Archives for October 2016

Islands Miracle 100% Pure Essential Oils Boxed Set

October 7, 2016 · Leave a Comment

A quality therapeutic grade essential oil is a very useful item to have around the house. They are useful blended with carrier oils and micro-misted into the air with oil diffusers. A quality set of essential oils is the Islands Miracle 100% Pure Essential Oils, ten oils that come in an attractive box set.

OIL VARIETIES INCLUDED THE ISLANDS MIRACLE ESSENTIAL OIL SET
There are ten essential oils in this boxed set. The varieties include Frankincense, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Orange, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Patchouli, Rosemary, and Silver Fir.

Islands Miracle 100% Pure Essential Oils Boxed Set

QUALITY
These are not just a fragrance in an oil base; they are the real deal and are tested in a variety of ways for quality and safety. Each bottle contains 100% pure unadulterated essential oil, which means there are no fillers, additives, or carrier oils. Islands Miracle Essential Oils are extracted utilizing advanced distillation and extraction methods producing the finest, therapeutic grade oils. This Essential Oil set is an exceptionally good value for both the quality and variety of oils.

PACKAGING AND DESIGN
The box is a thicker presentation-style gift black box with a decorative front decal. The box is sealed on both sides by the decal. Inside the bottles are lined up in two display columns with color-coded labels. The individual bottles are clearly labeled in larger print on colorful packaging, and the oils themselves are packaged in dark amber bottles to retain freshness. Each bottle has a Euro inverted dropper and a secure-fit black cap.

Islands Miracle 100% Pure Essential Oils Boxed Set

USES FOR ESSENTIAL OILS
The included usage guide suggests various uses for the oils. Some options are:

1) Diffusing: Add a few drops of one or more compatible oil scents to an oil diffuser. Particularly useful during times of sickness, allergies, congestion, or in an overly dry and stale air room. Also useful for cleansing the air of bacteria, the scent of mildew, pet odors, and cooking smells. I like to use the Islands Miracle Diffuser because it has a simple one button design with rotating colored light and it is very easy to use and clean. It is perfect with the wonderful Islands Miracle Essential Oil Diffuser

2) Essential oils are useful in soapmaking and in making massage oils and hair and skin conditioning oils. Add a few drops of an essential oil or a combination of essential oils to a carrier oil such as Jojoba, Safflower, Almond or Sunflower Oil. When applied topically, essential oils must always be diluted; they are too powerful to ever use them directly on the skin.

3) Essential Oils can be used in household cleaning products. Tea Tree and Eucalyptus have anti-microbial qualities, lavender, lemon and orange add a fresh, clean scent to homemade household cleaning remedies.

4) Therapeutic uses including Eucalyptus oil can be used for respiratory congestion, and Tea Tree Oil can be used to treat skin disorders as well as a natural alternative to chemical bug sprays.

Islands Miracle 100% Pure Essential Oils Boxed Set

Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense is typically a more expensive oil, and for a good reason. There is a host of health and beauty benefits to Frankincense, and a quality Frankincense is usually an investment. Used for centuries to ease pregnancy and post-natal symptomology, it can also help relieve chronic stress and anxiety, reducing pain and inflammation, and boost immunity. Frankincense is particularly useful when combined with Shea Butter and Coconut Oil for the treatment of stretch marks and other scars. It also has immune-enhancing abilities. Your dentist may be aware of some of the DIY recipes for dental care products that include Frankincense oil because it is excellent at addressing bad breath and general oral health issues.

This Islands Miracle Frankincense is a true essential oil and has a stronger scent than cheaper competitor oils. If the scent of Frankincense is strong or overpowering for you, I found that it balances well with a blend of adding a drop or two of the Orange Oil that is also included in this kit.

Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender Oil is frequently used for relaxation and restful sleep. It also is useful to infuse near a closet full of clothes that need to be aired out after being packed away all season, including fall sweaters that have been sitting in dry, stale-smelling storage.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus Oil is very helpful for congestion due to allergies, colds, or respiratory issues. I liked this Islands Miracle Eucalyptus as it had all the sinus-clearing capability of Eucalyptus without being too pungent.

Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon is an almost universally favored scent. Research studies indicate when people detect the scent of lemons; they think a house is cleaner and more inviting. I like to diffuse lemon oil, especially if finicky guests are coming over. I was glad this Islands Miracle lemon essential oil was *not* a Lemon Pledge fake-lemon type of scent. It is subtle; I diffused it in the kitchen after a particularly pungent spicy meal was cooked to reduce any lingering smell, and the result was just a fresh, clean scent, not an obvious mask of lemony fragrance over food aromas. It only took two drops in the diffuser for about ten to fifteen minutes.

Orange Essential Oil
Orange oil is a calming sedative, an anti-inflammatory, and an antispasmodic. It is very useful when added to a massage oil or cream blend, especially for joints. To test this out, I made a blend of the Islands Miracle Orange oil and jojoba for use on my knees after my leg day exercises and did find it relieved some of the achiness. Diffused Orange Oil is also an excellent oil to eliminate pet odors or strong cooking odors in the kitchen and is very useful on cuts or abrasions due to its’ anti-bacterial properties.

Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint Oil is invigorating, improves mental clarity, and can eliminate the cook odors of fish or other strong food scents. Diffusing Peppermint Oil is also a natural way to deter pests such as bugs and mice without being harmful to children or pets. I tried adding a tiny drop of the Islands Miracle Peppermint oil to my regular shampoo for an invigorating, deep cleanse to my hair and scalp. I massaged my scalp for an extra minute and let the shampoo sit on my hair before rinsing and could feel the Peppermint tingle. It was relaxing and refreshing, and my scalp felt great!

Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea Tree Oil is useful as a natural insect deterrent, whether it is diffused in the house (or on a porch or deck) or worn as an alternative to chemical bug sprays. Tea Tree is useful when there is an illness in the house; it is antibacterial and anti-fungal. It can help eliminate airborne virus and bacteria. It is also very helpful for deterring mold and mildew in basements and the bath. I used the Islands Miracle Tea Tree Oil in our house after a recent respiratory ailment and was pleased with how quickly the air smelled fresh again without a lingering medicinal scent. I was impressed with the quality of this Tea Tree Oil, whereas I typically need to use 8-10 drops of another competitor’s Tea Tree Oils in my diffuser, it was only two drops of the Islands Miracle Oil in my diffuser to get results.

Patchouli Essential Oil
Patchouli Oil is often thought of primarily as a fragrance ingredient, but it has been used therapeutically in aromatherapy to treat depression and anger. Its’ medicinal uses include as a topical antiseptic, an astringent, an anti-fungal, and as an insecticide. It also protects clothes and fabrics from insects. As Patchouli is highly aromatic, take care to dilute it well, so the scent is not overwhelming for topical use. I found Grapeseed Oil and Jojoba Oil to both be good carrier oils for Patchouli to use as an all-over skin treatment deter insects when working in the garden.

Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary Oil has a strong herby, evergreen scent. In aromatherapy, it helps with nervousness, fatigue, and mental clarity, especially when under stress. Some find that diffusing Rosemary Oil helps students concentrate while doing their homework. A drop of Rosemary Oil can be added directly to shampoo or lotion. It also blends well with several of the other oils in this set including the Frankincense, Lavender, Peppermint, and the Eucalyptus. I tried a drop of the Islands Miracle Rosemary in lotion for a relaxing and soothing foot rub after standing in stiletto high-heels last week and found it very soothing. There are some medical contraindications for Rosemary, those who are pregnant or have certain health issues should avoid topical Rosemary Oil use until speaking with a doctor.

Silver Fir Essential Oil
A wintery scent, Silver Fir Oil has antibiotic and antiseptic properties. It is very useful if one has a bad bronchial cough (one that is not limited to nasal passageways or simple sinus type congestion) that Eucalyptus can address. Silver Fir is powerful and should be used sparingly as it is a vasoconstrictor. But as with all the Islands Miracle oils, you just need a drop or two. In a diffuser, the Islands Miracle oil quickly adds a winter-wonderland type scent to the air within minutes.

