Review- Nurturing Force Tropical Tamanu Oil

"Nurturing Force® discovered Tamanu Oil about two years ago, in a quest for a quick, easy to use, fast penetrating serum; not just for the face, but the hair, scalp, hands and body also. With liquid travel restrictions and a limit on what we can fit in makeup kits and bags; our goal was to offer a multi-purpose product. We choose Tamanu Oil for its anti-oxidants, anti-bacterial anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties; backed by a rich cultural history of its origin and use in Polynesia for the hair skin and body." $18

Everyone is all abuzz about Argan oil these days, and don't get me wrong, I think that Argan oil is great.  I used to use Argan oil until I was introduced to Tamanu oil by the kind people at Nurturing Force (which is a great family- owned and run company btw).  This oil does it all!  It tames fly-awyas and conditions hair but I love it for what it does for your skin.  It has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-oxidant properties and if you suffer from dry skin and acne, this stuff can be a life-saver.  This serum moisturizes my skin and absorbs completely leaving no oil slick behind.  I usually augment it with another moisturizer, but if you are on the oily side, you could use this alone as your moisturizer.  I use about 3 drops warmed between my palms and patted onto my face and neck.  For hair, because mine is fine and straight, I literally use 1 drop rubbed between my palms and run over my dry hair and ends.  It smoothes even the fiercest of fly-aways.  A bottle of this oil serves so many functions so economically that I feel every woman (and man) should own a bottle!

Review- Avon Ultimate Night Gold Emulsion

What have you got to lose, except years of visible aging? Transcend time with a rare skin-strengthening fusion of patented Pro-Sirtuin TX and Gold Polypeptide technologies. $29 for 1.7 fl.oz.

My first thought when I looked at this jar was, "Am I going to sparkle in the sunlight ala Twilight?" Anything with a gold sheen is appealing. But, as I have now learned, gold is meant to sink into the deeper layers of the skin 'instantly.' This treatment, however, never really did sink in. Yes, I felt like I was more moisturized than perhaps ever before and yes, I saw visible changes in only three days but I determined that this emulsion is best suited for someone older with extremely dry skin. Also, after four days, paradoxically, the skin around my nose started to feel irritated and dry and it was uncomfortable enough for me to consult the back of the box which reads: This product may not be for everybody. So, alas, I did end up discontinuing use before the promised "results in 14 days" but since gold never changes its properties, I am going to cross my fingers and hope this jar keeps for 10 years from now and see what's what closer to my 50s!

Review- La Roche Posay Mela-D Serum

Visibly corrects dark spots and helps even skin tone with a breakthrough formula that delivers professional-grade results. Contains 1% Kojic Acid (helps reduce the appearance of dark spots), 0.2% LHA and 5.7% Glycolic Acid (provides intense exfoliation to help reduce the size and color intensity of dark spots and help even skin tone. $55 for 1 fl. oz.

I have been using this for two weeks now and even though the product details refer to results after eight weeks, I can already see some fading and evening out of my skintone, particularly the inadvertent damage done over this past summer. Now, I presume my more stubborn freckles are going to take some more time but I am going to continue to add this to my nighttime routine until further notice because what I have seen so far is pretty damn profund. To add to this company's greatness, one can buy it with ease online or at the local drugstore, in the best case scenario. The price point is more than reasonable and while this is only the third product in the line that I have tried, they are definitely batting a thousand.

Review- Boske Dermaceuticals Hydra-Boost B5 Gel

Quench your skin's thirst with Boske Dermaceuticals Hydra-Boost B5 Gel. This oil-free, lightweight serum contains a blend of Vitamin B5 and Hyaluronic Acid - binding moisture to the skin and supporting tissue repair. Wear it on its own or under your favorite moisturizer to instantly boost your skin's hydration levels, leaving it radiant and supple. 1 fl. oz. $48

This fluid is not a moisturizer in it's own right (although those with oily skin can use it in place of a moisturizer), it is more like a moisturizer "super-charger". I use it when my skin is feeling especially dry & it gives my skin just what it needs. Moisture. It goes on a lot like water and dries with no sticky feeling. It also helps heals little imperfections like when you just cant keep your hands off that zit & it turns into a cut more or less. The ingredients are simple, but they are effective and since you only use about 5 drops per use (it comes with a dropper), a bottle will last you a while. For those of you with dry skin or those of you that will be spending a lot of time outdoors this winter, this fluid could be the "skin saving" add on you've been looking for.

