InstaNatural Youth Express Age-Defying Moisturizer + Eye Gel

Thanks to InstaNatural, I got to try a couple more cool products- Youth Express Age-Defying Moisturizer and Youth Express Eye Gel! 

About InstaNatural's Age-Defying Moisturizer: 

Everyone over 25 should have this moisturizing treatment as part of their daily regimen. Our product is filled with some of the most medically advanced and clinically proven ingredients available. It provides unrivaled hydration to skin to make it firm, smooth, supple and plump. Everyone at InstaNatural not only swears by this product, but it's also a part of out daily routine and we LOVE it. Safe, effective and absolutely vital for your daily regimen. 

About InstaNatural's Eye Gel: 

Our product provides absolute care to the eye area. It is enriched with Plant Stem Cells, Hyaluronic Acid, Matrixyl 3000, Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil to help with dark circles, puffiness and sagging skin. It increases elasticity, enhances tone and provides a firm and plump skin. It can be applied across the face to improve complexion and texture. Also, can be worn under makeup. 

My experience: 

I've been using these products daily for the past couple of weeks, and I love them! The moisturizer is a great replacement for what I was previously using, and my face doesn't get nearly as oily throughout the day, and the eye gel has worked miracles for those pesky dark undereye circles! Both of these are wonderful under makeup, and my skin looks great through a camera lens. Definitely an A+! 

I'm in my upper 20's, and although a lot of people assume I'm barely 'of age', I think it's super important to take care of your skin and fight aging early- I'm a bit obsessive about my face, and that's going to pay off later on down the road. I try to use the most natural products I can find, and InstaNatural is definitely one of my faves!


[I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.]

Review: Coppertone ClearlySheer Sunscreens

Thanks to BzzAgent and Coppertone, I got some cool new sunscreens in the mail. :)



What came in the box:

full size COPPERTONE® CLEARLYSheer™ Sunny Days body lotion
3 trial size COPPERTONE® CLEARLYSheer™ Sunny Days body lotions
2 trial size COPPERTONE® CLEARLYSheer™ Beach & Pool mini sprays

First impression:

I was excited, because I'd been longing for a more lotion-like sunscreen. Everything I've used over the years has always been so oily. I never found one I really liked.

Sunny Days body lotion [SPF 30]

The Sunny Days lotion is awesome! I love the light citrusy scent and the way it absorbs like a body lotion, as opposed to the typical greasy feel of most sunblocks. It's perfect for everyday use, and doesn't clog your pores. I've been wearing this stuff every day since it arrived.

Beach & Pool spray [SPF 50]

I gave Gary a sample of the Beach & Pool spray. It has more of a typical sunblock-y scent, which I'm not crazy about, but I've smelled many that are far worse than this! It's a very light spray that absorbs so quickly, which is really cool, and it's probably the best SPF 50 product we've both tried over the years.

Overall impression: 

The ClearlySheer sunscreens as a whole are AWESOME, and I'm so glad to have been given this opportunity- no more greasy, nasty feeling! 

Review: Adovia Purifying Mud Mask [With Pure Dead Sea Mud, Aloe Vera + Vitamin C]

Many thanks to Adovia, I got to try an awesome Dead Sea mud mask! 

[Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. ]

For those who aren't familiar with Dead Sea products, more than 35 minerals can be found in the Dead Sea's water. These mineral salts are believed by many to be an incredible treatment for skin problems like psoriasis, to more complicated conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. Many people travel from afar to soak up some sun, bathe in the water, and cover themselves in mud. 

And so, when I got the chance to try Adovia Purifying Mud Mask, I was excited! 

It's a thick black mud [so thick it's harder to squeeze out of the tube than most other muds!] that feels really good when applied to the face and left to dry. I found it to be a rather calming treatment- apply, relax and sip some tea -and it works wonders for my skin. I love it! 