Islands Miracle 100% Pure Essential Oils Boxed Set

CONCLUSION: The Islands Miracle 100% Pure Essential Oil Set is an exceptionally high-quality set of oils, I am very pleased to have it for use in my home for aromatherapy purposes, for cleansing the air after cooking, and for beauty and health uses. I am particularly fond of the Lemon because it is a true lemon scent, and the Frankincense is such an excellent value. It is often difficult to find quality oils that have been tested as extensively as Islands Miracle quality tests their products. This set makes for a very beautiful and practical gift for an essential oil user, or for anyone who likes to make soaps and lotions, or for anyone with kids or pets who does not want to use excessive chemicals when they can find a natural alternative to address so many household and health needs.

Find the Islands Miracle 100% Pure Essential Oils Boxed Set here.

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmfY3Q8Wxfw[/embedyt]

I received this product in exchange for my unbiased review and received compensation for my time and effort. However, my experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine.

Skincare: InstaNatural Cleansing Acne Face Wash

October 7, 2016 · Leave a Comment

I have never tried an InstaNatural product that I didn’t like, and InstaNatural Cleansing Acne Face Wash is no exception.

InstaNatural Cleansing Acne Face Wash has 2% Salicylic Acid and Vitamin E. This means that your acne will be pummelled, but your skin won’t get irritated.

Salicylic Acid is a potent agent in fighting acne. One of my favorite spot treatments is 1% Salicylic Acid, so I know how powerful it can be to reduce acne. Regular washing with Salicylic Acid reduces current acne, prevents new acne from forming, tightening pores, and giving your skin a beautiful glow.

A couple of weeks ago I had a hormonal breakout the day before I went to a formal non-profit event (where I ended up in hundreds of pictures, of course.) I tried all of my standard acne treatments, and nothing worked. It’s practically like the acne derived strength from the treatments. I received this cleanser a few days later, and my skin was immediately improved: first the redness went away after two washes, then the pimples shrunk, and then the inflammation under the skin rose to the surface and disappeared. This last part is what makes Salicylic Acid as amazing: it travels deep into the skin. This was deep, painful acne. I considered getting a cortisone shot from my derm, but given how deep under the skin the blemishes was, I was worried that I would end up with a divet on my skin, so I opted instead to (unsuccessfully) cover the spots with concealer for my event. If I had the cleanser a few days sooner, the inflammation under the skin would have already risen and dissipated, and my skin would have been clear!

It is also amazing for getting rid of whiteheads and blackheads. I had a few whiteheads that dried out and came off within 48 hours, and some small blackheads that disappeared within 72 hours. I love products like this that work quickly; it makes it so much easier to stick with them! And I definitely will stick with this cleanser to prevent future breakouts!

Before sleeveless dress season this year, I read an article about using Salicylic Acid wash on underarms. It serves two purposes: first, because it kills bacteria, it keeps you fresh all day. Second, it brightens an abused area of skin (by waxing, shaving, etc.). I tried it with a cleanser I had that a small amount of Salicylic Acid in it at the time and was impressed, but I am thrilled to see the difference that InstaNatural Cleansing Acne Face Wash has on the area. You don’t think of underarms as an area that shows age, but once you see an improvement like you get from this cleanser, you will be amazed!

InstaNatural Cleansing Acne Face Wash has a very light sweet orange scent which is lovely but doesn’t remain on your skin after you wash the lather off. It washes off clean, which I like because some acne washes leave a residue behind that mixes with the moisturizer applied after, and you end up with a weird sticky residue. This cleanser just leaves your skin clean and bright. Instanatural also has a Salicylic Moisturizer (Instanatural Acne Moisturizer, available on Amazon). I haven’t tried it, but I am dying to after using InstaNatural Cleansing Acne Face Wash!

Find InstaNatural Cleansing Acne Face Wash here.

InstaNatural Cleansing Acne Face Wash

I received this item free for my honest and unbiased testing and review purposes. If you have any questions about my experience with it, leave it in the comments section below, and Iâ€™ll do my best to answer it!

