Pure Body Naturals 100% Peppermint Oil

Pure Body Naturals sent me a huge 4 oz. bottle of pure and natural steam distilled peppermint oil to review.  I wasn't really sure how I 'd use it but once I read the product description I knew I'd find a use for it.

First off, as I mentioned the bottle is huge. I think I may pour some into a diffuser and keep some of it at work. The bottle also comes with a helpful glass dropper.

Some days at the office I get a headache. I think the fluorescent lights bother me and...it's work!  After reading the manufacturer's description that peppermint oil could help relieve headaches, I opened the bottle and breathed in the scent.  Soon after I felt a bit better.  Smelling the peppermint also provides a calming effect.

The scent is strong and lasts a long time.  Other times with worse headaches I have dabbed a tiny drop of peppermint oil on my temples and on the back of my neck and have felt better within a few minutes.  

I am very interested in using this high quality oil in other ways.  Pure Body Naturals lists a number of ways it can be used.  I think I may add it to my face steamer to help open up my sinuses and for aromatherapy.  

I received this product for free for my honest and unbiased review. Regardless I only recommend products I think will be beneficial for my readers.


Info from the manufacturer:

Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans. NON-TOXIC. Highly Concentrated, Natural and Undiluted. It can help: • Help ease respiratory problems and congestion with aromatherapy. • Help Relieve headaches and migraines • Help Reduce and battle symptoms of bronchitis and asthma • Help Reduces dandruff and lice in hair. • Calm the body and help with pain in joints Relieves Headaches and Migraines. Peppermint Oil is known to help relax strained blood vessels therefore preventing or relieving headaches and migraines. Use in strained areas and pressure points by applying and rubbing in those areas. Relieves Stress. Reduce anxiety levels with the use of the peppermint oil with aromatherapy. The mint, sweet, menthol aroma will help relaxation in the body and mind.

InstaNatural Age-Defying Retinol Serum with Vitamin C, HA, and Plant Acids & Retinol Moisturizer with Vitamin C

I am always looking for serums or creams to make my skin brighter and keep wrinkles away.  I was able to try InstaNatural's Age Defying Retinol Serum with Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and Plant Acids.  I used it along with their Retinol Moisturizer with Vitamin C.

The results have been positive.  Sometimes when I use Retinol or Vitmain A my skin peels.  I find that using these products together my skin is well moisturized and I feel that my skin is looking brighter and feeling smoother.  Both  the moisturizer and serum claim they will help with hyperpigmentation and to smooth rough skin. 

The serum's key ingredients are 2.5% Retinol, 20% Vitamin C, 10% Hyaluronic Acid along with plant and fruit acids. It is not a sticky serum and has a pleasant citrus scent to it.  

The moisturizer contains 2.5% Retinol, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter and Green Tea; all of which I have read are good for your skin. As with other InstaNatural moisturizers, I love the consistency of this moisturizer.  It is a bit heavier than typical face lotions but not as heavy as a cream.  I find this very beneficial especially during the cold, dry winter months.  

I received these products free for my honest and unbiased opinion. I only recommend products I feel will be beneficial to my readers. 
  

InstaNatural Dead Sea Mud Mask

I have been very lucky to have tried many of InstaNatural's products.  The Dead Sea Mud Mask is consistent with the high quality and excellent results I've seen from InstaNatural's other products. 

I have used many mud masks in my time but I think this has quickly become my favorite.  The consistency is almost gel-like which is a huge improvement over the thick muddy clay-type masks i have used in the past. After you apply a thin layer it dries quickly and very much like other mud masks, you can see where it absorbs oil from your pores; for me this is in the T-zone.

The Dead Sea Mud Mask includes a nourishing blend of Organic Shea Butter, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Calendula Oil, and Hickory Bark Extract that provides unsurpassed moisture to soothe dry and irritated skin.

I have been using once per week and feel like it is helping to clean my skin without over drying.  I also think it is easier and cleaner to use than traditional clay masks.  

Much like other products from InstaNatural the container is huge and generously sized.  I also feel like I use less product because it applies in such a thin layer.

Find it here on Amazon.com


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.

