Category

Product Reviews

Category
PRESS SAMPLE / AFFILIATE LINKS

 

Whether it’s Winter or Summer, SPF protection is important for myself and my family and that includes my skin care regimen for my face.   Sometimes many often overlook the fact that sun protection or SPF is important when it is something you definitely want to be including in your daily skin care routine.  Now with so many products on the market today, there is no reason to not take care of your skin and protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays.  Today I share with you a product that I have been using the last couple of weeks.  I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge fan of using sunscreen, but I know that it’s so important not only for anti-aging but for your health.  The Exuviance Sheer Daily Protector SPF 50 has been a new friend in my skin care regimen and I’m sharing some information on this product with you.

sunscreen, spf 50, spf, exuviance, skin, skin care, skincare, protection, skin protection, body care, Exuviance SPF 50, product review, beauty

The Exuviance Sheer Daily Protector Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is a triple anti-aging protection for your face and skin.  It’s a sheer mineral UVA/UVB protection that enhances the natural skin tone while providing multi-antioxidants to help neutralize environmental damage.  Retailing for $42 (50 mL / 1.7 fl oz.), this product is helps to prevent sunburn if used as directed with other sun protection measures and also helps to decrease the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun.

Since I use sunscreen daily, I’m always on the hunt for one that will not leave behind a greasy feel or residue or one that makes my skin feel gross.  I’ll be honest, after trying so many on the market – there really is only a select handful that I can say will not do that.  I also have super sensitive skin, so finding a sunscreen that will not cause me to break out or have a flare up of my skin issues is not easy.  Since I have all types of allergies, scents can often cause a problem and finding a fragrance free one is also ideal.  Many sunscreens on the market also leave a weird white residue or white cast on my skin because I have darker skin and that can also be an issue.  After trying out this sunscreen, I was not only impressed – I was happy and thankful!

sunscreen, spf 50, spf, exuviance, skin, skin care, skincare, protection, skin protection, body care, Exuviance SPF 50, product review, beauty

This mineral sunscreen is an ultra-fine, transparent formulation that is weightless and blends effortlessly on the skin.  You can use this product layered under makeup in your daily skincare routine or used on it’s own to help protect your skin from sun exposure.  With a broad spectrum SPF 50, the Exuviance Sheer Daily Protector protects against photo-damage, which is the primary cause of signs of aging.  What I love about this product is that it is virtually invisible with a universal tint that smoothes imperfections while helping your natural skin tone appear much more even.  With multi-antioxidants like Vitamin E and Lactobionic Acid to help with skin’s natural defense, this product scavenges free radicals brought on by daily environmental aggressors before they can cause premature aging.  The PHA/Bionic complex helps to prevent collagen breakdown to help maintain a healthy skin matrix and firmness and helps to prevent the signs of photo-aging such as lines and wrinkles.  With a highly purified and concentrated form of Green Tea Extract – it helps to reduce the cell breakdown and helps to protect cellular DNA for healthy skin.

To use the product – you must shake the bottle vigorously for at least 15 seconds before each use.  This ensures the products uniformity and consistency.  You can apply this sunscreen liberally to the face, neck and other exposed areas, 15 minutes prior to sun exposure.  If you are swimming or going to be in the water, you must use a water resistant sunscreen as this is not waterproof and if you are sweating a lot – it’s suggested that you reapply every two hours.

Ingredients: Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 7.0%, Zinc Oxide 6.0%. Inactive ingredients: Aqua (Water), Dimethicone, Isododecane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Gluconolactone, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Alumina, Ammonium Hydroxide, Lactobionic Acid, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Phenethyl Benzoate, Nylon-12, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate, Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), Polyhydroxystearic Acid, thylhexylglycerin, Isohexadecane, Tocopherol, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Dipropylene Glycol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Methicone, Propylene Carbonate, Sodium Citrate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sodium Bisulfite, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77491 (Iron Oxide Red), CI 77492 (Iron Oxide Yellow), CI 77499 (Iron Oxide Black).

