Saucy Skincare Review: Adovia Facial Moisturizer Skin Cream with Dead Sea Minerals

Moisturizers. One of the essential steps in the good ol' daily skincare regimen. I certainly hope that every one of you use a day cream and actually, night creams are super important as well, as they're more concentrated and designed to penetrate deep into your skin while you sleep.

Day moisturizers, on the other hand, are typically not as heavy or concentrated as night creams. Sometimes your day cream comes with an SPF, sometimes it does not. Please note that, while not all moisturizers come with an SPF, it is really really important that you wear sunscreen every. Single. Day. Some UV rays can penetrate through clouds and windows, so.. just because you're inside on a wintery day doesn't mean that you're safe- none of us are safe!!!!  Just, please apply some type of SPF, whether its in your makeup or moisturizer. After all, you could end up with terrible hyperpigmentation patches all of your face.. so, if cancer doesn't scare you, this certainly should.

With that being said, remember when I gave the not-so-great review on Adovia's Facial Exfoliating Sea Salts? How I ended the review by basically begging for forgiveness and asking them to not blackllist me from future reviews? Apparently it worked, because the folks at #Adovia just sent me their sea mineral day moisturizer to review. How exciting!

Like the other reviews I've seen for anything by Adovia, people absolutely love this face moisturizer. It says on the container that it works as a great makeup primer, too. Lucky for me, I was doing the makeup for my sister's wedding that weekend. Naturally,  I was going to use this moisturizer as a base before makeup application for her trial makeup (::insert evil grin).

This moisturizer does contain some mildly questionable ingredients (chloride, dimethicone, carbomer, plus a few more) and a whole lot of really fun ones, such as bergamot, grape seed oil, algae & papaya extract, aloe, and lactic acid, which adds some really gentle exfoliating agents in the mix, as well as extra hydration (grape seed oil) and, of course, dead sea minerals.

This moisturizer says that its best for normal/dry skin, which I don't have, but I was pleasantly surprised by the way it felt on my skin. It looks really thick, yet absorbs super quickly. It doesn't feel heavy at all, which, I'll admit, was the only thing I was hesitant about before using this moisturizer, especially since it's designed for dryer skin types. Plus, the scent is quite lovely- in the jar, it smells a bit perfume-y, but on my face, it's ocean central. So, of course, being the sea fanatic that I am, I absolutely love that.

After a few days of use, my skin looked and felt moisturized and.. more clean, actually, probably due to the exfoliating agents and the fresh sea scent that I had been inhaling. Plus, no breakouts, which is always a good sign ;)

As for my sister's wedding, her makeup did look good and her face looked fresh the whole evening. However, my sister has really dry skin, and I almost would have preferred something heavier. Bear in mind that every face moisturizer for dry skin doesn't need to feel heavy at all- in fact, most would consider the fact that it absorbs quickly as an advantage, and I concur. However, as a makeup base for someone with really dry / mature skin, I would recommend something heavier if they're going for a dewy look.

Either way, I really do enjoy this product. See, Adovia, I knew I would love you guys! I'm looking forward to review more Adovia goods in the future. In the meantime, pick up your dead sea mineral face moisturizer here.  If you love the ocean, this cream should be essential!!

______________________________________________________________
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

Another Review: Cleopatra's Choice 100% Pure African Shea Butter

I'm sure you all have heard of shea butter.. haven't you? No? See, here goes the esthetician again, assuming that everyone has heard of shea butter because it's just so frigging awesome.

WHY is it so awesome though? Shea butter, which comes from the nuts of the karite shea trees in Africa, is a rich moisturizer, packed with essential fatty acids and a healthy dose of vitamins A and E. It is extremely hydrating and works wonders on dry skin. Because of the fatty acids and vitamins, it is also anti-aging and even works great as an anti-inflammatory, helping to heal minor burns and skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. It even helps to relieve sunburn! The American Shea Butter Institute (yes, it's a thing, you guys) actually lists 21 different conditions that shea butter will benefit, which you should definitely check out.

According to those shea lovers at Shea Butter Institute, it's super important to make sure you're purchasing raw, unrefined shea butter. "Raw shea butter maintains its therapeutic qualities and will keep your skin moist, whereas refined, processed shea butter loses almost all of its healing properties." Luckily, the shea butter that Cleopatra's Choice sent me is indeed 100% pure, unrefined, organic shea. So yeah, the real deal. 

