Last Minute Gift Idea - Josie Maran Winter Dreams Argan Skincare Collection

Recently purchased a couple of Josie Maran skin care items, including the Winter Dreams Argan Skincare Collection and a full size of the Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47.  Sephora had coupons out to their Beauty Insider members that I used for this order, along with using Ebates with 4% back.

If you're looking for a last minute gift for a beauty lover, this would be an excellent choice.  I tested out the Argan Skincare Ritual Set a couple months ago and loved the products.  Hence why I ended up purchasing the full size of the SPF moisturizer.  For $39, this is an excellent value for products that are organic, contain no synthetic fragrance, paraben free, natural ingredients, gluten-free and also cruelty-free.

This set contains:
-1.9 oz Argan Cleansing Oil
-Small bottle of Pure Argan Milk Intensive Hydrating Treatment
-0.5 oz 100% Pure Argan Oil
-0.5 oz Argan Infinity Intensive Creamy Oil
-0.5 oz Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47
-1 oz Whipped Argan Oil Intensive Hand Cream

Cost: $39 @ Sephora

EcoTools Pure Complexion Facial Sponge Sensitive Skin

I have seen other konjac sponges and wanted to see what the hype was and not have to order one online.  Sephora has a one from Boscia, but it is $15.  Found these at Ulta and there was a buy one, get one 50% off and used the Coupon Sherpa app for an additional discount with my purchase. 

There are 2 options, deep cleansing and sensitive skin.  Both are natural, 100% konjac vegetable fiber.  They come sealed in wrap and are porous, but once you add water, it becomes soft and squishy. 

I tried out the sensitive skin sponge first for a few weeks.  Usually I would use my Clarisonic a couple times a week, but thought this would be a good option for the days I don't use it.

What the website says:

A truly exciting innovation from EcoTools and a new way to clean your face!! This Sensitive Skin facial sponge hardens when dry and softens to silky smoothness when wet! Just add your favorite facial cleanser and water. Wash away dirt, oil, makeup and leave skin glowing without over-drying or causing redness. Sponge is gentle enough to be used morning and night!

This sponge fits nicely in the palm of your hand.  Having a narrow point makes this easy to clean the corners of your face.  I lather up my face first and then use the sponge to cleanse.  I only cleanse my face in the evening in the shower.  I only splash my face with water in the AM.  To keep this sponge sanitary, you should dry this out after every use.

After a few weeks, the sponge started to feel hollow in the middle, then it tore.  :(  Inside it looked like the sponge was starting to fall apart.  This lasted only about a month, what a waste!

Cost: $5.99 at Ulta

Pros:
-Soft & gentle to use
-Inexpensive

Cons:
-Poor quality

Would I recommend this to a friend?  No.  The sensitive skin one only lasted about a month for me.  That was with proper care of letting the sponge dry flat after each use.  I don't have high expectations for the deep cleansing sponge and think that will last about a month as well.  I'll have a review on that once I get to test it out.  

Equitance Brightening Serum+Spot Corrector

Advertorial

My first VoxBox from Influenster!  I was very excited that my first to review was beauty related and skin care.  I have been on a skin care kick lately, trying out different naturally derived products.  Out of all that I have acquired, I did not have a specific spot treatment for dark spots.  Remember those freckles on my cheeks that are cute, but are actually age & sun spots.  Yes, those things.  *sigh*  This is my first impression of Equitance Brightening Serum+Spot Corrector and my first week's use.

Full sized product and booklet that describes all the products from the Equitance Brightening Regimen

The serum is more of like a cream that easily absorbed into my skin without any greasiness and best of all, no reaction.  I did do a swatch test on my arm for a night before testing on my skin.  I added this serum+spot corrector to my usual routine without issues.  In the evening I cleanse my face, then use eye cream, night cream and finally dab this around my cheeks, nose and forehead where there is hyperpigmentation.  What I liked first off was the scent.  Fresh and slightly floral, but more of a clean smell.

There are natural ingredients that are the stars to Equitance's Brightening+Spot Corrector including lineoleic acid for brightening, licorice for calming, glycosyl trehalose from tapioca and potato starch can help tone, cherry blossom leaf extract can soften rough skin, shell ginger extract can provide intense moisturizing and eggshell membrane for L-cystine to illuminate the skin.  

The microcapsules that hold the exclusive blend of brightening ingredients, helps to minimize the appearance of dark spots and discolorations as it improves the appearance of skin's tone and brightness.

