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Saturday, January 30, 2021

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: Youtheory immune+ Daily Wellness Capsules #Youtheory #ImmunePlus #DailyWellness #Wellmune

 (product photo courtesy of www.youtheory.com)

60 Capsules $32.49

Lately health is more important than ever, especially with the pandemic raging on. That is why it is extremely important to protect your respiratory health with from viruses like the cold and flu. Strengthen your body's natural defense with Vitamins, minerals and full-spectrum mushrooms + Wellmune®

Try out Youtheory immune+ daily wellness. It contains an all seasons immune formula*, helps maintain upper respiratory health*, fortifies the body's natural defenses*, supports healthy immune function* and contains 100% daily value of Vitamin C, Vitamin D3 and Zinc, which have all been shown to help support the body's immune system and be an important part of a nutritional diet. The capsules also contains full-spectrum organic mushrooms, clinically proven Wellmune formula and powerful immune support*. The formula combines six organic mushroom extracts with a unique strain of baker's yeast to support a healthy immune system* This daily wellness formula primes immune cells to support and maintain the body's natural protective responses. The capsules are absorbed through the small intestine, where they bind directly to the immune cells. There they activate the immune cells* and promote a healthy immune response*. 

What is Wellmune? Well, it is a natural beta glucan extract that has been clinically proven to strengthen the immune system*. It is extracted form the cell wall of a proprietary blend of baker's yeast and standardized to contain 75% pure beta glucan (AKA beta 1,3/1/6 glucan). Wellmune® is supported by over 12 clinical studies. Beta glucan is the active ingredient in Wellmune®, it is naturally occuring in a variety of superfoods such as oats, seaweed and medicinal mushrooms. When ingested, it is transported from the GI tract to the immune system (tonsils and lymph nodes) throughout the body. Once it is in the organs, beta glucan is broken down into smaller fragments and released over a number of days where it binds to the neutrophils (the body's most abundant immune cells). The activation of neutrophils by beta glucan allows these cells to work smarter and faster, supporting the body's natural protective responses*.


The active ingredient in Wellmune is medicinal mushrooms, AKA functional mushrooms, and these have been use traditionally for thousands of years to support energy, vitality and wellness*. These powerful mushroom species are believed to help strengthen qi (chi), the essential energy that flows throughout the body*. Medicinal mushrooms provide a diverse range of bioactive compounds and supply a concentrated dose of beta glucan*. All of the Youtheory mushrooms are what are called "full spectrum". They provide elements from the entire life cycle of the mushroom (including the mycelium, primordia, fruiting body and extracellular compounds) and contain a wider array of nutritional components versus the mycelium alone. The mushrooms are 100% organically grown in the USA and blended into a 10:1 concentrate, using 10 parts fresh mushroom to produce 1 part of powder. This means that 1 single serving of immune+ Daily Wellness has 1000 mg of fresh mushrooms!

Who is immune+ Daily wellness ideal for? Well, anyone who is concerned with year-round wellness*, daily immune maintenance*, an immediate immune boost*, definitely healthy adults*, athletes and those people who are under occasional high stress*. The suggested dose is 3 capsules daily. If you need immediate support (are ill and under respiratory duress), take 3 capsules 2x a day. 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease


Here is the nutritional table as seen on the website and side of the bottle: 

Vitamin C (as Calcium Ascorbate)90 mg100%
Vitamin D3 (as Cholecalciferol)20 mcg (800 IU)100%
Zinc (as Zinc Citrate)11 mg100%
Immune Assist™ Organic Mushrooms (15% beta glucans, 150 mg)1,000 mg--
Organic Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) extract
Organic Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) extract
Organic Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) extract
Organic Maitake (Grifola frondosa) extract
Organic Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) extract
Organic Royal Sun Agaricus (Agaricus blazei) extract
Wellmune® Baker's Yeast Beta Glucan250 mg--
**Daily Value not established








Friday, January 29, 2021

Review: Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream #DrJart #CeramidinCream #Beauty #Skincare

 (product photo courtesy of www.sephora.com)

1.69 fl.oz./50mL $48.00
If you have dry skin, then you probably have heard of Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream. It is extremely well known for being a beauty editor favorite. If you haven't heard of it but have dry skin, then settle in and listen up, because this is the cream you have likely been waiting for. 

Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Cream: Moisture Retention Shield is well known for its ability to help keep the natural moisture barrier intact. It contains a 5-ceramide complex that strengthens the natural moisture moisture barrier; shields the skin from water and moisture loss. This cream is ideal for those with dry skin but can be used by those with normal and combination skin too. What kinds of concerns does it address? It addresses dryness of course, and a loss of firmness and elasticity. Ceramide EOP helps to protect the skin, Ceramide NS helps to firm the skin, Ceramide NP strengthens it, Ceramide AP aids in moisture retention and Ceramide NS helps to rebuild the skin's moisture barrier. The cream contains a hefty amount of glycerin too, which helps to bring moisture to the skin's dermis. Shea butter is also very moisturizing. Hyaluronic acid acts to bring moisture to the skin's epidermis. Bifida ferment lysate helps aid in skin barrier function. Beetroot acts to nourish the skin. There are many other ingredients in this cream but those are the main ingredients that function, keeping the skin moisturized and plump in harsh climates. 

To use, squeeze some out onto your fingertips. Then warm up between them. Press the cream onto your face until absorbed.  

I had been wanting to try this cream out for a long time. But it was expensive. So I lucked out during SEPHORATHON and got the Holiday Gift with the body lotion and a Face Mask all for around $25.00. So glad I picked it up too. Using this on my dry skin makes it feel a lot less tight, the skin plump and hydrated and no more itching from dryness. It is the perfect accompaniment to skin that is surrounded by cold, harsh climates in the winter. I love that I can just use a tiny bit of this and a little goes a long way. The cream itself is very thick and is a dark green. You have to warm it up between your hands to get it nice and loose, so that it has slip and is unctuous. But once on it you will notice that it sinks into the skin almost immediately, especially if your skin is lacking in moisture. Then all dryness and tightness will fade and skin feels plump and whole again. So nice. An excellent cream that does an excellent job. 

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream retails for $48.00 and can be purchased online at us.drjart.com or www.sephora.com. Like Dr. Jart+ on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJart/; Follow Dr. Jart+ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjart/ and Subscribe to Dr. Jart+ on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/usdrjart

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis






 

Review: The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA #TheOrdinary #AlphaArbutin #HyaluronicAcid #Beauty #Skincare #Hyperpigmentation

 (product photo courtesy of theordinary.deciem.com)

1 fl.oz./30mL $8.90


If you are like me, or for that matter just about most people, then you probably suffer from some form of hyperpigmentation. And because of this you are unhappy about it I am sure. Luckily though there are quite a few ingredients that will help you in actually helping to tame this problem. There is niacinamide, kojic acid, azelaic acid, hydroquinone and then there is the new kid on the block, alpha arbutin. 

Today I will be discussing The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA. It is an alternative to hydroquinone that helps lighten the skin by suppressing the enzymes that produce melanin in the melanocytes. The Ordinary has it at a 2% concentration versus a standard 1% concentration and also includes a next generation form of hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate) for enhanced delivery. Alpha Arbutin is much stronger in effect that Arbutin or or Beta Arbutin. It works differently than niacinamide, which inhibits melanosome transfer of melanocytes to keratinocytes. Alpha arbutin is extremely sensitive to degradation in the presence of water if the pH level is not ideal. For this formulation the pH level is 4.9. 

To use: apply a few drops to the face AM and PM as part of your skincare regimen. Use sunscreen in the AM. If irritation occurs, discontinue and consult a physician. Do not use on unbroken skin. Patch testing is advised. 

