Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid Antiperspirant in Completely Clean: Review


Today I'm going to share my experience with Secret's Clinical Strength Invisible Solid Antiperspirant/Deodorant.

Claims: 
  • 4X STRESS SWEAT PROTECTION*
  • LIGHTLY SCENTED
  • GOES ON DRY OR CLEAR
*80% sweat reduction versus the 20% sweat reduction
required by an ordinary antiperspirant 


Available in: 

  • INVISIBLE SOLID 
  •  CLEAR GEL
From the Box: 
  • Clinically proven to provide extra effective wetness protection
  • "Adapts & Responds" Technology to give you Customized Protection that adapts to you.
  • Goes on dry and stays dry
  • 48 HR odour protection

I received my package from BzzAgent and was excited to get started. If you haven't heard of BzzAgent, they are a great site where you can try out products for FREE, to test out and give your opinions on them, that's it! It's loads of fun too! You don't have to have a blog either.


Here is how my package arrived from BzzAgent:





Here I am before, stressing about an impending "situation" And, ready to put my the product to the test!


Here I am shortly after. Feeling relaxed and taking silly selfies for this review:



It didn't leave any marks on one of my favourite black tops, which I wore with my favourite new lipstick (Jordana Modern Matte in Blush).  And, my Malibu Lemon Blossom perfume by Pacifica is also pictured along with my new Secret Clinical Strength deodorant.



Here I made a little collection of tools I use to stay #stressfree (including the latest addition, My Secret Clinical):


The first thing I did when I got the product was put it to the sniff test. It passed with flying colours, I love the scent! I decided to put this product to the test during a stressful situation and it stood up really well. I normally only wear deodorants and if I'm stressed I sweat, but at least I don't stink! :P This definitely controlled the normal wetness factor as well as any potential stink factor. It also stood up to a light workout. I could tell because I was sweating on other parts of my body but not so much on my underarms. Maybe I should just slather this product all over my body.. OK, just kidding. I mean we do need to sweat a bit to release some toxins from our bodies. But, no one wants to walk around with wet under pits!

I think this product is fantastic to have on-hand if you have any situations where you don't want to be embarrassed by sweaty armpits. It's in a different league than my usual deodorant. I will probably continue to use my usual deodorant when I'm just chillaxin at home etc. But, for anything else, I will definitely continue to use Secret's Clinical Strength Antiperspirant. It will also save my good clothes too! I'm sick of white blouses turning yellow under the arms from perspiration! And, who needs #stresssweat anyways!?

Have you tried a product from this line?  And, please, share any tips to stay stress-free! We can all use that...

I received this product free for trial purposes from BuzzAgent
 #GotItFreeFromSecret . 

All opinions on this product are my own.

Amy
xx

Monday, September 28, 2015

Laneige Advanced Water Science, Water Bank Gel Cream #lovingLANEIGE Review


I'm a total skincare junkie! I have been for years. So, I was really curious when I heard, after much anticipation, the Korean skincare line Laneige had finally arrived in Canada!

I was even more excited when I found out that I was fortunate enough to be able to give one of their products a test drive through influenster! If you are not familiar with Influenster, I highly recommend them if you're interested in trying out products for free! All you have to do is test the products out and give your honest opinion about your experience with the product. Influenster has much more than beauty products too, they have food and drinks, pet supplies, games, you name it, they have it.

Anyways, back to Laneige. Over 20 years of research has gone into the making of these products. They have a really nice range of products on Sephora's website and I'm pretty much drooling over all of them!

The product that I got to test out and will be reviewing here is the Water Bank Gel Cream, it can be found on www.sephora.com. I didn't get to choose a product from their line, instead, I filled out a questionnaire about my skin and they matched me to the right product for my skin type based on my answers.

Here is some info from Sephora's website on the Water Bank Gel Cream:

What it is:
A cooling, non-oily gel-cream that immerses skin in moisture for 24 hours.

What it is formulated to do:
The six hydrating ionized minerals—zinc, potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, and manganese—in hydro ionized mineral water replenish and lock in moisture while winter cypress polysaccharide extract soothes irritated skin. Cooling and ultra-light, its silky texture makes it the perfect choice for warm climates and oily skin, absorbing instantly and delivering 24-hour essential hydration, protection, and revitalization.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Phthalates

What else you need to know:
This product is dermatologist tested and non-comedogenic. LANEIGE does not test ingredients or products on animals.

The above are features I already look for when shopping for new skincare. Now, onto my experience with the Water Bank Gel Cream!


My Review



A peek inside

My first impression after unboxing the cream was great based on the sturdy, high-quality packaging. And, it came with a little spatula to keep the product sanitary. Talk about attention to detail, I really appreciate things like that. But, it's really what's inside that counts! I had never read any reviews on this product, so I went in with a completely open mind. Excited, I began using the product the day that I received it, of course.

A quick bit about my skin type: I have combo/oily skin that is very dehydrated, aging, reactive, and acne-prone. I know, quite the combo!