There is an entire line to the Equitance Brightening regimen from Skin Radiance Dietary Supplements to Brightening Toning Lotion to support skin's inner and outer vitality.

What the website says:

This pioneering spot-targeting serum formula zeroes in on the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark discoloration.  It uses patented technology to continuously deliver the key brightening ingredient, linoleic acid.  With daily use, this essential step in the Brightening regimen, brings clarity, brightness and radiance to skin's appearance.

83% of women reported diminished appearance of dark spots

*Based on clinical study after 4 months. Study conducted and evaluated by dermatologist.

"a top 10 dark spot corrector"
review by Harper's Bazaar

"6 Beauty Secrets from Around the Globe"
review by Forbes

Cost: $125.00

Pros:
-Fresh scent

Cons:
-Pricey
-There are parabens

Would I recommend this to a friend?  I would like to use Equitance Brightening Serum+Spot Corrector for a full month before deciding if I would recommend this to a friend.  So far, so good and I am liking the results.  The only downfall I see is that there are parabens in this product and I am for safe skin care that does not include parabens, sulfates or pthalates.  Since the parabens are on the lower end of the ingredient list, there is less of this ingredient in the product.  

Thank you Influenster for starting this gal off right with a great beauty product!  I will be doing another entry soon with a comparison of the above before photos and after photos.

This product was provided for review through Influenster.  I have not been monetarily compensated for this item.  My write up of this product reflects my own opinion after a trial period and have provided an honest review.

@influenster @equitanceUSA #Equitance

Vain Pursuits

Thank you again to my lovely GinaismXO for introducing me to Vain Pursuits.  Watch her video Choosing The Right Skincare (ft Vain Pursuits) where she shares some of her skincare tips and even some yikes from past practices!

As I get older, I want to ensure that this mug stays glowing and healthy for as long as possible without the use of medical treatments.  I want to age gracefully, no frozen face here, but I do want to make sure that I'm not accelerating the signs.  Your skin is your largest organ and you want to ensure you're taking good care of it inside and out.  I have lessened the amount of items I use and have been reading labels more - no parabens, sulfates or pthalates when I can.  I was extremely excited to try Vain Pursuits skincare that is customized to my needs, wants and likes.  How many times have you been overwhelmed with the choices of just moisturizer?  I haven't found my holy grail of daytime moisturizers yet, but Vain Pursuits has introduced me to something else!

Similar to Gina, I do a swatch test on my arm first before applying any skincare to my face.  I haven't pinpointed what ingredients irritate my skin, but I know the telltale signs with the burning and itching, then bumpy texture for weeks.  :(  I had a reaction to some make up wipes recently that wasn't pretty.  I swiped each product on my arm overnight and waited.  The good news, no reaction!  I proceeded with a full week's use and had been in touch with skincare galpal Ruby throughout the process.

The facial moisturizer I used during the day and switched off with the day lotion.  This had a heavier feel to it and the scent included was fir and lime.  A bit reminiscent of cleaner, I did like the formula, but was not keen on the scent.  Ruby kindly noted that and updated my formulas to not have this scent.  As I have said, I'm big on anti-aging and she included ingredients to help fight fine lines!

Since I have combination skin that can be sensitive, she made the day lotion unscented, which I definitely appreciated.  With plenty of plant oils, anti-oxidants and vitamins, this formula is hydrating and anti-aging.  With the weather cooling down in the PNW, having a separate moisturizer before applying my sunscreen has kept my skin supple and protected from the biting cold.

Que the trumpets, I have found my HG night cream.  I don't get much sleep and Ruby noticed that from my quiz, so to ensure that my skin was able to get enough goodness from the few hours of shut eye, she packed this night cream with ingredients to repair and renew my complexion while fighting fine lines.  Since we have the heat on in the house, I had been waking up with dry skin, even after moisturizing before bed.  But this made my skin so smooth overnight and I woke up with glowing skin.  Love!  This also had my favorite scent out of the 3, lemongrass and cedar, so Ruby added a note that all of the formulas created would have this scent.

Cost: Trial kit $20 - which you will receive as a credit when you order a full size

Pros:
-Personalized skincare based on your needs and concerns
-Good amount to test with for a little over a week.  No foil packets here!
-Natural ingredients - I want skincare that is good for me and safe to use

Cons:
-Pricey - full sizes are a pretty penny.  Having the trial was helpful before making the decision on which product to order.  The full size price can be found on the description cards.
-No SPF in the moisturizers.

