Skincare Sunday — Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker Fix Facial Serum Roller

Hi all!  I hope you are having an amazing weekend! I’m back with a new Skincare Sunday.  It’s been at least a few weeks since I’ve done one.

This week, I’m reviewing a new skincare product from Philosophy.  It’s the Ultimate Miracle Worker Fix Facial Serum Roller.  Here’s a photo of the product and info from Philosophy’s website:

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“Don’t let gravity bring you down—get lifted with our ultimate face serum roller! Our next-generation face serum roller helps you see more sculpted-looking facial contours* while the stainless steel applicator adds a smooth, cooling touch. our exclusive “lift-fix “complex, which contains a combination of patented bi-retinoid (hpr+), a triple blend of peptides, kigelia africana fruit extract, edelweiss extract and soy extract, helps visually lift the look of skin, and smooth the look of wrinkles.*

The results are in:*

  • in just 10 days skin looks lifted and firmer
  • in 3 weeks chin and neck look tighter
  • laugh lines appear reduced
  • over time facial contours appear more sculpted and toned

*Based on an 8-week consumer test with 115 women aged 45-65″

What I think:  This is such a cool product, especially for those (me) who are aging and need a little firming up.  It’s very easy to apply, just turn the roller so the arrow matches with “on”.  Then you can squeeze out the product and apply it with the roller over areas of your face and neck that you would like to firm.

Because of the cooling applicator, this feels really nice to apply. I use it day and night.  I have noticed some firming on my neck and chin.  That’s wear I mostly need it.

I am really enjoying this product and the results I’m getting from it.  I will continue using it and hope to see more firming!

 

 

 

 

 

Skincare Sunday — Primera Brand Review

Hi all, Happy Sunday! I hope your weekend is amazing!

I was recently sent skincare products from Primera for my honest review.

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The brand Primera is a clean K-Beauty brand by AmorePacific.  They are sold at Sephora, so the products are readily available.

Primera’s skin-care products are formulated with some type of plant or fruit seeds. Seeds, and more specifically, the moment that a seed sprouts, are the inspiration behind the brand.

I love the packaging of these products. It is eco-friendly. In addition to using recycled paper boxes, plastic bottles, and glass jars, Primera prints all product information directly on the box in soy ink to reduce waste.

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Clean Berry Lip Mask ($20) — A rich leave-on lip mask that helps cushion, soothe, and protect with a natural mix of conditioning butters and extracts; lips are left hydrated, soft, and refreshed.

Alpine Berry Water Cream ($40) — A dewy cream that sinks in instantly while providing lasting hydration and nourishment.

Miracle Seed Essence ($58) — A concentrated essence that helps to visibly smooth texture, improve tone, increase hydration, and help protect from environmental stressors at the same time. This also comes with a pack of 70 very soft natural cotton pads.

What I think:  I’m enjoying all of these products! The lip mask and water cream are both extremely hydrating. The lip mask is a bit hard, and takes a little work to smooth it over the lips.  It does moisturize well overnight and my lips are smooth in the morning.

The water cream is very hydrating and does take a few minutes to sink in.  It does deeply hydrate and my skin looks very smooth and glowing in the morning.

My favorite product so far is the essence.  It is instantly hydrating and smoothing.  I apply it after cleansing with one of the soft cotton pads that come with it. It’s really good for stressed out skin or even just a day in the sun.  I also love the glass bottle, it’s so pretty!

These can all be purchased at Sephora.


Have you tried Primera? What K-Beauty brands do you love?

 

 

New Pixi Beauty Skintreats — Retinol Collection and Zero Zit

Hi all! I hope you are having an amazing week!

I’m back with some amazing skincare!  I was sent new fab Pixi Beauty for my honest review.

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Pixi just released a new Retinol Collection which contains a unique time-released retinol.  This allows the products to be used by even those with sensitive skin.  That is perfect for me.  I would love to use more retinol, but I have sensitive skin.

They have also released Zero Zit which is Pixi’s first ever blemish solution to launch in the U.S.

Here’s more about the products:

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Retinol Eye Cream ($22 USD) — Formulated to improve elasticity, smooth & protect the delicate skin around the eye area.