This product is fragrance free (which is a big plus for me) as well as paraben-free and oil free.  It is also non-acnegenic and non-comedogenic.  Over the years I have found from personal experience that some sunscreens will cause me to break out or affect my sensitive skin.  Over the last few weeks of using this product, I didn’t notice any issues or problems occurring with my skin and I love that this product is suitable for all skin types.  I have used several different types of products over the last year from Exuviance and I’m always impressed with the line they offer.  This product has become a favorite of mine and I would recommend it to anyone.  While the price point is a bit hefty for a product that is a bit tiny, it still offers your skin much needed protection that not only works but seems to mesh well with my skin.  For a product that didn’t cause my skin to break out or have issues, that’s a benefit all its own.

sunscreen, spf 50, spf, exuviance, skin, skin care, skincare, protection, skin protection, body care, Exuviance SPF 50, product review, beauty

Finding a product that literally blends into the skin without leaving a trace behind is great for me.  I love that it’s transparent and doesn’t leave a weird cast of color on my skin.  As it states, this product really is light weight – which is a huge bonus and it feels like air and like nothing is there when I have it on.  Initially when using the product for the first time, I did feel like I had something on my face, but after a few days, I really didn’t notice it so I definitely think this product feels great on the skin.  I haven’t tried to see if the product gives off a flash back, but after taking several photos over the last month or so and using this product every day – I honestly haven’t noticed anything of the sort so I don’t think it is an issue.  I have said this on many occasions for many products, but what may work well for me – may not for others, so with a product like this – you would really have to see how it works for you.  Overall – I really like it.

You can check out this product and learn more about it here: Neostrata – Exuviance.  Exuviance also has a complete line of skin care products that you could see and learn about as well.

What about you?  Do you believe SPF is important and do you use it daily like I do?  If you do, is this something you may be interested in looking at?

Signature Honey

Disclaimer:  The products mentioned in this post were sent to me for review consideration.  All opinions are my own, 100% honest and unbiased as with anything you will see or read on this site.  I was not paid to provide my thoughts on this product or feature it.  Affiliate links are posted through out.

PRESS SAMPLE / AFFILIATE LINKS

 

I am all about having a great pair of footwear for working out and today I wanted to share with all of you this pair of comfortable shoes that I’ve been loving lately.  Let me introduce you to FITKICKS, an active lifestyle footwear that is lightweight and versatile for anyone on the go or looking for something to be comfortable with.  They are the “Anywhere” shoe!

footwear, active wear, workout gear, shoes, fitkicks, Fitkicks anywhere, lifestyle, lifestyle footwear, active footwear, comfort, exercise, workout clothes,

Let me start by saying that these are not traditional “workout” or “anywhere” type of shoes and when I first seen them I was both intrigued but also wondered how well they work.  Since I have issues with my ankles, I’m always looking for something lightweight that I can use on the elliptical when working out or something at the gym that will not add any extra bulk or weight to my feet.  At first glance, they remind me of reef shoes, which is something you see a lot here in Hawaii.  But, once I got the pair in my hands and tried them on – I was instantly appeased and excited to give them a go.

footwear, active wear, workout gear, shoes, fitkicks, Fitkicks anywhere, lifestyle, lifestyle footwear, active footwear, comfort, exercise, workout clothes,

The Fitkicks range in cost from about $19.99 – $24.00 and come in a variety of different colors and designs.  I received the light grey with lavender trim which suits me since you know I love my purples.  The pair I have retails for $19.99 and comes in four colors in this specific design.  You can find them in a range of sizes from Small – Extra Large, I have the Large and normally use a size 8 1/2 shoe.  They fit comfortably and easily slip on without any problems.

footwear, active wear, workout gear, shoes, fitkicks, Fitkicks anywhere, lifestyle, lifestyle footwear, active footwear, comfort, exercise, workout clothes,

Fitkicks claim is that you can slip into these comfort kicks and use them for a variety of things… traveling, yoga, cruising, exercise, walking, at the beach, dancing, as high heel relief, running every day errands, water sports and just overall hanging out.  These awesome little shoes take up very little room and are easy to fold and take with you – making them ideal for keeping in a gym bag, traveling with or in my case, keeping in my bag in the car for those days I want to go for a walk or run.  They are made of durable flex form soles and are extra breathable which make them comfortable on hot days – I didn’t get sweaty at all, even after a long workout.  They have great ergonomic comfort and are so easy to slip on and off.

