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!

The Luxury of Beauty Oils: A Review of Beautyoils.co's Camellia Oil

Let me tell you, I have been dying to try one of the many oils by Beautyoils.co. It's all these guys sell- various oils for, well, duh.. beauty! Hemp seed oil, pomegranate oil, you name it. So, when they sent me a bottle of their camellia oil to check out, ya best bet I was nothing less than PUMPED.

I've heard of camellia oils, flowers, and extracts as an ingredient in many moisturizers and face masks, but I've never actually used a camellia oil before. Furthermore, I didn't know all that much about camellia oil. I just know that I sorta mix it up with chamomile (they're two completely different things).

Camellia oil comes from the beautiful flower of the same name. Native to Japan, the Japanese initially starting using this as a cooking oil. Eventually, they began to notice the many beauty benefits this oil holds. It's rich in omega 9, polyphenols, vitamins, and plant proteins. Furthermore, the molecular structure of this gorgeous oil is similar to the skin, making it very easy to penetrate and absorb- without clogging the pores.

I love Beautyoils.co's simple yet chic label design- see the pic below. Every one of their fancy little numbers come in a bottle that looks exactly like this. No bullshit, all pure. Love it. Plus, their camellia oil is cold pressed, making it less processed and 100% camellia. The only thing I dislike is that this 1 oz bottle actually comes in plastic. It is dark amber, which is important to prevent early spoilage- however, plastic is more porous.

Either way, I do like this stuff. Beautyoils.co encourage its customers to either use the oil straight, or mix it up with a few other oils to create your own little beauty oil- how fun! Love this idea. I've been experimenting with a few different varieties, mixing a few drops of the camellia oil with grapeseed oil and rosehip oil. I apply this concoction to my face and neck every night and wake up with the most luxurious glow! Also, beautyoils.co offers their oils in a variety of sizes, making it super convenient and basically like a one-stop shop to create your own DIY beauty oil lab. ::drool.

Overall, I love this product and I am so excited to try other oils by beautyoils.co- the pomegranate and hemp seed oils are on the top of my list.

You can purchase a 1 oz bottle of beautyoils.co's camellia oil for only $9.95 right here.

A Double Whammy Review of Two Products by Oz Naturals- Retinol Serum and Ocean Mineral Facial Toner

Truth be told, I've tried a number of different products by OZ Naturals and have loved every one of them. When they sent me a bottle of their retinol serum and their facial toner, I was, of course, excited to try each of them.

OZ Naturals is based out of Florida and was started by a licensed esthetician (like me! There's hope for met yet!) Here's what they have to say about themselves:

OZ Naturals products are backed by science, while utilizing the power of nature. We’re setting a new standard for the skin care and anti-aging industry.

OZ Naturals is committed to the highest formulation standards, using only natural and organic active ingredients. Our product formulations undergo extensive clinical testing, and always over-deliver on their claims. OZ Naturals products are produced in smaller batches, under secure and sterile conditions in an FDA certified facility, to ensure optimal potency and freshness.

Made in the USA, our skincare line has quickly become a trusted brand for those looking for highly effective products that deliver outstanding results.

Pretty basic. Pretty good. Like many current skincare lines, they tend to focus on natural skincare that truly works- which might mean adding a few not natural ingredients here and there. And I'm okay with that. After all, this is 2015. With today's technology, we're able to make products work better when used in conjunction with other ingredients that may or may not be limited to natural ingredients only.

First, let's discuss OZ's ocean mineral tonic. Lately, it seems like most toners are moving towards a spray bottle type packaging. This is because its refreshing, easy to use, plus  you can throw it in your bag and use it throughout the day. Many of these toners are supposed to be wonderful makeup setters, so you can spray it over your makeup later on in the day to help freshen things up. OZ's facial toner is not exception.

Here's what they say about their toner:

This toner is a dermatologist grade skin treatment, and is intended to be used as the base layer for your serums and moisturizer. Spray face, neck, and decollete both morning and night...and anytime in between as a highly effective, anti-aging refresher!

This tonic spray also prepares skin for makeup application, and should be used throughout the day to refresh the skin and makeup as well.

The active ingredients in this spray will heal and restore on their own, as well as support a synergistic relationship with anything layered on top of it. Organic sulfur acts as a healing solvent, driving ingredients deep into your cells and creating permeability, for nutrients to move in and toxins to move out.

Glycolic acid, amino acids, ocean minerals, vitamin c, and active plant extracts work miracles with dry, sun damaged skin.

This treatment spray is results driven. Expect to see results within the first seven days of DAILY use.

