Valentia Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer Review

About the product

Valentia Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer - A lightweight fast absorbing cream that illuminates skin while providing all-day hydration.

This Brightening Moisturizer Will:
- Lighten dark spots
- Restore skin radiance
- Even skin tone
- Diminish fine lines
- Provide all-day hydration

Specially selected ingredients work together to achieve optimum results.

KEY INGREDIENTS:

- Botanical Hyaluronic Acid: Floods skin with moisture, supports skin elasticity, and plumps skin from within.

- Kojic Acid: Controls melanin production and prevents dark spots.

- Ginseng: Boosts skin firming collagen, fights wrinkles, and gives the skin a brighter and more energized look.

- Safflower Oil: Repairs skin's natural moisture barrier and provide superior skin protection.

- Shea Butter: Infuses skin with a myriad of vitamins and nutrients for superior skin hydration and nourishment.

Review

It's in a nice glass bottle with a pump. All of my other moisturizers are either in a tube or jar so I really like the pump because I can control how much product comes out. You get 4 fl. oz. so you get a great amount of product. I think it's the same as my Perfectly Posh moisturizer. 

If you've never read my blog before I have combo/oily skin and I am 24 so I don't have any wrinkles or dark spots. I use two pumps and it's the perfect amount for me. It is definitely lightweight and fast absorbing. It feels really nice on my skin and it leaves it extremely soft. I love that it has Hyaluronic Acid in it. It is an amazing ingredient that really helps my skin. The Ginseng really brightens and energizes my skin.  

I think it is just as good as the Perfectly Posh Moisturize 911. It doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy and I think it's a great price. It's $25 for 4 fl. oz. which doesn't seem bad at all. If you want to try it you can go to their website or Amazon. Also Check out their Facebook and Instagram to see all of their amazing products. 

Also if you purchase anything from their website use my code KARA15 for 15% off your order! 

*This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. Some links may contain affiliate links.  

Valentia Night Revive Retinol Serum Review

About the Product

 Valentia Night Revive Retinol Serum - A transformative retinol serum that fights wrinkles and provides hydration, for visibly smoother, rejuvenated skin.
This Retinol Serum Will:
- Diminishes wrinkles
- Stimulates collagen
- Improves skin tone
- Manages breakouts
- Conditions skin
Specially selected ingredients work together to achieve optimum results.

KEY INGREDIENTS:
- Retinol (Vitamin A): Works at the cellular level to stop winkles, manage breakouts, and evens out skin discoloration.
- Vitamin C: Guards skin against environmental free-radicals to prevent premature aging.
- Vitamin E: Provides intense hydration to diminish the drying effects of retinol.
- Squalane: Derived for pure olive oil to soften and condition delicate skin.

Review

Like all of their other products the packaging is white with gold trim. The container is glass and it has a dropper so you can get the perfect amount. This is the only Valentia product I have used so far that doesn't have a citrus or floral scent. It has a slight scent but once it's on your skin you shouldn't notice it.

Before applying it shake lightly. Apply it nightly to your cleansed face and décolleté before moisturizer. It might irritate your skin so apply it every 2-3 nights so your skin can adjust. I did notice when I used it too much my skin was irritated. Use an SPF moisturizer during the day and for best results they recommend using the night revive retinol cream. 

I had my mom use it with me since she has mature skin. Even though I don't have wrinkles I did enjoy using it and my skin did feel more hydrated and smoother. My mom didn't hate it but she already has a product she likes and I had to constantly remind her to use it so I never got to see any results. 

If you are looking for a product to help with wrinkles I recommend giving it a try. The great thing about this product is it is made with natural ingredients so you don't have to worry about what you are putting on your skin. It is 1.18 fl. oz. for $35. You can purchase it from their website or Amazon. Also check out their Instagram and Facebook so you know when they release new products! 

For 15% off your Valentia purchase use my code KARA15 here is the link!

* This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 

Derma E New Packaging + Review

Hello Ladies! I've been looking forward to this blog post. I finally got to try some Derma E products! I wanted to try the brand when I first heard of it so I can't wait to share my opinion with you. I also get to share with you the new packaging! 

