Karin Herzog Finest Chocolate Cleansing Gel

*Press Sample*

Remove all traces of cosmetics and impurities with this professional grade, dual action cleanser and makeup remover.  It effectively removes dirt and oil while simultaneously conditioning the skin.  Formulated with pure essential oils, it helps to unclog pores, dissolve impurities, and remove waterproof makeup without stinging or irritation, even in the sensitive eye area.  For a deeply indulgent experience, the cleanser contains luxurious Swiss chocolate for a sweet scent and extra hydration, leaving the complexion supple, soft, and radiant.

Features & Benefits:

• Gently cleanses, without the use of harsh detergents and is suitable even for the sensitive eye area. 
• Highly effective, even on waterproof makeup.
• Effectively removes dirt, sebum, and makeup from the pores.
• Restores the skins optimal pH balance, priming it for the subsequent application of oxygen products.
• Leaves the skin feeling hydrated, soft, and supple.
• Contains no preservatives. 

This is what the product looks like.  I know, not too appealing...and I accidentally squeezed way too much out, but OMG I want to eat my face every time I use it.  It smells like chocolate frosting.


Usage:
Take a small amount of cleanser (hazelnut size) and warm it between your fingertips.  Combine with warm water and massage onto dampened face and neck in circular motions for 10 to 15 seconds.  Rinse thoroughly with warm water until all traces of the cleanser have been removed.  Use morning and evening.

This unique gel formulation can also be applied without water.  it is ideal for heavy makeup users.

The Karin Herzog Finest Chocolate Cleansing is available for $55 online via www.karinherzog.com

I've been using this for a few weeks now and it does exactly what it says.  I have super oily skin and it doesn't leave it feeling greasy afterwards.  That being said, I would suggest that if you do have oily skin to use this at night as it is pretty moisturizing.  It removes every bit of waterproof liner and mascara from my eyes with no problem.  It's a multi-purpose cleanser and I absolutely love it. 

Say Goodbye to Clogged Pores with Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips

*Press Sample*

Hey y'all!  If you have oily skin like myself, the most likely culprit is large pores.  If you suffer from breakouts and blackheads, the most likely culprit is clogged pores.  I've used Biore Pore Strips off and on for YEARS to pull the gunk out.  

Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips instantly provide the deepest clean by lifting away deep down dirt. In just one use, pore strips are twice as effective as the leading pore cleanser at getting rid of pore-clogging build-up, dirt and oil that can cause blackheads. Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips, with selective bonding ingredients, work like a magnet by instantly locking onto and removing deep-down dirt that can cause blackheads so you get the deepest clean.

As we’ve always been told, squeezing blackheads with fingernails can be damaging, leaving behind tiny tears in the skin and spreading acne-causing bacteria. Instead, Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips quickly bond to the dirt and oil buried in each pore and lift out pore-clogging agents. Used over time, these strips will help reduce the appearance of pores!

I've suffered with breakouts, blackheads, enlarged pores, and oily skin since my teens....and I'm in my mid 30's.  I've tried many many things and so far, this is the only thing that works and actually SHOWS me the results.  

It's so simple to use...just remove and prepare the strip per directions, wash your face & leave your nose super wet, apply the strip, smooth down, and watch tv or something for about 10-15 minutes while you wait for it to stiffen up.  It's that simple.  

Have you ever used these before?  What do you like about them?

SKINDINAVIA’s The Makeup Primer Spray and The Makeup Primer Spray Oil-Contro

*Press Samples*

Hey y'all!  Today I have a new product to tell ya about.  Skindinavia is known for their makeup setting spray's.  They have a few different ones to suit your needs.  Well, now they have a PRIMER, in two formulations, to use before you apply your make-up.  The combination of these is fabulous.

These new lightweight, breathable, silicone-free, and parabin free makeup primer sprays are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and proprietary temperature-control technology. Clinically-proven to soothe redness, prevent breakouts, control the appearance of oil, even out skin tone and reduce large pores over time!

