Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Giveaway for $50 gift Certificate to Zakia's Morocco Beauty Products

Enter below to win one of 10 $50 gift Certificates to Zakia's Morocco beauty products.  Read my review of the Clay mask HERE.

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Giveaway is managed by Brandbacker


Moroccan Ghassoul Clay Mask by Zakias Review + Coupon

*I received this product in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.*
Enter HERE to win a $50 Gift Certificate to use on at www.zakiasmorocco.com 
I love mud masks.  Possibly due to being able to play with mud and play with my face as it dries and cracks.  Also I love how my face feels afterwards.  I got this Moroccan Ghassoul Clay Powder to try out and review.  I like that this is in powder form so you can make as much as you need and it is lighter.  This 250 ml jar in powder form will make twice the volume of the jar.  
I did try out the mud recipe as the instructions asked 5:1 water to powder to make the mud.  This Did Not Work.  Well it made brown water... I adjusted a couple times and then found the correct mix.  For mud to cover 1 face mix 1/2 Tablespoon warm water with 1 large Tablespoon of clay powder.  You get a nice thick pudding like consistency.  Then you simply smooth it over your face.  I liked how this mud mask feels.  It reminds me of the great silty mud that you used to love to dig your toes into in creeks.  Very smooth and easy to apply.  I love that this mask does not tingle or sting.  I am not sure why a lot of masks lately feel that they must attack my face in order to work.  You wait until it dries and then gently wash off with a washcloth.  I did this and then added my normal moisturizer.  I did notice a bit of redness on my forehead and a couple places around my face.  This was mentioned as a possibility in the how to guide.  It also may be due to me making a lot of 'Hulk Smash' faces to crack up the dried mud.  
The information about this mask also says you can use the mud as  a hair mask or even add a 1:1 ratio to your normal shampoo.  I am not sure that I need to do that with my hair.  Maybe for oilier hair and scalps.  
Practicing my Blue Steel pose
You can find out more about the products that this company sells as well as use a special 20% off coupon.  Use code ZMBLOG-92 at checkout.  www.zakiasmorocco.com



From the Company
 Moroccan Ghassoul Clay Mask - A weekly mask with natural and organic clay from deep inside the Ancient Atlas Mountains of Morocco are the perfect skin treatment for cleaning, detoxifying, toning and rejuvenating. A facial mask treatment made from Ghassoul clay can be relaxing and give your skin a new healthy glow. Ghassoul clay's most impressive properties in skin improvement are its capacity of absorption and adsorption due to its high level of ion exchange. Ghassoul is a mineral rich, light brown clay that blends extremely well with water making its application to the face and skin a smooth and delightful experience. Use on skin and hair - it even makes for a fabulous shampoo; mix a small amount of powder in your favorite shampoo - wash and rinse. Super cleansing!
Learn About the Brand
Post Mask

Zakia's Morocco was created by the co-founder, Zakia Mejdoubi-Haman. Zakia's native country of Morocco is well known for the art of the Hammam and Oriental beauty treatments. Zakia has always sought natural products and knew the unique benefits of Argan Oil, Moroccan Black Soap, Ghassoul Clay should become more available internationally. We work superior quality craftsmen to provide products that are safe to use, safe for the environment and even provide social benefits. By supporting Zakia's Morocco, you are helping empower women, protecting the Argan forest, while preserving your wellness.





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Subscription Boxes & Samplers That You Can Buy on Amazon!

Fun h2O Sample Box

I have really enjoyed gifting and receiving subscription boxes and sampler treat boxes.  They provide instant excitement when they arrive and I have discovered so many new beauty, food, and home items that I would never have tried if not for subscription boxes.  But I always feel a bit apprehensive about starting a new subscription box.  I worry about submitting my credit card info for something that I may or may not enjoy.  I would have the fear that I would forget to cancel a subscription and after the first month or two get charged a large amount and be stuck with it.  I also don't like to have to call to cancel a sub box because of the fear of having to be asked questions of why I want to quit after a promo.  I also may like to give a subscription for 1-3 months to a friend or family member, but I just don't want to go above my gift budget.




