10 Beauty Products I'm Loving Right Now!

1)      L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Clear Self-Tanning Gel – As some of you may have noticed, I dropped my religious routine of fake baking (self-tanning) last October, but I felt like it was time for a little bit of color again. So, I recently purchased this and have been using it on my face, décolleté and arms, and I’ve really been enjoying it! Sure, it’s no St. Tropez, but for something quick and easy, it works well. And, it doesn’t stink, or break out my skin – yay!

2)      Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter – Can we say yum!? Blood Orange is one of my favorite scents, and if you are keen on orange, this body butter is a must-have. It’s fruity, it’s sweet, it’s spicy – it’s everything you could ask for.

3)      Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Penetrating Oil– I’ve had this for a while now, and am beginning to realize (when I don’t use it) how awesome it really is. When I use this, my hair feels softer and everyone around me seems to notice how good my hair smells – that alone will make me want to keep using it!

4)      It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-in plus Keratin– I dyed my hair last week (one shade lighter, you can barely tell in photos) so I wanted a good leave-in treatment to keep my hair hydrated. I knew about this stuff for ages, but never purchased it because of the hefty price tag ($20/4oz). With the health of my hair in m best interest, I decided to take the plunge, and I’m punching myself in the arm for not buying it sooner. Best Leave-in I’ve tried, hands down. It leaves my hair so much more manageable and my hair looks and feels so much healthier.

5)      Reviva Labs Hyaluronic Acid Serum– One of my past favorites. I just got a hold of a new bottle and the sparks in my heart started flying once again. Applied under a moisturizer (or alone) this serum keeps my skin hydrated better than anything else. I never have a bad skin day when I’m using my Reviva Labs.

Review: Reviva Labs Seaweed Soap!

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Instead of animal tallow (sodium tallowate), common to most soaps, we feature a pure vegetable base of palm and coconut oils. Our Seaweed grains' scrub action, which helps remove hidden impurities, has been a family favorite in shower or bath for many years. In Spain, Seaweed Soap is even used as part of one's slimming or anti-cellulite routine. It stimulates circulation and helps discharge toxins. It's a soap both men and women will love. Benefits: 100% vegetable base; added scrub action - great for use in an anti-cellulite program; no animal fats!

INGREDIENTS: 

READ MORE FOR ADDITIONAL INFO AND MY REVIEW!

Review: Reviva Labs Makeup Primer!

Reviva Labs Makeup Primer

 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Apply over moisturizer or instead of moisturizer. Lines fill in, pores are concealed, excess oil is controlled. Skin so touchable, so silky smooth, you will find it hard to believe.

INGREDIENTS: 

I love products with such short ingredient lists! Nothing unneccesary. It's non-comedogenic and fragrance-free - so, there are less irritants for your skin.

READ MORE FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS AND MY REVIEW!

Review: Reviva Labs Hyaluronic Acid Serum!

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Our highest-potency daily moisture booster! Reviva Labs has now compounded a higher level of premium Hyaluronic Acid into a precious fluid that can help raise skin's moisture level to fill-in furrows, plump up tissues and tone-down lines. Apply under creams in the evening or alone to hydrate skin. If also seeking firmness, alternate with our DMAE Firming Fluid. Benefits: Unlike products that depend on moisture in the air, HA can help hydrate skin even in dry climates or heated rooms that rob skin of moisture. (REVIVA LABS)

INGREDIENTS:

A little background information on Hyaluronic Acid used in Cosmetics:

(You can skip this and scroll down directly to my review) 

-The use of hyaluronic acid in both the cosmetic and medical industry is gaining momentum as its properties of scar reduction and aiding wound and ulcer healing are becoming well known. Cosmetic products containing hyaluronic acid hydrate the skin allowing it to appear smoother and more radiant.
 -Hyaluronic acid (HA) can absorb over 1000 times it weight in water allowing it to hydrate to skin and other areas that it contacts.

