Friday, June 20, 2014

100% Organic Argan Oil by VoilaVe Organics: Reviewed

I love making my own beauty products by adding essential oils and other natural ingredients together. I have a little cabinet set up in my laundry room that I call my little apothecary hutch. It has a wide assortment of shea butter, coconut oil, coco butter, essential oils, clays, arrowroot powder, and various herbs. I started my little collection about a year and a half ago when I decided to stop shampooing my hair. Yes, I do WASH my hair, I just do not wash it with sulfates and chemical laden traditional shampoos that have questionable ingredients. I wash it 1-2 times a week with a natural, simple shampoo that is sulfate free and has mainly botanical herbs and essential oils, coconut oil, shea and coco butters. I have the best hair I have ever had. Growing up, my hair was never longer than the top of my shoulders. Never. In fact, it was only to the top of my shoulders once, in ninth grade. The rest of my life was short and sassy (but girly still)layered haircuts to my chin or above. My hair is naturally wavy, but I never knew it. All my life I had been a slave to curling irons, hot rollers, straightening irons and styling products galore. I never skipped a day of shampooing and ALWAYS had greasy hair by the next morning. My face would always be oily by the end of the school day. I had a shiny forehead and nose in some pictures if I did not blot with a tissue before. I just figured I would be stuck with oil and always thought oil was the bad guy.

I stopped using traditional sulfate soap and shampoo over a year ago and my hair and skin have never looked or felt better. Sulfates dry out skin and cause skin to actually produce more oil and breakouts. Sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, a common ingredient added to face wash to make soaps foam, is a chemical that is lurking in most of the products available today. I read labels and if it is in a product, I pass on using it. It strips the skin of natural oils (sebum) that our skin needs for protection and moisture. When we use sulfates, our skin reacts and then tries to restore itself by producing more oil to compensate. That is often why when we wash our face 2 or more times a day with sulfates, we can still unfortunately have a shiny face and break outs. We are stripping the skin.

I wash my face with oils now. Yes, you read that right, I ADD oils to my face. This has LESSENED my shiny face, cleared my acne, and made my face smooth and soft. I clean my face with about 2-3 drops of lavender Dr. Bronners Castile soap and warm water about 2 times a week for a deep wash. I also make sure I wash my make up brushes and sponges regularly with castile soap and water (best thing to use to get all the makeup out and works AMAZING.)

Nightly, I wash my face with a homemade mixture of oils. I apply my oil mix to my hands, warm it up, and gently massage around my eyes. I do not attempt to remove my makeup before the oil is applied because the oil removes it fully. Once all my eye liner, mascara, shadow, and face makeup is fully removed, I rinse with warm water and pat dry. Then I cleanse with the oil cleansing method. I use a mixture of caster oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, argan oil, rosehip oil and sometimes emu oil and I massage the mixture all over my face gently. I let it soak in for about 2 minutes as I continue the massage. I then turn on the faucet to the hot water only, and when it gets steamy, I run the water over my wash cloth. I wring out the hot wash cloth and place it over my face to steam out my pores. When the cloth cools, I do the cloth steam once more only this time when it cools, I wipe the excess oil away. I rinse my face with cold water to close my pores and then I pat dry. Done.

I have recently been testing out a new brand of argan oil. It is 100% organic and called VoilaVe Organics Skincare Argan Oil. It is amazing to say the least. I love products that are natural and multifunctional. This saves money as it is used in many ways, and it makes my body feel pampered. I love argan oil and it is super luxurious to use.


I have used this argan oil in my hair. I add a few drops of argan oil to my palms, warm it up to super charge it, and apply some to my ends to moisturize and seal the ends. It can be added to the scalp and raked throughout your entire hair with fingers but it is not necessary for me. Argan oil is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that help to revitalize the scalp, and is beneficial for hair growth. My hair is in much better condition since stopping sulfates a year ago and so my hair is healthier and does not need much additional oils. I recommend investing in a top quality pure boar bristle hair brush for scalp stimulation and natural oil distribution, these brushes are also fantastic for smoothing thick unruly hair.

Argan oil is a dry oil, it absorbs quickly. It has a strong and familiar fragrance that is characteristic of pure, authentic argan oil. I like how this argan oil is in a pump. This is much easier for me, more hygienic, and less messy. I am not fond of oils in dropper bottles as that is messier and opening the product daily causes air to get inside and can lessen the purity and functionality of the product. Is is important to have a dark glass container (such as this color amber or a dark cobalt blue) when using products containing essential/precious oils and other similar ingredients. Light passing through the container can tamper with the purity and integrity of the ingredients, causing them to not last as long or lessening their effectiveness.


Other uses for Argan is healing of imperfections and scars, I do have some past acne marks from my teenage and college years. I feel that oil cleansing with this argan oil daily, as well as using it as a spot treatment, is really helping fade red marks and discoloration, as well as prevent wrinkles. Argan oil has vitamin E, and is a humectant to skin (it provides moisture). The presence of unsaturated fatty acids in the Argan oil makes it effective in fighting free radicals that causes skin aging.

I add argan oil to my pure rose water and use it as a healing and hydrating natural face toner. Another use for Argan oil is to massage a few drops of this oil into your thirsty nail cuticles to moisturize, soften and encourage nail growth. My cuticles are always in need of help so this is easy to do since I already have this on my fingers from facial cleansing, I massage the left over oil into my nails. I usually add a few drops of argan oil to my wet beauty blender makeup sponge before adding my liquid mineral foundation and bb cream.

I really like this company and this oil. The fragrance is milder than other Argan oils I have tried. The amount of product is generous at 4 oz. It is pure and has many uses. I like how it is natural and does not contain chemicals. I am able to add this to many of my store bought beauty items and cosmetics, as well as make my own products with this.


For more information about this product and the company, check out the following links:

Amazon: ORGANIC Argan Oil For Hair & Face


VoilaVe Website



If you found this review or any of my other reviews interesting or helpful, please rate is as "helpful" and or leave a comment. I enjoy writing reviews and hearing feedback about what I have written as I feel reviews help those interested make an informed decision before purchasing. I also feel that honest and informative reviews improve a product by providing insight to the company. I believe reviews should be honest no matter whether an item was free, at a discount, or purchased. I am not connected to this company or any of the companies of products that I review.









