Review and Giveaway: Reviyve Skin With Blended Naturals
By · CommentsWhen I choose body scrubs, I usually go for the sweet scents. There is nothing that’s more pleasing to the body and senses than the lovely scent of almond. I recently got to try two products from the Reviyve Blended Naturals line and I was more than pleased with my sampling. This line is designed to take extra care with ethnic skin, but I feel as though it would benefit any kind of skin.
Blended Naturals are designed to nourish ethnic skin...
...yet any skin type will benefit from the hydrating ingredients.
Spa Night – Step 1
I decided on a night that would be spa night and jumped into the shower to pamper my skin! First I rinsed with warm water (water that’s too hot is drying to the skin.) Then I used Reviyve Blended Naturals Moisturzing Sugar Butter Scrub in Exotic Almond. Sounds good enough to eat right? Well it was! The almond scent was subtle and I immediately felt the oils working to hydrate my skin. The scrub was not thick and contained more of the oils than sugar. Sugar makes such a wonderful scrub for the skin (I prefer it to salt scrubs.)
Silky smoooooth
Let me tell you, when I rinsed off, my skin was like silk. Organic oils really do the job in this scrub: organic sunflower oil, organic cocoa butter, organic coconut oil, organic shea butter, raw turbinado sugar, honey, vitamin E, and almond essential oils. I love that all the ingredients are natural with absolutely no synthetics at all. If you have extremely dry skin, you definitely need to exfoliate but this scrub does so gently leaving behind nothing but moist smooth skin. The scrub is also available in other soothing scents such as Peppermint, Orange, Lemon, Rosemary Mint, Pink Grapefruit, and Vanilla Black Velvet (sounds so yum!) It sells for $17.50 for a 3.5 oz jar.
Don’t forget to moisturize!
After you come out of the shower, be sure to pat skin dry. You don’t want to rub as that would remove all the healing oils on your body. Even though my skin felt incredibly soft and silky, I still used moisturizer after scrubbing and you should always too! I used Reviyve Blended Naturals Organic Shea Butter Balm in Lemon. After I used it, I smelled like a lemon meringe pie! It’s based on organic shea butter so it has a thicker consistency, yet melts when you apply it. It was the perfect conclusion to my mini-spa night. I adore the healing powers of shea butter and this balm also contains organic sunflower oil and lemon essential oil. It doesn’t take a lot of ingredients for a product to work and this balm proves that with only 3. Simplicity is sometimes best when it comes to choosing skin care products.
Silky soft legs are your destiny with Blended Naturals Shea Butter Balm. Win it...see below!
Overall, I really liked these two products, even though the scrub was not as thick as the scrubs I am used to using. The body balm was so hydrating and I’d recommend it for all skin types, but especially extremely dry skin. The Blended Naturals website is also very easy to use and even remembers the last products you visited! Also check out the blog for great skin care tips.
Giveaway time!
Win it!
Since I got to try out Blended Naturals…why shouldn’t you? I’ve teamed up with Reviyve to offer you a great “Silky Skin” giveaway! Win a full sized Shea Butter Balm- it will be the unscented variety, but you can add your own essential oils or if you’re more sensitive to scents, leave it as is. You will still have gorgeously silky skin! Can’t wait to win it? Reviyve is offering a special discount for Toxic Beauty Blog readers, so visit Blended Naturals to browse.
See below for the giveaway entry instructions.
Mandatory entry:
Subscribe to the Toxic Beauty newsletter here. You must also confirm your subscription to be eligible to win the giveaway. Sign up below!
Already subscribed? See below for additional and extra entry options! Please leave a comment for each entry you’ve used.
- Visit my other blog All About Aubrey Organics and subscribe for free e-mail or RSS updates. This method allows you five additional entries!
- Tweet this giveaway. Copy and paste “@organicgirl6 @Reviyve Organic Shea Butter Balm Giveaway! http://toxicbeautyblog.com/giveaways/blended-naturals” Then come back and leave a direct link to your tweet. (go to your twitter account, click on the words when your tweet was sent (ie. 5 seconds ago) and copy and paste that link in comments.) This can be done once a day.
