Toothfilm T-Spray: A Review

When I received the opportunity to try out a cool kind of breath spray, I figured "why not?" But, I miss admit, as someone who prefers minty breath fresheners over sweet, fruity ones, I was a little suspicious  (yet, intrigued!) by two of the three flavors available- green tea, cranberry, and mint. But something about the green tea really intrigued me. And, I am so glad that I chose this one, because it is just amazing! It's the perfect balance of minty and sweet, and its so, so refreshing.

This stuff is even better than regular "breath freshener" sprays because it has cleaning properties- the idea is to spread this stuff all over your mouth with your tongue to give it a super cleaning.With that being said, you would not believe how handy this thing can come in!!! This past Sunday, I drove 11 hours from Tennessee to Buffalo after volunteering with the awesome Remote Area Medical (RAM) group for the weekend. To make matters worse, in typical WNY style, we got stuck in an effing blizzard and ended up going off the road on the highway near Fredonia. Needless to say, I was exhausted and ended up oversleeping for a really important meeting. I literally threw on my clothes and ran out the door... which was wear this gorgeous thang was. T-Spray saved my freaking life!!! I definitely didn't have time to brush my teeth before I left, so I felt disgusting and I must say, after spraying a few splots of this stuff, they really did feel different. In addition, I swear it really does make my breath way better.

This stuff --> TOTALLY WORTH IT, GUYS. I'm curious to know what the other flavors are like- ahem, cranberry! A 30 mL bottle of this stuff is on amazon right now for $19.99. Let me know what you guys think!
 

Midori Spring Culinary Grade Matcha Green Tea! A Review :)

I've written about tea before- mostly (or all) about matcha green tea, because, up until recently, I was more of a coffee drinker. Now, I am proud to say that I only drink coffee maybe once a week, on average. Yay! While I did go through some awful caffeine withdrawal (those headaches were awful!), I feel so much better now and I drink at least 1 cup of green tea per day.

I'm also trying to get back into smoothies, which I used to make a lot. Now that the weather is finally warming up, I'm more apt to throw a bunch of stuff in a blender with ice to create a thick, cool drink. Plus, its so much fun!

I've always been a fan of matcha green tea because its pretty much the most potent of potent teas. So, we know green tea is pretty amazing (like all tea is) and takes the crown for "most beneficial tea" as far as antioxidants and all that stuff goes. However, matcha tea takes it all up a notch.

The only problem with matcha tea? It's better. Pretty darn bitter, actually. So, I really wouldn't recommend drinking this stuff on its own and without any sweetener.. however, its just lovely with some milk and honey, orrrrr.... as part of a smoothie! I've been mixing a heaping teaspoon of my Midori Spring matcha powder with some vanilla protein powder, almond milk, ice, and a few drops of my vanilla stevia sweetener (you can also use raw honey a different sweet, healthier option). I love the way it has turned out and it's perfect to give me a natural boost of energy.

I'm excited to mix this stuff up in other items. Matcha tea also works great in baking as well. I have a friend that used to make matcha green tea cookies and they were delicious! So, I'm excited to try all these things.

I love that Midori Springs matcha is GMO free and USDA organic. These sorts of things mean a lot to me. However, I much prefer my matcha tea in a container, rather than a plastic bag. The bag claims that it is resealable, yet I've had to close it with a clip of my own since the first time I opened it. In addition, its just more messy when its in a bag like this, as you have to, you know, get your hand in their more. That's really the only change I'd make about this stuff. And, lucky for them, it looks like they make their matcha green tea in a plastic container option as well (though it is a little more expensive).

I'm definitely going to try to incorporate matcha green tea into my diet more often. I'm actually really excited to have an ice cold matcha green tea smoothie on the hot summer days that will be upon us before we can imagine!

If you're looking to try Midori Springs eco-grade matcha powder, you can purchase the 3.5 ounce bag that I tried here on amazon for $22.99. And, I'd love to hear your guys thoughts on matcha tea! Like it, don't like it? Have any secret recipes you'd like to share with us? Share your knowledge, you awesome people!!!

Valentia's Skin Detox Clay Mask and the Eternal Youth Exfoliating Scrub: A Review of the Former

I've reviewed a few products by Valentia skin care in the past- in fact, their Even Glow Vitamin C serum was probably one of the first products I've ever reviewed ( check out that baby review here!). Although I was a novice at writing product reviews and that serum was the first of many more varieties of vitamin c serums by numerous other brands that I would review in the near future, there was still something that stood out about Valentia's version of a vitamin c serum. The texture was not just serum-y (know what I mean?), but almost had a slight milky finish to it- in a good, "no, I'm not gross and expired and old product" kind-of way (promise!!) 

