Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream Review

Sometimes a girl has to be a little rebellious when it comes to beauty.  For example, using a moisturizing shampoo as a body wash or in this case, using a night cream during the day. Due to the cosmic confusing of our weather my skin was poised to read "out of whack! and I'm not for that forecast. This woman works hard at keeping her skin looking at least 10 years younger. hhhmph!  Apparently, the folks over at Influenster were moved to help so they sent me a "Hey Girl, You should try this.Ok! Great! look for it in the mail." email.  Geesh! Must be a staff of physics over there! As a fan of the Aveeno Positively Radiant line ( The cleansing pads are FAB! read it), I was more than happy to give the Intensive Night Cream a try. Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream  is said to give an extra boost to the 5 Factors of Radiance -tone, texture, dullness, blotchiness and brown spots.   All of the aforementioned are not on my list of concerns but those that are (texture and dullness) needed some quick assistance. Bravo to the Soy complex and vitamin B3 for taking care of it within days. My face and neck thank you. Oh, and I wasn't a total rebel. The day AND nighttime use of the cream maintained my goal: Clear and balanced skin.  Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream is very hydrating which is what my skin needs right now.  Although it's labelled as a cream, its texture is more like a lotion.  The non greasy formula spreads with ease and absorbs quickly.  Texture has been an issue since I turned 40. You're surprised?! Me too!  Good genes, love of self, and great skincare will do that for a girl. So yeah, back to this wonderfully affordable drugstore gem. It wears a pricetag of $16.99 and is well worth it you're looking for a quality cream that delivers on its claims. I'm off to go slather some on my face now. It will be morning when you read this and my skin will be GLO- WING! *rings the school bell*

What are some of your skincare concerns?  Also, tell me what Aveeno products are you using or are looking to try?  

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Natural Radiance Purederm Green Tea Essence Face Mask Review

The Mask Sheet

When you live in a house with little boys, the scarier a beauty treatment makes you, the cooler you are. In fact, if it's a quiet relaxing moment I'm looking for then I must hide to avoid the barrage of "who I should scare next" and" how I can look scarier" ideas.  I'm a big fan of masks so I decided to try the cool Purederm Green Tea Essence mask from Natural Radiance.  Natural Radiance is a leader in providing Korean beauty products, inclusive of BB creams, makeup and skincare.  The premoistened sheets have just enough juice to make the mask stay put without any dripping or messy application.  My six year old was every bit of intrigued.  He had some questions and I'm sure you would have asked the same...

6yr old: "Mom, what's that?" *asking and touching are synonymous*
6yr old continues: "Oh, it's soft! and wet. What's in it?"
*shoos his hand away before he pulls on the mask*
Me: "It's a face mask that will moisturize my skin and..."
* interrupts with wide eyed curiosity*
6yr old: "YOU'RE GOING TO LOOK DIFFERENT?!!"
Me: "No (lol) it's going to soften my skin and brighten it up a bit (i hope!) It has green tea, licorice root and vitamins in it."
*As I list ingredients, I see disinterest looming so I interject*
Me: "so, it's like food for the skin."
*light bulb moment or a fine idea for a way to escape from my presence twinkles in his eye*
6yr old: "ooooooh!" *pause & giggles* "You look like a super hero!"
Me: "really? what should my name be?"
6yr: *shrugs* "I don't know but you look COOL!"

So, There you have it a mask that makes you look cool AND keeps you pretty (the final verdict from the 6 yr old). A gentleman in training, indeed! I would definitely try more of the masks. My skin was really soft for three days after use. The only issue with this product was the lifting around the jawline but I take responsibility for that.  I didn't align the mask well, it was too high on my hairline. Natural Radiance has tons of skincare options for all skin types, needs, and/or concerns on their site and right now,  PUREDERM FACE MASKS ARE $1. Yes, you read that right.  Follow Natural Radiance on Twitter and Facebook for updates on new products and more great discounts.

Me, the Superhero! LOL

Would you like to join my Superhero crew?  Like my Facebook fan page HERE and leave a comment (on FB under the post) telling me your cool Superhero name. I'll pick one random winner to receive 3 masks. (U.S.Only ends 9/14/2012)

*product provided by Brand Representative for review consideration

NappOrganics brings you NouriShea

NouriShea™ is a natural and green beauty brand based on formulations with 100% USDA Certified Organic Shea Butter and natural essential oils.  In 2007, founder, Victoria Francis helped her children overcome their skin issues with her custom blend of West African Shea butter, essential oils and natural moisturizers.  Her successful preparation and persistence has allowed her to expand the brand into a full line of skin and haircare suitable for the entire family. "The NouriShea™ products available today are produced to Victoria’s exacting high standards and principles to deliver the best possible formulas to nourish, rejuvenate, and enhance natural beauty."  

