Evian Brumisateur Facial Spray

**Disclaimer: I have received products to try from Evian Spray via BrandBacker & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.

When you think of Evian, chances are you think about natural mineral water in bottles to drink. Particularly since Evian's natural mineral water, which is known for its journey that starts as rain and snow high atop the French Alps after which it filters for over 15 years through glacial rock and sand to a deep underground catchment just outside the town of Evian-Les-Bains, France, seems to have been around forever. So it may take you by surprise (or it may not) when I tell you that Evian also makes a facial spray from their natural mineral water. 

Evian Facial Spray was originally introduced in France in 1962 at the request of doctors for use on burn patients. It was the first facial water spray in France and was introduced as the first facial spray in the United States in 1978.

This dermatologically tested and hypo-allergenic facial spray is by far the most refreshing thing I have ever applied to my face. The Evian Brumisateur Facial Spray is made of pure, soft, natural mineral water with a totally unique mineral balance, and contains a neutral 7.2pH; making it extremely compatible with the human body. This spray is suited to all skin types, even those with the most sensitive skin can use it. 

Evian Brumisateur Facial Spray can be used in several ways. In the morning and evening, after cleansing to remove excess cleanser and harmful tap water, (wait a few moments and pat excess dry before applying moisturizer to seal in the added hydration), to help set your makeup, (hold the can twelve inches from the face and spray for 2-3 seconds in a circular motion for a lighter mist - doing this will allow the skin to be rehydrated and refreshed without removing makeup and also helps improve the performance of all color cosmetics), after shaving as a replacement for toners or after-shave lotions, after sports or working out (my favorite way to cool down!) & after swimming to help remove ocean salt or pool chlorine. It's even safe for use on babies bottoms (it is pure water after all). And the 1.7oz. container is TSA approved for air travel! 

 

I have to say that I never would have thought that I would love a product like this as much as I do. Particularly this one because it is genuinely pure. It's just what I need after a great workout to help cool down & it's one of the first things I go for after I wake up in the morning. And I really have noticed a difference when I "set" my makeup (even though I don't really do my makeup very often).

Keep up with the latest from Evian Spray on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest & Instagram. 

 

Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Vitamin C Facial Toner & Eye Gel from InstaNatural

**Disclaimer: I have received products to try from InstaNatural via BrandBacker & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.

InstaNatural is quickly becoming one of my favorite beauty lines. I've had the pleasure of trying several of their products & none of them have managed to disappoint. Actually, quite a few (if not most), have already replaced my usual brands. 

InstaNatural offers a range of beauty products focused on using natural & organic ingredients. 

This Hyaluronic Acid Serum can be used twice daily after using a toner (if applicable).

 

 Premium Hydration Hyaluronic Acid Serum

I've raved about my love of Hyaluronic Acid in the past, but this serum takes my love affair to a whole new level! Hyaluronic Acid works wonders on your skin. It is used for moisturization (it can sustain up to 1,000 times its weight in water), as well as protecting your skin from harmful UV rays and to help reverse the look of aging by strengthening & firming your skin. 

I've been using this for a short while now & I've noticed some big changes. Most notably on a few patches where my skin tends to dry out much easier in the winter months. Usually I can put the red blotches that eventually appear from having itchy, flaky skin, at bay for a few weeks, but they always appear eventually. But since I've been using this Hyaluronic Acid Serum with Green Tea, Vitamin C & Jojoba Oil; my skin has been amazingly hydrated! 

 

Cleanse face & them lightly spray Vitamin C Toner, allowing to dry before applying moisturizers & serums.

Pore Tightening Vitamin C Facial Toner

This all-in-one hydrator is leaves your skin feeling refreshed like non other! Each pump helps to neutralize free radicals & neutralize the skin (Vitamin C), purify oily skin & tighten pores (Witch Hazel). Better yet, that a toner will actually allow your skin to absorb moisturizers & serums more effectively. 
 

I was never really big on toners for some reason, but now I couldn't imagine my beauty routine without one. I think that's mostly because this particular one is in a bottle with a spray pump, vs. one without. And the scent, although slightly orange-y, is also mixed with the antibacterial scent of Tea Tree Oil (one of my favorites!). Let's not forget that it really does help my skin absorb moisturizers & serums, reaping the full benefits. 

For optimum results, use twice daily.