Retinol Jasmine Lotion ($24 USD) — Lightweight yet deeply moisturizing, this antioxidant-rich milky-lotion is the perfect daily moisturizer for a youth enhancing effect. Formulated with vitamin A, jasmine oil and peptides to renew, smooth and deeply nourish.

Retinol Jasmine Cleanser ($18 USD) — Creamy moisturizing cleanser enriched with vitamin A (retinol), antioxidants and ceramides removes all impurities for smoother, firmer and more radiant looking skin.

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Zero Zit ($24 USD)  — A lightweight gel-formula spot treatment with sulfur & salicylic acid to control oil & treat the blemish … but it also has aloe vera which makes it super soothing and moisturizing on the skin.

Overnight Retinol Oil ($24 USD) — This exquisite oil blend helps to restore skin plumpness and improve the appearance of fine lines and pores.

Retinol Tonic ($15 3.4 oz) — This potent youth preserving tonic features a unique time-release Retinol to help rejuvenate the skin for a natural glow. Powerful antioxidants and botanicals replenish the skin for a smoother, softer appearance while soothing sensitive skin.

What I think:  I am excited most about the retinol products.  I want to start using it more in my skincare routine, but my skin is very sensitive.  These products are amazing for sensitive skin!

I have tried the retinol tonic before and it’s gentle, but leaves a really pretty glow.  The night oil absorbs quickly and a little goes a long way.  The cleanser is very creamy and is so hydrating.  It’s a good evening cleanser.

My favorites are the eye cream and moisturizer.  They are both really hydrating without being greasy.  I have noticed that the eye cream smooths and firms the eye area.  I only wish the products had a jasmine scent the them, since a lot of them have jasmine oil in them.  I love the scent of Jasmine!  But these all are very lightly scented if they have a scent at all, and that’s nice for those who can’t tolerate scented products.

I also have tried the Zero Zit on a breakout.  I just applied it to the affected area for a couple of days and it did seem to work.  Plus, it didn’t dry out or irritate my skin.

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Have you tried Pixi Beauty Skintreats?  What are your favorites?

Skincare Sunday — The Ordinary Haul

Hi All!  Happy Sunday!  I can’t believe the weekend is almost over.  It goes by so fast!

I recently picked up a few things at Ulta online.  I was so excited to see that the Ordinary skincare is now available (at least online) at Ulta.   I hadn’t tried anything from the brand before.  I do know that the brand has been at Sephora for a while now, but I’m more of an Ulta shopper.

This is a very affordable brand and the reviews I’ve seen have been really positive.  Here’s what I chose to start with (yes, I’ll be buying more in the future) and the info from the Ulta website:

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Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 ($6.80 USD) — A hydrating formula with ultra-pure, vegan hyaluronic acid. The molecular size of hyaluronic acid determines its depth of delivery in the skin. This formulation combines low-, medium- and high-molecular weight HA, as well as a next-generation HA crosspolymer at a combined concentration of 2% for multi-depth hydration in an oil-free formula. This system is supported with the addition of Vitamin B5 which also enhances surface hydration.

Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion ($9.80 USD) — a stable serum of a next-generation retinoid active that achieves better reduction in visible signs of aging than retinol – without irritation. It combines two forms of next-generation retinoid actives in a combined concentration of 2% by weight.

Key Ingredients:

  • Solubilized Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate is a highly-advanced form of retinoid which is, in fact, a non-prescription ester of all-trans direct retinoic acid that offers a multi-fold better effect against signs of ageing than retinol, retinyl palmitate and nearly all other forms of non-prescription retinoid.
  • A sustained-delivery form of pure retinol in a protective capsule system which supports both the delivery and the effect of Solubilized Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate.
  • Both forms of retinoid used avoid the irritation associated with retinoid (including retinol) use while delivering better visible results against signs of ageing.

