InstaNatural #ScarGel, Vitamin C Serum, and Youth Express Eye Gel Review

Disclaimer: This post is based on a free product provided from Tomoson as a press sample so that I may offer my own opinion, which may be the same or differ from yours

InstaNatural

Any products to refine my complexion always attract my eye in my never-ending quest for skin perfection. When the opportunity arose to try a few new skin care products from InstaNatural came up, I was eager to see what the results would be.

InstaNatural Scar Gel

The first product I tried was their all natural Scar Gel for help reversing the little bit of remaining damage I received from a chemical peel.  This InstaNatural product has an epidermal growth factor to stimulate cell growth, sea kelp bioferment for its firming and healing properties, and astaxantin, a lipid-soluable antioxidant more powerful than vitamin E among its over helpful skin ingredients like green tea, gotu kola, and focoxanthin.  Since it was advertised to work on both new and old scars, I decided this was worth investigating.

When you first apply this product to the scar, it does turn the area a rosy tone that later disappears and returns to match your normal skin tone.  After nearly two weeks of use twice a day, I did notice the depressed skin in that scar gradually looks a bit more filled in.   I will keep using this InstaNatural Scar Gel ($23.95) because hopefully in time, I will get even more impressive results.  I don’t know for sure, but I am optimistic.

InstaNatural Youth Express Eye Gel

The Youth Express Eye Gel ($19.95) was gentle anti-aging gel with matrixyl 3000 for firming and plant stem cells that moisturized with hyaluronic acid among its active ingredients.  This product went into the area without the need to tug the skin to spread it.  It had a nice consistency without being overly slick or heavy, which didn’t complicate eye makeup application.  I can’t say I noticed vast improvement in dark circles or anti-aging, but I only have been using this product for the last two weeks.  Perhaps, those changes may come down the line, but I cannot say for sure.

The last InstaNatural product I got to sample was their Vitamin C Serum ($16.75).  This serum has a 20% potency of vitamin C along with moisturizing power from hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, plant stem cells, sea buckthorn, carrot, rosehip and argan oils in addition to pomegranate for skin and anti-aging benefit.  With so much vitamin C, it is advertised to help brighten the skin as well.    I did need to use a moisturizer on my dry skin because this fresh citrus scented serum mostly absorbed into the skin.  However, with both the serum and my moisturizer, my face felt wonderfully comfortable again.  Though I haven’t been using this product all that long, I must admit my skin has been getting more of a glow to it. 

InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum

If you’re in the market for natural skin care that is reasonable, made in the United States, then you should give InstaNatural a try.  I do think that their products are worth exploring.  

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  A free product was provided by Tomoson solely to facilitate this review.*

Likely Ingredients That May Trigger Skin Eruptions Especially for Those With Oily Skin!

Anyone can break out from countless ingredients in products, but those with oily skin need to be extra cautious.  Therefore, I am going to share some common pore-clogging ingredients that could backfire on your attempts to stay clear and yet still be moisturized, especially if you see them near the top of the list of ingredients of any product.  

Oily complexions should avoid cocoa butter, lanolin, petrolatum, mineral oil, shea butter, sunflower oil, evening primrose oil, coconut oil, cottonseed oil, and wheat germ oils.   You need also to watch out for sulfates particularly, sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, which often are active ingredients in cleansers, shampoos and conditioners.  

Other typical ingredients that can also make your problem worse and trigger breakouts include isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl myristate, myristyl myristate, laureth-4 and -23, cetearyl alcohol, D&C red #30, oleth-3, and isopropyl palmitate among others.  

Remember that the amount of any ingredient when reading a product label goes from most to the least. After making that determination, if you find one of those problem ingredients among the first seven ingredients on that package, bottle, or jar, then do yourself a favor and look for another one.  Your skin will be grateful.

You should even rethink the type of sunscreen you use.  Mineral sunscreen that can physically block the sun such as one with zinc oxide might be a safer option for your skin type than chemical sunscreens. Ingredients such as octy or oxybenzone, methoxycinnamate and cinoxate that aggravate your skin and bring on skin eruptions.