Well worry no more.   Once again Amazon.com comes to the rescue!  Amazon sells a selection of beauty subscription boxes as well as nice sample assortment boxes.  I stumbled upon the Sample Society box.  This is the Allure/BeautyBar subscription box.  You can find past boxes as well as some of their super assortments.  I then decided to so some searching and found that there is quite a selection available to order.  From beauty to food to men's boxes.  I even found that there are some short term(a week or two) local sales like the one for BuluBox!  Think Groupon style sales.  I found the best results on the Amazon search bar when I entered the following search terms:  Sample Box, Beauty Box, and Snack Box.


BuluBox


Sample society often has several of past month's boxes as well as some big assortments of 10-18 samples for sale on Amazon.  Great products too!  I purchased two boxes on Amazon and have loved them both!





Well I hope this post has helped and as always thank you for reading and have a great day!  

*This post contains affiliate links where I will receive a small percentage of any sale places from these links.  The links will not change your costs at all.*

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Maxasorb Melatonin Cream by Vita Sciences Review


*I received this product in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.  This post contains affiliate links.*

I had never tried any form of sleep assistance.  I do have a lot of trouble falling and staying asleep.  In one house I lived in I had an extremely bright bathroom light and my neighbors always knew when I woke in the middle of the night and would even comment when I actually slept through the night.  I was intrigued by this form of Melatonin.  One pump of Maxasorb Melatonin has 3 milligrams of melatonin and I read around and found that this is a good basic amount for getting and staying asleep.  I like the idea of using melatonin over other sleeping pills.  I decided to try out this cream.  
I applied one full pump to my forearm about an hour before I needed to sleep.  It absorbs easily and has no smell at all.  I have had no reaction to any of the Maxasorb creams on my skin.  I tried out the cream for 2 weeks but did not see much difference in falling asleep at night.  I did make sure to not use electronics for the last 30 minutes before wanting to fall asleep.  I also tried adjusting how soon before wanted sleep to apply the cream.  I just did not see much difference in falling asleep.  I am happy to report that I did not feel groggy or sluggish the next day.  I did see a bit of a change in staying asleep and sleeping through the night;  Maybe 50% better.  I am not sure if this is working as well as I would like.  I am hopeful that this could be a good way to take melatonin for people that like to take it.  
From the Company
About the Product
Each measured dose of Maxasorb Melatonin lotion from our airless dispenser delivers 3 milligrams of melatonin with a full press of the pump. Just before bedtime, rub the easily absorbed, odorless lotion on your arms or legs. For travelers trying to ease the effects of jet lag, apply Maxasorb Melatonin lotion the day of travel close to the target bedtime at your destination. This will aid in falling asleep faster, improves alertness during the day, and reduces daytime fatigue. Use the product throughout the trip and for a week after return to help your body readjust its natural sleep cycle. Natural ingredients assure this lotion is gentle to your skin.

Using Maxasorb Melatonin as directed is a safe and will help
Decrease the time needed to fall asleep; Increase sleepiness; Increase sleep duration. Infused with antioxidants and moisturizers, greaseless Maxasorb Melatonin is easily absorbed into your skin. Each 1.7 ounce bottle delivers 60 applications of lotion in protected and measured amounts. Natural ingredients assure this lotion is gentle to your skin.


Find out more at http://www.vitasciences.com/MaxasorbMelatonin 

Sunday, May 17, 2015

OZ Naturals 20% VITAMIN C + AMINO + HYALURONIC ACID SERUM Review


*I received this product in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. This post contains affiliate links.*
Buy it Here

Mandy's Serum & Skin Product Disclosure
I have been a big pusher for using moisturizers for years and years.  But only in the last few years I have been using serums as a regular part of my beauty routine.  I first would use whatever came in my makeup gift-with-purchases but have found that consistent use is key.  As I have been a person using serums for a few years I do not see nor do I expect a big change in my skin's look or texture.  This is a good thing in my opinion.  I am able, when I review a serum, to let you all know how the serum feels, absorbs, and reacts with my skin.  In a month of use I can tell if a serum will work for my skin and hopefully help others. It does normally take a couple months of daily use to see any real impact with fine lines or dark circles/uneven skin tone.  As I already use serums the change would be umch less than a person(like Mr Man) who goes from zero serum/moisturizer use to daily routine.  I will always let you know how long I used the product(sometimes I get a bit behind on posting my reviews) and I will make sure to take a break of over a week between serums or moisturizers so I do not give incorrect info due to a previous product.