The product has a nice light fragrance that is very pleasant. It has a gel-lotion-like consistency. It layers well with my serums and other products, and I could immediately feel a cooling sensation but more importantly, a hydrating feeling on my skin. It plumped my skin nicely and gave it a more youthful look. I found it very soothing to my dehydrated and reactive skin. I did not have any irritation or acne breakouts. The hydration definitely lasted all day. This product also performs well as a base under my makeup as it is not greasy at all, yet it's super hydrating!

After using it for a few weeks I could definitely see that my skin's overall appearance was younger looking. But, the biggest testament to this product happened when I saw a friend that I hadn't seen in a few months. He accused me of "having something done." When I swore I hadn't he said I "at least had some Botox done." I told him I just started using some new skincare, I swore that was it! He didn't seem convinced but I didn't really care because I was just happy that I apparently looked that good! Or, at least that much better! I think it's often easier for other people to see changes in us than it is for us to see ourselves. I knew my skin had improved, but I didn't know to what extent until my friend accused me of "having something done." It is the first time in my life that I've been accused of that! Now, I want to try every product in the range. I mean, seriously! Like, have a Laneige bath or something. hehe

By the way, I did tell my friend that I'm not against Botox. I told him that I was just afraid to put toxins into my skin as it's obviously going to be absorbed by my body, and I don't know enough about what that might cause... but that's a whole other story.

Has anyone else tried any products from Laneige? If so, which ones have you tried, and what was your experience? I think I'd like to try the serum and sleeping mask next! :D

I received this product free for trial purposes. All opinions are my own.

Amy
xx




30 Days of Fitness Challenge: Update!



I wanted to update those who may had been following my 30 Days of Fitness Challenge, and also put some closure on this one. My last post in my 30 Days of Fitness Challenge was on April 30th, you can find that post HERE.  The original post to the challenge can be found HERE.

It was a pretty difficult summer for me, with sick family members among other issues. So working out was put on the back-burner for much of the summer. I still did go from doing nothing to doing a variety of workouts, from yoga to HIIT and cardio. Despite this and relatively healthy eating, I was not losing weight.

I ended up having blood work done and found out that I am hypo-thyroid. I had been hypo-thyroid years ago, but once I stopped having soy products my thyroid went back to normal. That`s a whole other story. But, I can tell you, I`m not the only one, this happened to a friend of mine also. Needless to say, I've stayed away from soy since then. But, now I find myself dealing with Hypo-thyroidism again.

I have started a thyroid med that was prescribed by an M.D. who practices bio-identical medicines. He does not prescribe synthetic medications. My understanding is that one that I have started is made from a pig. oink oink.  OK, it`s kind of gross.  I am only on a 15mg dose which I think is low, and I am now due to retest my blood and see where I am at.

This doesn't mean that I've given up on working out. I just have a lot of my focus elsewhere. But, when I can, I do short, at home workouts with weights, cardio and yoga. Although I like variety in my workouts, I am really interested in starting to do some weight lifting. I don't mean that I want to look like a body builder, I just want to feel strong and keep my muscle tone as I am aging. I have actually lost muscle tone, so even getting some back would be great at this point.

I have a few free weights at home, my highest being 8 lbs. There is a gym opening up near my house that is a no-frills gym, so it will have cardio and weight machines and that's about it. But, it's only $10 per month, so I am likely going to join and work on my cardio and weight training there. I will always keep up a yoga practice at home with my assorted DVD's.

I'm sorry if I left anyone who may have been following this challenge hanging, that wasn't my intention. So, while I close this "challenge," I will most likely start up a new one once I've joined the gym. For now, I will continue to work on my thyroid issue, trying to eat healthy, and some at home workouts.

Scored these new workout leggings at Winners for inspiration to keep going! :)



Amy
xx

Monday, September 21, 2015

Reviewsio : Brand New #FREE Product Testing Program Starting up with Amazon!



If you like trying out new products for free like I do, then read on!

There's a brand new free product trial program starting up with Amazon! It's called Reviewsio. It hasn't started yet but it's launching in only 9 days from now, and you can sign up now, and get a head start! If you like trying out products for free (who doesn't), you can sign up with this program and they will send you free products in exchange for your honest reviews.

I already belong to a few other programs that let you try out products for free in exchange for reviews. It's a lot of fun, and who doesn't love testing out new products! I've learned the hard way about which sites are legit and which one's are not. Because this is an Amazon program, I already know it's something I can believe in.

The program launches on October 1st, but you can sign up now as this program will probably fill up quickly.

From their website: "Are you interested in writing reviews for Reviewsio in exchange for FREE product? We are currently looking for talented and trusted reviewers to leave honest reviews for our partner’s product."

"Reviewsio.com members are receiving products in the mail FOR FREE in exchange for their honest review on Amazon.com. After receiving the product, leave a high-quality review and you get to keep the product… no strings attached!

Let me know if you join in on the fun!

Amy
xx






Saturday, September 19, 2015

Award Winning, Functional, Alkaline, Lithia Water by Happy Water - Review via Social Nature!



I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to try out a new water on the market called Happy Water. I was able to trial this product through a product sampling company called Social Nature. Social Nature specializes in natural products which is very unique in the sampling community! I wish I could try out everything they offer! Who doesn't want healthy products these days!?