That was so long ago! After what has felt like ages, the Valentia crew has sent me a few other products to try out- their one and only eternal youth exfoliating scrub, and also their skin detoxifying clay mask (!!!) Both are super yummy and I'm super pumped about having them in my possession now (insert devil face here.... muahaha). 

Valentia skin care, or, The Valentia Crew, as I'm kind of beginning to have fun calling them, has a natural kinda edge to them- quite a bit, actually. I was just reading up on them on their website and completely fell in love with their bio / mission statement. It's long, but its so good guys, that I'm copy / pasting it below. This is my blog, bitches! 

The Roman Goddess of healing, Valentia, relied on nature’s gifts to heal the citizens of Umbria. Whether matriarchs seeking to maintain their youthful look or farmers seeking help for sun damaged skin, Valentia used berries, herbs, barks and other natural ingredients. We also rely on all natural ingredients due to their protective, preventative and corrective powers.

Valentia Skin Care is proud to provide customers of all skin types with scientifically advanced products to meet individual skin care needs.

Our Mission: To provide you a greater level of overall happiness with your appearance without the harsh chemicals that dry out, stretch, burn and prematurely age the skin.  Our strategic formulations include powerful natural ingredients that have been scientifically proven to succeed in giving skin a natural and radiant glow that contributes to a youthful look.

Just like our namesake, Valentia Skin Care products have been formulated with  natural and organic cosmetic ingredients that will repair and protect the skin.

After performing extensive research into what skin care customers find most important, we found an overwhelming demand for skin care that is natural, free of toxins and paraben-free. Natural ingredients with an organic base have proven most effective at repairing skin damaged by sun or wind, preventing signs of aging such as wrinkles, dark spots, and reversing the effects of oxidative stress on the skin.

Our loyalty and commitment to our customers’ voices and devotion to natural ingredients ensures that not only will those around you notice a difference in your complexion but you can present yourself each day feeling like… a Goddess.

They're not only letting us know just how passionate they are about natural ingredients- they're giving us a history lesson, too!! What a WIN!! Or, is it? We haven't reviewed the products, yet, have we?

What we know so far is that Valentia Skin Care has a cool mission statement and claims that they love using natural ingredients- and I hate having to use the term "claims" in there, but its just that so many brands these days claim "natural" and "organic" falsely, in an attempt to increase sales. This is why you should always read the ingredients label, people!!!

In short, both products were amazing. Both are full of natural ingredients, plants, and herbs and leave the skin feeling super clean, with a tingle. In long, well... let's go!

Valentia's Eternal Youth Exfoliating Scrub

Oh, my God! I'm not going to lie, at first I was like "okay, another exfoliator, another scrub." But, this is amazing! For starters, the texture is awesome- more gel-like, with very gentle exfoliating beads that appear to be made out of jojoba beads and/or pumice and/or tiny coffee grinds (just going by the ingredients list- which is a sad face for environmental reasons, but let's move on). I prefer to put it on my skin when my face is just partially damp- too wet, and you'll end up overusing product. As the instructions indicate, I take a small dollop out and massage it into my skin in circular motions. It's so gentle, you guys. And the cool, gel-like texture feels amazing. I'd say this is definitely gentle enough for daily use- so gentle, that you may want to incorporate a stronger exfoliator into your regimen once a week or so- trust me, it's what the skin needs during these gross, dry, winter months. 

As far as ingredients go, overall they are pretty great and contain a decent amount of hydrating ingredients, which are wonderful this time of year. The "key" ingredients are olive butter, avocado butter, and kukui butter- all three of these ingredients are rich in antioxidants and a variety of rich vitamins and healthy fats (remember, fats like these are good for the skin!) It also contains the glorious coffee extract, which was a  super exciting discovery for me- coffee and caffeine are supposed to be great for the skin, stimulating and, of course, exfoliating. 

This isn't to say that there aren't some less amazing ingredients in the scrub, either. Thankfully, phenoxyethanol is the last ingredient in the list- meaning that it contains the smallest amounts of it in comparison to every other single ingredient in the list- but it's still there, and phenoxyethanol can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Not to be worried, though- I'm sure there's a reason why the Valentia crew decided to use this ingredient and I'm sure its not coincidence that its the last ingredient, either. Phenoxyethanol is a commonly used preservative and fragrance stabilizer, by the way, and is actually found in loads of different cosmetics products. 

