Category

Product Reviews

Category
PRESS SAMPLE / AFFILIATE LINKS

 

I have been a huge fan of Exuviance skin care products for a few years now and I’m always excited to share with my readers something new that I’ve been trying.  Today, I’m going to be talking about the Exuviance Purifying Cleansing Gel and how it works for me.  I’ve been using this gel now for about a month and I think I’ve formed a good enough opinion of the product to offer up my thoughts on it.  Like with all skin care products, my testing and trial period can be lengthy because I not only use this product on it’s own, but in combination with my current skin care favorites in my regimen.  After trial and error, I think I have formed an opinion that I can share with all of you.

Exuviance, skin care, skin cleanser, facial cleanser, skin, skin care regimen, facial cleanser, review, beauty,

The Exuviance Purifying Cleansing Gel retails for $34.00 and comes in a 7.2 oz tube.  I was immediately excited to use this product, because Exuviance’s site recommends using this cleansing gel with the Michael Todd Soniclear Elite for the perfect daily facial and skin care cleansing.  Naturally, since I own a few Soniclear Elite brushes, I was excited to give this product a whirl.  The Purifying Cleansing Gel is a soap free, foaming cleanser that gently washes away your makeup, surface oils, impurities and more without altering the skin’s natural moisture balance.  As something with naturally dry skin – I need a good cleanser that gets the job done, but that doesn’t overly dry out my skin causing my Eczema to flare up or my sensitivities to my skin.  This cleanser does just that – cleans my face and neck without leaving it harsh and dry.  Since the cleanser contains anti-aging properties of Alpha and Pholyhydroxy Acids (AHAs and PHAs) along with conditioners to help sooth and improve the skin texture, it is ideal for my dry and sensitive skin.  I especially love that it is perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin like my own.  This product is non-drying and gentle and it’s dermatologist and allergy tested.  Not to mention, it’s Paba-Free.

Exuviance, skin care, skin cleanser, facial cleanser, skin, skin care regimen, facial cleanser, review, beauty,

Using this gel is easy.  The tube it comes in makes dispersing the product for use easy to do.  I can use this cleanser twice a day both in the morning and night or once a day in the evening if I find that I really only need a deep clean at night.  To apply – I moisten my hands and face and apply the product directly to my fingertips.  I massage the product onto my face and neck using an upward circular motion.  For a deep clean, I use my Soniclear Elite to work the product into my skin while removing dirt and impurities.  Once done, I rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat my skin dry.

The Exuviance Purifying Cleansing Gel includes key ingredients:  Gluconolactone and Glycolic Acid.

Ingredients: 

Aqua (Water), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, TEA-Lauryl Sulfate, Propylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Gluconolactone, Polyquaternium-10, Benzophenone-4, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Parfum (Fragrance), CI 42090 (Blue 1), CI 19140 (Yellow 5).

I love a great clean and love to feel that my face is clean without the dry and harsh feeling that some cleansers can offer.  The Exuviance Purifying Cleansing Gel foams up nicely when applied and cleaning which I love, but it doesn’t strip my skin of it’s natural moisture.  It doesn’t leave my skin feeling like a desert and it’s perfect for me to use during the colder months since it still leaves moisture left on my skin.  Used in combination with my other skin care products, I find that this cleansing gel works well and does a great job in what it promises to do.  Furthermore, I absolutely love that this is a soap free formula, it cleans without the harsh feeling and residue that soap can leave behind.  Considering the price point – I highly suggest checking this out.  You get a lot of product for a reasonable cost for sure.

You can purchase this product and more at: https://www.neostrata.com/product/exuviance+purifying+cleansing+gel.do

Have you tried anything from Exuviance before?  This is one of a few products I’ve tried and enjoy from the brand and I definitely recommend it.

Signature Honey

 

 

 

Disclaimer:  This product was sent to me for review consideration.  All opinions are my own, 100% honest & unbiased.  Affiliate links are posted through out. #gotitfree

PRESS SAMPLE / AFFILIATE LINKS

 

When it comes to snack food, I am always on the hunt for something I know my family will enjoy but that offers healthy alternatives to the sweets that we see plastered all over the market.  Over the last few months, my family and I were given the opportunity to try some Crispy Fruit Snacks from Crispy Green and we loved them so much – I figured I would share them with all of you.

snack food, Crispy Green, snacks, delicious, freeze dried fruit, fruit snacks, dried snacks, dried fruit, food, delicious, healthy snacks, healthy food, review, kid friendly snacks,