footwear, active wear, workout gear, shoes, fitkicks, Fitkicks anywhere, lifestyle, lifestyle footwear, active footwear, comfort, exercise, workout clothes,

Since FITKICKS offers such a unique design and ergonomic fit, you get full movement potential with your shoes.  The Durable FlexForm sole naturally contours your feet for free range of motion making it the perfect active wear shoe.  Since our lives keep us on the go I love that these make it so convenient to keep your “workout gear” with you – no bulky shoes to lug around.  They are the perfect fold-and-go portable shoe.  And, with technology that is specifically engineered to provide a natural contour, the FITKICKS are comfortable.

The FITKICKS also has a protective toe guard that prevents dragging and excessive wear points which make it perfect for anyone to use.  And, these awesome things are washable and dry-able, hello genius!

Women Shoe Size:  Small (5 – 6 1/2), Medium (7-8), Large (8 1/2 – 9 1/2), X Large (10-11)

footwear, active wear, workout gear, shoes, fitkicks, Fitkicks anywhere, lifestyle, lifestyle footwear, active footwear, comfort, exercise, workout clothes,

After having these for a few weeks, I’m absolutely loving them.  As I mentioned before, they are very comfortable and lightweight which makes it ideal for me when working out and are my go-to shoes for when I am on the elliptical.  FITKICKS offers so many other designs and footwear that I have a list of a few that my eyes are set on like the Energy Sidekicks Foldable Flats, FITKICKS in Black/Grey, and a pair for each of my sons (since they have FITKICKS Kids and a pair for my husband (yay for Men’s sizes too).  I’m not only impressed with how well these fit, how comfy they are, but also the fact that they are reasonably priced and offer you so much versatility for use.  As a mother of three very active boys, these shoes allow me to keep on my toes while chasing after them and I can use them at a variety of locations.  I love that they offer light support and are really cool.

If you are someone who works out and is looking for some new footwear, I highly suggest checking these babies out.  You can find them at: http://www.fitkicks.us/.  Check them out and see if you can find a pair (or two) for you or someone you love.  I have my eyes on a few more and one specifically to wear around the house, so I’ll be heading over to the site soon too.

Have you tried anything like this before or have you heard of FITKICKS?  If so – what are your thoughts?  If not, comment below and tell me, would you rock them out?

Signature Honey

Disclaimer:  The product(s) mentioned in this post were sent to me for review consideration.  All opinions are my own, 100% honest and unbiased.  I was not paid to feature or discuss these products on my site, but affiliate links are posted through out.

PRESS SAMPLE / AFFILIATE LINKS

 

It’s no secret if you have been visiting here on my blog, that I’m a huge fan of coconut oil, coconut water and just coconuts in general.  I love the flavor and I love the scent but I also love the ingredient in itself as it has definitely been a huge part of my skin care routine, health and overall well being.  Recently I was given the opportunity to try INVO Coconut Water.  I haven’t particularly heard about the brand before and being a coconut water connoisseur myself, I thought I would try it out.  Today I share with you my thoughts on this product, it’s benefitis and whether or not I enjoyed it on this week’s Foodie Friday.

healthy, coconut water, water, coconut, INVO coconut water, INVO, food, foodie friday,

I’m a huge believer in the fact that water is such an essential nutrient for our bodies and drinking its minimum amount each day is a necessity.  But, I also know that if this is something new for you – new and innovative ways to drink as much water as you can is definitely a must.  Because of this, sometimes I like to mix things up a bit and drink some coconut water that helps to not only provide the refreshment my body needs but also the hydration.  INVO Coconut Water is a refreshing and flavorful healthy coconut drink that is not only easy to take around with you but it delicious and will easily become your go-to drink from the instant you start sipping on it.