Brownie points: The scent of this stuff is stellarrrrrrrr. It smells invigorating and awakening and I swear I can actually smell the green tea extracts. It's just awesome, and I'm super looking forward to using this scrub on my super early mornings when I have clinical at 7:00 AM. 

Overall, I'm super in love with the Valentia Eternal Youth Exfoliating Scrub. This scrub is unique from any other scrub I have tried- the scent is awesome, the texture is amazing, and I love that I don't feel like its tearing my fact apart. This is going to be my main scrub for these awful, dry months. Go, Valentia Crew! 

You can score a 4 oz tub of Valentia's Eternal Youth Exfoliating Scrub right here on amazon- it's original price is $49.99, but at the time of this posting is $25. I'm not sure how long this sale will last, so take advantage while you can! 

Puruskin Derma Roller Advanced Body Kit: A Review

Derma rollers are sort of all the hype right now. They're super affordable and the benefits are said to be endless- I've seen the results of derma rollers, and they can help everything from scars to breakouts, fine lines and deep wrinkles. Sure, maybe it doesn't feel all that comfortable... But we all know that beauty is pain, right ladies?

The concept of the derma roller is pretty wild, although not too different from many medical spa grade beautifying techniques . Basically, the derma roller is going to puncture your skin with hundreds of microscopic wounds. Remember, I said microscopic ! Don't freak! By creating these tony wounds, little tiny healers are activated to heal said wound. And that's the brilliant part of derma rollers. Using a derma roller once or twice a week is said to dramatically help reduce fine lines, scars, and hyperpigmentation. In theory, this makes sense.

The key to derma rolling is doing it correctly. This means to apply the derma roller straight up and down, left and right, and diagonally. This ensures that, well, to put it simply, your skin is injured enough. 

You can use your derma roller after cleansing and toning, while your skin is still damp. I like to use it after applying a serum, as serums are uber concentrated. Since i have super fair, sensitive skin, I Iike to use my derma roller at night, so I don't look crazy going outside with weird, red lines around my face. It doesn't take long to use the derma roller at all- maybe 5 minutes or so- and you really just lightly glide the roller across your skin- no pressure needed. After using my roller, I always follow up with a high quality moisturizer--- derma rollers help products absorb better too!!! Note:: if you're thinking of using a retinol cream immediately after, you may want to think again, as this is likely to sting a lot. 

There are loads of derma rollers out there, but I really love the one by Puruskin. Their kit contains three different sized heads that easily attach to the handle- one is for the creases around your nose and eye area, the next for the rest of your face, while the other, largest roller head is for larger areas, such as the body. It's pretty ideal. 

You can purchase Puruskin's total body derma roller kit here on amazon for $26.97, wayyyyyy below the price of any spa treatment ! 

Alite Advanced LED Plant Grow Light: A Review

I try hard with my plants. I really do. In an ideal world, I would have this amazing herb garden, filled with lemon balm and lavender, rosemary and mint plants sprouting everywhere. In reality, I live in the northeast, where my "garden" consists of a few windowsills of a few puny plants that just can't seem to get enough sunlight.

It seems that nearly everyone in my town is deficient in vitamin D- because, duh, sunlight. Here, it's like "sunlight? What's that?" And so, not only do so many of us need to take vitamin D supplements and use that as an awful excuse to go tanning (gasp!! Don't worry- I would never), but our seasonal depression is sky high. Maybe it's because we don't have enough plants.

In reality, the only way out of this mess is to treat our plants with some light of their own- lord knows they aren't getting it here. That's why this LED light is awesome, because it really, really helps to get your plants growing in an otherwise impossible environment.

Here's what they have to say about their lamp:

The 12W LED Plant Grow Light has been optimized to produce the most efficient wavelengths of light to produce peak photosynthesis performance in your garden plants. The Grow Light has been manufactured in a precise Heat Sink to generate the least amount of heat and therefore prevent any damage to your Garden Plants. Due to the consistent Light Production and refined Light Wavelength using the Grow Lamp will maximize your Plant Growth. 12 LED Lights in precise arrangement to improve Growth across all plants. With the supremely efficient LEDs, low heat generation and optimized Light Wavelengths the 12W Grow Light is the perfect option for Indoor Growing.