New York Biology Retinol Cream

October 6, 2016 · Leave a Comment

WHY USE RETINOL?
Retinol is one of the best beauty product investments for skin. Regardless of your age or skin type, retinol can make skin look more attractive. In teens and the twenties, retinol can improve the quality and texture of skin and reduce acne breakouts. In the twenties and thirties, retinol can help build collagen structures to make skin stronger and make skin glow while simultaneously addressing occasional adult acne breakouts. As skin starts to age in the late thirties and beyond, retinol can combat wrinkles and fine lines, as well as retain that earmark of youth: it gives skin a healthy, natural glow and can eradicate dullness. Retinol is particularly useful around the eyes to reduce the appearance of dark circles and crows feet. It is also very helpful on wrinkles around the lips, forehead, throat, and decolletage.

Retinol is often expensive in its’ prescription Retin-A and Renova forms, but excellent results are obtainable in commercial preparations of retinol from reputable skincare companies. One company we have come to know and trust is New York Biology. So far, I have like every product I have tried from their line, and their Retinol Cream is no exception. It is useful, gentle, moisturizing, and full of quality ingredients in a generously sized container.

ABOUT NEW YORK BIOLOGY RETINOL CREAM
New York Biology Retinol Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid is a gentle 2.5% Retinol cream that is suitable for sensitive skin due to itsâ€™ hydrating base and lack of harsh, artificial chemical ingredients. This Retinol cream includes some very effective anti-aging ingredients that are typically in far more expensive skincare creams. It also has several conditioning agent ingredients that leave skin smooth and soft. This is a big selling point to me for the New York Biology Retinol Cream because many retinol creams leave skin dry, itchy, red and flaking. Many users find this so irritating that they discontinue using retinol altogether. But New York Biology Retinol Cream leaves skin hydrated and smooth; it is gentle enough for daily or twice a day use. Another thing I like about New York Biology Retinol Cream is it is a VERY generous sized container for the price: 1.7 ounces! A prescription cost of a retinol tube that size or smaller would easily be $150-$200.

New York Biology Retinol Cream

SUPPORTING INGREDIENTS
There are lots of retinol products available, so the supporting ingredients make or break a Retinol for me. The New York Biology Retinol Cream has some quality ingredients worth considering, especially for those with sensitive skin.

This retinol contains Hyaluronic Acid, which hydrates the skin by holding a fair amount of water in the skin. This results in not only a dewy and supple look to the skin, but it plumps up wrinkles and diminishes their appearance. Hyaluronic Acid also helps active ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin, which means the Retinol can work on deep skin layers, effecting a better result on more collagen production and accelerated lightening of hyperpigmentation.

There are also a few ingredients that are most often found in high-end, expensive products. These include Propolis and Cassia Angustifolia.

Cassia Angustifolia Seed is a skin conditioning agent with high polysaccharide content called Galactomannan. In lab studies, Galactomannan mimics hyaluronic acid. It also has reparative capabilities to provide long-lasting suppleness and moisture on the surface of the skin, which gives a dewy look. While Hyaluronic Acid pulls moisture deep into the skin to plump, Cassia Angustifolia Seed retains water on the skin surface for a very dewy look. It also functions as an anti-inflammatory treatment for acne.

Propolis is a product made by bees. It has an anti-viral and anti-microbial action that benefits acne prone skin and protects skin exposed to environmental pollution. It forms a barrier on the skin that serves as a nourishing layer of antioxidants and vitamins. Propolis is one of the chief ingredients in this retinol cream that enables the ability to slather retinol on sensitive areas like under eyes and throat up to twice a day without irritation.

Finally, the supporting nourishing moisturizers include Aloe Vera, Sunflower Oil, Shea Butter, Green Tea and Jojoba Oil. Each of these nourishes the skin and keep it supple. They provide a soothing buffer to help the skin tolerate the retinol without getting red, itchy, inflamed or flaky.

