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My Nighttime Skincare Routine – Video Demo

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I’ve said it time and time again – I have sensitive skin, blah blah – yeah, I know, shut it already about the repeats, lol.  But it’s true!  And, because of this crazed sensitive skin, I usually keep my skin care routine simple and stick with the same thing over and over again with a few changes here and there when I find a product I like and want to incorporate in it.  Today I am going to be sharing with you a demo of my nighttime skincare routine that I do each night or a few nights a week and the products that work for me.

My Nighttime Skincare Routine - Video Demo

Check out the video demo embedded below or click here to watch it directly on YouTube.

My night time routine is very simple and includes a handful of products to get the job done.  First, if I am using makeup – I usually will remove it with either my InstaNatural Facial Oil or Simple Micellar Water.  These products are not shown here as I usually use them a small handful of times each week since I don’t use makeup daily.  Once all my makeup is removed, I then cleanse.

Since my skin is sensitive, I use a gentle cleanser that can be used daily.  I will either apply the cleanser directly to my face, cleansing with my hands and circular motions or a few times a week I will use my Foreo Luna as a cleansing tool (review here).  While the Luna is gentle, I cannot use it daily so I opt to using it about two times a week with Cetaphil which is my daily cleanser and one I have been using for years.  I use warm water to remove the remaining cleanser and towel dry my face by patting a clean towel on my face to remove the excess water.  If I am going to be using a masque this evening, I will usually apply that after cleansing and before adding my serums.

Next, I follow up with any skin care serums I’m using at the time.  I am currently using InstaNatural’s Age-Defying Skin Clearing Serum (review here) which includes 20% Vitamin C, 2.5% Retinol, 3.5% Niacinamide and 2% Salicylic Acid.  Due to my sensitivities, I can’t use Retinol or Salicylic Acid in my skin care often, but this particular serum doesn’t seem to bother me and it has been a favorite now for over a year.  I also use InstaNatural’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum with includes Hyaluronic Acid, Green Tea, Vitamin C and Jojoba Oil.  While I didn’t mention it in the video, I also added a new product to my nighttime routine from Paula’s Choice – Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum (review here).  Once I have finished applying these serums, I move on to my moisturizer.

Nighttime is when I use oils to moisturize my face.  While I like to use a few on their own – I am currently using a blend of oils I mixed up myself to include Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil and Argan Oil.  The blend consists of equal parts of Jojoba Oil and Argan Oil and 2 parts of Coconut Oil.  This blend keeps my skin hydrated through the night and moisturized so that I do not wake up with dry skin the next morning.  This is particularly important during the Fall and Winter months when my skin is the most dry.  I find that using an oil blend for nighttime moisturizing is ideal for me because these oils do not clog my pores and since I’m using it at night, it doesn’t leave me with a greasy feeling.

Once I have finished applying my moisturizer and serums, I then turn my Luna back on and use the Anti-Aging side as directed to help push my serums into place and get the best possible benefit from each with the pulsations that the Luna provides.

My Nighttime Skincare Routine - Video Demo

 

Each and every person has a different way that they care for their skin. While I love high end products, I try to also find skincare products that are reasonably affordable since I go through them so quickly.  The brands I mentioned in the video and in this post are fairly easy to come by and are priced pretty well considering how great they have worked for my skin.  But, my biggest advice is to use what works for you.  A product or products that work for me, may not necessarily work for you and vice versa.  Sometimes finding the perfect combination of products for your skin means you may have to do a lot of trial and error.

I’ll be back in the next few weeks or sooner to share with you my daytime skin care routine, which is quite different from my evening.  Stay tuned for that.

Signature HoneyDisclaimer:  Some of the products in this post were sent to me for review and consideration while others were purchased by me with my own money.  All opinions are 100% honest and unbiased and I was not paid to provide this post or feature these products.  Affiliate links are through out.

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Customizable Skincare With Paula’s Choice

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SPONSORED

 

Disclaimer:  This post is Sponsored by Paula’s Choice via Pretty In My Pocket.  All opinions are my own.

