Thursday, February 16, 2017

8 oz Cobalt Blue Glass Bottles With Trigger Sprayer Review and an UPDATE :(





*UPDATE: 3/7/17 I have ended up no longer using these bottles and decided to discard them.  Today, when using a bottle of conditioner and water to spray down my sons hair to give him a trim, a pinkish purple ink kept coming off my hands when I would touch the bottle.  The conditioner was white, but kept coming out pink and when my hands were wet, the bottle turned my hands pinkish purple.  It got on 2 of our bright white towels and a dressy white shirt (kept transferring on to anything I touched or laid the bottle on).  I had read reviews on Amazon of several issues of a purple blue dye coming off the bottles but had yet to experience it.  

Here is the original review:

I was sent (for my honest opinion and evaluation) 2 glass bottles with sprayer top. They are 8 oz and cobalt blue in color. They are listed on Amazon currently for the set of 2 at just under $8.  They are a nice size and are not heavy when carried around the house (I often will use bottles such as these for homemade disinfectant / surface cleaner made from essential oils and vinegar).

These do not appear to be the quality of my dark amber glass bottles, but these work fine for now.  The trigger sprayer tops feel overly flimsy and not the best quality.  According to the reviews on Amazon, several users have had the blue come off when they are run through the dishwasher or used extensively.  I am guessing there is a film over the glass to make it this color.  I have not (yet) experienced that issue, but I will tell you I will not be happy if this is indeed the case.  These spray without issue, but I would prefer them to be amber color and the same quality as my other glass bottles.  This particular brand is called Bottle Casters.

I am reading mixed reviews on Amazon for these bottles.  I am hoping this is indeed blue glass and not painted with a film.  I like this size much better than my large amber glass.  Currently I am using one of these for 90% rubbing alcohol to disinfect my facial derma rollers and clean my tweezers and other similar items.  I have another labeled to use for rosewater facial / hair mist.




Please follow me on:

Facebook for updates to this blog, reviews, and giveaways.  For updates on new posts, you can subscribe to me on bloglovin.  I would love it if you would visit me (subscribing makes me so happy) on Instagram and Twitter.



DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation for a product review and/or link to any products or services from this blog. I am always honest in my opinions and never promise a positive review. I only recommend products or services that I feel are beneficial to my family and my lovely readers. I enjoy testing out items and giving my readers an honest and descriptive account of how a product functions. My personal experience or view of an item may differ than yours.

Tiny Drops of Honey is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You pay the exact same price for any and all products you order through my links, but I receive a small commission. I am a stay at home mommy and any commissions I receive help support my little ones.





Wednesday, February 15, 2017

InstaNatural Glycolic Facial Skin Cleanser and Youth Express Night Cream Review





I was sent another 2 products this month from Insta Natural. I have been trying their Glycolic Facial Cleanser and their Youth Express Night Cream.  As mentioned a few days ago, I love their products and had also been trying their Glycolic Peel this month.  My face was broken out in my pictures, but after daily use of the facial cleanser (I use it in the shower) and the youth express night cream, (along with using the glycol peel 2-3 times per week) I have been having great results.  I have used several of their products and love the natural ingredients, and simple fragrance.  I never have irritated skin when using anything from InstaNatural.










Ingredients for Facial Cleanser:


Water (Aqua), Decyl Glucoside*, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine*, Lauryl Glucoside*, Sclerotium Gum*, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Lauryl-Glucoside Crosspolymer*, Glycerin*, Coco-Glucoside*, Propanediol*, Xanthan Gum*, Phenylpropanol*, Glyceryl Oleate*, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate*, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters*, Arginine (L-Arginine)*, Potassium Sorbate*, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower/Leaf (Chamomile) Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Lactic Acid*. *Naturally Derived


Directions:

Apply a small amount to dampened skin, massaging gently to create a lather. Concentrate on troubled areas such as the t-zone. Rinse with water. Follow with appropriate serum and moisturizer. For best results, remove makeup before use.  I wash my face in the shower with my natural facial soap (and a sea sponge), and then use this cleanser.  

