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Skincare: Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

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My skin is sensitive, so I invariably get at least some skin irritation when shaving. While part of this irritation is due to the hair removal process itself, some of it is also a reaction to the shaving lotion I have used. It’s hard to find a shaving lotion that enables a close shave and is also made of natural ingredients yet still leaves skin soft and hydrated.

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion is a cut above traditional shaving lotions and creams. It is a highly hydrating and deeply nourishing cream that creates a full, rich lather that provides a smooth shaving surface. It is made with Aloe Vera to help pre-empt and treat any skin irritation such as razor burn.

 

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

 

ANDAVI ALL NATURAL SHAVING LOTION FIRST IMPRESSIONS
There is a lubricated feel that does not leave a sticky or gummy residue, yet it produces a creamy, rich lather with a smooth, feel that does not have a sticky pull or drag when the razor is used. The smell is a fresh, pleasant scent, suitable for men or women to use. No one ingredient is particularly overwhelming in scent; the Aloe Vera is notable.

USE
I applied the lotion generously, the amount in my hand as seen in the photo is what I applied to one leg while shaving. It lathered well and made for a smooth surface. I did not cut my legs while shaving, even though I used a duller razor than normal. I also tried shaving with a straight razor, which often gives me razor burn, but I did not experience that with the lotion. It does not sting even on preexisting scrapes or cuts. It rinses off cleanly after use without soap and does not leave a residue or any lingering after scent. I did not experience any razor burn, redness or little bumps even over already existing skin irritations from the previous time I shaved with a competitor brand lotion.

 

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

 

ALL NATURAL INGREDIENTS
Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion is an all-natural shaving lotion that combines Aloe Vera with several moisturizing, nourishing, hydrating natural ingredients to provide a close moisturizing shave. Andavi skincare moisturizer and shaving lotion are pH-balanced to match the pH level of healthy skin.

BENEFITS OF ALOE VERA
Many of us are familiar with having an Aloe Vera plant in the kitchen to treat minor skin cuts, abrasions, and burns. It provides a protective barrier while shaving that washes off cleanly. Aloe Vera is highly moisturizing and nourishing to the skin, it has much of the nutrients needed for skin to be properly “fed.” But not all products that list Aloe Vera as an ingredient contain the actual beneficial part of the Aloe Vera plant. While many products contain some portion of an Aloe Vera plant, it can be adulterated or misbranded, leading consumers to buy products that meet a legal definition of Aloe but do not contain beneficial Aloe.

So how do you know if you are getting the right kind of Aloe Vera in your skin care product? The International Aloe Science Council is an organization that certifies quality, freshness and hygienic practices use of the Aloe Vera used within products. The IASC has strict standards for product testing, production facilities, and the actual product which contribute to the classification of the concentrations of Aloe Vera within their products. They require purity, freshness, quantity and hygienic practices. All Andavi skincare products contain Aloe Vera concentrations above the requirements for certification by the International Aloe Science Council.

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

 

Other ingredients include moisturizing, hydrating, nourishing ingredients, ingredients to protect and heal and ingredients to make for a better shaving experience. These are:

  • Evening Primrose Extract is used for skin issues like acne, wrinkles, and eczema. Full of Omega-6 fatty acids, it keeps hair and skin healthy.
  • Meadowfoam Seed Oil is a very stable oil that lubricates and can stay on the skin without leaving a residue after it is rinsed off.
  • Green Tea Leaf Extract is an antioxidant that soothes skin and reduces inflammation.
  • Honey antibacterial and moisturizing.
  • Jojoba Seed Oil is a stable carrier oil that treats sores and wounds. A non-greasy, non-comedogenic oil that is similar to human sebum in structure, it is often seen in skincare to soothe and smooth skin.
  • Coconut Oil is the go-to beauty ingredient of late, and for a good reason. It soothes the skin, provides an emollient base for other ingredients and is nourishing. It also helps reduce inflammation.
  • Argan Nut Oil is another beauty favorite that deeply hydrates scaly skin, is an anti-oxidant and has fatty acids that are like a superfood for skin.
  • Arrowroot Powder is a skin softener that heals burns and abrasions. It also works to thicken the consistency of a product.
  • Comfrey Leaf Extract speeds wound healing.
  • Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract is used to treat minor cuts, burns, and skin irritation.
  • Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Cinnamon Extract and Peppermint Oil have Antiseptic and Healing properties.

Andavi Skincare Shaving Lotion does NOT include detergents, soaps, alcohols, parabens, phthalates, synthetic chemicals, coloring additives, fragrance or preservatives. This means that in addition to meeting the International Aloe Science Council standards, Andavi Skincare products comply with Whole Food Market “Premium Body Care” Standards and “Whole Body” Standards. These standards dictate that a product does not have any ingredients deemed unacceptable as per World Food Market requirements.