It cleans and shrinks my pores, and removes excess oil without drying out my face [a common problem I have]. It says "for all skin types" on the packaging, and I believe it! This is a miracle product, no joke, and I would most definitely recommend it to everyone.

The power of Dead Sea minerals is incredible!

[I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.]

What's In My Makeup Bag: May 2014

What's in my makeup bag: 

Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer 

Studio Gear CC Cream in Linen [light] 

Smashbox Halo To Go loose powder in light 

Rimmel Natural Bronzer 027 Sun Dance 

Urban Decay Anti-Aging Eyeshadow Primer Potion 

Rimmel Glam Eyes eyeshadow palette 027 Brick Lane 

Rimmel ScandalEyes waterproof kohl eyeliner 001 Black 

Benefit Watt's Up! highlighter 

Benefit Bad Gal Lash mascara 

Rimmel Moisture Renew lipstick 642 Nude Delight 

I've been drawn to shimmery nude palettes lately, since they're so quick and easy to apply- no need for precision -and with a light dusting of bronzer, really make your skin glow. Simple and effective. 

I go out walking/hiking a lot, and this is the time of year I switch to tinted moisturizers and CC creams with SPF. Nothing looks worse than heavy foundation on a hot, sunny day.. especially if it's the wrong color, which happens to all of us as we tan. Use a lighter formula, like a CC cream with SPF [20 or higher]. 

Sun protection is important! I started using Vitamin C serums recently, which provide additional protection [among a ton of other benefits]. [Note: Vitamin C serums are not a replacement for sunscreen.] Try to use makeup, and especially lip products, with SPF. If you dye your hair, you will want to use products to protect against fading. I make sure to spray my scalp [since my hair is short and braided] with sunblock before going out in harsh sunlight. Burnt scalp sucks! I learned that the hard way. 

Sunlight is good, but I strongly advise against tanning. It fades tattoos and makes you age quicker. 

Love your skin. <3

Review: Valentia Even Glow Serum [Vitamin C 20%]

Many thanks to Valentia Skin Care, I was given their Even Glow Serum to test and review. 

Valentia Even Glow Serum [Vitamin C 20%]
Antioxidant treatment to brighten, protect and even skin tone,
reducing the appearance of aging. 

[Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. ] 

What the box says: 

Our evolved Even Glow Serum is strategically formulated with powerful natural ingredients to support and enhance Vitamin C efficacy. 

Rosehip Seed Oil & Sea Buckthorn Oil: 

These super oils work simultaneously to increase skin hydration and lock in moisture. Each oil's superior antioxidant content further promotes healing of damaged skin to produce a more even glow and more beautiful youthful looking skin. 

Resistem: 

Natural Plant Stem Cell protects skin from stress related aging. Encourages a natural glow while promoting skin detoxification. 

Hyaluronic Acid (Botanical): 

Helps to repair the skin's ability to retain moisture and increase elasticity and firmness. 

My experience: 

I've been using the Even Glow Serum morning and night for the past week, and I love, love, LOVE what it's doing for my skin! Not only is it fading scars, freckles, etc., it also proves true to it's claim- it gives my skin a nice, natural, healthy looking glow. Every morning I wake up with radiant skin, and each day it looks better than the last. 

This truly is a miracle product, and I recommend it to everyone! 

[I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.]

Review: Rimmel Natural Bronzer

Rimmel Natural Bronzer

Yesterday I bought Rimmel Natural Bronzer in 027 Sun Dance for $4.29 (reg $6.29) at Walgreens. I picked it up out of desperation, as I have a photo shoot scheduled next weekend and didn't have the time or extra money to go back to Sephora.

It's a good basic bronzer, especially for the price I paid. I tested it out immediately, and found it gives my skin a natural bronze glow that lasts despite the summer heat and even some rain (I got caught in a storm). For a quick, cheap buy, it is totally worth it. Is it something I would buy again? Maybe, if it's on sale and I'm in a jam. But I think I will continue my search for the perfect bronzer for my skin.

Rating: 7/10