Saturday, December 23, 2017

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!



I just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a very happy new year.

I wish everyone peace, joy, blessings, health, happiness, and prosperity for 2018!

See you next year!



Wednesday, December 20, 2017

The Ultimate Anti-Aging Products | Robin McGraw's Revelation Skincare Review


If you're not familiar with the Revelation brand, it was founded by Robin McGraw, wife of T.V. personality, Dr Phil. Robin's Revelation lifestyle brand is much more than skincare, she gives back to many great causes but today we are focusing on her skincare.

I know that many people can be skeptical of products that are created or endorsed by celebrities, but there is a reason that Robin's skincare line has broken sales records and also made it into Oprah's list of O-Ward Winners.

Robin McGraw Revelation’s Luxury Skincare Collection is now available in Canada and I had the pleasure of testing out some of their products. I previously posted about and held a giveaway for their Oprah Magazine Beauty O-Ward winners from 2017 which included the Hydra Qwench Moisturizing Night Cream and the Foaming Joy! Purifying Facial Cleanser (post linked here).

Today, I'm talking about some other products from the Revelation line that are geared towards brightening (but do MUCH more!).

I received the Twinkle, Twinkle, You're A Star Multi-Action Polishing Scrub, Let There Be Bright Triple Action Brightening Serum, and the Starlight, Face Bright Triple Action Brightening Night Cream.

Spoiler: This is the most gentle and results-driven skincare that I've ever used. Read on for more info.



Twinkle, Twinkle, You're A Star Multi-Action Polishing Scrub, 1.7 fl oz

This gentle yet effective polishing scrub works to reveal brighter, younger-looking skin, reducing the appearance of dark spots and sun damage. It features a proprietary Triple Action Brightening Complex, a formula that works to refine pores and fade the appearance of dark spots and discoloration.

I found this polishing scrub gentle enough to use every day. My skin looked brighter and clearer after using it, and because it's an exfoliator, it helped my other skincare products absorb more easily into my skin.

I find it important to note that none of these products contain fragrances. Added fragrances in your skincare can actually have an aging effect on the skin which is obviously the opposite of what we are going for.


Let There Be Bright Triple Action Brightening Serum, 1 fl oz

This potent serum features highly stabilized 10% Vitamin C to brighten and reveal a more radiant complexion. It also features a proprietary Triple Action Brightening Complex, a formula that works to refine pores and fade the appearance of dark spots and discoloration and reveal brighter younger-looking skin.

This lightweight, fragrance-free serum is more like a lotion but don't let that fool you, it's a powerhouse! It's very hydrating and soothing to the skin. The combination of these 3 products packs a powerful punch and tackles aging skin issues like no other. I actually only used this product once a day in conjunction with the Starlight, Brightening Night Cream shown below.


Starlight, Face Bright Triple Action Brightening Night Cream, 1 fl oz

This night cream features a multi-action approach to brightening by balancing pigmentation and reducing the appearance of dark spots. It's formulated to improve the look of tired, dull skin, refine pores, and tighten and firm the appearance of skin.

This fragrance-free night cream is lightweight but very hydrating, and my reactive skin didn't experience any irritation at all. I used this over the Triple Action Brightening Serum and wow! my results were incredible! And, I only used this product along with the serum once a day. 


The Bow Ring - Size 4, midi ring

Robin designed the bow ring as a reminder to put yourself at the top of your list and take care of yourself so you can also take care of those you love. This is a great way to remember to practice self-love every day.

Made with sterling silver and Swarovski crystals, The Bow Ring is the perfect gift for yourself or someone you love.

Summary, My Skincare Results:

Although these products are geared towards brightening, I experienced much more than just a brighter complexion. My results were so dramatic that when I looked in the mirror (something I haven't enjoyed as I've aged), I saw the younger me in the reflection! That was a feeling that I just can't explain. It made me feel so happy! These products gave me the most anti-aging effects of any skincare that I've ever tried. And, I've tried everything from drugstore to spa-grade skincare. Skincare has always been the one area that I've been willing to spend my money on, and I've never had results like this. Not only was my skin brighter, but my skin looked tighter, firmer, and more lifted. The overall effect was a much younger, healthier-looking me. 😍

I began to see results right away and the results just kept getting better over time. I was really shocked and very impressed. I've been receiving compliments on my skin ever since. Everyone has been asking what I'm doing differently. On a recent trip to see my Dr. he told me that when he saw me sitting in the waiting room he thought I was "Amy's younger sister." The funny thing is, I don't have a younger sister! He then went on to tell me how much younger and how great I looked, even though I had a sleepless night the night before. This is all thanks to the Revelation skincare line as I hadn't changed anything else in my routine. 

