OZ Naturals ~ Ancient Orient Rice Enzyme Dermafoliant

I am always looking for new, natural skin products that work and OZ Naturals has not disappointed me yet! Their Rice Enzyme Dermafoliant is an entirely new product to me. I exfoliate on a semi-regular basis (meaning whenever I remember that I should be doing it regularly) so I was excited to try this product and get back into an exfoliating routine. The first thing I always look at is the ingredient list, of course. What I am putting on my skin I am putting into my body and I am always looking for natural ingredients. So obviously I was happy to see the extremely short list of ingredients including: 

~Bamboo

~Organic Rice Powder

~Green Tea Powder

~ Lactic Acid

The product comes in a metal container and is filled with a powdery substance with a texture that can only be described as a mix between salt and sand. It has a very mild scent that is fresh smelling, but also difficult to describe. By mixing the powder with a small amount of water, you create a paste. Then you apply it to your skin, very gently. You do not want to scrub too hard because it can be harsh, but that's how you get rid of the dead skin cells and renew you skin. If you exfoliate regularly, you have nothing to worry about. If you are a newbie, you will want to be extra gentle. After scrubbing, you will want to leave the paste on your skin for a few minutes to allow the lactic acid to penetrate your skin. My skin felt extremely smooth and refreshed after using this product. I follow it with a serum (of course) and moisturizer. It should only be used 2-3 times per week and you will notice a difference.

The only thing I do not love about this product is the cap that may or not be made of aluminum. It is not a terrible cap…and it looks fine (like a salt shaker). But it is somewhat difficult to open and close and does not feel secure on the bottle. The powder also leaks out of the cap a lot. Regardless, this does not change the quality of the product. And I would definitely recommend this product. 

To purchase your own bottle check out Amazon.

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ADOVIA Dead Sea Salt Scrub ~ Review

It is officially summer! My body and my skin has been hiding in winter layers for far too long and it is painfully evident. That's why I was excited to get the opportunity to try Adovia's Dead Sea Salt Scrub, just in time to pull out the bikinis and shorts. I definitely needed a good scrub down (followed by a good self tanner, but that's another story).

This sea salt body scrub is made with real dead sea salt. The fine grain salt exfoliates the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal newer, younger skin. It is infused with 21 essential minerals to deeply moisturize the skin while exfoliating. It also has a fresh ocean breeze scent that is just heavenly. It provides an invigorating boost to my shower and briefly takes me on a little mini vacation.  

Adovia products are made by goPure, a company that you know I love. They make it possible to pamper yourself in the comfort of your own home, using natural ingredients, and without breaking the bank. You can purchase a bottle of this invigorating scrub on Amazon.

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K9z Rule K9 Joint Relief Review

If you are a dog owner you probably agree with me that your dog is part of your family. My dog is officially considered a senior, hard to believe she has been in my life for so long (I guess I am officially old as well). She doesn't act like an old lady as she still has tons of energy and I often think of her as a puppy. But…her body cannot always keep up with her mind. While I know she wants to play all day and take hours long hikes, her joints are not able to keep up. When my Coco turned about 10 years old, I noticed some major changes in her daily walks and her ability to walk up the stairs. It was heartbreaking to see her in pain as she stared at my with confusion from the bottom of the stairs. Part of me thought this was just the next stage of her life and we would have to deal with it. I was convinced I would have to carry all 55 lbs. of her up and down the stairs. I am so grateful that this is not the case and Glucosamine joint supplements have changed her late retirement years. 

K9 Joint Relief is a Veterinarian recommended, superior quality, all natural hip and joint supplement. The company uses a highly palatable liquid formula because liquid supplements have been shown to have a higher absorption rate than pills or capsules. This supplement is super easy to use. You can add it to your dogs food or water 2 times per day. I was worried that Coco wouldn't eat if I added the liquid because she always knows when I have drugged her food (she will pick every piece of food our of her bowl to avoid a Benadryl when her allergies are bad). Not the case, she ate it right up. I love this product and I think Coco does too. Here are some of the benefits of K9 Joint Relief:

*reduces your pet's joint inflammation and associated pain

*improves flexibility and mobility and reduces stiffness

*repairs and rebuilds damaged cartilage

*promotes the production of synovial fluid which lubricates and cushions the joints

*helps maintain normal joint structure and function in healthy dogs

I love that the products is all-natural and that the company donates 5% of their proceeds to organizations that rescue and care for homeless dogs. Of course I love that my Coco no longer appears to be in pain and is able to take walks without her legs giving out. 

*I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review

Upbiotics Advanced Probiotics Formula Review

Did you know?

~Bacterial cells in the normal human flora outnumber our human cells by about 10:1 (eew)

~The GI tract is responsible for 80% of immune system health

~Overdosing probiotic bacteria can be as bad as insufficient probiotic bacteria in the GI tract and causes gas, bloating, cramps, constipation, lethargy, and depression (seriously?)

~Healthy levels of flora can cause major relief in daily living by:

• promoting daily relief from allergies, gas, bloating, and constipation
• improving digestive health
• improving immune system
• help controlling weight
• improving mood and energy level

Probiotics are clearly not just to regulate your digestion. It can improve your everyday life and make you feel better and more energized throughout the day. I take a probiotic every day and this particular probiotic from 100 Naturals has several advantages. These include:

~handpicked essential probiotic bacteria that naturally resides in the body

~optimized amount of probiotic bacteria to avoid overdosage

~controlled release capsule

~made in the USA by an FDA registered facility

I do think that taking this probiotic helps me feel better throughout the day and improves my digestive system. I have also been taking a probiotic regularly for about 1 year. In that time I have noticed that I get sick less often and the severity of my illnesses when I do get sick is minimal. I recommend everyone take a daily probiotic and this is a good version to start with, to avoid the overdosage that I didn't even know was possible.