Youth Express Eye Gel

  Enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Plant Stem Cells, Peptide Complex & Matrixyl 3000; this clear gel helps to dramatically enhance the tone of your skin surrounding your eye. 

Not only am I a fan of how cool the gel feels when I apply it around my eye area, but I'm also a fan of the brighter tone I have around my eyes. I used to always have a darkness, mostly underneath my eyes, but in the couple weeks that I've been using this, the area seems to have lightened up. It's also made a difference in the crow's feet that were just starting to settle in, by making my eyes appear more firm & plump. 

All InstaNatural products come with a 100% LIFETIME SATISFACTION money back guarantee! Not to mention FREE STANDARD SHIPPING on all orders over $25! 

  

Keep up with the latest from InstaNatural on Facebook, Twitter & Google+. 

Youth Express Eye Serum from InstaNatural

**Disclaimer: I have received products to try from InstaNatural via BrandBacker & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.

I have been noticing something different when I have my picture taken lately...my eyes. They always had what I called "smile lines" underneath (my mom always told me I smiled with my eyes too, which meant that it was sincere). But now they're more like "smile puffs" since I've hit the big 'ole 33. As if I wasn't a fan of having my picture taken in the first place. 

So what's a girl to do aside from dodge every oncoming camera shot she can see coming her way? 

 " Our serum contains an advanced Peptide Complex - along with Plant Stem Cells, Matrixyl 3000, Astaxanthin, Kojic Acid, Caffeine, Passionflower, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamins C and E - which help to deliver exceptional results to the under eye area, resulting in a decreased appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, dark circles and puffiness."

I'll admit that I was taken aback by the orange serum at first, but after noticing it dried clear, I loved it! Why? Because with the orange hue, I could easily see if I was applying it evenly or not. Better yet though, I loved the results! Of course I still had a bit of a puff, but nowhere near what I had just 15 minutes earlier. 

Another aspect I love - it can be used morning and night! Perfect for when I happen to watch a sappy movie, which results in a full on ugly cry, which results in me waking up looking like I got punched in each eye. Now I can wake up looking "normal" (whatever that is), even after an ugly cry. 

The Youth Express Eye Serum is super easy to apply. Simply apply a small amount to your fingertips & gently press in a rolling motion, under each eye - starting at the inner corner & ending at the outer corner. That's it! 

InstaNatural offers a range of beauty products focused on using natural & organic ingredients.

All InstaNatural products come with a 100% LIFETIME SATISFACTION money back guarantee! Not to mention FREE STANDARD SHIPPING on all orders over $25!  

Keep up with the latest from InstaNatural on Facebook, Twitter & Google+. 

Cellulite Cream, Age-Defying Moisturizer and Stretch Mark & Scar Cream from InstaNatural

**Disclaimer: I have received products to try from InstaNatural via BrandBacker & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.


Do you ever get that feeling like a company made their products just for you?! That is how I feel about InstaNatural & this particular line-up of products. 

 It didn't take very long for all three of these products to make it into my daily routine! 

Be sure you rub this cream onto dry skin, twice a day, for optimum results.

Premium Enrichment Cellulite Cream


Made with a one-two punch of Caffeine (tones & tightens) & Retinol (repairs & restores), this thick cream seems to work wonders! All while thoroughly moisturizing with the light scent of Cocoa & Shea Butters.

  I've only been using this cream for a little over a week & can already see a difference. It's a subtle one, but it's definitely there. I can't wait to see what the long term use looks like! 

Be sure you rub this cream onto dry skin, twice a day, for optimum results.

Powerful & Nourishing Stretch Mark & Scar Cream

I have to say, that I somehow managed to never get a stretch mark until I had my third child. But I did manage to get plenty of scars from one thing or another, here & there. Which is why I was a bit excited to try this.

 Made with Cocoa Butter, Rosehip Oil, Mango Butter (all for nourishment & packed with antioxidants), Vitamin C, Grape Seed Oil & Evening Primrose Oil (for skin repair & moisturization), this cream has a soothing, light scent. Although I've only been using this for a short time, I have noticed a slight difference with my stretch marks & scars. But the most noticeable difference, is the suppleness of my skin! 

For normal to oily skin, use moisturizer after cleansing & toning, morning and night. For sensitive skin, use only at night.