Read my earlier post on the most helpful ingredients to look for to get your best skin ever!

Gillette Venus Swirl Razor and Venus Olay Violet Swirl Shave Gel Review + ($20 Walmart Gift Card) Giveaway!–Ends March 27, 2015

Disclaimer: This a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/Procter & Gamble.

Gillette Venus Swirl Razor

Warm weather will be here before you know it.  Instead of covering up every inch of our bodies, we will be putting away those heavy clothes and hunting for summer clothes again.  Since we’ll be showing more skin with our sun dresses, shorts and halters, we need really smooth legs and underarms.  When I received the invitation to participate in this She Speaks project, I thought reviewing the Gillette Venus Swirl Razor and Olay Swirl Shave Gel couldn’t have been timed better.

Gillette Venus Swirl Cartridges,  Venus Swirl Razor, and Olay Violet Swirl Shave Gel

What is so special about the Gillette Venus Swirl Razor is its revolutionary FlexiBall design, which has the ability to move in multiple directions and yet hug the body as it travels for the closest shave ever with its five blades.  A built-in MoistureGlide serum automatically gets activated when water touches it for added gentleness as that razor glides and maneuvers over that curvy, complicated terrain of a woman's body without knicking.   

The Gillette Venus Olay Violet Swirl Shave Gel made it that much easier to shave.  My legs felt so silky smooth when I finished like I just applied lotion.  Whether it was just due to the razor or using that wonderfully scented shave gel together, I loved how it protected the skin from those irritating knicks while making that shaved area so touchable.

I don't know about you, but this Gillette Venus Swirl Razor and Olay Violet Swirl Shave Gel are my new best friends for not only warm weather--but all year round for beautiful, silky legs that my guy can't get his hands off of.  Ladies, take my advice, you need to try both of these products because you'll love the difference they make in your appearance with those tempting, smooth legs.

To learn more, visit venusswirl.com.  You can also connect with Gillette Venus on Facebook or on Twitter @GilletteVenus.

Thanks to She Speaks and Gillette Venus, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States wins a $20 Walmart Gift Card so that they can purchase their own Gillette Venus Swirl Razor and Olay Violet Swirl Shave Gel!

*Disclaimer:  This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/Procter & Gamble.*

Giveaway details and how to enter–

Prize: One (1) winner will each receive a $20 Walmart Gift Card from SheSpeaks/Gillette Venus 

Dates of entry: 03/14/15–03/26/15 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time

Eligibility: Open to USA addresses.  No PO Boxes.  The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

How to Enter:  Please use the Rafflecopter widget if it works.  You can also enter by clicking this link or try to enter using another browser. You can return daily and log in again with your email to tweet or to vote daily for Nuts 4 Stuff on Picket Fence Blogs.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dermalogica PreCleanse Oil and Wipes to #DoubleCleanse! (Review)

Disclaimer: This post is based on a free product provided by a company as a press sample so that I may offer my own opinion, which may be the same or differ from yours.

Dermalogica PreCleanse Wipes and PreCleanse Oil

I have used Dermalogica skin care products before, but this was a first for experimenting with their PreCleanse Oil and Wipes for a deep, thorough removal of  makeup, including the stubborn waterproof variety and sunscreen.  I got the chance as a member of iFabbo to test it and share what I thought.

I did grab the PreCleanse Wipes first.  They are pre-moistened but somewhat drier than some other makeup wipes that I used in the past. However,  when I took this wipe to my drier, but made-up face, I discovered it melted away the cosmetics and waterproof mascara easily enough.  All that was left for me to do was to pump some of my regular cleanser and rinse.  

With the PreCleanse Oil, I just poured a little in the palm of my dry hands and rubbed over the makeup still on my face, including the eye area since I was wearing waterproof mascara.  I let the product sit for about a minute before wetting my hands, which turns this light oil into a milky cream.  To finish, I pumped out some of my water-rinsing makeup cleanser.  Since I did not see any sign of my remaining waterproof mascara this time as well,  I did skip the waterproof makeup remover.