Over the last couple of years, I have been reading heavily about Paula’s Choice via trusted blogger friends and have had my eye on the brand since.  About two months ago, I took advantage of a sale that the site was having and purchased my first product – Skin Recovery Replenishing Moisturizer, which I have been enjoying.  Recently, I was given the opportunity to try more from the brand and to say I’m impressed would be an understatement.

Customizable Skincare With Paula's Choice

It’s taken me several years to get my skin in check over the years.  With many changes to my cosmetic routine and a huge overhaul in my skin care I learned over the last two years what works for my sensitive, Eczema prone skin and what doesn’t.  While I have found many products that work wonders, I am beyond ecstatic to have found a brand that is my “ideal”.  As I mentioned previously, I had already fell in love with the Skin Recovery Replenishing Moisturizer, so when I had the opportunity to have a skin care consultation with someone from Paula’s Choice and I got to try out more products from the line, I was not only amazed, but found a favorite.  The consultation lasted just a few short minutes, but in that time I learned that the original moisturizer I had from Paula’s Choice was a great selection for me it was nice to know that this service is available to me at anytime or available to anyone.  Since Paula’s Choice is committed to customer advocacy, education and helping people find the best products for their skin you can receive a FREE personal skincare consultation by calling 1-800-831-4088.

Customizable Skincare With Paula's Choice

I don’t really have breakouts, but being in my mid 30s, I feel like I tend to get hormonal breakouts especially during that dreaded time of the month.  Since I don’t use a specific acne treatment for these breakouts, it was definitely interesting to try something made for mild to moderate breakouts from Paula’s Choice.   The Clear Acne Kit includes:  Cleanser (177 mL/6 fl.oz.), Exfoliant (11 mL/4 fl.oz.) and Treatment (67 mL/2.25 fl.oz.).  The products in this kit are non-irritating and fragrance free.  But, since I have sensitive skin, I was advised to use start off using the products gradually, starting with the cleanser daily and the exfoliating solution and treatment about 2 times a week.  If my skin tolerated it well, I could increase the use of the other products four times a week.

Here’s what I did:

1.  I cleanse with CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser and started off using this product once a day.  This cleanser refreshes the skin without causing any dryness which is a plus for me with my Eczema prone skin.  It reduces red marks and prevents redness and also dissolves pore-clogging dirt which helps to leave your skin perfectly clean.

2.  Then I used the CLEAR Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution two times a week.  I applied this product like I would a toner to exfoliate the dead skin cells and to really clean out the pores.  I found after the first week, that I could not use this product more than once a week.

3.  Last is the CLEAR Daily Skin Clearing Treatment which I used to spot treat areas that were an issue or breakouts here and there.  A thin layer of the product takes you a long way and just a little is needed.  It dried out my little breakouts quickly and I love that I can pull this out during that time of the month when I may need it the most.

Since beginning the CLEAR Acne Kit Treatment, I have had to decrease how often I use the Exfoliating Solution and Skin Clearing Treatment due to my skin sensitivities.  Since I do not often have breakouts, I have been saving those for times when I do have a breakout or issue, but otherwise I have been using Pore Normalizing Cleanser as a part of my skincare regimen a few times a week.  In combination with the CLEAR system, I have been using the Skin Recovery line.

Customizable Skincare With Paula's Choice

The Skin Recovery products are perfect for normal, dry and very dry skin.  They are clinically proven to be non-irritating and are 100% fragrance free with no added dyes which makes them perfect to use on my very sensitive Eczema prone dry skin.  I have been loving these in combination with the CLEAR line and since the Replenishing Moisturizer has already been a favorite, it works well with the Acne line to keep my skin moisturized.

1.  I use the CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser as my daily cleanser or incorporate the cleanser I was already using from my personal skincare stash.

2.  For daily use I then incorporate the Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner which helps to hydrate my dry skin and calms my skin sensitivities.

3.  After cleansing and toning, I apply the Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum (which I LOVE).  I can use this product daily and it feels wonderful on my skin.  It helps to fight multiple signs of aging and has Retinol in it but has been a great additive to my skin care.

4.  I finish my skin care regimen with a moisturizer.  If part of my night routine, I use the Skin Recovery Replenishing Moisturizer and if my day routine, I will use the Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 30.