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution ($8.70 USD) — The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution exfoliates and tones with 7% glycolic acid, amino acids, aloe vera, ginseng, and tasmanian pepperberry. Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxyl acid that exfoliates the skin. This 7% toning solution offers mild exfoliation for improved skin radiance and visible clarity. The formula also improves the appearance of skin texture with continued use. With its a studied tasmanian pepperberry derivative, this solution helps reduce irritation associated with acid use. This derivative is of plant origin and varies in colour seasonally and this colour variation may be apparent in the formula from time to time. The formula is further supported with inclusion of ginseng root and aloe vera for both visible radiance and soothing benefits. This pH of this formula is approximately 3.6. Glycolic Acid has a pKa of 3.6 and pKa is the most important aspect to consider in formulating with acids. pKa implies acid availability. When pKa is close to pH, there is an ideal balance between salt and acidity, maximizing effectiveness of the acid and reducing irritation. Higher pH numbers in such a case would increase salt which counter-intuitively would make the formula even more irritating than if the formula was more acidic.

I chose these products because I love hyaluronic acid to hydrate, I’ve been wanting to get into using retinol and I heard the every anti-aging regime should include glycolic acid. 

I have already tried the hyaluronic acid and the retinoid.  The retinoid is very gentle, but I think the hyaluronic acid broke me out.  My face was red and splotchy the day after I tried it.

I’m using up other toners now, but I will try the Glycolic Acid toner in the next month or two.


Have you tried any products from The Ordinary?  What’s your favorite?  I’ll be picking more up so I want to know what to get!!!

Skincare Sunday — DHC Urumai Review

Hi all!  Happy Sunday!  I hope you are having a great weekend!  I’m back with another Skincare Sunday.  I’m trying to do skincare related posts on at least a couple of Sundays a month.

I have recently received new DHC products for my honest review.  I haven’t tried anything from this Japanese brand before, but I’ve heard good things!

I received the Urumai line, which is brand new and has just launched on July 1st. This collection contains a proprietary rice peptide complex comprised of two hydrolyzed rice proteins that work together to condition and deeply hydrate skin, plus enhance firmness. Yes, please!  Here’s what I received:

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Tapping the power of rice, this plant-based trio beautifully brings together urumi (moisture) + mai (rice) to promote a soft, smooth and supple complexion.

That sounds amazing, and isn’t the packaging elegant, even the shape of the soap is so gorgeous!

DHC Urumai Soap ($14 USD) — A botanical beauty bar created with a rich blend of natural ingredients. Lathers up into a creamy mousse to gently eliminate dirt and debris, dead skin and excess sebum. Deeply cleans to gently prepare skin for the next steps in your skincare routine.

What I think:   I haven’t used a beauty bar in years to clean my face, so this was interesting!  It lathers up to a nice foam and is unscented (all of these products are), but it does have a faint soap scent. It does clean nicely, but it took a bit of work to rinse off.

DHC Urumai Lotion ($25 USD) — An alcohol-free facial toning lotion that promotes vibrant, soft and beautiful skin. Created with rice peptides and sake, this pre-moisturizing toner combats damage from dryness and environmental stresses to revitalize the skin.

What I think:  I love that this doesn’t contain alcohol or irritate my sensitive skin. It feels nice on the skin and is lightly hydrating.  It does give a glow, which is nice under makeup.

DHC Urumai Cream ($29 USD) — A lightweight facial cream that promotes a beautiful complexion for all skin types. Formulated with DHC exclusive rice peptide complex, this hydrating cream unlocks the power of rice to help promote turnover and minimize the appearance of fine lines.

What I think: This is a very hydrating cream! I like this as a night cream, because it is pretty thick and moisturizing.  It’s not greasy, but it does take a little bit of time to sink in.  When I use this at night, in the morning my skin is glowing! I have notices that my fine lines have been reduced and that my skin is smoother.
I am really enjoying these products!
Purchase at DHCCare.com. And right now, they are having a deal that you receive free shipping if you purchase a full size Urumai collection products with the code URUMAI.
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Have you tried DHC skincare?  What do you think of these products?

Brand Review and Code — Skin&Co Roma

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Hi all!  I recently received a fun skincare package from Skin&Co Roma for my honest review.