NouriShea's™  commitment to meeting the needs of the customer is evident in their successful launch of an interactive, resourceful  and user-friendly site. You will  learn more about the products and ingredients, exchange ideas and information about hair and skin via their blog , and of course, SHOP!!

All About NappOrganics:

NappOrganics, Inc. is a company based on the belief that we should support and nurture our planet, our resources and our customers. We are relationship driven – and strive to not only deliver the best products to enhance natural beauty, but to sustain and develop green business practices, to give back and to build trust and respect. NouriShea™ products are produced to the founder, Victoria Francis’ exacting high standards and principles to deliver the best possible formulas to nourish, rejuvenate, and enhance natural beauty.

Aveeno Positively Ageless & Positively Radiant

One thing I love about going to see my mom is that she always has something new lurking in her beauty/ fashion stash.  Yes, Momma Gorgeous loves to shop and is not afraid to try something new. Whether it's a vintage sweater she nabbed while thrifting or some random beauty product that she "thought I would try and let you tell me if it's good".  Her cabinets always make me feel like a little girl again, only now I know exactly how to apply everything.  On a recent visit I found the Aveeno Positively Ageless Daily Cleansing Pads & Positively Radiant Anti-Wrinkle Cream   sitting on her shelf.  I had to give it a try and come tell you about it. The Pre moistened cleansing pads were a bit on the "juicy" side but there wasn't  any puddles or product running down my arm.  The light baby scent makes it pleasurable to smell and the lather is mild but effective in eliminating makeup and/or dirt. The duality of the pad is a plus; One side is textured for mild exfoliation (polishes the skin) and the other side is smooth (cleanse).  My skin felt clean, no tightening and was noticeably brighter. A huge win for me because winter weather slows my natural exfoliating process which tends to result in textured skin not pleasing to my eyes.  The pads are bigger than most pads I have seen to the point where you could cut them in half and stretch your supply without compromising it's benefits. Not, bad right?! especially for the affordable price of $6.  I would definitely keep this stocked in my house.  The jar is too big and bulky for travel, I do hope they do something about that. 

The Positively Radiant Anti-wrinkle Cream was alright. I mean  it didn't make my emotions bubble over with joy.   It's a light-medium weight cream, with a mild scent, spreads well and absorbs quickly.  My skin felt soft into the next morning.  Would I purchase again? Most likely not. I'm always turned off by skin care products that list sodium hydroxide (it's function is to soften the skin) in the ingredients.  So yeah, that's all I have to say about that one. 

textured & smooth sides of the cleasing pad

I am inclined to give more of the Aveeno skincare line a try. I've been a fan of the Oatmeal bath products for years and now I shall venture into other parts of the line.  What are your favorite Aveeno products? Tell Us in the comments...

aveeno positively radiant

Pooka Pure & Simple Review

Pooka Pure and Simple is an absolute hit in my house. The products were tested by the men (well, one man and two boys)in my life as soon as they came out of the box.  Immediately, we were all impressed with the light smell and the fact that it was a multi use product (great for hair, scalp AND skin)  The Shea & Olive Hair butter went to work on keeping  afros soft, fades polished, and waves shining.  Everyone's skin was looking mighty fine also.  This immediate attraction sent me straight to the cabinet to read and try the products for myself.  I had been dealing with a winter cold and my skin and scalp were in need of some serious tlc.  Pooka Pure and Simple came to my rescue.

Shea and Olive Hair Butter is nice, light and blended to perfection.  A creme like texture that glides on and breaks down easily along the hairshaft and on the scalp.  You don't have to be concerned about oily residue because the product totally absorbed when it was applied.  A major plus for me is how great it has been on my son's skin. He tends to have eczema flare ups when the winter season rolls in.  The Shea & Olive Hair Butter has kept his itching at bay due to it's moisturizing  and soothing factor.  This product has been assigned to a neutral spot because it has already made it's way out of the house via hubby's bag.