Sounds good to me. After figuring out how to set up this thing, I finally managed to hang it above my sad plants- the lavender, lemongrass, rosemary (that has been hanging on by a thread for literally about a year. That thing will not give up!), even my aloe and stone crop plant. I'm not sure if the latter really need it, since succulents are pretty resistant anyway. But, I swear that even they looked more perky and happy after using this lamp! I turn it off at night, of course, just because. But, even a few hours of light each day seems to really help these plants get the artificial sunshine that they need!

It's the next best thing to living in a tropical, sunshine-filled environment. But hey, I'll take it! You can purchase your Alite Advanced LED Plant Grow light for $24.99 on amazon, right here. The list price is $79.99, so take advantage of quite the steal!

Vita Sciences Maxasorb Melatonin Cream: A Review

As someone that tries to utilize herbal remedies before pharmacological ones, I'm all about the melatonin when I have trouble sleeping. Melatonin is very well known for helping with sleep. I know a ton of people that use it successfully and, generally, it doesn't have many side effects. It is typically taken as a supplement, so when Vita Sciences sent me a bottle of their melatonin cream to review, I was super intrigued.

Here's what Vita Sciences has to say about their product:

Melatonin is the hormone that controls daily day-night cycles of sleep. Some sleep disorders, such as insomnia and Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS), are attributed to low melatonin levels. Travelers suffering from jet lag and swing shift workers may also benefit from supplemented melatonin. As we age our bodies do not make sufficient melatonin. Sleep enhancement is possible in healthy people as well with additional melatonin that may:

* Decrease the time needed to fall asleep;
* Increase sleepiness;
* Increase sleep duration.

Each measured dose of Maxasorb Melatonin lotion from our airless dispenser delivers 3 milligrams of melatonin with a full press of the pump. Just before bedtime, rub the easily absorbed, odorless lotion on your arms or legs. For travelers trying to ease the effects of jet lag, apply Maxasorb™ Melatonin lotion the day of travel close to the target bedtime at your destination. This will aid in falling asleep faster, improves alertness during the day, and reduces daytime fatigue. Use the product throughout the trip and for a week after return to help your body readjust its natural sleep cycle. Natural ingredients assure this lotion is gentle to your skin.

This stuff is interesting for many reasons. For one, its super convenient... think about it. Say you're having trouble getting to sleep and are tossing and turning in bed, but just don't feel like getting up to grab a glass of water and fishing around for your herbal supplements. Since this stuff is a cream, all you need is some cream and your hand. They say that one pump is equivalent to 3 mg of melatonin, which is pretty great. Most people only need a pump  (or two) to help get to sleep. So convenient!

I actually think this stuff works really great, though I was definitely skeptical at first. I mean, who uses a cream instead of an oral supplement when it comes to sleep aids? It makes so much sense though, and that velvety smooth texture is comforting and soothing. After applying this cream (just one pump!) for a few nights in a row, I definitely have noticed a deeper, smooth sleep. In addiiton, I wake up feeling totally refreshed!

You can purchase Vita Sciences melatonin cream for just  $19.95 (normally $29.95!) right here.

In All Your French Press Glory: A Review of

Over the past year, I have completely fallen in love with the french press. Sure, it seems tedious, especially in this day and age where we have our preset coffee makers and our keurigs. But there's nothing like sitting on the porch on a Saturday morning, reading the paper (or constantly updating your Twitter feed ), and drinking some fresh coffee - from your french press. And, really, they're not all that difficult.

Basically, you boil the water for your coffee (or tea! This works well with loose leaf teas and herbs too!), put your coffee grounds in the bottom of the French press... Add water, then attach the lid with the plunger. Slowly push down on the plunger, then let seep or "brew" for 5 minutes or so. And, that's it! After this time, your coffee will be ready to serve from this snazzy little pitcher and will taste SO much better. Come to think of it, this really doesn't take much longer than it would to wait for your standard coffee pot.

There  are plenty of different kinds of french presses on the market today. Try come in different colors, shapes, and sizes. I always used a standard french press, like this one by Kitchen Supreme.
If you're feeling a bit fancy, the stainless steel coffee presses by Francois et Mimi are absolutely gorgeous. The stainless steel, coupled with their vintage designs, are incredibly elegant and may be worth the extra dollars. They even make a huge, 50 ounce french press, which is very convenient for those hosting a few people. You can check out a few of Francois et Mimi's french press designs on Amazon, here and here.