This shea butter came in a clear, 16 oz tub that was packed full with shea butter. I've never actually played too much with raw shea butter before, although I had heard about it for so long, I would just use skincare products that contained it... so, when I opened the tub to reveal rock-hard shea butter filled to the brim, I couldn't help but think "..... hmmmmmmmm, but how do I use it?!" But, that actually waasn't too difficult! Shea butter is similar to solid coconut oil. Since it's so stock full of fatty acids and oils, it melts really quickly. Like, to the touch. I guess that's why you see so many pictures of shea butter that look like this..

as well as this: 

People like to use their knives and metal spatulas to spoon out as much shea butter as they need. It melts super quickly once it's in the palm of your hand, so don't worry, it's not as much of a pain in the butt as you may think. Alternatively, you can warm it up in the microwave for 15-25 seconds, depending on how intense your microwave is.

I should also mention that my tub of shea butter says that it is "ivory" color, as compared to "yellow." I had no idea what this meant, until I saw this cute little chart on Cleo's website that clarified this-- apparently, ivory shea butter is a bit softer than yellow shea butter. It also absorbs quicker and, therefore, is a much better option when it comes to using it as a hydrating tool. After doing a bit more research, I found that there really isn't much of a difference in the properties of ivory versus yellow shea butter (::sigh of relief), though apparently it can be processed a bit different. So, that's that, for you future shea butter fans. 

I applied the shea butter after showering, when my skin was moist and my pores were nice and soft and ready to absorb this fatty acid hydrating madness. Since the bathroom was already hot and steamy, the shea butter melted quickly. It did take a little bit more effort than slathering on a bottle of alcohol / water / filler filled moisturizing lotion, but.. come on. This has no fillers whatsoever, so it almost makes it more worthwhile that you have to work for the good stuff. It was almost more satisfying, in some sick way.

After covering my body with the raw shea, I instantly felt butter. My legs had especially been suffering with some dryness since I came back from my Mexico trip, and nothing seemed to really do the trick. After applying, my legs instantly looked and felt better. I've been using it ever since, and I've certainly noticed positive results.

Some people use shea butter as a scalp treatment or as a facial moisturizer. I personally haven't tried either, but I can say that I would never personally use pure shea butter on my face. In my opinion, it's too heavy for most skin types, and you're likely to break out or have a reaction after putting it on your delicate face, where the skin is more sensitive and thin than other areas of the body. However, as a scalp treatment, I say go for it. I also use it as a lip treatment, and it works beautifully, and I am very picky about my lip moisturizers.

I'm really happy that I was finally introduced to the world of raw, pure shea butter. It would work lovely as an ingredient in DIY home beauty treatments or for those clever people who make their own soaps and things. Plus, this heavy tub is going to last me a long time. I love the way it feels and makes my skin glow. I'd definitely recommend this and it's now going to be an essential in my bathroom during the cold, dry winter months.

You can purchase your own 1 pound tub of Cleopatra's Choice 100% Pure African Ivory Shea Butter for $16 (+ free shipping!) right now on amazon. I say, go for it. Those winter months are right around the corner (ugh, gag me).

______________________________________________________________
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

My Favorite Ever!!!: A Review of BareFaced Dead Sea Mud Mask

Having combination / oily, sensitive skin can be a little tricky. Most products for sensitive skin are geared towards those with normal / dry skin. Products made for oily skin often contain more "harsh" (for lack of a better word), potentially irritating ingredients that do help with oil control, but also can do a number on sensitive skin. So, yes, it can be really tricky to balance the two out with one skincare product. I often have to use about 5 different products to counteract the other.

However, I honestly was really excited when #Barefaced skincare offered to send me a tub of their dead sea mud facial mask to review. Seriously, I am all about using different types of clay and mud in my skincare. They're full of minerals (see pic below) and are super detoxifying. I picture them just yanking all of the toxins and dirt and debris from deep within the pores. With that being said, mud and clay are great for oily, acne-prone skin, and not necessarily the best idea for regular use if you have extremely dry skin. Though this mud mask in particular is a bit different and ideal as a mud mask for those with skin that's more on the dry side. Read on, chicas and chicos.