Full Ingredients List:

Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Ocean Minerals, Deionized Aqua (Water), Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe Vera), Glycolic Acid, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), aprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Crithmum Maritimum Extract (Sea Fennel Wax), Matrixyl 3000, Silk Protein Amino Acid Blend (Sodium L-Pyrrolidone Carboxylate, Sodium Lactate, L'Arginine, L-Aspartic Acid, L-Pyrrolidonecarboxylic Acid, Glycine, L-Alanine, L-Serine, L-Valine, L-Proline, L-threonine, L-Isoleucine, L-Histidine, L-Phenylalanine), Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Colloidal Silver, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Oil), Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber Hydrosol), Wildcrafted Panax Ginseng (Ginseng), Wildcrafted Ginkgo Biloba (Ginkgo), Organic Glycyrrhiaz Glabra (Licorice), Organic Matricaria Recutita (Chamomile), Organic Altahaea Officinalis (Marshmallow), Organic Echinacea Purpurea (Echinacea), Organic Calendula Officinalis (Calendula), Organic Viola Tricolor (Violet), Organic Spilanthes Acmella (Spilanthes), Wildcrafted Stellaria Media (Chickweed), Organic Sambucus Nigra (Elder Flower)

Long list.. but not awful. Witch hazel helps to remove dirt and debris that may be left on the skin after cleansing.. plus, it's an astringent, so its good with preventing breakouts. Ocean minerals are our second ingredient, which is nice and refreshing. Other great ingredients include vitamin c, ginseng, cucumber, green tea, licorice extract (helps with brightening), elderflower, and a ton of other delicious herbs. It also includes our fun, familiar properties such as matrixyl 3000, MSM, and aloe. Yum!

I do like that this product comes in a spray bottle because its super easy. However, there's a small part of me that misses using a traditional toner, one that I need to spread on a cotton pad and wipe around my face. I know, I know.. I'm sort of wasting product by placing it on the cotton. SO TRUE. However, I don't know.. there's something really satisfying in seeing the dirt on the cotton pad afterwards. Whatever, its not like I can't still do the cotton ball thing.

The spray is nice, short spurts, making it incredibly difficult to overuse this product, which I love. The scent.. is not the best, but not the worst either. I don't know. I think it smells like witch hazel and ocean minerals for sure, which maybe just isn't the best smell.

After using this product for a few weeks, I'm very much into it. The glycolic acid and witch hazel do a great job of toning my skin and preventing breakouts. I'm not super into using this product at night, however. At night, I prefer a more hydrating toner.

Overall, this product is wonderful for daily use. It will work wonders during the summer time. Over the winter months, I make sure to hydrate my skin well afterwards, or use a hydrating toner at night.

You can purchase OZ Natural's facial toner mist for $17.49 for a 4 ounce bottle here on amazon.

And now!! Onto the lovely retinol serum..

Which I am definitely, definitely all about. I have used loads and loads of different retinol serums and lotions. Some work, some I don't notice the difference. Some feel weird, some feel heavy. THIS ONE IS PERFECT. It is a thicker, gel-like consistency than other retinol serums I have tried, and it absorbs super quickly. Plus, it has astaxanthin in it to help with hyperpigmentation. hat the heck is astaxanthin? Right, I had to google that too.. it's actually a carotenoid found in shellfish (whoa, right!? Wasn't expecting that). This may come as a disappointment to you vegans and vegetarians out there. I know, I'm sorry, but I have to be honest about the ingredients! Anyway, its supposed to be amazing with sun damage and hyperpigmentation. To read more about astaxanthin, check out this Huffington Post article about its benefits.

Gotta love OZ for making their ingredients list readily available:

deinonized aqua (water), organic aloe barbadeniss leaf (aloe), cassia angustifolia seed polysacchardie (botanical hyaluronic acid), hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel), pentylene glycol, phospholipids, retinol, polysorbate 20, potassium phosphate, hydroxyethyl cellulose, organic simmondsia chinensis (jojoba oil), triticum vulgare (wheat germ oil), astaxanthin, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), organic camellia sinensis (green tea), wildcrafted resina propoli (propolis), organic centella asiatica (gotu kola extract),organic equisetum arvense (horsetail extract), organic taraxacum officinale (dandelion) extract, organic geranium maculatum (wild geranium) extract, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, ethyl hexyl glycerin.

So, this retinol serum still contains your standard 2.5% retinol, but also contains loads of other great stuff, including our now infamous astaxanthin. Other key ingredients include wild geranium, aloe, hyaluronic acid (to help hydrate! YAY!), wheat germ oil, green tea, gotu kola, horsetail, and dandelion.

