Review: Naturopathica Cassis Ultra Replenishing Cream

Naturopathica creates performance-based skin care solutions by combining certified organic botanicals with clean cosmeceutical ingredients to improve the health and appearance of the skin. That’s why our credo is a better beauty ™ — naturally safe skin care products with active ingredients that produce visible results.

More questions directed to Naturopathica? View the FAQS by clicking here!

Cassis Ultra Replenishing Cream

This concentrated cream combines Black Currant Oil and Hyaluronic Acid to improve elasticity and promote vibrant looking skin.

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Key Active Ingredients:

• HYALURONIC ACID (HA): known for its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, this ingredient helps the skin to retain moisture

• CASSIS (Black Currant Oil): This seed oil is a rich source of Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) and other important polyunsaturated fatty acids Omega-6 and Omega-3, known to soothe and improve skin resilience

• VITAMIN E: a powerful antioxidant, this vitamin helps to fight free radical damage

• VITAMIN B COMPLEX: B vitamins improve the skin’s ability to take up oxygen and help keep the production of sebum at appropriate levels.  Application of a Vitamin B Complex to the skin increases resistance to irritation by noxious chemicals and therefore makes this ingredient essential as a “Big City” protective cream

you can view the complete ingredients here.

.....My Thoughts

Website: I browsed the website and it seems that Naturopathica has a lot of interesting products, many that I wish to try. The website is very easily to navigate and understand, simple and clean. There are symbols on every product to show just what sort they are as you may have seen from underneath the photo I posted above, I like that! You can read about the company and get a lot of other information at www.naturopathica.com

Price: $85.00USD

Size: 50ML / 1.7FL OZ

Packaging: The Jar is a dark cobalt blue, transparent. It looks very pretty in the light. The jar clearly displays all information needed. The name, size, directions, contact, Targeted act & much much more! Very clean looking. The lid is black and twists on of course there was a divider between the lid and product when I first received it.

SCENT: Hmm it seems to me like..Twig & Sweet Soy Bean. I love it! It smells very healthy for my skin, very settle scent.

APPLICATION&TEXTURE: The application is simple, apply just a small bit "pea size" to the entire (clean) face. It smooths over the face easily leaving only the softest skin. The texture is not heavy on application actually just the opposite. It is a creamy soy like color and delicate to touch. I enjoy applying this product, I actually look forward to it every morning and night! I did find however using more then the recommended amount left my skin over moisturized in the morning so I continued to only use the recommended amount after that. I am sure over time this cream will show more of what it is truly for, age defense. I have been using it for about a good month or so and find that my makeup does not crease into my skin lines as much as before however to truly have them vanish would take a great deal of time! Ill keep you posted as always :)

ALL&ALL

I love love love it. I feel like after a clean face it keeps in and seals the cleanness and works on improvement to my skin as it does so. Sometimes you can tell when a product is worth your while by the difference it gives or performs on your skin. This Cream defiantly gives well at even first use. I'm sure i'll find myself purchasing another bottle when i'm close to being out of this jar. Very good indeed.

In this package sent to me by the company I was also given 3 samples to try, I plan to post separate reviews on them givin they were all very different as far as my thoughts on them. Until next time friends!

Skincare Tips: Fall

SKINCARE FOR FALL

The seasons are changing and here in Colorado it's nearly fall! The leaves are changing to a golden color with vibrant reds and surrounding brilliant oranges! My skin is changing as well! I seem to have dry patches of skin on my face generally around my nose and around my cheek area. This is the time where some with oily skin might notice their skin turns a bit normal, or those with normal skin might consider their skin is suddenly dry.You might need to change up your skin care products and switch them accordingly. If you aren't sure whether your skin needs a new regime,try talking to a consultant at a cosmetics counter. Many times they can ask you simple questions to see what skin care type you fall in.

