3D Fiber Mascara. Fab or Flop?

Like many of you ladies, I've seen the before and after pictures on our friends pages showing every day 'before lashes' and super plump, full 'after lashes' and been instantly jealous. Then, I click the link and see the price tag and quickly close the window. The whole trend started with the Younique and boasted a $29 price tag. Quickly, knockoffs showed up from over seas at much lower rates. I picked up one of those and I saw decent results, but the flaking made it impossible to actually wear. I thought I needed practice and tried it about 10 times, with no improvement.

I was given Mia Adora 3D Fiber Lash Mascara to try in return for my honest review.

Mia Adora 3D Fiber Lash Mascara - $22.95

Running about $7 less than the original, I'll take any savings I can get, but the price is still a bit steep in my mind. I really likes the lovely packaging. It also smelled better than the other brand I had tried. I followed the directions to a T. Although my lashes weren't quite as full as they were with the other brand, they didn't flake nearly as much. The only benefit I saw from the knock off that would have benefited here was a deeper, darker black in the Step 1 & 3 tube. Some may really like that the results are slightly more subtle, but more believable with this brand. 

Overall, I think it's a great entry fiber lash mascara to try when you're look isn't quite kardashianesque. Perhaps it's just me, but with all fiber lash mascaras I have an issue with flaking and absolutely can't use it while wearing contacts. This mascara does make a pretty dramatic and lovely difference in your lashes without going over the top. It's a look that could be worn to work or to dinner with your S.O.

*I was given this product free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion and review*

Forlan Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Serum Review

I have super sensitive, problem skin. I'm at that fun age where I have pimples and I'm wrinkles. I've tried everything short of Accutane and my doctor recommended I try Hyaluronic Acid years ago. But, everything else that had the word 'acid' in it resulted in irritation and burning. So, I blew it off.
Forlan and Tomoson requested I try and review their Hyaluronic Acid and I was surprised by the results.

Forlan Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Serum - $24.95

According to the manufacturer, here's what makes it up:

Deionized Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Juice, Phenoxyethanol, Witch Hazel Extract, Acrylates/C 10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, MSM, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E), Sodium Hydroxide,Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (vitamin C), Lavender Oil, L-Arginine, Retinyl Palmitate (vitamin A), Cholecalciferol (vitamin D).

The bottle is actually much larger than it looks. I really appreciated that it was a pump and not a dropper. It made it a lot easier to use. The serum itself was a bit thin and smelled a bit like alcohol. The consistency was more like a gel than a serum. But, I think this was actually better for people in my age group. It allowed it to absorb more quickly and it's overly rich for my pimples with wrinkles skin. I also have extremely sensitive skin and there was absolutely no adverse affect from using the Forlan Hyaluronic Acid.

After just a few days, I really did see a marked improvement in my skin. Particularly my neck. The early 'chicken skin' that begins to take over around 30 was much smoother. The fine lines and darkness around my eyes was diminished. The consistency also for it to be beneficial under makeup. It wasn't oily at all and didn't interfere with foundation.

Overall, I think this a great, valuable product for people about 26-40. It's not overly powerful or oily, which those over 40 may need. It's an incredible first step to an anti aging regimen.

*I was given this product free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion and review.*

Review: Nutriscal Hair Growth Vitamins

Beauty comes from within....

We've all heard this or something like this at some point. And, it makes sense. Health is something more than how we feel, it's how we look. I recently removed the black from my hair and with it, a lot of the 'health' that my hair had. When Tomoson and Nutriscal asked me to try and review their vitamins for hair health I was thrilled! Here's what I learned:

                                                Nutriscal Hair Growth Vitamins $39.95

The claim:

Nutriscal is a professionally formulated hair growth product for women and men of all ages that is designed to promote existing hair growth and support healthy, vibrant hair. Our lab team combined 24 of the most powerful hair growth vitamins available to create a hair growth pill unlike any other.

The ingredients:

Vitamin A (10,000 IU), Vitamin C (250mg), Vitamin E (12 IU), Vitamin B-1 (30mg), Vitamin B-2 (100mg), Niacinamide (30mg), Vitamin B-6 (100mg), Folic Acid (400mcg), Biotin (2000mcg), Pantothenic Acid (250mg), Calcium (200mg), Zinc (5mg), Copper (1mg), Choline Bitartrate (250mg), Silica (bamboo 70% extract : 40mg), Inositol (250mg), Para-aminobenzoic acid (100mcg), L-Cysteine (100mcg), MSM (50mg), Ginkgo Biloba (30mg), Saw Palmetto (250mg), Pygeum Africanum (100mg), Green Tea Extract (50mg), Grape Seed Extract (50mg). 

