Rodan+Fields Essentials Foaming Sunless Tan- $24- 9/10

As some of you may know, I am oftentimes skeptical to use products that come from a multi-level marketing type of company, but I believe I have found the exception.  I cannot speak for other Rodan+ Fields products but this one is pretty much liquid gold.  Though the days of tanning beds and lying out in the hot summer sun slathered in baby oil may be long gone, our longing to look sun-kissed will probably never fade. 

This is where Rodan+Fields Essentials Foaming Sunless Tan becomes our life saver.  Bye-bye sun and hello self-tanner!   This sunless tanner saves us from subjecting ourselves to harmful UV Rays because we are now instantly tanned without them!  Not only is the application process a breeze, it is also pumped full of antioxidants to further protect our skin from the elements!  The color develops rather quickly and I have never had any issues with it staining my clothes or any other surface.

I think the aspect of the Essentials Foaming Sunless Tan that hooked me permanently is the scent.  It has a nice citrusy aroma that is not overpowering.  It seemed every other product I was trying made me smell immediately terribly bad and it was so strong!  Don’t get me wrong, any tanning product is eventually going to make your skin produce a bit of an odor due to the chemicals (DHA) needed to turn your skin tan, but the citrus seems to offset it more than anything else I’ve tried.

As far as application goes, though it is rather easy, I do feel like adjusting to the foam takes an application or two.  The foam is white and absorbs quite quickly so it is hard to tell exactly where you are applying or how much to apply until you get the hang of it.  I would recommend actually using a little more than you think you need until you get a feel  for what amount of tan you are looking for and how much your skin absorbs.  Also, I would do one body part at a time meaning, lower leg then upper leg etc.  After I complete my application, I always wash my hands very well, dry them, and then add a little pump to the back of one hand and rub the back of my hands together.  I then will usually do my makeup or something else to allow the tanner to fully dry, usually about 10 minutes, before getting dressed.

All in all, I love this stuff and don’t foresee myself experimenting with any other self-tanner in the near future, or ever for that matter!  The before and after picture is completely unfiltered and speaks for itself.  I use twice a week and no one can even tell, except for the fact that I no longer look like Casper the ghost.  The only reason I am giving it a 9 instead of a 10 rating is because you can’t just run out the store and get it- you can only order it from a Rodan+Fields Representative.  However, there are plenty of reps out there so you shouldn’t have too much trouble obtaining your new addition to your routine.  After all, you’re never fully dressed without looking a little “sun-kissed”.  

NeriumAD- 2/10

I started hearing a lot of buzz about this product, both negative and positive, and after much research, decided that I wanted to form my own opinion.  My biggest hesitation in trying this product was in regards to a somewhat controversial ingredient it contains called Oleander.  Oleander is a poisonous evergreen shrubbery that is known for its aromatics and flashiness.  When consumed it high doses, it has shown to be extremely toxic to humans and other mammals.  As concerning as the ingredient sounds, there isn't much research to support the Oleander causing any serious health effects when applied topically.  However, research does show that the Oleander sap has the potential to cause some skin irritation.

The company that produces NeriumAD is multi-level marketing company, somewhat similar to Avon or Mary Kay.  I'm always a little leery of these types of companies, but though I am not an advocate of the structures of these types of companies, it doesn't mean that it isn't possible for them to sell a good product.  I was approached by a NeriumAD sales representative who was kind enough to provide me with the bottle to review in hopes of gaining mine, as well as your, business.  Unfortunately, since I have only scored this product with a two out of ten, I will not be including the sales representative's name or purchase information as I normally would.

Nerium claims to be a cure-all anti-aging product, targeting hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.  I had all intents on taking before and after pictures, but I was never able to use the product consistently enough to take a final after picture as I suffered adverse effects.  The first thing I noticed upon pumping the NeriumAD onto my fingers was the strange, tacky texture and yellow pigment.  Then came the smell.  It was nearly intolerable but I did my best to look past it.  I woke up the net morning feeling extremely dry, and even a little flaky.  I decided to apply night cream over the Nerium the following night after confirming this was okay to do via the sales representative.  By day 3, my skin hurt to touch when I awoke a continued on through the day.  I then tapered off to only using it every other night, versus nightly as the directions indicate, due to the discomfort.  Despite lowering my dosage, my skin was becoming more and more sensitive and I was still experiencing the patchy dryness.  I discontinued the product for about two weeks and after about a week and a half, my skin started to feel like itself again.  I attempted to give it another try, but only succeeded in using the product off and on for about 45 days due to negative effects.