About the Brand

Ethical Beauty

Since 1984, our passion for health, wellness and
environmental sustainability has grown strong.
We have high ethical standards and never
compromise on skin health and safety. Our
100% vegan, cruelty-free formulas do not
contain parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates,
petrolatum, mineral oil, artificial colors, gluten,
soy or GMOs. Now that’s honest-to-goodness
skin care.

Purchases support global communities and the
environment.

New Packaging

Derma E is re-launching their packaging design now until March 2017. It will be the same great formulation that everyone loves. They are updating their look to appeal 100% to their consumers. They have a full range of products like Anti-wrinkle, Hydrating, Purifying, Very Clear and more. You can find Derma E at Target, Ulta, Sprouts, Whole Foods, Bristol Farms, Sally Beauty, Walgreens, GNC, CVS, and Ralphs. I got to look at pictures of the other products in their new packaging and it all looks amazing! 

Review

The day cream came in the old packaging and I definitely like the new packaging more. If you have read the blog before you know how much I enjoy hyaluronic acid so I was happy to get moisturizers with it. The day cream is your typical moisturizer. It is thick so I don't care for it during the summer. The only con to this product is it doesn't blend into the skin easily. All of the other moisturizers I have tried I can just apply quickly this one I really have to take my time or else it leaves white residue on my skin.

I loved the packaging for the night cream. Derma E did a wonderful job re-designing the packaging. It looks like something you would find at a spa. The night cream is perfect for when my skin needs a little extra boost of moisture. I have a feeling when it gets colder I will need it. I also haven't had any trouble blending in this product.

The day and night cream are both 2 OZ and they cost $29.50 which makes me wish you got more product. I have 4 OZ moisturizers that cost less and are all natural of course with those I can't just run to the store to pick them up. If you would like to checkout the rest of their products you can look at their website they have a lot of products to choose from.


*This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Valentia Royal Rose Hydrating Serum Review

Hello everyone! Sorry I put this review off for so long but it's finally here! Today I am reviewing Valentia's Royal Rose Hydrating Serum.

About the Product

Royal Rose Hydrating Serum - A lightweight serum that boosts moisture and resilience while soothing and calming the skin.

This Hydrating & Nourishing Serum Will:
- Deeply moisturize skin
- Provide antioxidant protection
- Soothe & nourish dry skin
- Smooth skin tone & texture
- Boost skin radiance

Specially selected ingredients work together to achieve optimum results.

- Rose Damascena: One of the most nourishing and skin friendly natural oils, providing balance, moisture, and a variety of vitamins and minerals to the skin.

- Niacinamide (Vitamin B): This potent vitamin has been clinically proven to fade away hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and acne..

- Rosehip Seed Oil: Naturally rich in Vitamins C & A, these essential fatty acids work quickly to lock in skin's moisture.

- Evening Primrose Oil: Provides light, non-oily moisture to the skin, never clogging or irritating the skin.

- Bearberry: Reduces melanin production, thereby lightening the skin, revealing a brighter complexion.

- Lavender: Heals the skin, treating pimples, wounds, and sores. 

Review

 

Packaging: I always say this but I really love the way Valentia packages their products. The gold trim adds a touch of elegance and on this product they added gold roses.

Smell: It has a very nice floral scent. I think it's a nice mix of lavender and rose.

Texture: It's a very nice light serum. It feels really nice going on the skin.

Application: All you need is 1-2 pumps. Apply it evenly to your face and neck every evening after washing your face. After it absorbs apply your moisturizer and favorite eye cream.

Effectiveness: Now this is the part I haven't been looking forward to. I didn't feel like it did anything amazing for my skin. I think it felt really nice on my skin and I'm sure it helped a bit I just wasn't wowed like the Vitamin C Serum. My skin has been pretty nice lately so it's just been difficult to say if it's truly working for me. I will say my skin has been so nice because I've been using A lot of their products for reviews.

Value for money: It's $35 for 1.18 fl. oz. of product. Since I wasn't wowed I wouldn't pay $35 for it probably more like 25.

Availability: You can get it from Valentia's website or you can get it on Amazon.