IMG-1068IMG-1070 Such pretty packaging!   I’ve been loving the Skin&Co Roma Truffle Therapy Refresh Mist I received in my June BoxyLuxe.  Skin&Co Roma contacted me and asked to send me the following amazing products for review:

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Truffle Therapy Face Toner — Gentle, powerful, soothing, and healing. Truffle Therapy Face Toner deeply cleanses and purifies pores with the antiseptic power of Witch Hazel and Sage, effectively removing impurities, clogged pores and dead skin cells to treat, heal, and prevent blemishes. The natural extracts and antioxidant properties of Black Winter Truffle, Rosemary, Calendula, and Cucumber soothes and protects from environmental and free radical damage.

What I think: I have very sensitive skin, and this gentle toner doesn’t irritate my skin at all.  I use it after my cleanser, and it really cleans out my pores plus it leaves my skin soft and smooth!

Truffle Therapy Whipped Cleansing Cream – This is a highly concentrated gel-crème cleanser formulated to deeply cleanse skin, remove makeup, dirt and impurities, effectively keeping pores free and clear from congestion and blemishes while soothing and calming sensitivity-prone complexions. Formulated with pure Black Winter Truffle Extract, Sweet Almond Oil, Mallow Leaf, and Chamomile, this gentle cleanser delivers intense hydration, nourishing moisture, while improving skin’s resilience and tone.  Complete with essential fatty acids, skin’s natural moisture barrier is restored to maintain a supple and radiant complexion.

What I think:  I am enjoying all of these products, but this one is my favorite of the bunch! Everytime I wash my face with this cleanser, it looks smooth, fresh and it glows.  And I look YOUNGER!  I have never looked this good with just washing my face, ever! It does have a soft, whipped texture and feels so gentle while cleansing my skin.  And it doesn’t irritate my skin at all.  LOVE!

Truffle Therapy Serum – Formulated around the antioxidant properties of the Black Winter Truffle, Truffle Therapy™ Serum is infused with potent skin-renewing botanicals, vitamins, essential fatty acids and vitamins to restore skin’s natural vibrancy and radiance.  Masterfully crafted in Umbria, Italy, this powerful, multitasking skin perfecting treatment soothes and refines the appearance of uneven textured skin, revealing a healthier complexion.

Ideal for all skin types, Truffle Therapy™ Serum prepares and protects skin from daily environmental and free radical damage, and doubles as a primer to create the perfect base for makeup application.

What I think: I really enjoy this serum.  It has a milky texture and a soft, natural scent.  I apply it after my toner and it really smooths out my skin and helps with texture.  It can also be used as a primer, for those days that you want an easy skincare/makeup routine. I’ve been using it for a couple of weeks and find that my skin is looking more even and brighter.  I’m looking forward to seeing what type of long-term results I see!

I am really loving these Skin&Co Roma products! You can purchase the items here, and by using my code LORENA20, you’ll get 20% off your purchase!  It is an affiliate code, so I will get something if you do buy!


Have you tried Skin&Co Roma?  Which products do you like from the brand?

Skincare Sunday — Julep Korean Skincare Made Simple Set

Hi all!  I hope everyone had a great weekend! Welcome to my second Skincare Sunday in a row!

I recently purchased a new Korean skincare set from Julep.  I used to be a Julep Maven, which was their monthly subscription box, but they cancelled it in February.

I received an email a month or so ago saying that they were having a final sale for Mavens.   I saw this set, and was really interested in it.  It was originally priced at $76 and it was marked down to $57, and I got 70% off so I only paid $17.10!   Here’s the set:

Julep Korean Skincare Made Simple

Set includes:

  • Travel Love Your Bare Face Hydrating Cleansing Oil, 1.5 fl oz.
  • Kaolin Clay Konjac Sponge (full size)
  • What Your Skin Needs Restorative Facial Milk 1 fl. oz. (full size)
  • Night Shift Deep Sleep Mask 1 oz.

Here’s photos of the box and the products I received:

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This is a great deal for $17.10!  I have tried the cleansing oil and the facial milk before and love both of them.  The cleansing oil removes all of my makeup and leaves my skin soft and clean.  The facial milk contains five oils in it, but because of the milky formula, it absorbs into the skin immediately.