Since coconuts are 99% fat-free and naturally low in sugar and packed with calcium and magnesium it makes a great drink for every day or after an aggressive work out.  INVO coconut water drinks are never heat pasteurized and have 100% coconut juice and electrolytes that help to aid in rapid hydration.  This drink is seriously a must for those warm summer days or a nice day out at the beach.  It’s available in three great flavors – Pure, Green Tea and Tropical.  Because of INVO’s creative cold water pasteurization, your coconut water is kept fresh, clean, delicious and special!

healthy, coconut water, water, coconut, INVO coconut water, INVO, food, foodie friday,

Besides being very refreshing, coconut water contains 5 essential electrolytes to keep you hydrated.  It also has as much potassium as one banana which I love.  And, an interesting tidbit from INVO is that there is a pink hue in their coconut water which is a result of a natural enzymatic process that causes the polyphenolics present in raw coconut water to turn pink over time.

As mentioned before, the Coconut water goes through a High Pressure Processing to ensure you are getting the best quality product that tastes and is fresh.  What is High Pressure Processing or HPP?  Well, it is a cold pasteurization technique which INVO has named “cold-crafting”.  This process inactivates bacteria, viruses, yeast and molds that are present in all foods – thereby guaranteeing food safety and extending the shelf life of your product.  Unlike most juices, which are heat pasteurized, ‘cold-crafting’ only uses cold water under high pressure.  Due to the absence of heat in the process, the organoleptic and nutrional properties of the food are maintained, allowing the product to retain its fresh taste and nutritional content, just like mother nature intended it be.  Since the INVO Coconut waters are 100% cold crafted, there are no nasties ever added.  INVO prides themselves in giving us the true freshly-cracked coconut water experience.

healthy, coconut water, water, coconut, INVO coconut water, INVO, food, foodie friday,

So now that I’ve taken the time to give you the run down on the products, all the technical and scientific information and everything in between; I’m going to share with you my overall thoughts on this drink.

First of all, if you are not a fan of the coconut flavor (I know some people don’t like it), I suggest going with the Tropical Flavor.  My sons all love the Tropical flavor though they enjoy them all.  It taste like a tropical fruit punch and the coconut flavor is not as prominent, though you easily have a quenched thirst, feel re-hydrated and it’s delicious.  If you are someone that loves Green Tea or Tea flavors, I think you’ll quite enjoy the Sencha Green Tea.  It’s got a great tea flavor and if you are someone that enjoys a great green tea, you’ll love this particular flavor.  My favorite out of the three I tried is the Pure Coconut Water.  It tastes just like fresh coconut juice/water that you would get here in Hawaii right off the tree.

Each drink is not only delicious, but really great for a usual Hawaii day.  While these are made in Thailand, they are offered at many retailers through out the US and I have been told they can be found at Whole Foods, though I haven’t found them at my local store.  Once they are available, I will admit that this will be a staple in our household because everyone loves them.

healthy, coconut water, water, coconut, INVO coconut water, INVO, food, foodie friday,

The INVO Coconut water is gluten free, Kosher and Vegan.  And, like most premium food products, INVO Coconut Water requires refrigeration for optimum quality and safety so make sure you do not drink the water if you suspect that it hasn’t been kept chilled.  If you are allergic to nuts, while it is extremely rare to have a coconut water allergy, it is best to seek medical advice prior to consuming these drinks since Coconuts are tree nuts.  The INVO Coconut Water is a good source of vitamin C& B group vitamins and great after a work out!

My family and I are really enjoy these coconut waters and I highly recommend them.  We give these treats a two thumbs up each and all agree they are delicious but great for keeping hydrated.  If I were running consistently or on a jog, I would pull for this directly after to replenish my electrolytes.  INVO is coming out with some great new flavors which I’m also really excited to try.  I think if you are someone that wants to change up your water routine or try something new, this would make a great treat.  And, as I mentioned before, it’s great for the whole family.

Learn more about INVO Coconut Water here: http://www.invococonutwater.com/  and be sure to check out their Facebook Page for all kinds of information, reviews and more.

Have you heard of INVO Coconut Water?  Are you a coconut water drinker like I am?  Comment below and let me know your thoughts on the delicious goodness.

Signature Honey

Disclaimer:  The product(s) mentioned and featured in this post were sent to me for review consideration.  All opinions are my own, 100% honest and unbiased and I was not paid to provide my thoughts or feature this product.  Affiliate links are posted through out.