Vitamin C Serum to the Rescue!

As you know, or as you are about to know, I suffer from and have suffered from acne for YEARS. It has evolved and changed over the years, and in the more recent past it has been the all hormonal, cystic acne that is concentrated on my chin. Acne anywhere and anytime is embarrassing, so I am so thankful for the wonderful creators of full-coverage foundations and powders who have come to my face's rescue. Regardless of how much make-up I use, I am reminded when I take it off of the damage it has done to my face. I have terrible marks and scars that plague my face and squash any dream I have of every going make-up free (in public anyway). I gave my BFF some Vitamn C serum that I had on hand because she was curious about it and had been reading about how well it works at clearing up acne scars. That got me interested, and shortly thereafter, I was given the opportunity to review a Vitamin C Serum by Bonapiel.

The Bonapiel Vitamin C Facial Serum is formulated to fight the signs of aging, while tightening, brightening and lightening those problematic areas of your skin. The serum uses a whopping 18% Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid Serum to do all of that! It also has a ton of other great organic and natural ingredients that help to hydrate and protect the skin too, including: aloe vera, jojoba oil, witch hazel and vitamin e. This comes in a 1 ounce sized bottle with a pump top that makes it perfect to distribute just the right amount of product. The serum itself is very watery (as most serums are), but I was definitely expecting something that had more of a gel-like consistency because of the pump top. It naturally unscented, but reminds me of how fresh water smells.  

I am so skeptical of most things because so few things have actually worked enough for me to notice. I know that many serums and moisturizers and cleansers tend to do work that we can't see, so 

I don't want to discredit any products. Plus, I don't document my use of each and every product that I have ever used. Until I got this serum. I figured I would document it and see if it is actually doing anything to benefit my skin. I started using this twice a day. A little really goes a long way so I would use one to one-and-a-half squirts of the Bonapiel Vitamin C Facial Serum after my toner and before my moisturizer. More often, I will add about 1/2 a squirt to a small amount of my moisturizer and mix it together before applying. I can use less of each product which means they each last longer. Now, I'm hesitant to post this picture because I hate to have my bare face vulnerable to the internet, but I have seen phenomenal improvements in my skin since using this serum and it is worth sharing for others who may also be suffering from acne marks and scars (which take FOREVER to fade without expensive, painful treatments). The first picture is before, the second, about 2 weeks in, and the the third was this morning - so about 5 weeks in:

 I was even shocked when I made this collage and could see the difference this has made on the appearance of my red marks. I knew I had to share these results because for such little effort, and less expensive than any dermatological treatment, this has yielded pretty dramatic results for me personally.

It wouldn't make sense for me to give the Bonapiel Vitamin C Facial Serum anything less than 10 stars:

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If you are seeking any of the aforementioned benefits that this Vitamin C serum has to offer, I highly recommend that you go HERE to purchase your own bottle for $37.95 (this price may change as prices on Amazon fluctuate often). 

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

It's Stinky - But Worth It!

Have you ever heard the saying: "Pain is beauty"? Well, I think I had a close call with that on my recent review. I love to try out new health and beauty products more than anything else. It has just been a major interest of mine since I was a tween - browsing the skincare and make-up aisles are something I consider to be a good way to spend my free time. I have tried an extremely vast array of products, so I like to think that I have some level of "expertise" in this area. I recently was given the opportunity to try an Organic Seaweed Powder from Azara Organics.

Seaweed has been used for centuries to reduce inflammation, soften skin and detoxify the body. Azara Organics recognized these benefits and has used 100% pure USDA certified organic kelp powder harvested from the Atlantic Ocean to create their product. It can be used as a face mask, body wrap or added to body scrubs and bath powders. As a face mask, you mix 1 teaspoon of Organic Seaweed Powder with 2 teaspoons of water, add a couple drops of essential oil (if desired), apply to skin and allow it to set for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and voila! It's requires minimal effort to use.