Youth Express Age-Defying Moisturizer

Made with a combination of MSM (Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane, a naturally occurring compound found in all living creatures), Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Rosehip Oil, Cocoa Butter & Jojoba Oil, this moisturizer does just that. But far better than I've ever tried. 

The best part, aside from evening out your skin which leaves you with a flawless texture & tone, is the fact that you can use it anywhere. Although I do use this particular moisturizer as a facial moisturizer 98% of the time, I also use it where I have those rough dry patches that winter brings me every year. Making this quite the multi-purpose moisturizer! 


InstaNatural offers a range of beauty products focused on using natural & organic ingredients.

All InstaNatural products come with a 100% LIFETIME SATISFACTION money back guarantee! Not to mention FREE STANDARD SHIPPING on all orders over $25!  

Keep up with the latest from InstaNatural on Facebook, Twitter & Google+.

New Makeup Kits by ONE DIRECTION Kits! & a Giveaway! #makeupby1D #thelookscollection #markwins

**Disclaimer: I have received products to try from Makeup by One Direction via BrandBacker & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.


I know when you hear something about One Direction, makeup is definitely not the first thing that comes to your mind. But it should! 

Introducing new makeup from One Directions, just in time for the holidays! 

Liquilights Glow Gloss

These sparkly glosses are definitely my favorites out of the collection. Enriched with natural oils & vitamin E, they do a great job at keeping my lips hydrated, all without leaving a tackiness that most glosses seem to have. And I have to give bonus points for the light vanilla taste.

And if you happen to be in UV black light, this gloss will change before your eyes! 

•Through the Dark - Electric glitter poppy lip gloss that glows to neon red-orange under UV light

•Kiss You - Orange glitter rush lip gloss that glows to neon yellow under UV light

•Taken - Powerhouse glitter pink lip gloss that glows to neon orange under UV light

Rock Me Nail Kit 

Sadly, I'm definitely not a pro when it comes to applying nail color. Add three kids to the mix (which means that I'm always trying to hurry) & my already amateur looking nails could probably pass as being done by my oldest. Which basically means that there are no photos of my painted nails since I still color outside the lines. But I have to tell you that I love how smoothly these nail polishes glide on! 

These quick drying Neon UV Reactive Nail Varnishes come in three colors.

•Happily - UV iced blue glitter

•Moments - UV neon pink

•Diana - UV 3D holographic (my fave!)

The Rock Me Nail Kit also comes with UV reactive glitter! You can lightly sprinkle the glitter over your wet polish for a subtle effect, or go heavy for more sparkle. 

•Kicks - UV snow cone blue glitter

•Not Afraid - UV electrified pink glitter

•Star - UV holo glitter

Electro Glam Mascara

I have to say that this mascara is just not my cup of tea. I'm more of your basic black kind of girl when it comes to my lashes. Although these can double as hair mascara for brightly colored highlights, I haven't gone anywhere lately that I could really rock the look. (Although I'd love to!) But I do have to rave about the clumpless & even application of these heavily pigmented mascaras! 

• Why Don't We Go There - Shock of blue

•Does He Know? - Pinkest of pink

•Story of My Life - Amped canary yellow

Celebrate youth, style & the uninhibited lifestyle of a new generation.

Enter to win a limited edition makeup set by One Direction! 

;

Makeup by One Direction (created by Markwins) is available in Macy's, Dillards, Boscov's, Stage Stores, Beauty Brands and Lord & Taylor.

Keep up with the latest from Makeup by One Direction on Facebook.  

2+1 for Brows from Paula Dorf Cosmetics

**Disclaimer: I have received products to try from Paula Dorf Cosmetics via BrandBacker & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.

I'm not a fan of having my picture taken, but when I do, someone always says it - "Where did your eyebrows go?". I never really paid attention to them before, aside from tweezing them. But as my hair is getting darker, my eyebrows seem to be disappearing. At least in pictures. 

When I had the opportunity to try 2+1 for Brows from Paula Dorf Cosmetics, I was both incredibly nervous & excited. The last thing I wanted was to end up on one of those eyebrow fail memes floating around the interwebz. But the thought of trying something different quickly won over. 