Dr. Song Professional Teeth Whitening Kit 44% Carbamide Peroxide

Dr. Song sent me a sample of thier Professional Teeth Whitening Kit 44% Carbamide Peroxide for an unbiased review.  

Dr Song Medical is a medical cosmetic laboratory that originally manufactured products for professionals, doctors, and medical facilities. Dr Song Medical products are made in the USA and is FDA compliant and a provider of professional products.

I have used teeth whitening products in the past from white strips you can buy at the drugstore to similar whitening products in syringes from the dentist office with up to 22% carbamide peroxide.  I really liked using Dr. Song's whitening kit; as long as I followed the instructions because I saw faster results.  The instructions state to use the enclosed brush to paint the whitening gel onto your teeth to avoid getting it on your gums.  If you get it on your gums it will burn and you may encounter tooth sensitivity.  Thankfully I had also received a complimentary sample of Dr. Song's Remineralization Gel to help with tooth sensitivity that followed using their whitening gel. 

The first time I used the whitening gel I applied it directly from the syringe into the whitening trays and did experience some burning feelings on my gums and a bit of tooth sensitivity but felt that the Remineralization Gel was a huge help.  It is a blue gel that cooled the burning sensation of my gums and helped my teeth to not be sensitive any longer.  The second time I used the whitening gel I followed the directions to a T and had no issues with burning gums or tooth sensitivity.    

My teeth were whiter faster than normal and I like this because I can whiten my teeth fewer times. I will use this kit about once per month and feel that it will cut my whitening time in half.  I used to whiten with the gel from the dentist 2x per month.   

I should also note that the price is very competitive.  The kit with 8 syringes of 44% whitening gel, an LED light to speed whitening, brush and moldable tray costs $34.99 today on Amazon.com.  I usually pay about $75 for 5 syringes of 22% gel from my dentist office.

Another thing to keep in mind is that Dr. Song is very customer friendly.  The first sample of whitening gel leaked in transit. I simply sent them an email and the Dr. Song rep sent me a fresh kit immediately; they are great to work with.  I also love that once you place an order with Dr. Song they personally email you instructions on how to use their products.


About the item from the manufacturer:
Dr Song Home Professional Teeth Whitening 44% Carbamide Peroxide Kit

Maximum strength take home teeth whitening kit, the same ones used by dentists, but done in the convenience of your own home! Since this kit contains professional maximum strength whitening gel, it is not reccomended for use if you have sensitive teeth.

Includes:
• 8 large syringes of whitening gel - good for 50 applications 
• 1 large remineralization gel syringe
• gel applicator brush - for easy application of whitening gel 
• LED Blue Light Accelerator - for acceleration of whitening process 
• moldable teeth trays 

Find the Whitening Gel kit here on Amazon.com
Find the Remineralization Gel kit here on Amazon.com

***There is a flash sale going on Amazon right now (12/5/2014) where you can get 10 syringes of the whitening gel for $19.99; not incuding the brush, tray or LED light***



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.

Vaseline® Intensive Care™ Advanced Repair Fragrance Free

I was sent a bottle of this new lotion to review in an Influenster Vox Box.  Since the weather has been getting colder I have really enjoyed using it.  Between frequent hand washings and dry air my hands are especially dry these days.

If there is one thing I hate about lotion it's the greasy residue that some can leave behind.  I hate when I grab my phone or use my computer and there are finger prints and streaks left because of my lotion. I also can't go without moisturizing because the skin on my hands gets so dry starting this time of year.  Around my cuticles is the worst and my fingernails eventually get all dry and cracked too.  

that there are "healing micro droplets of Vaseline Jelly" in this lotion which is nice because sometimes at night I mix my normal hand lotion with petroleum jelly or coconut oil and apply it before bed. This lotion lets me skip a step.

This product is a great addition to Vaseline's line up.  It has always been a trusted brand for me and a solid choice for a hand and body moisturizer; especially in the colder weather. 

I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

InstaNatural Youth Express Age-Defying Moisturizer

I received this product free to try for my honest and unbiased opinion.