- Share this giveaway on Facebook, Delicious, Digg, Reddit, Mixx, Stumble Upon, Friend Feed, Linked In or any social networking site. Leave a comment with your name and a link to the “share.” You can do this daily as well. This is good for two entries.
- Write a post on your blog linking to this giveaway – Good for five entries! Leave this comment five times so you get all five entries.
- Add Toxic Beauty Blog’s button to your blog or link to your blog roll. See the sidebar for the code. Good for two entries. Leave your comment twice to get both entries.
The following are good for one entry each (tip: open links in a new tab, so you can keep this page open):
6. “Like” Toxic Beauty Blog on Facebook.
7.“Like” Blended Naturals on Facebook.
8. Follow me on Twitter.
9. Follow Reviyve on Twitter.
10. Sign up for Blended Naturals free Beauty Guide and Absolute Beauty Recipe.
That’s 10 ways to enter!
Giveaway Rules
You may enter this giveaway up until July 14, 2010 at 11:59pm.
This giveaway is not redeemable for cash and open to US & Canada residents only.
The winner will be notified through the newsletter and will receive prize from Reviyve.
Many thanks to Reviyve for sponsoring this giveaway.
Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!
Disclaimer: I received samples from the Reviyve Blended Naturals line to try. This review consists of my honest opinions and experiences after using the products. I was not compensated in any way for this review.
Retinyl Palmitate Debate
By · CommentsWe’ve been hearing a lot about retinyl palmitate lately. Just what is it and what is it alleged to do? Retinyl palmitate is an ingredient found in many sunscreens and skin products. It’s a form of Vitamin A that over the years has been shown to be very beneficial to the skin. Now, studies are showing otherwise. The FDA has just finished up a study (although it has not been released yet) about the effects of retinyl palmitate on the skin, using mice as their test subjects. Their findings suggest that RP stimulates lesion and tumor growth when in direct sunlight. And this is in many sunscreens, which is designed for use in direct sunlight! Read more about it here: EWG Retinyl Palmitate
I also found out that retinyl palmitate (third to last ingredient) was in my favorite sunscreen, Dr. Mercola’s Natural Sunscreen with Green Tea. So I went right to the horse’s mouth for a response on this. I completely trust Dr. Mercola to use the safest and purest ingredients in his products and I wanted to hear what he had to say. Here is Dr. Mercola’s answer:
“The use of the word retinyl palmitate can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and cause confusion between retinyl palmitate and retinoic acid. Both of these are of the same family, but retinoic acid is a prescription ingredient used to exfoliate the skin, and can also cause the skin to become hyper sensitive to sunlight. Retinyl palmitate (vitamin A) on the other hand, is the normal form used for application on the skin and has great anti-aging, superb antioxidant and moisturizing capabilities. It accelerates cell renewal and stimulates the fibroblast and collagen in the skin, thereby reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Due to its antioxidant properties, it is also a great anti-aging ingredient, and helps promote a softer smoother skin. The topical application of vitamin A on the skin, when formulated into creams and lotions, has a host of positive effects on the skin, which includes:
Increases the activities of enzymes found in the skin
Stimulates the mitotic activity in the epidermis and thereby helps with the process of cell division
Stimulates cell proliferation in the epidermis and thereby stimulates growth
Helps to thicken the epidermis, which becomes thinner in aging
Improves the elasticity of the skin
Helps to normalize sun-damaged skin
Helps in wound healing
Stimulates collagen formation in the skin
Reduces UV-induced wrinkle formulation
Regulates keratin formation
Exposure to sunlight, which includes both UVA and UVB radiation, reduces the amount of Vitamin A not only in the skin, but also the blood.”
So there you have it. How many times over the years have we read and trusted the things Dr. Mercola has to say? In the toxic beauty world, the next toxic ingredient is always uncovered and sometimes all it takes to quell the panic is to do a little research. Want a little more? Read this ehow article: Difference Between Retinyl Palmitate and Retinol…it may shed a bit more light on this subject. For me, I will continue to use his sunscreen and believe in Dr. Mercola. As for you, it’s always your choice.
