looking naturally healthy and revitalized.
What I think: Both of these products are affordable and luxurious! The serum is light and sinks right into the skin. It leaves my skin so soft and it works well under moisturizers. The oil is great at night, when I want something a bit heavier. In the morning, my skin is hydrated and glowing!
Purchase at Amazon and learn more at www.lumene.com
Atelier Bloem 1614 Eau de Parfum
Atelier Bloem 1614 Eau de Parfum ($195 for 100ml) –This slightly floral fragrance blends the dewy freshness of sweet clover and citrus with an understated woodsy musk, giving the perfume a subtly sun-warmed scent.
TOP NOTES
Black Pepper, Bergamot, and Neroli from Tunisia
MIDDLE NOTES
Sambac Jasmine, Sweet Clover, Rose Water, and Orange Blossom
DRYDOWN
Teakwood, Sandalwood, and Musk
What I think: This sweet and spicy scent is really wearable. It’s the perfect winter floral, but will be nice in the Spring too. It’s pretty spendy, but it’s such a unique scent!
Purchase at atelier-bloem.com
AQUIS Waffle Luxe Hair Towel
AQUIS Waffle Luxe Hair Towel ($35 USD) — Waffle Luxe sounds like she might ‘go on a bit’. Indeed, with increased surface area from the layered fabric, Waffle Luxe loves thicker hair requiring more water wicking. Great for African and Asian hair. New generation Aquitex improves absorbency and comfort. Wraps and tucks easily leaving hands free while hair dries. Dries fast with less friction, to minimize frizz and damage.
What I think: This towel is soft and really absorbent. I love using hair towels and keep them separate so my husband doesn’t use them as hand towels! This one is my current favorite, my hair dries faster and is soft and shiny once it dries.
IT Cosmetics New Year, New Confidence in Your Skin! Skincare Collection
Yay, it’s another IT Cosmetic’s and QVC Today’s Special Value! IT Cosmetics is one of my favorite brands and I am always excited to try their new launches!
This TSV is called Your New Year New Confidence in Your Skin Collection ($79.96, $182 if sold separately) It includes two worldwide launches and two best-sellers for your most beautiful skin! This deal is only good on Saturday January 14, 2017, so act quickly!
This exclusive four-piece collection features two of IT Girl skincare must-haves, plus two new game-changing innovations that deliver life-changing, skin-transforming results! While new Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream is the solution for a smoother, brighter-looking eye area, Confidence in a Cream intensely hydrates and is perfect for all skin types! Also included is the new Confidence in a Compact with SPF 50+, which features all the benefits of the best-selling cream—infused with full-coverage pigments and SPF 50+ physical sunscreen for all-day complexion perfection. Use the new Heavenly Skin™ Skin-Smoothing Complexion Brush for flawlessly even application.
The only product in this kit I have tried before is the Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream. This cream is formulated with copper, blue algae, caffeine, and more! It claims to hydrate and smooth the eye area. I find that it does all of that and more. It smells amazing and is a pretty blue color. But the best thing is that is it so hydrating and refreshing at the same time. I use eye cream in the morning and the night to keep my peepers looking young, and this one really brightens the eye area!
I have been wanting to try Confidence in a Cream moisturizer since it came out, and I have to say that it exceeded my expectations. It is a revolutionary moisturizer formulated to help transform the look of the skin. In a consumer survey, 100% somewhat to strongly agreed there was an improvement in the smoothness of their skin’s texture, and 81% somewhat to strongly agreed that pores appeared minimized and fine lines and wrinkles appeared less noticeable.
I LOVE this cream. Usually I apply cream to my sensitive skin and my cheeks get red. This cream actually make my cheeks and forehead less red instantly after use. And it smoothed the look of pores and wrinkles. It feels amazing on too, my skin is so soft! I have only been using it a few days, but hope to see long term improvement.
Brand-new Confidence in a Compact is an anti-aging serum, full-coverage foundation, and SPF 50, UVA/UVB sun protection all in one easy step. It is skincare as well as foundation and has hydrolyzed collagen, squalene, and hyaluronic acid. To use, swirl the new Heavenly Skin Skin-Smoothing Complexion Brush or the included sponge into the Confidence in a Compact and buff onto skin.
I like this foundation, so far. I have used it only once and the Light shade is a bit dark for my skin (maybe because it is winter and I am pale). I like the feel of it, it is so hydrating which I need this time of year. And it covers well, too. I am going try it again and see if maybe using it with a lighter Bye Bye Undereye concealer will help.
This collection includes:
Includes 0.63-oz Confidence in a Compact, 2-fl oz Confidence in a Cream moisturizer, 0.5-fl oz Bye Bye Under Eye eye cream, and Heavenly Skin Skin-Smoothing Complexion brush
Fair: porcelain skin; fairest of the fair
Light: if you have a bit more warmth to your skin
Medium: light to medium skintones
Medium Tan: if you have a warm or golden-medium skintone
Tan: tan skintones
Rich: tan to rich skin with golden tones
Deep: rich to deep skin with a warmer tones
Since this is only good one day, jump on it! It’s a great value. Shopping early ensures that you get your shade, too!
This week’s favorites post is a brand review of Neocutis skincare. I received complimentary samples in exchange for my honest review.
Neocutis is an an innovative and patent-approved skincare brand has several products that are excellent during the harsh winter months to replenish sensitive skin.
The products below are so amazing in the cold weather and work well for my sensitive skin:
Neocutis Neo•Cleanse Gentle Skin Cleanser and Exfoliating Skin Cleanser
Neocutis LUMIERE Bio-Restorative Eye Cream
Neo•Cleanse: Gentle Skin Cleanser and Exfoliating Skin Cleanser ($38 USD) — Two clarifying cleansers rich in Glycerin to help counteract the drying effects of ordinary skin cleansing and thereby help limit signs of irritation. Topically applied Glycerin helps restore skin hydration to minimize dryness.
LUMIERE Bio-Restorative Eye Cream ($97 USD) — An intensive, line smoothing eye cream which revitalizes and rejuvenates the delicate under eye area with Processed Skin Proteins and Hyaluronic Acid.
What I think: The cleanser are both hydrating as wells and cleansing and exfoliating. Can be used morning and night before treatments and moisturizers.
The eye cream is so hydrating! I use it morning and night around my eye and have noticed lines reducing. It also helps smooth the skin, even when my eyes are puffy.
Micro•Firm Neck & Décolleté Rejuvenating Complex ($135) — A targeted cream that contains a concentrated blend of ingredients precisely formulated with antioxidants and moisturizers to combat visible signs of aging on the delicate skin of the neck & décolleté.
Micro•Night Riche Rejuvenating Balm ($130) — A replenishing balm to help refill moisture and recharge your skin while you sleep with essential nutrients, hydrating glycerin and moisturizing lipids.
What I think: I use the neck complex at least once a day. I have noticed firmer, smoother skin on my neck and chest.
I think the Rejuvenating Balm is my favorite of all of these. My skin is so dry now and I use this every night over serum. I wake up and my skin is soft and moisturized. It also feels nice on the skin, not greasy. LOVE!
Have you tried Neocutis? Leave a comment and let me know what you’ve tried!
Forty, Flirty & Fabulous 