What we put into our bodies is just as important as what we don't. And, with tap water containing so many chemical, toxins, and medications in it these days, I just can't feel good about putting that into my body. I always have a bottle of water by my side. If I'm not chugging down or sipping on some water, I'm usually drinking tea (hot or cold). I'm just not into filling my body with sugar-laden drinks either. I get enough sugar from the foods I eat, even fruit is high in sugar and fructose.  So, I was definitely excited to be chosen to sample this product as it's right up my alley! Happy Water is no regular water, when you read on here about it's features, you will see just how unique of a product this is.

Here is the back of their promotional material with deets on the product ( I will summarize below in case this is difficult to read):



Ingredients:
Spring and Mineral Water, Ozone.

Description, details, and benefits:

Sourced in Canada.
Alkaline
*Contains Functional Minerals: Natural minerals and electrolytes without any additives
Contains Lithia: Brings a sense of well-being
Neurogenesis: The creation of new brain cells

*Functional water contains the electrolytes/minerals that our bodies use while exercising (eg. sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium etc.) A functional water has the electrolytes that you would find in sports drinks without the sugar and other nasties.

Happy Water is a perfectly alkaline, unique blend of spring and mineral waters: providing a rare combination of minerals which have been linked to many health benefits and optimum hydration. You can drink easy knowing this water is free of additives and chemicals and full of lithia, magnesium, potassium, sodium and calcium.

The WaterBox will help you to reduce your environmental footprint with 85% less packaging than water bottles (500 mL). Plus it's totally portable so you can enjoy it anywhere. Freeze your WaterBox overnight and bring it along wherever your weekend takes you! 

Highlights:
  • Canada's award winning lithia water
  • Proprietary blend of two BC springs
  • Naturally alkaline
    • Ideal pH for the body - 7.4 pH 
  • Naturally-occuring electrolytes and minerals
    • Lithia, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium and Calcium
  • Free from any additives or chemicals 
  • 100% recyclable and BPA free
  • 85% less plastic than bottles (500mL)
  • Portion control tap
  • Sourced and boxed in BC, Canada
  • Take it anywhere; pantry, fridge, car, cottage, soccer game, camping etc.

My experience:

After trying Happy Water I'm wondering how much filtering my fridges filter is actually doing as the Happy Water taste was so pure & clean! I also love the added benefits of Happy Water; including the electrolytes, mineral and Lithia. And, I feel so good knowing that I'm putting all that good stuff into my body and none of the bad stuff.  I just couldn't stop drinking it and I finished the 5 litre box in 3 days! My friends and family all wanted my Happy Water and I had to fight them off from drinking all of it! We all love the packaging too, and that it's BPA free and has the ideal PH for our bodies. I think Happy Water did a great job with this product!

This product is also made in Canada, recyclable, and eco-friendly. I don't think I could ask for more!

Have you tried Happy Water? I would love to hear about your experience.

I received this product free from Social Nature for trial purposes. All opinions are my own.

Cheers!

Amy
xx






Friday, September 18, 2015

Covergirl LashBlast Fusion Mascara Review! #bzzagent




I recently had the opportunity to try out one of Covergirl's LashBlast Mascaras through BzzAgent.  BzzAgent one of the Legit sites out there that connects consumers with new products to trial in exchange for honest reviews. They are an international network.

Each Buzz kit contains a choice of one of four COVERGIRL LashBlast Mascaras:
    • LashBlast Volume
    • LashBlast Fusion
    • Clump Crusher by LashBlast
    • Full Lash Bloom by LashBlast
  • $2-off coupons to share the blast with friends and their lashes
I selected the Fusion mascara which claims to provide both volume and length, I mean why should I have to choose between volume or length? I want both, so the choice for me was easy :D  The product came in the colour, Very Black. 

Of course, I broke into the package and had to try it out the day I received it. I just love a good mascara as it can really open up and brighten your eyes. I have hooded eyes so for me a good mascara is almost like an eye lift or a "lift" for the eyes.

The mascara came with a rubber-like wand that is quite large in size. It went on easily and layered really well, not all mascaras layer very well. Within two coats I had major volume AND length! I did not have any flaking or transferring onto my hooded eyes which is a big deal for me. I felt this compared to Benefit's They're Real mascara, with one exception: the Covergirl washed off easily so I didn't lose any lashes in the removal process, another big deal for me!

Here are some pictures of the product and results that I got with just 2 quick coats. Note, that I do not have any eyeliner on, I wanted to give the product the true test to stand alone and see what it could do. The results were impressive! Ha, sorry for the scary close-up, but I really wanted you to see what this mascara achieved. ;)


I think the picture really is worth a thousand words. Again, I do not have any liner on and I did not put mascara on my bottom lashes- just a habit of mine.  I am really impressed!  ps. I'm still working on my selfie skills.

Have you tried any of the Covergirl LashBlast mascaras? Let me know what ones you've tried and what you thought.

And, if you're interested in trying out BzzAgent, they have my highest recommendation. No gimmicks here.

I received this product free from BzzAgent for trial purposes. All opinions are my own.

#GotItFree  #ABlastForEveryLash

Amy
xx

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