I've been using this for a few weeks now and I am noticing a difference.  I do still feel the need to blot, but not as often or as soon.  I don't have foundation sliding off my face in this hot and humid weather.  It's a super fine mist and very light on the skin.  

I've used this with liquid and powder foundations, though for me it seems to work best under powder.  Both versions work the same, though the oil control works a little better for me as I have SUPER oily skin.  I don't notice that it makes my pores less visible, but of course it doesn't claim to do that....which means it doesn't clog pores.  It doesn't irritate my sensitive skin either, which is always a bonus for me.

The Flawless Facts

• 83% of users agree: this is the best makeup primer they have ever used.
• 93% of users agree: The Makeup Primer Spray makes skin feel noticeably smoother.
• Silicone-free formula creates a light, breathable barrier between skin and makeup.
• Helps to prevent redness, uneven skin tone and large pores.
• Proven to reduce the need for touch-ups or blotting.
• Formulated to be worn with or without makeup.
• All Skindinavia products are paraben-free and hypoallergenic.
• Cruelty-free.

 

So this summer, brush on foundation, blush and bronzer without fear of creasing, fading and a major meltdown.

This retails for $35/4oz. or $49/8oz. on Skindinavia's website. 

Reviva Glycolic Acid Daytime Oily Skin Cream

**Press Sample**

Hey y'all.  A while back I reviewed some Reviva Labs products & they were kind enough to send me another.  So today I have the Glycolic Acid Daytime Oily Skin Cream Moisturizer to tell y'all about. I have extremely oily skin and that is somewhat sensitive and has the occasional breakout.

Perfect for oily skin, its advanced Glycolic Acid Polymer is similar to skin's own polymer for more efficient absorption.  Gives beautiful epidermal interaction that out-performs standard glycolics and AHA's.

This has less than 10 ingredients, yes you read that right...less than 10. 

Ingredients: Cross-linked fatty acids from sunflower and safflower seeds, aloe cellulose, mineral water, glycolic acid polymer, lemon extract, witch hazel. 

This is a very thin formula, which is perfect for daytime use for oily skin.  A little really goes a LONG way.  You can apply it alone or under makeup.  It absorbs rather quickly because of that too.

The day I received it, I immediately washed my face to apply it.  I had a horrible spot starting to pop up on my face and it was quite painful.  2 applications and not even 36 hours later it was completely gone.  It didn't even fully pop up to the nasty white zit it wanted to be.  I was amazed. 

I've been using this for a few weeks and I love it, but I do have a few "meh" feelings about it.  I've noticed that my face still produces oils, but not nearly as much as normal.  I still have to powder my face a few times when wearing makeup.  

So while it's not completely controlling oil for me, it does work better than every other moisturizer I've tried and better than nothing at all.  I think my face just hates me.  

This retails for $19 for a 1.5oz. jar.  You can find this at revivalabs.com.   It will really last forever.

Freeman Star Fruit Facial Purifying Paper Mask

Hey y'all!  During a recent trip to Wal-Mart I discovered a much larger than normal section for the Freeman travel size facial masks.  I haven't tried the brand in ages & the selection in the past was just kinda "meh".  There are actually several that I want to try, but instead of going hog wild on everything I grabbed two. 

Today it's all about the Purifying Paper Mask.  I have extremely oily skin and it is somewhat sensitive.  I put it off for a few days then when I had some free time I gave it a try. 

What the website says:

"Breakouts? Irritation? Skin needs serious soothing. This serum-infused paper facial mask with Star Fruit helps calm skin stressed by flare-ups. Lavender and Niacinamide help balance oil production. Tea Tree soothes breakout-stressed skin. Witch Hazel refreshes and minimizes the appearance of pores. Lift the paper and press serum into skin to prep for moisturizer and prime for make-up. Perfect for combination to oily skin types."

Directions:
1. Use after cleansing.
2. Take out and unfold mask. Apply mask on the face. Smooth the mask gently to ensure contact with skin.
3. Wear the mask for 5-10 minutes. Remove the mask by gently peeling off slowly from the edges.
4. Gently press excess serum into skin. Do not rinse off. Discard paper mask after use.
 