I have been using it for about a couple of months. Now, I will admit to also using other products prior to this but just noticed a major difference when I added the alpha arbutin to the equation. I mix up my skincare products and add products into my routine. 

This product is equal in strength to a 2% hydroquinone but doesn't lighten the entire skin, just the hyperpigmentation. Like all Ordinary products, this one is very effective. It can be used alone or with acids like Lactic Acid 10%, Lactic Acid 5% or the AHA 30% + BHA 2% to help lighten up hyperpigmentation. Using either of those of products will give you better results than just using the 2% Alpha Arbutin alone. That is if you can tolerate AHAs. The lactic acid is more gentle and can be used by any skin type. It exfoliates quite well and helps to have the dead skin cells shed quicker, as well as lightening up pigmentation by evening out skin tone. The AHA 30 + BHA 2% is for those who can tolerate intense acids only and will lighten up hyperpigmentation well with the alpha arbutin. The Alpha Arbutin 2% +HA also has hyaluronic acid in it to add in some much needed moisture, which is always good in any case. So if you are looking for some relief for hyperpigmentation, try this product. I doubt you will be disappointed.

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA retails for $8.90 and can be purchased online at ordianay.deciem.comike DECIEM on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deciem/; Follow Deciem on Twitter: @deciem and Follow DECIEM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deciem/.

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis








Review: CeraVe SA Cream for Rough & Bumpy Skin #CeraVe #SACream #Beauty #Skincare #Bodycare

 (product photo courtesy of www.cerave.com)

12 oz./340g $22.99
I have very dry skin. So dry that my feet are cracked and I also have keratosis pilaris KP (a buildup of keratinocytes in my hair follicles on the back of my arms). Lately I have been using another lotion for the KP but I desperately needed a good thick foot cream to help my cracked feet. I had heard great things about CeraVe SA Cream but when I went to find it on Amazon I could only find it for $88. Luckily now it is in stock for $28.98. There was no way I was going to pay that much. The cream is worth the $29 price tag though. It is that good.  

To me this cream is a godsend. CeraVe SA Cream contains a high percentage of salicylic acid and lactic acid to exfoliate the rough, scaly, cracked and bumpy skin. It also contains glycerin, hyaluronic acid, as well as CeraVe's wonderful three essential ceramides to deeply moisturize and restore the natural moisture barrier of the skin. This cream features the patented MVE Delivery Technology for continual release of moisturizing ingredients over the course of 24 hours. SA Cream does all of this without being extremely heavy yet is very rich at the same time. I love how it absorbs into the skin quickly, especially on the feet, so that I can apply it and then wear socks to seal in the moisture. Formulated with Vitamin D, which helps to promote skin cell growth. It also has niacinamide to help calm the skin, inflammation is decreased. SA Cream is non-comedogenic, fragrance free and dye-free. This cream was developed with dermatologists. 

I used this cream and in within two nights the cracks in my heels had disappeared. Seriously. Also, the calluses on my feet softened and my feet felt like new again. I would recommend this for anyone who suffers from severely dry, rough, scaly and bumpy skin. The best part is the 12 oz. tub will last a while, as you don't need much for the area in question. SA Cream works like a miracle. This is something that would be good for those with diabetes, as it would help to heal dry skin on the feet, as those with diabetes really need to watch their skincare and make sure the cracks in the skin do not become infected. Using this once per day will ensure that. 

Definitely, I will be repurchasing SA Cream, again and again. It is rare that I find something that I genuinely recommend but CeraVe makes products that I love so much. Besides their Healing Ointment (which is their best product), this would be their second best product in my opinion. I have also tried it out on my keratosis pilaris (I had been using a lotion with urea from Eucerin) and found this works quite well for KP. Essentially anything like this that rids the hair follicles of the keratinocytes quickly would work quite well and this moisturizes the skin to boot. So you are killing two birds with one stone, helping to heal the skin at the same time. KP is due to an overproduction of skin cells in the hair follicle and can be found anywhere on the body (even on the cheeks). Using this cream will go a long way to help exfoliate, moisturize and calm the skin. 

