Beauty Review: Instanatural Vitamin C Serum and Moisturizer

My latest beauty adventure with Instanatural is this citrusy combo of Vitamin C Serum and Vitamin C Moisturizer.  Vitamin C is known to have powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals in the environment to protect your skin from sun exposure and UV rays.  Both the serum and the moisturizer contain a whopping 20% dose of Vitamin C that helps fight those nasty signs of aging such as wrinkles, discoloration, and dryness.  Other key ingredients include:

*5% Niacinamide

*5% Hyaluronic Acid

*Plant Stem Cells

*Argan Oil

*Peptide Complex

The serum has a thick consistency and a light, citrusy scent that I really enjoy.  Some may not like the scent so be aware that you can definitely smell the Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil that is in the serum.  The serum absorbs quickly in the skin and makes my face feel soft and hydrated, though it is absolutely necessary to follow with an actual moisturizer.

The moisturizer is also very thick, creamy, and nourishing.  Unlike the serum, the moisturizer has almost no scent at all.  So if you do not like the citrusy scent of the serum, you will still like the moisturizer.  This moisturizer is so thick that it takes awhile for it to absorb into the skin.  I typically do the serum and moisturizer on my face, my neck, and (must not forget) my décolletage.  

There are many things that I love about Instanatural products.  I will list a few of them here because I think they are worth mentioning.  

~They always use natural, organic ingredients

~Cruelty-free

~Alcohol, sulfate, and paraben free

~Made in USA

~100% lifetime satisfaction money back guarantee

~Free returns

If you are interested in trying their products click here.  You can also get free shipping with orders over $25.  

*Sponsored by BrandBacker but, as always, the review is mine.

hyperbiotics PRO-Immune

It is officially winter.  Currently the temperature is 8 degrees F and the snow is falling.  By this time of year I usually have a lingering cold that will not allow me to fully function, at work or play.  I have always blamed my weak immune system on my job.  As a social worker, I spend a lot of my time in a home setting where illness breeds and gives me an unwelcome and stubborn cold for approximately 4 months out of the year.  Not fun.

BrandBacker and Hyperbiotics gave me the opportunity to try a bottle of hyperbiotics PRO-Immune Advanced Immune Formula to sample and review.  It is a difficult thing to measure, as we cannot see our immune system but I can honestly give you the following information.
I have not had a single sniffle since taking hyperbiotics PRO-Immune.  That is my evidence.  Not only because I am typically feeling sick mid-December, but also because a nasty cold and flu has been spreading all around me.  I always know I will catch it sooner or later, but this one seems to have skipped me altogether.  I can't complaining about that!

Hyperbiotics PRO-Immune is a unique combination of Probiotics, Time-Released Vitamin C, Echinacea, Zinc, and 500 mg. of EpiCor.  Never heard of EpiCor?  I hadn't either.  EpiCor is a superfood that has 3 times more antioxidant power than any fruit that you have tried.  It has been clinically tested and has shown that it strengthens your immune system and works as an anti-inflammatory.  Check out the cute little chart for more about EpiCor.  The Probiotics help to strengthen your immune system through your gut, where the bulk of your immune system is shaped.  PRO-Immune has 4 billion CFU, making it 15 times more effective than your average Probiotic.
Sounds pretty good, right?

So, PRO-Immune tablets bring good bacteria to your gut, fight off colds, and they also shorten the duration of your cold.  The other thing I really like about Hyperbiotics products overall is that they are all natural: no chemicals, no preservatives, no artificial colors.  That is how you treat your body well.
If you want to try hyperbiotics PRO-Immune click here to find them on Amazon or here to go straight to their website.  If you purchase them on Amazon this week you can get 1 bottle free when you buy 1 bottle.  Use code R2HZUFLF  at checkout.
*Sponsored by BrandBacker

Zenwise Hair Growth Supplement

I was cursed with painfully thin hair.  Not only is it thin, but it is also fine…not a good combination.  My hair falls out in chunks when I brush it and I am constantly using TONS of product to thicken it up.  BrandBacker and Zenwise Labs recently gave me the opportunity to test a few of their products, in exchange for my honest review, and one of these products is Hair Growth Vitamins + DHT Blocker.

First, a little information about the company.  Zenwise is an online distributor of all-natural supplements to improve your everyday life.  All of their products are made in the USA and GMP certified.  This means you can be sure the supplements are high quality.  This brings me to the ingredients.


Zenwise Hair Growth Vitamins are filled with 27 wonderful ingredients including Biotin, Grapeseed Extract, Pumpkin Seed, and Ginkgo Biloba Leaf, to name a few.  Just 2 Hair Growth Vitamins has 5000mcg of Biotin.  That is 1667% of your daily recommended value.  Scientific studies have shown that Biotin improves hair growth, shine, and density.  It is also shown to support the health of skin, nails, digestive system, metabolism, and cells.  The DHT Blocker is also known to help skin retain moisture and and maintain smoothness.  You want more?  These vitamins are gluten free and 100% free of junk ingredients, that means no fillers in this supplement, and has no artificial colors or sweeteners.  That is some good stuff!