Scary huh?

So, I think I may have done this completely wrong.  I'll admit.  I did wash my face, but waited a few hours after before applying this.  I think I may have benefited more if maybe I had used steam to ensure my pores were open to absorb the product.

I pulled my hair back with a bandana headband.  I opened the package & pulled it out.  There was serum dripping off of it and all over the place.  The mask itself is somewhat sticking to a plastic-like piece of paper & it slid right off.  However, the mask was all folded up still.  I couldn't unfold before removing the paper due to the amount of serum.  Also, there was still a ton of serum left inside the packaging.

The eye holes were strange and didn't go right, but they didn't really hinder me from seeing anything either.  I put it on and smoothed it out.  Then of course I started getting 1000 questions from the kid about what I was doing.  I'm trying not to talk in case it messes up the mask itself.  5-10 minutes go by and my face is still wet.  I'm expecting the mask to be dry before peeling off so I left it on another 5-10.  Still not drying up, I went ahead and peeled it off. 

My face looked like I had applied a bunch of gel to it, so I pressed the leftover serum into my skin as directed.  I then washed my hands and went to hang out with the neighbors.  For the rest of the evening my skin felt kinda tacky.  Like the product was just sitting on top and not absorbing into the skin.  I didn't rinse at all. 

Basically, either I did something wrong by not making sure my pores were open or this was a total bust.  That being said, since they are less than $1.50($1.99 on the brand website) at Wal-Mart, I will give it another try. 

Have you had any success with Freeman skincare products?  What do you suggest for oily skin?

Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream #SunVoxBox

**products in this post provided by Influenster for testing purposes**

Today I have another Sunkissed VoxBox product to tell y'all about.  The Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream Skin Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer with Sunscreen(15 SPF) in Fair to Light.  

Finish your daily beauty regimen with the all-in-one solution with 6 skin perfecting benefits:

• Refreshes skin instantly
• Brightens for a radiant glow
• Evens tone with a splash of sheer color
• Hydrates for 24 hours
• Smoothes for softer feeling skin
• Protects against UV damage with SPF 15 

I'm always honest with my posts and this is no different.  I've used this a couple of times & this product just isn't for me.  I'll tell you why......

I applied this to the right half(or on the left side of the pic) of my face and left the other half bare.  I used my fingers to apply this on freshly cleaned skin.  I have yellow tones and this comes out pink.  I have extremely oily skin, and while this does absorb quickly into the skin, it instantly makes me look like a grease face. 

As you can see here, this is my full face with just the BB Cream on.  I used my phone to show time for the purpose of this review.  Even though the left side of my face looks kinda matte, it isn't.  

Here I am almost 2 hours later, and the oilyness on my face is 10 times worse.  Not the worst I've ever had, but pretty bad.  

So, I took a tissue to blot....

That's right, some of the product came off.  I know it says to reapply at least every 2 hours, but whoah.  

For the purpose of this review, I wore nothing BUT the BB Cream.  I actually have to admit that when I wore it before with a full face, including powder to set and help keep shine down it was actually worse.  My face looked like I squirted oil all over it, my mascara transferred & made me look like I had raccoon eyes, and some of it slid into my eyes making them burn.  

As with most American BB Creams, this is (to me) basically a tinted moisturizer...nothing more.  I know the packaging says both, but it's not a cream.   It's extremely sheer.  I don't think it covered any imperfections, evened tone, or smoothed.  It also has a slight smell that I can't really pinpoint, but I think it's slightly floral.  

I think this product would work much much better for someone with dry skin, as it does moisturize and brighten the skin.  I also think that if this had worked for me, that the light to medium would have worked better for my NC25 skin.  

If you have dry skin, go give this a try.  You can find this at www.olayfresheffects.com and http://www.amazon.com for around $12.99.

Note: Products in this post were provided by Influenster for testing/review purposes. 