These products have done wonders for my skin, and looking in the mirror is no longer something I dread. If I could afford to, I would get rid of pretty much all my other skincare and just use these products, along with some other products from the Revelation line.

Based on my results, I feel that the more signs of aging that your skin is showing, the more dramatic your results will be with these products. 

These products are currently being sold in value sets and can be found linked here  (non-affiliate).

I plan on purchasing these products and can't wait to have them back in my life! πŸ’


Revelation Products Are:
PARABEN-FREE – DYE FREE – NO SLS – NO MINERAL OIL– NO ANIMAL TESTING

Revelation is now available in Canada and can be purchased online at www.robinmcgrawrevelation.com





This post is not sponsored. Products were provided free for editorial consideration. All opinions are honest and my own. There are no affiliate links in this post.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Iherb Haul | Skincare, Makeup, Health, Supplements


I haven't done an iHerb haul in quite a while but I thought I'd share my latest purchases as some are my holy grail products and others are new to me, and some of them may interest you, too.

As always, I will share links to products if you'd like to get more information or purchase them yourself. Note: I don't share the prices because they are forever changing.


Health

Madre Labs CocoCeps Organic Cocoa Beverage
This is my absolute favourite unsweetened cocoa powder which I use to make my morning smoothies. It's not only organic but it contains immune-boosting Cordyceps and Reishi mushroom powders. I have a really bad aversion to mushrooms, so this is one way that I can get the health benefits without having to eat mushrooms. NO, you cannot taste them. I add this to unsweetened cashew milk, with some stevia, and whey protein powder.

CocoCeps is a Premium, Certified Organic, 100% Natural (Non-Alkalized) Dark Cocoa Beverage, containing a Full-Spectrum Blend of Micronized Cordyceps and Reishi Mushrooms. This innovative Cocoa Blend from Madre Labs is the first to use MicroFungi – micronized mushroom powders, specially processed to greatly reduce particle size and assist with bioavailability.

Now Foods Glycine Pure Powder
Glycine is an amino acid. It provides neurotransmitter support and promotes restful sleep. I have chronic and severe insomnia, so I'm always looking for new products to try as my body seems to get used to most products that work for me, so I'm constantly having to switch things up. I have high hopes for this product and it's easy to take. Just mix a teaspoon of this powder in water and drink. There are over 150 servings in this bottle!

Glycine is the smallest and simplest amino acid, making it versatile for use in a wide range of functions. Glycine is necessary for the production of glutathione, DNA, creatine, bile, hemoglobin, and most proteins. It also helps to promote glycogen storage, thereby making glucose readily available for energy production. Glycine also functions as a calming neurotransmitter in the brain, where it facilitates nerve impulses and is important for the maintenance of healthy sleep patterns.

Jarrow Max DHA Fish Oil
This is my favourite fish oil. I've tried others but I always go back to this one. As the name implies, it has a high dose of DHA. The capsules are small and easy to take. I only take one a day so this is a 3 months supply for me. And, no fishy burps or after taste from this one.

DHA is the predominant fatty acid in the brain, nervous system and retina of humans. DHA is important for fetal and infantile neurological development. DHA also supports neurological function in seniors.

Nature's Bounty Sublingual B Complex
This is another new product for me. I'm excited to try it as it has great reviews on iHerb. I was looking to repurchase my Now Foods B12 (which I take because I rarely eat meat), and while searching on iHerb's website, I came across this product. It has the B12 that I was after but in addition to that, it contains B2, Niacin, B6, and Pantothenic Acid.

This liquid provides an excellent source of B-Complex vitamins to help safeguard a sufficient daily intake. The B-Complex is essential for the maintenance of healthy nervous tissue. The B Vitamins play a role in energy metabolism in the body.





Beauty

George's Always Active Aloe Vera Mist
This is another staple in my beauty arsenal. I will never be without it. I use it after cleansing my skin and in between layering all of my skincare. I also use it to set my makeup or if my makeup is a little too powdery. It's very hydrating, all natural, and has the most beautiful fine mist. This bottle lasts forever, too!