I have no idea how this product could have any real benefit to anyone considering the foul odor, dryness and discomfort,.  I am convinced that the Oleander, though it is deemed their prized ingredient, was damaging my skin's natural barrier.  The only products that should cause any sort of pain and burning in this capacity when applied are products and procedures from a professional (ie Dermatologist or Esthetician).  I was disappointed with this product as I really had high hopes for it, but it turned out to be exactly what I was originally concerned about: a scam of a company marketing an overpriced product that not only does not benefit the skin, seemingly harms the it.

Dermworx MoistureWORX - 4/10

I was given this product to try a few weeks ago and I am quite confused about it.  It is advertised as a moisturizing skin protectant, which in a sense it is, but it is almost entirely comprised of petrolatum.  Petrolatum is a somewhat controversial ingredient in skincare as some people, like myself, feel that it is a  pore clogging ingredient and has limited benefits while others find it beneficial.  Petrolatum serves as a skin barrier indeed but just as it does not let moisture out, it also does not let moisture in which is an issue for obvious reasons.  MoistureWORX also claims to be non greasy.  That is crazy considering it made of 30% petrolatum.  It's like saying that "Vaseline" isn't greasy- or course it is!!  The smell is also somewhat intolerable.  I am all for eliminating too many scent inducing ingredients because they can usually cause more irritation than anything else but this is not something I enjoy having anywhere near my nose. 

Basically, the only plus to this product is that it comes in a spray form.  Pack this in your suitcase the next time you are afraid of windburn, but otherwise, save your money.  I can hardly find any other information regarding this product except for on the manufacturer's website so I believe the only way to purchase this is through the manufacturer directly or from a sales representative in the event you still have any interest in this product.  Yuck!

Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner- 10/10

Many people are uninformed about the importance of a good toner or what a toner is at all.  Before I get into the specifics of my favorite toner, let me explain how a toner is beneficial.  Amongst the many things our skin needs,  hydration is key.  You may be thinking 'well, I use a good moisturizer, doesn't that hydrate?'.  The answer is not by itself.  Hydrating the skin consists of adding water to the skin, whereas moisturizing adds oil to the skin to create a barrier to hold in hydration.  Toning and moisturizing go hand in hand in keeping skin youthful and vibrant although toning oftentimes gets overlooked. Obviously drinking your 8 glasses of water per day is always optimal, but it doesn't necessarily target the face like a toner will. 

I have tried various toners, but my absolute favorite would be Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner. This product is not to be confused with Thayers regular Witch Hazel, as regular Witch Hazel contains alcohol which is very drying to the skin.  Witch Hazel has been used in skincare practice for many years but more or less as an astringent. 

Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner is not only alcohol free, but it contains Vitamin E to assist with moisturizing the skin.  This toner also contains rose petal water which has anti- inflammatory properties, thus reducing redness, and has been known to assist in cleansing pores, ultimately aiding in the prevention of acne.  Not to mention, the scent of rose is super calming so I often tone just before bed. All in all, those toner is a great, inexpensive, all natural and a simple yet effective means of keeping your skin beautifully hydrated!

Ingredients:  Purified Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Certified Organic Filet of Aloe Vera), Glycerin (Vegetable), Fragrance (Natural Rose), Hamamelis Virginiana (Thayers Proprietary un-distilled Witch Hazel) Extract, Rosa Centifolia (Rose) Flower Water, Citric Acid, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate

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Sweets for Feet- 10/10

I received a beautifully packaged sample kit of Sweets for Feet a few weeks ago and I am absolutely hooked.  The invigorating lotions arrived in a cute pink box with ribbons and mesh.  As I opened the first container, I was instantly in love with the scent and was in awe when opening each one.

Sweets for Feet has 4 different scents to choose from including Baklava, Ginger Spice Cookie, Lemonade Cake and my personal favorite Buttercream Dream.  The creams are white and light, eliminating any sort of greasy feel.  Though these organic creams can be used as a body lotion, I preferred  to apply them to my feet at night and sleep in socks.  Within minutes, I could almost feel the tingling of the lotion penetrating my dry skin.  The wonderful scent enveloped me as I drifted off to sleep.  I was impressed upon waking up the next morning to actually be able to tell a difference in the smoothness of my feet. I love that these products contain simple yet effective ingredients mostly consisting of aloe and she butter, my favorites.  I plan to continue using these creams for my feet several times per week to keep my feet nice and smooth!