Did you sign up for the all new Toxic Beauty Blog newsletter yet? Stay in touch and get the latest product and ingredient alerts as well as first notice on specials, sales, and giveaways! Sign up below and be sure to confirm your subscription!
Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!
Happy Father’s Day!
By · CommentsI just wanted to take a moment to wish the fathers, brothers, uncles, and grandpas a very happy Father’s Day…even though it’s a few days early. I just published a new blog post on my other blog, All About Aubrey Organics, on how important it is for the men in our lives to learn about the toxins they’re exposing to themselves each day through their use of personal care products. Fortunately, safer organic alternatives exist. I invite you to visit All About Aubrey Organics to read more.
Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!
Help Pure Natural Diva Win a Show On Oprah!
By · CommentsHelp Support Pure Natural Diva!
The author of one of the most awesome eco-blogs, Tania Reuben of Pure Natural Diva, has a chance to win her very own health and wellness show on Oprah Winfrey’s TV network! As I truly admire what Tania does on a daily basis to help the world go green, I am proud to support her efforts and I urge you all to do so as well. Read on to find out how you can help Tania win!
Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!
Oprah’s new network OWN has created a contest and the winner will get their own talk show. Tania Reuben was inspired by her blog – Pure Natural Diva – to enter the contest. Pure Natural Diva is an informational site dedicated to Whole Living with Style and Ease.
The show – Pure Natural Diva Live – will cover the same topic. Simple Solutions to help people live greener, healthier lives.
Vote for Tania!
This is a hardcore competition with high stakes. The current leader of the contest is Rener Gracie – he has the entire Ultimate Fighting Community voting for him – in two weeks he’s gotten over a million votes. As a blogger I am thrilled to support Tania and leverage the power of social media to make her a contender! She has a great mission, a wonderful site and a her show has the potential to create meaningful change in our country.
One voter had this to say on the Oprah site:
”We need Pure Natural Diva Live! America needs this show! I love that Tania is a mom who wants to make a difference in all our lives. She has passion and really dives into the issues, makes you feel passionate too about wanting to make changes in your own home and life. In addition to being a hilarious and genuine person she is incredibly smart. Tania has invested her heart & soul in Pure Natural Diva….out of not just her own family & personal needs but seeing a genuine need in all of our lives & in society today Please pick Pure Natural Diva Live to be an Oprah show!”
View Tania’s audition here and don’t forget to vote – Click here to vote for Tania.
Her website can be found here – www.purenaturaldiva.com
Product Review: Made From Earth
By · CommentsWhat do you envision when you hear the word, “earth?” I see beautiful trees, flowers, herbs, and natural elements. We absorb the earth’s healing energy when we connect with the earth and this is something missing in many people’s life. What is a way you can reconnect with “Mother Earth?” Through your beauty routine!
I recently discovered Made From Earth. Made From Earth products are organic, holistic, and healthy. Their products use pure ingredients from the earth to help renew the skin and slow down the effects of aging. Their products are also USDA organic. What you will NOT find in the Made From Earth line: petrochemicals, phthalates, parabens, sulfates, and fragrance. The Made From Earth line includes organic body lotions, organic face creams, and organic lip balms. It’s wonderful to find another eco-conscious beauty brand providing safer alternatives to consumers.
Now on to my review….I sampled 6 products from the Made From Earth line.
Vitamin Enhanced Moisturizer
Vitamins are so healthy for the skin and Made From Earth has integrated some of the most beneficial vitamins into this fabulous moisturizer. Antioxidants and bioflavanoids help fight free radical damage (the major enemy of the skin!) I used it every morning and my face was soft and moisturized. I found that just a little dab was enough to moisturize my entire face. It is a bit pricey at $74.99 for 2 oz., but remember you only have to use a little bit so it should last you a while. The ingredients are incredibly therapeutic:
Ingredients:
Organic Aloe Vera Juice, Avocado Oil, Organic Rooibos Tea Extract, Organic Jojoba, Emulsifying Wax NF, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Vitamin E, Vitamin C Ester, Pro-Vitamin B5, Xanthan Gum, Vitamin A, Willowbark Extract, Rosemary.