Review- M2 HP Skin Refinish

Eliminate all your skin care woes with one easy-to-use serum. This multi-purpose facial treatment uses a high-potency combination of Mandelic and Malic Acids to rapidly even skin tone, reduce breakouts, and soften wrinkles. (Previously known as MaMa Lotion) $44.50 for 1.7 fl. oz.

If you have seen my previous post about M2, you know that I love it and it was hell getting there. The refinisheris probably the source, cause and origin for my discomfort since it is so hardcore that the directions suggest that you use it every 'other' day (at best) in the first two months and if there's 'any irritation' then you should just stop using it altogether. I can't say I looked forward to the nights I was supposed to use it, partially because you leave it on for 10-15 minutes before following up with moisturizer and it's really sticky but since I have been so impressed with what M2 can do, I rightly owe an acknowledgment to this serum as much as the other two products. It sounds so cheesy but this cliche has never been more true: No pain, no gain.

Sultana says: This is the most unique product I have ever tried. Is it possible to love & hate it at the same time? Its sticky, smells funny & tastes yucky! Don't ask how I know what it tastes like! Lets just say I let some get on my mouth by accident and it wasn't pretty! OK, so there is a lot of bad. Lets talk about the good. Smooth, refined & ceramic-like skin.
When you think about all the things we do to make ourselves beautiful, this isn't that bad. I sucked it up and the results were totally worth it.

Review- Bioelements Urban Detox

This potent blend of pharmaceutical grade vitamins A, C, and E in a moisture-binding base protects your skin from damaging smoke, pollution and dirt while hydrators and aromatherapy oils keep it smooth and sleek. It will even boost the efficiency of your sunscreen to fight radical damage.

For those of you who do not know, I live in New York City. I can't think of a better place to test a product like this. This isn't the kind of product that causes sudden improvements in your skin in a couple of uses. It's more the tortoise than the hare in that, in the long run, your skin will be glad you used it. This serum is jam-packed with anti-oxidants and is designed to fight free radicals before they damage your skin. And mind you, city dwellers aren't the only ones exposed to free radical causing elements. Besides pollution there is sun exposure, smoke and all kinds of dirt. I especially like the inclusion of vitamin E, one of the best environmental protection ingredients you can get. It is recommended for combination to very dry skin. The serum has a nice texture and it absorbs very well; it is worn under moisturizer and, of course, sunscreen. I'm happy that I have this product as NYC summers are a brutal combination of sun, heat and pollution. I don't know why, but the dirt in the air just seems to stick to one's skin more in summer. Although I never really considered adding a product like this to my daily regimen before, I will definitely be using this vitamin-rich serum from now on because, hey, you can never be too safe.

Amanda S. Says : I absolutely refuse to turn this blog into my full blown confessional (for the sake of EVERYONE, even the not-so-innocent), but let me just say that... Oh have I abused myself in the past. My skin, if it could, would probably leap off me and run. I was so excited when Hillary gave me a chance to try this, I'd seen it in a spa and wondered how well something like this would work with my usual regimen (which is heavy moisturizer and mineral make up), and I have to say, it went on unnoticed, not to say it was useless, but rather that it did not interfere or ruin my usual plans. Which I love, of course. The idea that, after mincing around the city for hours, days, weeks, years, exposing myself to all sorts of smog and dirt, I can protect myself a little better... Well that cheers me up. Because all that past abuse makes me a little guilty, and this makes that guilt a little less!

Review- Arbonne NutriMin C REactivating Facial Serum Day & Night

REactivating Facial Serum Day & Night $49.00 Item#: 375

Increases moisture retention and cell proliferation day and night. Alpha and beta hydroxy acids reactivate healthy cell turnover, increasing translucence and glow while gently diminishing the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

This is by far my favorite product in the NutriMinC line. It's a great product that totally encourages deep hydration especially at night. I used this, coupled with the night creme and found that by using together my skin was very soft and plump every morning. It's the perfect just before bed treat for your face and neck. You won't be sorry you chose this. It's also a very competitive price. I think that $49 is very reasonable and in this financial time it's a product that you can still afford without breaking the bank! I also want to mention that it goes on and absorbs really quickly and almost feels like an almost invisible shield on my face.. I can feel a little something so I truly believe that this helps block in the moisture too!! Nice product! Thanks Susan!