To use: apply to affected areas only. Since this contains an alpha hydroxy acid, make sure to use sunscreen on that area if it is going to be in the sun (arms and tops of feet, etc.). AHAs cause sun sensitivity. it irritation occurs, discontinue use and contact a physician. 

CeraVe SA Cream for Rough & Bumpy Skin is one of those rare products that I cannot recommend enough. It is going on my list of all time favorites that will probably be the best of the year. This product also comes in a lotion form for those who need more intense body coverage. It is available from mass market retailers such as Walgreens, Rite-Aid and CVS. 

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis











Thursday, January 28, 2021

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: DefenAge Clinical Power Trio #ValentinesDayGiftGuide #Beauty #Skincare #AntiAging

 (product photo courtesy of www.defenage.com)

DefenAge Clinical Power Trio $380.00 ($285.00 with account)
If you are serious about getting some anti-aging results from your skincare, then look no further than DefenAge. Their Clinical Power Trio is renowned for its ability to provide clinical results at home. It is dermatologist recommended skincare treatment that has been clinically tested and corrects the visible signs of skin exhaustion, damage and aging; Defensin-loaded, DefenAge's core skincare regimen; efficacy proven based on comprehensive clinical studies and initial results appear after the first week of use. Full range of results in up to 6 weeks. This skincare regimen is the winner of Aesthetic Award 2018, presented by Dermatology Times and The Aesthetic Channel and is voted at the Nonsurgical Innovator of the year for The Aesthetic Awards 2019. It contains full sizes of the following: 
  • 8-in-1 BioSerum, Concept Anti-Aging Cream 1 fl.oz./30mL
  • 24/7 Barrier Balance Cream 1.5 fl.oz./45mL 
  • 2-minute Reveal Masque 2.5 oz./71g
Here is a before and after as seen on the website:
One thing that is interesting about this line is that the cream is applied BEFORE the serum. That I don't really understand, as it goes against everything I have ever learned about skincare. However, the directions are clear, once a week use the 2 Minute Reveal and Daily use the 8-in-1 BioSerum and 24/7 Balance Cream. But use the Balance Cream before the BioSerum. 

Twice daily after cleansing apply 2 pumps of the Balance Cream onto fingertips. While skin is still moist, lightly massage with fingertips over entire face (avoiding the eye area). Wait 30 seconds and then apply the 8-in-1 BioSerum. Place 1 pump of serum onto fingertips. Then lightly massage first around eyes, then over entire face. Use a second pump on neck and and décolleté. Follow with sunscreen during the AM. Suitable for all skin types. 

1-2 times a week, use the 2-Minute Reveal Masque after cleansing. Dry skin thoroughly and apply a dollop of masque about the size of a quarter to face and jawline. Using dry fingertips, gently massage masque in a circular motion for 20 seconds or less depending on skin sensitivity. Avoid eye area. Wait 2 minutes. With moistened fingertips, massage until crystals are completely dissolved. Rinse Face face thoroughly and follow with 24/7 Barrier Cream. Do not use on skin that has active acne, skin that is sensitive or skin that has abrasions. 

I tried the products for a couple of weeks and although I was not able to see the full range of results as listed on the website, I definitely noticed that my skin looked and felt better than it had prior to use, especially regarding with tone and fine lines on my forehead. I do have the beginnings of fine lines on my forehead and some dehydration in that area. This trio helped to make the my skin look better by decreasing the fine lines somewhat. As I don't suffer from as many issues as the person in the photo above, it wouldn't be as visible. My main complaints are hyperpigmentation which takes a little bit longer to see results with. This person has significant fine lines and wrinkles. 

