Rejuvenique Oil Intensive: Luxury Oil

February 2015 archive

Rejuvenique Oil Intensive: Luxury Oil

Rejuvenique Oil for hair and skin

Have you added oil to your beauty routine yet? That’s right-oil. I’d tried coconut, almond, olive, emu and argan oil before, but this is a new one: Abyssinian oil. I tried this new oil in MONAT’s signature formula Rejuvenique Oil Intensive, which includes 13 all natural oils including Abyssinian oil. Independent clinical trials concluded that it’s more effective than argan oil, so absolutely I was going to try it.

Rejuvenique Oil Intensive’s uses include combing it through your hair as a pre-shampoo treatment, using a little on the ends to tame dry winter fly aways, and using it as a skin moisturizer. Though it’s marketed as a luxury hair oil, I tried it on my face and got hooked so I’ve been using it primarily for that. I love that it’s just pure, natural oil and no other added ingredients.

Texture: Oily (surprise, surprise). Looks like liquid gold. Absorbs quickly. Perfect for dry skin. Doesn’t seem to clog pores.

Fragrance: light, citrus scent that shouldn’t bother those with fragrance sensitivities.

Packaging: Nifty dropper bottle that is easy and fun to use. Sleek design makes you feel like you’re at a spa.

Rejuvenique Oil full ingredient list: Imnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Adansonia Digitata Oil, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Gardenia Tahitensis Flower Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Caryocar Brasiliense Fruit Oil, and Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil.

I was given a sample of Rejuvenique Oil through iFabbo in exchange for my unbiased review on a product that might benefit my readers. All opinions, as always, are my own!

Is oil part of your beauty routine? Would you try it?



Hyperbiotics Review Probiotic

Hyperbiotics review

Why take priobiotics?

Probiotics, the good gut bacteria, are essential to health. Priobiotic supplements have been shown to help people get over food poisoning-a tidbit of info I found especially interesting. After my food poisoning ordeal of Christmas 2013, I always make sure to keep a probiotic supplement on hand as an essential first aid item. Whether it is an acute symptom like a yeast infection or food poisoning (such pleasant topics to discuss on the blog, I know!) giving yourself an extra health boost after a round of antibiotics, or to increase digestive ability, probiotics are a safe and holistic remedy.

Hyperbiotics review: Pro-15 Formula

My digestion improved right away after taking one Pro-15 advanced strength capsule a day. I finished one week on this regimen, then decided to save the rest of the bottle for later. I just take one now when my digestion seems to need a little extra help.The shelf life is pretty long (about 18 months) if you refrigerate the bottle after opening. Always refrigerate your probiotics to make them last!

What intrigued me about Hyperbiotics is partly that its founder created the company after he fell ill after traveling and never fully recovered. He formulated this patented products to help himself regain his health, and it worked. The special formulation ensures that the majority of good bacteria in the supplement make it through the digestive system alive to populate the intestinal tract. With formulas that are not time released, very few of the good guys make it through the stomach’s acidity to get where they can do you the most good. These tablets provide time-released benefit throughout the day. It was a huge relief for me not to worry about taking them at a certain time, on an empty stomach or with/without meals. Just pop one any time throughout the day and know you’re experiencing the benefit of probiotics.

I’m not saying this is a wonder pill that will cure all your problems. A good diet, exercise and working with trusted health professionals are obviously essential components of a healthy lifestyle but I believe that taking probiotic supplements is one of the best things I can do for my health.

Hyperbiotics PRO-15 ingredients

As always, review the ingredients of this product and consult your health professional before deciding it’s right for you. From the label, here are the ingredients listed: L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. fermentum, B. infantis, L. casei, B. longum, L. rhamnosus, B. lactis, L. reuteri, L. salivarius, L. paracasei, L. gasseri, B. bifidum, B. breve, S. thermophilus, kiwifruit extract, prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS). Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hydroxpropyl methylcellulose, pectin, stearic acid, sodium carbonate, guar gum, tumeric (color).

I hope you’ve enjoyed this Hyperbiotics review, sponsored by Brandbacker. I was given samples in exchange for my unbiased opinion on a product that might benefit my readers. All opinions are my own. Thanks for reading and let me know in the comments what you think of probiotic supplements. Have they helped you?

InstaNatural Product Reviews

As a fanatic of all things natural beauty, I am extremely picky about what I put on my skin and in my body (and what goes on your skin goes in your body!). I check the ingredients on everything before buying or reviewing to see if it meets my standards. of pure, natural and healthy. I’m thrilled to partner with InstaNatural to review some of the offerings in their full line of natural skincare products. While I read and consider the ingredients list for myself, I encourage you to read labels for yourself before you buy to make sure the product meets your own standards and doesn’t contain anything you want to avoid.

InstaNatural Product Reviews

InstaNatural Product Reviews Dead Sea Mud MaskDead Sea Mud Mask

So easy to use! I’ve used clay masks before- all came powdered and I had to mix them up myself. The Dead Sea Mud Mask comes all ready to apply, no messy mixing needed-yay! Just glide a thin layer onto your face, wait for it to dry and then gently wash it off after about 15 minutes. It’s all natural and made of real clay from the Dead Sea. After I washed it off, my face felt amazingly refreshed! It makes the skin soft and smooth. Just be sure to moisturize after you use. I plan to use this weekly to pull impurities from my skin. The dead sea mud is a natural detoxifying agent, making this mask an essential part of a skincare regimen. I’m honestly looking forward to the next time I use it!