Again, all about this serum. Like, probably my favorite retinol serum thusfar. You can purchase it on amazon for $24.99.

The Joy of Clay: A Review of Majestic Pure Cosmecuticals' Sodium Bentonite Clay

Mud! Clay! I knew there was always a good reason why I used to love getting myself dirty when I was little. And it's because all this fun stuff is actually super good for you! The lovely Majestic Pure Cosmeceuticals sent me a container of their amazing sodium bentonite clay powder and I'm seriously all about it.

Some of you have probably heard about how good clay is for the skin. What you may not know is that there are many different types of clay, each containing their own unique mineral deposits and benefits. While most clays are known for their cleansing, detoxifying properties, I was surprised to hear that the type of clay featured in this container- calcium bentonite- is actually way more detoxifying than the ever popular sodium bentonite clay. In fact, I didn't even know there was much of a difference.

With that being said, let's see what else MPC has to say about their clay- which is a lot:

PURE Indian Healing Clay from WYOMING, USA - Premium Quality - No Additives

Excellent for Face Skin Care:  

Deep Skin Pore Cleansing, Detoxifying And Revitalization. Works on Oily and sensitive skin as well. Clay makes a fabulous facial mask, for shrinking pores, tightening and toning skin, removing impurities, and just making your skin look and feel great.

PREMIUM QUALITY THERAPEUTIC GRADE CLAY: Sodium Bentonite has a electromagnetic properties making it very absorbent and helpful for drawing out Metals and Toxins. Clay baths and foot soaks draw toxins from the skin and through the pores

SOOTHING SKIN: Helps to sooth and heal including cuts, bruises, insect bites, bee stings etc

In recent times, healing clays like Bentonite Clay have once again been gaining popularity for Detoxification, and for good reasons.

What is Bentonite Clay?

“Bentonite, also referred to as Montmorillonite, is one of the most effective and powerful healing clays. Bentonite can be used externally as a clay poultice, mud pack or in the bath and, in skin care recipes. A good quality Bentonite should be a grey/cream color and anything bordering “pure white” is suspect. It has a very fine, velveteen feel and is odorless and non-staining. Bentonite Clay is composed of aged volcanic ash. The name comes from the largest known deposit of Bentonite Clay located in Fort Benton, Wyoming.

 What Does it do?

Bentonite Clay is a unique clay due to its ability to produce an “electrical charge” when hydrated. Upon contact with fluid, its electrical components change, giving it the ability to absorb toxins. Bentonite is known for its ability to absorb and remove toxins, heavy metals, impurities, and chemicals. “Bentonite is a swelling clay. When it becomes mixed with water it rapidly swells open like a highly porous sponge. From here the toxins are drawn into the sponge through electrical attraction and once there, they are bound.”  Bentonite clay carries a strong negative charge which bonds to the positive charge in many toxins. When it comes in contact with a toxin, chemical, or heavy metal, the clay will absorb the toxin and release it’s mine


Plus, here are some fun directions they left us with:

Directions

For Face Masks: Using bowls, mix one (1) ounce (scoop) of clay powder to four (4) parts pure filtered water (spring water is good) Add water or clay to create a sour creme like consistency. let sit covered for a minimum of 30 minutes. Wash face and then use fingers or brush to coat face 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Leave on 5 min. (dry skin) to 20 min. (oily skin.) Wash off with warm water (in shower is easiest) and immediately use high quality natural facial moisturizer.

For Hair Masks: Section your hair into four sections using plastic clamps to separate your hair. Apply the clay to your hair as if it was a relaxer — expect you also apply it to your scalp. Let the clay sit on your hair for 20-25 minutes, but do not let it harden. (If it hardens, it will be harder to remove from your hair.) Rinse out the clay with warm water. Take care to ensure that all of the clay is removed from the hair.

The Nitty Gritty:

Love Love LOVE this stuff!! I have used calcium bentonite clay before and, while it works pretty well, it was super difficult to dissolve when mixed. It was gunky and lumpy and just really annoying and messy. So, I was initially not looking forward to use this stuff, thinking that it would do the same thing, but.. it so didn't! This stuff actually dissolves super easily, and it does leave a velvety smooth consistency that feels super nice applying to the skin!

I used a scoop of this stuff as MPC suggested, but found it to be way too much... in fact, it was enough for probably 4-5 facial applications. So, keep that in mind for next time. What I love about these clay powder things (like, everything!) is that they give room to play around. So, I added some fresh aloe vera juice and a few drops of lavender essential oil for aromatherapy.