For me the mask was pretty nice, as it has enzymes such as papain and pumpkin ferment, as well as lactobacillus extract (which is good for the skin's natural microbiome). In just two minutes it reveals a nice smooth complexion. This kind of exfoliation is good to use at least once or twice a week to keep the dead skin cells from building up and allowing the rest of your skincare to penetrate better

The 24/7 Barrier Balance Cream has a ton of ingredients in it, so I cannot go into all of them here. But I will go into some of the major ones. Safflower oleosomes deliver powerful moisture to the skin, as does shea butter. Macadamia nut seed oil is rich is antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Yeast extract reduces oxidative stress on the skin and has a calming effect. Hyaluronic acid acts a humectant and adds 1,000 times its own weight in water, pulling moisture from the air to the upper layers of the epidermis. 

As for the 8-in-1 BioSerum, it also has a lot of ingredients but the most important one is niacinamide, which brightens skin and acts to regulate sebum production. Glycerin is a humectant that helps to moisturize the skin, adding moisture deep into the dermis. Sinorhizobium meliloti ferment filtrate is an anti-aging agent that helps thin, fragile and damaged skin help support daily aggressors of the environment. Phospholipids contain high amounts of linoleic acid and help the skin to produce ceramides. Defensin molecules help to rejuvenate the skin in a short period of time; resulting in brighter looking skin, improvement in age spots, fine lines and wrinkles and better skin tone. Sodium hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid and helps to bring moisture into the skin. 

I would definitely recommend this line based on the ingredients list and the results seen, if you want to spend that much. The price drops with an account. Granted it is expensive skincare. Sometimes you have to decide whether the skincare is worth it. It does have a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied. You have 30 days from purchase to decide if you are happy or not and may return the products. At this price they want to make sure are satisfied. 

DefenAge Clinical Power Trio is available from www.defenage.com. Like DefenAge on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DefenAge; Follow DefenAge on Twitter: @DefenAge; Follow DefenAge on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defenageskincare/ and Subscribe to DefenAge on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUNgakIU09qBQ4x1ulfc0jQ.

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis

(This was sent for consideration)















 

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Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: Good Clean Love Feminine Hygiene & Personal Care #GoodCleanLove #FeminineHygiene #PersonalCare #ValentinesDayGiftGuide

 (product photos courtesy of www.goodcleanlove.com)


Valentine's Day is just around the corner and one thing you might want to think about for a gift idea from your sweetheart is something from Good Clean Love. They make Organic Feminine Hygiene & Personal Care products that will help you out this Valentine's Day. I tried a few of them out and below are my thoughts. 

8 fl.oz./240mL $10.99

This organic, gynecologist-recommended, daily use feminine wash helps to cleanse, refresh and eliminate odor while also maintaining the optimal vaginal pH levels. It is free of artificial fragrances, harsh detergents and parabens. The Balance Daily Vaginal Wash gently cleanses while moisturizing and soothing sensitive feminine areas. Best of all, it is microbiome friendly, so it will not disturb the normal bacteria levels in the region. It can be used daily and is made with fresh botanicals. This is one of their best-selling products!

I use this regularly now as I find that I cannot use any harsh soaps or body washes in that delicate region. This product makes me feel fresh without compromising the delicate pH balance or microbiome of the area. I have been using it for a couple of weeks now and I find this product superior to any other vaginal wash I have ever used. It doesn't make me itchy or dry and does get rid of unpleasant odor quickly and easily. 

12 Individual Wipes $6.99

With Re-balance Personal Moisturizing & Cleansing Wipes, you will feel cleansed, refreshed and confident. Each wipe is pH balance and made with premium aloe and soothing botanical extracts, comes individually wrapped for lightweight convenience. Use in the bathroom at home or carry with you in your handbag, These biodegradable feminine wipes help to naturally and gently eliminate odor by supporting a healthy vaginal ecosystem. Use post-workout or after intimacy if you are feeling a little off. Or for everyday cleansing. They don't contain parabens or petrochemicals. Also no artificial fragrance. Each package contains a individually wrapped 8" x 5" wipe. Patented BioMatch formula with lactic acid. 

