Product Round-Up — My Fave Beauty Things Week of October 20-26, 2014

It’s Fall…I guess.  It’s 85 degrees in Kansas City today.  Hot!  It is supposed to cool down in a couple of days.  I hope so, I’d love to be wearing my fall clothes.

Lately, I have been sent so many fabulous products to test.  Below are 5 of my favorites — A refreshing toner, an excellent body butter, a firming neck cream, a natural deodorant and a very cool curling tool.

Korres Pomegranate Toner
Korres Pomegranate Toner

Korres Pomegranate Toner ($22 USD) — This toner gently exfoliates to remove excess oil and dirt from skin, imparting a tighter, smoother, and more matte finish while helping to reduce redness. Pomegranate extract, rich in tannins and polyphenols, helps tighten pores and rejuvenate the look of skin. Alpine willowherb and witch hazel extract help refine the appearance of pores and provide a matte look to the skin. Formulated with natural skin conditioners, this refreshing toner leaves skin feeling soft and smooth.

What I think:  Very refreshing and makes my skin smoother.  I have noticed that my pores appear smaller. Plus, my skin feels cleaner but not dry after I use it.

Available at http://www.sephora.com

L'Occitane Shea Butter Whipped Body Cream
L’Occitane Shea Butter Whipped Body Cream

L’Occitane Shea Butter Whipped Body Cream ($20 USD) — The Shea Butter Whipped Body Cream combines the nourishing properties of a balm with the lightness of a mousse, to help nourish and protect the skin. This whipped formula, made with 10% shea butter, gently melts into the skin when applied, leaving skin supple and comfortable.

What I think:  Easily my favorite body cream or lotion at the moment.  The texture is light and fluffy like whipped cream, but when I apply it, it sinks right into my skin and leaves it so soft!  Plus, it’s not greasy at all.  The scent is very clean.  LOVE! The whipped shea collection also includes a foaming body was ($20 USD) and a travel sized hand cream ($12 USD).

Available at usa.loccitane.com.

StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream
StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream

StriVectin TL Advance Tightening Neck Cream ($95 USD) — This high-performance neck cream includes exclusive Gravitite-CF Lifting Complex, designed to help rebuild the elastin fiber architecture so critical to tightening and lifting the neck and décolletage area, and to improving resistance to gravity over time.  The surface of the skin is instantly hydrated, feeling tighter, smoother and more supple.  Over time, the visible effects of aging appear reversed for even more refined, toned definition and sculpted silhouette.  With even more effective results than the original, 86% of panelists agreed it’s the best neck cream they’ve ever tried.

What I think:  I have been testing this neck cream for a few weeks now.  It’s extremely moisturizing without being greasy.  I have noticed that my skin does seem a bit tighter and smoother.  As I have been aging, my skin has been getting a little looser.  I will continue using this to see if I get any further results.

Available at http://www.strivectin.com

The Healthy Deodorant in Vanilla Lavender
The Healthy Deodorant in Vanilla Lavender

The Healthy Deodorant in Vanilla Lavender ($14 USD) — Essential oils of Spanish lavender and soft vanilla give a light and powdery fresh sensation. This All-Natural, freshly scented deodorant provides superior, long-lasting odor protection. Soothing essential oils blend with powerful anti-oxidants and beta glucan technology for daily defense and nourishment. Clinically Tested. Dermatologist Recommended. No Aluminum. No Paraben. No Propylene Glycol. No Harsh Chemicals.

What I think:  I really like the scent of this natural deodorant.  While it isn’t strong enough for me (I use the clinical strength deodorants), it’s great for my teenage daughters.  And I love that they are using something that is healthy for their skin.

Purchase at http://www.lavanila.com

Infiniti Pro by Conair Curl Secret
Infiniti Pro by Conair Curl Secret

Infiniti Pro by Conair Curl Secret ($99 USD) — In an industry where secrets are everything, the Curl Secret will be your weapon on how to get perfect curls each and every time. Regular curling irons don’t always produce the desired results, but being the fixers they are, the pros at Infiniti Pro by Conair designed this device to draw hair in and release consistently beautiful curls.