*This post is sponsored

Valentia Even Glow Serum Review

I am so happy to bring another Valentia review to the blog! I loved working with them last time. They were very quick at answering any questions I had or helping resolve issues.


About the Product

Even Glow Serum - A lightweight serum that will give your skin a youthful glow and a brilliant shine for that well rested and refreshed look. It contains 20% Vitamin C and natural and organic ingredients. 

This serum will:

• Even the skin tone - Dark spots, skin discoloration, uneven, and ill textured skin will become smooth, wrinkle free skin that leaves you looking flawless and ageless. 
• Increase the glow and radiance - Essential fatty acids leave the skin smooth and visibly brighter. Smooth skin capable of reflecting light will give your skin a youthful glow and a brilliant shine for that well rested and refreshed look.
• Absorbs rapidly - Moisturizes skin due to the capacity of the hyaluronic acid to absorb water, thereby increasing fluid between cells, giving your skin a smoother and younger appearance. This intense water absorption means no more dry, peeling or cracked skin, even in extreme weather.
•  Boosts collagen production - Organic Rosehip seed oil supports Vitamin C increasing collagen production so your skin retains the elasticity responsible for a youthful appearance and prevents skin sagging associated with aging. 
• Reduces wrinkles and fine lines - Reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles with the help of Vitamin C. Special ingredients such as Hyaluronic acid and Organic sea buckthorn oil work to plump up the skin, which reduces fin lines and wrinkles in the skin so it is smoother, clearer and younger.  

Review

• Packaging - I really love the way Valentia packages their products. It comes in a really nice glass bottle and it has a dropper. I will say as much as I love Valentia I wish the product came in a slightly bigger bottle.
• Smell - This serum smells really good. Not going to lie I open it up just to smell it sometimes just like my chocolate bar palette! It smells better than the True Glow Eye Cream. It's a really nice orange scent.
• Texture - It's a thin serum so it's very smooth and it feels good when on the skin.
• Application - First wash your face then let it dry. When you are ready to apply the product first shake it lightly. I use the dropper and apply it directly to my skin I feel like it works better that way because it absorbs very quickly. Once the serum has absorbed into your skin apply your moisturizer.
• Effectiveness - I LOVE this serum. It gives my skin a beautiful glow. I feel comfortable going out in public without makeup because my skin looked that good! It also has hyaluronic acid in it and it does amazing things for my skin.
• Value for money - It is $25 for 1.18 fl. oz. of product. I wish Valentia used bigger bottles but I really love this product and what it does for my skin. It's a natural product that I can use and not worry about anything harmful being in it.
• Availability - You can get this product on Amazon or their website.

* I received this product complimentary to test and review. All opinions are my own.

OZ Naturals Super Youth Eye Gel Review

Hello Everyone! I hope you all enjoyed my last review. I have another review for you. It is an eye gel from OZ Naturals. OZ Naturals is another new brand to the blog so I will tell you a bit about them.

 About the Brand
Co-Founder and Certified Esthetician, Angela Irish launched OZ Naturals as a company that embodies everything she's passionate about -- healthy skin, anti-aging, natural ingredients, and using the latest technology to formulate the highest quality skin care on the market. Angela knows all about the struggle of skin issues and low self-esteem. She also knows that many skin care products claim to do amazing things for our skin but let us down and waste our money. OZ Naturals was founded to create healthy, premium skin care products to help those who weren't naturally born with perfect skin and to obtain more perfect skin. OZ Naturals is a top seller on Amazon.


 About the Product
It is considered to be the most effective anti-aging eye gel treatment available. It was designed to treat every major eye concern and is considered best for dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles. It is safe for all skin types and it is non-comedogenic. It doesn't contain parabens, sulfates or alcohol. This eye gel is 100% natural and 75% organic. It is specifically formulated for the delicate skin around your eyes. On the box it says it can even be used as an all over face treatment. It is safe to use morning and night. It can be used under makeup.