Own Firming Silk Concentrate

#OwnAtUlta *Product provided for review*

Today I'm reviewing the Own Firming Silk Concentrate.  

Product info:

Visibly reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles for more vibrant skin. The naturally derived and patented CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) formula in Own Anti-Aging Firming Silk Concentrate works with your body to treat all three layers of skin through a power-packed serum that’s proven to absorb easily without leaving a residue. Own Firming Silk Concentrate works with your own body’s chemistry to reactivate healthy processes and rebuild the skin’s structures for brighter, taut, and genuinely younger-looking skin.

Product Details
● Retinol-free formula
● Does not cause irritation, redness or flakiness
● Dermatologist-tested
● Fragrance-free
● Paraben-free
● Sulfate-free

Ingredients

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate, Conjugated Linoleic Acid*, Tocopherol

*CLA Patented Plant Technology™

Price: $24.99 for 1 fl oz bottle


My Thoughts:

With having oily skin, I've always cringed at the thought of serum's.  I've always thought it would be like adding a layer of greasiness to my face that I don't need.  This reversed my thinking.  I apply just a few drops to the palm of my hand and smooth it over my face & neck.  I really don't even need to apply any moisturizer after, but I do.

This also doesn't aggravate my skin.  There's only 4 ingredients and none of them cause my skin to burn or break out, which is a definite bonus.

It's also a little watery for a serum, so you have to be careful it doesn't run between your fingers & apply it quickly as it does absorb pretty fast.

My only complaint about this would be the box that it comes in.  It's twice as wide as the bottle.




*Note: Product provided for review*

Relogy Natural Acne Treatment

#relogyifabbo - Product provided for review

Today I've got a great product to tell y'all about.  The Relogy Natural Acne Treatment kit.  I'm in my mid 30's and have suffered from acne and oily skin since puberty.  I won't say I've tried EVERYTHING, but I've tried a lot of products.  So far, this system has been the best I've used even though it has a few faults.

This is a 2 step system with a spot treatment as well.  So, it's EASY!

Step 1 is the Dual Action Treatment Foam.  100% vegan & 100% benzoyl peroxide free.  The 2 active ingredients are, Salicylic Acid 0.5% and Benzalkonium Chloride 0.2%.  Apply a quarter side amount to the areas of your skin where you are experiencing acne and let it dry.  The product does the rest by killing acne bacteria.  It can also be used on your body.  Also, this can be used in place of soap to cleanse, just apply it to wet skin, rinse, and pat dry. 

~My thoughts on this step:  It's got a fresh, almost lemony scent.  The directions say to use a quarter size amount, but I found that I needed way less.  Probably about half.  If I used the quarter size, I had to wait for a while for my skin to absorb the product & it was like a thick slather.  However, this is amazing.  When I adjusted the amount and let it dry, my skin felt so good. 

Rinse-Free Foam Acne Treatment:  Water, Salicylic Acid (from Willow Tree Bark), Benzalkonium Chloride, Sodium Laurel Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Clycoside, Sorbitol, Propylene Glycol, Panthenol, Meadownfoam Oil, Tetrasodium EDTA, Methyl Paraben, Propl Paraben, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (orange) Extract, FD&C Blue #1. 
 


Step 2 is the Skin Balancing Lotion With Coconut Milk.  100% natural with vegan-friendly ingredients to hydrate and nourish the skin.  Take a pea sized amount and massage into skin.  Though, if you have naturally oily skin it's advised to only use this once per day. 

~My thoughts on this step: I couldn't detect a scent.  I did have to use this at night only because it felt a little heavy/greasy for me.  The pump is a little wonky and sometimes either spits out too much or too little product.  Not to mention that I have to use a little more than a pea sized amount.....in order to cover my face AND neck.  Don't forget to take care of your neck too ladies.  But I loved the moisture it provides & even oily skin needs moisture.

Skin Balancing Lotion:  purified water, certified organic coconut oil, certified organic jojoba, emulsifying wax, glycerin, certified organic coconut milk, allantion, phenoxyethanal.  