I have to admit that I probably only left this on my face for 15 minutes or so (oops, someone didn't read the directions). Still, I noticed an awesome difference in my skin. After rinsing, I spritzed on some toner and applied a good hydrating moisturizer. After all, this stuff detoxifies, so it's pulling all sorts of stuff out of your skin. Don't want it to dry it out.

I am all about purchasing this product. It's super cheap ($12.95 for 16 ounces!) and will last forever. The benefits alone are so, so worth it. I'd recommend using this product once a week for the most benefits, but of course, decrease the frequency if you experience any dryness (but make sure you're moisturizing!)

Majestic Pure Cosmeceuticals is impressing the heck outta me with all this yummy stuff they've been coming out with! You can purchase their sodium bentonite clay here on amazon.

 

Jeffen's I Am Radiant Anti-Aging Facial Serum: A Review

I'm all about this stuff. I'm really am. If it's not just for the chic, eco-friendly-looking label that they slapped onto this bad boy, this vitamin c / hyaluronic acid / rosehip seed oil / etc anti-aging serum is simply, amazing.

Here's what Jeffen has to say about their I AM RADIANT serum:

Take the years off and empower your beauty
You’re unique and beautiful, but is your skin not reflecting it? Repair your skin to become radiantly alive again with our exclusive 3x Affirming system. Formulated with proven natural anti-aging ingredients of: revitalizing Vitamin C, moisturizing Argan Oil, and vegan Hyaluronic Acid.


* Helps you naturally look as young as you feel with our 3x Affirming System.
* Compatible with all skin types. (sensitive skin included)
* Instantly moisturizes and protects.
* Lightweight, with no greasy residue.
* Daily positive empowerment for your beautiful state of mind.
* Luxury spa formula endorsed by herbalists and estheticians.
* High standards in quality – safe, natural, organic, and vegan.
* Amber glass bottle extends shelf life. (saving you money)

Key ingredients include not only vitamin c, argan oil, and hyaluronic acid, but also aloe vera and geranium oil. Unfortunately, I cannot find the full ingredients list... booooo!!!

This serum comes in a 1 oz dark amber glass bottle- again, remember this helps to prevent contamination and oxygenation. Basically,it'll last longer in these kinds of bottles. You need to shake up the serum before use, as some of the contents like to make their way to the top. No biggie, no problem!! The serum is very thin- which is great, because that means you can use very little to apply to your whole face.

After using this serum for just a few weeks, my face seemed to have an all-over brighter glow. Plus, the vitamin c doesn't dry out my skin at all, since it has these moisturizing properties!

This is probably the best vitamin c serum I've used yet and will likely re-purchase. I encourage you to try it out! Oh, also- they donate $1 of every purchase to children's school supplies and literacy programs. Hell yeah!

You can purchase Jeffen's I AM RADIANT serum for $29.99 for a 1 oz bottle.

What The Eff is Fractionated Coconut Oil Anyway? A Review of a Few Different Kinds of Fractionated Coconut Oil Goodness

When I first got the option to review fractionated coconut oil, I too was like... what. I mean, of course I know what coconut oil is- it's rich and yummy and full of good fats that help moisturize your body.. and its great for cooking. But, fractionated? What? 

It appears that fractionated coconut oil seems to be gaining in popularity, especially as a luxurious beauty product. Majestic Pure Cosmecuticals and Pure Body Naturals each sent me a bottle of their own glorious coconut oil. 

Although the idea behind fractionated coconut oil is the same, let's give Majestic Pure Cosmeceuticals credit where credit is deserved.. here's what they have to say about fractionated coconut oil:

Fractionated coconut oil is a fraction of the coconut oil from which almost all the long chain triglycerides are removed, thus leaving mainly the medium-chain triglycerides and making it an absolutely saturated oil. This saturation gives it a very long shelf life and greatly increased stability. In addition, fractionating raises the comparative concentration of Capric acid and Caprylic acid, thus giving it more of antioxidant and disinfecting effect.

-Premium quality, 100% Pure and Natural Fractionated Coconut Oil

-Odorless, Colorless and no greasy Feelings

-Does not stain and easily washes out of clothing and sheets

-Does not become solid like regular coconut oil but keeps all the great properties

-It has very long shelf life.

Method:

For this, hydrolysis of coconut oil is first carried out. Then, the product is passed through steam distillation to obtain the fractionated coconut oil. The result is a thin oil full of medium-chain triglycerides.

Researching the difference was definitely worth it- knowing that this oil has a much longer shelf life is awesome, for those of us that don't use coconut oil every day. Plus, it makes it more saturated, and it has more antioxidants and is therefore more disinfecting than regular coconut oil. 