I received my sexy little package from Barefaced skincare and immediately opened the jar. Expecting my nostrils to fill with that potent, earthy smell that clays and muds naturally have, my nose was instead filled with scents of delight! Lavender! Lavender! Lavender! Annnnd... what else? Something else was there, but I couldn't quite place my finger on it. I peeked on the back of the container to glance at my beloved ingredients list... and boy, was I excited! The ingredients list is so short, I can actually type it. And I will!!

Ingredients: Dead sea mud, organic shea butter, hickory bark extract, organic sunflower oil, organic aloe vera juice, organic vegetable glycerin, organic lavender essential oil, organic eucalyptus essential oil, kaolin clay, non-GMO xanthan gum (helps keep the oil from separating), organic jojoba oil, organic calendula oil. 

Sooo good!!! Everything about this ingredients list really excites me. The shea butter, jojoba, and sunflower oils provide hydration, making this mud mask more ideal for those with normal / dry skin looking to attack breakouts and acne. The calendula, lavender, and aloe has soothing properties, ideal for sensitive skin types. Lavender and calendula also have anti-bacterial properties, providing additional acne-fighting tactics.

The texture of this product is more creamy than other mud masks that I have tried. In fact, I many mud masks come as a dry powder that require you to mix it with water before applying, which causes a huge mess (I say this from experience). I love that the Barefaced mask is ready-to-go, providing instant gratification, hydration, and detoxification for the skin. Applying the mask has a smooth, almost gel-like texture that glides right on the skin. It does require a bit more work to apply it evenly, as some bits do tend to need some smoothing out (I think this might be due to the shea butter in the product? Maybe the aloe vera? Just a guess). 

See? Not a powder. 

I can honestly say that I'm in love. Not to play favorites, but I really have to say that Barefaced dead sea mud mask is by far one of my most-loved skincare products I've had to review thus far. In fact, it's actually up there with my favorite skincare products period, and, trust me, as an esthetician, I've tried a lot. I'd love to have a lifetime supply of this product (hint, hint, Barefaced crew!)

You can purchased Barefaced Skincare dead sea mud mask here on amazon for $24.98 for a 6-oz jar. Bear (bare!?!? Ahahhaha, I crack myself up) in mind that the list price is almost $55 and that this product will last you a long time because you really don't need a lot for each application. Also, check this out!!!!!!!! You save $$$ if you purchase two masks at once! I am honestly totally jumping on this bandwagon. Getting a head start on christmas gifts, hi!

 

I really really really really REALLY hope that the saucy ladies and lads at Barefaced Skincare come out with other products. I, for one, would absolutely love to see them come out with more stuff. Wouldn't you?!?!?!



______________________________________________________________
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

Saucy Skincare Review: VoilaVe 100% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

A few months ago, I posted a review of Azure Natural's hyaluronic acid serum. A few months later, after trying so many other kinds of delicious hyaluronic acids, I'm going to give the dish on Voila Ve's low and high weight hyaluronic acid.

Why don't we recap on what hyaluronic acid is/does? Okay guys, here goes- It basically bathes between our skin cells, providing intense hydration deep in the epidermis. As we get older, of course, our hyaluronic acid production slows down (along with everythingggg elseeeeee). However, not to fret! We can help keep those dashing young looks by using hyaluronic acid topically! All we need to do is find some youthful, supple skin and suck the hyaluronic acid right out of them- easy enough, right? JUST KIDDING- that's some evil Disney witch stuff right there. We obtain it naturally, usually botanically, from pretty little plants. Such is the case with VoilaVe's hyaluronic acid.  Duh!

Hyaluronic acid comes in three different molecular weights- low, medium, and high. Basically, the lighter the hyaluronic molecule, the deeper into the skin it penetrates. Most skincare products that I've seen that contain hyaluronic acid don't specify the weight of the hyaluronic acid. Like, ever. This is just weird to me. For all we know, the "hydrating" hyaluronic acid that we're putting on our skin is literally just sitting on top, not penetrating at all. So, while it may help protect against environmental toxins, it isn't really hydrating at all!

