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Apothecary Extracts 100% Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil

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I have been using Tea Tree Oil for years as a part of my skin care and home needs, even if I’m not necessarily fond of the scent.  Australian Tea Tree Oil or Melaleuca Oil (which is what is was  introduced to me as about 15 years ago) was first introduced to me to help treat my dry scalp due to the fact that I consistently colored or bleached my hair I had dandruff.  While I was not necessarily a fan of the fragrance, I noticed instantly that it helped with that issue and I continued to keep a small bottle on hand in the case other issues arise and while I haven’t had the need to use consistently, it is something I know I can rely on.

Tea Tree Oil

PRESS SAMPLE

Tea Tree Oil is known as one of the most versatile essential oils.  The list of claimed benefits of this product is long and include naturally fighting acne, toenail fungus, lice, yeast infections, skin tags, cold sores, dandruff (I can attest to this one), ringworm, fleas, warts, psoriasis and much more.  Apothecary Extracts 100% Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil (4 fl oz / 118ml – $27.99) has been a great addition in my household and I have been enjoying this product since getting my hands on it.  This particular brand offers their Tea Tree Oil in a Pharmaceutical Grade, which is a huge bonus considering a lot of companies offer watered down versions of this product (I know, I have purchased these before).  I love that this particular product is undiluted and without impurities which allows you to get the benefits of the product in its 100% form.  I haven’t had the chance to test it on a few skin tags I have, but trust that I will be doing this because I want to put it to the test further.  Even after years of keeping this product on hand, I’m still amazed at its continued benefits that I constantly hear about.

Tea Tree Oil

One thing I have used Tea Tree Oil for over the years like I mentioned, is for my hair.  While I don’t have issues with dandruff any longer… when I feel my scalp feels a bit dry – I simply use this oil as my hair massage oil and do the inversion method while massaging my scalp with a combination of this oil and my coconut oil.  It works wonders on my scalp, but also my hair.  Many ask how my hair grows so quickly considering I trim off about 2-3 inches every 2-3 months and I definitely believe this regimen has some to do with it.  And, while I do not recommend it – before having my children, I used Tea Tree Oil to stop the bleeding on some of my cuts or help heal my cuts quicker and faster.  Of course, it does sting a little, but it worked quickly and was an easy fix.  But, I’m no doctor and do not suggest this… DISCLAIMER – I don’t suggest it.  Also – don’t get this stuff in your eyes or mouth.  It stings your eyes and do not swallow… yuck. lol  I know some that use this as a gargle when they have cold sores or viruses, but… I’m not quite at that stage yet – lol.  I’m looking forward to using this for treating my dog and his area where he sleeps to keep the buggies away from him, once I do – I’ll be sure to come back with a revisit to discuss everything I’ve been able to accomplish with this product.

Quick notation… Tea Tree Oil can be very toxic for animals especially when in it’s pure form.  Please use discretion and discuss with your vet prior to testing out anything on your animal.  I will be seeing my vet before using this on him.  Same goes for humans.  While I have used this in the past, I always make sure to discuss with my physician prior to starting anything new with Essential Oils.  

Tea Tree Oil

Having tried several brands of Tea Tree Oil I knew right from opening the package that this was the real thing.  Like I mentioned before, the scent… whoa – it’s strong and for many it can be unbearable.  I am not a fan of the scent – At All!  So after applying to my hair, I wash my hair shortly after.  However, for the price point and the large bottle you receive, it’s well worth the cost.  I’m impressed with the brand, the communication and customer service and the product.  Apothecary Extracts also includes a Downloadable E-book with purchase of the product so that you can read about different uses of this product.

Since I’m a fan of this product and a long time user of Tea Tree Oil, I will continue to purchase from their brand knowing the quality of the product and the price point is beneficial.  Have you heard of Tea Tree Oil before?  Is this product you have used? I would love to know your thoughts and would love to know that if you used this product, what your uses and benefits were from this oil. 🙂

Signature Honey

 

This post is powered by Brandbacker.  While I did receive product for free in return for a review, all opinions are my own and 100% honest and unbiased.