I have been using this OZ Naturals Vitamin C + Amino+ Hyaluronic Acid Serum for a few weeks.  I liked that this serum is fairly light and absorbs evenly into my skin.  There is a small amount of oil mixed into this serum so I have found that I use this serum more in my night face routine and less when I need to put on a full face makeup in my AM routine.  There is very little scent and it is pleasant and light until it dissipates.  I find that I can apply the serum, brush my teeth, and then proceed with my moisturizer.  I do feel a little bit of tightness when the serum dries so I now when it is time to apply my moisturizer.  I wake up with my skin feeling well and have not experienced any breakouts from the oil or other ingredients.  My skin is smooth and not at all rough.  I think this serum can work for almost all skin types to help improve your youthful skin that we are all striving for.  Even younger skin should not be skipping serums in your routine.  Prevention is the best way to prevent age from showing up in your skin in the first place.  You can find this OZ Naturals serum HERE at Amazon.

Well thank you for reading and have a great day!


From the Company
  • ALLURE MAGAZINE'S Best In Beauty Vitamin C Serum - It's widely considered to be the most effective organic vitamin c serum available & is proven to dramatically increase the production of collagen and cellular turnover - Resulting in a much smoother texture and even skin tone - We guarantee you'll notice a much more youthful and radiant glow!
  • CLINICAL STRENGTH 20% vitamin c serum for your face + vegan hyaluronic acid is the absolute highest quality vitamin c serum available.
  • THIS VITAMIN C SERUM is guaranteed to leave your skin radiant and more youthful looking by neutralizing free radicals & is proven to stimulate collagen & reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
  • CRUELTY FREE, ORGANIC vitamin c serum does not contain alcohol, parabens or sulfates and is safe for all skin types.
  • MADE IN THE USA in a state of the art FDA registered facility - OZ Naturals formulates the most effective anti aging products on the market - OZ Naturals products work & they work extremely well - We guarantee  
  • http://www.amazon.com/OZ-Naturals-Hyaluronic-Neutralizing-Radicals/dp/B00DPE9EQOe you'll get results!



180 Cosmetics Pure Swiss Hyaluronic Serum + Vitamin C Review

*I received this product in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.  This post contains affiliate links.*

#experderm
Mandy's Serum & Skin Product Disclosure
I have been a big pusher for using moisturizers for years and years.  But only in the last few years I have been using serums as a regular part of my beauty routine.  I first would use whatever came in my makeup gift-with-purchases but have found that consistent use is key.  As I have been a person using serums for a few years I do not see nor do I expect a big change in my skin's look or texture.  This is a good thing in my opinion.  I am able, when I review a serum, to let you all know how the serum feels, absorbs, and reacts with my skin.  In a month of use I can tell if a serum will work for my skin and hopefully help others. It does normally take a couple months of daily use to see any real impact with fine lines or dark circles/uneven skin tone.  As I already use serums the change would be umch less than a person(like Mr Man) who goes from zero serum/moisturizer use to daily routine.  I will always let you know how long I used the product(sometimes I get a bit behind on posting my reviews) and I will make sure to take a break of over a week between serums or moisturizers so I do not give incorrect info due to a previous product.