5.  As I mentioned above, if for any reason I have a breakout or a pimple, I will incorporate the CLEAR line Exfoliation Solution and Skin Clearing Treatment.

Customizable Skincare With Paula's Choice

With sensitive skin, it can be a struggle to find products that not only work, but will not cost you a pretty penny to use them.  I love that Paula’s Choice products are pretty affordable and easy on the pocket book.  You are getting luxury skincare products for a reasonable cost and these products work.  Paula’s Choice offers a 100% money back guarantee (within 60 days) and you can find products for everyone including those experiencing acne, rosacea, aging and pores.  There is a product available for anyone and I think it’s wonderful that Paula’s Choice does not do any animal testing.  My sensitive skin has been loving their products – with no dyes or fragrances, this brand has become the ideal skincare brand for me.

Customizable Skincare With Paula's Choice

As a Power Primper, I am offering 20% off + free shipping with promo code:  PRIMPFALL20  to my readers. Expires: Dec 31 2015.  If you have never tried Paula’s Choice products or you are looking to add to your skincare stash – now is your chance.  Click the banner above or click here to take advantage of this great discount.

Customizable Skincare With Paula's Choice

Also – don’t forget to download the PRIMP app and come have some fun with all the beauty lovers.  You can read reviews on your favorite beauty products and more:  http://www.prettyinmypocket.com/download

Signature Honey

 

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ISA Professional Gold 24K XANADU Vitamin C Serum and Makeup Foundation Primer

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I am definitely “all about that serum life” and I am always looking at different ones to try out on my skin.  After seeing the packaging on this particular serum, I was sold in a blink of an eye… because it’s gorgeous.  The ISA Professional Gold 24K XANADU Vitamin C Serum and Makeup Foundation Primer is absolutely gorgeous and I wanted to share with you my thoughts on the product, it’s packaging and so much more.

ISA Professional Gold 24K XANADU Vitamin C Serum and Makeup Foundation Primer

ISA Professional Gold 24K XANADU Vitamin C Serum and Makeup Foundation Primer retails for $59.00 and includes 1 fl.oz./30 mL. worth of product.  This serum is designed to be the “Best Serum” for your face and can also be used as a makeup foundation primer that is weightless and helps makeup last longer.  Now – I couldn’t tell you if it helped my foundation stay on – because you have read it here many times – I don’t use the stuff… but I was still able to put it to the test with my regular face makeup like bronzer, blush and highlighter so I’ll be giving you my input on that.  This product is formulated with botanical ingredients, high tech science and real 24K gold.  It is said to moisturize, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, even skin tone, repair sun damage and give you a golden youthful glow.

Ingredients include: 24K Gold, Deionized water, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Collagen, Rose Extract, Hyaluronic acid, Creatine, Beta-Glucan, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide (Matrixyl-3000), Epidermal Growth Factor, P-anisic.

From Nature
* 24K Gold.
* Vitamin C – pH balanced and highly absorbable. Brightens skin, combats wrinkles and dark spots.
* Vitamin E moisturizes and heals.
* Rose Extract soothes the skin and gives the Xanadu serum a delightful natural scent.
* P-anisic from the spice anise.

Supporting what’s already in your skin
* Hyaluronic Acid captures and holds up to 1000 times its volume in moisture to your skin.
* Collagen to support your skin’s own collagen.
* Creatine supplies energy to your cells.
* Beta-Glucan boosts the immune system.

From High Tech science
* Palmitoyl Oligopeptide (Matrixyl-3000) is a peptide that specifically stimulates collagen synthesis and skin repair.
* Epidermal Growth Factor stimulates new cell growth.

ISA Professional Gold 24K XANADU Vitamin C Serum and Makeup Foundation Primer

Important Safety Notice: For topical use only. Not for use on mucous membranes. Do not ingest. Do not apply in, on, or around eye area. Irritation may result. If you do accidentally get some product in your eye, rinse with cool water.