The skin is the largest organ in the body comprising about 15% of the body weight. Roughly 50% of the Hyaluronic Acid in our body is found in the skin. Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen are vital to maintaining the skin’s layers and structure. It is the collagen that gives the skin its firmness but it is the HA that nourishes and hydrates the collagen. Imagine the collagen as the stretchy fibers that restore the skin back to shape when stretched. Collagen is like a rubber band but stretch that rubber band a million times, like what we do with our skin and without any moisture. Eventually that rubber band gets over stretched (saggy) and dried out and will most likely break. This is much the same way the collagen in our skin reacts leaving our skin dry and wrinkled. Now imagine that same rubber band stretched a million times while under water the whole time. Chances of that rubber band drying out and breaking are minimal. Consider the Hyaluronic Acid as the water that keeps the collagen moist and elastic. Collagen is continuously surrounded and nourished by the gelatinous HA substance. Young skin is smooth and highly elastic because it contains high concentrations of Hyaluronic Acid, which helps skin stay healthy. As we grow older, the body loses its ability to maintain this same concentration in the skin. With decreasing levels of HA in the skin, so goes the ability of the skin to hold water. The result, the skin becomes drier and loses its ability to restore itself. Hyaluronic acid acts as a space filler by binding to water and thus keeping the skin wrinkle-free. (DermatologistRx.com)

The more I'm advancing into the world of Skincare, the more I'm learning about the individual components of popular skincare products. Hyaluronic Acid is something that I have never really heard of prior to using this serum. I researched a little bit and browsed my favorite makeup community forums and found that Hyaluronic Acid is really sought-after for those with dry skin. It can be taken orally as a pill or in the form of a serum, cream or toner. Although I don't have dry skin, I thought it would be a fantastic serum to try to keep my skin hydrated 24/7. I do once a while have a little dryness from using harsh cleansers (such as African Black Soap) or exfoliation, that will typically occur around my mouth and chin area. Usually if that occurs, it will be fixable within a couple of days with a good moisturizer. I have been using this serum for 4 weeks now, 1-2 times daily, using 1/2 a pump each application. The consistency of the serum is very light and is kind of like a runny gel. One applied to the skin, it seems to distribute well all over the face. I'll never have to go back for more. It may feel sticky for about 15 seconds, but the stickiness goes away completely within 30 seconds and you are left with hydrated skin. The serum doesn't leave any traces of product left on the skin's surface so you are able to layer a moisturizer over it fine or even your makeup. What's different about Hyaluronic Acid than a standard moisturizer is that it really works within your skin. It won't give your skin the illusion of moisturize with an oily residue. You may not notice it right away if your skin is dry, but after continued use you will see the results. Since using this product, I haven't had one instance of dryness. My skin is always hydrated and radiant. Crazily enough, I have smile lines that drive me insane because many times my foundation will settle in the fine lines and I'll have to touch up with powder a couple times throughout the day. My makeup hasn't seemed to settle at all in those lines since I've been using this. Also, the little corners around my nose are typically a little dry and now they are completely moisturized. Hydraluronic Acid has now become a staple in my everyday skin routine and I don't want to be without out it! The price of this serum is $20 for 1 oz of product. It may be a little pricey, but it's something that works well for me and I will continue purchasing it once I run out. Like I mentioned, I've used the serum for 4 weeks, sometimes twice a day and I have 2/3 product left. The bottle should last me for 2 more months. So, a little over $6.60 a month - it's completely worth it.

PROS: Ease of use - It distributes well & works quickly without residue. You can apply it and don't have to sit and wait for it to absorb before you apply your moisturizer or makeup. You can really apply it and be done. No smell, it's transparent and is non-irritating. It keeps my skin feeling fresh, hydrated and plump!

CONS: I really can't think of any cons for this product - it's fantastic!

PACKAGING: I really like the packaging for this product. It's a glass bottle with a quality pump, in which you can control how much product you want to dispense.

OVERALL: I just wanted to make clear that this is a serum. Therefore, it's a treatment for your skin. A serum shouldn't be your moisturizer. You should use a separate moisturizer after applying any skin treatment - especially if you are prone to dryness. My skin type is normal, sensitive (acne-prone) with very little oiliness in the t-zone. It didn't take long for this product to work for me. It may differ if you have a different skin type. I think this is a fantastic product for your skin and should be incorporated in your skincare regime (whether it be in the form of a vitamin, etc) especially if you suffer from dryness - but I believe all skin types can benefit from it!
 

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for free for consideration. This review is completely honest based on my individual experience in using this product.