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Fallin’ For You! Makeup For Brown Eyes Feat. MAC’s Blue Brown Pigment

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Oh Fall, how I love thee… let me count the ways. lol  Hawaii is not much for seasons changing, but Fall means that we have cooler weather and sometimes rainy days – which I love.  During this season, I have an addiction with bold smoky eyes, dramatic lips and MAC’s Blue Brown Pigment.  This pigment has been a favorite of mine for many many years and it’s one that I will consistently pull for during the fall season.  While many think it’s a dramatic color, it reminds me of warmth, mint chocolate chip cocoa and gorgeous brown eyes that sparkle.  Because of this, I decided I would use this pigment in a Fall inspired makeup tutorial.  I also wanted to create this look because I think these colors are the perfect combination of makeup for brown eyes.  I hope you guys enjoy it 🙂

fall inspired makeup using MAC blue brown

Creating this look is very easy but since you are working with a pigment, you will want to take your time a bit.  Be sure to check out my makeup tutorial embedded below, or click here to watch this makeup tutorial directly on YouTube.

This look is perfect for those with brown eyes.  I love using warm rich burgundy and bronze shades to create fall looks because it really adds a sultry and sexy look.  However, if you are looking to do something a little more wearable with the blue/brown shade, try adding softer hues like cream and vanilla toned shades.fall inspired makeup using MAC blue brown

If you don’t have MAC’s Blue Brown Pigment, find a shadow with a blue/teal and brown shift. While I’m sure there are other dupes on the market for this costly pigment, you could easily use the Wet n Wild Comfort Zone Palette to create a similar look.  The Dark brown / blue shift shade (definer/right column) is a dupe for MAC’s blue brown pigment and the whole palette retails for $5.00 or less.

fall inspired makeup using MAC blue brown

To create this look I am using the following products on my eyes:

  • Maybelline Color Tattoo Leather in Creamy Beige
  • Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette: Salted Caramel (transition as well as applied to lower lash line), Semi-Sweet (Crease shade – blended well as well as applied to lower lash line), White Chocolate (highlight on browbone), Champagne Truffle (inner corner highlight), Cherry Cordial (used to deepen the outer v or outer corner of the eye for definition)
  • MAC’s Blue Brown Pigment applied wet with MAC’s 252 Brush (spray with fix +)
  • Mally Evercolor Waterproof Liner in Midnight (waterline, tightline and lower lash line)
  • Cailyn Gel Eyeliner in black (upper lash line with wing)
  • Mascara / Lashes – L’Oreal Voluminous Miss Manga mascara layered with Jordana Best Lash Volumizing Mascara and topped with Kiss EZ Lashes in 05

fall inspired makeup using MAC blue brown

I am using the following products on my face and lips:

  • Olay Total Effects 7 in One CC Cream blended onto the skin lightly with a beauty blender
  • Benefit Hoola Bronzer for Contour and Warmth
  • Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette:  Dim Light (applied like a setting powder) then Radiant light (applied to warm up the face)
  • MAC’s Melba Blush – applied to the top of my cheek bones
  • Wet n Wild Fergie Centerstage Shimmer Palette in Photobomb (applied as a highlight)
  • Jordana EZ Liner Lip liner in Tawny
  • Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Rapture

Want to switch up the lips to a darker shade?  Use J.Cat’s Wonder Lip Paint in Queen of Hearts or a dark vampy burgundy or red shade to switch it up.

fall inspired makeup using MAC blue brown

 

I hope you enjoyed the makeup tutorial.  Wishing you all a wonderful fall.

Signature Honey

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Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50

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It’s no lie that I’m a huge fan of Dermalogica products, even if it has been quite a while since I’ve had it in my skincare regimen.  Dermalogica always offers products that I know I can add to my routine without worrying too much that it will cause my very sensitive skin to react harshly.

Dermalogica dynamic skin recovery

PRESS SAMPLE – IFABBO

Recently I have had the opportunity to test drive the Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50 ($65.00 1.7 fl oz) and used this product as my daily moisturizer.  Since it has a high SPF, I was very excited and couldn’t wait to test drive this product.  Having used Dermalogica products in the past, I was excited to give this product a run and see how it would work for me.

This medium-weight daily moisturizer contains a new formula upgrade that accelerates the product’s SPF from 30 to 50, yet uses 50% less chemical sunscreen agents – a massive increase made possible through advanced Oleosome technology. Oleosomes are naturally occurring spheres of emollient oils and Vitamin E found in Safflower seeds.  these unique molecules are used to deliver active ingredients such as sunscreens directly to the skin surface, and release them over time to ensure maximum skin benefits.