Nutra-Lift Rejuvenating A Nano Reneu: Reviewed

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I just had my 32nd birthday. I am happy that I have clear skin and no wrinkles yet, however I do have dark circles under my eyes and some fine lines around my eyes. I have had oily skin most of my life and in high school had some basic acne. Back then I hated how oily my t-zone would get and I had black heads on my nose and cheeks. I had heard though that when I got older, I would come to appreciate my oiliness as that would help me have less wrinkles and more moisturized skin. About a year and a half ago I did something that I thought might be a little crazy. I stopped using soap on my face and started only using essential and carrier oils on my face (argan, jojoba, rosehip, glycerin, caster oil, sweet almond oil and others). I gave up all sulfates (and acne medication)and began washing my face with oils. Within 2 weeks of my new adventure, my face cleared up my occasional cystic acne, smoothed my complexion, and lessened my oil production. My nose and cheeks have fewer blackheads. My face is not oily, it is clean and has a softness to it that was not there before.

I began drinking more water and trying to eat more fruits and vegetables. I continued my prenatal daily vitamins, and added a few other vitamins and supplements as well. About 6 months ago, I began applying topical Vitamin C serum to my face 1-2 times a day and noticed a healthy glow.

I never thought to rub my white gold wedding band on my face...

Did you know that many high end spas and salons feature expensive 24k infused gold facials and body treatments? It has been said that gold flecks/particles, when incorporated into cosmetics, can give improved skin radiance, elasticity, and a boost to collagen production. Gold acts as a powerful antioxidant, and an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. One of the most effective ways to infuse gold into a cosmetic is "colloidal gold" this is when microscopic metal particles are incorporated into a liquid. 24k Gold Particles have a positive effect on Collagen production. Apparently royalty in ancient China & India have used gold particles as a source of youth and beauty.

I was able to test out a product that uses a perfect blend of 24KT gold particles, peptides, antioxidents, vitamins, botanical extracts, and other top quality ingredients in a serum form. "Nutra-Lift Rejuvenating A Nano Reneu" is the name of the product and uses "growth factors" to enhance collagen and elastin production. When I read "growth factors" I was a bit concerned as I had never heard of those before and worried some sort of hormone was introduced into the serum. But after looking more into what these are, they are basically proteins produced by various cells in the human body, and they are essential for bringing a more youthful appearance to skin. Nutra Lift claims to minimize hyper pigmentation, protect the skin from free radicals and reduce the look of wrinkles while providing moisture and mild exfoliation. The plastic bottle is 2 oz (60 ml) and contains "Golden Collagenine" which is an advanced Peptide Nanoconjugated to 24KT Gold Particles.


This serum is a brightly colored golden orange and contains several natural skin loving ingredients, some of which are:

Aloe Vera, which is soothing, provides moisture and skin healing.

Vitamin C, when applied topically can reduce inflammation and promote collagen production. As we age, collagen breaks down and wrinkles begin to form when the skin loses its elasticity. Vitamin C protects against skin damage, and can sometimes even repair the skin when spots or fine lines occur. I apply a Vitamin C serum to my face (it also has Hyaluronic acid in it as well) daily after my shower.

Hyaluronic Acid, is a humectant (provides moisture) that keeps skin plump and hydrated, which helps with maintaining a youthful appearance. When it is applied topically, Hyaluronic Acid increases hydration and improves elasticity.

Sea Kelp, helps plump skin and is also beneficial in soothing the skin and improving cellular circulation.

Grape Seed Extract, is also a powerful antioxidant and can help with collagen production. Grape Seed Extract can fight against and repair free radicals, which are "molecules that damage healthy cells." (Livestrong website)

Marine Collagen, is a protein extracted from salt water fish (such as salmon) and also has antioxidant properties and also repairs free radicals. (Livestrong website)

Organic Royal Jelly, promotes new skin growth. Royal Jelly is known to regenerate cells and tissues.

Green Tea, is another powerful antioxidant that helps with anti-aging.

Squalene, is an excellent anti-aging moisturizer.

I only listed a few of the ingredients, but from what you have read above, you see that each of the mentioned ingredients above seem to have a connection to collagen production, repairing free radical damage, and have antioxidants. All the above are fantastic at slowing the aging process and can often repair fine lines. The list of ingredients in this serum is rather impressive.

Here is the list of ingredients:

Certified Organic Aloe Vera Gel*, Peptide-8 Complex (Includes Matrixyl 3000 At 5% (Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 Pal Kttks). Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide 8), Di-Peptide 2, Golden Collagenine, Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide Snap 8, Tripitide, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-8, Lactobacillus/algae Extract Ferment, Cetyl Esters, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C Ester) Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, (Vitamin C Ester) Sea Kelp/algae, Liposomes (From Lecithin), Hyaluronic Acid, Lipidure, Ceramide-3, Retinyl Palmitate, (Vitamin A), Glycosaminoglycans, Ceratonia Siliqua (Hgf), Carnosine, Grape Seed Extract*, Co-Q10, Pycogenol*, Dmae Bitartrate, A-Lipoic Acid Hydroxyethylcellulose, Marine Collagen, Marine Elastine, Organic Royal Jelly, Mexican Yam, Green Tea*, White Tea*, Milk Thistle*, Hydrolyzed Rice Bran, Pomegranate*, White Cranberry*, Acai Berry, Black Current Seed*, Reishi Mushroom*, Shitake Mushroom*, Licorice, Astaxanthin, Rosemary, Rose Hips*, Oregano*, Sage*, Red Clover*, Tumeric*, Olive Leaf*, Ginger*,fennel*, Niacinamide, Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica), Orange Rind, Melon Rind, L-Tyrosine, Copper Peptide, Zinc Sulfate, Squalene, Colloidal Minerals. *Certified Organic Ingredients


What to expect after 30 days: (according to the Nutra Lift Website)

Increases in Collagen by up to 205%
Increases In Elasticity By 41%
Hydration Increases By 31%
Reduces The Look Of Wrinkles By 55%
Decreases In Sun Spots & Age Spots

I have tested this out for 2 weeks, and I like it so far. The bottle says that a "slight Flush /Tingling sensation is a normal reaction to the use of this product upon application. Since this product is highly concentrated, we RECOMMEND for people with Sensitive Skin, to apply on Slightly WET face." This product did not cause me any irritation or discomfort. It did feel a little sticky on my hand when I was applying it to my face, and I felt the need to wash my hands after. I do not have any wrinkles on my face, but I do have fine lines around my eyes. It is too early to tell if this is smoothing out the lines, however, I do like the tightening effect this gives to my face and it does give me a healthy appearance. My face feels smooth and it does seem to feel more supple. I am going to start using this nightly on my decolletage area, as I am a side sleeper and have a slight creasing in between my chest.