To me, this makes fractionated coconut oil a better option for use as a beauty / wellness product- for moisturizing the body and for using on wounds and burns. I wouldn't use this so much for cooking, though. 

After using this oil for a few weeks, I am absolutely loving this stuff. Plus, I conveniently received this product just after getting tattooed and it was an absolute godsend. I definitely feel that it sped up the healing process. 

I have a feeling that fractionated coconut oil is about to become much, much more popular. Jump on the bandwagon now, before everyone else does- you can purchase an entire 16 oz bottle of Magestic Pure Cosmeceuticals' fractionated coconut oil on amazon for only $14.95-   a great price for such a potent product. If you're looking to try out a few different brands, Pure Body Cosmecetucials fractionated coconut oil is just $14.45 for a decent sized bottle that will last you forever. I'd certainly do it up. I mean, after all.. I'm curious to know how my skin would look if I exclusively used these oils only for a few years. 

 

Ah, More Vita C: A Triple Review of Jeffen, Naturalico & Clarigenic's Vitamin C Serum

I've written what feels like endless reviews on vitamin c serum and the loves that it does (if that even makes sense). To recap.. vitamin c is a great antioxidant, helping to protect the skin against environmental damage and free radicals. It's also a wonderful nutrient for the skin (duh). But, in addition, vitamin c helps to even out skin tone and leave the skin with a lovely glow.

Nowadays, since vitamin c is super hot on the skincare market, most vitamin c serums seem to be combined with other yummy ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin e.. which is the case with the vitamin c serums that I'm reviewing today: One, by Clarigenics. The second, by Naturalico (love that name!) Last but not least is a vitamin c serum with argan oil (oo la la) by Jeffer. Since there are many similarities in all of these serums, I'm going to talk about them collectively, then I'll point out things that stand out in any of them.

Okay, so each of these comes in a dark colored, glass dropped bottle. Which is great, because it helps prevent oxygenation and overuse of the product. All three of these serums are pretty thin, so you don't need much to cover your entire face. I use 5 drops or so.

In addition, all three of these serums contain 20% of vitamin c- the pretty standard amount for an everyday vitamin c serum. They also all contain hyaluronic acid, which will add some extra hydration and plumpage.

Jeffen's vitamin c serum- cleverly called "I Am Radiant," actually contains argan oil, adding even more hydration and anti-aging properties. Out of all of the vitamin c serums I have used, I have never seen one with argan oil. I love this and reserve this product for my nightly vitamin c serum. The label of this one is super cool and chic, too. Also, I like to shake this product up a bit before using it, so all of the ingredients mix together. You can purchase Jeffen's vitamin c serum for $19.95 for a 1 oz bottle.

Naturalico's vitamin c serum also contains some gorgeous ingredients, such as green tea, rosehip oil, sea buckthorn oil, and plant stem cells, making this serum also pretty potent and extra hydrating, due to the rosehip oil. Also I am seeing more and more sea  buckthorn oil in skincare products and am super intrigued by it. Not only is the name super fun, but I think I read somewhere that its super amazing for your skin. I'll have to research this. You can purchase a bottle of Naturalico's delicious serum for $18.88.

Clarigenic's vitamin c serum also contains some fun ingredients, such as ferulic acid, jojoba oil, aloe vera, and witch hazel, making this serum a better option for those that don't need quite as much hydration. A 1 oz bottle of Clarigenic's vitamin c serum is only $21.97 on amazon.

All in all, this is a trio of three wonderful vitamin c serums... and they're all super affordable, in my own opinion. Since you only need 5 drops to cover your entire face, these babies will last foreverrrrr. Plus, the potent ingredients are sure to have a positive effect on your skin. Vavoom, baby.

Under Eye Gel Triple Whammy: A Review of True Skincare, Yelmeh Beauty, and Pure Body Natural's Eye Gels

As some of you may know, I'm a bit "eh" on eye gel. Don't get me wrong, the concept is great, plus the gel has a cooling effect on the eyes, which feels awesome. I love layering a heavier cream on top of the eye gel for added "oomph." Unfortunately, many of the eye gels I've tried end up flaking off later on in the day, which is, of course, no bueno.

Today we're getting a little crazy on the eye gel reviews, because I have three, count em- three- eye gels to review: In review order, by Pure Body Naturals, True Skincare (I can't find a website for them), and Yalmeh Peerless Beauty. So, lets get to it, huh?