Review

• Their goal is to make skincare that is affordable so cheaper packaging is one thing that will ensure that. It is a plastic container with a really nice pump. I think compared to Valentia this packaging would be best if you are travelling you wouldn't have to worry about it breaking if you drop it. It is also small enough you could take it in a carry on. One thing I don't care for is it's hard to tell how much product you have.
• I love hyaluronic acid and what it does for my skin, however I don't care for the way it smells. It's not completely unpleasant and once it's on you can't smell anything.
• It is a very light gel. Whatever product is leftover doesn't feel sticky on my fingers and it leaves my skin feeling really nice.
• A little goes a long way with this product. Just dab around eyes, forehead, and cheek area. It can be used as an all over face treatment. You can use it morning and night. It also works under makeup.
• Being 22 I don't have dark circles, puffiness or wrinkles yet but like every other woman out there I don't want them so I will use eye products to prevent them. I will say it's kind of weird like I can feel it in my skin if that makes any sense but it doesn't irritate my eyes at all.
• For $19.95 you get 0.5 fl. oz. I feel like they could give a bit more product for that price. Now with eye products you don't need much and I don't use it every day so it will last me a while. You are also paying for natural ingredients.
• You can get it on Amazon or their website.   

If you have any questions about the product please leave a comment. If there is anything you want me to review be sure to ask!


*I received this product complimentary from the brand to review all opinions are my own. 

VALENTIA Review: True Glow Eye Cream & Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask + DISCOUNT CODE

Hello Everyone!
I have so many reviews I am working on right now. Two thanks to Brandbacker and a couple of things I either picked up or got for Christmas. So let's get started! This is a new brand to the blog so first I will tell you a little bit about it. I know I like to learn about a brand before making a purchase. *Discount code at the very bottom*


ABOUT THE BRAND
Valentia is named after the Roman Goddess of healing Valentia. She used berries, herbs, barks and other natural ingredients to heal the citizens of Umbria. Like their namesake, Valentia Skin Care products are formulated with natural and organic cosmetic ingredients that can help repair and protect the skin. They performed extensive research to determine what skin care customers find most important. There was an overwhelming demand for skin care that was natural, free of toxins, and paraben free. Natural ingredients with an organic base are the most effective at repairing damage from the sun or wind, and preventing the signs of aging like wrinkles and dark spots. http://www.valentia.com/



TRUE GLOW EYE CREAM

About The Product

It is a luxurious antioxidant rich eye cream that helps lock in moisture, repair and tighten skin for a youthful looking glow around the eye area.

Some Ingredients

 - Astaxanthin: A powerful antioxidant that increases moisture levels, smooths fine line and wrinkles, and restores elasticity to the skin.

- Resistem: Natural Plant Stem Cells repair and protect the skin from harsh environmental pollutants and stress related aging.

- Vitamin C: Leaves the skin smooth and visibly brighter for a well-rested and bright eyed look.

- Organic Rosehip Oil: Provides intense hydration to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

- Arnica: A key anti-inflammatory agent to the restorative process that works to diminish the appearance of dark circles.

First impressions

• I really like the packaging of the box and bottle. I like the gold trim I think it adds a touch of elegance to it. I really like that the product comes in a glass bottle and I am able to see how much product I have. The pump is really nice. I would say it's a decent sized bottle, with eye cream a little goes a long way.
• This product has a really nice scent. It's hard to describe since there are so many different things in it. My dad and I both agreed it kind of has a citrusy scent. 
• It's a nice light eye cream. I only need about half a pump and that's enough for both eyes. The directions say to apply it every morning and night after cleansing and to apply it by gently patting it on.
• As I have said before on the blog I am 22 so I don't have any wrinkles yet, but I do like to use products that can help prevent it. I will admit I am not always gentle when it comes to the eye area. I definitely like the way it feels on my skin. The days I don't get very good sleep I make sure I use it.
• It is $25 for 1.18 fl. oz. it does come in a glass bottle. You are also paying for good quality ingredients. When I use it it's only once a day with half a pump of product so I won't run out any time soon.
• You can buy the eye cream on their website or on Amazon.

ULTRA PLUMPING HYDRATION MASK

About The product

It is a blend of amino acids and hyaluronic acid that work together to flood the skin with moisture providing intense hydration and nourishment.