I was a bit confused reading the ingredients. Some of the ingredients seem a bit like filler there since you'd find them in a regular multi vitamin or there's not much to support it's efficiency in hair and scalp health or hair growth. I was also really surprised not to see any fatty acids there. These are crucial in hair and skin health, yet they're omitted from the ingredients here. You also need to be really careful taking these along with other supplements and vitamins because there's a risk of taking too much, which can have some negative health effects.

The pills are also very large. I don't have a problem with pills. But, these are really big and, being solid, a bit hard to swallow. 

Still, I diligently tried the supplement for 2 weeks hoping to restore my hair to it's shiny luxurious former self. 

I had weird burps for a few hours after taking these. I would definitely recommend taking them with food. I suspect that perhaps the zinc is the cause of this. I also can't say that I noticed any improvement in the health of my hair or scalp, nor any increase in growth after the 2 weeks. Perhaps, 2 weeks just isn't enough. I took it another week, though not quite as adamantly, but still noticed nothing.

For nearly $40, I expected more from a supplement. Overall, I sadly found the supplement large, lacking and ineffective. I would stick to a good multi vitamin and fatty acids in the future. 

***I was given this product free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion and review***

Argan Oil: Miracle or Hype?

Uni Argan Oil - $12.95

If you haven't heard of Argan Oil, I'm pretty sure you've been living under a rock. It's touted as a miracle beauty oil for every part of the body and every skin type. But,with that popularity, the market is over saturated with options and you never know what you'll get. 

According to Draxe.com this stuff is amazing for:

1. Nighttime Moisturizer2. Skin Toner3. Exfoliating4. Acne5. Stretch Marks6. Razor Bumps and Burn7. Whole-Body Moisturizer8. Leave-In Conditioner & Styling 9. Overnight Deep Conditioning Treatment10. Lip Conditioner11. Nails12. Dry Feet and Heels

Personally, I've tried 2 brands. The first I got at a natural herbal/vitamin store. It was listed as 100% pure and cost a pretty penny. It had to be liquid gold, right? I hated it. It made my hair greasy, my skin break out and didn't absorb at all into my hands and nails.

So, when Tomoson and Uni asked me to try their Argan Oil, I was a bit 'meh' about the idea. But, Uni seemed a bit different and I was excited to give it a try. Here's what they have to say about their product:

Our fast absorbing light weight oil is smooth, and NON greasy compared to other brands.Highest quality of oil production, it is cold pressed and unroasted. Comes rich in Vitamin E (Tocopherols) and Omega 6 (Linolenic Acids).NO strong odors. Our 100% organic Argan oil has a light nutty smell and is fragrance free.USDA and ECOCERT certification means high purity and authentic.Can be used on sensitive and non-sensitive skin to reduce age spots and boost skin tones.Manufactured in the Kingdom of Morocco and Packaged in the USA.UNi Argan Oil comes in a beautiful smooth dark glass bottle with easy access dropper.UNi Argan Oil are manufactured and bottled throughout the year to ensure freshness and quality. Manufactured date is printed on every bottle with a shelf-life of 36 months.

The bottle was a lot larger than the one I previously purchased, and thus a much better value. I immediately noticed a difference in the texture of the oil. It was much more of a 'dry oil' than the other I had tried. There wasn't a strong scent, but there was a slight 'nutty' odor to the oil. (which makes sense since Argan is in the nut family) As directed, I applied a few drops in my hands and rubbed them together. This time, the oil really seemed to warm up noticeably. It actually felt like it had a warming effect. I applied it to my feet, legs, elbows, neck and hair. It absorbed, but not quickly. The really dry areas of skin didn't seem to absorb as well and felt a bit greasy for awhile, but I suspect that some good exfoliation prior to applying it would help that. The next morning, I would know if it had promise.

Waking up, the oil had finally absorbed completely. My legs and feet were soft. My neck didn't care too much for the oil and was a bit broken out, but it may have just been a bit too much for my crazy sensitive skin there. My hair was softer, but it still seemed frizzy and the ends were a bit dry. 

I tried the regimen again the next few nights. I added a couple extra drops to my hair and it seemed better but not miraculously perfect. So, I added a couple more. Following this increase in application, my hair looked really really greasy. So, there's definitely a fine line in how much to use of it. In fact, that's the only thing I have negative to say about the Uni Argan Oil. I really wish there was some kind of guide on the bottle as to how much to use on hair, skin, face, etc. Even just a starting point would be nice. I suppose everyone is different. But it would be nice to know if you need 3 drops or the entire dropper. 