These are the kind of things I rely on often during the day, post shower to keep me feeling fresh. And I personally adore these wipes. They aren't harsh but cleanse very well without disrupting the microbiome of the vagina. Great for using anytime of the day. I find them to be better than ANY other cleansing wipe I have ever used. And I have tried many brands. Many. 


2 fl.oz./59mL $15.99

This pH-balanced, moisturizing gel helps eliminate feminine odor, relieves vaginal dryness and discomfort. Restore Moisturizing Vaginal Gel promotes the maintenance of a healthy vaginal flora by mimicking the body's natural pH levels, salt balance and lactic acid produced by proven, beneficial lactobacilli. It can also be used for personal lubrication to enhance sexual activity. Made with soothing aloe vera and an isotonic formula, this is gynecologist recommended. 

I like this product and have found that it works well as both in both aspects as described above. It is easy to use and works quickly. The product does help eliminate odor, relieves dryness as described and also works as a lubricant for intimate purposes. I am very happy with it and would use it again. Mainly because it works in conjunction with the body's own bacteria instead of against it. There need to be more products that promote feminine wellness. 

4 fl.oz./120mL $11.99

If you are looking for a good water-based lubricant for intimacy, Almost Naked Organic Personal Lubricant is a great one. It is certified organic, and is pH balanced while helping you enhance your love life naturally. Made with aloe vera and infused with lemon and vanilla for a light flavor. The organic formula provides long-lasting glide without irritating chemicals or sticky cleanup. 

I can attest that this lubricant works great and is easy to use. It is not sticky and is pleasant to use. I would even say it works better than Astroglide and at least this one is edible. 

3 fl.oz./90mL $11.99

For those that are more sensitive than others. Good Clean Love offers another lubricant, Bio Nude Ultra Sensitive Personal Lubricant. This is a water-based personal lubricant and is made with hydroxyethylcellulose. That is a plant based material shown to be hypoallergenic. It also features their Bio-Match technology, which closely mimics natural feminine moisture and maintains a healthy pH balance. It is a slippery, effective lubricant for enhancing pleasure and is formulated to avoid irritation or adverse allergic reactions. There isn't any added flavor or fragrance, parabens, glycerin or petrochemicals. Because it is water-based it is fully compatible with toys, latex condoms and cleans up easily.

So, this works well for those women who have issues with with irritation from chemicals or other ingredients in the vagina. I happen to be one of those women and I found this to be a godsend. It has lactic acid in it, which helps keep the pH balance of the vaginal area intact. I am sensitive in the intimate regions and this helps keep it from itching or having any irritation afterwards. IIt is now my favorite lubricant. 

Good Clean Love also offers aphrodisiacs like Indian Spice Oil and Perfume and Cologne. To purchase their products, go to www.goodcleanlove.com or find store near you at: https://goodcleanlove.com/apps/store-locator. Like Good Clean Love on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makeloveorganic/; Follow Good Clean Love on Twitter: @goodcleanlove?lang=en; Follow Good Clean Love on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/atgoodcleanlove/ and Follow Good Clean Love on Instgram: https://www.instagram.com/goodcleanlove/?hl=en

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis

(These were sent for consideration)




Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: Bella Virtu Organic Winter Skincare #ValentinesDayGiftGuide #BellaVirtu #OrganicWinterSkincare #Beauty #Skincare

( product photos courtesy of www.bellavirtuorganics.com)


Bella Virtu Organics is a line of skincare that is made in small batches and is organic. The line is made by Claire Powell, who is originally from the United Kingdom and now lives in Minnesota with her husband and two sons. She is passionate about bringing you a brand that looks at aging a positive way. Beauty should make women feel good about themselves and should be about self-love and joy, about damage-control regime. She doesn't put anything into her products that shouldn't be there. The ingredients are all botanical based and natural. 