Some Ingredients

 - Silk Protein Amino Acid Blend:These natural miracles increase moisture content and help in the production of collagen and elastin which decreases the appearance of visible lines.
- Botanical Hyaluronic Acid:Penetrates deep into the skin to secure moisture and plump skin from within.
- Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil:An anti-aging wonder berry that results in fewer fine lines, diminished sun spots, more even skin tone, and firmer more supple skin.
- Japanese Green Tea:Contains catechins that provide anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-irritant effects to the skin.
- Aloe Vera:This botanical moisturizers skin and fight aging by improving skin firmness.

First Impressions

• It obviously has the same pretty gold edges on the packaging. I will say the plastic container is kind of a disappointment after the eye cream's glass container.
• It doesn't smell exactly like the eye cream but it's very similar. I just wouldn't say it has a citrusy scent to it. When I have the mask on it doesn't bother me at all.
• It has a very smooth creamy gel like texture. I've never had a mask like it before. I'm not sure if it's because of the aloe vera or the hyaluronic acid. It feels really refreshing on the skin.
• Apply a thin layer to the skin and leave on for 15-20 minutes. You will feel a slight tingle. Use a damp cloth and warm water to remove.
• It really feels nice on the skin. Once I take it off my skin feels really nice and soft. It's the kind of mask that is gentle enough you can use it as often as you need it. I use it maybe every other day or two. I constantly forget it's a plumping hydration mask and not a mask for acne. So far I think it definitely helps with skin radiance.
• It is $25 for 4 fl. oz. so that is a decent amount of product. I know I will have this product for a while. 
• You can buy the hydration mask on their website or on Amazon.

I hope everyone enjoyed this review! Valentia was nice enough to give everyone a 20% discount on any of their products. The code activates the 17th and will expire a month after. Here is the code   YZ4OOIFU



* I recieved these products complimentary from the brand to test and review for my honest opinion.

Natural skin care

When it came to skin care when I was younger I didn't care what I put on my face as long as I thought it worked. Now at 21 I know what my skin type is, I know what types of products I need to use, and I know what works best for me. Last year I started learning about natural skin care and how awesome it is. Since then I have been trying to use more natural products and today I would like to share some of the things I have found with you. I can't guarantee that everything listed is 100% natural but it is a LOT better than some things out there.

A little bit of information on my skin. It is combination. My T-zone can get very oily so anything that can tame it is great. As I am getting older it is getting a lot better especially since I treat it better than when I was younger. Every month I get very bad hormonal acne which takes about a week to clear up. My skin can be a little sensitive so I try to use gentle products and only use things that are a bit harsh when I need to use it.

The Body Shop

 

Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask - Combination/Oily skin   $23
Here is the description on their website.

This revitalizing clay mask cleanses skin and controls excess oil

• Draws out impurities
• Clarifying
• Refreshing

I first bought a sample at Ulta and really liked it. The sample lasted me at least 3 uses so I recommend trying it first before buying the full size because it is the priciest item I own. It's really great at soaking up the excess oil without being to drying. I only use this product about once a week so I still have a decent amount and I have had it for almost a year. So what are the benefits of seaweed? Seaweed is anti-inflammatory so it can help reduce the swelling from acne. It also works as a natural exfoliant  removing dead skin cells, which blocks pores.


InstaNatural *I reviewed both of these products. You can read it here.*

Pore Tightening Vitamin C Facial Toner - All skin types   $17.49
Here is the description on their website.

InstaNatural’s Vitamin C Facial Toner is a hydrator infused with anti-aging ingredients that leave your skin feeling fresh and clean with each use. Our formula harnesses the power of Vitamin C which renews the skin and neutralizes free radicals to minimize UV damage. This leaves you with stronger and more protected skin. Witch Hazel’s astringent properties reduce the oil in your skin and tighten your pores while sulfur works with other ingredients to increase your skin’s elasticity. Balance your skin’s natural pH levels with each spray of our toner designed with both men and women in mind.

• Vitamin C in our formula provides antioxidant power to fight against environmental factors, which restores your skin’s health and youthfulness
• Preps your pores for serums and moisturizers
• Fights oily skin by removing excess oil and restoring natural pH levels
• Gentle formula recommended for all skin types

I really love this toner. I stopped using my proactive toner because this is very gentle on my skin. It also smells really good!