Normally, I use a water-rinsing makeup cleanser, waterproof eye makeup remover before finishing with soap and water.  In colder months, I do use an oil-based cleanser and tissue it instead of the water-rinsing variety before washing with soap and water.  My last step to remove all last possible traces of makeup and product left behind has been with a cotton ball moistened with a toner.

This double-cleanse route for makeup removal with these products did leave the skin feeling extra soft and pampered, but as far as how much cleaner is hard to judge.  The only way that you will know for sure is to try Dermalogica PreCleanse Oil and Wipes on your complexion and compare their performance.

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  A free product was provided solely to facilitate this review.*

How to Get More Time Out of Your Salon Hair Coloring!

Hair color does wonders for a woman’s spirit and self-esteem.  However, you may also be concerned what too frequent exposure to those hair coloring chemicals may be doing to endanger your overall health. So what are you to do when you want your hair to look good?  The answer is you want hair color that will be low maintenance, which means more time between colorings to lessen the risk.

What I am about to share with you can also be done at home, but it a more complicated process than merely using a box of hair coloring.  Therefore, it is best to seek the help of a salon professional because what you want to ask for are adding highlights that you can see partially from underneath and inside the hair.  

Adding a few different shades in the hair makes for lower maintenance once it starts to grow and look less noticeable.  This will extend your hair coloring longer. 

Do not confuse this with a technique like balayage that also uses highlights, only in that process they are painted on top instead of underneath and inside the hair.  Read my earlier post for more on balayage.

Try it for yourself and you will extend that hair coloring a bit longer than you think!

Review: Lindi Skin Products

Disclaimer: This post is based on a free product provided by a company as a press sample so that I may offer my own opinion, which may be the same or differ from yours.

Lindi Face Wash, Face Serum, Eye Hydration and Lip Balm

Lindi Skin is a line of skin care products for the face and body that is geared for those undergoing cancer treatments.  Fortunately, I have not been dealt that hand as so many others have in their brave fight of this disease to know the uncomfortable effects and changes in the skin due to chemotherapy and radiation. However, I do know what it feels like to have sensitive skin due to allergies.  Though hardly comparable, I will do my best to give you my honest opinion of the Lindi Skin products I received for this review.

The first product I tried was their Lavender Face Serum ($40).  It is a mix of concentrated botanicals and vitamins in a pump dispenser that did feel very soothing, non-greasy and absorbed wonderfully into my skin. 

Next, I tested the Lindi Eye Hydrator ($30).  This is a nutrient-rich moisturizing gel that did have a nice texture for this area.  I liked how it vanished into the skin and lubricated without irritating my eyes as some eye creams can with tearing or itching.

The Lindi Lip Balm ($10) treats dry lips and pleasantly tastes of vanilla. I just would have preferred the convenience and more sanitary form of this product in a tube rather than relying on your finger.

To clean my face, I also got a bottle of the Lindi Face Wash ($22).  It has a pump to dispense it from and smells so enticing even through the box.  The soapless product didn’t foam up with water like you may expect, but it does rinse off well as it cleans and left my face feeling comforted and soft.  

If you’re looking for some gentle skin care, I think a visit to Lindi Skin online is in order.  They also have a selection of body care and gift sets available.

Furthermore, the company is offering my readers 25% off of all products with FREE shipping now until May 31, 2015 when you enter coupon code: BLOG25 at checkout at the Lindi Skin website.  In return, Lindi Skin will also make a donation for every purchase to the American Cancer Society as a part of their “Look Good, Feel Good” program.

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  A free product was provided solely to facilitate this review.*

Lady Gaga's Eau de Gaga 001 Perfume Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Lady Gaga's Eau de Gaga 001 Perfume

With a celebrity like pop singer-songwriter, Lady Gaga, you never know what to expect when she comes on stage.  The same is true with the release of her second unisex woody-floral fragrance, Eau de Gaga 001, that was done in collaboration with Coty Beauty and her Haus Laboratories with perfumer, Ursula Wandel.