This combination of ingredients helps make shaving easier, reduces any irritation, cuts or abrasions, and leaves skin soft and smooth.

CONCLUSION: Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion is an all-natural lotion with a high quantity of quality Aloe Vera and a host of other skin soothing, nourishing, softening, and healing ingredients that make for a rich lather, lubricated surface, close shave. It smells good and washes off easily. I did not experience any bumps redness, scrapes, or razor burn, even when shaving with a straight razor. My legs were left soft. Suitable for men or women, skin is razor burn free and left in better condition than before shaving. Recommended!

 

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

 

Find at Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion http://www.AndaviSkincare.com

 

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGB4xwCyC50[/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.

Jewel Silk Scarves Jamevar Wool Poncho

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In my perpetual search for a stylish wool shawl, I found a real gem in the Jewel Silk Scarves line (pun intended). And in an interesting coincidence, they are also located in Connecticut! Sometimes you can literally search the world for a product, and it is in your own backyard!

I am always on the lookout for a stylish shawl for two reasons. First, this time of year is unpredictable in temperature. It isn’t quite full winter coat season, but you definitely need something to keep you warm. Second, the building manager in my office building keeps the temperature at near-artic temperature all year long. A few of the women in the office drape blankets over themselves when they are at their desks. I prefer a more stylish approach, so I am thrilled to have found the Jewel Silk Scarves Jamevar Tan Wool Poncho.

Jewel Silk Scarves Jamevar Wool Poncho

Jewel Silk Scarves Jamevar Wool Poncho

I was unfamiliar with the Jamevar technique of weaving before researching it a bit. It involved labor-intensive, deeply intricate designs. This gorgeous shawl has a paisley pattern, but it is so incredibly detailed. It is incredible that is it handmade!

Jewel Silk Scarves Jamevar Wool Poncho

Jewel Silk Scarves Jamevar Wool Poncho

When it comes to wool items, I tend to get itchy pretty fast, and this is true of Merino Wools. This particular wool is hypoallergenic: I wore it all day, and it was as soft and comfortable as could be! I loved being warm and not breaking out in hives. I wore it with a simple black dress, and the texture of the weave really made it into a statement outfit. I opted to not wear a necklace because the way the weave falls is so gorgeous around the neckline. It is reversible, too!

Jewel Silk Scarves Jamevar Wool Poncho

Jewel Silk Scarves Jamevar Wool Poncho

While the front of the item is open like a shawl, the amount of fabric is luxuriously ample like a poncho. It is the best of both worlds if you are looking for a stylish wrap!

Jewel Silk Scarves Jamevar Wool Poncho

Jewel Silk Scarves Jamevar Wool Poncho

I am thrilled to have found this gorgeous and versatile shawl. It works with office wear, jeans and a fitted cashmere tee, and formal wear.

Find the Jewel Silk Scarves Jamevar Tan Wool Poncho at https://jewelsilkscarves.com/collections/embroidered-shawls

[embedyt]https://youtu.be/_igZXnlTYIY[/embedyt]

Why Morganna’s Alchemy INSTANTLIFT is Special

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We tried Morganna’s Alchemy INSTANTLIFT, from the folks who brought us our highly rated Morganna’s Bellatox.

If you’re not yet familiar with the brand Morganna’s Alchemy, it is the phyto-dermo-cosmetic line produced by chemist Maya Hyppolite-Williams M.A. Just outstanding skincare.

Morganna’s Alchemy INSTANTLIFT

Morganna’s Alchemy INSTANTLIFT

Why InstantLift is Special

INSTANTLIFT contains no silicone – the usual method of temporary wrinkle reduction – but instead is a green-chemistry approach utilizing eco-certified organic extracts to achieve tightening effects.

In this particular product Sorghum, Chickory Root and Tara Extracts are the major agents of change.

  • Sorghum is a cereal-like plant from Africa. Its extract has the consistency of melted sugar which enables it to go on the skin invisibly.
  • Tara and Chickory Root have the same property and, additionally, add moisture to the skin 

These active ingredients are used in high concentrations and are said to act synergistically.

Thoughts on Lifting Products Generally

For quite some time I’ve been attracted to products claiming to provide instant temporary lift and have tried several. My experience with each and every one previously used was that a white film developed upon drying.

Evidently, this was expected by the manufacturers since some products even suggested ways to deal with the white film, such as blotting with a damp cloth or tissue. I did follow that suggestion but could not lose the white film until I washed the product off entirely. Since I did not care for the stiff feel of those products on my face I did proceed to do just that, so never learned how long the temporary tightening effect might actually last. One of those products made my face quite itchy, as well.

The Instantlift Experience

Well, the proof is in the pudding or, in this case, the serum.