You see, this is why I love the hyaluronic acid serum from #VoilaVe- because it contains both low and high weight hyaluronic acid. What does this mean?!!? It means that... those teeny little "low weight" hyaluronic acid molecules are penetrating into your skin, deep into the epidermal layers where the hydration is really needed. Think of it as "lubrication between the skin cells." And, that high weight hyaluronic acid? It's working as a warrior man, a shield for your skin. It spends its time standing guard on top of you skin, fighting left and right against environmental toxins, and trust me, there are so many of them. Note: this does not provide sun protection though! This is different, so please apply sun protection as well, layering your SPF on top of this serum after it has dried

I love this! Love love LOVE. I love the fact that I know my skin is being hydrated and protected at the same time. In addition, I adore the silky, smooth, gel-like texture of this product. It feels just lovely. For what its worth, I used this product twice a day while I was in Mexico, and I didn't break out once. And, I always break out when I go to Mexico. I hate it, but I've chosen to accept it. Until this time! This hyaluronic acid serum works like magic and I want it foreverrrrr.

They say that nobody is perfect and, while this serum pretty much seems like it is, there are a few "eh" kind of ingredients in the list. Though the list is short and sweet, it does contain phenoxyethanol, which can sometimes irritate the skin, as well as ethylhexylglycerin. Anyway, these ingredients are at the very end of this short list, so it's likely that the percentage is practically non-existent; however, it's my duty to tell you about these things, because, that's just who I am guys. Delivering the good news and the bad. However, this hyaluronic acid is like 99.99999999% good news and like .0000000000000000009 % bad (how's that for guesstimation).

You can purchase your super sweet bottle of VoilaVe hyaluronic acid serum right here on amazon. It's currently on sale for $24.95 (list price of $67.95), so snatch it up and experience the magic of low and high weight hyaluronic acid with me! Madd props to VoilaVe for not cheating on the hyaluronic strength here, like so many others have done!

Saucy Skincare Review: La Deesa Premium Anti-Aging Elixir

If you look through my blog, you'll see that, as of recent, I've been doing nothing but product reviews.. a bit monotonous maybe, but hey, girlfriend's in nursing school now. Within these product reviews, are a few of the same things over and over again. That is NOT a bad thing- in fact, I rather like reviewing multiple vitamin c serums, as I get to experience so many different textures and ingredient variety, plus I'm super excited for the future "best of vitamin c" blog review I'll eventually post.

With that being said, I was really excited when La Deessa sent me a bottle of their premium anti-aging elixir to try out. More than just a bottle of your typical 20% vitamin c with hyaluronic acid, these sexy ingredients are mixed with organic aloe and jojoba oil- oh my! If you're not sure of what these babies can do for you, let's recap: aloe- soothing, hydrating, wound healing. Jojoba oil- the most non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) of all oils, jojoba is gentle and hydrating, beneficial for all skin types. Wowza!

After doing a bit of research on La Deessa skincare, I found that their products are not only plant derived, 98% natural, and over 70% organic- they're also vegan, paraben/sulfate/phthalate/filler free. Meaning that it isn't full of crap. Meaning that it is like 99% awesome (ie., witch hazel, gotu kola, horsetail, dandelion, etc!)  and 1% seemingly questionable (note: carbomer, a synthetically made emulsion stabilizer that helps to mix stuff together) ingredients. Check out the ingredient list below!

Other cool facts about La Deessa, according to their website: their products are produced in an eco-friendly lab, in minimal packaging, with as many recycled materials as possible. Also, and this is important, "proceeds from the sale of every La Deessa product will go to fund a variety of community service projects on a yearly basis. Donations that may include support of youth related low-income community projects, animal compassion and reducing violence against women."

Super important. Super awesome. Super concentrated ingredients in an awesome vitamin-c elixir.

You can get your filler/phthalate/alcohol/paraben/sulfate free, vegan, animal/eco-friendly elixir that gives back to the environment on sale for $19.95 on amazon now! It's originally $79.95, so you could technically buy four bottles right now for the price you'd pay for one at regular retail value!