APPLICATION:
It is simple to apply the cream: one pump of the container top should cover your face, two to three pumps if you are doing your throat and decolletage. I use any leftover I have to the top of my hands, focusing on my knuckles and cuticles and my hands appear much younger. It is not wet or sticky after application; you can apply an eye cream immediately if desired. There is already moisturizers in this Retinol cream, so unless you live in a very arid climate, you do not need to add a moisturizer atop your Retinol, as is the case with some Retinol creams. I that this Retinol contains a moisturizer because it is less effort at night to use it compared to some Retinols. I like the design of the top; it keeps my fingers out of the product itself which makes it more sanitary.

New York Biology Retinol Cream

MY RETINOL REGIMEN
I like doing a Vitamin C serum during the day and a Retinol cream at night to maximize my anti-aging program. This combo increases my collagen production, lightens my dark spots and hyperpigmentation, reduces fine wrinkles. I have sensitive skin, so I like that the New York Biology Retinol Cream contains such gentle and natural ingredients, that way I donâ€™t have to skip a night of use due to dryness or irritation on my skin. I like that this Retinol is effective, and my skin is clearer after use, yet I can use it every night without any dryness, irritation, flaky skin or redness.

Upon initial use, I did have some very light peeling, but it was not red, dry or flaky and easily exfoliated smooth and clear with a washcloth, glycolic face wash, or Clarisonic facial brush. This is normal, especially if you are new to retinol.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD RETINOLS BE USED?
It depends on your skin care needs. Some people use them twice a day; some people only once.

Our advice is if you are under 30, twice a day Retinol is great if your skin can tolerate it. It addresses acne, lightens acne scars, reduces pores, and builds collagen reserves. And blackheads just seem to want to flee off your face they purge so fast with twice a day Retinol use.

But if you are over 30, consider a Vitamin C during the day and Retinol at night program. This way, you maximize your anti-aging benefits while still addressing the occasional pimple and wrinkle that manage to crop up at the same time. As a side note, even on once a day, I notice blackheads purging with this Retinol; it just took a little longer.

If your skin is sensitive or you are new to Retinols, for the first 30 days, only use it once a day or apply it every other day until you find what works for you.

New York Biology Retinol Cream

RESULTS:
I have been using New York Biology Retinol Cream on my face, eye area including crows feet and under eye bags, throat, and decolletage, as well as on my hands. Being able to use a Retinol every night is a real boon in my skin care regimen, so having a Retinol suitable for sensitive skin gives me faster results to having clear, smooth, radiant skin.

Iâ€™d recommend New York Biology Retinol Cream as a solid retinol product for those who have used retinol for years as well as for those with sensitive skin that may not have been able to tolerate other retinoids in the past. It is also an excellent price point if you are just starting out using retinol creams and want to give one a try to see what all the hype is about for yourself. If you use expensive prescription Retinol such as Renova or Retin-A which are not covered by insurance, you may want to give New York Biology Retinol Cream a try as the results are, in our opinion, comparable.

Purchase it here.

New York Biology Retinol Cream

I received this item for testing and review purposes. If you have any questions about my experience with it, leave it in the comments section below, and Iâ€™ll do my best to answer it!

How to Drink More Water: THE COLDEST WATER BOTTLE

October 4, 2016 · Leave a Comment

BEAUTY & WATER:
One of the best beauty-enhancing daily habits you can have is to drink lots of water. It keeps your skin glowing and unclogged of toxins; it gives you energy, and it helps manage weight gain. You really can’t beat the dewy glow from being well-hydrated. This is not news by any means, but it is worth discussing because accomplishing this basic beauty habit is easier said than done: guzzling your daily water intake can seem unappealing when compared to drinking delicious coffee and sugary beverages.

But it is a worthwhile beauty goal. According to a recent study, 20% of women that drank 1.5 liters of water daily saw a reduction in wrinkles after six weeks. In another study, people reported clearer skin and less acne within a week of drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day. So how much water should you drink and what can help make that water appealing enough to meet your water consumption goal?

HOW MUCH WATER TO DRINK?
There are various opinions on how much water one should consume daily. For the sake of your skin, it is typically 4-5 glasses a day. This is the amount needed for your organs to function properly and remove toxins from your body, including the skin. This amount also helps with clearing acne. The amount of water required varies a bit from person to person based on your weight and other health issues. As a general guide, you are hydrated enough if your urine is a light wheat color. If not, you are dehydrated, whether you feel thirsty or not.