Oil-Based Scrub

I think oily based scrubs are perfect for fall and winter because you are getting the exfoliating benefits with the extra bonus of hydrating oils. (most people have dryer skin during the cold seasons) And when it comes to oily scrubs, the choices are endless! You can find scrubs that have a lot of oil swimming on top all the way to scrubs that are more of a solid consistency. I love skincare and there are so many great ones out there don't be afraid to venture out and find your additional holly grail products!

Moisturize Every Single Day!

I can't stress this enough; if you want to keep dry skin at bay, you must hydrate your skin on a daily basis. The best time to apply your lotion is right after you've dried off after your shower or bath. Seal in the moisture that's already been absorbed into your skin.

Sunscreen is a daily essential, so don't set it aside.

Dry or combination skin?Use a moisturizer with SPF 15 at the minimum and reapply with a facial sunscreen throughout the day as needed. One of the best facial sunscreens around is Clarins: UV Plus Day Screen with SPF 40. It's light as can be mineral base makes it soak in fast with a matte finish. I apply this in the morning before applying my makeup, it helps fight of the rays of the day and keep my skin looking great.

Oily Skin? Apply a light moisturizer to your body as soon as you leave the bath or shower. Use oil-free moisturizers with at least 15 SPF sunscreen for best results. These moisturizers are made to absorb quickly into the skin and last all day long without causing shine or exacerbating oily skin.

Indulge In Hand Cream

Your hands are in and out of water on a very regular basis, so you need to apply moisturizer more frequently to your hands than the rest of your body. That's why it's so important to have a hand creme in your handbag, I carry a few different kinds in my handbag at all times!


PLEASE view past posts within my blog. There are different posts to help you identify your perfect skincare creams. You can view posts about making at home cleansing and treating masks with items around your house all in which are natural! There is really just a ton with information packed in each!Enjoy I hope this was a bit helpful!

Review: St. Ives Exfoliating Apricot Scrub

St Ives Apricot Scrub is not tested on animals ♥

  No Parabens and No Phthalates!

stock photo  http://www.stives.com

Price: $4.00USD
Packaging: 6 fl oz / 170g

Product Description:
Swiss formula. Blemish & blackhead control. Oil free with Salicylic Acid. Gently exfoliated without drying to remove dirt, oil and dead skin cells that can clog pores. Oily/Acne prone skin.

Scent:
It smells strongly of apricots while applying and mildly after the rinse and dry the smell will vanish over a short time.I prefer anyways for my face not to smell of anything ;)

Mixture ,Texture &Application:
Moisten face with water. Dispense product onto fingertips and massage over face. Rinse with warm water. Avoid direct contact with eyes. For best results, use 3 to 4 times per week. (I use it everyday!!)

Key Ingredients:

• APRICOTS are known to contain one of the highest levels of carotenoids (think vitamin A) and super-effective antioxidants. All of this natural power might seem, well, too powerful, but they are actually quite gentle and nourishing and they help make fresher, more nourished skin beautifully possible. 
• CORN KERNEL MEAL is actually flour ground from dried corn. It’s a soft, but gently powerful all-natural exfoliant that promotes skin cell turnover and regeneration. Cornmeal makes softer-feeling, fresher skin possible. 
• WALNUT is known for its hard shell, but when it’s ground, it becomes an amazingly effective, all-natural exfoliant ingredient in our scrubs. Not only are walnuts plentiful on the planet, they also help newer, healthier skin come to the surface. 

Performance:
This scrub allows my skin to breathe and leaves is feeling very clean after application and rinse. I use it every day after a long day at work in the shower. I love how the mixture is perfect to clean and remove any dry skin esp since the dirt comes from the high heat of the summer! It has become one of my go to products!!

Overall:
I absolutely love this product. I never expect much while trying a new product but noticing my skin over time it is more so clear then before and breakouts are almost never around these days.
**I will be buying this product for as long as it is in make :)

GIVEAWAY: Apothica Gift Card [CLOSED]

Here's a chance for you to win a $25 Gift Card From Apothica!

About Apothica:
Apothica.com is an online beauty boutique, which carries the finest selection of skin care, body care, aromatherapy, and cosmetic products on the market today, including the most natural, organic products available. We are dedicated to providing you with high quality products formulated to promote and enhance your natural beauty.