I tried out a few of the products, specifically the Winter Skincare System. That includes three products: the Rhassoul Clay & Rose Rejuvenating Mask, the Helichrysum & Lavender Intense Hydrating Cream and the Moisturizing Radiance Facial Serum. Below is my review of the items, which I believe will make a great self-care gift for Valentine's Day this year. This past year self-care has taken off more than anyone could have expected and skincare has really boomed. Women want to look good and feel good about themselves, which is ok. If you are of the belief that organic skincare is up your alley, then I urge you to take a look at Bella Virtu Organics, which has some of the best independent small batch organic skincare I have ever seen. The products are top-notch, well made and have incredible ingredients. 

0.5 fl.oz./15mL $32.00

The Moisturizing Facial Radiance Serum is part of the Winter Skincare System and is for normal, dry, to mature skin types. The serum rejuvenates, heals and smoothes winter skin with Clary Sage and Helichrysum (Immortelle) Essential Oils and Safflower Oil. It deeply moisturizes, combating the drying effects of outdoor air and indoor winter heating systems. The serum also contains Evening Primrose Oil which has anti-inflammatory benefits and helps to fight dry skin. Sea Buckthorn Oil has anti-aging benefits, it is rich in Vitamin A and bakuchiol (a derivative of Vitamin A similar to retinol) that fights fine lines and wrinkles, evens out skin tone and texture. Finally, Rosemary Oil smoothes fine lines and prevents wrinkles and helps to even out skin tone. These oils also balance natural oil production in the skin, reduce blemishes, lock in moisture and calm inflammation. it can be used twice a day under moisturizer, just massage 3-4 drops on face and neck. 

I found this oil to be very calming, the orangey-scent of the Clary Sage warm and inviting, It is not an oil that is too rich for the skin types listed above. If you have combination skin, use it once per day as it might be a little rich under makeup. It does sink into skin fairly well but it does leave skin feeling soft and supple. I like that it moisturizes my skin so well and leaves my skin feeling much better than prior to using it. 


2 oz./60 g $38.00

The Helichrysum & Lavender Intense Moisture Cream is a thick, rich deeply moisturizing and rejuvenating cream. It contains Shea Butter to soften the skin.  Açai extract for its powerful antioxidant properties. Lavender Oil calms hydrates and repairs the skin. Helichrysum Essential Oil, also known as Immortelle, heals and smoothes fine lines. Aloe Vera Leaf juice helps to protect the skin and supports the production of collagen. Grapeseed Oil helps to combat breakouts, heals the skin, decreases inflammation and heals scars. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps kill free radicals and is a potent anti-inflammatory. Sunflower Seed Oil fights acne, fights premature aging and prevents sun damage. Finally, Glycerin is a powerful humectant that helps to pull moisture into the skin, deep into the dermis. It is actually better than hyaluronic acid because the molecule is smaller and it can reach the lower levels of the skin. 

This cream is something that I would recommend for normal, dry and mature skin types. It is very thick, rich and intense. The cream does however sink into the skin and leaves it feeling soft and deeply moisturized. I happen to have very dry skin and it was not too heavy for my skin. The way this cream smells is divine, because of all the wonderful botanicals. 

2 oz./60g $28.00

The Rhassoul Clay & Rose Rejuvenating Mask has Rhassoul Clay, which has been used for over 1,000 years by the people of Morocco and the surrounding region to cleanse and brighten their skin. It is only found in the Atlas mountains and is a rich source of important beneficial minerals such as Magnesium, Iron and Potassium. These minerals provide benefits to the skin such as improved tone, hydration, elasticity and new skin cell production, but because of their negative charges, they attract and hold onto toxins which are rinsed away with the mask. It also contains soothing and anti-bacterial Echinacea, which heals and protect the skin. Rose Powder helps to soothe the skin. Comfrey Powder is an anti-inflammatory, moisturizes, softens skin and helps to speed healing. It is recommended that this mask be used twice a week to revitalize skin, reduce pore size and heal the skin that is distressed from winter air and indoor heating. 