ISA Professional Gold 24K XANADU Vitamin C Serum and Makeup Foundation Primer
I used this product by applying it once a day – though suggested for twice a day in the morning and evening.  A little of this product goes a long way and it has a gel like texture that blends out onto the skin.  The gold flakes through out the gel / serum do not blend out as quickly as I would have thought, so when I use this product, I really need to make sure I’m not in a rush and take my time with it or else I will have gold flakes stuck to my skin.  You can definitely use the product that way if you want, it gives a shimmer and gold look that is surely showstopping, but it is not my cup of tea so I make sure to blend the product out well and evenly.  The serum itself soaks into the skin really quickly and I didn’t notice that it was sticky at all.  Overall – when using this product, I tend to have a brighter complexion and I look much more radiant than without this product.  It definitely is something I would apply prior to going out on a date night because it gives me a great glow.  I skin feels soft once the product is set and I love the way it looks when I use this serum.

Now – let’s talk about how this works under makeup.  Like I mentioned previously, I do not use foundation, so I apply this product like I would my normal skin care serums in the morning and then let it set and soak in.  When I apply my blush, bronzer and highlighter to my face, I notice the product does last longer on my skin than it would if I used it without any primer and on bare skin.  I was amazed to get longer wear out of products that don’t last me that long – like my ColourPop Highlighters that tend to fade on my skin quickly.  After applying the primer, I noticed I got several hours of ColourPop highlighter wear against my skin which I enjoy.

ISA Professional Gold 24K XANADU Vitamin C Serum and Makeup Foundation Primer

I have been using this product through the summer months and found that it withheld quite nicely though the warm heat we experience here in Hawaii.  I didn’t feel sticky and I didn’t have any break outs.  The packaging itself is really nice and makes it easy to pump the product out for use.  Not to mention it is a showstopper in the bottle and displaying on any vanity will surely catch anyone’s attention.  A little of the product goes a long way – so after one pump, I usually get quite a bit of product out to use on my face.  It’s a bit costly for the amount you get – but I would pay it because well, look at it – it’s got real 24K gold suspended in the serum… gorgeous. I have never tried anything like this before, but I have been enjoying it and I think I will be repurchasing more when I run out.  Did I mention that this product is light weight?  Once blended and soaked into the skin, it feels like you have nothing on which I love.  I especially love using this product on its own without any makeup.  I’ll put on some mascara and a little lip stain and my skin is glowing and summer ready.  I love it.

You can check out all the details on this product and purchase it here.  Would you try something similar to this or give this product a try?  What about the price point, do you think it is something you would spend the money on?

Signature Honey

Disclaimer:  I was sent this product for review consideration.  All thoughts and opinions are my own, 100% honest and unbiased.  I was not paid to provide my thoughts on this product or to feature on my site.  There are affiliate links throughout this post that I can receive payment on if you click on them – but you are not required to.

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REVIEW: Anaiti Instant Wrinkle Smoothing Serum

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When it comes to anti-wrinkle or anti-aging serums, I’m all about that life.  If you have been on my blog for a while, you may have seen or read quite a few reviews on products that offer preventative and upkeep for such.  Today I’m talking to you about the Anaiti Instant Wrinkle Smoothing Serum.  Let’s face it, I’m all about serums and I’m always excited to try new ones.  Here are my thoughts and info on this product.

REVIEW: Anaiti Instant Wrinkle Smoothing Serum

 

Anaiti Instant Wrinkle Smoothing Serum (30 ml./1 fl.oz.) retails for $79.99 but can be found on sale through the Amazon store front and is currently at the sale price of $45.99.  This product’s claims that it offers fast-acting advanced skin care formulated to give IMMEDIATE results as well as long term benefits with patented Matrixyl and Ronovage.  It increases skin’s moisture balance, evens out the skin tone, reduces pore size and increases skin firmness and elasticity.  With all of those things you should see a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  You can use this product as often as required to lift, firm, tighten and smooth your skin as well as moisturize.

I have had this product for a month now and have been using it on its own as well as with various skin care products I use religiously and here are my thoughts on the product itself.  The serum itself is clear and liquid like – but thicker than a liquid, but not as thick as a gel texture.  The bottle has a great pump which works well and I have been enjoying the packaging as it makes applying the product easy.  I have been applying this product at night and on some days in the morning and while it the decrease in my fine lines did not happen that second when applied, after 30 minutes, when I look at my face, I notice a difference.  My fine lines and minimal wrinkles have decreased over time the last 5 weeks or so and I have noticed that my skin does look a little brighter than before.