I have been using this moisturizer in combination with InstaNatural's Vitamin C Toner and their Vitamin C Serum with 20% Hyaluronic Acid Serum and really enjoy using all 3 products.  

InstaNatural uses all or almost all natural ingredients and you can tell the difference.  Their products either have no scent or rely on the natural ingredients for fragrance.  This moisturizer contains cocoa butter and smells lightly of cocoa.

The consistency is a bit thicker than other facial moisturizers I have used but absorbs really well and absolutely does not leave a greasy or oily residue.  

It is supposed to help with texture and tone of skin. I don't feel like it has clogged my pores and leaves my skin feeling well hydrated.  It is thick and effective enough to be used as an under eye cream and this is the area where I have noticed the best result without having to use a separate product which I appreciate.  

Find it here on Amazon.com

InstaNatural sent me this product for free for an unbiased review. Regardless, I only recommend products that I feel will be good for readers.

InstaNatural 100% Pure & Fully Refined Emu Oil

InstNatural Emu Oil was sent to me for free for my honest and unbiased review.  

Over the years I have read a lot about emu oil but have never tried it.  The oil has a history of being used on all skin types but especially to help those with sensitive, dry and flaking skin.  It is supposed to have anti-inflammatory effects as well to help with aching joints and muscles.

Every morning when I wake up my feet really ache.  I feel like my arches are dropping. Since I received the sample I apply it to my feet and ankles before bed and I think it's working!  I notice that the pain has slowly been decreasing and I am not wincing when I take my first steps of the day.The emu oil also makes my skin very soft and the oil absorbs quickly without a greasy residue.

I have also been having problems with one of my dogs.  Every year his skin allergies seem to get worse; they last longer and have become more severe and spread to larger areas. The poor guy has a bright pink belly, chin and paws all summer long and nothing I apply or give to him seems to work. He'd run and hide under the bed when he'd see me reach for the spray the vet prescribed.

A few weeks ago I started applying the emu oil to all of his affected areas and it appears to be helping.  His chin is the worst but one of the best improvements is that I don't have to chase him all over the house to apply it. I think because it doesn't have a chemical smell or synthetic ingredients he isn't scared of it and he must like that it provides him some relief.

Find it here on Amazon.com

From the manufacturer:  

InstaNatural’s Ultra Premium Emu Oil is 100% pure and fully refined, packed with powerful ingredients. It is naturally rich in unsaturated fatty acids and provides unsurpassed moisturizing benefits to the skin and hair.

• Can be used on all skin types
• Provides ultimate hydration for dry, itchy, flaky skin
• Reduces appearance of scars, dark spots, stretch marks, burns and other discoloration
• Has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe injuries, such as aching joints, sores muscles and sprains
• Nourishes scalp and hair follicles to rejuvenate and replenish hair

I received this product for free from InstaNatural for my honest and unbiased review.

InstaNatural Argan Oil Hair Treatment

This hair treatment was sent to me for free for an honest review from the nice people at InstaNatural.  I have really come to love their products.  They are all natural, seem to work and are easy to find at Amazon.com for reasonable prices.

I've used other Argan Oil treatments for my hair in the past.  The really expensive ones are full of synthetic ingredients and fragrances and argan oil is usually the last ingredient on the list.  This treatment and elixir contains argan oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, olive oil and shea butter.  I feel it does a nice job of protecting and conditioning my hair.  I use a tiny tiny bit on damp hair.  I rub 2 pumps of the oil into my palms after towel drying my hair and apply it to the ends of my hair. I think it does a really nice job as a heat protectant before I use my flat iron.  I am noticing significantly fewer split ends.  

I like the ingredient list so much that I find myself using this as a skin moisturizer as well.  The bottle is a generous size and I probably will never use it all if I only use it for my hair.

Find it here on Amazon.com

Thank you InstaNatural for sharing this free sample with me for my honest and unbiased review.  I only recommend products that I feel will benefit readers.

InstaNatural Vitamin C Facial Toner

I've been using this Vitamin C toner as a part of my skincare regimen for the last 3 weeks.  Toner has not typically been something that I've used regularly and I have been pleasantly surprised by this product.  I use it after washing my face and as a make up setting spray during the day. It has a fresh citrus scent and sprays on in a fine mist.