Ingredients: 100% "always active" aloe vera distillate

Elf Perfect Finish HD Powder
This is another new product that I'll be testing out. I've heard great things about it and that it may be comparable to It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Powder at a fraction of the price. It's supposed to blur imperfections and it is only $6! It's also cruelty-free! Elf Cosmetics has some real winning products in their lineup, hopefully, this will be one of them. I will do a full review once I've tested it out for at least a week.

Versatile, translucent pressed finishing powder helps set makeup, reduce shine and slightly mattify skin. Microfine particles help fill in fine lines and blur imperfections to create a "soft focus" effect on the skin. Designed to be used with high-definition camera technology but also perfect for everyday wear.


You can get 5% off of your entire order at iHerb with this link. Or just apply code AGU725 to your order during the checkout process. 

Note: iHerb is offering free shipping to Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand right now for orders over $40USD. Ends Dec 31st 10am pst.




This post is not sponsored. some links are referral links. Thank you in advance if you choose to use them.

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Tangle Teezer Blow Styling Round Tool Brush Review



As I've mentioned countless times, I have the most unruly, difficult to deal with hair. My hair is a mix of curly, wavy, and super duper frizzy! So my whole life, I've been on the never-ending quest to find hair tools that will make my life a little bit easier. This quest never seems to end. But, I think I'm one step closer thanks to the new Tangle Teezer Blow-Styling Round Tool.. basically, it's a round brush for blowing out your hair, but this one's different.

Tangle Teezer became famous for their detangling brush. It was innovative and it worked. It was designed to help us brush through wet hair without pulling our hair out. (My cat has stolen mine as he really loves it too!).

Next generation Tangle Teezer brushes are just as innovative if not more so. They are designed to help us blow dry our hair quickly, and like the first generation of Tangle Teezer's, they are also designed so they don't yank out our hair.

There is a new paddle brush and the one that I'm reviewing here is the large round brush. It comes in a small size as well. The large size that I'm featuring here is meant for medium to long hair.

When I first received the brush, I was very skeptical that this brush would work on my hair, and I was actually little scared that it would actually end up ripping all my hair out because the brush is rather hard and has a rubbery texture.



My fears were put to rest after the first blow dry. The brush actually glides through my hair without any pulling or snagging. It grips the hair well so there is a good amount of tension to smooth out my curls. It reduced my frizz by about 80%. And, I do feel that it cuts my blow drying time slightly.

After blow drying my entire head of hair with the brush, there were only a few hairs in the brush (shown below). Normally, my brushes are full of hair! I could literally count the few hairs that this brush picked up after blowing out my hair.

Above: Amount of hairs in the brush after blow drying full head πŸ‘

About the brush & Claims:
  • Invented by Shaun P. 
  • Designed, developed, and made in Great Britain.
  • An innovative blow-styling round tool that delivers a quick blow-dry whilst giving volume, shine and natural root lift. 
  • Ideal for all hair types
  • Quick drying results, no pre-dry needed
  • unique teeth configuration delivers free-flow tension to allow the hair to dry with volume, natural movement, and shine
  • Styles hair from wet to dry to give natural waves and curl without any pulling or tugging
  • No need to place the hair dryer nozzle on the teeth 


The front part of my hair is the frizziest and does need a bit of a touch-up. However, I blame this on user error as it could be blown out smooth if I was better at doing my hair. Overall the results are impressive to me considering how difficult my hair is for me to straighten and smooth it out and how quickly I got these results.

Before and after photos using just the Tangle Teezer Large Blow Styling Round Tool (Hair colour looks different due to lighting and my highlights/lowlights)

After using this brush, I immediately gathered up all my other round brushes and put them away since I no longer have a need for them. 😍

This brush is a game-changer for me! Was my hair perfectly blown out like the salon? No. But, that's user error. This brush has given me the best blow out that I can do by myself with a round brush. My hair is left mostly straight with very little frizz (about 80% reduction). and some shine (not easy for damaged and bleached hair like mine). Not only that, but I lose much less hair with this brush! I've previously used everything from ceramic to natural and synthetic bristle brushes and this brush is completely different and it does what it claims. As I get older, I value each and every strand of hair my head more than ever. For that reason alone this brush is worth every penny!

Almost forgot to mention, because of the design of the brush, it's also super easy to clean!

-Tangle Teezer Large Round brush can be purchased here.
-Tangle Teezer Small Round brush can be purchased here.

Let me know if you've tried this brush and what your thoughts are!


*Not sponsored. I received this brush as an early Christmas gift. Some links are referral links Thank you for the support if you choose to use them.
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