While I admit that the french press may not be for everyone, I do encourage those that enjoy a relaxing Saturday morning coffee hour to invest on a french press. And by "invest," I do not mean spending an arm and a leg- many french presses only cost $20 or so, and these fabulous kinds are no exception!

Summit Nutritions Pure Whey Protein Isolate: A Review

Protein shakes have been my "thing" for the past year or so. They're easy to make and are especially helpful for those that don't have time for a sit-down meal. They say that it's super important to eat something every few hours- so hard to do! Although I think a protein shake is too much to supplement for a snack, I do like to use it as a lunch replacement. In addition, they're super fun! The varieties of shakes and smoothies you can make with a few ingredients are endless. And I'm all about consuming my protein. Currently, I use Gold Standard whey protein; however, I am always down to try something new. Such is the case with Summit Nutrition's whey protein isolate. 

They sent me a few single serve packs of their dutch chocolate flavor- which is awesome from a reviewer's standpoint- in my opinion, chocolate protein powders can be the most difficult to pull off. Often, chocolate protein powders have a chalky aftertaste and, in general, just don't taste all that great.

Summit Nutrition's dutch chocolate protein powder is the exception. I found the chocolate flavor to be light and sweet- maybe too sweet. It mixed very well, but, to be fair, I mixed it with a banana and some unsweetened almond milk, so I had to use a blender.

As for the nutritional value, this stuff is spot on. It only contains 0.5 g of fat, is low carb (two grams!), and contains 25 whopping grams of protein- which is a lot. It emphasizes how there are "no other ingredients" and "no fillers, hidden ingredients, or banned substances..." yet I wonder where the sweetness comes from. I understand that my little banana added some sweetness, but I mean, jeeeeez. I love sweet stuff, but even I think that this stuff is intense. Wowza!

I'm excited about this protein powder and would love to try their vanilla flavor. I do wish that they had more flavors, but.. they say patience is a virtue, right?? The nutritional value is pretty difficult to beat in comparison to other brands out there. The protein level is sky high, making it way more worthwhile- plus, if you feel  that it's too much protein, you can always use less than a serving size of protein powder, therefore  making your supply last longer. Rad!

You can purchase Summit Nutrition's whey protein isolate here on amazon. A 2 pound container will cost you $36.99. Not interested in such a commitment? Try their single serve pack of 3- it'll only knock ya back $7.99 and is crazy convenient for those that just wanna throw an emergency pack in their bag for later.

More Anti-Aging Gems: A Review of La Deesa's 2.5% Retinol Serum and 72% Peptide Eye Serum

Say you're super into anti-aging. Like, it is the one single thing that you want to focus on with your skin. Anti-aging, anti-aging, anti-aging. 

Now, say that you can only use two products on your skin... okay, maybe three. What would those three products be that truly target anti-aging? 

I know that my three would DEFINITELY include the following (and I think most people would choose the same.. at least, I hope so!) : 

1) Retinol 

2) Eye treatment

3) Sunscreen

Lucky for us, the La Deesa folk bangs out two out of three of those products by gracing us with their 2.5% retinol serum, as well as their 72% organic peptide eye serum. Voila!

Let's start with their retinol serum. This bad boy not only contains a 2.5% concentration of retinol, but also includes a concentration of 10% hyaluronic acid to help plump and hydrate the skin. In addition, it also includes jojoba oil, aloe vera, vitamin e, green tea... in fact, here's the full ingredients list: 

Organic Herbal Infusion, Organic Aloe (Barbadensis Leaf), Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide (botanical hyaluronic acid), Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Pentylene Glycol, Phospholipids, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Phosphate, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Carrageenan Gum, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Oil), Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Germ Oil), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Organic Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea), Wildcrafted Resina Propoli (Propolis), Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin.

I love the super hydrating ingredients, as well as the antioxidants in this product. In addition, this has  witch hazel in it, which helps fight blemishes. Yay!

This product is your basic serum. It's odorless and comes in a glass, amber-colored bottle. I don't have to use that much to cover my entire face after cleansing and toning. I like to put it on when my face is still just slightly damp- I'm a huge sucker for saving product and, by applying while slightly damp, the product glides on the skin better.. meaning that less product is needed. 

You can purchase a 1 oz bottle of La Deesa's 2.5% retinol serum on amazon for $19.95.

La Deesa's eye peptide serum is also $19.95- but this stuff will last way, way, wayyyy longer, since it's just for the eye area. 