What I think: I have been wanting to try this since it came out!  It looked so cool.  And it really is!  I have used it on my shoulder-length hair and my daughter’s long hair and it works really well.  It take a little practice to position it correctly and to use the correct amount of hair, but once I got it, it was fast and easy!  And the curls looked great!

Available at http://www.curlsecret.com

What have you been loving this week?

 

 

 

 

 

Get Your Beauty Routine Ready For Summer, Part 1

I have been so lucky to receive lots of awesome skincare, hair care and makeup samples lately from so many different, fab brands to review for my honest opinion.  So exciting!

The one common thread in these products is that they are a good change-up to my routine.  Winter was so long this year, and spring very short that my makeup products haven’t changed much.  But now that it is HOT in Kansas City (90 and humid) — I am ready to give easy, breezy summer beauty a go, while still looking and feeling put together.

For the rest of this week, I will review the products that I have been using and let you know why I love them so much.  This post will include lovely skin care from Orico London, Stri-Vectin and summer-loving makeup from Gerard Cosmetics, Skindinavia and BeautyADDICTS.

Orico London Transcend Marine Radiance Serum
Orico London Transcend Marine Radiance Serum

Orico London’s Transcend Marine Radiance Serum ($61 USD) — Instant flash of brilliance for the skin. New Transcend organic Marine Radiance Serum has been developed with four of the latest clinically proven anti-aging bioactives to help illuminate, tighten, diminish wrinkles and deeply hydrate. This New organic wonder serum packed with pure and powerful natural Marine Algae and Maca Root extracts help to visibly brighten and instantly lift for super rested and glowing results.
Transcend skin with instant radiance.

What I think: I’ve been using this serum for about a week and am really enjoying it.  The serum is a pearly-pinkish opal color, very iridescent and cool.  I’ve never seen a serum like it. When it is applied, it is very sheer and gives skin a faint radiance.  Since it is so light, it is perfect for the summer as it can be easily layered under moisturizer and SPF.

Available at http://www.oricolondon.com

StriVectin SD Advanced Intensive Concentrate
StriVectin SD Advanced Intensive Concentrate

StriVectin SD Advanced Intensive Concentrate ($79 USD for 2oz) — Introducing new SD Advanced Intensive Concentrate for Wrinkles & Stretch Marks. Formulated with Collagex-CE Wrinkle Repair Complex, this hydrating moisturizer harnesses the latest advances in skincare science to target Collagen III, also known as youth collagen, for even more powerful anti-aging results.

A series of scientifically designed studies proves the following effects: • Significantly diminishes the number, length and depth of lines and wrinkles • Targets youth collagen and elastin for healthy, younger looking skin • Hydrates and visibly enhances skin texture • Strengthens the skin barrier to maximize skin performance

SD Advanced goes beyond wrinkles to help transform the look of stretch marks, too.

What I think: I have been using this cream at night-time as a treatment.  It has a bit of a minty scent to it and it is a little thick, but not greasy.  And boy does it work!  I have noticed that my skin is so much smoother and even-toned.  And my forehead wrinkles are smoother, too.  Yay!

Available at http://www.strivectin.com

Gerard Cosmetics BB Plus+ Illumination Facial Crème
Gerard Cosmetics BB Plus+ Illumination Facial Crème

Gerard Cosmetics BB Plus+ Illumination Facial Crème ($36 USD) — Golden, radiant and healthy skin has always been a girl’s best summer accessory. Gerard Cosmetics by Whitening Lighting has recently introduced their newest product – the BB Plus+ Illumination Facial Crème. A twist on a traditional BB Cream, the BB Plus+ Illumination is formulated with light reflecting particles and golden shimmer to add dimension and a youthful glow to any complexion.  This luminous crème is easy to blend, long lasting and comfortable to wear, even in the warm summer months.