Dermalogica dynamic skin recovery I have been using this product for a month and while it offered me awesome hydration and my skin remained moisturized, I did have minor eczema flare ups during the time of use.  Now, I don’t necessarily consider this a negative since my flare ups can happen at any time and with any product.  Sometimes I can be out in an area where their Air Conditioning unit needs to be cleaned and it will flare up – so it may not necessarily be the product itself.  I love the texture and feel of this lotion and it really offered my skin great moisture making it feel soft and supple.

Dermalogica dynamic skin recovery Dispensing this product is easy and the packaging is sleek and easily stored in your skin care cabinet or vanity.  This product is formulated without artificial fragrances, colors or parabens and let me just say… it feels great when smoothed on the skin.  I’m usually a bit afraid to use skin care products with a high SPF rating because I know that it will make my face or skin feel really sticky and a lot of times, the product doesn’t soak into the skin as much as I would like, leaving a funky film on my face.  In this case, this product is nothing like an SPF skin care lotion I have tried before.  It soaked into my skin nicely and as I mentioned, left my skin feeling very soft.

Dermalogica dynamic skin recovery Not too thick, not too thin but a pretty nice consistency.  You can tell as you start to rub the product in that it may have sunscreen in the product, but it also blends in nicely allowing for a fresh and soft canvas for applying makeup.

In addition to shielding the skin from ongoing solar assault, Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50 reduces hyperpigmentation, and contains a patented polypeptide which helps to stimulate collagen synthesis, as well as antioxidant White Tea polyphenols to help regulate collagen degradation.

Dermalogica dynamic skin recovery

Ingredients

Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3.0%), Octinoxate (7.5%). Other ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Carthamus Tinctorius Oleosomes, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Dimethicone, Dimethyl Capramide, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Aniba Rosaeodora Wood Oil, Rose Flower Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus Leaf/Flower Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum Peel Oil, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum Peel Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Algae Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Lecithin, Glucosamine HCL, Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Squalane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polysilicone-11, Glycine Soja Protein, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Ceteareth-20, Sodium Polyacrylate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Decyl Glucoside, Polysorbate 80, Urea, Galactoarabinan, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Polysorbate 60, Aminomethyl Propanol, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Linalool, Eugenol, Limonene, Geraniol, Citronellol, CI 77891

Overall, I’m impressed with this moisturizer and love that it keeps my skin feeling soft and moisturized all day long.  While I would use an additional primer over this product if that is something you do prior to foundation, I think that this product could be used as a base on your skin prior to makeup application.  I love the SPF benefits of this product – especially since I live in Hawaii and sun is a given year round.  The price point is about average for Dermalogica products, but it’s definitely worth it considering the brand is great and offers great skincare products.  While I will not be using this as my main source of moisturizer moving forward, I will definitely be using this in combination with some of my favorite skin care goods.

Interested in learning more about what Dermalogica offers?  Head on over to their website and check it out: http://bit.ly/DSRSPF50

Signature Honey

 

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Adovia Moisturizing Day Cream

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Adovia Moisturizing Day Cream

 

It is an absolute requirement that I use moisturizer on a daily basis, two times a day because of my eczema and the fact that it flares up the worst when my skin is dry.  Because of this, I’m always on the hunt for one that will not only provide me with great moisturizing capabilities, but is fragrance free or has a light scent and soaks into the skin quickly and nicely so my face doesn’t feel like an oil slick.  I have tried many and I have my favorites, but recently I have had the opportunity to try out one from Adovia.  I have used Adovia products before in the past and while some worked well for me, others I have to use in moderation because of my sensitive skin – but overall, I’ve always been impressed.

adovia moisturizing day cream

The Adovia Day Moisturizing Cream (on sale for $25.95 1.7 fl.oz / 50ml – normally $46.00) is a quick absorbing and non-greasy daytime formula.  It is infused with Dead Sea minerals and aloe vera.  I actually like using this cream at night since it is thicker and perfect for evening moisturizing.  This cream is Hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested and offers deep hydration for your skin to bring out its natural radiance.  One application provides all-day moisture without clogging pores.  Adovia moisturizing cream contains an active complex of Dead Sea minerals for natural moisture balance that is easier for skin to retain and this cream makes an ideal makeup base.