I tried using the Uni Argan Oil in different way with different results. I added a few drops to my conditioner in shower prior to application (which seems to be the best option for my fine hair). I added it to my spray in detangler and it was greasy looking. I added it to the bath water but didn't really notice a difference. I added it to lotion and it seemed to amp up the lotions staying power and benefits. If you're going to try it on dry hair, use it sparingly or it'll look dirty.

Overall, I much preferred the Uni Argan Oil to the other I had tried. After my experience, I think it's best used a supplement to beauty but not a miracle catch all for everyone in every way. The Uni was a superior product and better value. 

More info on Uni Argan Oil:
http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Moroccan-TRIPLE-ABSORBING-Certified/dp/B00G5WO2VK/

http://www.unipurity.com/
#argan
***I received this product for free for my honest and unbiased opinion and review.***

Satellite Review

Satellite by Lee Davidson

" 

Grant Bradley was never meant to survive cancer or live happily ever after with his fiancée, Tate. Before he was born, his destiny to become a guardian angel was decided by the life-planning Schedulers.

  

Despite having what his new peers deem as a great position in the afterlife, living in utopia with a merciless mentor and looking after strangers doesn't change the way Grant feels about losing out on his life with Tate. Refusing to accept his destiny, he finds a way to visit his lost love. However, keeping their connection alive and, most importantly, secret, will end up costing Grant more than he could ever imagine.

                                                                                                                   " 

This is the Amazon synopsis of the first of the Satellite Series. I admit, even over 30, I have a major guilty pleasure for YA books. I had my likes and dislikes with this first installment. First, the likes. I really liked that this story was told from the perspective of male with deep feelings of love. It was told in an extremely realistic way of deep caring, affection and inherit protectiveness I think men experience in love. The concept was also new. I've read the Fallen series and upon reading the synopsis, I must admit, it's what I was expecting. However, the author had a much more modern and not at all religious take on the guardian angel idea as well as everlasting love.  All together, the writing, concept and story were quite original which made it a joy to read.

There were some minor shortfalls in the book however. I get that this book is aimed at the young adult audience, but we're also supposed to be in the mind of a young man that experienced a lot in his life and is planning on marriage. I'm sure his thoughts, vocabulary and naivety would be much more advanced and less PG than they are related in the book. In that aspect, it could have been more realistic and 'juicy', which I think would have made it a bit more engaging. The methods and terminology of the satellites is a bit hard to follow. I had a hard time following the differences between 'coding', 'programming', etc. The lines became a bit blurred in what was intended with these functions unless they were experienced first hand by the narrator. Lastly, I felt that there was a very natural progression to the story until the last quarter of it. It was as if the story was intended to end at the end of this book and a decision to make it a series changed the flow suddenly and abruptly. It tied up the loose ends well and left me wanting more, but it felt forced and sudden.

The next in the series is set to be told by Willow, the main character's main influence and mentor, picking up trying to save Tate, the main character's long lost (and forgotten) love. Although the second book will not have the appeal of being told from the perspective of a young male in love, I am hooked on the original story line and look forward to seeing where this series goes.

***I was given a copy of this book for free for my honest opinion and review.***

Elite Fat Burner Review

Vitamin Elite Elite Fat Burner $24.95 on Amazon

There are probably over a million 'diet' pills and supplements out there. Heck, I've probably tried half of them. We're all looking for this magic bullet to make us thin, energized and beautiful. That's what most of the 'diet' pills out there sell and what they focus their ingredients on. But, why don't they ever focus on the inside out?

I always do my research on ingredients of vitamins and supplements before I take them and, in all honesty, I didn't expect to find anything new or different in Elite Fat Burner when they and Tomoson asked me to review the supplement. BUT, I was really surprised about what I found. Here's a list of the ingredients in Elite Fat Burner:

Caffeine Anhydrous, Xanthinol Nicotinate, Codonopsis Pilosula Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, White Tea PE 50% Polyphenols, Inositol Hexaphosphate, Evodia rutaecarpa PE, Black Pepper PE 95% (Bioperine), Deanol Acetamidobenzoate (DMAE), Troxerutin (Sophora Japonica extract), Cnidium Monnieri (20% Osthole), Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco PE 0.3% Alkaloids, InulaRacemosa PE (2% Alantolactones), White Willow Bark PE 25% Salicin, Yohimbe PE 8% Yohimbine HCl