Nectar Hair Oil & Treatment  is a great treatment oil. I used it on my scalp during a stimulating massage.  My scalp had been extremely itchy when I was midway through my severe cold, so I applied this oil then massaged my scalp and wrapped my hair up so my body heat could aid in the absorption.  The essential oils oils of lavender(soothing & calming), peppermint (stimulating) and lemon (antiseptic) eased my scalp and also helped for a better night sleep.  I think the lavender buds and rosemary floating around in the bottle has my son just over the top about this product.  Everyday, he request a few drops to rub into his hair.  I don't mind one bit because after he is done there aren't any oily handprints around the house and his hair and skin look and smell great.

Pooka Pure and Simple's collection extends to bodycare, footcare and candles.  The price point ranges from $10 (single product)- $70 (gift box).  The quality and combination of  ingredients + benefits = WIN! 

*this product was sent to me by a rep for review consideration

Dermalogica Daylight Defense

                                        (solar booster defense, multivitamin bodyblock, solar shield & after sun repair)

We can all attest that this has been one HOT summer thus far. Those UVA and UVB rays are taking no prisoners so we have to take skin protection very seriously.  Dermalogica Daylight Defense($35) is a cool travel size kit that delivers both protection and skincare. 

Solar Defense Booster spf 30- can be worn alone or mixed with any of your favorite face products to deliver a nice boost.  This product boasts a nice a-list of vitamins & extracts that will calm, protect, and sooth your skin. Free radical damage doesn't stand a chance!

Multivitamin bodyblock spf 20- is a fragrance free and non greasy body moisturizer. It's light creamy texture allows for easy & even application. Your skin will surely be guarded against aging while being thoroughly nourished and hydrated.

Solar Shield spf 15- a water resistant conditioning stick that provides protection to the easy to burn areas (the lips,ears and nose).  it really does leave the leaves nice and soft without out any of that yucky film build up one might experience from other brands. Kudos to them for using the Castor seed oil as a base.

After Sun Repair- first let me say, I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!! why? It immediately cools and calms on contact and the aromatherapeutic blend of extracts will quickly relax your senses.  The soft gel texture  is not sticky, doesn't leave a film, and most importantly your skin will not feel tight after this product has dried.  So if you are looking to cool your sunburn and reduce any discomfort caused by sun exposure, this is the produce you need.

Dermalogica is an education based skincare line. It is designed and created to treat targeted skin issues such as aging, acne, etc. So make sure you check out their site for your skincare needs. I heard the Daily microfoliant ( a gentle rice based powder that smoothes & brightens)is amazing!!

dermalogica

If you must play , then Play Pretty with Whipped Body Butter Creme

(t-b lemon orange fig, celedon, gingered jasmine, nohea ani, and island sorbet)

Play Pretty Whipped Body Butter Creme is a nature based, light, non greasy cream that glides on smooth and doesn't require multiple daily applications, which is a plus for me. I don't know about you but one thing that I find quite displeasing is a product that I have to keep applying throughout the day to" maybe" get the benefits it claims it can deliver.    This cream boasts a powerful blend of butters, essential oils, and plant extracts that is surely to help the skin attain all the nutrients it needs to maintain normal moisture levels and guard  against dryness and/or irritation often associated with various dermatitis' (mild to severe dry skin such as eczema, rosacea, etc). This is an answer to those tired, dry, cracked feet, stubborn ash, and unsightly knees and elbows. You will feel good and smell good while conquering the problems that may have overtaken your skin.  The luxurious scents grab hold of your olfactory and make you feel like you been air lifted to the tropics. Oh, I just can't get enough of the fresh lime scent in the Celedon! So if you need a stress fighter the aromatheraputic qualities these products offer will help to relax and/or uplift your mind and spirit.  

                          

(light and creamy)

Play Pretty not only meets the needs we have of  keeping our skin smooth, vibrant, and healthy but get this:  There are no mineral oil or petroleum oil, harsh ingredients, parabens, drying sd alcohol or lanolin, which can be highly allergic.  So, for all of you looking for a more "green" alternative, this is a line for you.  The line has other wonderful products like Sugar Dew, a moisturizing body wash and Sugar Shea Scrub, all of which come in the delightful flavors pictured above.  Price point ranges from $15 to $25 which may seem like a splurge purchase for some but when my 10yr old son says "oh, now this lime one smells good , I will wear this lotion everyday" I call it a family investment (lol)  Play Pretty has also been husband approved "I don't know about the pretty but I am down for play, the lime, ginger, and fig smell real good".  So there you go, Play Pretty and share this great product with your whole family.