To avoid dehydration, keep sipping water throughout the day.

THE COLDEST WATER BOTTLE: HOW TO MAKE IT A DAILY WATER DRINKING HABIT APPEALING
Some people like to add a slice of lemon or infuse their water with fruit. This is helpful to make your daily water intake taste more appealing. But the biggest aid to making daily water consumption easier is often the temperature of the water: chilled water is energizing and refreshing, especially after a workout or on a hot day. Cold water is just easier to drink. It is also helpful for burning extra calories: your body burns more calories with cold water than drinking tepid, warm or hot water.

The Coldest Water Bottle is an easily portable water that keeps water at a cold temperature, providing access to icy-cold water that stays at an even cold temperature all day. It is not just a water bottle with an ice core center insert that keeps the water cooler inside the bottle. The Coldest Water Bottle keeps water at a constant ICE COLD temperature for up to 25 hours, and any ice in the bottle stays in ice form during that time.

THE COLDEST WATER BOTTLE

CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN
Made of stainless steel, it is a long-lasting, quality water bottle that does not need to be frequently replaced like plastic bottles. It uses double wall insulation with materials designed to keep water cold for more than 25 hours with no sweating. It floats in oceans and pools and its 99% of cup holders, so you have no excuse NOT to get your daily water intake. BPA and toxin free, it is safer than other water bottles that can quickly harbor bacteria (and odor) within its’ plastic walls.

It is made for athletes but is suitable for any environmentally conscious person who wants to carry cold water with them throughout the day or for a late-day workout. The Coldest Water bottle is intended for lifetime use.

PUTTING COLDEST WATER BOTTLE TO THE TEST
THE PROBLEM: The gym I belong to has ice-cold bottled water chilled in a vending machine for $2.50 a bottle, and each pilates class or gym session I would typically need two of these 12-ounce bottles. And sometimes after a particularly busy class, the vending machine runs out of water entirely. I tried to bring my bottled water, but I wanted the *COLD* water during and after my workout. The problem is, I go to the gym after work, so if I bring water from home, it would have to stay cold for about 11 hours by the time I get to the gym.

TESTING THE COLDEST WATER BOTTLE: Turns out, the Coldest Water Bottle keeps water cold for a very long time, it keeps water cold all day and keeps a full bottle cold for a late-day workout. The ice cubes stay as ice cubes; they don’t substantially melt. I filled the bottle with ice cubes and cold water from the tap at around 7 A.M. Ten hours later the ice was still in ice cube form with no melting or “sweating.” In the meantime, the bottle sat in the warm car without the benefit of air conditioning. When I drank my water at the gym, almost twelve hours later, it was still ice cold! Pretty impressive. The leftover ice stayed unmelted afterward until I dumped it out when I got home that night, a few hours after my workout, probably hour 16 at that point. Very nice!

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaymAIT94uw[/embedyt]

CONCLUSION: A sturdy, well-constructed water bottle, just fill it with water and ice and go. Carrying a Coldest Water Bottle will remind you to drink water and keep track of how much you are drinking. It is the perfect bottle for athletes, Mom’s with thirsty kids, campers, beach-goers, or anyone who wants to have access to cold water during the day. I also find it useful for keeping some cold water in a car during the summer to stay hydrated in the case of unexpected delays or emergencies.

The Coldest Water Bottle is an environmentally friendly, cost-effective choice, saving you from buying repeated plastic water bottles. The stainless steel is sturdy without being too heavy to carry in my bag. Since I have had the bottle, I have remembered to bring water with me each day, and it stays ice cold in my bag while I am in transit. The bottle does not leak, so it is safe to put in your backpack or briefcase. The stainless steel naturally is bacteria resistant, which feels cleaner to transport around places like the gym. Since I have had the Coldest Water Bottle, I stay hydrated at the gym, at work, and I haven’t had to buy chilled plastic bottled water when I am out. A very worthwhile investment that saves both the environment and saves money on bottled water costs.

Find this great bottle at TheColdestWater.com

THE COLDEST WATER BOTTLE

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