InstaNatural Facial Oil Cleanser Review

I am very meticulous when it comes to washing my face and removing my makeup before going to bed. I have skin than ranges from oily to dry in patches, and much depends on the products I use. I’ve heard of oil cleansing before and shrugged it off as being something that is not for me because I feared getting greasy skin and breaking out. I was given a bottle of InstaNatural Facial Oil Cleanser and Makeup Remover, and I figured I try it out.

InstaNatural Facial Oil Cleanser and Makeup Remover helps to lift dirt and remove impurities without removing the skin’s natural oils. It contains jojoba oil, olive oil, tamanu oil, hemp oil, passionflower, buckthorn oil, and wheat germ oil, with lavender, pink grapefruit, and geranium essential oils. It’s gentle and helps to get rid of makeup and dirt. To use this facial cleansing oil squirt some oil on cotton ball or cotton pad and gently wipe over your face. Then rinse your face with warm water and pat dry.

It has a great citrus-like scent. This oil is a perfect eye makeup remover. It gently gets mascara, eyeliner, and concealer off. I like using it at bedtime to remove my makeup, and it’s great all over my face, even though I didn’t think it would be. It is not as greasy, as I thought it would be, if I use only a small amount. Besides, I rinse with warm water and dry my face afterwards, which cuts down the oiliness. I wake up with nice, smooth skin when I’ve used it the night before.

As with all of InstaNatural’s products, it is available on amazon.com with a money back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied.






The product mentioned above was given to me free-of-charge, in return for an honest review.

Natural Goal Ultimate Vitamin B Complex Review

I’ve been taking a B vitamin supplement for almost a year. I was experiencing fatigue, among some other issues, so my doctor advised me to take a supplement with B vitamins. They have helped give me a bit of a boost to feel better. I originally took the brand that my doctor recommended, which was a quality, high-potency pharmaceutical grade brand. Several weeks ago, I was given a chance to try Natural Goal Ultimate Vitamin B Complex for review.

 Natural Goal’s supplements meet extremely high standards, and Natural Goal holds quality and customer service high on their list of priorities. Natural Goal Ultimate Vitamin B Complex is an advanced complex for optimal effectiveness.

Benefits, as listed on the product information

• Supports healthy functioning of the muscles, nerves, and the heart.
• Helps regulate the nervous system supports metabolic processes.
• Helps regulate cholesterol levels and essential for normal growth and development
• Supports the immune functions and helps in breaking down proteins in the body.
• Helps regulate blood sugar levels and promote healthy hair, skin, and nails.
• Helps in the production and maintenance of DNA.

Natural Goal Ultimate Vitamin B Complex contains 50 mgs each of B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, and biotin; 25 mg each of Folate, PABA, Choline, and Initol; and 400 mcg of Folate. It does contain the Cyanocobalamin form of vitamin B12, which is a synthetic form of B12, as compared to methylocobalamin, which is a natural form of the vitamin that my previous B complex vitamins had. Cyanocobalamin is approved by the FDA and is commonly used in supplements. However, from some brief research that I’ve done, there does seem to be a bit of controversy with some people preferring methylocobalamin form over the other form. To some people this may make a difference, while to many this may not matter.

B vitamins are water soluble, which means they need to be replaced each day in your body because they do not build up any stores in the body. B vitamin complex helps to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and increase energy. It may also relieve symptoms of PMS. Vitamin B Complex can also benefit the skin, hair, and nails. It also supports the formation of red blood cells and keeps muscles, nerves, and the heart healthy.

The vitamins come in the form of a capsule that is about a standard size for vitamin capsules.  The smell and taste of these vitamins aren’t much different from other vitamin supplements that I’ve used. Overall, I’m pleased with the product. It seems to be good quality and perform well. Natural Goal’s products are reasonably priced, and seem to work as good as other brands, which I have used. My husband also used Natural Goal Vitamin B Complex and had no complaints. Natural Goal supplements are available to buy on Amazon.com.


  
The item mentioned above was provided, free of cost, to the reviewer in exchange for an honest review.

Opal Apples Review

I love apples for snacks, lunch, or anytime. They are good with cheese, peanut butter, or Reese’s Spread. If I am particularly ambitious I put apples in pie, apple crisp, oatmeal, and the list goes on. I got a $5 off coupon from BzzAgent for Opal Apples, so I went to my local Fred Meyer and loaded up on some Opals.

Apples have several health benefits, like being high in soluble fiber, helping to control weight, being good for heart health. They‘re also good for your dental health and stimulate saliva production.