Bonus Step is the Targeted Spot Treatment.   2% Salicylic Acid.  This goes straight to work on existing blemishes to further boost results.  Using the rollerball applicator, apply directly to the acne blemish, avoiding surrounding skin.  Use up to twice daily.  

~My thoughts on this step: The product works like it says.  I had a few horrible monsters show up on my face and this took care of them.  One took a little longer, but it did the job.  It has no smell that I noticed.  However, I have a packaging complaint about this product as well.  The black printing rubs off ALL over your hands when you're trying to use this.  No matter if my hands are wet, have product on them, dry, whatever.  I always get black stuff on my hands.  Now I may end up just wiping it all off since I know what the product is.  
 
Water, Glycereth-18, Glycereth-18 Ethylhexanoate, Ethoxydiglycol, Salicylic Acid, Lactobacillus/Bean Seed Extract/Sodium Glutamate Ferment Filtrate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Hydrolyzed Chondrus Crispus (seaweed) Extract, Menthol, Bisabolol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Phenoxyethanolm Ethylhexylglycerin 


Overall, this is a great system and I would suggest it to anyone with acne that doesn't want to go through a gozillion steps every morning and night.  I also have sensitive skin and had no reactions to anything.

Relogy is a cruelty free and vegan brand & they are always happy to help you out with questions.

Because these products have AHA's, they do suggest using sunscreen....which I can't insist upon enough.    

A 2 month supply retails for $49.95 on their website, BUT if you go NOW,  you can get free shipping AND save $24.95 on a year subscription.  

Product provided for review

My first LUSH purchase

This is going to be a long post. A few weeks ago the SO & I went to downtown Atlanta to shop at Ikea and just look around.  We don't go often and didn't have the kiddo(he was with my family for spring break) so we just wandered around.  On the way home I remembered we were near 2 malls that have Lush stores.  We'd passed one because we couldn't get over in traffic, so we went to another one.

I'd never been to Lush, so I walked in and was in heaven.  I was instantly greeted and since it was my first time offered a few products to try.  I knew I wanted Lemony Flutter & a few bath bombs, but went ahead & tried a few things.  While she put some flutter on my nails they were all drooling(I wore DL On The Beach).  We spoke about a few things about my skin and she gave me some recommendations and offered a few samples to try before I made a HUGE purchase.

This is what I got....

Top to Bottom(L to R): Butterball Bath Bomb(I already used 1), Lemony Flutter, Cupcake Fresh Face Mask, Vanishing Cream Moisturizer sample, Fresh Farmacy Cleanser soap sample(well what I have left of it).


Now some things I took individual pictures of, some I didn't.  I took these with my phone, so I apologize for the quality.  I wanted to hurry up before I forgot and put it off any further.  Now to what I thought.....

Fresh Farmacy:  I'm so glad I got a sample of this.  I have extremely oily skin and I've tried oddles of different products with 0 results.  Even Proactiv.  Lately, my skin has been acting like I'm a teenager and I've had some pretty bad breakouts.  It's been annoying.  I believe she recommended this or another one(I can't remember), so I went with it.  I'm glad I did.  Lets just say I'm not the best about washing my face twice daily, but I do wash it daily.  This has been by far the best thing I've EVER used on my face.  Normally after I wash, tone, moisturize or skip it, my face is oily within 30-60 minutes after showering.  It's really a pain when you want to wait a while before applying make-up because you want smooth clear skin.  I've not had the first bit of oilyness pop up and my skin is clearing up.  With the sample I just break a small piece off and use it in the shower.  I keep the rest in a container outside by my sink.  I have another full bar of a different soap I purchased from Etsy to try after I use all of this up and if I'm not satisfied, I'll DEFINITELY be purchasing this.  It retails for $9.75 for a 3.5oz bar on the website, but the stores can customize the bar size for you.

