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. 

Beauty Brawl '17: Primer

Welcome to day seven of the Beauty Brawl! Today we are reviewing primers. I chose the Hanalei Aloe Soothing Gel. I got a sample in my ipsy and it's skincare and a primer so I thought that was really interesting.

• Product - 85
• Packaging - 85
• Price - 80

Aloe Vera is naturally regenerative so it helps to balance out any redness or uneven skin tone. This product also helps to cool and moisturize the skin. The crazy thing is they say it is also perfect for a makeup base. I used it with my matte foundation and I really didn't notice a difference but it did last all day. I think it works best as skincare but if you want to also use it as a primer I suggest trying it with a BB cream. It would be nice for natural summer makeup. I don't like the aloe smell. I have a headache after smelling it so much.

The packaging is nice. It's a pretty green ombre with just the Brand and name of the product. It is $30 so it's not budget friendly and I have to remind myself it's also skincare. I think it is a good product but I don't see a big difference so I'm not sure it's worth the price.

Check out Rachel's blog to see her choice. Our hashtag is #BeautyBrawl. 

*All graphics designed by Emma Drury. 

Detox With Derma E

I LOVE exfoliating products. They remove dead skin creating a smooth canvas for your makeup. I also love charcoal because it's a wonderful detox for your skin drawing all those nasty impurities out leaving your skin looking and feeling beautiful! My skin has been needing a good detox especially as I work on getting it ready for my brothers wedding. 

I said this in my last Derma E review but I really love the new packaging! It's like a spa at home. Neither product has an overpowering scent and I don't really notice it when using them. What I love most about Derma E is they use quality ingredients that are good for your skin.  

Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask

This 2-in-1 mask is amazing! It purges your pores of toxins and then gently exfoliates leaving you with beautiful glowing skin. I have combo-oily skin and I prefer to apply it to my t-zone and any areas that have a breakout. I leave it on until it's dry then moisten my fingertips and massage gently in circular motions to exfoliate then rinse and pat dry. You can use this mask 1-2 times a week depending on your skin. I really love this mask when you first apply it, it feels cool then you can feel it purging your pores. And after removing it I can see a difference in the appearance of my pores. It doesn't irritate my skin like some rough exfoliators do and my skin is really smooth after using it. I'm definitely using this before the wedding! It is 1.7 OZ and costs $19.50. I just wish it could be at least 2 OZ.   

Purifying Daily Detox Scrub

I think this is my favourite since it is gentle enough to use daily. The Marine Algae Extracts help with hydration and protecting the skin from toxins. I use it in the shower and just scrub in circular motions for about a minute then rinse and my skin is super soft. I don't use it everyday just because I have so many other products, but I do use it almost every other day. It's gluten free and soy free. My mom actually used it one day and told me she liked it which is super rare! The apricot seed powder does an amazing job of exfoliating and it's even better knowing it is natural. I just love it so much and will probably continue to buy it. It is 4 OZ so I think it's the perfect size and it's $15.50. I have zero complaints with this product and I will probably try to get all of my friends to try it. 

Check out their website to see the whole purifying collection. I definitely want to try the serum and toner next.

* 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 Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum Review

Hello Everyone! Today I bring you a review for Valentia Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum. I love to use their products so I was excited to test one of their serums. 

About the Product

A potent and luxurious lactic acid serum that supports natural circulation for an all over youthful and refreshed complexion.  

This Revitalizing Serum Will:
- Renew texture & tone
- Deeply moisturize
- Minimize fine lines
- Increase elasticity
- Brighten & Plumbs Fine Lines
- Evens Hyperpigmentation


KEY INGREDIENTS:

- Wakame Bioferment (Seaweed): Increases skin oxygen consumption to detoxify and boost antioxidant defense.

- Gotu Kola: Lessens the appearance of scars and increases skin firmness.

- Lactic Acid: A natural Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that increases skin cell turnover, for healthier renewed skin.

- Licorice: Lightens unwanted pigmentation and corrects skin discoloration.

- Argan Oil: Naturally rich in Vitamin E, this oil reduced water loss and protects skin's resiliency and elasticity. 