I would describe the scent as a citrus but not a sweet citrus. It smelled more along the lines of a children's chewable crunchy orange vitamin---it was not terrible, I just wished it smelled more like a sweet orange essential oil and not like a vitamin supplement. It retails for $48 and I feel that is a bit high for me personally, however, it does have excellent ingredients and would be highly beneficial for someone with deep wrinkles and age spots. Also I think for the price, that this should come in a glass container as it would be more attractive, but I always feel that glass (specifically darker colors) containers seem to preserve the integrity and purity of the ingredients, which makes the product more potent and beneficial. Dark amber or dark cobalt blue glass containers block the light from changing the structure or potency of the ingredients. I do like that this is a pump and not in a jar.

Here is an example of what 3 pumps of the product looks like: (Only 2-3 pumps is needed for my entire face and neck application)


For more information on this product and the company that makes it:

Rejuvenating “A” NANO RENEU

Nutra Lift Website

This can be purchased on Amazon: Nutra-Lift

If you found this review or any of my other reviews interesting or helpful, please rate is as "helpful" and or leave a comment. I enjoy writing reviews and hearing feedback about what I have written as I feel reviews help those interested make an informed decision before purchasing. I also feel that honest and informative reviews improve a product by providing insight to the company. I believe reviews should be honest no matter whether an item was free, at a discount, or purchased. I am not connected to this company or any of the companies of products that I review.

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.




Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Treatment Mask, by Pure and Essential Minerals: Reviewed

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I love it when I find a hair or beauty product that is natural and has top quality ingredients. I have long, thick, naturally wavy hair that tangles easily and often needs some extra taming. I have been sulfate free for about a year and a half and my hair is loving it. My waves are more defined and my hair is less frizzy. I have also been using a natural boar bristle brush on my hair to distribute the natural oils down my hair and I only use a bamboo seamless (wide tooth) comb for detangling. It is important to make sure your combs are seamless and made of one entire piece, so that there are no sharp areas that can snag or break hair.

I was able to try out Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Treatment Mask, by Pure and Essential Minerals. It comes in an amber glass jar and is 4 oz. Is is important to have a dark glass container (such as this color amber or a dark blue) when using products containing essential oils and other similar ingredients. Light passing through the container can tamper with the purity and integrity of the ingredients, causing them to not last as long or lessening their effectiveness.

This mask contains Certified Organic Argan Oil, Organic Aloe Juice, Organic Castor Oil, Pro-Vitamin B5, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Meadowfoam Oil. There are no harsh chemicals, parabens, fragrances or artificial ingredients. This hair mask is sulfate free (super happy about this). I wash my hair 1-2 times per week and have used this 4 times. My jar is now empty (sad face). The cream is a thin consistency and a lot is needed for my thick, and very long hair. My hair goes past my chest area in length, and guzzles up conditioners and masks like one enjoys a delicious smoothie.

I like how the ingredients in this mask are simple, yet effective. Natural ingredients are always top priority with me as I feel they work better and are safer and gentler for my skin and hair. Argan oil is an amazing oil, and I use it daily for facial cleansing and softening of skin. I have used argan oil in my hair in the past, and finding an Argan oil product in cream form is a plus for me. Aloe is a fantastic ingredient as well. I use aloe for skin healing, moisturizing, and soothing, and it is a great ingredient to use in a hair product. Castor oil contains vitamin E, minerals, proteins, and is antibacterial and anti-fungicidal. Castor oil strengthens hair follicles and can stimulate hair growth. I add castor oil to my husband's shampoo as it helps with thinning hair and hair fall. I also use a small amount of castor oil on my eye lashes for a thickening effect. Castor is also something I add to my facial cleansing oils as it draws out impurities in my pores, and my face is clearer when I use castor oil.

Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein "increases the hair's ability to retain moisture and impart shine and gloss to damaged and dull hair. It attracts and retains moisture, builds body, reduces porosity, improves hair manageability, improves luster and smoothness." (CurlyNikki website)

Organic Meadownfoam Oil adds shine and moisture to the hair, and is beneficial to dry or damaged hair. It has moisturizing and rejuvenating properties. (Mountain Rose website)

We all have heard that coconut oil is a stellar ingredient, and its uses are numerous. Coconut oil improves hair growth and repairs damage. I often use coconut oil on the ends of my hair and use it on my underarms after shaving as it is antifungal and helps with irritation. I have also used coconut oil for oil pulling (cleaning) my teeth.

This hair mask is a great product for me. It softened my hair and provided a light moisture with out any heaviness or waxy feel. I do wish this was thicker and more of a cream. It is not as thick as the stock picture makes it appear and mine was not as full as the stock picture. It did not last long for me (4 uses only), but that is most likely due to my hair thickness and length. I like the jar that it came in, and will rinse it out and use it for my homemade face masks. It has a light smell that is not overpowering. It was not sticky to apply. The directions mention that this should be left in your hair for 5-15 minutes before rinsing out. I left it in for about 5-10 minutes each time. My hair loved this product and I was able to comb my hair easily after rinsing the cream out.



If you found this review or any of my other reviews interesting or helpful, please rate is as "helpful" and or leave a comment. I enjoy writing reviews and hearing feedback about what I have written as I feel reviews help those interested make an informed decision before purchasing. I also feel that honest and informative reviews improve a product by providing insight to the company. I believe reviews should be honest no matter whether an item was free, at a discount, or purchased. I am not connected to this company or any of the companies of products that I review. I am not paid for my opinions and do not receive any benefit for any purchases made based on my review.

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.

Dead Sea Salt Deep Hair Conditioner Mineral Balsam by Adovia: Reviewed

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I had the opportunity to review another Adovia product. I really like this company. The products are made in Israel with Genuine Dead Sea Minerals as the key ingredient. They use botanical ingredients and essential oils. I had already reviewed their dead sea mud mask (loved), mud soap (loved), and their shampoo (would have loved if it was sulfate free and had a different fragrance). The shampoo would have been a favorite of mine if it was not made with sulfates. I have been sulfate free for over a year and do not use anything that contains sulfates (my toothpastes, soaps, shampoos, etc. are all sulfate free and my skin and hair are better for it.) I tried the shampoo and due to the heavy fragrance and the sulfates in it, I had to pass on it--I did try it once for the review.

Ingredients in Adovia Dead Sea Salt Balsam Hair Conditioner:

demineralized water and Dead Sea water, dead sea salt, cetyl alcohol, cetrimonium chloride 29%, mineral oil, isopropyl myristate, glycerin, lanolin, fragrance, polyquaternium-7, propylene glycol and chamomile extract and algae extract and papaya extract and aloe vera

The Dead Sea is known for its therapeutic and detox properties. People have traveled to its shores to soak in the salty waters and apply the mud to their face, body, and hair. "Dead Sea Salt contains more than 21 skin and hair rebuilding minerals such as magnesium, calcium, sulfur, bromide, iodine, sodium, zinc and potassium. (Adovia) These minerals are known to treat, detoxify, and cleanse. Hair loss can be prevented and treated through the use massaging Dead Sea salts into the scalp.