Emu oilEmu Oil

I’m going to address this right away-this is not a vegan product. It is, in fact, made from birds. I was hesitant to review it because of that reason. Although I eat meat, I try to eat only grass fed, free range meant and I go out of my way to use as many products as I can that are not tested on animals. I was comforted to learn that the emu are raised on farms, not caught from the wild, and the entire bird is used: for their meat, feathers and oil. What I like about this product is that it is a 100% emu oil. The texture is thick and oily as it is naturally rich in unsaturated fatty acids, and it nourishes the skin deeply-perfect for really dry patches like elbows. It can be used for to stimulate hair growth and to soothe sore joints but I haven’t tried it for either of these things, so after a little more experimenting I’ll post an update. Emu are not endangered by the way-certain types of emu are extinct, but obviously not the species that this oil is harvested from. Good to know!

Youth Express Eye GelYouth Express Eye Gel

Even though my skin is still pretty young looking, I want to be proactive about preventing and treating fine wrinkles. No time like the present, right? This is a clear gel that spreads easily on the skin. The Youth Express Eye Gel has a very light, natural fragrance that smells lightly like cucumber. Like all the other InstaNatural products reviewed here, it would be good for both men and women. No overpowering, floral fragrances found here! Just good, natural ingredients and gender neutral packaging. Cool.

Youth Express Eye SerumYouth Express Eye Serum

This serum smells lightly of citrus (yum!) and comes in a dropper bottle. It is orange, and when I say orange I mean BRIGHT ORANGE like mashed up carrots. Pat a little bit around the eye area and it will absorb to the point it is no longer traffic cone colored. I didn’t have a problem with the orange tint lingering on my skin tone, but if it does show up on yours you could always use it at night instead of in the morning. This is a good product to use before a regular moisturizer for added wrinkle-fighting benefits.

What are your favorite natural beauty products?

InstaNatural provided me with samples for review through BrandBacker, but as always all opinions are my own.

7 Cute and Punny Vintage Valentines

deerAfter poking fun last year at the vintage valentines that didn’t age well from the wonderful collection over at the Vintage Valentine Museum, I should really show the other side of the story. There are plenty of cards that didn’t lose their charm over the decades. The copywriter in me is amused by how these cards rely so heavily on puns and plays on words. Corny by today’s standards, sure, but probably cute and witty back then. So if you’re stuck for card ideas this year, draw inspiration from these nuggets.

Aw, Prince Charming found you (finally!)

FairytaleAnd they lived happily ever after…

Cowboys can make puns, too.

vintage valentines cards with retro charm

Typically retro Americana: cowboys that look a little like the Gerber baby.

Old world charm

PolishAccording to the Vintage Valentine Museum, this card depicting Polish dress was part of a series with an international theme. Cultures depictions were commonly used in vintage valentines, especially Dutch and Irish.

Valentines for writers

valentinenewsThe most adorable part of this card just might be that the paper used to cost three cents.

And the award for best romantic pun goes to…

Just my typeThis pun is still in use today, as I discovered while putting together a Valentine’s Day gift guide.

Puppy love!

Nothing says true love like “I destroyed your belongings,” am I right dog lovers?

Thanks to the Vintage Valentine Museum for the use of these images. Their online library of cards is available for use in personal craft projects, just to give you some ideas for Valentine’s Day DIY projects!

Essential Components of Gatsby Party Fashion

Gatsby party fashionHeadband / Earrings / Bracelet / Tan dress / Clutch / Black beaded dress

The movie version of The Great Gatsby in 2013 brought with it a flurry of 1920s inspired fashion that hasn’t gone away. The current trend of low headbands and tassel jewelry is proof that art deco themes are still making their mark on style.

Gatsby Party Fashion

Since Gatsby-themed parties are so popular (hello, it’s a party theme based on a party), here’s how to look the part with gorgeous pieces that you can wear long after the event ends. And you don’t need to have a Gatsby party invitation to try the look, as it’s also a fun and classy style for any formal or cocktail party. Here are essential components of a 1920s-inspired outfit that’s party ready.

1. Headdress — a dress for your head!

Daisy Headdress Channel Daisy in a flapper headdress that sparkles. When the movie came out, Tiffany released limited edition replicas of Daisy’s onscreen headband. These were quickly copied and available online for quite a surprisingly affordable price-if you’re willing to trade real diamonds for cubic zirconia, that is!

2. Jewelry

Art deco necklaceTassels are the height of popularity right now, so finding tassel earrings or necklaces is easy. Art deco style drop earrings are gorgeous, as are geometrically inspired necklaces like the one above.

3. Beaded or ruffled dress

5 essential components for Gatsby party styleDropped waists, beaded elements, neutral colors, ruffles and fringe are all hallmarks of the Gatsby era. Pair one of these dresses with classic heels and you’re ready to party like it’s 1923.

4. Beaded, tasseled or fringed clutch

Tory Burch fringed bagThis is totally optional, but you can complete the look with a little clutch.

5. Shoes

Fringed heels perfect for Gatsby themed partyUltimately, there’s a lot of leeway when it comes to shoes for your Gatsby party fashion outfit. Anything gold, silver, glittery or fringed would be perfect.

Going to any themed parties soon? Let me know what you think of these outfit ideas!