Anti-Aging Hyaluronic Acid Serum    $16.45
Here is the description on their website.

InstaNatural’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum contains botanically derived Hyaluronic Acid along with antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Jojoba Oil and Green Tea. Hyaluronic Acid is known to help the skin retain moisture by sustaining up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it the perfect hydrator for your skin.

• Vegan formula
• Soothes dehydrated and flaky skin
• Works to keep your skin youthful by increasing strength and firmness
• Enriched with Vitamin C, Green Tea and Aloe for a boost in antioxidants
• A perfect companion to your beauty routine to increase moisture and hydration
• Gel-like texture glides easily into the skin and absorbs in seconds

When I get a new checking account this will be one of the products I buy. I used this product religiously when I first got it now that I am getting low I try to use it once or twice a week. When I used it everyday my skin looked absolutely amazing! My best friend noticed a difference in my skin when I used it for about a week and said my skin was glowing.



Lush

Coalface - Combination/Oily skin   $13.95 I bought mine in the store for $7 because they cut it smaller. *This is the photo from Lush's website. I have just a little sliver now so it wouldn't have been a good picture.*
Here is the description on their website.

Coal Face is ideal for those of you who loving washing your faces with a good, old-fashioned bar of soap. Except, there’s nothing antiquated about this preservative-free facial cleanser. Inspired by the complexion bar in ‘Annie Hall’, we created Coal Face for combination to oily faces. Powdered charcoal absorbs excess sebum and acts as a mild exfoliator, while rosewood and sandalwood oils reduce redness and clear up blemishes. Use Coal Face daily for clear, balanced skin.

I have had this product for almost a year and it will probably last two more months. I recommend finding a Lush store because it's a really fun experience. They will ask you if it's your first time and sit you down to basically give you a free hand massage showing how their products work. For stuff like Coalface they will cut the size you need so one petal is around $7 depending on the weight.

Lush Lip Scrubs   $9.95
We also need to take care of our lips. I got a Lush lip scrub for Christmas and love it. The main ingredients in mine are sugar, extract of cherries and dates. It tastes like Coca-Cola! I really wish I could keep buy this one but they have other great flavors like bubblegum and popcorn.



Witch Hazel - I got this product from Walmart in the medicine section. There are a couple of different brands but they are all reasonably priced. I got the Walmart brand for under $2 because it was my first time using just witch hazel.

 

Witch hazel is amazing for skin. I will use it as another cleanser to remove the makeup I missed and as my toner. Witch hazel is one of the ingredients in a lot of skin care like toner so it is completely safe for the skin. The two main reasons why I really like it are: It is very budget friendly and very gentle on the skin. When I use my proactive toner it can irritate my skin so it's really nice having  toner that won't do that to my skin.

Here are some of the benefits of using witch hazel.

• Treating acne
• Removing excess oil
• Refreshing skin
• Reducing puffy eyes
• Pore tightening
• Blackheads disappearing

Those are just some of the benefits of witch hazel! I didn't even include the medical benefits. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of witch hazel you can read about it here.

 



Honey

 

Benefits of using honey.

• Anti-bacterial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Full of antioxidants
• Moisturizing
• Soothing
• Clarifying

I did a LOT of research before buying honey. This is was started my love of natural skin care so I really wanted to make sure I bought the right kind. Make sure it is 100% pure raw honey. If it needs softened put in in the microwave for a couple of seconds. I put a thin layer on my skin and focus mostly on the t-zone. Honey is anti-bacterial so it is great for acne! It even helps with burns! I used nair on my lip and put some honey on afterwards and it helped a lot with the pain. I bought a small jar at a local grocery store in the organic section. I think it will last me a while so start with something small. Some people have asked me if having honey on my face bothers me and it doesn't. Once it's on my face it doesn't feel sticky at all it just feels like a mask. It's extremely easy to remove, all you need is a washcloth and warm water. I have read it's also great for hair so I am going to look into that.

 

 

I hope you enjoyed my natural skin care post. I look forward to finding other products and sharing them with you. If you liked this post comment down below and let me know what you liked and if you plan on buying any of the products.