Recently, I've reviewed a number of things by Pure Body Naturals, who seem to carry an array of various products, from skincare products to essential oils. Their eye gel came in a large, airless pump bottle- all 1.7 oz of it, which is pretty large for an eye product. Here's what they have to say about their Ultra Youth eye gel:

Pure Body Naturals ULTRA YOUTH EYE GEL - HYDRATES AND RADIATES FOR YOUTHFUL SKIN-Our product has been formulated to restore your skin to perfection by rejuvenating, enriching and moisturising the skin so it is not only smooth and firm, but vibrant and filled with moisture with the use of Matrixyl 3000 and Plant Stem Cells to reinforce the skin and prevent eye bags and wrinkles.

STOPS DARK CIRCLES AND WRINKLES, REDUCES PUFFINESS, AND REVERSES SYMPTOMS OF AGING- Our product is known to protect and care for the skin so effectively that it leaves the skin invigorated and youthful by alleviating wrinkles and dryness with Hyaluronic acid, preventing sagginess, and stopping dark circles around the eyes. Our gel can also be used on all parts of the body as the anti-aging qualities leaves the skin looking radiant and feeling smooth and nourished.
NATURAL AND SKIN-FRIENDLY - We use only the best natural ingredients that are safe for every skin type with no alcohol or sulfates. Rather than irritating the skin, our product soothes and cools due to our organic cooling agents that relieve and relax the skin, without aggravating the eye. Our product is bottled in an FDA approved factory to ensure exceptional quality.

Rejuvenating and Enriching Anti-Aging Eye Gel that Revitalizes Your Skin!

    • Vibrant and healthy skin
    • A youthful, rejuvenated look
    • Eradicates aging symptoms like eye bags, puffiness and eye circles
    • Invigorates your skin by hydrating and leaving it with a firm, plump complexion
    • Organic and all natural ingredients
    • Manufactured in FDA approved facilities
    • Safe for every skin type as it does not contain parabens, sulfates or alcohol
    • Non-comedogenic and Hypo-allergenic
    • Soothes and cools

Our product contains the highest quality, most effective ingredients like Plant Stem Cells, Hyaluronic acid, and Matrixyl 3000.

Ultra Youth Eye Gel will restore your youth with rejuvenated and vibrant skin, so your skin feels and looks amazing. 

Here's their full ingredients list:

Organic Herbal Infusion, Organic Aloe, Matrixyl 3000, Palmitoyl Trepeptide - 3, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Plant Stem Cells, Cucumber Hydrosol, Organic Jojoba Oil, Botanical Hyaluronic Acid, MSM, Hydroxethyl, Cellulose, Carrageenan Gum, Silk Amino Acid Blend (SodiumL-Pyrrolidone, Carboxylate, Sodium Lactate, L'Arginine, L-Aspartic Acid, L-Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid, Glycine, L-Alanine, L-Serine, L-Valine, L-Proline, L-Threonine, L-Isoleucine, L-Histidine, L-Phenylalanine), Wild Crafted Periwinkle Reishi, Organic Gotu Kola, Frankincense, Vitamin E, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin. 98% Naturally Derived/75% Organic.

Not a bad ingredients list... the hyaluronic acid will deeply hydrate. It also contains aloe, plant stem cells, cucumber extract, gotu kola, periwinkile, silk amino acids, MSM, and matrixyl 3000. A lot of key ingredients.

Of course, we know that having a load of ingredients doesn't automatically mean that the product works miracles. Some of those uber expensive, uber popular products on the market contain a list of ingredients a mile long- and its not all good stuff, either. However, I think its definitely wise to know what's in your ingredients. I mean, look at all the good stuff in this one!

The Nitty Gritty:

It doesn't take much product to provide plenty under the eye area. I'm talking less than a pump. It definitely is a clear, odorless gel. Applying it to my under eye area felt cooling and refreshing. As soon as it dried, my eye area felt tighter. Looking in the mirror, you can definitely tell the difference between where I applied the eye product and where I didn't.

As for dark circles, unfortunately, I haven't noticed much of a difference with that. I'd say this product is great for tightening and firming, but not so much to help with under eye bags and discoloration. Wah! Either way, if you're looking for a great firming, anti-aging eye gel, this is a good option.

You can purchase Pure Body Naturals Ultra Youth Eye Gel here on amazon for $17.95. The 1.7 oz airless pump bottle will not only last forever, but the airless pump will prevent oxygenation and contamination.

Onto the next one.....

True Skincare (again, can't find a website for them, and I apologize greatly if I missed it out there in internet world. When you google "true skincare," quite a few results come up. Their webpage didn't seem to be one of them) sent me a snazzy looking bottle of their own anti-aging eye gel.

First of all, the packaging is great. I love the black and teal logo and label on their clear, airless pump bottle. Its definitely professional and appealing to the eye (ha, get it.. eye?). But, what we really care about is what's in that bottle, right?