I find that this cleanser is gentle, yet effective.  It does not burn my skin or tingle.  I also love the flip top lid and how the label is staying pretty even with constant water from my shower.  (I absolutely hate when labels lift away, or ink fades and runs on a product label.)

After my shower, I have been applying a facial toner, generally witch hazel or a simple rose water spray.  I then apply a cream or serum.  I have been using the InstaNatural night cream both during the day (after the toner) and right before bed.  At nighttime, if I was wearing makeup during the day, I remove with one of my facial oils (argan, sweet almond, rosehip or jojoba) and then I use Michael Todd Damascus Rose Milk Cleanser.  I then decide if I am going to use my derma roller or the glycol peel (these are used sparingly 1-3 times per week).  If it is not one of those days for my more rigorous routines, then I just finish with a serum or cream (in this case, I had been using the night cream).

Ingredients for Night Cream:


Water (Aqua), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride*, Glyceryl Stearate*, Glycerin*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Isopropyl Palmitate*, Cetearyl Alcohol*, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate*, Cetyl Esters*, Stearyl Alcohol*, Sorbitan Stearate*, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate/Succinate*, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate*, Phenylpropanol*, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate*, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin*, Hydroxyethylcellulose*, Propanediol*, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Caprylyl Glycol, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate*, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Methylsulfonylmethane* (MSM), Sodium Hyaluronate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Rosa Moschata (Rose Hip) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel (Argan) Oil, Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion) Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower/Leaf (Chamomile) Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Cetearyl Olivate*, Panthenol, Sorbitan Olivate*, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citric Acid*. *Naturally Derived



Directions:

Massage a small amount onto cleansed and toned skin, allowing the cream to absorb completely.

The cream is not greasy or heavy, but feels moisturizing and full of botanical oils.  It does have some alcohols in it, which is not my favorite.  It has a faint medicinal fragrance, but very fresh.  

Suggested improvements or What I do not love about the products:

I actually like the cleanser and cream a lot, and do not have any improvements or complaints.  As I mentioned also about the glycol peel, I find the cleanser slightly runny (only feel like I use a little more than I need to due to the thinner consistency) but as seen in the picture I have used this cleanser every day for the past 3 weeks and still have a lot left.  I would prefer there to not be alcohol in the cream, but most items seem to have some form of alcohol in it.


I am posting my skin at its worst this month, and then my skin after about 3 weeks of using the cleanser, peel and cream.  Keep in mind, my skin is rarely this bad.  Yes, terrible lighting I know, but these were taken when we were traveling for a trip to the aquarium at the hotel lobby and restaurant.  

I was sent this product for the purpose of trial and evaluation, these are my own opinions and personal experience.  I was not compensated in any way for this post, other than a free bottle for testing.  

You can learn more at InstaNatural's website and follow them on Facebook.







DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation for a product review and/or link to any products or services from this blog. I am always honest in my opinions and never promise a positive review. I only recommend products or services that I feel are beneficial to my family and my lovely readers. I enjoy testing out items and giving my readers an honest and descriptive account of how a product functions. My personal experience or view of an item may differ than yours.


Tiny Drops of Honey is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You pay the exact same price for any and all products you order through my links, but I receive a small commission. I am a stay at home mommy and any commissions I receive help support my little ones.

Please follow me on:

Facebook for updates to this blog, reviews, and giveaways.  For updates on new posts, you can subscribe to me on bloglovin.  I would love it if you would visit me (subscribing makes me so happy) on Instagram and Twitter.