I like that it has sulfur and witch hazel in it and feel that it helps to fight oiliness.  

I especially liked using this as a makeup setting spray.  I just misted my face with the toner after applying my makeup for the day and felt that it helped keep everything in place longer than normal. I found myself touching up fewer times during the day.

From the manufacturer: "Our Vitamin C Facial Toner is the perfect way to tone and hydrate your skin while still delivering the powerful benefits of Vitamin C and other anti-aging elements. First, the sulfur in each spray will drive deep down to penetrate your skin and increase elasticity to maximize results. At the same time, the Witch Hazel present in the toner will gently purify your skin and pores, even helping to reduce their size and appearance. Simultaneously, Vitamin C renews and strengthens the skin to reverse the signs of aging and help prevent future damage. The Vitamin C Facial Toner is a great all-in-one hydrator that preps your skin to absorb serums and moisturizers more efficiently and effectively and is the perfect staple to add to your beauty regimen."

 I have found InstaNatural to be a manufacturer of products I really like using.  They are all natural and have given me the opportunity to try a number of their products.  Along with the toner they sent me their Vitamin C Serum For Face with 20% Hyaluronic Acid.  Of all of the hyaluronic acids I've tried I think this one is my favorite.  It is orange in color and a thick gel consistency.  Like the toner, it has a fresh citrus scent.  I feel like it plumped and moisturized my skin and is helping in my anti aging regime. I apply it after using the toner on clean skin.

Find InstaNatural Vitamin C Facial Toner here on Amazon.com

Find InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum with 20% Hyaluronic Acid on Amazon.com here

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.

Leather Nova Leather Cleaner, Conditioner & Cleaner, Conditioner & Restorer 

Wow I really liked all of these products and couldn't be happier!  I live in Wisconsin and we've already gotten a taste of fall weather so I've had to put away all of my summer clothes and shoes and get my boots out.  

A few weeks ago I made took a trip down to my basement armed with these products from Leather Nova.  What's great is that each of these products arrives sealed with a sponge, buffer or towel attached to the bottle.  I didn't have to use my own towel or rag.

The leather cleaner is a spray bottle of white unscented liquid.  A little goes a long way.  I applied to my shoes and boots with the towel and let it dry.  Once dry, I followed up with application of Leather Nova's  Conditioner & Restorer.  Immediately my shoes and boots were shiny and clean.  They really looked better and I could see where some of the old salt and water stains from last season disappeared.  

For some of my other shoes and boots I used the bottle of Conditioner & Cleaner.  This was by far my favorite product because it was one product to clean and condition the leather instead of having to use 2 separate products.  As with the other Leather Nova products, this one had no scent which was really nice.  I have always hated using shoe cleaners that smell strongly and give me a headache.  I noticed the same result with all 3 of Leather Nova's products and was able to clean and condition 15 pairs of shoes and boots in about 45 minutes. I liked the results so much that I used the Conditioner & Cleaner on some of my expensive purses which really seemed to give them new life.  I also brought the product to work the next day and cleaned and conditioned my office chair!

I'd recommend these to anyone needing to clean, condition and restore leather (jackets, purses, shoes or furniture).  All of the products come in very generous sizes that are sure to last a long time.

Find Leather Nova Leather Cleaner here

Find Leather Nova Leather Conditioner & Restorer here

Find Leather Nova Conditioner & Cleaner here

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.

Foxbrim Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Recently I've been testing hyaluronic acid serums.  In general I really like them as I feel that they restore a lot of moisture and suppleness to my skin without making me feel greasy or oily.

Foxbrim's Hyaluronic Acid is no exception.  It has a gel texture and comes in a bottle with a dropper.  It's clear with no scent but contains jojoba, msm, vitamins C and E and green tea; all of these are ingredients that are good for keeping wrinkles away and restoring moisture.  As Foxbrim promised with their 100% money back guarantee, my skin was not dull and felt very moisturized.  