Some of the popular brands they carry are:

•    Stila 
•    Urban Decay 
•    Laura Mercier
•    Too Faced
•    Clinique
•    Korres
•    Clarisonic

   And many more!

For your entry to be valid, you can do 2 or more of the following:

Mandatory:
This is a giveaway for readers of this blog, so you must be a follower through GFC.

Option 1: Facebook
1.       Visit Apothica.com
2.       Write on Apothica’s Facebook wall about what you think of Apothica
Bonus: Opt in to Apothica’s Newsletter

Option 2: Twitter
1.       Visit Apothica.com
2.       Tweet about Apothica on your own Twitter Account
Bonus: Retweet Apothica’s tweet about this giveaway

Option 3: Blog
1.       Visit Apothica.com
2.       Write something on your blog about what you think of Apothica
Bonus: Write about the brand I highlighted (Stila) and link it to Apothica

Winner selection:

1.  Apothica will contact the winner to verify information is correct
2.  After verification, Apothica will email the a code for the gift card to be used at SkinCareRx.com, Apothica.com, and SkinBotanica.com
3. The contest is open internationally, but Apothica does not ship to all countries
4.  Please save SkinCareRx as a contact in your email box so that the email doesn't go to the Spam/Junk Mail folder.

Contest ends on the 2nd day of September 2011

So, go ahead and submit your entries below. Copy & paste the following and fill in the following with whichever is applicable:

GFC Name 
Facebook Name 
Twitter Name & Tweet Link 
Email Address 
*This giveaway is sponsored by Apothica.


**** UPDATE
CONGRATS TO MY WINNER :)

Twitter Giveaway: Satin Hands Sample Pack

Do you have a twitter account? Follow me & tweet the following to participate in this and the upcoming 24 hour giveaways listed exclusively on my twitter!!

RT & Follow @RenayShanel to #WIN 24 Hour Giveaway! http://yfrog.com/kj8igcyj 

View my thoughts & Photo's of the products here: Review: Satin Hands

How To: Watermelon Refresh Cleanse

Summer is here and the sun is delivering scorching temperatures! As a refreshing snack you think of watermelon to cool you down, but have you ever used it to cool and treat your skin? It's very beneficial! 


The juice from a watermelon also makes a great astringent and helps fight pimples.Rich in A, B and C vitamins it keeps the skin fresh, radiant and hydrated. The acids in the fruits act as exfoliates, and with just one use you will find your skin to be so incredible smooth. The rind of a watermelon is packed with vitamins and minerals, and has natural collagen-enhancing properties such as citrulline, an amino acid that aids the skin’s healing and regenerative processes. With this being said it can in the long run prevent and treat wrinkles on the skin!


1. 1/3 cup juice from a slice of watermelon 
2. Apply to face for 5 - 10 minutes, splashing it and rubbing over skin like water.
3. Wash with warm water, then pat dry with cool water.


I add a pinch of sugar to help remove dead skin. I rub the juice in a circular motion and it's as simple as that! Complete this cleanse by topping it off with your favorite day/night cream! Enjoy :)

How To: Choosing an Anti - Wrinkle Cream

"It's better to start prevention of wrinkles rather then to treat severe wrinkles later!"

It is never too early to start searching for a wrinkle cream.

As we get older, our face begins to lose its elasticity. Fat cells in the face begin to loosen and pull apart, causing the skin to lose its ability to bounce back and prompting the appearance of sags and lines that 

deepen into furrows. Scary right?! Wrinkle creams are part of my daily routine. I place mine under my makeup as a base and at night before sleep.

The effectiveness of anti-wrinkle creams depends in part on the active ingredient or ingredients. Here are some common ingredients that may result in slight to modest improvement in the appearance of wrinkles.