ABOUT PLAY PRETTY (excerpt from the site):

Play Pretty Beauty was launched by two sisters in October 2006.

Although truth is, neither sister thought their skin care woes would turn into a company! Since they were children, both sisters suffered from troubled skin - eczema, dry itchy patches and blotchiness. Nothing on the market seemed to help. As adults, the sisters spent a lot of time and money trying to find a solution.
Then fate intervened. As a birthday gift, one sister received a natural remedy book that contained recipes for making homemade hair and body care products. She started making some of the recipes and shared the results with her sibling. Since both sisters loved to cook, they thought, why not try to 'cook up' a solution to their skin woes?
So they literally took to their kitchens and started blending up their own natural remedies. After countless batches, and 'test audiences' (friends, family, reluctant spouses) the sisters realized it was working - the itchiness and blotchy patches were gone and their skin had never felt so good! But what made their products different? It's simple: what they created in their kitchens didn't have the same harsh, irritating, synthetic ingredients and artificial colors other commercially made products did. It was a light bulb moment that sparked the sisters' desire to create a product line using only the best, nature-inspired ingredients.
The name Play Pretty came from something our grandmother used to say to us when we were children. Growing up, we were rough and tumble tomboys, always getting dirty, always climbing trees, always looking for our next big ‘adventure’ in Nanny’s backyard.




*disclaimer -this product was sent to me from a company representative  for review consideration. I am not affiliated nor have i been compensated for this review

Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion Review & Giveaway

A few months back I was asked to try Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion. I went over to their website to read about the product and my inner geek went straight to the ingredients page before I read anything else. You see I can have an experience with a product just by reading the ingredients. Immediately I saw that this lotion was one that was light in texture (water & aloe base) provided a protective barrier( 2 silicones) and delivered benefits like: hydrating, healing & soothing (vitamin E & herbs) Now per my previous post on reading labels all of these ingredients ranged from top to middle of ingredient list. So that means that this product might actually deliver on their claim: "Shielding lotion is a lotion that forms a protective barrier on the skin and keeps out irritants and chemicals. It also allows the natural oils and moisture to remain in the skin so it can heal better.

The product arrived and I was ready to give it a try. I had my husband try it first as the site said shielding lotion is great for the whole family. Upon applying the lotion hubby says "this stuff is like silk, goes on real smooth", he sniffs, gives a nod of approval and continues to use the lotion. I asked could he smell it and he said it was very slight so that was another plus for him since it didn't smell "all girly". Next I tried it on myself and my children. At first I felt like the lotion was too light in texture for my taste but that is only because I tend to use heavier creams during the cold months. The first week of using it, I needed to reapply during the day to aid the dry skin but by the next week not as much. The shielding lotion seems to respond as a treatment if used consistently. My toddler son developed a new case of eczema and I used this lotion as a reinforcement to aid in restoring back the moisture level in his skin. I have to say that the anti inflammatory properties really did deliver when I used it on my son. He had a serious flare up and when I used the lotion the inflammation went down which in turn smoothed the texture of the skin. So all in all I was pleased. I did try the product on my face and it was OK, my face didn't feel tight, dry or greasy. I wont be switching it out for my daily moisturizer but it is good to know if I need a quick little moisture pick me up I can grab a little of the shielding Lotion (with SPF 15). Honestly, my final impression of this product is that it would be a good staple to keep in my summer beach bag. A nice light textured lotion that will sooth, heal and protect skin from the sun exposure (comfrey ,chamomile extract and SPF) Now, the price tag on this product does sparkle a bit, 4oz for $18, $25 for the one with SPF. The site states that the product will last 1 to 2 months with daily use. Personally, I would probably buy it again since it was useful to my whole family and I feel it is what we all would enjoy during the summer months.

The Skin MD Natural though it has the word natural is not a 100% natural product. There are ingredients that are man made, derived from a natural source. The company does a good job of explaining their position : Why is Skin MD called "natural" (scroll down to bottom of the ingredient page) I have to admit this is probably one of the most honest explanations I have seen in a company give on formulation in a long while.

GIVEAWAY:

Skin MD Naturals would like to give you the opportunity to try their product. Go over to their site (click here), they have a lot of really good information, come back and post a comment(w/ your email address) telling us something you read of interest. One winner will be randomly selected and the company will ship you a full size product YAY!!