After using it for a few weeks I can see how hyaluronic acid should be a part of my anti aging regime. I love it under a moisturizer and as a make up base.

Find it here at Amazon.com

#foxbrim

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.

Adovia Sulfur Soap

After trying another of their products, Adovia was kind enough to send me their Natural Sulfur Soap to try.  I have used sulfur soap in the past. For anyone unfamiliar with sulfur soap, it is fantastic to get rid of acne.  I have always used it as a spot treatment for pimples to help them heal more rapidly.  I usually just dab the soap with a wet cotton swab and apply the lather to pimples and leave it on overnight.  The reason I use it as a spot treatment and not as a regular body soap is that the sulfur can be very drying and create more problems.  This was not the case with Adovia's Natural Sulfur Soap.  

It is made with sulfur, dead sea minerals, olive oil and aloe vera.  It doesn't have a scent, which is also an improvement from my normal sulfur soap, because sulfur has a distinct smell, like matches.  I found this soap to be a perfect balance for my skin.  I used it both on my face and body.

Find it here on Amazon.com


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.

Body Merry Age Defense Eye Cream Review

I really liked this eye cream.  I have tried many in the past that weren't right for me.

This eye cream was the perfect amount of moisturizing, it wasn't greasy or worse yet drying.  It has a light fragrance and I love that it comes in a pump dispenser. For some reason a lot of eye creams come in a small tub which isn't always sanitary.

From the manufacturer: "We've packed in cutting edge peptides like Matrixyl-3000 and Tripeptide-5 with an ocean based Retinol and botanical Hyaluronic Acid. We know that's not enough – so we've added lots of antioxidants, organic vitamins and minerals, pure plant oils and botanical actives – Aloe, Witch Hazel, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, Vitamin C, Cucumber, Beeswax, Jojoba Oil, Tamanu Oil, Green Tea, Licorice, Eyebright, Avocado Oil, Flax Seed Oil, Rose Hip Oil, Lemon, Lemongrass, Vitamin B5, Lavender and Chamomile (to name just a few!)."

Find it here on Amazon.com


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.

Body Merry Cellulite Defense Gel-Cream Review

I was given the opportunity to try Body Merry's Cellulite Defense Gel-Cream.  It was my first time trying a cellulite treatment so I decided to use it on my thighs and upper legs.  

Find it here on Amazon.com

The product is a gel cream which confused me until I saw it.  It is solid putty colored and wiggles like gelatin.  It has a nice minty scent.  The ingredients are all natural and organic; some of the ingredients are seaweed, cayenne, Japanese Green Tea and menthol. 

You are supposed to apply twice a day.  I definitely felt the product working; the menthol caused a cooling and tightening feeling that lasted for 35 minutes post application.  It is recommended to follow a healthy diet and exercise routine to maximize results.

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.

Instanatural Argan Oil Hair Mask

I have been using Instanatural's Argan Oil Hair Mask recently.  It is a deep conditioner made from all natural ingredients; Argan Oil, Amino Acid Complex, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, and Vitamin B5. 

It has a pleasant smell. The package says you can use it as a deep conditioning mask or as a daily conditioner. I first tried it as a deep conditioner but have switched and now use it every time I wash my hair.  I have thick hair and usually go through twice as much conditioner as shampoo.  The product is a thick and creamy consistency.  I leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing and it makes my hair feel smooth and soft; much more than a regular conditioner.  I feel like it also helps to protect my hair from being styled with a hair dryer and flat or curling iron. Either I have fewer split ends or I can't see them after using this product.  

Click here to find it on Amazon.com

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.

Dr. Song Vitamin C Serum Review

I had the opportunity to try Dr. Song Vitamin C Serum and I really liked it. It is a clear, odorless, gooey serum that contains Vitamins C & E plus hyaluronic acid.  Vitamins C & E are antioxidants that help moisturize and prevent fine lines and wrinkles and deter free radicals.  Hyaluronic acid or HA is said to hold 1000 times its weight in water and is a skin plumper.  It is a naturally occurring substance that depletes as we get older.