I opted for the neutral shade since I'm not quite a blonde anymore, but not a brunette yet either (and definitely not red.) To me, the shades looked a little dark, but palettes always look dark to me. So I took a deep breath, said a little prayer that I wouldn't make myself look like Bobo the clown, dipped the Paula Dorf Brow Brush into the powder colors & then the wax, then carefully applied it to my brow. 

I was amazed at two things. One, it was seriously simple to apply even though I had never done it before. And second, it looked great! The color is just slightly darker, which is noticeable in pictures, but not that far off to the naked eye. I had the hubs take a picture with just one brow to show you. (Sorry for the filter, I forgot about what time it would start getting dark after daylight savings ended & the hubs comes home right around the same time. And I'm awful at selfies. And please overlook the huge bags.)

My brow color lasted for the rest of the day too (& would most likely last all day had I applied it first thing in the morning). Better yet that it came off easily with my regular makeup remover. 

"Paula Dorf Cosmetics is a high quality collection of brushes and color cosmetics. Paula Dorf products are admired as the best in the business by fellow professional makeup artists, celebrities & most importantly, makeup lovers around the world. Our makeup philosophy is to empower women and is captured best in our signature phrase: Become your own makeup artist®."

2+1 for Brows from Paula Dorf Cosmetics (ARV $26), come with two flattering colors (0.07oz ea.) & one light wax (0.017oz). Use the code: BROWBRUSH to receive a free Brow Brush with your purchase. 

Keep up with the latest from Paula Dorf Cosmetics on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest & Instagram.

Apothecary Extracts 100% Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil Review & Giveaway!

**Disclaimer: I have received products to try from Apothecary Extracts via BrandBacker & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.


If you've been hanging around my blog long enough, you know I'm a fan of making my own cleaners. They only take a handful of common household products & sometimes some essential oil. I'm not really one that needs to have my cleaners scented (although I have been meaning to get some lavender essential oil), but the one essential oil that I absolutely cannot live without is Tea Tree Oil. Most notably because it has amazing antibacterial properties. But did you know that not all essential oils are 100% pure? I know I didn't until recently. 

Apothecary Extracts 100% Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil is the best of the best. Especially since they make it a point to test their oils to make sure they are indeed 100% pure & uncontaminated from unsafe extraction processes, before making them available to their customers.

Another thing I learned from trying this particular Tea Tree Oil, is that it has so many other uses aside from adding it to homemade cleaners. (I did know that it could be used in a few homemade beauty products, but hadn't tried any yet.) How? Every large 4oz. bottle comes with a FREE ebook - 53 Uses for Tea Tree Oil! 

My favorite so far (although I've only tried a few), is the Exfoliating Sweet Banana Scrub! 

Exfoliating Sweet Banana Scrub
Photo credit (since I completely forgot to take a picture): 53 Uses for Tea Tree Oil ebook

************ 

•1 overripe banana

•1/3C. stone ground oats

•1/4tsp. Apothecary Extracts Tea Tree Oil

•1Tbsp. sesame oil

-Mash banana with a fork until no longer lumpy.

-Add in oats & oils then blend. 

-Rub on face, neck or body to remove dry or dead skin.

-Rinse with warm water.

Want to try this amazingly pure Tea Tree Oil & receive a free ebook? 

 

One lucky winner will receive a coupon code for one free bottle (with free shipping) of Apothecary Extracts 100% Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil - FREE ebook included.

Please note that you must have an Amazon account in order to redeem your prize.

The giveaway will conclude on at 12:00 a.m. est on Thursday 10/16/14. Winners will be announced via rafflecopter & in a separate blog post which will be published no later than 3:00 p.m. on Thursday 10/16/14. Winners will also be notified via email & announced on the Smith and Blessings facebook page. Winners will have 48 hours to submit information, which will then be passed on to Apothecary Extracts for distribution of product. If 48 hours has lapsed, a new winner will be picked & then will also have 48 hours to submit their information. Smith and Blessings is not responsible for prize shipment.
 *Giveaway open to U.S. residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

  

Apothecary Extracts 100% Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil is sold exclusively on Amazon.

Work It Wednesday: Age Smoothing Eye Serum from SOBO Skin Care

**Disclaimer: I have received products to try from SOBO Skin Care via BrandBacker & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.