This product is a bit sticky after applying and even after it dries so if you are not a fan of that, this may bother you.  But, I noticed my skin feels really moisturized through the day and if I apply blush, bronzer or highlighter after the product has dried, it really sticks and stays all day.  I wouldn’t necessarily consider this product to be a makeup primer, but it definitely did contribute to my face products staying on and lasting through the day.  The product itself is quite expensive if purchased at full price and while I think it is a really nice one to have – it definitely is costly.  Would I purchase it at full price?  Hmmm… if I haven’t tried the product previously, no, since I have tested it out, hmm… I’m still on the fence.  However, at the sale/discounted price, I would definitely pick it up.

Have you tried or heard of Anaiti products?  I’m amazed that after using this the last month, I have had a few friends that actually use and enjoy the brand, so I’m excited to see what else is available.

Signature Honey

Disclaimer:  I received this product for review consideration.  While I did get product for free, all opinions are my own and 100% honest and unbiased.  I was not paid to provide this review.

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Review – Total Renu Turmeric Curcumin Dietary Supplement

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I have discussed my husband’s aches and pains in previous posts and have mentioned before that we have him on different joint and inflammation support supplements to help with such.  But, about 10 months ago he injured his wrist at work and I have been on the hunt to try and get a product for him to use that can help him so that he doesn’t need to take pain medication but has some form of relief.  We have tried different Turmeric supplements and find that it is a great dietary supplement additive to take to help not only with inflammation, but for heart health and healthy joint maintenance.   Recently my husband has started taking Total Renu Turmeric Curcumin as a part of his health supplements.  Taken as a part of his daily supplement regimen, this product helps with anti-inflammatory properties and with inflammation and joint pain.

Review - Total Renu Turmeric Curcumin Dietary Supplement

This yellow/orange pigment of turmeric – Curcumin powder is a potent diarylheptanoid and its medicinal effectiveness has been proven and published in over 5600 peer-reviewed medical studies.

  • TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TURMERIC’S POWERFUL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES, to help with your rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation and joint pain. The yellow or orange pigment of turmeric, Curcumin powder is a potent diarylheptanoid, and its medicinal effectiveness has been proven and published in over 5,600 peer-reviewed medical studies. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory effects have been shown to be similar to hydrocortisone, phenylbutazone, and Motrin, without the toxic effects.
  • A HOLISTIC SOLUTION TO HELP WITH: Arthritis of the knees and back, joint inflammation, various forms of inflammation, pain management, Fibromyalgia, Psoriatic Arthritis pain, sore muscles, sinus pressure, migraines, bruises, and athletic injuries.
  • PROVEN TO BOOST IMMUNITY. Turmeric acts as a powerful anti-oxidant, improving the health of cell membranes, making cells more resistant to infection, malignancies, and skin problems. Also improving digestive health, Turmeric is a great supplement to stimulate liver bile production, encourage cleansing, and improve the body’s ability to digest fats and excrete toxins.
  • A GREAT WEIGHT MANAGEMENT TOOL, Turmeric has been compared with leading cholesterol medications and proven effective. By boosting your burn rate, is can help regulate your metabolism to reduce fat storage and free you to be more active by giving you more energy.
  • TURMERIC IS AN ANCIENT REMEDY that has been in use for thousands of years, and was used in ancient cultures to heal a variety of ailments. In today’s time, it is a prized supplement, used to ease various types of pain and soreness, boost immunity by strengthening cells, and to lower stress by reducing blood pressure.

Review - Total Renu Turmeric Curcumin Dietary Supplement

Overall – while the capsule on this product is fairly large, it was still easy to swallow.  With continued use it will help with joint problems and overall health.  The price point is nice and affordable which makes contributing to your health a breeze.  I definitely suggest this supplement to anyone looking for something to help with their joint pains or overall issues they may be experiencing with their health.

Have you tried similar supplements or Tumeric as a part of your dietary supplements?  If so, what are your thoughts and opinions on this product?

Signature Honey

Disclaimer:  This product was sent to me for review / consideration purposes.  All opinions are my own and 100% honest and unbiased and I was not paid to provide my review or thoughts on this product.

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