Vanishing Cream: Now I'll admit, this is a bit pricey.  BUT a good moisturizer is worth it.  As with a cleanser, I've tried several different ones.  Everything I've ever used just amplifies the oilyness of my skin.  This doesn't.....well at least when used in conjunction with Fresh Farmacy.  This is light enough and formulated with enough good things for oily skin that it doesn't do anything but make my skin nice and smooth.  Since I have just a sample of this....I've been using it sparingly and alternating with my Clinique Gel.  This retails for $39.95 for a 1.5oz. jar.

Butterball (Bath Bomb): I picked up two of these.  I've already used one.  While the kiddo was away for Spring Break, the SO was nice and cleaned the bath for me then filled it up with some hot water & chunked one of these in.  Some of my GF's absolutely LOVE Lush's bath bombs, and I've been hearing about them for years.  I couldn't remember which ones they'd tried so I went with this one.  I hopped in with a glass of wine and lit some candles.  Next time I'll remember to turn my ringer off while trying to listen to music as people were blowing my phone up knowing I was trying to relax.  Once I turned it off, I was so good.  It has a light vanilla scent and moisturizes with cocoa butter.  I could see some of the cocoa butter floating on top of the water as if I'd poured oil in.  It smelled so wonderful.  I really can't wait to try some more bombs.  I'd definitely recommend this one.  It retails for $4.95 for a 3.1oz ball. 

Cupcake Fresh Face Mask:  This is only available in store, so I have no link for it.  Let me just say this stuff is AMAZING!!!!!  It is made fresh(duh) and only lasts like 3 weeks.  All of the fresh face masks are kept in a refrigerator in the stores and have expiration dates on the bottom.  The description on the lid reads "To calm breakouts, this Rhassoul mud cleans and soothes, while cocoa butter, linseed and cocoa powder soften the skin.  Balancing peppermint, spearmint, and sandalwood oils complete the effective deep cleansing experience.  Smooth onto dry skin avoiding the eye area.  Leave for 5-10 minutes then rinse away with warm water."  I had a choice of this or another one(of course can't remember the name) and went with this.  Mainly because it freaking smells like chocolate.  I admit the first time I used it, my face looked funny.  I wanted to eat it off my face, but resisted.  Since then I just use it in the shower after I cleanse with Fresh Farmacy.  It's torture smelling that AND my chocolate body wash.  I will definitely be re-purchasing this as well.  It's done amazing things for my skin....AND SMELLS GOOD!  If you return 5 of the black jars...you get a free fresh face mask.  THis retails for $6.95(I think, can't find my receipt) for a 2.1oz jar.

Lemony Flutter: Now I've been wanting this one for a LONG time.  Because I don't go to ATL much I haven't had a chance to get it, and really didn't want to place my first Lush order without going in the store first.  I tried this while in the store and a little goes a LONG way.  This smells WAY better than any other lemony scented cuticle product I've ever used.  It also moisturizes like crazy.  Any other product works for a little while then my skin is dry and horrible again.  When I use this....it lasts.  Even after washing my hands.  I think I remember the lady at the store saying she even uses this on her lips.  It absorbs fast and isn't greasy AT ALL.  I already know I'm going to eventually re-purchase this.  I recommend this to ANYONE who has dry skin, especially the hands.  My only gripe is I wish there were smaller containers of it available to carry in a purse or something.  There may be, but I didn't see any.  This retails for $14.95 for a 1.5oz. jar.


Overall, I'm so happy I finally made the trip.  I hate that I didn't go sooner.  I'd have saved a LOT of money on products that do not work for me.  I will definitely be trying some more Lush products.  I really want to try some dusting powders(I miss using my granny's Chanel No5 powder when I was a kid) as I've not found any lately, and with GA's humid summers I'm gonna need them.  I also want to try some of the hair products & perfumes.

While the clerk was ringing me up, she informed me about keeping the face mask cool and when I told her we didn't have too far of a drive but I wish there was a store closer she said there would be one near me by the end of the year.  I looked online and she was right.  I'm totally stoked and I know a few people who are going to go nuts, besides me, when it opens. 

Have you tried Lush?  If so, what are your favorite products?

LATER Y'ALL!!!