I have a confession to make. For years, I applied hemorrhoid cream under my eyes. First, let me start by saying that I saw this on Models, Inc., another Aaron Spelling creation back in his 90210 & Melrose Place days. I could never tell if it helped my puffy eyes, but boy could you tell when I didn't put it on! Flash forward to the current decade & my eyes are still puffy daily. But I've moved on from the hemorrhoid cream & finally found something that has a notable difference aside form being able to tell when I didn't put it on. 

 This Age Smoothing Eye Serum is downright amazing! Even with it being a 5ml sample bottle (I'm seriously considering investing in the full size 15ml bottle for $42). 

The first thing I noticed was that the serum itself felt greasy. Like really greasy. Which had me running to the mirror to check out just how bad it was. I was shocked! There was no greasy residue at all! Instead, I had a soft, almost matte-like finish underneath my eyes. I pretty much fell in love with this stuff right there, before even discovering if the product actually worked or not. 

The main thing I noticed, was how well my concealer stayed put under my eyes. I'm used to applying it numerous times a day (heaven forbid if I watch a sappy movie or it's allergy season), but never gave another application a second thought when I applied the serum. Usually, I only apply something like this once a day, but seeing as how I was pleasantly surprised by the results I was seeing, I decided to actually follow the directions & apply it every morning & night. Of course I did still have some bags under my eyes (I contribute that to being a busy mom of three small kids), but nowhere near what they usually look like.

So by now, I know you're wondering what makes the Age Smoothing Eye Serum work. The most notable reason, is that this is a silicone-based moisturizer, which protects the skin around the eyes from puffiness, dryness & other harmful elements. Which basically means, no more tired looking eyes (hooray!). This serum also contains a collection of essential lipids that accelerates healing & promotes the production of healthy skin cells (making it perfect for after microdermabrasion & laser therapy). And let's not overlook that it is a hypoallergenic formula, so anyone can use it. 

SOBO Skin Care focuses on delivering products that are as natural as possible, without compromising the efficacy that women expect. Their products contain no parabens, sulfates, phthalates, GMO's, synthetic dyes or fragrances, or triclosan. They're also not tested on animals.

Hassle free return policy & 30 day money back guarantee. 

Enjoy 25% off your entire first purchase with the code: TRYSOBO

Be sure to check out SOBO Skin Care's other products such as the Ultra Age Repairing Cream with Resveratrol, ULTRA HGF Youth Serum & Essential Moisturizing Cream.

Keep up with the latest from SOBO Skin Care on Facebook & Twitter.

 

Valentia Even Glow Serum

**Disclaimer: I have received products to try from Valentia Skin Care via BrandBacker & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.

 

I turn 33 in less than 2 months, although I don't look anywhere near my age. But I know that isn't going to last forever, so I've decided to take a proactive approach to aging. So when I had the opportunity to try Valentia Even Glow Serum (with 20% Vitamin C), I just couldn't pass it up!

This antioxidant treatment helps to neutralize the free radicals that your skin comes in contact with on a daily basis leaving you absolutely radiant.

Of course the main ingredient is vitamin C, which helps to reduce the effects of sun exposure (sunburn & sun spots), along with redness & wrinkles. But this serum also contains a small handful of other essential ingredients that help to support & even enhance the effects of vitamin C. 

•Organic Rosehip Seed Oil & Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil - These oils help skin hydration & lock in moisture.

•Resistem (Plant Stem Cells) - This will help your skin regenerate faster while protecting it from environmental stressors. 

•Botanical Hyaluronic Acid - This activates collagen production for a fresher, younger, firmer & brighter complexion. 

•Green Tea Extract - The catechins in green tea are a potent antioxidant which also contribute to the overall anti-inflammatory & anti-irritant benefits.

I have to say that I've only been using this for a week, but I can already see a difference. I've noticed that I have fewer fine lines near my eyes & I have an even radiant glow (it reminds me of that awesome pregnancy glow - minus the extra 60lbs). Plus I love the scent! It's citrus-y (it is vitamin C after all) but with just a tinge of green tea. Which is probably why I favor to apply this serum in the morning (nothing says wake up like an invigorating scent, right?) 

And this serum absorbs faster than anything else I have ever tried! HUGE bonus points for being a time saver since I haven't needed to use an extra moisturizer the past few days. I can't wait to see the results after a few more weeks!

Valentia Even Glow Serum is available on Amazon at a great price (if you ask me anyways). Plus it is available for Prime shipping.