I haven’t used a konjac sponge before and was surprised how soft it is. It gives a very gentle exfoliation.  The Night Shift sleep mask can be used over serums and treatments.  And it’s washed off in the morning.  I find it gives extra hydration, which is nice when my skin is dry.

This set is on sale now for $44.  It’s not the price I paid, but it is still a good deal for what you get.  I do recommend this set if you would like to try Korean beauty skincare for hydration.


Were you a Julep Maven?  Have you tried their products before?

Skincare Sunday — Meaningful Beauty New Eye Masks and Deluxe Starter Kit

Hi All!  I started this series a couple of months ago and only posted once.  Oh well! I still think focusing on new or amazing skincare products each week is a great idea!

This Sunday I’m featuring Meaningful Beauty.  This is Cindy Crawford’s skincare brand (with French anti-aging specialist Dr. Jean-Louis Sebagh).  I have reviewed Meaningful Beauty before, but they have new eye masks and a fun travel size kit that will be amazing for summer trips!

Here is what I received for my honest review:

Meaningful Beauty Revive & Brighten Eye Masques

Meaningful Beauty Revive & Brighten Eye Masques ($52 USD) –This new product claims:

  • Awaken eyes to appear more youthful and gorgeous with Meaningful Beauty‘s Revive & Brighten Eye Masque – ultra-hydrating gel eye patches.
  • Each pair is infused with powerful anti-aging ingredients to visibly smooth and plump eyes – and can also be used on smile and frown lines!
  • Cindy’s supermodel secret: Use daily or as a quick pick-me-up when on the go.

What I think: I don’t usually wear eye gel masks, but I am really enjoying these! They can be worn right under the eyes, at the side of the eyes where crows feet form or even on the smile lines. I find that they firm and brighten wherever I place them, especially under my eyes. Plus, they come with a spatula to make them easy to get out of the jar.  They are a bit slippery, so I press them on to make sure that they stay on the full 10 minutes.

Available at Ulta.com

Meaningful Beauty Deluxe Starter Kit
Meaningful Beauty 7-Piece Deluxe Starter Kit

Meaningful Beauty 7-Piece Deluxe Starter Kit ($79 USD) — This kit targets the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles and dark spots. This comprehensive kit is packed with everything you need day and night for ageless, beautiful skin in every climate or vacation destination.

  • The Meaningful Beauty 7-Piece Deluxe Starter Kit includes:
    • Skin Softening Cleanser
    • Dark Spot Correcting Treatment
    • Youth Activating Melon Serum
    • Environmental Protecting Moisturizer SPF 30
    • Overnight Retinol Repairing Crème
    • Lifting Eye Crème
    • Ultra-Lifting and Filling Treatment

What I think:  This is a great set to try a variety of Meaninful Beauty products and it’s so  nice for travel! My current favorite product in the bunch is the Dark Spot Correctly Treatment.  I apply it on dark spots at night and they fade a bit each morning. I also love the Melon Serum, Overnight Retinol cream and the eye cream.  This is such a beautiful anti-aging line!

Available at Ulta.com

Here’s my photo of the products I received:

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I am posting this on my Instagram @fortyflirtyfab if you want to check it out!

I really am enjoying these products!  Have you tried anything from Meaningful Beauty?

Natural Skincare From L&I Apothecary and the Henna Guys

Hi All! I hope your June is going well so far!  Mine is! I’m enjoying nice weather.

I have some wonderful natural skincare products from the brands L&I Apothecary and the Henna Guys!

L&I Apothecary organic skincare line is developed by professional estheticians using ingredients obtained from fresh fruits & vegetables. Each ingredient is either produced in their farms or responsibly sourced from ethical producers. The products are up-to 100% natural & organic, each product is packaged into carefully selected environmentally friendly and re-useable glass packaging.

The Henna Guys source the finest quality ingredients from ethical producers around the world. They understand the need for hair & skin care that keeps its promises and constantly in search of excellent natural ingredients to enhance the natural beauty. The product line is developed using finest natural ingredients.

On to the review!

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L&I Apothecary Arista Pumpkin, Mild Peel/Facial Mask ($21 USD) — This mask is made with pumpkin and has Vitamin C and Vitamin E, plus the ingredients are organic. It also contains -5% Glycolic Acid. The claim is that it leaves skin feeling brightened, replenished and renewed.