Glycerin is an emollient and humectant, it soothes the skin and helps to soften it. Glycerin has the ability to attract water and moisture. I like to add a few drops of vegetable glycerin to my facial oil when I cleanse my face or add it to my shaving soap puck when I wet shave my legs with my badger hair brush. I also make my own natural eye drops by boiling 1 cup of water, adding 1 teaspoon of salt, a few drops of pure rosewater and 3 drops of vegetable glycerin (let it cool and then use a sterile dropper to put drops in the eyes). Glycerin helps to seal in the moisture in the scalp. It helps to strengthen the hair and may be beneficial to prevent brittle hair from breakage and split ends.

Propylene glycol is a humectant, which means it helps the skin to absorb moisture. Its property of absorbing moisture allows it to do this. It helps to carry the water-based ingredients into the skin.

Chamomile extract and chamomile tea is said to be beneficial for combating hair loss. (info from Livestrong.com) Chamomile is also great for calming the mind and body, often I like to treat myself with a hot cup of chamomile tea when I am stressed or having trouble sleeping. I have also brewed the tea and used it as a hair rinse for silky strands. Using chamomile tea regularly can add natural highlights to blond or light brown hair. My hair is dark coffee black so I sadly do not get any highlight from using chamomile, but I do like rinsing my hair in tea. For my dark hair, I often use a mixture of strong black tea (cooled) and stinging nettle tea (cooled) with a few drops of Burdock Root oil, peppermint oil, and rosemary oil.

Aloe Vera is very moisturizing and soothing to skin and scalp. It can have positive effects when used for treatment of dandruff and scalp / skin irritation. I always use 100% pure, clear aloe gel for my skin and body, and have used it on skin irritation and burns for years.

I have tried this shampoo for a few weeks. I wash my hair 1-2 times a week and have used this each time I shampoo my hair. I like the natural ingredients in this conditioner, (however it does have some chemicals in it) and do think it moisturized my hair when used. This did not weigh down my hair or make it oily. I was not a fan of the fragrance, as it smelled similar to the shampoo. It is a very strong scent and to me it smells like a salon hairspray. I wished the conditioner (and the shampoo) smelled like Mango or Papaya (Papaya extract is used in this conditioner) or perhaps Pomegranate or even a Lavender or Tea Tree. The strong fragrance seemed to give me a slight headache while using it in the shower. However, the strong fragrance does not linger after my hair dries. When dried, my hair smells and feels clean with only a light pleasant scent left behind the next day.

I do want to mention, that this conditioner, as well as my Adovia Shampoo, has a strange fitting cap/lid on it. My lids on both products appear like they do not fit well and do not look like the stock photos. This did not cause anything to spill, it just looked odd to me.

For more information on this conditioner:

Cleopatra's Choice

Amazon Product Link

If you found this review or any of my other reviews interesting or helpful, please rate is as "helpful" and or leave a comment. I enjoy writing reviews and hearing feedback about what I have written as I feel reviews help those interested make an informed decision before purchasing. I also feel that honest and informative reviews improve a product by providing insight to the company. I believe reviews should be honest no matter whether an item was free, at a discount, or purchased. I am not connected to this company or any of the companies of products that I review. I am not paid for my opinions and do not receive any benefit for any purchases made based on my review.

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.




Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Gold Elements Nail Care Supreme Kit: Reviewed

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

"Gold and beauty are two words which seem to go together. Traditionally, gold has always held value and significance, in terms of enhancing beauty." -Gold Elements

Many high end spas are offering high end gold infused facials and body treatment. Clients are raving about the results and instant glow they are seeing. These treatments are not cheap, and can go for hundreds of dollars just for a facial. It has been said that gold has anti-aging properties due to gold having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

I had the opportunity this month to try a luxury hand and nail care product set from a company called Gold Elements. It is a spa and cosmetic company noted for its regal skincare products. The set I was sent for review is called Gold Elements Nail Kit Supreme and it is a real treat to use. Being a busy mama of now 2, my finger nails are kept short and simple. I occasionally paint my finger nails a pretty spring or summer shade, however often the paint chips so quickly I like to keep my nails clear or bare.

When the set arrived, I was in awe. The nail care supreme kit is beautifully boxed in a golden hued cardboard box and comes with a nice golden gift bag as well. When opened, the set is housed in a faux velvet lined ivory colored plastic tray. It is displayed with utmost care and really does live up to the name, "supreme".



It came with these nail care items (and the following descriptions)

HAND AND NAIL CREAM:
A gentle, protective and soothing hand cream to protect
your skin.

CUTICLE OIL:
Deeply soothe, moisturize and nourish the cuticles. Ideal
when buffing your nails, your cuticles will be softer and
your nails stronger looking.

NAIL FILE:
To smooth away rough nail edges and shape your nail
faster and easier.

BUFFING BLOCK:
A fantastic buffer which grants a beautiful gleam to your nails
and assists in stimulating the blood circulation underneath

I opened the hand cream and put a small amount on my finger to apply it to my hand. It was a smooth and moisturizing consistency, and has a pleasant sweet cream fragrance. I was able to rub it in easily and it was not sticky or greasy. I was fond of it right away. The nail file was similar to ones I have used before, but is sturdy and the black color was classy. The buffing block has 3 different textures. The Golden hued metallic black side is meant to be used first. The grey side is smoother and to be used on the nail second, and the white side is the smoothest and is what gives the nail a high gloss shine.


To prepare my hands and nails for my spa like hand and nail treatment, I first washed my hands in a warm water and used a sulfate free gentle foaming soap. I rinsed in warm water as well to make my nails and cuticles a bit softer. I patted my hands dry and began filing my nails and shaping them with the nail file. I decided to round the edges. My nails are short, but I decided to file them to make them smoother as they seemed a bit on the jagged side. After filing, I began applying a tiny dot of cuticle oil on each finger near the nail bed. My cuticle were very dry and thick. I could not find my cuticle trimmer stick and really wished this set came with one. I tried to smooth out and remove any remaining thick and dry cuticles from my fingers. I massaged the remainder oil into my nails and then followed the buffing steps. After 3 buffing steps were completed, my nails looked super smooth and glossy. I really looked like I had painted them with a clear natural polish. I applied the hand cream and admired my work. My only recommendation would be for a wooden cuticle pusher stick to be included as well as a cuticle remover tool (cuts the cuticle along the nail where it meets the skin of the finger part). I seriously needed my cuticle tool and could not find it anywhere. Look at how glossy my thumb nail is!