*I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review

Trilane Retinol + Vitamin C Moisturizer Review

Healthy Directions is a new company for me. I have never tried their products before but I am so glad I got the opportunity to try this moisturizer and get to know the company. They started as Phillips Publishing International and published a newsletter with health-related advice from alternative medicine doctors. In 2004 the company was sold and was rebranded as Healthy Directions. The company offers doctor-formulated nutritional supplements and skincare products. They still work closely with knowledgeable and respected alternative medicine doctors to develop and perfect their products.

When I first tried this product I thought it was a serum (you know how I love serums!). Clearly I didn't read the label too closely before trying it. Though it looks like a serum it feels like an oil on my skin (I love oils equally as much as serums). Oils have a way of making me feel luxurious, like I have been bathing in Egyptian bathwater. I put oils all over my body and this particular oil is great for the skin on my face. It is light and smooth upon application and it has no scent at all. My face feels clean and moisturized and there is no need to apply another moisturizer after the oil. The oil is also gentle enough to use every day, or even twice a day. I use it in the morning and at night. A little bit goes a long way, do not use a full pump, so this bottle will last several months at least.

What does Healthy Directions have to say about the Retinol + Vitamin C Moisturizer?

• smoothes and evens out skin texture
• reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• diminishes brown spots
• gentle enough for everyday use
• speeds turnover of skin cells
• protects your skin from environmental damage
• minimizes and unclogs pores

This product has the power of retinol without the harshness which makes it great for sensitive skin. Added antioxidants leave your skin smooth, radiant, and youthful. Take a look at the picture below to see the benefits of some of the wonderful, natural ingredients such as cucumber, licorice, and squalane.

To purchase your own bottle click on this link.

Readers of this blog can also receive 20% off using the code SAVERETC

Don't miss out, this is some seriously good stuff.

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ADOVIA Purifying Mud Mask Review

ADOVIA is a unique skin care line, combining natural ingredients with modern science to formulate an effective blend of minerals and the finest herbal ingredients nature has to offer. These mineral-based products work to restore your skin's natural inner balance, allowing it to renew and rebuild itself to achieve visibly smoother, healthier and younger looking skin. ADOVIA's Purifying Mud Mask brings you closer to Mother Earth because of the ingredients that are responsibly gathered at The Dead Sea. I was excited to try yet another Dead Sea Mud Mask because I have loved using them in the past.

What does it do?

*Pulls out toxins and unclogs pores so your skin can breathe
*Pulls out excess oil while infusing your skin with needed minerals
*Improves your complexion by reducing blackheads, blemishes and acne
*Helps treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis

What are the key ingredients?

*Dead Sea Mud - packed with more than 26 minerals essential for skin health
*Aloe Vera & Chamomile - provide natural moisture to the skin
*Vitamin A & C - improve complexion and smoothes skin
*Other ingredients include Jojoba Oil, Primrose Oil & Olive Oil

This natural mask boosts cell renewal and revitalizes your skin while tightening your pores. As the mask dries it gently pulls out toxins and impurities known to clog pores and cause visible signs of agin. I love doing facial masks. It makes me feel like I have been to the spa, but without leaving the home and spending way too much money. 10 minutes out of my day makes me feel revitalized and refreshed while deeply cleansing my skin. Compared to other mud masks that I have recently tried, ADOVIA's is much drier. It stays in place very easily due to the dry consistency. There is no strong scent, just a natural clean smell. I love the way this mask makes my skin feel. I just wear it for 10 minutes once per week and my skin feels tight and refreshed.

Purchase it here to try it yourself!

*Sponsored by Brandbacker

Vita Sciences Maxabsorb Melatonin Sleep Cream Review

Melatonin is the natural hormone produced in the body that controls your sleep-wake cycle. Low levels of melatonin can be the cause of sleep disorders such as Insomnia and Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome. Travelers suffering from jet lag or swing shift workers (like me) can also benefit from a melatonin supplement. If you know anyone that has suffered from a sleep disorder you know how debilitating it can be. Our bodies rejuvenate and heal while we sleep. If you do not get that time to rejuvenate it can effect your entire being. 

Maxabsorb Melatonin is scientifically formulated to deliver the perfect dose of melatonin in a topical cream. Each pump delivers 3 mg of melatonin to your skin, and it can be absorbed anywhere from your feet to you neck. I have tried melatonin in pill form for many years to save me from my sleepless night. I like the idea of melatonin in a cream because a lot of people struggle with pills and it is easier to remember the cream. If I leave the bottle next to my bed I always remember to apply it before bed. The extra melatonin decreases the time needed to fall asleep, increases sleepiness, and increases sleep duration, while the natural ingredients gently moisturize your skin. I like using natural ingredients to help with sleep because there are so many nasty side effects to prescription sleeping pills. Anything that will help me regulate my sleep is good with me. Sleep is such an important time in my life and I am not a happy camper when I do not get enough of it.

*Sponsored by Brandbacker