Opal apples are a flavorful, sweet cross between Golden Delicious and Topaz apples.  They naturally don’t turn brown after you cut them. When I first heard this, I was skeptical. I thought that they must be GMO or that the claim must be an exaggeration. I’m happy to say Opal apples are not GMO and really don’t turn brown after cutting. They are good for kid’s lunches, since they like their apples sliced and these don’t turn brown easily.

About Opal Apples

The Opal apple was discovered in 1999 in Europe. Since then, the apple has been tested in 63 orchards throughout Europe and the Mediterranean. In 2010, the Opal made its way to the United States. It is grown exclusively at Broetje Orchards in Washington State.

This variety of apple is only available from November through March. They are also only grown by a particular grower, on limited acreage. They are also a little challenging to find in the store. To find a store near you check out Opal’s website. 

When I buy groceries, I like to save money.  Therefore, I originally scoffed at the price of Opals because I normally get whichever apples are on sale, typically costing half the price per pound of what the Opals go for. My family goes through lots of apples. Costing almost three dollars a pound, Opals may seem like a luxury.

When thinking that these apples cost more, consider this information taken from an Opal information sheet:

 “About First Fruits of Washington First Fruits of Washington is a collaborative apple marketing company owned by the growers, Broetje and Congdon Orchards. These growers share a commitment to producing high quality fruit while balancing the demands of purpose, people, planet and profit so that a portion of profits can be donated to non-profit missions supporting the underserved. For more information, visit www.firstfruits.com . 

•10% of profits from First Fruits of Washington are donated to non-profits each year. Employees of First Fruits form a committee and approval all charitable giving.
•Each grower also commits to contributing a minimum of 10% of their profits to charitable causes, with Broetje Orchard donating 50% or more to charities around the globe
•Broetje Orchards invests heavily in their employees and community, providing affordable housing, daycare and school as well as adult classes which accommodate work schedule”

Vidal Sassoon Salonist Hair Color

I’ve been coloring my hair for many years, and I’ve always done it myself at home. I’ve had an opportunity to use many brands of hair color. Most recently, I colored my hair with the new Vidal Sassoon Salonist hair color, courtesy of a BzzAgent campaign. Each box comes with gloves, hair color (colorant, activating lotion and VS serum), brush, bowl, and conditioner.

Two-step Process

It involves a two-step process. First, you brush the hair color on your roots, and then you wait. Then you apply the product to the rest of your hair. I have used another leading at-home two-step system, so I’m used to using the two-step approach. I don’t mind two steps and taking longer with the whole coloring process, as long as the color turns out looking good.

I clipped my hair into sections and used a mirror to get the back of my head. It does take patience and plenty of time to apply the color. It can be challenging to get the color applied evenly, especially if you have long hair

Gray Coverage

I have about 30% gray, and I need to have a coloring product that has excellent and long-lasting gray coverage. But, my hair was ready to be re-colored after about two weeks because my grays were showing (not just new growth, but grays that I already had). I also must note that I only wash my hair every two to three days. I’d expect the color to last longer, but in fairness, I’ve had problems with my gray hairs holding color before with other brands.

My verdict

I used the medium neutral brown. I chose a color labeled “neutral” because my hair has a lot of red, and I have wanted to tone down the redness to have a nice chocolate-colored brown, for a change. For the first week, the color looked practically black. I was a little worried, but the blackness faded into a nice chocolate-brown that I wanted. I also liked the shine after using the product and the fact that the redness was toned down.

I did have some problem with the color turning out even. My roots turned out darker than the rest of my hair. The darkness at my roots did fade after a couple washes.

Compared to going to a salon for color, the price is good. However, when compared to other boxed hair colors, it is on the pricey side. Vidal Sassoon Salonist hair color looks luxurious. It has nice packaging, comes from a well-known name, and has a good scent. The conditioner left my hair feeling silky and soft, and I loved the feel of my hair afterwards.

I really wanted to like this hair-coloring product. After the first week, when it had a chance to “settle in” I did like my hair. It did have rich-looking color and left my hair feeling soft. I do wish the color lasted longer on my gray hairs, though.

The retail price is about $13-14. I’ve had difficulty finding in stores around area, and when I do find Salonist, there is a very small selection.  If you would like to try Vidal Sassoon Salonist, the best selection that I have seen is on amazon.com.


I got the above product for free, through BzzAgent, in return for my honest review.

Adovia Dead Sea Mud Mask Review

I love the luxurious feeling my skin gets after using a good facial mask. For the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of using the Adovia Dead Sea Mud Mask. My skin feels great! My pores look smaller, and my complexion is wonderful.