Ingredients
Demineralised Water & Dead Sea Water, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Bergamot (Citrus Aurantium Bergamia) Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Grape (Vitis Vinifera) Seed Oil, Caprilyc/Capric Triglyceride, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Carbomer, Propylene Glycol & Chamomile (Anthemis Noblis) Extract & Algae Extract & Papaya (Carica Papaya) Extract & Aloe Vera Barbadensis Gel, Urea, Lactic Acid, Dimethicone, Benzoic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzalkoinium Chloride, Retinyl Palmitate, Dead Sea Salt, Benzophenone-3.

adovia moisturizing day cream

Like I mentioned previously, this is a thick moisturizer and while it worked okay for me during the day – I really rather use it at night.  I felt like it was just too heavy for me to use during the day and while I didn’t feel greasy or oily, I felt like I was wearing foundation and it didn’t soak into my skin very quickly.  When I used it at night, it soaks into my skin much quicker and I wake up in the morning with my skin feeling very soft and moisturized.  This product has a light fragrance, almost like a lotion but it is not easily detected unless you literally smell the product.  I love that it has that “almost body butter” texture to it because it smooths on so nicely and luxuriously.

adovia moisturizing day cream

I have been enjoying how easy it is to apply – I simply use circular motions with my finger tips to apply to my face.  Also – since I have very sensitive skin, I was a bit leery to try a new moisturizer but have been liking this product overall.  If I do use this product in the morning for the day – I always make sure to apply the moisturizer at least 30 minutes to an hour before leaving the house, that way I can really take the time to work the product into my skin and let it sit a bit before I head on out into the humid weather.  While it can give me the feeling of foundation on my face when used during the day (as I mentioned previously), if I give it some time to soak in well, it really does offer great moisture through the day.  If I am in a rush, I don’t normally pull for this particular product.

Overall I do like this moisturizer and the fact that it keeps my skin hydrated and soft.  I would definitely recommend this product, especially since the price is pretty darn affordable.

Signature Honey

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.

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Petunia Skincare 1.00mm 540 Needle Derma Roller

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Petunia Skin Care Derma Roller

I am all for testing out new gadgets for skin care but I’m not gonna lie, I was definitely terrified of this one.  When I first seen a similar product advertised by another brand a few years back, I was scared to even look at it, so I was a bit apprehensive to test this product out initially.  Come on now, rubbing needles up and down parts of your body or face can’t possibly be a great thing.  But, I figured I would finally jump in and test it out, I like acupuncture so this can’t be that different, can’t it?

Petunia Skincare is a brand I have used before and I’m a huge fan of their Hyaluronic Acid and other serums, so I figured I would give this particular product a test run.  The Derma Roller retails on Petunia’s website for just under $18 and comes with 540 very fine medical grade tiny stainless steel needles.  This tool is used to help smooth facial scars, stimulate collagen and elastin production and help with scar removal and stretch marks.  It can diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, stimulate hair growth and you can save money from surgical and laser treatments if you continue to use the product where needed.  What I think is really cool is that it can be used on any part of the skin.

Petunia Skin Care Derma Roller

 

Basically – when running the roller on your skin, it creates micro-channels in the skin that allow products to penetrate the skin at a deeper level than just at the surface.  Having never used anything like this before, I was very interested and intrigued but also a bit scared.  Looking at the product right out of the box was okay – but once I took it out and really looked at it, I felt like I was giving myself to a Chinese torture device and I was not excited.

Rolling the needles against my skin did feel uncomfortable at first but after using it a few minutes I figured out my pain threshold and what would work best for me.  I found that after a few sessions of using this product, that it really didn’t have any pain and it worked nicely and glided easily over my skin.  With 540 needles all evenly dispersed on the roller, there was not one needle but several that provided an even roll.  While I do think it could be uncomfortable for some, I think that it is much more painful thinking about how much it will hurt because of how it looks rather than using it.

Petunia Skin Care Derma Roller

 

I’ve been using the roller on my face now for about a month and while I didn’t notice a difference at first, after a few weeks I noticed that a few of my acne scars have diminished.  While you can still see them, they are much lighter than before.  I also notice that when I use the roller and then apply my serums, my serums seem to soak in much faster but I also noticed that my skin brightening serum really does make my skin look brighter and my face feels softer and smoother.

I am going to be picking up a second roller to use on my body so I can try to diminish the look of my cellulite on my thighs.  I’m quite pleased at how well this worked and I was more than a bit skeptical over the years, so I’m very happy that I had the opportunity to test out this product when I did.  I think this will be a product I’ll continue to use as a part of my skin care regimen.

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.

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