Here is where the "Pain is Beauty" comes in... This stuff smells like seaweed. You are probably thinking, well, YEAH, it's seaweed powder, so of course it smells like SEAWEED. Well people, seaweed smells BAD. Even after I mixed in Lavender Essential Oil, it still smelled awful. I need to find a stronger scented oil to mix in with it or something... If you use it as a wrap this will likely not cause an issue because you smooth it on your skin and then wrap yourself (and the scent) up. When it is right there on your face though, you smell it. Some people may not be bothered by the scent, but it was something that really bothered me, so I needed to share. I'm still playing around with it because I feel that the benefits far outweigh the stench. For example, you can feel this tingle as it works on your skin. As an occasional skincare snood, I know that the more expensive stuff is working, because I can see AND feel it. I also found this stuff a tad difficult to mix without being lumpy. I remedied this by placing the powder in a small bowl, adding the water, and then using my make-up brush to mix thoroughly to the desired consistency, adding water/oil as needed to work out the lumps.

Minus the smell, the Organic Seaweed Powder is a helpful product to have on hand, and I give it 7 stars:

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If you are on the market for such a product you can purchase it from Amazon HERE for $17.95. Please note that this is normally $49.95, and there is no telling when or how the price will fluctuate. To keep up with the Azara Organics and their products, plus get a few more recipes on how you can use the powder, go HERE. 

Disclosure:I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Sky-High Lashes Featuring Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes by Younique

I am a lover of all things make-up.... well, most things make-up. I cannot for the life of me figure out the schematics of false lashes. I just avoid them like the plague and hope that my lashes just naturally look full, voluminous and super-noticeable. I have SO MANY mascaras in my makeup collection, but most just sit there, unused, because they do not deliver. Recently, I was introduced to the Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes by Younique (thanks to Raquel Dunn), and they are exactly what I was looking for!

The Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes by Younique contains two products: a Transplanting Gel and Natural Fibers. The process for application is so simple too! You apply your normal mascara as usual. When that dries, you apply a layer of the Transplanting Gel, followed by the Natural Fibers, and then you seal that with another later of the transplanting Gel. Make sure you do one eye at a time to prevent the Transplanting Gel from drying and therefore not allowing the fibers to "take hold". This will give your lashes a noticeable boost in volume - it's incredible. If you wish, you can can apply another round of the fibers and gel too. It's very important to be liberal with the Transplant Gel as it is what bonds the fibers to your lashes, and then what helps to hold them in place. Even if you are new to mascara, this is beyond easy to use, and the pay-off is extensive.

Top: naked lashes, Middle: my normal mascara, Bottom: with one layer of fibers

Clearly, I get along better with Fiber Lashes than I do false lashes, and it literally takes an extra 30 seconds. The first time I used them my grandmother commented immediately on how long my lashes looked. Beware: You WILL get compliments on how amazing your lashes look - and who doesn't want to feel more beautiful? The Younique line of products are all-natural and mineral based AND cruelty-free for our furry friends. The fibers are made from Green Tea leaves so they are hypoallergenic and safe for contact lens wearers! Plus, this system is water-resistant, yet easily washes off with soap and water at the end of the day.

This is what the fibers look like up-close. I have found that I get the best results if I apply the fibers IMMEDIATELY after the Transplant Gel, and focus on the ends of my lashes by gently sweeping the "fiber wand" across the tips. You can see them adhering to the gel right before your eyes. I was so surprised by the length that the Moonstruck 3D Fiber Lashes by Younique gave my lashes. While it is suggested that this duo will last around 3 months, I foresee it lasting a while longer. I don't use this every single day, but when I need a pick-me-up or have plans outside of the home I most certainly do!

This is everything included when you purchase the Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes by Younique (you will also receive an instruction pamphlet)

These Fiber Lashes perform better than any of the drugstore or high-end mascaras that I own (and I am not exaggerating when I say I have hoarded over a dozen of them), so they get 10 stars:

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If you are hoping to spruce up those lashes, especially for the upcoming Holidays, you can go HERE to purchase the set for $29! Your lashes will love you for it! 

You can read what other Home & School Mosaic reviewers had to say HERE.

Disclosure: As a member of Home & School Mosaics I was given the opportunity to review this item complimentary in exchange for an honest review. I was not monetarily compensated. 

Snack On-The-Move with Pouch2Go

There is something pretty interesting about having such a large age gap in between my children (almost 7 years to be exact). I have watched the drastic transformation of the available products on the market geared toward these little people. When it was time to start solids with my youngest, I made the decision to make all of our own baby food. When we were on-the-go, I always made sure to keep those baby food pouches with us, because they were simple, mess-free and came in a variety of flavors. Luckily, people realized that maybe families would wish to make their very own pouches from the food they are making at home, and....TA-DA! We have reusable pouches from Pouch2Go.