Although there was no specific instruction to apply to a cleansed face, that’s what I did. Or, more specifically, to half my cleansed face to be better able to observe any change.

I spread the serum to the more saggy and wrinkled right side of my face, the side I sleep on where gravity has taken a bit more of a toll.

A pea-size drop easily covered (half) forehead to jowl. For those who need address only the eye area a small drop would be sufficient.

There was a very light, pleasant floral fragrance that completely dissipated almost immediately. Since I tend to be very allergic, I typically avoid fragrance but the scent associated with INSTANTLIFT didn’t bother me at all. However, if you can’t or don’t care to use a product with even a briefly detectable, light fragrance, this may be a consideration for you.

Morganna’s Alchemy INSTANTLIFT

Morganna’s Alchemy INSTANTLIFT

There was no residue at all, not on my face or fingers and no dreaded white film which had proved a bane to my previous forays into quick, temporary skin youthifying.

My skin felt comfortable and, upon checking after 10 minutes or so, I did notice a definite wrinkle reduction and lift. Even if this had been the full extent of the improvement I would have been quite satisfied. However, the manufacturer calls the result an almost instant lift in that the maximum initial results occur about one hour out from application and there was, indeed, some additional improvement by the end of an hour.

The lift was noticeable enough to trigger somewhat of a dilemma. While I lost no time applying the serum to the other side of my forehead and crow’s feet (as well as my entire turkey gobble), since I had achieved jowl symmetry by applying only to the droopier jawline, I pondered if I should just leave the naturally tighter left side untreated. Well, curiosity got the best of me, and I did apply the serum to the left side and waited.

A lift was achieved and, with the scrutiny one would probably only give their own face, my “good side” now was a little tighter than the other side of the face that had been first treated. So, I applied a second treatment to only the right jowl, and that brought me symmetrical again. In the future, I will either repeat treatment on the less-tight jaw line for maximum effect or just treat the droopier side alone if pressed for time.

Morganna’s Alchemy INSTANTLIFT

Morganna’s Alchemy INSTANTLIFT

An additional plus stated for the INSTANTLIFT product verses silicone-paste based temporary wrinkle tightener is the ability to easily apply makeup after using which is, apparently, not the case with the silicone-containing products. And I can understand why that would be so since the silicone-based products tend to ball. I, personally, don’t use foundation but do apply under eye and spot cover and those products went on beautifully after INSTANTLIFT.

So, I would report being not only satisfied but delighted with my INSTANTLIFT trial. It did what it claimed it would and the effects lasted all day.

InstantLift Clinical Testing

Upon clinical testing a 43% mean decrease of wrinkling occurred with the best subject achieving an 81% decrease so, based on that information, the average user can reasonably expect a very satisfactory result.

My experience with the eye area was especially striking, rolling back time a decade or more. I can’t begin to tell you how that made me feel!

One other thing to pass along, though I haven’t used the product long enough speak from experience, is the manufacturer indicates cumulative long-term results from the Tara Root in INSTANTLIFT. I will be continuing to use this product and will let you know when my personal jury comes back on this point!

First Update:
When I prepared for bed the temporary improvement didn’t end when INSTANTLIFT was washed off and even this morning some noticeable benefit remained.

Where to Find InstantLift

Find it at http://morgannasalchemy.com/product/morgannas-instant-lift/

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqDge7MJxsg[/embedyt]

ABOUT THIS POST

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.

Entertaining: Weimy Sand Repellant Lightweight Compact Beach Blanket

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Who doesn’t love an alfresco meal at the beach or favorite outdoor spot? The mental picture of a beach day or impromptu picnic always presumes that the ground is warm, dry and comfortable. But the reality of sitting on the ground is it is often soggy, sinking and cold with dirt or sand everywhere, including near the food. I have brought a regular blanket, tablecloth or oversized towel all of which tend to get wet when sitting on them. They are also often difficult to clean off all of the dirt or sand, especially if they get wet. Another issue is the wind tends to overturn the blanket unless the corners are anchored, which is something I always forget about until it is too late. These problems are non-issues with the WEIMY Beach Blanket: a sand-resistant blanket that dries quickly and stays put.

Weimy Sand Repellant Lightweight Compact Beach Blanket

Weimy Sand Repellant Lightweight Compact Beach Blanket

SOME FEATURES OF THE WEIMY BEACH BLANKET

SAND REPELLANT
As a kid, we lived near the beach. We frequently packed lunch or got some takeout and walked the sand picking up seashells for awhile before sitting together and having our meal. I remember it being lots of fun, even when it was cold, and I also remember when it was time to get back into my Dad’s sporty little red BMW. There was one rule: no sand in the car, and no tracking sand into the house, ever. So if we couldn’t shake the sand out of some blanket, shoe, or beach pail, then we got air vacuumed off or hosed off at the gas station before going home. We vacuumed a lot of sand off of those beach blankets and shoes.