Would I recommend this to a friend?  The skincare trial was so fun and engaging throughout the process, yes I would recommend Vain Pursuits.  Sign up today at Vain Pursuits, take the quiz and then hang tight.  Understandably, with the amount of time they dedicate to their customers, there is a little bit of a wait before they can communicate with new customers.  Trust me, it is worth the wait!  Once your trial is completed and you agree on what you would like to order, your full sized items will become available for you to purchase.  You can even set up auto-renew for monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly, depending on your needs.  I will be ordering a full size of the night cream today and renew quarterly to start off with.  Eeee!  So excited to have found a product that I love and was created especially for me.

#vainperspective

Valentia Skincare Even Glow Serum

Advertorial

I had the opportunity to try Valentia Skincare's Even Glow Serum and did a full week first impression trial.  My regimen has been cleanse, eye cream and moisturize, basic and simple.  As I get older, I have thought about changing up my routine since I have seen changes in texture and brightness in my complexion.  I am not big on cosmetic surgery, but am open to using facial products help protect my skin and combat the signs of aging.

What the website says:

EVENS SKIN TONE:
Vanquish dark spots and skin discoloration, replacing uneven and ill-textured skin with smooth, wrinkle-free skin that leaves you looking flawless and ageless.

INCREASES GLOW & RADIANCE:
Revitalize your skin with essential fatty acids that leave skin smooth and visibly brighter. Smooth skin capable of reflecting light will give your skin a youthful glow and a brilliant shine for that well-rested and refreshed look.

ABSORBS RAPIDLY:
Moisturizes skin due to the capacity of the hyaluronic acid to absorb water, thereby increasing fluid between cells, giving your skin a smoother and younger appearance. This intense water absorption means no more dry, peeling or cracked skin, even in extreme weather.

BOOSTS COLLAGEN PRODUCTION:
The presence of Organic Rosehip Seed oil to support Vitamin C increases collagen production so your skin retains the elasticity responsible for a youthful appearance and prevents skin sagging associated with aging. Enjoy smooth and supple skin that takes years off your appearance.

REDUCES WRINKLES & FINE LINES:
Reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles with the help of our foundation 20 % Vitamin C. Special ingredients such us Hyaluronic Acid and Organic Sea Buckthorn oil work to plump up the skin, which reduces fine lines and wrinkles in the skin so it is smoother, clearer and younger.

Here is my bare skin just before trying Even Glow Serum.  Some fine lines under the eyes and those freckles, kind of cute kind of not, are actually age spots.  That is what happens when you're out in the sun!  I do use SPF everyday, but I do have a bad habit of sun bathing. 

With the lights on

Change texture noticeable on my cheek

After 1 week of use.  During the day, I just rinse my face in the AM with water, then I would apply Even Glow Serum on my face, neck and ears, apply Bliss Fabulous Everyday Eye Cream and moisturize after that with Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer.  I would say there is a slight difference in the age spots on my face after 1 week of use.  I did notice some drying around the corners of my mouth, which may been from the serum or might be due to the change of weather.  It is difficult to pinpoint without more time to change up the routine.  Another change in my skin was there was a different glow, it was brighter!  I will let the patchy areas clear up before trying again and determine if that might have been the cause and may just have to be careful about where I apply the serum.  

With natural lighting

Cost: $35 via Amazon

Pros:
-Light feeling
-Great citrus scent
-Absorbs quickly into the skin
-98% natural ingredients

Cons:
-May have caused some dryness

Would I recommend this to a friend?  Yes!  I am always on the lookout for safe, natural skincare and this has been a great serum so far.  There is even a satisfaction guaranteed directly from the company if you are not pleased.  I can see this bottle lasting for at least 3 months since you only need a small amount to cover your face and decollete, once a day.  The price is a bit steep at $35 per bottle +shipping, so this item would be an indulgent purchase.

#tomoson

This product was obtained through Tomoson.  I have not been monetarily compensated for this item.  My write up of this product reflects my own opinion after a trial period and have provided an honest review. 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.

Josie Maran Argan Skincare Ritual Set

I have been wanting to switch up my skin care and try to find better protection for my mug. Trader Joe's Nourish moisturizer has been a staple in my routine for a few years now, but was sad to see it show up as a 10 on ThinkDirty.  I think it is time to step up my facial care game.  