With regard to reusable food pouches, these things are the best (in my opinion of course!).You see, they open at the bottom! There is no funneling in whatever you choose to put in them, no battle to keep the corners free of food particles, and they have an extremely secure closure to ensure nothing comes back out. They hold 4 ounces which is the perfect size for an infant or toddler snack. I find that these are great for older kids too. Their portability make them an amazing resource for active families. Among these features, the pouches are also BPA-free, dishwasher-safe and freezer-safe. They are NOT microwave safe, although I am not sure they hold foods that you would want microwaved anyway.

The Pouch2Go pouches are a money saver in the long run. I am not sure how many uses they are projected to deliver, but they are very sturdy, so I see them sticking around for quite awhile. Plus, 5 pouches come in each pack. While these are likely used most for baby food, I like to use them for applesauce, yogurt and smoothies for the whole family. I can prepare them and lay them in the fridge for an easy snack on-the-go. Or, when my oldest is running out the door to get on the bus, he can have his smoothie "to-go". That way I know he is getting a balanced breakfast, even if he is running late.

Pouch2Go is a wonderful product to have on hand if you wish to provide your children (or yourself) with healthy snacks on the go. Some get comfort out of making their own food at home so they are certain of every ingredient that will be consumed. This product allows you that freedom with the added benefit of traveling well. It is the perfect size to throw in your purse, in a book bag, or even a lunch box!

We LOVE Pouch2Go and give them 10 stars:

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If this is something that interests you, you can purchase a 5-pack from Amazon for $17.99 HERE. That price is subject to change at any time as they are traditionally $22.49. You can also view their website, HERE, to keep up with the company and all that they do. 

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Protect Your Strands with InstaNatural Argan Oil Hair Mask

It is that time of year again friends! As the weather gets colder, our hair becomes more brittle, and most likely due to the fact that we are using the blow dryer every chance we get - a girl needs to stay warm! That being said, I'm pretty sure overuse of the hair dryer is the equivalent of hair abuse. And when you make the conscious effort to abuse your hair, the only way to make amends (ha, ha get it?) is to use a restorative hair mask on your hair a few times a week. I have worked with InstaNatural a TON in the past, and their Argan Oil Hair Mask is one of my favorites.

First of all, it smells like vanilla cupcakes. I was so surprised at how it smelled, as many of their other products have a pleasant, but "all-natural" scent to them. This item does contain fragrance, so I assume that may have something to do with it. This hair mask is formulated with many beneficial natural and organic ingredients including: Argan Oil, Coconut Oil and Shea Butter which are all extremely sufficient at restoring moisture and providing essential nutrients to anything - hair and body! In order to use this as a hair mask, it is recommended to take 1 Tablespoon worth of product in your hands and gently run it through your clean, but slightly damp hair. You can then massage it into your scalp, or let it sit on your hair for the recommended 5-15 minutes. The longer you leave it in, the more conditioned your hair will feel. After the allotted time, rinse with water. This is meant to be used once or twice per week. Note that if you have very short, very thin or oily hair, using 1 tablespoon may be too much. You can play around with the amount of the mask that you use to perfect it for your hair type. 

When I first read those instructions, all I thought to myself was, I'm not getting out of the shower, waiting 15 minutes and then getting back in to rinse my hair off. Fortunately, this can also be used as a traditional conditioner, applied after your shampoo, left on briefly, and then rinsed away. This is how I tend to use it. I think it performs great as a conditioner, smoothing my hair while protecting it, providing significant moisture and making it easier to manage. Plus, it leaves your hair smelling like cupcakes - that is a pick-me-up in and of itself!

I use this mask once or twice per week to keep my locks looking and feeling smooth. For that, I give the InstaNatural Argan Oil Hair Mask 10 stars:

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If you would like to grab some of your own, I would do so now! It is currently $19.95 on Amazon, HERE, and there is no telling how long that price will last. That is very reasonable for the generous 8 ounce container, and you have nothing to lose, as InstaNatural backs their products with a lifetime money back guarantee! 