Here's what they say about it:

True Skin Care's proprietary formula is a unique blend of natural ingredients designed with sensitive skin in mind.

Unique Blend of Active Ingredients
- Vitamin C
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Green Tea
- Cucumber
- Peptides
- Caffeine

Hyaluronic Acid will keep your skin hydrated throughout the day. While Peptides and Green Tea stimulate the skin to reverse the signs of aging and vitamins and peptides nourish your skin to fight free radicals and keep your skin looking fresh!

Our Under Eye Serum combats dark circles, puffiness and crows feet. But don't just take our word for it, we have raving customers who claim our Under Eye Gel is the best on the market!

At True Skin Care we focus on providing the best Under Eye cream on the market. The proven results of our Eye Gel coupled with our attention and hands on approach to make sure every single customer is satisfied is what really separates us from the competition. For example after you purchase our product today, if you need anything at all just send us a message and one of our Founders will personally read and respond to your inquiry within 24 hours. As a family-owned and operated business we appreciate every customer who chooses our product, and we want to make sure that you are 100% satisfied.

ANTI-AGING this unique blend of the most effective natural ingredients includes Peptides, Aloe, Hyaluronic Acid, Green Tea, Cucumber and Licorice Root.

REDUCE dark circles caused by aging, toxins and poor sleep with our soothing eye gel specifically formulated for the delicate skin around your eyes.

HYDRATE the sensitive skin around your eyes to combat fine lines and wrinkles with just two applications a day (morning and night).

SOOTHE puffy eyes/reduce inflammation and enjoy a brighter complexion (even without concealer).

Ingredients:

Deionized Water, Butylene Glycol, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Ethoxydiglycol, Hesperidin Methylchalcone, Steareth-20-Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid, Carbomer, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract, Euphrasia Officinalis (Eyebright) Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Sodium PCA, Triethanolamine, Glycosaminoglycans, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Allantoin

Like PBN's anti-aging eye gel, this one also has some great ingredients, though different: Aloe and cucumber hydrate and soothe and are in PBN's product. We also have green tea, eyebright, allantoin, and licorice root extract, which will help to brighten and even out the skin tone.

The Nitty Gritty:

This product is also clear and odorless, but the texture was a bit more.. gelish? Hard to describe, but I do love the texture and, like PBN's eye gel, a little goes a long way. This product contains more ingredients to help with under eye circles, such as caffeine and licorice root.

After using this product for a few weeks, I do feel that this product does provide positive results as both an anti-aging gel and to target under eye circles. Though it doesn't work like magic- after all, nothing seems to fully get rid of the circles- I do notice a difference. The eye area doesn't feel quite as firm as PBN's product afterwards, but that's not necessarily a bad thing either, if you're looking to target both areas effectively.

You can purchase a 0.5 oz bottle of True Beauty's anti-aging eye gel here on amazon for $35.95.

Last But Not Least.. Yalmeh's Glory Eye Bright Gel

Your search for the best Eye Gel is finally over. When you purchase from us today, here’s just some of the things you can look forward to… Fed up with your Dark Circles, Wrinkles, Puffiness and Weary Looking Eyes? It’s time to handover your worries because it’s time for YALMEH GLORY EYE BRIGHT GEL!! Yalmeh Glory Eye Bright Gel ranks up as the best superior Anti Aging for all your skin concerns. Extremely effective eliminate dark circles and wrinkles. Evenly efficient for puffiness and loss of tone. Yalmeh Glory Eye Bright Gel revitalizes daily eye treatment that alleviates the appearance of puffiness, dark circles, and other possible signs of fatigue with a unique combination of highly-developed and preventative botanicals. The Gel can also be used as an all-round cure for the entire face-skin for a much bright, glowing and radiant skin like never before. 

What are the benefits of choosing Yalmeh products? 

• Made With Mostly Plant Based Ingredients 
• Pure Product, Made With No Fillers 
• Free of Glutens
• Vegan Friendly 
• Proudly Made in U.S.A. in an FDA Registered Facility 
• Yalmeh Uses Only Quality Ingredients. 

These benefits are found in EVERY product produced by Yalmeh. Because of this, you can feel confident in your choice of any moisturizing or anti aging products. But what makes the Yalmeh Glory Eye Bright Gel so useful. 

What can you expect this product to offer you?  