Sheba says I also think this is one great product. It applies very easily and my skin just drinks it up immediately. I do use this along with the NutriMinC Night Creme during the night and I awake to a very nice feeling face and neck -- they remain moisturized and feel great. Many creams wear down or off during the night -- this one remains!! I use it in conjunction with the NutriminC Day Creme and the REpair Corrective Eye Creme for daytime use and get the same fabulous results. I think the cost is right there where the better Moisturizing products are and I don't mind spending a bit more on a product that works this well.

Maria says: It's a toss-up between the facial serum and eyecream for my favorite in the NutriminC line from Arbonne. Both are such awesome products. If I were an Arbonne rep, I could honestly look my clients in the eye and tell them they will NOT be sorry if they try this line. I love using this at night b/c when I wake up in the morning my face still looks plump and dewy and not all dry and nasty with no crepiness under the eyes. It sinks in like a dream too! I love applying this right after their toner - it's a great one-two punch. I feel like the toner draws the serum deeper into your skin. As I mentioned in another Arbonne review, I think the prices are extremely reasonable for these hightly effective products. I also think that they work synergistically with eachother - so you'd be doing yourself a favor to use the entire line as your regimen. My sister who never bothered with skincare went to an Arbonne demo and decided to try the whole entire Nutrimin line. When I saw her a few weeks ago, honestly - her skin looked AMAZING. My other sisters noticed it as well - and what did they do? They ordered the entire line! True story.

Hillary says: When reviewing a whole system of face care or body care products, it's so hard to nail down which product in the regimen is really making a difference, but with the NutriMin C line, I suspect this serum is the secret weapon. The insert in the package states that it imparts a "glow" and I really feel that is the best part of these products- the glow they give. I don't have many wrinkles so I can't attest to whether or not the REactivating Serum helps smooth them, but my skin does look very healthy and radiant. I recommend using the system as a whole, but if you could only get one product in the line, I'd say make it this one.

Review - Luxtural Sophisticated Veil

Sophisticated Veil works to prevent your skin’s biggest challenge - premature aging. $186.00

This is the true diamond in the Luxtural line. I got a sample of this and I was trying to add water to get the last molecules out! This serum is rich and thick and really penetrated my skin. My skin with in a couple of day had a vibrant healthy glow that looked nourished and flush. I swear this is going to be Luxtural's big win product.. I wanted to jump off a bridge when I ran out.. Trust me your skin will feel so soft and hydrated you won't believe it!!

Maria says: You know you must love a product when you try to find a way to pry open the container and stick a q-tip in it to get the last drop...but, okay, guilty - that's what I tried to do with all three of the Luxtural products I received. I love quality serums and this IS a quality facial serum. You can just tell because your skin looks and feels happy. The serum just doesn't sit there on your skin - you feel like its doing its job - Uber soft, healthy, plump, delish! To keep it real (channeling my best Randy Jackson here) I know that a sample does not the best review make - but in the few applications that I did get out of it, I could safely say that I would reorder without hesitation if the pocketbook allowed. You will be hearing A LOT more about Luxtural.

Hillary says: I feel as if this serum should be put on after the moisturizer as it has the consistency of a great make-up primer. But I did as the directions said and put it under the moisturizer. This stuff is as smooth as silk going on and after a couple of days of using the Luxtural line, you'll notice a new-found clarity to your skin (not that I'm saying your skin is dull, but it's nice to get a little boost). Of the three parts to the Luxtural Skincare regimen, I'd have to say Sophisticated Veil is my favorite. It may be costly, but you are using such a small amount that it averages out to be not so expensive. Or even better, enter to win our Grand Prize this month- a 3 Piece Luxtural Skincare Kit valued at $414. If you could feel this serum on your skin, you would have already entered, I guarantee it!