Reviva Labs Light Skin Peel Review!

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: "Peeling" is a European term for one of the most unique European items in the entire cosmetic field. THIS IS NOT A HARSH CHEMICAL PEEL. It doesn't "peel skin" as we know it, but gently lifts off more hardened, dried skin cells than can be achieved by scrubs or any other "exfoliating" product. Dead-cell accumulation prevents treatment products from penetrating and keeps skin tone from looking fresh and vibrant. For aging and problem skin, PEEL is absolutely vital; it offers multiple benefits, which one can see and feel with just one application. Used by Europe's top Skin Treatment Specialists as a supplementary cleansing step in any skin care program. Any skin type, any age, can benefit from a once-a-week "Peel". Our Peel ingredients also stimulate the deeper new cells to move upward at a faster rate - causing the skin surface to look tighter, clearer and healthier. (REVIVA LABS)

 INGREDIENTS:

I have been using the Reviva Labs Light Skin Peel for the past 4 weeks, once a week. Like mentioned in the product description, this doesn't actually "peel" your skin, it's more of a mask. The consistency is a little strange - it's a little liquidy, but dense like bread dough before it has set. It has a very "spicy" scent, very reminiscent of pizza spices or oregano. Maybe it's the oil of thyme in the ingredients list? To get some product out, I prefer using a spatula for sanitary reasons and then smoothing the product all over my face. The instructions state that it should be left on for 3-5 minutes, so I usually always leave it on for 5. Once it's on my face, I can really smell the alcohol in the product. It seems a bit strong at first, but it goes away. Its pleasant to have on the face, as it doesn't seem to stiffen my face much or cause tingling, burning, etc. After 5 minutes, I will try to peel it off, but each time I've used this, I wasn't able to peel it off. It didn't matter if I put a very thin layer or thick layer, the mask doesn't completely dry in 5 minutes in order for you to peel it off. It does peel off on tiny areas such as the chin, but on my cheeks, I had to use a wash cloth or exfoliation brush. In a way, I like it because you get a little extra exfoliation from the gritty crushed almonds, but it's also somewhat a pain. The instructions do state though to remove it with your fingers, dry towel or cosmetic sponge. That doesn't work that well because residue will be left behind on the skin unless water is used, and it doesn't state to use water. Afterward, my skin feels very fresh, cool, clean and slightly tight. I then as always, continue with a moisturizer and go to sleep. In the morning, my skin looks fresher than the day before and my pores look reduced. The lasting effect is a few days. It is a nice peel/mask, but I do think it's a little expensive at $20 per 1.5 oz.

PROS: Takes little time (3-5 minutes), didn't bother my sensitive skin despite the high content of alcohol, wasn't drying, soothing, made my pores appear smaller and brightened my overall complexion after each use.

CONS: I think a misconception about this product is that it's called "Light" Skin Peel, and some people take that as it will "Lighten" your skin, but there are no claims that it will lighten. It is also called a "Peel", but as I mentioned, this doesn't peel your skin, nor does it peel off after 5 minutes. I think the name doesn't suit the product at all and it would better off called "Brightening Mask" or "Revitalizing Mask" so the consumer won't expect lightening or peeling - they will expect to use a mask that will freshen up their complexion, which is what this will do.

PACKAGING: The packaging is good, the only thing that would make it better is if it came with a small spatula to scoop the product out, or if it came in a squeeze tube. It gets a little difficult to get product out, especially when you're close to the end.

OVERALL: Overall, I do really like this mask and I will continue using it once a week to freshen up my complexion. I will definitely be using it a night before I want my skin to look in tip top shape. Although I do think it's expensive at $20 per 1.5 oz, you can see after 4 uses (maybe even 5) that I barely made a dent in the product. This will indeed last a long time, and it doesn't expire until 2014.

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for free for consideration. This review is completely honest based on my individual experience in using this product.

Reviva Labs Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester & DMAE Cream Review!!

Recently, I got the wonderful opportunity to try out a few skincare products by Reviva Labs. Reviva Labs is an all natural skincare brand that can be found in professional skin care salons and health food stores worldwide. Read Reviva Labs ABOUT US page for more details about the brand.