Now for my review.  Because I have been taking the supplement for a few weeks, I can honestly say that I have noticed a difference.  My hair looks and feels healthier and I have noticed that less of my hair falls out in the shower and in my brush.  This is a big deal for anyone with fine hair who feels a little bit of heartbreak every time you brush your hair.  Would I purchase this product again?  Absolutely I would.  And I recommend you do too if you want thicker, fuller, healthier hair. *Powered by BrandBacker

InstaNatural Age-Defying Serum

InstaNatural is an online distributor of nature inspired beauty products. They aim to use natural, organic ingredients to make quality products for you and me. They also back their product 100% so if you are not satisfied, they will take care of you. Through BrandBacker I received a free 1 oz. bottle of their new Age-Defying Retinol Serum. If you have not tried a serum, this is a must. I recommend the following routine: apply the serum at night after washing your face and applying toner. Finish with a good moisturizer after the serum dries. Your skin will feel luxuriously silky and smooth. As far as serums go, this one is a winner. It has the most refreshing, yet mild, citrusy scent and goes on oh so lightly. The serum absorbs quickly and leaves my skin feeling so refreshed and not at all oily. But that's not all. InstaNatural's Age-Defying Serum is filled with nutrients and antioxidants that nourish your skin while also making it look and feel healthier and younger. One of my major problems is that I am freckled and, as a result, am more susceptible to age spots from the sun. I learned this after basking in the hot Mexico sun for a week. All of a sudden I looked in the mirror and it looked like I had dirt splattered on my face. But no it was not dirt, it was my skin. Great! These age spots are not pretty…and they are extremely difficult to get rid of. This serum contains 2.5% Retinol, aka Vitamin A. Retinol is highly effective in improving the skins appearance, including reversing sun damage and the signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, hyper pigmentation, and rough texture. Sounds pretty great, right? How about 20% Vitamin C? The Vitamin C repairs and restores damaged skin and promotes the growth of new healthy skin. Other ingredients include Hyaluronic Acid, which traps moisture for firm plump skin, Jojoba Oil and Witch Hazel, which are both ingredients that I just love overall. Plant and Fruit Acids also work magic for your skin. The serum is really just a tiny bottle of miracle ingredients that are natural and cruelty-free. Check out InstaNatural's website to learn more and see a longer list of ingredients. You will love what is in this stuff and you will love the light fragrance. Join InstaNatural's mailing list at http://InstaNatural.com to receive 15% off your order and start reaping the benefits of natural, organic beauty products. *One caution: Retinol makes your skin more susceptible to the sun so wear sunscreen. **Sponsored Post (but the review is all mine)

ChapStick® Hydration Lock Moisturize & Renew

Confession...I am addicted to ChapStick!  I always have been.  I hate the feeling of having dry lips and I am always reapplying ChapStick, lip gloss, or something to keep my lips moisturized.  That being said, Smiley360 and ChapStick® gave me the opportunity to try a new product for free. Smiley360 sent me the ChapStick® Hydration Lock Moisturize & Renew to test and review.
(The opinions are mine and mine alone.)

Now that I have had some time to use it I am able to say it lives up to the ChapStick brand name and is super moisturizing.  This ChapStick keeps my lips moisturized throughout the day, which is not an easy thing to do with unpredictable weather.  One day it is hot and sunny, the next day it is cold and windy.  I cannot keep up, but my lips are doing just fine.  Enough of that, now let me tell you a little about the product.

The first thing you need to know is that it has anti aging properties.  This is important and often overlooked.  We put serums and creams on our faces to prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging but why do we ignore the aging of our lips?  Do NOT ignore your lips, they lose moisture faster than the rest of your skin, which means they are prone to aging faster than other areas.

Now, there are two sides to this ChapStick.  The first is Moisture.  The Moisture side contains CoQ10 and Hyaluronic spheres that provide long-lasting hydration.  This formula gives lips a fuller and smoother appearance.  Who doesn't want fuller, smoother lips?  The Renew side contains Shea and Mango butters that are all natural as well as nourishing oils such as Coconut oil and Avocado oil.  This side conditions and softens your lips, making them feel extra smooth.  No matter which side you prefer, I like both sides equally, they are clinically proven to give you healthier looking lips.

Try yours today.  Click here for a $0.50 ChapStick coupon.

Studio Gear CC Cream

Just when I jumped on the BB Cream bandwagon, everyone started talking about CC Cream.  I was excited to try Studio Gear CC Cream through Brand Backer.  Now I can see why CC Cream has quickly replaced the popularity of BB Cream.  This cream is so smooth and light.  I mix it with a little bit of SPF facial lotion and rub it all over before putting on powder.  It almost acts as a corrector and a primer.  Studio Gear reports that the CC Cream fights signs of aging and restores skin elasticity.  I don't know about all that...but I DO know that I like it a lot.  It definitely brightens and moisturizes my skin.  I love the texture and the way it makes my face feel.  It really is moisturizing.  I recommend everyone make the switch to CC Cream.  It is a miracle worker!  Follow this link to get 10% off your order at Studio Gear Cosmetics.

Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara

The last item I want to share from my Influenster VoxBox is Rimmel's Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara, brand new as of November 2013.  This was another free item to test and review as an Influenster.  Mascara is one of those things that I feel naked when I am not wearing it.  So I take my mascara seriously, and this is a good one!
This mascara will make your lashes look luscious.  I like the brush on this mascara as it is different from others.  It is bigger on the ends, which I am convinced makes a difference on the effect on the lashes.  Retro is a great word to describe the lashes.  Think Twiggy's lashes, circa 1966.  My mascara trick is to wiggle the wand back and forth while I am putting it on.  Any other great tricks for mascara application?

The mascara tube pictured is not what you will find in the store.  This is a limited edition tube with Sworavski® Elements.  I pictured it here because I think it's pretty!  Click here for a look at what you will purchase, and the unique brush.