Review


As always I love Valentia's packaging. The only thing I don't care for is the size. It is a tiny bottle so you really don't get that much product. If it was 1.50 or 2 fl. oz. I think it would be perfect. This serum smells like argan oil and it is mother approved. I personally love the smell of argan oil so I enjoy it. I'm not sensitive to smells but I don't think it will bother anyone. And once it absorbs into your skin you can't smell it.


Like all of their serums it is really smooth and thin so it's easy to apply. You do need to spread it quickly because it absorbs into the skin really fast. All I need is two pumps to cover my face and neck. They recommend using it in the evening after cleansing your face. After it absorbs into your skin you can use your favorite moisturizer.


This is a really wonderful serum. It smooths my skin and helps keep it hydrated and even though I have some breakouts right now my skin looks good. It is made with 98% natural ingredients and it is cruelty free and paraben free. It is suitable for all skin types. It is $35 and I honestly think that's too much. I LOVE their products but I can't justify the price for such a small bottle. Yes they use quality ingredients but some of my favorite skincare is $4. If you don't mind paying the price you can purchase it on Amazon or their website. 

Also check out their Instagram and Facebook to see their other products.




* This product was given to me complimentary for my honest review. 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.

February 2016 ipsy glam bag

Hello Everyone! I got my very first ipsy bag this month and I was so excited! It was my Christmas gift from my brother and future sis so it was really sweet of them! 

How does ipsy work?
First you will create your beauty profile by taking a quiz so they know what types of products you like or want to try and how comfortable you are with trying new things. For only $10 a month you will get a personalized bag with 5 products. It could be makeup, skincare, perfume and more. Then you get to review the product and earn points which you can use for rewards. 

So here was February's Glam Bag! 

theBalm Cosmetics - MR. WRITE (NOW) eyeliner pencil in Jac.

I was very excited to try something from theBalm Cosmetics. I would have preferred an eyeshadow but I'm not complaining. The eyeliner glides on and when I rub it it doesn't seem to budge. It's a really nice bronze shade so it's perfect for when I don't want something as intense as black and as my liner under my eyes for a sultry bronze look. I got the full size product which is 0.01 oz. and it is $17.

treStique - blush stick in Bora Bora Coral.

I am a powder blush kind of girl but I was really open to trying a stick blush. The color is pretty and works with my skin tone. It glides on the skin and blends pretty well. I'm still getting used to it but I like it so far. The sample size I got was 0.04 oz. I couldn't find how big the full size is but it's $34.

Perfectly Posh - BFF Best Face Forever Exfoliating Daily Face Wash. 

This was honestly one of the best things I got in the bag. The natural microbeads do an amazing job exfoliating my face. It leaves my skin super soft! The peppermint and grapefruit smells really good! I definitely plan on trying more from this brand! The full size is 4 fl. oz. and it costs $21. 

Luxie Beauty - Small Tapered Blending Eye Brush 231.

I was extremely excited to see I was getting a brush in my first bag. This was what I was looking forward to the most and I wasn't disappointed. It is beautiful with it's pink handle and rose gold ferrule. It has synthetic bristles and is coated in a revolutionary antibacterial solution. It does a wonderful job blending my shadows. It is my new go to blending brush. The brush is $12

Naked Cosmetics - Mica Pigment in Sierra Nevada #02.

The only pigment I had before I got this was something from Icing that I never use so I am not usually into using pigments I definitely prefer regular eyeshadow. I think what I don't like is the fact that it is loose and I am clumsy so it's not a good combination but this color is really pretty. It can be used for the eyes, face, lips, nails and body. It's perfect for the inner corner and I think it would be a really beautiful highlight. I've only used it once but it looked really pretty on my eyes. The size I got was 0.05 oz. I looked on their website and couldn't find a size so I don't know if this is full size but it is $14.99.

So far I really love ipsy. The other day I got an email with a sneak peak and it included a Color Pop eyeshadow so fingers crossed I get it! If you want to join ipsy you can use my referral link. If you already get ipsy Glam Bag's tell me what you got!

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.