I'm really into natural remedies, as you know from my blog. So, I was amazed to see so many ingredients here that weren't focused on just hyping you up and making you feel jumpy all to lead to a crash. Yes, there are some stimulants in here. The first ingredient is caffeine. But, there's a lot more. Let's break them down:

Caffeine Anhydrous: Caffeine, a stimulant found in coffee, tea and soda.
Xanthinol Nicotinate: A vasodilator frequently used in weight lifting. However, it has had some beneficial documentation on blood pressure, lipid-lowering effects. It may also have benefits of memory enhancement or ulcer recovering.
Codonopsis Pilosula Extract: Similar to ginseng. Used to promote mental health and has some immune system benefits
Green Tea Leaf: A mild stimulant that helps purge the body of toxins and cleanse the system
White Tea PE: Fights free radicals in the body
Inositol Hexaphosphate: An anti-cancer supplement
Evodia rutaecarpa PE: Thermogenic that increases body temperature.
Black Pepper PE: Aids in the absorption of nutrients
DMAE: Anti-aging supplement that also has great benefits for mental health and cognition
Sophora Japonica: Benefits the blood and fights free radicals.
Cnidium Monnieri and Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco PE: Used as natural 'Viagra"
InulaRacemosa PE: Regulates corticosteroids, helps regulate blood sugar and thyroid levels
White Willow Bark PE: Similar to asprin, used to treat aches and pains
Yohimbe and Yohimbine HCl: Stimulant used to treat sexual dysfunction and aid in depression.

Please keep in mind people, I'm not a doctor. Just an enthusiast. This kind of info is available online. I'm not here to diagnose or treat anything or anyone.

Interesting results to say this least. This doesn't read like a diet pill. There's some stimulants and a thermogenic. But, the ingredients are beneficial on so many other levels. It's almost more like a health tonic, aiming to help you from the inside out.

That's exactly why I liked it. Unfortunately, I got very ill in the two weeks I was trying this product (in no way related to the product itself) so I can't fairly say whether or not it causes weight loss or burns fat. But, I do really like what I see here in the ingredients.

As for the pills themselves, they're a bit large and almost look like they're filled with blood. The insides almost look like a jel. Personally, I found them easy to swallow. There was no odor associated with them either.

I was impressed by this stuff. If you're looking to lose weight or get a general health lift in addition to your multivitamin, give the Elite Fat Burner a try.

***I was given the Elite Fat Burner free of charge by Vitamin Elite and Tomoson in return for my honest opinion and review of the product. I was not paid or otherwise compensated for this. The opinions expressed above are solely mine.***

Review of Life Food's Garcinia Cambogia

I'm a huge fan of the natural alternatives in health care. I know that they aren't regulated by the FDA and there isn't much recognized and accepted research on them, but pharmaceutical drugs are based on the core elements of things that occur naturally.

Like most women I know, especially those over 30, I have plenty of weight I'd love to shed. So, when a natural method to help curb my appetite and help me "just say no" to sweets and junk food comes along, I'm more than game to try it.

Garcinia Cambogia has been everywhere lately. It's this years Glucomannan along with Coleus Forskolin. But, does it work? Tomoson along with Life and Food asked me to give their Garcinia Cambogia Supreme a try and share my experience.

First, here's a little background on Garcinia Cambogia straight from webmd.com :

Garcinia cambogia, a tropical fruit also known as the Malabar tamarind, is a popular weight-loss supplement. People say it blocks your body's ability to make fat and it puts the brakes on your appetite. It could help keep blood sugar and cholesterol levels in check, too. You'll find it in bottles on the shelf at the store as well as mixed with other ingredients in diet products...The active ingredient in the fruit's rind, hydroxycitric acid, or HCA, has boosted fat-burning and cut back appetite in studies. It appears to block an enzyme called citrate lyase, which your body uses to make fat. It also raises levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which may make you feel less hungry.

Sounds great. And, didn't a certain doctor guarantee it would cause weight loss?

Food & Life Garcinia Cambogia $22.00 from Amazon

Well, I tried Life and Food's Garcinia Cambogia for 2 weeks. The pills are a bit on the large size. Those that have a hard time swallowing something large will need to take them one at a time with a full glass of water. Thankfully, they have very little odor.

I can't say that I saw much difference. The scale didn't move. I did, however, notice that my hard core cravings had diminished. They still nagged me, but weren't yelling at me to try this and that. Overall, this product isn't a magic bullet for weight loss. It even suggests that it be used along side with diet and exercise. It does work great at taking that edge off of hunger and cravings, which might be exactly what you need to lose to weight.

***I was given this product free of charge from Tomoson and Food & Life in return for my honest opinion.