I really like the hand cream best. Normally I do not use lotion on my hands as most lotions are greasy and make it difficult for me to get into my purse or touch clothing without concern of getting oil stains on the fabrics. I also always dislike heavy creams on my hands when I am wearing my rings. The Gold Elements hand cream makes my hands feel soft and moisturized without feeling oily or sticky.

I recommend this set. I do think it is pricy at $49.99 on their website, however, I do think it is perfect for someone who wants a natural and beautiful manicure that is easy. Manicures in a salon are costly, this set will last a long time as the cream only needs a small amount applied for nice results. The cuticle oil only needs to be used sparingly for results.

Want more information?

Gold Elements Website
Gold Elements Hand and Nail
Gold Elements Facebook

If you found this review or any of my other reviews interesting or helpful, please rate is as "helpful" and or leave a comment. I enjoy writing reviews and hearing feedback about what I have written as I feel reviews help those interested make an informed decision before purchasing. I also feel that honest and informative reviews improve a product by providing insight to the company. I believe reviews should be honest no matter whether an item was free, at a discount, or purchased. I am not connected to this company or any of the companies of products that I review. I am not paid for my opinions and do not receive any benefit for any purchases made based on my review.

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.









Sunday, June 15, 2014

Number One Probiotic Supplement: Reviewed

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.


I like yogurt. I try to eat it as often as possible. Yogurt contains good bacteria (probiotics) that helps our body's digestive tract and support our immune system. Probiotics are living organisms who produce enzymes that break down the food we eat, as well as convert sugars to the essential nutrients our bodies need. It is important to select yogurt brands that contain “live, active cultures” and always choose low-fat, low-sugar brands. I do not like my yogurt to be overly sweet, so I opt for plain, unsweetened yogurt and add either fresh blueberries, strawberries, peaches, or raspberries. Crumbling up some lowfat, low sugar granola over the top is extra delicious.

Probiotics need Prebiotics to assist them. Prebiotics are specific kinds of fibers that nourish the "good" bacteria that live in our digestive system. Prebiotics are also found in high-fiber foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. I breastfeed my infant and as I nurse, my milk helps baby build up more good bacteria. Breast milk contains Prebiotics that promote the growth of healthy bacteria. When I consume Probiotics through foods or my supplements I am promoting a proper balance of bacteria for my baby. My little one has acid reflux and so I have been purchasing an infant probiotic in capsule form and breaking it in half and mixing the powder into my expressed milk. Beginning at about 3 months old, you can do 1/4 teaspoon of probiotic powder once per day. My 3 year old daughter takes probiotics and gets 3/4 teaspoon each day. (info from Mamaandbabylove) Sometimes she drinks a yogurt probiotic drink, and she also eats a lot of plain yogurt.

I was able to test out a brand of Probiotic called Number One Probiotic Supplement. It contains 10 Billion CFU's and is a white powder in veggie-capsule form. These can be opened up to sprinkle into food (great for those who do not swallow pills or for children) or can be taken as pill form by swallowing. In order to keep the product working as it is intended and maintain its bacterial integrity, it is recommended to keep it refrigerated once it has been opened.

I have been taken Probiotics for years in another pill form/brand. I normally take "Pearls." I will do a quick comparison of the two types:

The Number One Probiotics brand is sized at about 3/4 of an inch long, and you are directed to take 2 of them. The Number Ones contain 10 Billion CFU'S. These come loosely in a vitamin container with a lid. Number One's Ingredients: (For 2 capsules) Probiotic Bacteria 10.12 Billion Organisms Bacillus Subtillus 2.64 Billion L. Rhamnosus 1.36 Billion L. Casei 1.36 Billion B. Longum 1.36 Billion L. Acidophilus 1.36 Billion L. Plantarum 680 Million B. Breve 1.36 Billion

The Pearls are about 1/4 inch, you directed are to take one pearl with or without food, and they are a rounded/pearl shape. Pearls are 1 billion CFU. Probiotic Pearls can be conveniently taken on the go and stored without refrigeration because their "triple-layer softgel shields protect live Probiotics inside from heat and moisture". I do like the Pearl brand's convenience of travel due to size and the fact that they do not need to be refrigerated. These come in a blister pack. Pearls Ingredients: Palm Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Lecithin, and Pectin. Proprietary Probiotic Blend (Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidobacterium Longum.

I have been testing out the Number One Probiotic for about 3 weeks now and am liking it a lot. It has more active CFU's (10 billion) than my Pearl ones (1 billion). It does have to be refrigerated and is not as travel friendly. I do like however that it can be broken in half and the powder given to my children in proper dosage.

I have not have any ill effects with this probiotic and I feel great. I have always noticed how icky, crampy and sluggish I feel when I do not taken any probiotic of any type for a few days. I think I will continue using this brand.

For more information, check this company out on Amazon. Amazon

If you found this review or any of my other reviews interesting or helpful, please rate is as "helpful" and or leave a comment. I enjoy writing reviews and hearing feedback about what I have written as I feel reviews help those interested make an informed decision before purchasing. I also feel that honest and informative reviews improve a product by providing insight to the company. I believe reviews should be honest no matter whether an item was free, at a discount, or purchased. I am not connected to this company or any of the companies of products that I review. I am not paid for my opinions and do not receive any benefit for any purchases made based on my review.




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.

Friday, June 13, 2014

Hyaluronic Acid by Insta Natural: Reviewed

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

It is finally summertime and I am super happy about that. Time for bright colors and sandals! I love my growing collection of colored leather sandals. It is important to always wear eye protection (bring out those fashionable sunglasses ladies!) and use sunscreen protection even on cloudy days. I always wear a facial moisturizer with a SPF as well as my BB cream and mineral makeup which both have SPF. Healthy skin is beautiful skin, and at the age of 32, I want to protect my face and prevent early aging.

One important way to do this is to follow common sense. Drink at LEAST 8-10 glasses of water a day, get plenty of rest, wear sunscreen and facial moisturizer, and eat plenty of fruits and veggies. I have cut out sulfates from my cleansing routine, and now oil cleanse my face. I first wash my face with the oil cleansing method at night, using various combinations of either jojoba, sweet almond oil, grape seed oil, rosehip seed oil or apricot kernal oil paired with caster oil, vegetable glycerin, and argan oil. Regardless of whatever oil I use, I always pair it with caster oil, glycerin, and Argan oil. After cleansing, I apply Vitamin C serum to my face before applying my bb cream and other makeup.