People Can't Stop Staring! ☆ Gently Calms, Soothes and Smoothes Your Radiant and Glowing Eyes. ☆ Naturally Reducing Puffiness, Brightening Dark Circles, Tightening. ☆ Increases Softness, Firms and Plumps the Skin Around the Eyes. ☆ Dramatically and Naturally Reduce the Appearance of Dark Circles, Puffiness, Dryness and Sagging Around the Eyes. ☆Gives a Cool and Refreshing Experience that Gives a Soothing Feeling and Keeps Your Eyes Fresh Throughout the Day. ☆ Will Help in Improving the Tone and Texture Around the Eyes. ☆ Significantly Moisturizes the Eye Area. 
The best thing about Yalmeh’s Glory Eye Bright Gel is that it does more than improve your appearance, it heals your skin and improves your overall skin health. This combination of health and beauty is unstoppable. Yalmeh Glory Eye Bright Gel Contains Plant Stem Cells for Superior Anti Aging Effects which hydrate the flimsy eye area (including eye lids) to avoid premature ageing It does cooling your skin, it will leave you bright-eyed, bushy-tailed and ready to take on the world! 

Is It True Yalmeh Donates 10% of Profits to Charities? Yes! Giving back to our society will ALWAYS be our top priorities. 

Phew, that was a lot to read. Here are the ingredients:

Tea of Wildcrafted Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion), Wildcrafted Arnica Montana (Arnica), Organic Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) and Organic Calendula Officinalis (Calendula), Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe), Matrixyl 3000, Palmitoyl Triepeptide-3, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Globularia Cordifolia Callus Culture Extract (Plant Stem Cells), Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber Hydrosol), Organic Simmondsis Chinensis (Jojoba Oil), Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide (botanical hyaluronic acid), Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Carrageenan Gum, CoQ10, Silk Amino Acid Blend (Sodium L-Pyrrolidone Carboxylate, Sodium Lactate, L'Arginine, L-Aspartic Acid, L-Pyrrolidonecarboxylic Acid, Glycine, L-Alanine, L-Serine, L-Valine, L-Proline, L-threonine, L-Isoleucine, L-Histidine, L-Phenylalanine), Wildcrafted Vinca Major (Periwinkle), Organic Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice), Wildcrafted Euphrasia Officinalis (Eye Bright), Wildcrafted Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi), Organic Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola), Boswellia Serrata (Frankincense), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Organic Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola), Wildcrafted Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail), Wildcrafted Geranium Maculatum (Wild Geranium), Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin.

The first and main ingredient is dandelion tea, followed by arnica, turmeric, calendula, aloe, and matrixyl 3000... damn! I was expecting to see something else there, like water, something.. but it's just herb and plant after herb and plant. Some uniqueness there too, as I've never seen turmeric in a skincare product before. Turmeric is an amazing anti-inflammatory agent, so you know that this won't irritate the area. This product also contains gotu kola, horsetail, geranium, eyebright, jojoba, MSM, hyaluronic acid.. the list of goodness goes on and on.

The Nitty Gritty:

Okay, I hate to say it, but you know how I talked about how eye gels tend to flake on me (literally, ha!) Well.. this one does. I know, I know. Maybe I'm using too much of it, I don't know.. but I tend to put it on underneath another eye cream.. and maybe 10 minutes later, I'll notice a bit of flakiness. I suppose I'll need to experiment and see how this product does on its own, without another eye cream on top of it... other than that, this product is pretty great. It's richer than the other eye gels in this review, and I mean.. those ingredients!! ::drool.

I'm not giving up hope on this product, I just need to make some modifications in how I use it. As for results.. umm.. I guess it just felt more hydrated. It didn't tighten like the PBN eye gel did, nor did it help with dark circles, like True Beauty's one. However, I would use this eye gel just for the sheer fact that it is filled with yummy ingredients that I know are doing something awesome to my skin, perhaps on the cellular level.

You can purchase a 0.5 oz tube of Yalmeh's eye gel here on amazon for $19.95. Give your eyes the medicine it needs!

All in All...

All of these products provide positive results, but in different ways. If you're looking for an eye gel whose primary focus is solely to firm and tighten, go with Pure Body Natural's eye gel. However, if you're looking to fight undereye circles, purchase True Beauty's eye gel. Yalmeh's eye gel didn't seem to provide many positive results, but I refuse to believe that its not doing anything amazing to my skin, since the ingredients are full of wonderful herb and plant extracts that have proven results. Also, it must be said that the prices of these three products vary significantly- a 1.7 oz bottle of PBN's eye gel is only $17.95, while a 0.5 oz bottle of True Beauty's is $35.95.. and, a 0.5 oz bottle of Yalmeh's eye gel is $19.95. It's all in what you're looking for, folks. I just hope that you're using an eye product night and day, every. Single. Day.