Sunday, February 12, 2017

Glycolic Facial Peel by Insta Natural, a Review






I always enjoy using various clay masks, scrubs and peels on my face. As I am now in my early thirties, I want to do everything I can to slow the inevitable signs of aging skin. I try to drink a lot of water throughout the day, wash my face with only natural ingredient, sulfate free washes,and always moisturize with botanical oil based creams and serums. I love using my derma roller a few times per month as well as the occasional microdermabrasion cloth or crystals. I was recently sent a glycolic peel from Insta Natural. I have used several of their products and love the natural ingredients.  like how the majority of the ingredients are familiar to me right away without having to do a search on the internet.  


Here are the Ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Glycolic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Allium Cepa (Onion) Bulb Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Gaultheria Procumbens (Wintergreen) Leaf Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate Acid Powder (Hyaluronic Acid)

I find that this is gentle, yet effective.  It does say to rinse off within a minute, however, I guess my face is so used to peels, derma rollers, exfoliants  etc. that I can leave this on 3-5 minutes.  The picture of me before bed in my Hot Pink Mucky Duck shirt has my face approaching the 4 minute mark.  I noticed some light red splotchiness in a few areas and some white flaking of the product as it dried.  I did not experience any burning or discomfort.  I did notice some tingling over my acne sores (oh the unsightly nose and chin acne!) as they are trying their hardest to heal but just won't quit.  My face has been having some issues lately this past month, which is quite unusual for me.  I am still breastfeeding my new baby (he is 8 months) and so my monthly period has not returned yet after his arrival, but I am thinking it may be on the horizon, which might explain my crazy skin lately.  I normally have clear skin (finally in my thirties----high school my skin was always sporting 2-3 red acne spots most days) but as seen in this picture, my skin is not happy.  Please excuse the impromptu picture at almost 1 am.  I should have at least brushed my hair.  

I like this peel a lot.  I feel comfortable using it a few times per week without issue.  It is important to be careful when going out in the sun as sensitivity may occur.  My skin feels soft immediately after using and I can apply my serums without sensitivity.  I love the glass bottle and am happy that this is a pump top.  (air and bacteria does not enter as it would with a dropper top lid)  

Suggested improvements or What I do not love about it:

It is very liquid and I would prefer it to be thicker as I feel it runs off my palm easily when applying.  I would love for it to be closer to the thickness of aloe vera gel.  

I was sent this product for the purpose of trial and evaluation, these are my own opinions and personal experience.  I was not compensated in any way for this post, other than a free bottle for testing.  

You can learn more at InstaNatural's website and follow them on Facebook.





DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation for a product review and/or link to any products or services from this blog. I am always honest in my opinions and never promise a positive review. I only recommend products or services that I feel are beneficial to my family and my lovely readers. I enjoy testing out items and giving my readers an honest and descriptive account of how a product functions. My personal experience or view of an item may differ than yours.


Tiny Drops of Honey is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You pay the exact same price for any and all products you order through my links, but I receive a small commission. I am a stay at home mommy and any commissions I receive help support my little ones.

Please follow me on:

Facebook for updates to this blog, reviews, and giveaways.  For updates on new posts, you can subscribe to me on bloglovin.  I would love it if you would visit me (subscribing makes me so happy) on Instagram and Twitter.


Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Insta Natural 100% Pure Moroccan Rose Water Review



I use a derma roller for my face about 2-4 times a month.  When I have the extra time (3 young kiddos sometimes makes it difficult for pampering) I like to derma roll my face about once per week.  I find it easiest to do this during an episode of a show that I stream from Amazon.  After my face is cleansed and freshly derma rolled, I like to spray Rose Water generously then apply vitamin c serum and hyaluronic acid.  

I was sent a spray bottle of Rose Water from Insta Natural.  This is 100% pure and natural water made from Rosa Damascena flower petals.  I appreciate that this is in a spray bottle (not all rose water I have used in the past has this lovely option). The bottle is glass which I also prefer, however I would have liked it to be amber instead of a white painted film which seemed to be flaking of of my bottle on the outside.  This is a beautiful and pure rose water that does not contain artificial fragrances or any added chemicals or preservatives.  I use this on my face, neck, hair, and shoulders.  I specifically enjoy this immediately after my shower, as well as right before bed.  The scent is relaxing and enjoyable to wear as I fall asleep.