Be sure to visit InstaNatural on their website, Facebook, Twitter and Google+to keep up with new products and promotions!

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Tighten Pores While You Tone With InstaNatural Vitamin C Facial Toner

Let me preface this by saying that whoever decided to make facial toners in a spray bottle is a genius. It saves time an effort when all you have to do is spritz your face really fast after you wash it. I prefer spray toner over put-on-a-cotton-ball-and-then-rub-all-over-your-face-toner because it is that much more simple. I have no clue why all brands have not converted to this design. My current toner is the InstaNatural Vitamin C Facial Toner.

Vitamin C is not only good IN your body, but also ON your skin. It's antioxidant properties assist your skin in producing collagen, which helps in maintaining a youthful appearance. It also gives your skin the strength to fight environmental factors that can lead to premature aging. While the InstaNatural Toner contains Vitamin C, it also has Witch Hazel and Tea Tree Oil to combat bacteria stuck deep in your pores. Once the bacteria is loosened from your pores, they can shrink back down to normal size. This toner is formulated to work on all skin types, and even combats oiliness for those who have oily skin. This toner also contains Methylsulfonylmethane, which contributes to the elasticity of your pores, thus allowing better penetration of serums, oils and moisturizers - you know, all those things you spend good money on to work.

I use this right after washing and drying my face. I normally hold it about 6 inches away from my face and squirt it once or twice. Then, I brush my teeth to give it time to sink in before I apply a serum and moisturizer. It has been easy to switch this out for my regular toner, and I have noticed a definite improvement in my skin. I am VERY blackhead-prone on my nose, and I have noticed that my pores have been shrinking and therefore experiencing far fewer blackheads. I know that Vitamin C also aides in the lightening of dark marks, of which I have aplenty from past acne! Plus, this toner is formulated using only natural and organic ingredients, so you can feel good about what you are putting on your skin.

I'm a huge fan of the InstaNatural Vitamin C Toner and give it 10 stars:

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If this sounds like something you are interested in, you can purchase it from Amazon HERE for $17.75. This retails for $44.95 but is currently discounted. Prices on Amazon fluctuate often, so check before you purchase to be aware of what you will be charged. 

Be sure to visit InstaNatural on their website, Facebook, Twitter and Google+ to keep up with new products and promotions!

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

It's Back! And It's Smaller Than Before!

I posted a few weeks back on the Hydracentials 25 oz Water Bottle that I had received. If you remember, this was one of those things that both of my kids kept stealing from me. I'm not sure if it is just because they prefer things that belong to other people, or if they just loved the water bottle as much as I did.... either way, my water bottle, even to this day continues to get snatched by the littler hands in this house. I never complain because I only use it for water, and if that is what it takes to get them to consume their daily water intake, so be it! Luckily, I was more recently given the opportunity to try the smaller version of that water bottle, which I think is much better for them - the Hydracentials Slim and Sporty 16 oz Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle.

This one has all of the same benefits as the larger version, but is slimmer and shorter. I think it's slim design makes it easier for the kids to grab onto. Not that they were dropping the big one all over the place, this one is just skinnier, so I think they can get a more secure grip. Because the bottles are white, I am always scared that if they drop them they will scratch. Surprisingly, that hasn't happened yet which is nothing short of a miracle with my kids. This one also comes with a nice gray Koozie too!

!6 oz size on the left, 25 oz size on the right

We love the Hydracentials Slim and Sporty Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle for many reasons, especially because it is stainless steel - which mean no leaching! Traditional plastic water bottles cannot compare. Plus, this is reusable which reduces our carbon footprint, making our Earth happy. The water bottle is insulated as well, keeping drinks cold for hours at a time. As we approach Fall and Winter this will likely not be a problem, however, during those Summer months we are grateful for that!

Now my kids don't have to fight over my water bottle. Instead, one takes mine, and the other takes this one. Clearly, I need to buy a third to keep us all happy! We definitely give the Hydracentials Slim and Sporty 16 oz Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle a high recommendation and 10 stars:

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In need of a smaller water bottle for yourself or the kids? You can grab your very own Hydracentials Slim and Sporty 16 oz Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle from Amazon HERE. Currently it is $21.97, however it traditionally runs for $29.99 - Amazon prices fluctuate so there is no guarantee that this price will last.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.