I enjoy using this mask. It smells like fresh pumpkin!  I apply it after I clean my skin and leave it on for 5 minutes and rinse it off.  It leaves my skin smooth and it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. I have used this a few times and can see myself using it a few times each week.  It’s difficult for me to find a good brightening mask that doesn’t irritate my skin.  This one is a winner!

L&I Apothecary Rose Facial Toner ($23 USD) —  This is an amazing facial toner spray!  This claims to hydrate the skin, give it a glow and brighten it up.  It has a fresh rose scent.

I love using a rose spray after cleansing and toning my skin in the morning.  This one is also a toner, so I can spray it on after I cleanse, and my skin is refreshed and glowing.  I also use it to freshen my skin during the day.  It’s nice over makeup or bare skin.

The Henna Guys Pre Shave Oil – Geranium & Lavender ($12.95 USD) — This is a moisturizing Pre shave Oil, mildly scented with geranium & lavender essential oil. It contains Grapeseed, Avocado, Argan & Marula Oil.

First of all, this smells amazing — so fresh and clean. To use it, I take a few drops of oil, massage it on the shaving area to prepare for the shave.  Then I use shave cream or soap and lather it, then I shave.  I get a very close shave and my skin isn’t irritated.  So smooth!

I am really enjoying these products. I love all of the amazing ingredients and the fact that all of the products work well and have fresh, delicious scents!

Purchase these at http://www.lniapothecary.com and http://www.thehennaguys.com Plus, I have a (non-affiliate) coupon code for these websites — FORTYFLIRTYFAB10 for 10% off your entire order!

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Have you tried anything from these brands?   What are your favorite natural products?

 

CBD Living — Anti-Aging Products Review

Hi all!  I hope your long weekend is going well!

I have recently received more wonderful products from CBD Living for my honest review.  I received some of their products in March and featured them here.

The products below are to help fight chronic pain associated with aging.  And they smell amazing, too.  They are:

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CBD Living Matcha Instant Green Tea ($30 USD) — This is a new product to me. This is a convenient, delicious way to enjoy a daily dose of CBD. Each serving of Matcha Instant Green Tea is infused with 7.5mg of nano-CBD for maximum bioavailability. One 2oz. package of Matcha Instant Green Tea contains 150mg of CBD. Each individual serving of tea contains 7.5mg of CBD.

This is nice to drink alone if you like matcha. I like to add it to smoothies.

CBD Living Bath Bombs ($14 each) in Amber Bergamot and Eucalyptus.  I have tried this before in Coconut Lime.  I loved that one and like these too! They are fast fizzers and have really nice scents.  They leave my skin soft and I am relaxed with lesser pain when I use  these!

Each CBD Bath Bomb is vegan-friendly and contains 60mg of CBD per 8 oz. bath bomb. Bath Bombs are made from natural ingredients and will not stain your bathtub.

CBD Living Lotion ($30 USD) in Lavender.  I also have this in Eucalyptus. It’s a rich lotion that helps treat dry skin while getting a daily CBD dose. It is made from the finest natural ingredients and is infused with nano-CBD for maximum absorption.

CBD Lotion is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, providing your daily dose of CBD. It is great for relaxing after a long day or invigorating the senses and treating dry skin.

CBD Living Freeze ($30 USD) This is also a new product to me. CBD Living Freeze is great for sore muscles, arthritis, chronic pain and stiffness. The roll-on applicator makes getting relief simple. I have used it on my back and have found that it does relieve pain.

CBD Living Freeze is infused with 120mg of full-spectrum CBD per 88mL bottle. When applied, CBD freeze mimics the application of ice, increasing blood flow to the affected area. It is helpful for sore muscles, chronic pain, inflammation and sore joints.
This CBD Living Freeze also incorporates other natural anti-inflammatories such as Arnica and Tea Tree Oil.

I really love this brand!  I feel that the products are really high quality and are enjoyable to use.  Plus, they do make me feel better!  You can purchase these and more products from CBD Living at cbdliving.com.


Do you use CBD in products?  Have you tried this brand or what are your favorites?