Fast forward to now and sand still does not come off of most beach blankets very easily. So I was impressed to take this WEIMY beach blanket for a test run on wet sand. It is sand repellant, so the sand is easy to brush and shake off before the blanket is folded back up and packed. No messy sand in the car.

ANCHORED CORNER POCKETS WITH STAKES
Something I especially like about the WEIMY beach blanket is the four anchor pockets and four plastic stakes that are used to keep the blanket securely in place, even if it is windy. The stakes secure the blanket nicely and are easy to ground in the sand or dirt. We find this ideal for fall beach trips. We have this amazingly fresh seafood stand near our local favorite beach spot. Even when the temperatures start to cool down, we enjoy having our seafood feast on the beach, watching the waves roll in. But not just any old blanket, tarp, or towel can be set up our seafood picnic at the beach because the wind at the shore invariably manages to overturn my makeshift surfside picnic. Even in warmer weather, the wind kicks up too much and everything I could use to weight the corners is often already covered in sand. While it is still just chilly enough to enjoy still being outside, a nice way to take a day at the beach, a park, glamping or an impromptu picnic while admiring the fall foliage. The beaches on Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Block Island are almost always too windy to keep a beach blanket in place, so the WEIMY blanket is perfect to tuck into the beach bag for windy island excursions.

Weimy Sand Repellant Lightweight Compact Beach Blanket

Weimy Sand Repellant Lightweight Compact Beach Blanket

HOW TO SECURE THE WEIMY BLANKET WITH THE STAKES
The four yellow stakes have a long hook that hooks into the black loops on the four corners of the blanket. The loops are well-stitched securely onto the blanket and so far have not unraveled even when overstretched a bit. The stakes are secured into the sand very easily. I found them even more secure on a slight inward angle towards the blanket. A child could easily secure the stakes on sand. The stakes go into the ground (warm or cold) very easily as well, I could easily slide the stake into the cooler fall dirt with one hand. If it is very cold ground, in either dirt or grass, the easiest way I found was to put them into the ground about an inch and then press the stakes the rest of the way down with my foot. But a stronger person could easily do it with their hands.

Weimy Sand Repellant Lightweight Compact Beach Blanket

Weimy Sand Repellant Lightweight Compact Beach Blanket

REFOLDING THE WEIMY BEACH BLANKET AND STORING IT
I like that the bag is big enough to accommodate the blanket after I have used it and refolded it. I have several similar items that I can never get the item back into its’ storage bag after it is unfolded, whereas the Weimy blanket fits back into the bag pretty easily.

After cleaning (and drying if needed), store the Weimy blanket back in the drawstring bag. To refold the blanket, fold along the small folds first, then roll it back into the size that fits into the bag.

Weimy Sand Repellant Lightweight Compact Beach Blanket

Weimy Sand Repellant Lightweight Compact Beach Blanket

OTHER USES FOR A WEIMY BEACH BLANKET

STARGAZING
In New England, the uses for a beach blanket within outdoor activities are rarely just limited to summer beach days. Fall foliage walks often include picnics, as well as astronomy club nights held in a few country spots away from the city lights, where the constellations are clearly visible when laying down a blanket for an evening of stargazing and some perhaps some wine and snacks.

LIVE OUTDOOR MUSIC
Going to a summer music series or outdoor concert? Weimy beach blanket stays dry on the ground and provides a convenient food station for friends and family to put their food and drink while enjoying the show and nobody has to place food or drink directly on the ground.

OUTDOOR FORMAL PHOTOSHOOTS
Bridal tip: considering taking the bridal party or first look photos at the beach before the ceremony? I have always wondered how brides and their ladies manage not to get their dresses dirty and their shoes and feet sandy. Instead of risky dress and shoes, discretely secure the Weimy beach blanket underfoot for photo ops to protect gown, train, and shoes.

Weimy Sand Repellant Lightweight Compact Beach Blanket

Weimy Sand Repellant Lightweight Compact Beach Blanket

CONCLUSION
The Weimy blanket is a very versatile, useful blanket for impromptu alfresco picnics, stargazing or going to the beach. The stakes are easy to use and keep the blanket securely in place, and the sand-resistant material helps to keep sand away from food and drink on the blanket as well as makes for easy clean-up. I have stored it in the glove compartment of my car, so I can always have it at the ready for beach days, picnics, outdoor concerts, and stargazing.

Weimy Sand Repellant Lightweight Compact Beach Blanket

Weimy Sand Repellant Lightweight Compact Beach Blanket

Find the Weimy Sand Repellant Lightweight Compact Beach Blanket at https://weimy.co/collections/all/products/beach-blanket

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nVoB-vJkiY[/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.

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