Plus, this stuff doesn't flake, like other eye serums I have tried!

I personally am becoming a bigger and bigger fan of eye serums. I like to use them as an extra anti-aging fighter, applying under an eye cream, day and night. It's like an extra "oomph." And, since serums are typically more concentrated, I know that I'm giving my eye area plenty of hydration and beauty attention. 

La Deesa's eye serum contains loads of anti-aging ingredients, such as vitamin e, green tea.. and the most potent ingredient, an "herbal infusion," consisting of geranium, gotu kola, dandelion, and horsetail. Here's the full ingredients on this guy: 

Organic Herbal Infusion ((Organic Gotu Kola, Organic Horsetail, Wildcrafted Dandelion and Wild Geranium), Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera), Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide (botanical hyaluronic acid), Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Carrageenan Gum, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Silk Amino Acid Complex (Sodium L-Pyrrolidone Carboxylate, Sodium Lactate, LArginine, L-Aspartic Acid, L-Pyrrolidonecarboxylic Acid, Glycine, L-Alanine, L-Serine, L-Valine, L-Proline, L-threonine, L-Isoleucine, L-Histidine, L-Phenylalanine), Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Oil), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin.

This product really will last you months and months. I use about half of a pump for each application, which I dab under and above my eye (I've even been trying to get in the habit of applying this slightly above my browbone as well, as I've been reading more about the benefits of doing this). It's a great investment to look a bit younger! 

You can purchase a 1 oz bottle of La Deesa's peptide eye serum on amazon right here.

GoPure Naturals Youth Glow Eye Gel: A Review

Using a specialized product for the eye area is so essential. I've been using an eye cream since I was 24 and I actually sort-of wish I started earlier. You see, the skin around the eyes is super thin- one of the thinnest areas on the entire body. Plus, its constantly being exposed to sun and environmental toxins. PLUS, we're always abusing our eye muscles by squinting in the sun (we do it WAY more often than we think, I promise you). All of these things make it crazy important to protect the eye area using a product formulated especially for the eye area, since it needs something different than the rest of our body.

GoPure Naturals' sent me a bottle of their youth glow eye gel to review. GoPure claims that this product will decrease eye puffiness, as well as diminish dark circles and wrinkles. These are pretty common claims for any eye treatments. The question is, what makes this product stand out?

You all know that I am obsessed with my ingredients. Skincare ingredients are the same as food ingredients- you need to know what's in them so you know how nutritious and natural it is. Same thing.

Here's what's going on in this little package:

     • Matrixyl 3000 - A powerfully effective combination of two top anti wrinkle peptides making eyes look years younger by dramatically reducing appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

     • Plant Stem Cells - Deliver unique anti-aging effect. Reduce micro-inflammations and redness, evening-out the complexion and enhancing skin's translucency and radiance.

     • Hyaluronic Acid (Vegan) - known natural ingredient for dramatically reducing the appearance of wrinkles

     • Other ingredients: Jojoba Oil, Vegan Hyaluronic Acid, Amino Acid Blend, Wildcrafted Periwinkle, Organic Licorice, Wild Crafted Eye Bright, Wild Crafted Reishi, Organic Gotu Kola, Vitamin E

So, there you have it. I will say that licorice is often used to help lighten and even out skin tone. So, this can help with hyperpigmentation around the eye area, as well as diminish those awful dark circles. All the other ingredients listed are chock full of antioxidants, vitamins, and hydrating oils and components to really hydrate.

Upon using this product, I first noticed the smell... that familiar smell of CUCUMBER that are in so many eye gels I have used. I love this smell, it's so clean and refreshing! Plus, cucumber is known for it's soothing properties and help decrease puffiness (haven't you heard about placing cucumbers on puffy eyes? Duh!).

The texture of the product isn't bad either. It's not super duper thick, but its not watery thin. Upon using this product, the skin around my eyes immediately felt tighter. However, this makes me nervous for the awful flakiness I have discovered that many eye gels do. Makes sense- as the eye gel dries, you can literally see and feel the tightness. So, it tends to move around when more product is added on top of it. I hate that part...

After using this product for a few weeks, I have to say that I haven't noticed a dramatic difference in my skin's dark circles / puffiness. It doesn't feel a bit more hydrated; but, nothing special. Either way, there are some lovely ingredients in this product and, at $14.74 for a 0.5 ounce bottle, you can't really go wrong. Give it a shot!