Category: beauty

February 13, 2015

Zax’s All Natural Health Care Products #giveaway

Dark spots, under eye circles, facial redness and bruises. All of these conditions draw attention to the areas we want to hide. There are so many products out on the market that say they will treat these conditions but some may work and others are full of ingredients that we may not want to even put on our body. I know I prefer to use as many natural products as possible.

For the last two months I have been using Zax’s all natural Darkspot cream, Dark Circle Cream and Facial Redness Cream. As many of my friends and family know, I suffer with dark eye circles (it has been a constant almost my whole life) and it has always bothered me. No amount of makeup ever seems like it can cover the darkness properly. To match those lovely shiners, my cheeks tend to go red depending on the foods I have eaten. Gluten is the worst culprit for causing this reaction. If I have too much gluten my skin reacts with red bumps on my cheeks (not to mention my arms!).

Zax’s Dark Circle Cream

Zax’s Dark Circle eye cream is designed to reduce puffiness and minimize dark circles to leave your under eyes looking fresh. The cream includes witch hazel (natural astringent), cucumber extract (to soothe and moisturize) and caffeine (anti inflammatory). You should use the cream for four weeks to ensure an adequate amount of time has passed to achieve results.

The cream was easy to apply and only a small amount is needed. I liked the soothing effect it had on my under eyes without a burning sensation. I noticed no strong smell to the cream either which is perfect considering you are applying it on your face close to your nose. I applied this cream twice a day because I loved the way it made my eyes appear less puffy.

Zax’s Darkspot Cream

As we age we tend to develop dark spots, some individuals are luckier than others but I have noticed some areas on my face have developed dark spots (especially along the jaw line!). Zax’s dark spot cream is a chemical free skin brightening cream that removes dead skin cells, reduces the appearance of dark skin and moisturizes. The five natural ingredients include: citrus ushiu peel extract (skin lightening effect), licorice extract (UVA and UVB absorption), Aloe (skin lightening effect), vitamin E (anti-oxidant) and niacinamide (unique form of Vitamin B3).

I love using this cream! I have done waxing and electrolysis on my face in the past and I began to notice that the skin on my chin and jaw line is always slightly darker than the rest of my face. Applying this cream to this area over the last two months I have noticed a slight improvement in this area with a brighter look to my face. The cream also has a pleasant citrus smell to it and leaves a nice fresh feeling.

Zax’s Facial Redness

Facial redness can occur for a variety of reasons: rosacea, windburn or even dehydrated skin. This cream works to reduce the redness, improve moisture and improve the tone and texture of your skin. The formula includes: pine bark extract (anti inflammatory), aloe (skin soothing properties) and Vitamin E (to treat skin conditions).

There is nothing fun about facial redness. It feels like your face is a beacon to the world and at times makes me very self-conscious. Using the facial redness cream during these times (I did not use it consistently during the two months just when the redness started until it finished) had an almost immediate effect lessening the severity of the redness.

All of these creams are recommended for individuals twelve years of age and older. The best part is that a small amount is required for application allowing the creams to last that much longer!

Zax’s is giving you the chance to win your own collection of creams!

This prize pack includes:

Zax’s Original heelspur cream
Zax’s Facial Redness cream
Zax’s Original Bruise cream
Zax’s Original Darkspot cream
Zax’s Original Dark Eye circle cream

The Giveaway!

Entry -Form

Make sure to follow Zax’s on Twitter and Facebook for new updates and information.

Disclosure: I received the above mentioned products free of charge in order to complete this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

February 9, 2015

DIY Moisturizing Facial Scrub

I love winter – the snow, the variety of outdoor activities and just the natural beauty of the season. The only thing I don’t love is the how dry my skin becomes in the winter. It is a constant battle to keep my skin moisturized and looking healthy.

My eczema forces me to be extra careful with the products that I put on my face. There is nothing worse than using a new scrub and instantly my cheeks turn red and look raw. This moisturizing facial scrub uses products that you can easily find in your pantry including my favourite item – coconut oil!

You will need:

3 tbsp of coconut oil.
3 1/2 tsp of baking soda

Directions

Measure out the 3 tbsp of coconut oil.
Melt the coconut oil into its liquid form if not already in this state.

Add 3 1/2 tsp of baking soda into the coconut oil and mix thoroughly.

Pour mixture into a small mason jar and secure tightly.

You only need a small amount each time to cover your face. Rub the facial scrub into your skin in gentle, circular motions.

I like to leave the facial scrub on for at least three to five minutes to allow it to absorb and achieve maximum results.

Remove the facial scrub with a warm cloth. You will need to use a cloth to remove the facial scrub because of the coconut oil.

Do you have a favourite homemade facial scrub? Maybe a special ingredient that you like to use? I loved using the baking soda as it wasn’t as harsh on my skin as sugar and other ingredients can be.

November 11, 2014

Protecting Our Eczema Prone Skin with Polysporin #EczemaAndMe #shop

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

The fall (and quickly approaching winter) season is upon us. With the cooler weather we find that there is a typical rise in eczema symptoms in our home. Both of my children as well as myself suffer with eczema. Each of us has our own triggers but the one thing that holds true is that the cold weather makes our skin rawer and much more sensitive. Finding the right products to deal with our eczema can be difficult – normal lotions just don’t cut it! We headed out to Walmart to pick up the new Polysporin Eczema line as part of the #CollectiveBias campaign and couldn’t wait to try it out on our already sensitive skin.