I recently came across a company called Insta Natural and they are becoming one of my favorites. They have wonderful products that are created with top quality, natural ingredients. One big important aspect is that the products are made in USA. They are natural and do not contain harmful ingredients such as chemical fragrances, alcohol, parabens, sulfates, and they never test on animals. For more information, check out their website. Insta Natural Website

I was excited to be selected to try their hyaluronic acid. This serum is non greasy, non sticky, and has a light botanical fragrance. It is clear and the consistency is reminiscent to pure aloe vera gel. Hyaluronic acid is an excellent moisturizer that restores skins firmness, natural resilience and is beneficial for optimal skin health. This Hyaluronic Acid is organic and plant derived, and contains Vitamin C and E, Aloe, & Green Tea Anti-Oxidants. It also contains Glycerin, which is something I have added to my cosmetics for some time now. Glycerin attracts moisture onto your skin, and my skin loves it.

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant, it strips free radicals of their harmful toxicity. This helps to prevent damage to healthy cells. When skin has a lack of vitamin c there is a loss of elasticity and tightness in skin, and wrinkles begin to form due to the lack of collagen production. We have the most collagen in our youth, and aging skin naturally loses this important nutrient over time. Pollution, cigarette smoking (and secondhand smoke), and over exposure of harmful UV sun rays are also causes of skin damage. I am happy to see Vitamin C in this serum.

This product contains witch hazel which is a natural astringent and can help with acne control by reducing inflammation. Tannins in witch hazel can help reduce swelling and heal broken skin. I have always been fond of witch hazel and have used it for years. Jojoba oil is similar to our skin's sebum which allows it to absorb easily and is not heavy. Jojoba is moisturizing and nourishing for your skin and another fantastic ingredient.

I use this hyaluronic acid every day immediately following my vitamin c serum application. I try to use this twice a day, as it is soothing on my skin and I feel that it is working. I have dark circles under my eyes from poor sleep habits and hope to eventually heal them. I use 2-4 pumps of this all over my face, neck and decolletage, taking care to use a gentle touch when applying under and around my delicate eye area. I probably could get away with 1-2 pumps, but I am becoming a bit enamored with this serum. It is important to use your ring finger when applying products around your eyes and lids as that finger has a lighter strength than perhaps your pointer finger. You never want to tug or press hard around your eyes.

I feel that this makes my skin smooth, supple and I like how it does not cause any irritation or break outs. I feel that it provides the moisture I need for healthy and beautiful skin. I recommend this if you are looking for a serum with top notch ingredients and skin loving benefits.

This product arrived well padded and safely to me. The company has excellent customer service and stands behind their products with their guarantee. "We back our products up with a 100-day hassle-free money back guarantee, no matter where you buy our product...If you are not completely satisfied, simply contact us and we will give you a full refund, no questions asked (you do not even have to return the bottle). Our #1 priority is to make sure our customers are completely happy." It is refreshing to see a company who cares about their customers enough to go above and beyond. What sets this particular hyaluronic acid apart from others I have tried, is that this is in a PUMP. (LOVE THAT) I am not extremely fond of a dropper. Dropper containers are sometimes messy (excessively drippy sometimes) and they have to be opened (which can cause some contamination from air). This pump functions well and is hygienic. This is in a dark cobalt blue glass container which is important for keeping the contents from being compromised due to excessive exposure to light.



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.

Stainless Steel Vegetable Slicer SuperSwizz: Reviewed

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I have never been a fan of zucchini or squash, except winter squash---I like that. I make winter squash like one would make whipped sweet potatoes. I like to add lots of butter, and some salt, and some sugar. It is fantastic. When I had the opportunity to review a spiral veggie slicer, I was intrigued. I figured perhaps maybe I would try zucchini in a different form. I purchased 2 medium sized zucchinis, washed them, and cut off them ends. I then followed the directions and was amazed at how easy and rather awesome things were looking. The zucchini was making very long spaghetti! My 3 year old came over and immediately wanted to try a "noodle." I picked one out and saw it was probably 2 feet long! This of course made it even more appetizing for her, and she ate it right away, and asked for another. This made me happy as eating vegetables in their raw form it by far the healthiest option. I finished one zucchini and then the second was quickly used. Both took about 5 minutes total to slice. It reminded me of a giant pencil sharpener. Super quick, super easy. I did not have any carrots on hand, except baby carrots so have not yet tried those. I am excited to try carrots, and make a carrot cake for my husband as that is his favorite cake.

The slicer is called the SuperSwizz Spiral Slicer and is quite functional. It has 2 different ends capable of two Julienne sizes - 2x3 mm and 3.5x5 mm and is Dishwasher safe. It comes with a small bristle brush that looks like a mini baby bottle scrubber. This stainless steel vegetable slicer makes vegetable "noodles" with ease from carrots, zucchinis and the like. After we made our long noodles, I boiled water on the stove with butter and salt. I added the noodles and cooked for about 5 minutes. I drained the water and put on a plate for my daughter and myself as a healthy snack. It was fantastic. I was impressed with the slicer and myself. I never eat cooked zucchini, but now will happily eat it.


The zucchini noodles were liked by my 3 year old whether cooked or raw. She really likes watching me make the noodles as well. Cleanup was easy. After the noodles were made, I was left with a zucchini pyramid, and my toddler actually decided she wanted to eat it. I used the included bristle brush and scraped away the remainder bits and put the entire slicer in the top rack of the dishwasher.

The next day I tried using an apple, thinking that this would make a fun and delicious noodle treat for my little one, but the apple failed miserably and only made a soggy mess. I have not tried any other fruit or vegetable with this, but am excited to try. It would be interesting to see if a potato would work as that would make for easy hash browns.


If you found this review or any of my other reviews interesting or helpful, please rate is as "helpful" and or leave a comment. I enjoy writing reviews and hearing feedback about what I have written as I feel reviews help those interested make an informed decision before purchasing. I also feel that honest and informative reviews improve a product by providing insight to the company. I believe reviews should be honest no matter whether an item was free, at a discount, or purchased. I am not connected to this company or any of the companies of products that I review. I am not paid for my opinions and do not receive any benefit for any purchases made based on my review.

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.




Thursday, June 12, 2014

"Picky for a Purpose" Belli Healthy Glow Facial Hydrator: Reviewed

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.