(contest will end April 22,2010)

CO Bigelow Product Review

Since 2007 I have been looking for a facial mask that would compliment my current skincare regimen. I was quite pleased when my girlfriend came over with a bag of beauty goodies for me (Hey, BB!) Inside, I found just what I was looking for and more. The first product I decided to try was the CO Bigelow Power Berry Mask. It's claim, to rescue and revitalize skin is exactly what my skin was needing in a product. My skin has been indeed going through a stage I am still trying to understand. Life changes, age and environment have all caused an instance where my skin and I need to get reacquainted. Dehydration sometimes finds a resting place which aids in occasional acne and a visible slightly raised texture. So in addition to drinking plenty of water, taking daily vitamins and making better food choices, I look for products that will help my skin find its healthy balance.
The Power Berry mask is a light antioxidant rich clay mask, not thick like some others I have used. The smooth texture allows for a quick and even application. The clay delivered a good cleaning and the acai extract kept up its bargain to soften and restore texture and tone. In the fifteen minutes I wore the mask my face never felt tight and after a warm rinse my skin was soft, supple and bright.

A couple of days later, I tried the CO Bigelow Rice & Bamboo Gentle Dermabrasion and must say I absolutely love this product! The rice & bamboo are in a creamy base and when applied to the skin it instantly yet gently removes dead skin cells. You can definitely feel that this product is not lacking on ingredients that both nourish and soothes as it removes debris. I was quite pleased with how bright my skin looked as I worked the product over my face in a circular motion. It's claim to improve tone and texture leaving skin to look perfectly smooth and radiant, proved to me to be every bit of the truth. My skin was never tight or red which sometimes happens when a product is too abrasive. Instead this product produced an amazing healthy glow. This will be a definite staple in my regimen

Both of these products ring in at $18 each. I may get both of them but if not I will definitely spring for the the Rice & Bamboo. It just simply made my skin feel luxurious. Do you exfoliate? what are some of your skin challenges? leave a comment below it might make it into a featured post

Vitamins and our Skin

Protecting my skin from the elements has always been important to me. I remember when I was a kid, my mom and Nana would slather Vaseline all over my face. Had me shining so brightly but I couldn't feel a thing when the wind blew, a live walking oil slick. No chapped skin, blemishes or wrinkles, just shiny, baby soft skin. Well, the years have past and the climate has changed drastically. Age, motherhood and the environment is taking it's toll on my skin. I am not always a good girl with following the rules of : take a multi daily vitamin, eat well balanced meals and drink plenty of water. So to help balance out my shortcomings I pay attention to my vitamin intake via my skincare. I understand with all the ingredients loaded in a jar claiming to do this, that, and the other how can one possibly know what will work for them. I wanted to help by creating a simple cheat sheet on the benefits of some vitamins commonly found in skincare products. So here is a little vitamin 101.
Vitamins are nutrients that play a major role in the health of our skin. It is important that we ingest vitamins through various foods and supplements as well as incorporate them in our daily skincare. Correct intake and topical use will aid in keeping the skin healthy and resilient. A deficiency, due to lack of vitamins, can leave the skin dry, oily, blotchy and/or lifeless.
Vitamin A: (retinyl palmitate)protects against aging, dry, and rough skin by retaining moisture; also soothes and conditions
Vitamin C: (ascorbic acid) most potent vitamin, anti-toxin, promotes healing, rejuvenates the skin, and protects against UVA &UVB damage
Vitamin E: (tocopherol acetate) causes cell regeneration, aids as protection against skin damage, and is healing
Vitamin D: produced naturally in the body by the suns ultraviolet rays; absorbs into the skin and regulates calcium absorption
Vitamin D3: (cholecalciferol) a form of vitamin D that aids in the assimilation of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A
Vitamin K: (phytonadione) aids in blood clotting. this vitamin is used more in eye creams that help to lighten dark circles. it's said to perform best when paired with vitamin A
Vitamin B5: (panthenol) retains moisture and aids in skin cell metabolism
Niacin - (b complex vitamin) anti inflammatory, soothes irritated, dry skin, and retains moisture
Don't forget proper diet and nutrition is a ESSENTIAL for gorgeous, healthy skin!!
hhmm, I'm curious: the skincare product that you absolutely love, turn it over and tell us what vitamins are in it. who knows we may come to love it too!

skin supplements