What is the Adovia Dead Sea Mud Mask supposed to do?

Give you clear & radiant skin
Improve skin elasticity
Get healthier skin
Decrease excess oil

It is made from mud taken from the Dead Sea, which has a high concentration of minerals. It also has vitamin A and C, aloe vera, chamomile, and natural oils (like jojoba, olive, and evening primrose oil). The mask seems to be better suited for people with oily and combination skin. Those with dry skin may find the mask too drying.

To use the mask: Apply the mud to your clean face, either all over or to problem areas. Leave it on for about 20 minutes. As it dries, it takes toxins and impurities from the skin. Rinse with warm water and washcloth. Follow with light moisturizer.

    

The contents do settle in the tube. I recommend shaking the tube and rolling it back and forth in your hands before using it. It comes out of the tube with a thick consistency and has good coverage as it goes on. The product does feel s natural and somewhat gritty. As you apply the mask, it feels like it’s getting to work.  You don’t need to use a lot, and a little goes a long way.


It comes in a convenient tube, so you get what you need without contaminating the rest of the product. The product information says there are about 30 applications in the 5.1 fl. Oz.  tube, which can last three to four months. Adovia Dead Sea Mud Mask is available at Cleopatra’s Choice and Amazon.com.

I received the above product free through a Tomoson.com promotion, in return for my honest review.

InstaNatural Cellulite Cream Review

I’ve battled cellulite for years, and I was happy to have a chance to use InstaNatural Cellulite Cream.

It is full of awesome ingredients, like retinol, caffeine, vitamin C & B5, cocoa butter, and shear butter. It also has green tea, vitamin E, and avocado oil. All these ingredients are supposed to work together to tighten and tone skin, reducing the appearance of cellulite. It is a thick, rich cream that soaks in the skin quickly to get to work. It doesn’t have any greasy feeling.

After regular use for about a month, my skin feels smoother and firmer. InstaNatural Cellulite Cream is a great moisturizer and leaves skin feeling great. I still have cellulite, but hopefully it is less noticeable. My problem areas feel better and more toned. I suspect I always will have cellulite and that it is beyond any cream to be able to make it completely disappear.

InstaNatural Cellulite Cream is available on Amazon.com with a money back guarantee, if you’re not satisfied.

 
I received the product mentioned above free, through a Tomoson.com promotion, in return for my honest review.

InstaNatural Seaweed Powder Review

Recently I had the opportunity to use InstaNatural Seaweed Powder. InstaNatural Seaweed Powder comes from botanical kelp. It is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, vitamin E, and iodine. Seaweed is supposed to help reduce cellulite and help your body appear firmer and help your skin to look smoother. It is also believed to remove impurities and absorbs excess water.

When I was a pre-teen, I saw an infomercial about a cellulite cream that contained seaweed. The woman in the program touted the awesome benefits of seaweed to help reduce cellulite. At the time, I lived a short distance from a beach with a plentiful supply of seaweed. Inspired, I quickly rounded up a bucketful of seaweed and rinsed it. I proceeded to rub it on my dimpled thighs to see what would happen. Lesson 1 – real, natural seaweed from the beach is full of sand and little flies. Lesson 2 – seaweed stinks. The only thing happened with this experiment is that my parents got a good laugh.

Seaweed powder is much less messy and can be used for body masks, body wraps and even on the face. I was unable to use it on my face, due to the smell. I did use it several times on my body. I recommend using a dry brushing technique before applying the seaweed mask to your body to exfoliate and stimulate circulation. I recommend using more oil than the recipe on the label says to help the mixture go on smoother and be less messy.  More oil also helps it to be less flaky as it dries and falls off. Then shower after about 20 minutes when it is dry and wash it off.

For a seaweed wrap mix the recipe on the label and apply a generous amount to your thighs and behind. Then wrap in gauze or plastic wrap, leaving it on for about 20 minutes. Dr. Oz also has a recipe for a seaweed body scrub that I tried, and it is good.

InstaNatural Seaweed Powder is available on Amazon.com. It comes in a huge container that will last awhile. This seaweed power is so much better than harvesting your own seaweed.


I received the above product free, through Tomoson.com, in return for my honest review.

InstaNatural Vitamin C Toner Spray Review

I love facial mists and sprays because they are so refreshing. I recently became hooked on InstaNatural Vitamin C Toner Spray. I’ve reviewed other InstaNatural products, and I’ve been impressed with all of their products that I have used. InstaNatural uses quality ingredients and has excellent customer service.