To use mask: mix 1/2 tsp. of the mask powder with 1/2 tsp. of hot water or until it has the consistency of syrup (but without being sticky). If you would like, add a drop or two of the Bella Virtu Organics Facial Radiance Serum for added nourishment. Avoid using metal utensil that might change the important negative charge that detoxifies the skin. Apply over the face and leave for 15 minutes. Remove the mask by softening with a wet washcloth over the mask and using tepid water. Make sure to avoid getting the mask in your eyes. 

This mask is great for deeply cleansing the skin; leaving it soft smooth and radiant. It moisturizes and helps to improve clarity. Also, it will help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Best of all, this mask can combat acne, blackheads and pimples; it has great anti-inflammatory powers. The jar should last about 2 months if used 2x a week. I personally think this mask is so nice. I actually had a breakout on my chin and used this mask and it helped to calm and clear up the breakout on my chin. The Comfrey Root and Rose Powder is excellent for calming the skin and the Rhassoul Clay pulls out the sebum and dead skin cells in the skin that are causing the acne breakouts. It also leaves the skin moisturized, which is unusual for a clay mask, which is why I like it. This mask is definitely self-care at its finest!

Below is a photo of me using the mask:


Bella Virtu Organic Skincare is available at www.bellavirtuorganics.com. Like Bella Virtu Organic Skincare on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bellavirtuorganics/; Follow Bella Virtu on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bellavirtu/ and Follow Bella Virtu on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellavirtuorganics/.

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis

(These products sent for consideration)



























 




















Monday, January 25, 2021

Review: COVERGIRL Outlast Ultimatte Liquid Lipstick #beauty #makeup #cosmetics #outlast #ultimatteliquidlipstick

 (product photo courtesy of www.covergirl.com)



I love a good matte liquid lipstick. And COVERGIRL happens to make an excellent one. Outlast Ultimatte Liquid Lipstick is a one step liquid lipstick that provides intense matte color that lasts up to 24 hours with comfortable wear. Also, it is transfer resistant and leaves lips feeling moisturized, which is unlike other brands. It comes in 17 shades. I tried out 4 of them: Very Sancerre; Hello Merlot; Yay, Rose and No Wine-ing. In one single swipe it delivers intense matte color. The unique applicator gives precise and easy lip color application. And best of all, it it is vegan and cruelty-free, Leaping Bunny certified by Cruelty-Free International. 

Here are swatches of the the ones I tried:


from left to right: Very Sancerre; Hello Merlot, Yay Rose and No Wine-ing. 

Now here are photos of me wearing the colors:

Hello Merlot

No Wine-ing

Very Sancerre

Yay, Rose


Here are some looks of me wearing some of the colors:

wearing Very Sancerre

wearing Yay, Rose

wearing Hello Merlot


I really like the Outlast Ultimatte formula. For me it is the best of the mass market no transfer, 24 hour long-lasting color formulas. I like that it is moisturizing and doesn't leave my lips feeling like a complete desert. Some of the formulas you find leave your lips so dry that after a couple of hours the skin is peeling off, but this one is fairly comfortable. That is why it is called Ultimatte. Wear it long, wear it strong. 

COVERGIRL Outlast Ultimatte Liquid Lipstick retails for $10.99 and can be found at mass market retailers such as Walgreens, Rite-Aid CVS, Walmart and Target. It can also be found at Ulta Beauty. Like COVERGIRL on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/covergirl; Follow COVERGIRL on Twitter: @covergirl; Follow COVERGIRL on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/covergirlxo/; Subscribe to COVERGIRL on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CoverGirl; Follow COVERGIRL on Instagram: https://instagram.com/covergirl/

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis

(This item was sent for consideration)
 

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