_________________________________________________________________________

And Who Doesn't Love Chocolate?! A Review of Freedom Superfoods Organic Raw Cacao Powder

Okay, so really though- who in their right minds doesn't love chocolate? Honestly. Take a moment. Breathe. Think about it. Do you know anyone that dislikes chocolate? I sure don't. So, obviously I was super pumped when #FreedomSuperfoods sent me a glorious bag of their raw, organic cacao powder.

Yes, you heard correctly- RAW. And ORGANIC! As if one wasn't good enough! This stuff is USDA certified organic and also is raw, basically meaning that it hasn't been processed or messed with too much. It's just the raw goodness that chocolate should be. Also, they get their cacao from small, sustainably run family farms in the rainforests of the Dominican Republic, which is then processed (minimally! Remember, it's raw) in an FDA approved facility. 

Also, it should be mentioned that cacao actually has a ton of health benefits! You probably have heard this before, especially as of late, as people have been getting a bit more crazy on the healthy chocolate wagon. Of course, this doesn't mean that you can eat a Hershey's bar and think that you're eating something healthy. Absolutely not, that stuff is uber processed and packed with sugar. Rather, non-processed, raw cacao such as this stuff is full of antioxidants and minerals, such as copper, magnesium, potassium, and iron. Consuming raw cacao in moderation has been shown to improve cholesterol, insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, diabetes, and even help prevent cardiovascular disease! Magical, I tell ya. 

Like I said, I was absolutely stoked when Freedom Superfoods sent me a bag of their yummy chocolate stuff.. but I was also a little confused. I would lay awake at night tossing and turning, wondering "oh, but just how will I use said cacao powder?!" Just kidding... but I did have to put some thought into it. Fortunately, when you order their cacao powder online, they're sweet enough to send you a cute little e-recipe book, filled with all sort of different recipes from raw cacao muffins to fudge brownies. I also found this cool link from the Mother Nature Network called "5 Ways to Add Raw Cocoa Powder To Your Diet," which will give you all sorts of ideas. 

I'm not much of a baker, but I am becoming a bit of a smoothie freak.. so, voila, there we have it. Cacao powder in my smoothies every day!? YUM!!! Here's what my recipe consisted of: 

- 2 tbsp cacao powder
- 1 banana, sliced (can be frozen or room temp) 
- 1/2 avocado (adds a creamy texture plus a decent amount of protein)
- 1 cup milk of your choice (I prefer unsweetened vanilla almond milk) 
- 1 tbsp raw honey (or sweeten to taste) 
- Pinch of sea salt

Of course, you can adjust the ingredients to your liking, but I found this to be sooo good. I had to stop myself from chugging it! 

I would definitely, definitely recommend treating yourself to a bag of this raw cacao powder. You can get a 16 oz bag for under $16 right here on amazon and they'll send you your free e-book less than a day after that! Hollaaaaaaaa. Chocolate lovers, rejoice!

_________________________________________________________________________
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... and who wouldn't recommend chocolate!?

Yummy Healthy Review: Organic BLACK Matcha Green Tea by MatchaDNA

A few months ago I wrote a short, yet sweet review for Kiss Me Organicas Green Matcha Tea Powder. I briefly discussed why matcha tea is better than other kinds of tea (more potent, way  more antioxidants, etc etc), yet how it always comes in a powder. Etc. Etc.

I never knew that BLACK matcha green tea existed!!! Until the lovely MatchaDNA sent me their very own bag of swiss certified organic (translate: better organic- European standards of "organic" are way higher than US standards) black matcha DNA (which is actually a blend of black and green matcha tea- yum!)

So, what is black matcha, you ask? Like green matcha, producing black matcha is a lengthier, more complex process than your typical teas out on the market. In fact, the matcha preparation begins nearly three weeks before harvested. The tea bushes are actually covered to avoid sunlight, thus slowing down the growth and resulting in more amino acids and turning the leaves a more potent color. The leaves are then dried and grinded... and, did you know that it can take one hour to grind just a small amount of matcha? Christ!

Okay... so, now that you know a teeny bit of history of matcha, it makes sense that this stuff is more potent than your cute little generic brand teas that you get from your local grocery store. In fact, these bitches are higher in caffeine than a cup of coffee (!!) and provide up to ten times the antioxidants and vitamins than a regular cup of tea. Go freaking figure. It's like a magical potion in a cup of awesomeness.