Vitamin Enhanced Face Firming Serum
This rich serum has anti-aging properties most beneficial for aging and extra dry skin. The main ingredient is DMAE, which has been shown in clinical tests to actually firm and tighten skin! I didn’t use this as much as I did the moisturizer but the few times I did, I felt it working. It’s more reasonable priced at $39.99 so if face firming is your need, I’d go for this product before the moisturizer. Check out the contents:
Ingredients:
Rose Distillate, Aloe Vera Juice, Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Organic Bilberry Extract, Organic Sugar Cane Extract, Organic Sugar Maple Extract, Organic Orange Fruit Extract, Organic Lemon Extract, Organic Cranberry Extract, Vitamin E, Vitamin C Ester, CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10), Beta Carotene (Pro Vitamin A), Retinol Palmitate (Vitamin A), Alpha Lipoic Acid DL- Thioctic Acid, d-Calcium Pantothenate (Panthenol Vitamin B5), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Carrot Oil, Milk, Polysaccharide gum.
Olive is so nourishing for the skin.
Olive Night Cream
This rich moisturizer is designed for dry and mature skin. Even though my skin doesn’t really meet either criteria, I still enjoyed this night cream. I love the fact that Made From Earth makes different moisturizers for day and night. The skin has different needs at different times of day. Olives are so beneficial for the skin, imparting antioxidants and vitamins which renew and repair skin from daily environmental pollutants. Olive products stimulate cells and return skin to a firmer, healthier state as you sleep. This night cream contains both olive oil and olive butter. I used this before going to bed and it hydrated my skin perfectly. It’s now on sale for $27.00 (normally sells for $39.99) for 2oz.
Ingredients:
Aloe barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Juice, Olea europaea (Organic Olive) Oil, Emulsifying Wax NF, Olea europaea (Olive) Butter, Palm Stearic Acid, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Azadirachta indica (Neem) Oil, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Oleoresin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid.
Pure Aloe Face Treatment
I adore aloe as a skin treatment and Made From Earth has tapped into the healing powers of aloe with this product. This is a potent and pure treatment and should only be used 2-3 times per week. It combats the daily effects of sun damage and moisturizes the skin intensely. It also provides enzymes and vitamins to further heal the skin. It’s affordably priced at $22.99 for 2 oz.
Ingredients:
Organic Aloe Vera Juice, Organic Rooibos Tea Extract, Emulsifying Wax NF, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Organic Olive Oil, Palm Stearic Acid, Organic Jojoba Oil, Avocado, Witch Hazel, Vitamin E, Black Willowbark Extract, Rosemary Oleoresin, Neem Oil.
Get your free lip balm!
Lip Balm
This is the product which I used the most. I am always applying lip balm, especially before I put lipstick or lip gloss on. It just provides a nice base. The lip balms I used were the Blueberry and the Spearmint. My fave was the Spearmint! The lip balm really glides on smoothly and leaves your lips very soft and moisturized. Sometimes, I didn’t even need to use anything else but the balm. Other lip balm flavors include Citrus, Mocha, and Vanilla. Yum! The best part about these organic lip balms is that if you lick your lips, you’re not ingesting anything toxic. They are only $4.99 each. The ingredients are sourced from….yes, you guessed it, the earth! Peep the nourishing ingredients:
Ingredients:
Organic Sun flower Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Spearmint Essential Oil, Vitamin E, Rosemary Extract, Organic Calendula.
A Special Discount for Toxic Beauty Blog Readers
Even though it was my birthday recently, I want to give you, my valued readers, a gift. I have arranged a special discount code for Made From Earth available to Toxic Beauty Blog readers only. You can receive a FREE Citrus Fresh lip balm with any order (no minimum!) Simply enter the code “toxicbeauty” (all one word) to receive the lip balm absolutely free! You don’t even need to add it to your cart. It will be added to your order automatically. If you take advantage of this great deal, leave me a comment to let me know which products you decided to try. I am sure you will love the products from Made From Earth. I surely did!
Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!
Disclaimer: This product review consists of my honest reflections after using the Made From Earth products. Even though I received product samples for free, I was not paid for this review and I am not an affiliate of Made From Earth.