Rose Water is a soothing, hydrating and and healing water for skin.  As mentioned above, I use it after I derma roll my face, and find that it is the perfect toner for my skin, as well as prepares my skin for my serums and moisturizer.  I highly recommend this rose water or another 100% pure brand that you enjoy.  

It is very refreshing on a hot summer day, or after a workout.  I love spraying it in my hair as a light scent.  I also spray this under my arms before applying my homemade clay / arrow root / essential oil / zinc oxide / magnesium deodorant.   

I was sent this for review, however this is my honest opinion on this spray.  I will not say it is the only rose water you should try, however it is indeed a great one.  I like how they give you the option for a spray or lid.  There was a stopper in the bottle that kept the product from leaking in transit, while improving the overall freshness.  








Thursday, February 2, 2017

DreamSpa® 38-setting 3-way Rainfall Shower Combo Review




I was sent a DreamSpa® 38-setting 3-way Rainfall shower head and hand held sprayer for review.  Before giving my personal experience and review, here is what the company says about it:

Use two luxury Showers Heads separately or use Rain Showerhead and Handheld Shower both together!

• Use each shower separately or both together!
• Choose from 38 full and combined water flow patterns
• 7-setting 7 inch Rainfall Shower Head
• 6-setting 4 inch Hand Shower with ON/OFF Pause Switch
• Slimline Bell Design
• 3-zone Click Lever Dial with Rub-clean Jets for easy maintenance
• Patented 3-way Water Diverter with Anti-Swivel Lock Nut
• Settings of each shower include: Power Rain, Pulsating Massage, Hydrating Mist, Rain/Massage, Rain/Mist and Water-saving Economy Rain
• Angle-adjustable Overhead Bracket
• Premium 5 Foot stainless steel hose for maximum reach with Conical Brass Hose Nuts for easy hand tightening
• Tools-free Installation. Connects in minutes to any standard overhead shower arm, no tools required
• Lifetime Limited Warranty is provided by Interlink Products International, Inc.

The shower head installed fairly easily with very little effort.  I was able to install this in our master bathroom at around 2 am, trying to be very quiet not to wake my husband or 8 month old.  He mainly uses that shower and his shower head hand sprayer had been broken for a few months.  The bracket that held his original handle had cracked several months ago and so he would have to lay  / hang the handle and hose on the floor.  This was mildly frustrating, but since it was an expensive shower filtration system and handle combination, we neglected to replace it.  

I was given the opportunity to review the DreamSpa, and so decide to install it as a surprise and see what he thought the next morning.  I did notice that although the set has a shiny metal appearance, the set is mostly a plastic material.  I was concerned about over tightening as the threads were quickly wearing away on the connector bolt.  I had some leaking and as suggested in the manual, neglected using the extra washer and instead used all of the provided plastic cling tape.  I always have difficulty with this plumbers tape as it always bends and most of it gets wasted.  

I like how there are so many ways to experience the water flow, but want to mention that I think the adjustment switch is rather difficult even without having water flowing in your face.  The switch is rather high and the position makes it less than ideal.  It is even more difficult when you are in the shower, and reaching up to switch the main head to the handle flow.  I would prefer to have both on, and flowing water at the same time, so that I would just reach up and take hold of the hand held portion when needed.  The  hand held portion leaks terribly and so I have to use one or the other, but never both.

I like the shower set overall, and the price is quite reasonable.  It does make for an enjoyable shower.  The main shower head gives a full flow of water to wake you up on a sleepy, wintery morning.  I do worry about the lifetime of the shower system as the construction is not as sturdy as I would like.  I am not fond of the plastic chrome as it worry it will crack overtime.  I would rather it be slightly more expensive and be all metal construction.  

This was sent to me for review, I was not compensated other than the provided sample product for this review.