Since this black matcha tea is also powdered, it does tend to settle to the bottom of the cup, which can be a little frustrating for some people, depending on their level of patience. It's a good idea to have a mini whisk as you drink your hot cup of deliciousness. This tea does also have a bitter flavor naturally- I like to make it as a hot latte with soy milk and honey, whisk in hand ;)

If you're super impatient and are more of a "frappucino" type of girl, I'd recommend making this as a smoothie. It blends a lot better this way too, and you don't need to carry your little whisk with you. Mix a few tablespoons of the black matcha powder with your preference of milk, a couple of ice cubes, and some sweetener (I prefer raw honey or this amazing organic yacon syrup that comes from Peru). It also works great in baking, too! I've seen some mean recipes for matcha sugar cookies!

Whatever your fancy, you can get this awesome bag of black matcha tea on amazon, here. Right now it's on sale for $14.99! Pretty amazing price, for this bag of magic.

__________________________________________________
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.

The Wonderful World of Tea Tree Oil

Does everyone know what tea tree oil is? See, I have the tendency to assume that everyone does because I'm obsessed with it and its oh-so popular here in the esthetics world. However, I must remember that I do NOT live in my own bubble (as much as I would like to), so I'll make a point to tell you about all the badass stuff tea tree oil can do.

Tea tree oil comes from the tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, which is native to Australia (those Aussies have everything, don't they? Rawr!) It has a looooong history of medicinal use, used to treat a number of ailments- from colds and upper respiratory infections to healing wounds and killing fungus.

Tea tree oil is antifungal and antibacterial. The scent is very strong, as this stuff is potent, so you certainly don't want to overuse it or put it directly on open wounds or abrasions. The scent is.. well, medicine-like. Refreshing. Almost "mint" like, since there's really no other way to describe it, besides...tea tree oil. Put some on your finger and you're sure to feel- and smell- the oil doing its job. Put some in your mouth and you'll be regretting it (don't do it!)

Seeeee? It says not to apply to cuts or abrasions :-D

Since this stuff is so so potent, its really important not to overuse it. A few drops is totally sufficient if you're going to use it as a treatment. So.. what kind of treatments can you use it for? Ummm, everything??!? From yeast infections to acne to scalp problems to colds and sore throats. Sooooooo, how do you use it!?

Okay, well, since I've been using tea tree oil for a while, I'll explain some of the ways I have used it. If I am experiencing some dandruff or scalp issues (which oftentimes are due to an overgrowth of yeast anyway, btwwwwwww), I'll throw JUST A FEW DROPS of tea tree oil into my shampoo and massage it into my scalp. Leave on for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. And, I really must stress the JUST A FEW DROPS thing... one time I was trying out that god-awful "conditioner only" cleansing thing for my hair and my scalp got outta control. Out of desperation (and the cleansing thing  that was recommended by a friend who did NOT stress how potent this stuff was- gotta love the estheticians that forget that you actually sometimes have to EXPLAIN this stuff!) I poured a bunch of tea tree oil on my head. Annnnnnnnnnd, let me tell you... my scalp had NEVER, EVER looked worse in its life. A few days later, my scalp literally just started falling off of my head. It. Was. AWFUL!! Do NOT do that, but don't let it scare you either- tea tree oil can work wonders, and its great that you need so little of it! Apothecary Extracts sent me this bottle of tea tree oil that'll last for a year, I'm sure.

What else do I use it for? Breakouts. Mmhmm. They say not to apply the tea tree oil directly onto the blemish... I do. It has never caused any problems for me personally, and I have a few friends who do the same thing that don't have any issues either. BUT,  use with caution of course. I'll just apply a drop or two of oil directly onto the cursed area. I do this twice a day, until the blemish goes away. Works pretty well!

You can really use tea tree oil in sooooo many things. It's kind-of magical. In fact, I just found this awesome site that lists 80 different uses of tea tree oil and how to use it.You can add a few drops to your cleaning supplies, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. I make my own homemade facial toner with  tea tree oil. Wanna know what's in it?