What I think:  This is a really pretty cream.  I tried it on my cheekbones and my brow bone like a normal highlighter, and I liked it, but it was a bit sparkly for me to use all over my face.  My 18 year-old daughter wore it all over hers and looked like a golden beach babe — oh, youth!  So I gave it to her and she loves it!  And I love that it has skincare benefits!

Available at www.whiteninglightning.com

Skindinavia The Makeup Primer Spray Oil Free
Skindinavia The Makeup Primer Spray Oil Free

Skindinavia The Makeup Primer Spray Oil Free ($35 for 4 oz, $49 for 8 oz) — anti-shine, vitamin-based primer mist absorbs excess oil while creating a smooth, lightweight canvas for flawless makeup application. Skindinavia’s breakthrough silicone-free formula is clinically proven to even out skin tone, prevent breakouts and reduce the appearance of large pores.

What I think:  I love this!  Just a few sprays on my face and it instantly looks even and smooth.  And makeup goes on so evenly.  And my makeup stays fresh looking for most of the day. I love it in the oil free version for summer, but it also comes in a regular spray.

Available at http://www.skindinavia.com.

BeautyADDICTS MineralSheerTINT SPF 20
BeautyADDICTS MineralSheerTINT SPF 20

BeautyADDICTS MineralSheerTINT SPF 20 ($32 USD) — The perfect “barely there glow” in seven natural shades. A mineral-based, oil-free, ultra-sheer tinted moisturizer with an SPF 20 to protect the skin while appearing flawless and radiant! An outstanding blend of ingredients like Ginseng Root Extract, and Vitamins A, C and E as powerful anti-oxidants. Your skin basks in sheer, gorgeous, safe color!

What I think:  This is a perfect makeup base for the summer as it is sheer and has an SPF!  And the fact that it has skin loving ingredients is a plus in the heat.  And although the tint is sheer, it can be built up for more coverage.

www.beautyaddicts.com

Enjoy!

NEW StriVectin-SD® for Sensitive Skin

NEW StriVectin-SD® for Sensitive Skin

Strangely enough, I find that as my skin ages, it becomes more sensitive. I was excited to try a new sensitive skin cream from StriVectin hoping that it would address some of my anti-aging concerns without making it red and uncomfortable. 

The product is called StriVectin-SD® for Sensitive Skin Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks & Wrinkles ($79.00 USD). A mouthful, I know, but a really great product. The claim is that it is, “is an anti-aging powerhouse, developed exclusively for sensitive skin. 100% of StriVectin’s collagen-building, wrinkle-reducing, anti-aging power. And none of the oils or fragrances that cause irritation and leave sensitive skin vulnerable to accelerated aging.”

This cream is for the 49% of women 25+ with sensitive skin who are battling the signs of aging. When using conventional products, they are prone to redness, dryness, flare-ups, burning and stinging. It includes the benefits of collagen building, wrinkle-reducing, anti-aging power with no oils or fragrances. Through NIA-114™, it strengthens skin’s protective layer so wrinkles diminish, tone evens and texture smoothes. Sensitive skin feels less sensitive.

StriVectin-SD® for Sensitive Skin is fragrance-free, oil-free, paraben-free, allergen-free, and artificial dye-free. This soothing formula contains Nia-114, active peptides, rose & cucumber extracts, and oat kernel extract to deliver powerful results in a gentle way.

What I think: The very first time I used this product, I noticed immediate smoothing and brightening of my skin. It was very surprising. So many face creams make my skin red at first, before the benefits kick in, so I am not used to such fast results.

I have now been using the cream twice a day for a few weeks and love using it. It hydrates my dry, winter skin leaving it feeling soft and nourished. My skin looks noticeably younger because of the glow and smoothness it imparts.

I highly recommend the StriVectin-SD® for Sensitive Skin Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks & Wrinkles for the face. I haven’t tried it on my stretch marks, but I bet it would help. You can purchase this at www.strivectin.com and www.sephora.com