Crispy Green believes in a simple philosophy – keep it pure, keep it tasty and keep it wholesome.  My sons were immediately excited to see these delivered and crossed their fingers in hopes that it didn’t taste like the traditional freeze-dried fruit you get in the store that tastes like it’s 40 years old.  We were able to try out 7 delectable and delicious types of dried fruit, packaged individually – making them great snacks for on the go.  The seven flavors available are:  Cataloupe, Apple, Asian Pear (our favorite), Tangerine, Pineapple, Mango (second favorite) and Banana.  All of them taste delicious, but the boys and I do have our favorites.  Each package includes 100% pure fruit, nothing else!  The Crispy Fruit snacks are 100% freeze-dried fruit slices that are made up of real fruit and the taste of Crispy Fruit comes from the fresh fruit itself.  There is no sugar, sweeteners or other additives used to enhance the taste or appearance.  Crispy Fruit is perfect for indulging in a guilt-free snack without the worry.  The Crispy Fruit snacks are an all-natural snack choice for anyone looking to live a healthier lifestyle without compromising on great taste.

 snack food, Crispy Green, snacks, delicious, freeze dried fruit, fruit snacks, dried snacks, dried fruit, food, delicious, healthy snacks, healthy food, review, kid friendly snacks,
Crispy Fruit by Crispy Green offers yummy snacks that are:
  • Light and flavorful
  • Retain nearly all the nutrients of fresh fruit
  • Long shelf-life
  • Convenient – having natural fruit at your finger tips all the time!
  • No additives or preservatives
  • No fat, no cholesterol
  • Low in calories

snack food, Crispy Green, snacks, delicious, freeze dried fruit, fruit snacks, dried snacks, dried fruit, food, delicious, healthy snacks, healthy food, review, kid friendly snacks,

Crispy Green was founded in August 2004 with a vision to be the leading provider of high quality, natural food products desired by everyone who wants to live a healthy and better life.  Since that time, the team at Crispy Green has been consistently providing high quality freeze-dried fruit snacks and adding new flavors to the Crispy Fruit line.  They are a hard-working, diverse group of individuals who believe that educated customers are the best customers and they strive to empower all who enjoy their products.

snack food, Crispy Green, snacks, delicious, freeze dried fruit, fruit snacks, dried snacks, dried fruit, food, delicious, healthy snacks, healthy food, review, kid friendly snacks,

As I mentioned before, the Asian Pear is one of our favorites and the Mango definitely a close second, though my family and I enjoy all of them.  Each piece of fruit you bite into has the flavor that you would expect them to have and the snack is light but fulfilling.  We love how travel friendly and portable each pouch is.  We absolutely loved the taste of each fruit snack that they didn’t last very long in our household and we picked up a bunch of them to give to the twins’ classmates for Halloween.

snack food, Crispy Green, snacks, delicious, freeze dried fruit, fruit snacks, dried snacks, dried fruit, food, delicious, healthy snacks, healthy food, review, kid friendly snacks,

What we love about Crispy Fruit the most is the quality that goes into each bag.  Sometimes fresh fruit may not be available or may not be the most convenient option.  But, Crispy Green has perfected the “fruit to go” alternative by freeze-drying fresh fruit and transforming it into a delectable, incredible, light and crispy texture that is so satisfying, it reminds me of a chip.  With the freeze-dried process – the nutrients from the fresh fruit is retained without adding anything.  As a mom – I am always looking for the healthy alternative to snacks and I’m loving the fact that my children enjoy these just as much as I do.

snack food, Crispy Green, snacks, delicious, freeze dried fruit, fruit snacks, dried snacks, dried fruit, food, delicious, healthy snacks, healthy food, review, kid friendly snacks,
Crispy Fruit has easily become one of my family’s favorite snack foods.  My boys love fruit, but it can be so messy to eat when on the go.  Crispy Fruit allows us to take our treats with us, enjoy and not have the mess.
We stock up on Crispy Green at our local WholeFoods or Safeway stores (I’m so glad it is available locally).  You can see a list of locations to purchase Crispy Fruit here.  Do you love fruit but wish it were more portable?  Are you a fan of snacks like this for on the go?  If so, my family and I definitely suggest checking out Crispy Fruit by Crispy Green and see how delicious they for yourself.
 Signature Honey
Disclaimer:  The products featured in this post were sent for review consideration.  All opinions are my own, 100% honest & unbiased.  Affiliate links are posted through out.