Erin's Apparently Awesome Facial Toner / Spritzer
(best suited for combination / oily skin types)

- 1 four-once spritzer bottle / pump container
- Fill up 3/4 with distilled water
- Add 3-4 drops tea tree oil  (if your skin is really oily, add 4.. if normal, add 3)
- Add about a pump of hyaluronic acid  (I like VoilaVe's low and high weight hylauronic, which you can buy here).
- Add a dollop of fresh aloe vera juice

Voila! This toner works great to help kill bacteria and breakouts (tea tree oil), soothe (aloe vera), and hydrate (hyaluronic acid). Since the aloe and hyaluronic acid is thicker, it does tend to settle on the bottom. Shake well before applying.

The point, you guys, is that you really should have a bottle of tea tree oil in  your medicine cabinet at all times. In fact, I sometimes think that most people do.. do they? Anyway, Apothecary Extracts' tea tree oil is straight-up, potent tea tree oil that'll last you a loooong time. A four once bottle plus recipe book normally sells for $28, but right now they have a sale going on at amazon. Get it here!

Just, remember not to overuse :)
 

__________________________________________________
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.

The Infamous Retinol... A Review For Azure Naturals Ultimate Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Serum

I LOVE Azure Naturals. I think they are the sweetest, coolest company and, of course, I absolutely dig that their products are totally concentrated with all sorts of fun stuff that works wonders for your skin. (see my review for their hyaluronic acid serum here). Their retinol anti-wrinkle serum didn't fail either. Read on..

Retinol, retinol, retinol. I hear sooo much about retinol, that I almost grow tired of it. HOWEVER, it's for good reason that retinol is loved by so many skin care professionals and clients alike. Retinol was first developed in the 1950's , I believe. Since then, skincare companies haven't quite found an ingredient that really works just as well, if not better, than retinol. Its absolutely WONDERFUL for firming skin, evening out skin tone, and ridding the skin of blemishes. Seriously. It is THE magical ingredient for young, acne prone skin and aging skin alike.

Unfortunately, many retinol products cause quite a bit of sensitivity and irritation. So much that you can seriously injure yourself if you are using retinol and then go to the spa and demand an uber deep TCA peel, for example (this is why we ask you guys things like this! There's a REASON! We're not just doing it to be annoying!)

However, Azure Naturals' retinol serum is pretty amazing, resulting in nothing but benefits in my skin. Increased firmness, even skin tone, and less blemishes? Yes. Welllllllll... except maybe the even skin tone, BUT THAT'S ONLY BECAUSE I WAS IN MEXICO IN 90 DEGREE HEAT AND UBER STRONG SUN THAT PRETTY MUCH MURDERED MY BACK. Besides, it left me with some kinda cute freckles, and I'm okay with that for now. No retinol could have battled that. Check out my awkward, sorta-sunkissed-and-no-makeup-but-still-looking-great-thanks-to-Azure-Naturals forced selfie!

Ahhh, and on to the ingredients list for this lovely magical potion: like the hyaluronic acid serum that I told you about, this serum also contains the "organic herbal infusion" as their FIRST ingredient (I LOVEEEE when companies don't list "water" or "alcohol" as the first ingredient!! SOOOOO much more potent and fabulous!). Following the herbal infusion, we have organic aloe, hyaluronic acid, and witch hazel. Woooo!!! Basically, what we have here is a buncha yummy stuff that will soothe and hydrate the skin, as well as kill bacteria. "Buttt... where's the retinol?!" you ask? Well, like I said, retinol is pretty potent stuff. If it were listed as the #1 ingredient, well... I think I would be experiencing some of those potential side effects I was telling you about. However, Azure Natural's retinol contains 2.5% retinol. A pretty good number for everyday use, I might add.

The texture of this serum is similar to the previous one I've used by them- a nice, lightweight gel serum that absorbs very quickly. It feels refreshing and absolutely lovely during these warm summer months. I apply it every evening, after washing and toning and I'm definitely seeing results.

It's nice to see a safe, potent retinol serum that's actually filled with botanical goodness- not alcohol based and petroleum crap like so many of the other retinols out there. Do yourselves a favor and purchase this badass beauty in a bottle right here.

____________________________________________
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.

Saucy Skincare Review: Adovia Exfoliating Facial Sea Salts

Okay, guys, I'm back after an absolutely necessary mini backpacking trip through southern Mexico. I think it was like my fifth time down there, and it was magical as usual. 