I recently had my second child a few weeks back 2 months ago (where has the time gone? 2 kids is MUCH different--busy-crazy but wonderful--than ONE). When I was pregnant, I was very aware of what I was about to put into my body. There are many things to avoid when pregnant. Substances that can cause birth defects are called "teratogens." The amount and length of time of exposure to these substances, as well as the trimester of the pregnancy at time of exposure, are all determining factors.

We are told not to eat sushi and not to eat deli meat unless it is heated (ew, who does that? Not me, but I guess some people are able to enjoy a hot deli sandwich? I rather just give it up all together). We are told to stay away from canned goods, soft cheeses, excessive caffeine, not to dye our hair or paint our nails, stand far away from the microwave, and avoid certain types of fish.

Then there are the more serious types of things to avoid, such as lithium, lead, alcohol, smoking, secondhand smoke, toxins from cat litter boxes, dangerous fumes, radiation, mercury, and drugs. Double and triple check, no problem for me on all these things. I am totally not a cat person, and do not smoke, drink, and don't even take Tylenol most the time.

It is important to note that what we put into our body, has a potential for harm to a developing baby. I was ultra careful during my pregnancies, however I must admit, I did enjoy a few Ale 8 one soft drinks as they are the only soft drink I will drink and they are wonderful--they do have caffeine in them sadly. (Kentucky soft drink made right here, it is kind of like a fruity ginger ale).


I had the opportunity to review a facial lotion from a company who is "Picky for a Purpose." Cute huh? Belli Skincare is a company designed for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and is a line of skincare that is tested safe for them to use without worry.

"Each ingredient is researched to see if an ingredient has ever been linked to a birth defect, miscarriage, or other harmful effect during pregnancy before being added to a particular product." (taken from the Belli Website) The company keeps updated in research to make sure no new side effects or harm has come from using a particular ingredient. They refer to this process as Teratology screening.

I like how the company does not test on animals, and the products are USA made. There are no artificial dyes or fragrances, no parabens, and everything is allergy tested and screened for supreme safety. The website is attractive and easy to navigate, they have arranged it for those who are planning to get pregnant or who are already have a bun in the oven, those who are breastfeeding, and then afterwards in a woman's life.

The facial lotion I received to test is the Healthy Glow Facial Hydrator, and is 1.5 oz. This arrived well packaged and in a box. The bottle is a sleek cylindrical container with a pump. I was at first confused about this feature, as I thought perhaps mine was defective without a tube inside to pump the product out. This is referred to as an airless pump, and these do not have straws or tubes. From what I understand, this protects the product from getting too much air exposure, which could make the product not last as long or function as well. Press the pump a few times, and this will create a vacuum and the product will be drawn upwards. There is a tiny hole under the canister that can be pocked with a paperclip or pin if the pump needs unclogging. After priming my pump a few times, it worked perfectly.

This citrus scented, light moisturizing cream has Vitamin C and grape seed oil for radiant, healthy looking skin. I oil cleanse my face each evening (I am sulfate free and do not use traditional soaps). After washing my face with my usual diy facial oil mix: jojoba oil, caster oil, grape seed oil, argan oil (and sometimes emu oil or rosehip seed oil) and glycerin mixture, I then use hot water on my facial cloth and steam twice, and then closing the pores with cool water, I allow my face to dry.

Want more detail? (Please sit tight and bear with me, If you have heard this all before in my previous posts.)

I gently clean my face with 2-3 drops of Lavendar castile soap and warm water. This removes all my makeup and any stubborn eyeliner or mascara. I rinse with warm water and pat dry. Then I cleanse with the oil cleansing method. I use my oil mixture (whatever oils you find that work best for you---you can try different types) and I massage the mixture all over my face gently. I let it soak in for about 2 minutes as I continue the massage. I then turn on the faucet to the hot water only, and when it gets steamy, I run the water over my wash cloth. I wring out the hot wash cloth and place it over my face to steam out my pores. When the cloth cools, I do the cloth steaming once more only this time when it cools, I wipe the excess oil away. I rinse my face with cold water to close my pores and then I pat dry.

I then apply Vitamin C serum, and allow it to soak into my face. I then apply my Hyaluronic acid and after that dries, I apply this Belli Glow with 2-3 pumps to my entire face. I make sure to concentrate on my under eye circles and delicate eye area as well. Make sure to use your ring finger to apply this and any product to your eyelid or under eyes, to prevent tugging. The ring finger has less weigh than other fingers, such as your pointer. This is non greasy, non sticky, and leaves my face supple and refreshed. I really love the fragrance, as it is not overpowering. My skin feels clean after application, and this does not clog my pores.

Here are the ingredients:

Deionized Water, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Sodium PCA, Cetearyl Olivate (and) Sorbitan Olivate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin, Acanthopanax Senticosus (Eleutherol) Root Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ascorbyl Palmitate

I like how it has grape seed oil in it. As readers of my blog already know (and may be tired of hearing). I am an oil fanatic. I oil cleanse my face every night and have better skin because of it. My skin does not break out, and I have fewer blackheads and my oil production has stabilized so that I only produce what my skin needs. Grape seed oil is a good source of essential fatty acids and vitamin E. Grape seed oil can assist with skin repair and is popular for use in massage oils and cosmetics.


Here is what the company has to say:

"Belli ® delivers trusted skin care solutions that pamper and protect without known harmful chemicals so you can expect beautiful skin and enjoy peace of mind during any stage of your life: pregnancy, motherhood and beyond. The ingredients in Belli products are selected based upon an extensive review of published medical studies. Belli even follows a unique safety screening process to avoid ingredients with known links to birth defects or harmful effects while breastfeeding. OB/GYN & Dermatologist Recommended."



The Facial Glow Hydrator worked well for me and I like it a lot. I am currently breastfeeding our son, so this gives added reassurance that this product will be safe for both of us. It has not lightened my under eye dark circles, but it did not claim to do that, and really I did not expect it to do that since I am causing dark circles myself nightly with my terrible sleeping pattern. I feed him every 2 hours still so I am lucky if I get a combined 4-6 hours a night.

This would be perfect for a pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, or even those who just want beautiful skin from a fantastic product. (Which all ladies can benefit from). This is a bit on the pricy side at around $30, however I did not need to use much. I think most users can benefit from 2 pumps each day.


For more information about Belli Skincare or to order their products, check their website and Amazon.

Amazon

Facial Glow Hydrator

Belli Skincare

I am not connected to this company in any way, and any purchases or decisions to purchase you make, do not benefit me in any way. I am not compensated for this review. I did get this product as a sample in exchange for my honest opinion.
If you found this review or any of my other reviews interesting or helpful, please rate is as "helpful" and or leave a comment. I enjoy writing reviews and hearing feedback about what I have written as I feel reviews help those interested make an informed decision before purchasing. I also feel that honest and informative reviews improve a product by providing insight to the company. I believe reviews should be honest no matter whether an item was free, at a discount, or purchased. I am not connected to this company or any of the companies of products that I review. I am not paid for my opinions. This cream was sent to me in exchange for my opinion.