You can purchase HERE
I have been using this 180 Cosmetics Pure Swiss Hyaluronic Serum with Vitamin C for almost a month.  I was surprised how thin this Serum is.  I normally will put a couple drops on my right hand and apply on my left or will put some drops on my forehead and cheeks and then smooth on my face.  The first time I ented up making a mess with serum running down my forehead.  BUT what I did notice is how easily it absorbs into my skin.  There is no oil in this serum so I am pretty happy to keep oil off of my face.  My skin has not gotten the memo that topical oils are good.  Also I found the scent to be pleasant and super light.  Like when I tried to figure out the scent it had already disappeared.  This serum I guess due to the lack of oil absorbs into my skin very quickly.  I then follow with my regular moisturizer.

I have been happy with this 180 Cosmetics serum.  It is light enough to use for AM & PM use.  I have not had any reaction to the ingredients.  There are also very few ingredients in this serum.  Just water, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, and Benzyl Alcohol.  I do not get the dry tightness after applying this serum.  I would recommend this serum to any adult skin that still is a bit oily or combination skin tones.  Amazon link is found below.

Thank you for reading and have a great day!


From the Company
  • CONTAINS THE HIGHEST CONCENTRATION OF THE ABSOLUTE BEST QUALITY SWISS HYALURONIC ACID AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET- enriched with natural ingredients and vitamin C for maximum results. Also contains powerful antioxidants that protect skin from free radicals
  • REVERSE THE SIGNS OF AGING WITH THE NEWEST 180 COSMETICS PURE SWISS HYALURONIC SERUM + VITAMIN C THAT HAS TAKEN THE WORLD BY STORM! Watch this truly revolutionary serum reverse the signs of aging right before your eyes, as it restores skin's elasticity and leaves it looking and feeling smooth, supple, and rejuvenated.
  • FOR AGES 40 AND ABOVE - we also recommend using the 180 Cosmetics Pure Swiss Hyaluronic Serum or cream + Peptides, for maximum results.
  • CHECK OUT OUR NEW PRODUCTS: Hyaluronic Serum + Oxygen, Hyaluronic Serum + Peptides, and Hyaluronic Cream + Peptides for a Smoother, Younger Looking Neckline and Decolletage.
  • WHY YOU NEED TO CHOOSE 180 COSMETICS? Because you deserve to get the best possible results!!




Friday, May 15, 2015

MY Konjac Sponge Bamboo Charcoal Facial Sponge Review

*I received this product in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.  This post contains affiliate links.*
Buy it Here
I have been using this Charcoal Konjac sponge by My Konjac Sponge for about a month now.  When it arrived I was a bit unsure how to hold it as I had been using smaller facial konjac sponges.  After a couple days I was able to get my coordination with the larger meaty part in my palm and using the pointy end for working around my face.  This sponge is made from natural konjac, a Japanese yam, with the infusion of bamboo charcoal.  This sponge is a bit softer and less dense than my previous konjac sponges.  This is almost the consistency of the Ethiopian sourdough pancakes that are used to scoop up entree dishes which are well, spongy.  Right..  

#konjacsponge
The sponge has the addition of bamboo charcoal to help scrub away oils and impurities.  There is not any gritty feeling in this sponge.  It does not have the strong scrubbing feel that you might expect of an exfoliator.  But I have really found that this sponge does exactly what I need in getting my face cleaned and oil free.  I enjoy the way I can get this sponge to contour over my face and clean in massaging circles.  I was first using this as my primary facial sponge until miracle of miracles my Clarisonic began to work again.   I thought I would ditch the Konjac sponges but I have found that I am still using it every day.  I am kinda bad about washing my face thoroughly at night and I rarely use my Clarisonic outside of shower time.  But this sponge is perfect for  cleansing my face post makeup removal before bedtime.  I do not even need to use cleanser with this sponge.  A little water to revive its shape and about a minute to clean my face and neck.

The sponge comes on a small string so you can press out the water and then hang it up to dry.  This sponge has lasted me well with daily use for about a month and I see it with probably another month of life.  You can sanitize it by microwaving it or boiling.  It does not come with a hanger but I had this little lady handy for just this sponge ;)  I recommend the My Konjac Sponge.  You can find more about this and other types of konjac sponges at their website HERE  ad you can purchase it on Amazon at the link below.  

#konjacsponge



well thank you for your time and have a great day!