So, of course I'm WAY behind in writing my product reviews on this bloggy blog. We'll start with the ever-so-popular Adovia Exfoliating Facial Sea Salts. 

Now, do we really need to go into how important exfoliation is? I have worked on so many clients who just don't seem to understand how important it really, really is! I could babble on like I usually do, but I'm just determined to put it in a nutshell here: So, dead skin cells (keratin) gradually get pushed up from the deeper layers of the skin to the outermost layers (oh haiiii, stratum corneum!!) Dead skin needs to be removed, as buildup can clog pores and leave a dull appearance (boooo!). So, exfoliating helps to clear out the pores, as well as slough off those dead skin cells. Exfoliating regularly (three times a week or so, depending on skin type, conditions, etc) will have dramatic effects on the skin, resulting in a brighter, clearer complexion (dat glow, tho!). 

Of course, there are soooooooooooooo many different types of exfoliators. Some have granules, so you feel that grittiness while exfoliating. Some are acidic. The #Adovia brand, however, is straight-up sea salt. Like, no, really, straight-up. Ingredients: Fine grain dead sea salt. That's what it says. That's it. Which is nice, because we obviously know that there aren't crap and fillers in it. 

This ever-so-complicated product (joking, duh) is actually in a huge container- 12.3 oz, causing me to double-check and make sure that this isn't a body exfoliator. Nope, definitely says facial exfoliator. The container is short and wide with a twist-off cap..beneath the cap lies all of those fine granules of dead sea salt in their glory.. but wait, what? Ugh. I actually DO NOT LIKE THIS AT ALL. Salt dissolves when wet, and this product doesn't come with a scoop or anything. It makes the product super vulnerable to damage and mess. I'd definitely recommend using a DRY wooden spatula or little spoon to scoop out your desired amount, in order to avoid wasting product or causing a mess. 

Note: Keep in mind that, the more product you use, the more of an exfoliation you're going to get. I would recommend using very little at first. Why? Read on.

Ughhhh... I mean, really? What a mess waiting to happen :(

The product itself... well, I have oily, sensitive skin... let's pay attention to the SENSITIVE part here. First, I tried mixing the salt with plain tap water after cleansing. No me gusta, I don't like this at all. I felt like it just kinda stuck in one place on my skin and I didn't get an even exfoliation. So, I tried mixing it with a bit of my foaming gel cleanser. This created a much more even, slippery exfoliation, but.. it hurt.. yeah.. remember, sensitive skin? I felt like the granules were scratching my skin.  After examining the little granules a bit, they do look pretty sharp- imagine what that's doing to your delicate layers of skin?

I'm not gonna lie, my skin did feel pretty smooth afterward and I kinda loved the taste of salt that inevitably landed in my mouth as I rinsed my face (but I also wear contact lenses, soo.....). However, I must strongly suggest that this product be used intermittently- don't use this thing every day. I tend to do a bit of research for every one of these product reviews, and I remember reading somewhere that this product was more of a manual microdermabrasion. I really must suggest to Adovia that they change their packaging to reflect this, as I would definitely consider this product as more of a microdermabrasion than an exfoliator- it's just too harsh for everyday use.

Now, that's not to say that this isn't a lovely product. The general public seems to absolutely love this product, and I actually only recall reading one "ehhh" review who had feedback similar to mine (of course, the general public aren't all licensed estheticians, but we also all have different likes and dislikes- whatever floats your boat). Also, bear in mind that skin types vary significantly between individuals.. I am a fair skinned white chick...I have sensitive, thin skin. Someone with thicker, less sensitive skin may be able to tolerate this product much better than me. And, shucks, they probably will. PLUS it will last them FOREVER- this container is HUGE!!!

Adovia seems to be a pretty badass brand and I really hope to be able to try other products of theirs in the future. Everyone is raving about them. I mean, EVERYONE. I'm bummed that I can't rave about them so much in this review, but I fully intend on doing so in the future. I have faith, you guys.

You can purchase Adovia's Exfoliating Sea Salts right here on amazon. Do it! You'll love the ocean taste that already makes me homesick for Mexico! And, check out Adovia's whole line here! They're supposed to be AMAZING.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
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.