PRESS SAMPLE / AFFILIATE LINKS

 

Happy Tuesday loves.  Today I’m coming to you with a review on another Michael Todd Beauty product.  If you’ve been here on my blog for a while now, you know that I have an absolute crush on the Soniclear Cleansing Brush so I am excited to share with you my thoughts on the SonicBLEND Antimicrobial Makeup Brush.

Michael Todd, SonicBlend, makeup brush, brush, sonic makeup brush, makeup brush review, review, product review, soniclear, foundation brush, foundation, foundation, makeup review, sonic,

Retailing for $99.00, the Michael Todd SonicBLEND is the first of its kind makeup brush that applies your makeup at sonic speeds up to 200 times per second.  It also has built in protection against microbial contamination so that your brush stays cleaner, fresher longer.  This brush is intended for comfort and control with an ergonomic design.  SonicBLEND uses gentle sonic movements to help easily sweep on foundation without leaving lines or streaks.  This brush is ideal for applying foundation, blush, contour, highlight, setting powder and bronzer.  It is said to effortlessly blend your favorite liquid or powder makeup in extra fine layers for natural looking airbrushed-like results each time you use the brush.

Intuitive patent based technology that uses sonic movements to prevent clumping by dispersing individual granules of makeup into wrinkles, enlarged pores & fine lines for a 3D flawless makeup application

SonicBLEND is also designed to provide you with better coverage so you use less makeup.  And, with it’s antimicrobial brush head, SonicBLEND can help you improve the overall healthy look of your complexion by minimizing the possibility of clogging pores as well as irritation from rubbing, stretching the skin and other things that can occur with traditional makeup application.

Michael Todd, SonicBlend, makeup brush, brush, sonic makeup brush, makeup brush review, review, product review, soniclear, foundation brush, foundation, foundation, makeup review, sonic,

System includes:

  • Cordless, rechargeable sonic brush handle
  • Antimicrobial makeup brush head
  • USB Charging Cable
  • User guide
  • 1 year warranty

Sonic bristle movements oscillate thousands of times per minute to ensure an airbrush-like finish

The SonicBLEND system or base unit I shall say is available in three different colors/designs – black, pink (which I have) and a cool leopard design.  There are two types of brush heads available for purchase separately as well – the Natural Round Top Universal Brush Head No. 4 and Flat Top Replacement Universal Brush Head No. 8.  The SonicBLEND unit comes with the standard makeup brush head.

So let’s chit chat about all the details of this product, my thoughts and what I think about the product overall.  First of all, I absolutely love the fact that this unit does not require any batteries… it comes with a USB cord to charge your brush and you can plug it into your computer or it’s perfect for on the go.  It’s an interesting product and something I think I’ve been kind of enjoying for contouring lately.  The brush is so soft… so so soft.  Using the brush is really easy – simply apply the product you want to use with it and turn the unit on.  I have been enjoying this brush for my contour and bronzing most of all.  I have tried this brush with a number of different products – BB Cream, CC Cream, Foundation, Highlighter, Blush and Bronzer.  I found that out of all the products, it worked best for me when using with a bronzer (both powder and cream work fairly well).

Michael Todd, SonicBlend, makeup brush, brush, sonic makeup brush, makeup brush review, review, product review, soniclear, foundation brush, foundation, foundation, makeup review, sonic,

Since I don’t often use foundation, I wanted to test and see how this product worked with those types of products.  The brush really likes cream and liquid products it seems.  While it worked to apply the foundations and creams to my face, I found that it moved the product around a lot.  I’ve been trying this brush now for about 3 weeks consistently and found that the weight of the handle may be making it a challenge for me to apply.  Nonetheless, I continue to apply and test this out to see how it works.  The brush doesn’t spin so you don’t have to worry about foundation splashing or splattering anywhere.  The sonic vibrations help to get the product (liquid or cream foundation) into the lines and pores for even and better coverage – but I just found that it was a lot of work and the product did move around more than I would like.  After talking with a few friends that own this brush – I think it may have been due to my use and the fact that I haven’t been able to get the hang out of using it for foundation type products.