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.



Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Night Skin Repair by Vouray: Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

How much sleep do you get each night? Are you a working woman (or man) whose busy lifestyle of deadlines, along with heavy traffic jams, squinting at computer screens, and being hunched uncomfortably over a desk, causes you to get less than the recommended 8 hours of sleep each night? Are you a stay at home parent who, after chasing the kids all day, doing laundry, cleaning up food crumbs off of the floor, picking out soggy Cheerios from inside of the kitchen sink, cleaning up sticky fingers and faces, changing bottoms, kissing boo-boos, cooling feverish brows, and reading stories, has added some extra stress and perhaps loss of beauty to your face? I definitely feel it--the stress and exhaustion of daily life, along with the heavy pollution of the atmosphere around me. I do want to get adequate and replenishing sleep, however, currently with a 2 month old and a 3 year old, it just does not happen. I do make it a habit to drink plenty of water each day and limit my caffeine intake. I also have never smoked a cigarette, and I stay away from secondhand smoke whenever possible.

As we all progress in age, and are exposed to stress, environmental pollutants, and harmful chemicals, our skin and body changes. Skin collagen, a protein that aids in the growth of cells and blood vessels and gives skin firmness and strength, begins to slow down and cell structures start losing their strength. Skin starts to become less elastic, and wrinkles and lines form.

It is highly vital that we drink plenty of water, get adequate rest, and moisturize our delicate skin. Skin will become rough and dry if it is not treated with care and given proper nutrients. Did you know that it is important to get enough Vitamin C? Did you know that Vitamin C, when added to skin care products, has a positive effect on the health of our skin? Vitamin C helps your skin repair itself. It increases elastin formation which thickens, protects, and heals skin cells. The thickening effect helps to retain moisture, increases skin circulation and plumps up the skin surface. When we are young, we have the most elastin and collagen in our skin, and as we age, collagen production slows down and decreases.

I had the opportunity to review a skin cream by Vouray. This particular cream is a night repair cream. Vouray is a skincare company that came into production through the scientific studies of Dr. Bonomo and the development of skincare products by his daughter Gina. Bonomo found that skin cells could be prompted to produce more collagen, giving aging skin a more youthful appearance and diminishing the appearance of wrinkles. Gina, his daughter, began working on a skincare line that used botanical extracts and essential oils to alert skin cells to produce more collagen. It seems that natural ingredients are more effective in the rejuvenation of the appearance of aging skin than synthetic and chemical ingredients. This new approach provided protection against free radicals and support for the body's own repair process.

The company stands behind their science and their products. They even have a money back guarantee.

"Try any one (or more) of our products for a full 60 day period and compare the results with your current favorites. Use all of the VOURAY product to the last drop, to the bottom of the jar or bottle, and if you're not convinced that VOURAY improves the appearance of your skin and provides a better value for your money, then return the empty container(s) for a full refund of your purchase price. No gimmicks, just an honest comparison."

I try to be as chemical free as possible. Obviously, I am not a total chemical free gal. I do wear makeup (most of which is not mineral or natural) and have not given those items up. I do try to limit my use of synthetic and chemical items, and have been sulfate free over a year. I looked over the label of Vouray Night Repair cream and noticed the first 3 ingredients: water (aqua), simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, cyclopentasiloxane, vitis vinefera (grape) seed extract, these are definitely 3 good, healthy skin loving ingredients. Going through the list, you see botanical plant extracts, fruit extracts, essential oils and other natural goodies. It has Vitamin A, E, and C.

water (aqua), simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, cyclopentasiloxane, vitis vinefera (grape) seed extract, centella asiatica extract, aspalathus linearis leaf extract, beta-sitosterol, ascorbyl palmitate (vitamin c), butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), spirulina maxima extract, camellia sinensis leaf extract, allantoin, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin e), glycerin, retinyl palmitate (vitamin a), sodium hyaluronate, bisabolol, lecithin, chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, palmitoyl oligopeptide, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-5, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract, niacinamide, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, prinsepia utilis seed extract, hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, trifolium pratense (clover) flower extract, panax ginseng root extract, astaxanthin, ceratonia siliqua gum, hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract, cyamopsis tetragonoloba (guar) gum, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil.

This is a nice cream that claims to hydrate skin, reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and provide nutrients to boost the repair process during sleep. When we sleep, our skin tries to undo all of the cellular damage and stress it was exposed to during the day. Sleep deprivation causes health concerns such as weight gain, colds and flu, lack of mental clarity, headaches, as well as keeping us from looking and feeling our best.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, "when we sleep well, we wake up feeling refreshed and alert for our daily activities. Sleep affects how we look, feel and perform on a daily basis, and can have a major impact on our overall quality of life."

I have tried this cream each night for a week and a half after oil cleansing on my face. It is not greasy or sticky to apply and makes my skin soft. The cream minimizes the look of pores and make skin appear smoother and more supple. It has a light pleasant fragrance. I like how it is USA made, that is a BIG PLUS for me, as things increasingly are made outside the US. It is paraben-free, which is nice to know, since parabens increase the risk of breast cancer tumors and other cancers.

The cream comes in a sturdy jar with 1.75 oz of product and a plastic spatula like dipper. This comes handy so as to not contaminate the cream with your fingers. The packaging is simple. My only complaint is that my box of cream did not have instructions on using this cream. The first time I used this cream, I used too much, and although it was not greasy to have so much product applied, it seems wasteful as a little goes a long way.

I am 32, and do not have wrinkles, however I do have a few fine lined areas around my eyes and dark circles. I am hoping to see some fading of the dark circles and hope this cream can iron out some of the tiny lines. This may not be a miracle cream, but I do think it has some potent ingredients that can boost collagen production and help restore life to a tired face.


For more information on this company and this product:

Vouray Website

Night Repair Cream

If you found this review or any of my other reviews interesting or helpful, please rate is as "helpful" and or leave a comment. I enjoy writing reviews and hearing feedback about what I have written as I feel reviews help those interested make an informed decision before purchasing. I also feel that honest and informative reviews improve a product by providing insight to the company. I believe reviews should be honest no matter whether an item was free, at a discount, or purchased. I am not connected to this company or any of the companies of products that I review. I am not paid for my opinions. This cream was sent to me in exchange for my opinion.

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.