I've heard that the serum works better if you apply it to slightly moist skin and then apply your regular moisturizer. Why?  Hyaluronic acid pulls moisture out of the air and onto your skin and can be drying for some skin types.  The addition of your regular moisturizer helps to seal the HA.

After using Dr. Song's Vitamin C Serum for a few weeks I can say that my skin is a lot smoother. My makeup goes on really nicely over it and my skin looks dewy and feels soft and supple.

I have heard that plastic surgeons recommend using this serum after surgeries to reduce scarring and to plump up the skin.  My skin definitely felt softer and smoother with regular use.


Click here to find it on Amazon.com

#drsong

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.

Adovia Natural Facial Moisturizer

I had the opportunity to test a facial moisturizer from Adovia.  I had never heard of the brand before but the moisturizer is made with Dead Sea Minerals that is supposed to last all day and be non greasy.

It is a white cream that comes in a jar.  I apply it after washing my face in the morning and before applying makeup.  The cream consistency is a little thicker than I normally prefer in a day moisturizer but I didn't notice it was greasy at all and I think it did a great job of lasting all day and acting as a primer for my makeup.

The scent is fresh and light and not overpowering and I enjoyed using it.

Click here to find it on Amazon.com

 #moisturizer


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.

InstaNatural 100% Rosehip Seed Oil

I recently discovered InstaNatural; a company that makes skincare products. I was able to test out their Rosehip Seed Oil and their Deep Cleansing Facial Oil. It seems like InstaNatural is having an aggressive sale on their products on Amazon. A 4 oz. bottle of Rosehip Seed oil is $23.95 right now and is regularly priced $49.95


The Rosehip Seed Oil is 100% organic and cold pressed and is supposed to help reduce the appearance of scars, acne and stretch marks and is a good all around moisturizer.


It has a slight nutty or seedy smell which reminds me of the smell of grapes. The oil is a bright orange and seems to soak into my skin rather easily without leaving a greasy residue. This is great because I have been using it on my hands and feet overnight. I wash my hands a lot more than usual because I have a baby in the house and have found my hands are a lot drier these days. I like that the Rosehip Seed Oil makes my skin feel moisturized even after a hand washing.
I also recently burned my arm on the oven rack. I didn't want to scar so I tested the Rosehip Seed Oil on my burn once the blister opened. Every night I apply a drop of rosehip seed oil and cover with a bandage. In one week I feel my burn is healing well-so much better than not using anything or covering with a bandage only. The skin is already shiny and pink and well on its way to healing thanks to this oil.

Click here to find it on Amazon.com

#InstaNatural

InstaNatural Deep Cleansing Facial Oil

I've used facial cleansing oils a few times before and was happy to try InstaNatural Deep Cleansing Facial Oil.  The directions say to use it on a cotton pad or washcloth or with your hands.  I prefer using my hands.

I dispense a few drops into my hands and rub into my face.  If I am wearing makeup it takes all of it off really well; even waterproof mascara.  I then use a washcloth and warm water to wipe the oil off of my face.  My skin is left super soft and smooth.

The scent is fantastic.  It is made with jojoba, olive and other oils.  I think the scent I notice and like so much is the Pink Grapefruit oil as it is really light and fresh.

Before I ever used oil to clean my face I worried that applying oil to my face would make me break out but I actually think it's the opposite.  The cleansing oil helps to break down other oil on your face and leaves your face well moisturized and protected so your skin doesn't overproduce oil that will make you break out.  I like using this as a part of my night time skin care routine.

InstaNatural Deep Cleansing Facial Oil is on sale at Amazon.com right now and is a great value compared with other facial cleansers and facial cleansing oils.  It is a 4 oz. bottle and seems like it will last a long time.

Click here to find it on Amazon.com

#InstaNatural


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.

UNi 100% Organic Pure Moroccan Argan Oil

I like to use natural and organic beauty products if I can and especially if they are effective.

A few years ago I tried some argan oil hair products but felt strongly I was paying top dollar for chemicals and scent.  I have read great things about Argan Oil.  UNi Argan Oil is cold pressed from unroasted Argan kernels and is considered extra virgin grade.

I have been using it on both my hair and my skin and have been happy with the results.