Throughout the week, I'll be posting reviews for all of the products I've tried, starting off with the Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester & DMAE Cream - which happens to be my favorite! 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Reviva Labs now offers a new answer to helping firm, tighten and "lift" skin with DMAE...as Alpha Lipoic Acid and Vitamin C Ester fight free radicals and future skin aging. As a special Reviva boost, this dramatic trio is encased in a soy liposome for deeper, time release action during the night. Allantoin and Aloe Vera are added to soothe and calm stressed skin, contributing to a healthy, vibrant glow. For supple, more youthful looking skin, it's another major advance in the battle against skin aging. Benefits: helps improve skin tone and glow as its powerful antioxidant action fights free-radical damage. As your body rests during the night, you have hours of uninterrupted replenishing nutrients that help tighten and "lift" skin to treat the effects of time as it helps fight future skin aging. (REVIVA LABS)

INGREDIENTS:
 

Pft, I'm almost offended you'd ask! (I'm completely joking) It was pretty much love at first application with this cream. I've known the benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid and Ester C for your skin when used topically, or orally (in the form of a pill) for a couple of years now. I discovered the benefits after reading Nicholas Perricone, M.D. The Wrinkle Cure. Although it was something that really interested me, I kind of tossed the info to the side as finding products that combines both ingredients wasn't something very easy to find at the local drugstore. This cream combines both, as well as DMAE, also known as "Dimethylaminoethanol" (Yeah, you wonder why it's abbreviated) which is a popular ingredient used in anti-aging skincare for it's "lifting" properties.

Being I'm 23 years old, I don't need any "extreme" lifting, but I what I expect out of a good cream is for it to even out my skin tone as well as skin texture, keep my skin hydrated and repair any moisture loss from using any harsh cleansers or exfoliants and make my skin soft to the touch. Is that all too much to ask?!

This particular cream is best when used at night to I've your skin several hours to drink up all of the good vitamins and repair your skin. For nighttime, I prefer a product that's a bit heavier than a day cream, but isn't too greasy where it will leave my pillow an oil slick. This particular cream is really light and fluffy - it's not heavy or oily. Once applied to the skin, the texture is incredibly silky and creamy. It doesn't leave the skin shiny, greasy or tacky. It feels a little moist for about a minute and then it almost completely absorbs. My skin type is normal to combination, but at times I can have a little dryness due to harsh cleansers, exfoliants or even the weather. This cream always fixes that by the morning. I'm always excited to look at my face every morning to see how radiant my skin is. The results when using this is always consistent. I wake up with baby soft skin, an even complexion and a glow from within. With most creams, the full benefits can be seen when used after your skin has been exfoliated to soak up all of the ingredients to the fullest. I like using my Olay Pro-X at night and this cream right after. I've been using it daily for around 3-4 weeks now and my skin is in great shape.

Lately, I've found that I can get away with wearing less makeup and lighter coverage foundations. What's even cooler than that is I've received a handful of compliments on my skin in the past month - and it may not seem like a big deal, but I never really receive compliments on my skin.

I've tried several creams by several brands - Estee Lauder, Clinique, Ponds, Olay, Neutrogena, Etc and this cream is by far my favorite. Of course, with any product what may work for me, may not work for you.. So I'm not saying to go run out and purchase this cream, but it is a product I do recommend trying if you're looking for a good, hydrating cream. I don't like to go a day without using and I will purchase another one once mine has almost finished!

PROS: Lightweight, Hydrating, Fragrance Free, Doesn't clog my pores or break out my sensitive skin, gives my skin a radiant appearance. The price is $23 for two ounces, which I find very reasonable. With daily use, it should last me around three months. There is also an expiration date listed on the product.. and I love when products list expiration dates to know that the active ingredients in the product are still active.

CONS: About the actual product, I can't find any cons. The only cons may be that the packaging is a tub (many prefer a pump for sanitary reasons), but I personally don't mind. Also, the product may be a little difficult to find (most likely will have to order online).

PACKAGING: It could be improved with a pump - but it doesn't bother me at all that it's in a tub. Most creams are anyway. It comes with a little stopper lid, so I like to scoop product off of that each time rather than dipping my finger directly into the tub.

OVERALL: I think this is a fantastic cream for all skin types. Highly recommended!