Retinol. Retinol is a vitamin A compound, the first antioxidant to be widely used in nonprescription wrinkle creams. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals — unstable oxygen molecules that break down skin cells and cause wrinkles. Retinol is less potent than the vitamin A derivative tretinoin, a topical treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating wrinkles. Tretinoin is available only by prescription. Avoid vitamin A derivatives if you are pregnant or may become pregnant, because they may increase the risk of birth defects.

Hydroxy acids. Alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and poly hydroxy acids are synthetic versions of acids derived from sugar-containing fruits. These acids are exfoliants — substances that remove the upper layer of old, dead skin and stimulate the growth of smooth, evenly pigmented new skin. Because hydroxy acids increase your susceptibility to sun damage, always wear sunscreen during use and for at least one week afterward.

Coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 is a nutrient that helps regulate energy production in cells. Some studies have shown reduction in fine wrinkles around the eyes with no side effects. Other studies show that application before sun exposure protects against sun damage.

Copper peptides. Copper is a trace element found in every cell. In products applied to the skin, it's combined with small protein fragments called peptides. Copper peptides enhance wound healing. They also stimulate production of collagen and may enhance the action of antioxidants.

Kinetin. As a plant growth factor, kinetin may improve the appearance of wrinkles and uneven pigmentation with minimal irritation. It's unclear how it works, but it may help reduce wrinkles by helping skin retain moisture and by stimulating the production of collagen. It may also be a potent antioxidant.

Tea extracts. Green, black and oolong tea contain compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea extracts are the ones most commonly found in wrinkle creams.

How To Choose The Best Face Creams For Your Skin

There are many different types of face creams that will help you reduce the appearance of wrinkles, those for oily skin, those for extremely dry and inflamed skin or those that simply moisturize. How can you determine the best cream available with such a  wide range? When choosing the best anti wrinkle cream, just take a look at your particular needs. If you are thinking that one aspect needs attention, then choose a product with that specific treatment. 

I'ts important that you read the package and see what ingredients have been used  in the product so you know what to look out for and what ingredients to stay away from. Alcohol for instance can irritate your skin by drying your skin layer and taking off the acid needed to protect your skin layer from viruses and bacteria. Mineral oil is also present as a key ingredient in many creams and cosmetics. Mineral oil also known as paraffin, paraffin wax or even petroleum and it is often used to wax surfboards and cars. This ingredient can clog up your pores and slows skin's ability to eliminate toxins, thus preventing your skin from breathing and leading to acne outbreaks.

Natural face creams might contain a range of different vitamins:  Vitamin A for example can exfoliate the top layer of your skin and gradually smooth out the  appearance of fine lines so look out for anti-wrinkle creams containing this ingredient.Another powerful ingredient is Vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant and can penetrate up to seven layers deep down into the skin to prevent radical skin damage before it occurs and Vitamin E which can help repair skin damage and its great for dry, inflamed and burned skin. Vitamin E is often present in creams that offer sunscreen protection, so look out for creams that offer at least SPF 15 to protect your skin from damaging UV rays. The best face creams will contain natural ingredients and these will guarantee to work better in your skin.

Do your research, watch reviews and be sure to stay clear of harmful products that will damage your skin rather then help it! Good luck ladies! If you have any questions please ask :)

BirchBox: June

I love the products that I received but I must tell you one thing. Shipping was told to arrive on the 10th of the month and it was a week late! The tracking number did not even work until the morning of shipment. I hope that next month the package comes on time other then that everything is perfect :)

1. Juice Beauty - Full Strength Green Apple Peel 2fl oz $45.00

Give yourself a  pr-vacay with this fast acting peel, which uses organic fruit acids to dissolve dead skin cells.

2. Kate Spade - Twirl 1.7 Fl Oz $65.00 This flirty scent feels carefree and joyful - Just the thing to wear on your adventures at home and abroad. 

3. Laura Geller Baked Blush N' Brighten 0.32 Oz $29.50

Made in Italy this swirl of warm and cool tones is infinitely versatile - dust your cheeks for a flattering flush or use the lighter shades as a highlighter.