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Hard Candy Mouthing Off Sheer Lip Shine in "Scoop"- 8/10

 I am so in love with this lip gloss!  Ever since my dog Jake ate my newly purchased Lip glass from MAC, I have been on the search for something similar yet affordable in the event Jake gets into my glosses again.  After wandering around the makeup section in Wal-mart, I gladly stopped at the glitzy Hard Candy display and came across my new lip gloss crush.  As I walked to my car, I excitedly unraveled the plastic wrapping on the gloss and unscrewed the lid as the luxurious scent of vanilla cupcakes now surrounded me.  I'm sure other shoppers were confused by my state of bliss in the parking lot but I was unconcerned as I swiped the creamy substance on my lips.  I gazed in my review mirror (and every other mirror in my path in the next few hours) in awe.

This gloss not only looks exactly like the gloss I had recently purchased for much more at MAC, but it tasted and smelled better too!  Typically, the gloss wears for 3-4 hours without food or drink but towards the end begins to gather in the lipline, hence contributing to the 8 instead of a 10.  One other drawback to the gloss in the unimpressive list of ingredients.  Anyone who knows me knows that I avoid products containing mineral oil as much as possible as it has drying effects but I have managed to overlook this flaw for this gloss.  I still continue to use my Vitamin E once or twice a week for sincere moisture but do not find this gloss to be overly drying.  Hard Candy has around 15 colors to choose from in the Mouthing Off Sheer Lip Shine line, but I'm convinced that the "Scoop" flavor is the best.  This gloss looks great as a contrast to a smokey eye but as you can see in my low quality quick picture of myself below, it doesn't look half bad with a clean face look.   

Hard Candy is not sold at many locations.  Please see online options below, otherwise visit your local Wal-Mart.  

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Purchase from Walmart- Please note that this website calls the color "Creamy Beige"

Alba Papaya Enzme Facial Mask 9/10

Aqueous Extracts of Laminaria Digitata (Kelp) and Carica Papaya (Papaya), Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Leaf Juice, Vegetable Glycerin, Papain, Bromelian, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed (Pumpkin), Zingiber Zerumbet (Awapuhi Ginger) (Awaphui), Vanilla (Vanilla Planifolia), Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract (Pineapple), Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Polysorbate 20, Xanthan Gum, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexl Glycerin, Chlorophyll, Botanical Fragrance

I'm a big believer that if something can be accomplished naturally, then that is the route I'm going to take.  With all of the harsh chemicals marketed for use in skincare these days, it is refreshing to find a predominately natural product that is also affordable.  The Alba Papaya Enzyme Facial Mask has been a wonderful addition to my skincare routine.  Having sensitive skin, I have to be very cautious about the products I apply, how often I apply them, for what length of time, and how vigorous of a product it is. A few months ago, probably due to stress and lack of time to go and get a proper facial, I noticed my skin was becoming extremely congested (Congested meaning, my pores were noticeably clogged) despite my routine exfoliating so I decided to try using an enzyme mask and came across this one.

Upon reviewing the ingredient list,  I was stoked to see that Kelp and Papaya were the first two!  You may or may not know that the order in which ingredients are listed determines what the product contains most of.  Meaning, if papaya and kelp were the last ingredients listed, the product would only contain trace amounts of these.  Obviously, the product is kelp and papaya based- both excellent in skincare!  Kelp contains roughly 20 minerals that are beneficial to the human body when consumed or absorbed through the skin, aiding in circulation and nourishment of the skin.  The naturally occurring enzymes found in papaya create a mild yet effective form of exfoliation for the skin.  Enzymes are able to seep down deeper into the pores than a scrub exfoliant but aren't as harsh as using a chemical peel making it ideal for all skin types.  Those with acneic or oily skin types will especially benefit from this product but it is gentle enough for those like me with sensitive skin.  The directions say to leave on for 5 minutes and remove but I tend to leave it on longer as it is so lightweight that I become side tracked and forget I have it on.  I wouldn't say that there is any real benefit to leaving it on longer but it doesn't hurt either.  I generally use this mask once a week and still use my regular means of exfoliation as well.

Because the Alba Papaya mask is composed of primarily natural ingredients, it is best to apply with a clean spatula to avoid contamination.  Unfortunately the mask does not come with a spatula but anything clean you can find to scoop it out of the container will work.  As shown in the below picture, the mask is a green gel consistency and you will find that it has a pleasant odor as well.

I rated this mask a 9 instead of a 10, solely because it does not come with a sanitary means of removing it from the container but otherwise I am in love with this product and would highly recommend it to everyone who wants a natural and gentle means of keeping pores clean and keeping skin looking fresh.

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