Trying to find the right words to describe this scent is difficult because of the way this one develops.  This scent has an explosive citrus start from opening notes of lime and bergamot that come off strong and forceful with a masculine edge.  You don’t know exactly where this fragrance is taking you until it warms further.  

It is in the heart with notes of white violet that there is a subtle blending of floral sweetness that gives wonderful contrast to that harsh electrifying lime.  At this point, the combination of notes becomes more feminine with a fresher sweet vibe to it.

As it dries down in the base, this fragrance changes yet again as the leather notes kick, making it more unisex with a raw sexy appeal that might pleasantly surprise your senses.

I don’t think this fragrance will be for everyone, but I did like Eau de Gaga 001 for how different it was. Do give this fragrance a chance to see how it develops with your body’s own chemistry before you rule it out. Otherwise, you just might miss something that could help single you out from the crowd.

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  A free product was provided solely to facilitate this review.*

Discover Color-Treated Hair That Looks Like Virgin Hair With Keracolor Clenditioner and Purify Plus Leave-in ConditioningTreatment (Review)!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Keracolor Purify Plus Leave-in Conditioning Treatment and Clenditioner

Anyone that is looking for noticeably softer, silkier, and overall healthier hair needs to read this review because I am the proud owner of a beautiful mane thanks to two new products from a company called Keracolor.  With all the hair products on the market, I am thrilled I had the chance to try their Clenditioner and Purify Plus Leave-in ConditioningTreatment after they reached out with an invitation to review their products.   

I had my hair freshly colored about two weeks ago.  Anyone that colors their hair knows how vibrant and softer the hair becomes afterwards.  I had thought what I was seeing in the mirror was as pretty as it can be. Then I tried the Keracolor Clenditioner, which is a conditioning cleanser, specifically designed for color-treated hair.  This product deeply cleans and conditions the hair without stripping the color while targeting minerals from soaps likes sulfates and chlorine to other deposits left behind from the water that may remain in your hair and neutralizes them.  

Unlike regular shampoo, the Clenditioner ($20) that arrived for my hair type, will not produce foamy lather but a creamy, pleasant-smelling wash with sort of a fruity-floral aroma.  I used a few pumps, probably more than I actually needed before I discovered it would not foam.  The next time I will use less of the Clenditioner now that I know what to expect.

I left the Clenditioner on for about two minutes, but the directions state a minute, before rinsing and following with the Purify Plus Leave-in Conditioning Treatment ($20).  I gave my hair about three sprays before taking my hair dryer and partially drying before applying my styling products.

When I finished blow-drying my hair, I was really stunned at how unbelievably soft but beautifully manageable my hair was.  At the same time, it glistened more than ever and picked up some sensational highlights.  If ever my hair looked younger, these products were responsible for turning back the clock to the time of healthy, pre-colored hair.

I tried lots of hair conditioners, which increased manageability and shine to reverse damage.  However, I never experienced one that had so much impact to make the hair so much healthier looking that what’s on your head looks and feels the way it did when you were younger.  

Everyone should try Keracolor Clenditioner and Purify Plus Leave-in Conditioning Treatment and remove all the accumulated deposits of minerals and chlorine from your hair because what follows afterwards will thrill you beyond words!

A Clever Beauty Tip to Make Regular Formula Lipstick Last Even Longer!

Here’s a tip that you may want to try to extend the life of your typical formula lipstick now that weather will be warming up soon.  Of course, you can use a lip primer to help for this purpose.  However, there is another way to accomplish the same thing with what I am about to share with you without spending any money for that product. 

All that it takes is applying your lipstick and then rubbing an ice cube over your lips.  The intense cold will freeze the pigment in place to better stop the product from smudging and bleeding. 

In this photo, I am wearing Mary Kay's True Dimension Lip Stick in Pink Cherie.

Put it to the test yourself and you’ll see how much more wear you’ll get out of your regular lipstick!