4. Sircuit Cosmeceuticals - Molecular Mist 1fl oz $28.00

This high-tech spray uses heavy water to keep your skin hydrated all day. Use it pre-moisturizer, as an in-flight refresh, or to set makeup.

5. Deborah Lippmann - Stripper to go nail lacquer Removers 10 Mitts $12.00

Fix your mani on the fly! Each handy packet contains a remover soaked "mitt" that erases polish without drying out nails.

Review: The Body Shop Mango Lip Butter

Cost: $8.00 USD
Size: 10 ml


Product Description:

With shea butter from Ghana and Community Trade beeswax from Zambia to keep lips lush.... 


Packaging:
The lid screws on, so there’s no worrying about it popping off! Ive ruined a lot of handbags that way :( The label on top of the lid features pictures of a sliced mango as the background, and printed on top is the company logo and product name in both English and French. The bottom label peels back to reveal a list of ingredients. You may have to squint a bit but I will list them at the end of the review. hehe


Scent:
MANGO! The mango is subtle and it's mainly a citrus scent, it smells wonderful. I love it. I'm a big fan of fruit like smells.


Texture & Application:
The texture is like a whipped butter. I dont find it to be oily or sticky. It applies nice upon the lips and after time the product sinks into the skin.The lip butter is indeed very soft, creamy, and smooth and the perfect balance between light and heavy. I find it nice to exfoliate the lips, when my lips are a bit dry I pat this on and the flakes disappear in the silkiness of the butter!


Ingredients:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Ricinus Communis (Castor Seed) Oil, Beeswax, Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer, Lanolin, Mangifera Indica (Mango Seed) Butter, PEG-8 Beeswax, Flavor, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Silica, Limonene, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Tocopherol, Geraniol, Linalool, Citral, Titanium Dioxide, Yellow 5 Lake, Red 7 Lake.

Key Ingredients:

• She Butter - Shea butter is one of nature's great moisturizers. 
• Mango Seed Oil - Moisturizes the skin.
• Organic beeswax - Moisturizes and helps to condition dry skin. Acts as a barrier that helps to seal in moisture. Helps to keep product texture consistent when used over time. 

Haul: Mary Kay

I got some goodies yesterday! I think i'll just get right into the photos! The colors are just so beautiful and the products are amazing. What products have you tried and loved from Mary Kay?!

I love the photographs in the booklet, very nice. Perhaps I will do some FOTD's with them?! 

Cream Eye Color - Glacier Gray, Beach Blonde, Pale Blush $13.00 each

Blushers - Citrus Bloom and Strawberry Cream $10.00 each

                                                                                                           

Matte Wear Foundation & 

Luminous Wear Foundation $20.00each 

This product is like a miracle for the face! 
Microdermabrasion Set $55.00                                                                                                         

      

How To: Orange Mask

Oranges are rich in vitamin C, zinc and antioxidants! By applying vitamin C regularly to your skin you will notice a much brighter complexion. I love this mask and find it to be true to the skin. The smell is nice afterwards, that is if you love the smell of fruit :) I believe it to give me a more radiant look after using so i'm loyal to it. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• Juice of one orange
• 1 egg white
• 1tsp of honey

Application & Mixture:

Whip the egg white ,mix the orange juice and honey into the egg white. Apply to your face immediately and leave for at least 25-30 minutes. The egg white will dry a little : this is normal. Wash off with warm water, pat dry. Apply your face cream afterwards for the finishing touch :)

How To: Apricot Face Mask

Apricots are known for their hydrating and revitalizing properties, making them an excellent addition to your natural skin care routine. I found this mask to make my skin appear more so awake then in reality before application. It left my skin feeling smooth and the smell left over afterwards was sweet but settle. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 Cup Dried/Smashed Apricots
2/3 Cup Warm Milk
1 Tablespoon of Honey
Dash of Sugar

Prep & Application:
Mix together all ingredients add sugar if you would like to exfoliate the skin and remove dry skin. Apply to the face let it work its magic for 20minutes then finish with a rinse of warm water! Pat dry with a hand towel.