Dirty! :(

1.9 oz Argan Cleansing Oil, 0.5 oz Pure Argan Oil & 0.5 Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47

What the Sephora.com says:

What it is:
A three-step skincare ritual set for hydrated, healthy, protected skin. 

What it is formulated to do:
For healthy, balanced, hydrated skin, Josie Maran's Argan Skincare Ritual is the place to begin. Cleanse, nourish, and protect skin with this set of Josie's three bestselling skincare products: Argan Cleansing Oil, 100% Pure Argan Oil, and Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47. Each gentle, hydrating skin saver is packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids to make skin glow. 

The self-heating, non-greasy Argan Cleansing Oil hydrates deeply as it melts away makeup and dirt. It features Argan, safflower seed, and grape seed oils to cleanse the skin's surface and renew the complexion so that skin is left velvety—never oily, stripped, or dry. Nourishing and lightweight, 100% Pure Argan Oil repairs and replenishes skin while offering intense hydration. Protect skin with the all-natural, chemical-free Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47. Naturally scented and non-greasy, it’s infused with SunBoost ATB™—an innovative complex that promotes the effectiveness of the formula's natural sunscreens. Skin is left refreshed, hydrated, and protected. 

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates 
- Phthalates 

Clean!

Semi-clean - not bad.

Uh-oh, dirty. :(  The fragrance in this item is what makes it dirty.

Cost: $24 @ Sephora

Pros:
-Good set to try 3 items from the Josie Maran line
-Gentle
-SPF content is high in the moisturizer

Cons:
-The moisturizer has fragrance
-Glass bottles

Would I recommend this to a friend?  Yes!  Even with the fragrance in the moisturizer, I liked the products.  The cleanser cuts through make up and leaves my skin soft.  I have used argan oil before for both my face and hair and mainly use this one at night after cleansing.  The moisturizer does have some weight to it, but is absorbed after a few minutes of applying and only needs 2 pumps to cover my face, neck and ears.

Philosophy Magical Minis

New skincare trial! Yay! I used and loved the Lancome High Resolution Anti-Wrinkle Skincare, but I'm always ready to try something new. I ordered Philosophy's Magical Minis skincare set the beginning of the new year and have been using it now for the past 2 weeks and love it! So far, so good and no adverse reactions.

What Sephora.com says about Magical Minis:

Magical Minis™ ($97 Value)
What it is:
A complete regimen of petite essentials that reveal an enchantingly perfect complexion.

What it is formulated to do:
Discover the magic of renewal, the magic of skincare. This set's power comes from Philosophy's best-selling skincare products, designed with topical ingredients that promote radiantly clear, beautifully bright, and impeccably smooth skin.

This set contains:
- 2.0 oz Purity Made Simple
- 0.25 oz Help Me Night Retinol Treatment
- 0.5 oz hope in a jar
- 0.5 oz Hope In A Jar SPF 20
- 0.25 oz Eye Hope™ Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Cream
- 2 x Microdelivery Peels

Sans make up and scary! Here is was the condition of my skin before I started using this set. A few blemishes due to the time of the month, lack of a certain glow (I blame turning 30) and some other areas I'm not too happy with.

Mainly, I've noticed freckles aka age spots forming on my cheeks. Some may think this is cute, but not me, especially when they become more prominent. I take care of my skin very well, but as you age, you can't prevent everything from happening. This hyperpigmentation is caused by sun exposure and I will admit, I am a sun lover in the summer. I can't help it since we seem to have a lack there of in the 206 at times. Well, I do use SPF everyday, but I need to add some extra work to fade these spots. I'm hoping that the Help Me product will aide in speeding up the process.

Mask time! I was excited and curious to try this out.

Step 1

Step 2 - this had a tingly and warm sensation

What the mug looked like right after - a little bit brighter and rosier.

I think I have found my next skincare line. :) I really like the Purity Made Simple Cleanser. Very effective with just a little bit for use. That would be a first for a higher end cleanser to be endorsed by me. The scent reminds me of a Aveda Green Science Cleanser which is fresh and clean.

Cost: $45 for Sephora Beauty Insiders only!

Would I recommend this to a friend? YES! This is a great affordable set that will allow you to try a range of Philosophy products! I would even buy this again to have the smaller sizes for travel.