It has a light nutty scent that goes away after it is applied so it doesn't leave any scent at all.  I use it very sparingly when my hair is damp from a shower and apply it to the heat damaged ends.  Using more than a few drops on hair is not recommended as your hair will feel a bit heavy; not necessarily greasy.  I like that it makes my hair feel soft and I feel like the Argan oil is protecting the ends of my hair from curling iron and flat iron damage.

I have also used it in place of lotion on my knees, elbows, legs, hands and feet.  I like it the best for my legs as I think it lasts a long time and I have noticed my skin is softer after just a few weeks of use. I also really like how it has moisturized my cuticles.

I much prefer using UNi 100% Organic Pure Moroccan Argan Oil instead of Argan Oil hair products available at salons.  It is a much better value and I feel, a much higher quality product with more uses.

Click here to find it on Amazon.com

#argan


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.

Apothecary Extracts 100% Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil

Lately I have been trying to minimize the number of man made harsh chemicals I use in my household and unnecessarily on my body.  I have always loved tea tree oil and didn't realize all of its benefits. I think it is really clean smelling.  Among other qualities, tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and also antibacterial.

Apothecary Extracts 100% Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil comes in a huge 4 oz. bottle.  I don't think I have ever seen a bottle of tea tree oil this big before.  I got it from Amazon.com and have used it successfully in a few ways already.

First, I used some of the tea tree oil to make insect repellent.  I mixed apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil and water together in a spray bottle and spray around our screen porch to keep mosquitos and flies away from us.  They seem to hate the smell of both the tea tree oil and the apple cider vinegar.  I am relatively pleased with the results and am so happy to not have to use bug spray with DEET around me, the dogs and the little one.

I also used the tea tree oil to make homemade deodorant.  I am happy to report it works and I don't stink!! I've been wanting to do this for a while.  I have read a lot that the aluminum in deodorants and antiperspirants we use are carcinogenic.  Long story short I mixed up a batch of deodorant using beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter, kaolin clay, tea tree, lavender and orange oils.  I melted the mixture down and poured in to a sterilized deodorant container and am thrilled with the results.  The coconut oil and tea tree oil are both antibacterial and minimize the stink factor.  The clay is a wetness absorber.  The consistency is a little looser than store bought deodorant but I think my armpits are less dark than they used to be and are much softer!

Even after using the tea tree oil the way I did I have so much left in the bottle.  I think it's really well priced for the amount you receive and there are a million ways you can use tea tree oil.  When you buy Apothecary Extracts 100% Pure Tea Tree Oil you also get a downloadable recipe guide with over 50 ways to use tea tree oil.

Click here to find it on Amazon.com

#teatreeoil


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.

Review of Colgate Optic White Toothbrush + Built-In Whitening Pen

I received these products to sample via Influenster and Influenster's Target Spring Preview.

I have been using teeth whitening products for some time and have varied from using supplies available only through the dentist to over the counter products available at mass merchandisers.

The neat thing about this product is that the whitening gel is in its own pen that fits conveniently into the handle of the toothbrush.  This makes it more likely that you'll whiten your teeth in my opinion.

I can't really think of any negatives of this product.  I like the fact that the whitening gel doesn't burn my gums like other whitening gels I have used in the past and that its readily available for purchase at mass merchandisers like Target.  Also I really like that the gel is easy to apply and you can make sure to apply it in between teeth too.  This can be challenging with whitening strips.  Colgate's Optic Whitening Pen does not require you to use trays over your teeth which is a helpful feature.   You're not stuck at home with strips or trays on for any duration of time where you are limited in talking with people or going out.  I think the consistency of the gel is perfect too; it doesn't get all over your mouth and seems to disintegrate after a few minutes.

Another feature I like is that the toothbrush is different than a traditional manual toothbrush.  There are rubber nubs in the center of where you would normally find bristles give a nice gum massage.

I give this product a firm thumbs up!  I've seen it for sale at Target recently for $12.99.

As I mentioned I received samples of this product to try via Influenster and Influenster's Target Spring Preview promotion for free but these opinions are my own.

Thanks for reading!