About

The Vitamin C Facial Toner Spray renews, hydrates, and restores. It contains witch hazel as an astringent with vitamin C to tighten pores and refresh skin.  It also has aloe vera, MSM, along with other ingredients. It is supposed to penetrate pores and help skin better absorb serums and moisturizers. The toner comes in a bottle, which sprays a light mist.  It has a refreshing grapefruit-like scent.

I absolutely love the spray bottle that it comes in. It feels refreshing, and after using it my skin feels great. It has been a boost to my complexion and kept the oiliness away. The toner seems to be gentle and non-drying. I spray it three or four times, and it drys quickly. I like using it to tone my face after washing, and sometimes I  also like to use it after applying my make up for a more natural looking, dewy appearance.

InstaNatural Vitamin C Facial Toner spray is available from amazon.com.

Check out my review of InstaNatural Youth Express Eye Gel


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Day By Day Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Serum Review

During the day I try to avoid anything that will add oil to my skin, especially in the hotter summer weather. So products that hydrate and moisturize my skin without oiliness are awesome. At night I use creams or beauty oils for their anti aging benefits. As I've gotten older, I've really grown to value products that have ingredients with  anti-aging properties. So, when I had the opportunity to apply for a hyaluronic acid serum promotion with Tomoson , I jumped at the chance. I’m grateful to have been able to try Day By Day Beauty’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum because this great serum is a wonderful addition to my beauty routine.

About Day By Day Hyaluronic Acid Serum

This great serum from Day by Day Beauty contains hyaluronic acid and antioxidants. It moisturizes skin and is said to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is also supposed to increase collagen production. Its ingredients are 98% natural and 72% organic, and it doesn’t contain any alcohol or parabens.  It is also cruelty-free. It is made in the USA and is FDA approved.

The bottle comes with a pump, that despenses a generous amount - plenty to apply to the face, neck and décolletage. The hyaluronic acid comes out with a gel-like consistency which is easy to apply.

What Do I Think?

I’ve been using it for about a month, and so far am pleased with the results. My skin feels good and smooth, with a nice glow. The light gel feels refreshing after I put it on. I do like how it feels on my skin. My skin feels tighter and firmer. My complexion has really benefitted. It keeps my skin feeling hydrated without any heavy, oily feeling.

There has been a slight reduction in the appearance of fine lines. I suspect that results appear over time and are dependent on consistent use.

I experienced great customer service form Day by Day. They’ve sent follow up emails with instructions for using the product and after I’d had the product a couple of weeks to make sure I was enjoying the product.  I even got a card enclosed with information to download a complimentary e-book with information about vitamin C serum and hyaluronic acid serum usage, instructions, information about acne, and healthy skin habits to achieve beautiful skin.

The serum is available on amazon.com. It comes with the “Pamela’s Promise” guarantee: try it risk-free because “Results or your money back.”
Find out more by watching this video from Day by Day Beauty:



I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

UNi Argan Oil Review

I’ve tried many oils for skincare and hair care, and I think I like argan oil the best, with coconut oil coming in second. I like argan oil because it is light and absorbs quickly. Heavy oils feel greasy and give skin and hair an oil slick. There’s nothing worse than having clean hair and trying hair oil that only makes you go around with the appearance of having not washed your hair for over a week. 

Organic Argan Oil

Through Tomoson, I was given UNi Argan Oil to try and review.

UNi Argan Oil is 100% pure organic argan oil, which is cold pressed and never roasted. It is USDA and ECOCERT certified, confirming its high purity and authenticity.

I like products that are organic because I can feel assured there are no added ingredients that could have potentially negative effects. I like to avoid phthalates, parabens, and other undesirable or irritating ingredients.

Uses for Argan Oil

Argan oil is a jack-of-all trades when it comes to beauty uses. Use it to hydrate dry, damaged hair and tame fizziness. Use it to moisturize skin and cuticles.  Argan oil has a wealth of essential fatty acids, like Omega 3, 6, and 9, and is full of antioxidants, including vitamin E to nourish skin, hair and nails. It is gentle enough for those with sensitive skin.

I’ve tried this oil for just about everything: all over body moisturizing, softening my feet, on my hair, o my face for nighttime moisturizing, and on my nails and cuticles. If you’ve never used argan oil, start with a tiny bit and then add more as needed.  I only tried a couple of drops and it was enough to tame my frizzy, split-ends and give my hair healthy shine. 

About Uni

Uni Argan Oil has no detectable odor, at least that I could tell. It comes with a great dropper that helps you get the right amount.

Each bottle comes with the manufacture date on the bottle and has a shelf-life of 36 months. UNi Argan Oil is available from amazon.com.

 I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.