Not familiar with eczema? Here are some of the signs of eczema (don’t forget to always take your child in to see the doctor if you feel they have eczema!):

patches of chronically itchy,dry, thickened skin
if scratched these patches can open and bleed (yikes!)
eczema blisters (nothing is worse than seeing these form on your child – I speak from experience here)

Eczema can interfere with your day to day routine as well as your self confidence. When my arms are at their worst I will cover them with long sleeves because I am embarrassed at the state of them – I don’t want anyone to see the blisters and raw skin. Proper care of our skin as part of a daily routine is essential in order to ensure the flare ups do not occur or lessen the occurrence of the flare ups. This includes using a body wash and lotion designed specifically for eczema prone skin.

Polysporin Eczema Essentials Daily Body Wash (as one part of their #EczemaAndMe campaign line) is an excellent tool to help protect your skin on a daily basis. Their brand new unique formula includes a lipid, humectants, emollient and botanical blend to help cleanse and moisturize your sensitive skin.

When purchasing a body wash for eczema prone skin it is so important to ensure that the product is fragrance free, contains an emollient (helps to cover the outer layer of the skin to prevent water loss) and designed for eczema prone skin. Polysporin Eczema Essentials Daily body wash covers all of these points!

After several days of use we are already noticing an improvement in our skin texture and eczema. The Polysporin body wash lathers on thickly with even a small amount coating the skin – which is perfect as it helps retain the moisture in our skin. Don’t forget when you towel off to pat dry to prevent irritating your skin.

Polysporin also has a fantastic coupon on their site to help you save on their eczema products (yay!). The English coupon can be found on their site here and the french coupon here.

Not following Polysporin on Twitter yet? Head over now and follow them to find great tips, deals and more!

What is your first line of defense against eczema?

September 18, 2014

#GOSHGoddess Makeup Collection #review

I love my makeup – in fact I am a bit of a makeup hoarder! I am constantly checking out the newest selections and purchasing them (even if I don’t need them!). When I was chosen to try out GOSH cosmetics through Chick Advisor I was beyond excited. This was my first time trying out the GOSH line and I couldn’t wait to get my #GOSHGoddess on!

My favourite item in the #GOSHGoddess collection I received was the Lip Lacquer #6. This has to be the brightest lip colour I have ever tried but it looks stunning on. A small amount is needed and it applies extremely well and evenly. It has the most amazing shine and lasts well into the lunch hour (I applied at seven in the morning!).

The second product was GOSH Mineral Powder 004. I don’t usually use a loose powder so this was also new for me (I almost always purchase a compact powder). The coverage was light but covered very well. I am going through a current breakout (no one warned me about the adult acne breakouts!) and had to use just the mineral powder one day and it helped to soften the redness around my nose perfectly.

I also tried out the GOSH double precision mascara – one side for the top lashes and the opposite for the lower lashes. This is the perfect solution as the bristle lengths are shorter for the lower lashes which is usually such a problem to deal with if using a larger brush. It allowed for better definition of the lower lashes. The coverage is nice and dark which is my favourite!

The last product I was able to try was the brow defining gel. This is a product I would have never even thought of buying before but it blew me away. It truly makes the difference when you are aiming for a more polished look. It was easy to apply (just like a mascara wand) and gave greater definition and shape to my eyebrows. I was actually complimented at work where a supervisor thought my makeup was done professionally! It truly made my day!

Here is my favourite #GOSHGoddess look (sorry for the blurry image my iPhone doesn’t always capture the best images!)

Are you familiar with the GOSH product line? What is your must have makeup product?

Disclosure: I received the above mentioned products free of charge. I was not obligated to post about my experiences but wanted to share my love of them with you!

July 15, 2014

Skindinavia Makeup Primer Spray #review

I love my make up – it helps to enhance the look that I am going for that day, helps bring me confidence and on my tired days a good application of mascara prevents me from rubbing my eyes and yawning!

While I love the summer months they also bring the humid air that tends to send my makeup dripping off my face not to mention the eye shadow that magically disappears by the end of the work day (so unfair!). Finding a makeup primer is necessary to ensuring that gorgeous look stays put all day long.

Skindinavia makeup primer spray launched in May of this year. Skindinavia is a lightweight, breathable, silicone free makeup primer spray. It is also oil, paraben and sulfate free – it is also tested for use on sensitive skin (perfect for my tender skin that is so prone to breakouts!).

Skindinavia makeup primer is easy to use – three to four quick sprays in a T and X shape across the face, allow to dry and start applying your makeup! Easy right? I loved that it left my skin feeling soft and it actually allowed me to apply my foundation and eye shadow with little trouble. It helped my makeup last through the work day which I appreciated immensely. I was initially worried about break outs but I had none which was a relief. You can order online here.

THE FLAWLESS FACTS

83% of users agree this is the best makeup primer that have ever used.
93% of users noticed their skin felt smoother.
Silicone-free base creates a breathable barrier between skin and makeup.
Helps to prevent common skin issues associated with makeup use including redness, large pores and irritation.
Proven to reduce the need for makeup touch-ups or blotting.
Formulated to be worn with or without makeup.
All SKINDINAVIA products are oil, paraben and sulfate-free. Each product is tested for sensitive skin.