Michael Todd, SonicBlend, makeup brush, brush, sonic makeup brush, makeup brush review, review, product review, soniclear, foundation brush, foundation, foundation, makeup review, sonic,

When it comes to contouring and bronzing, I really enjoy how this lays down the product and then going back with the brush it blends it out effortlessly.  I honestly think it may be my use of the brush that is making it a challenge.  I love that this brush doesn’t soak up product so you definitely use less of it.  One big positive for me is how my foundation looked on the skin once I was able to actually apply the product the way it was needed to be.  There was no creasing, the look of airbrushed makeup was definitely achieved.  But, since I’m impatient, the learning curve in applying product can be a hassle for me.  Oh – did I mention that I didn’t get any shedding… I have washed this brush three times since using it and haven’t had any shedding that I could see with my own eyes.  I thought that was definitely a good thing, especially with a brush you use to apply foundation.

Ideal for applying foundation as well as applying blush, contour, highlight, setting powder & bronzers for a seamless, perfectly blended makeup application that mirrors results of what professional makeup artists can achieve 

I think SonicBLEND and Michael Todd could benefit from a brush that is less compact and dense.  This brush makes for a great kabuki style, but I just felt that it was a bit uncomfortable with applying.  A brush head that has longer bristles and is less compact would make a big difference in applying foundation.  I’m looking forward to Michael Todd releasing more brushes for different and various uses.  I would love to see a brush head specifically for chiseled contours, a fluffy blush brush, a fluffy powder brush and a flat top kabuki style brush that is compact, but less dense as the current one that offers longer bristles for a great application.

Michael Todd, SonicBlend, makeup brush, brush, sonic makeup brush, makeup brush review, review, product review, soniclear, foundation brush, foundation, foundation, makeup review, sonic,

Each replacement brush head retails between $26 – $30.  I love that the brush heads are antimicrobial… this makes it perfect for my sensitive skin so that I don’t have to worry about irritations and I did notice that the irritations and breakouts I get from regular brushes (even if clean) was not occurring with the SonicBLEND.  This brush however, is an investment.  I think it’s great that you can get more brush heads and reuse it.  I think it would be great for travel – take a few brush heads and the unit and you’re good to go.  But, the price point is a bit hefty.  I have expensive makeup brushes in my collection that could easily be replaced with this brush if there were a few changes made.  I’d love to see a collection of brush heads in the set and a small brush handle would make it easy for me to use with my carpel tunnel.  It’s a neat invention and definitely something I think worth checking out if you have the opportunity.

I think new tools for beauty are always a great find and at $99.00 this is a pretty hefty cost, but something to check out and see if it works for you.  I have several friends that own the unit themselves and swear by it… while I’m still on the fence of whether or not I think it’s something I would NEED.  I look forward to seeing what else Michael Todd will come out with to compliment this fun brush for sure.

What about you, have you  heard of the SonicBLEND?  Have you tried it before or is this something you think you’d enjoy?  Comment below and let me know.

Check out the SonicBLEND for yourself here.

Signature Honey

Disclaimer:  The product featured in this post was sent for review consideration.  All opinions are my own, 100% honest & unbiased.  Affiliate links are posted through out.


PRESS SAMPLE / AFFILIATE LINKS

 

I have talked about the Soniclear from Michael Todd time and time again.  The Soniclear and Foreo Luna have become some of my holy grail products that I’ve been loving over the last couple of years and I use them faithfully each week as a part of my skin care regimen.  What can I say – I love a clean face that doesn’t cause my Eczema to flare up or my sensitive skin to go wonky.  While I own several different variations of the Michael Todd Soniclear, I was recently introduced to some attachments and brush heads for the Soniclear Elite that I’ve been eyeing myself for the last several months.  Today – let’s talk about the Soniclear Elite Deluxe.

Soniclear elite, michael todd, soniclear elite brush, deluxe soniclear elite, sonic cleansing brush, facial care, skin care, regimen, clean face, skin care routine, skin cleansing system, skin cleansing brush,

The Soniclear Elite Deluxe from Michael Todd is similar to that of the Soniclear Elite which I currently own, but includes a variety of attachments for you to use with your unit.  The Deluxe features the Soniclear Unit in your selection of style – I have Hippie Chic.  You also get different attachments to help and assist with your cleaning.

With the Deluxe you will receive the Antimcirobial PEDI treatment head for smoothing foot care, the Extension Handle for those hard to reach places on your back and legs and a convenient Shower Organizer and Hard Shell Travel Case.  I also have several other attachments that I mix and match with my unit for ease of use.

Soniclear elite, michael todd, soniclear elite brush, deluxe soniclear elite, sonic cleansing brush, facial care, skin care, regimen, clean face, skin care routine, skin cleansing system, skin cleansing brush,

I have written about Soniclear Elite here on this site many times, but let’s talk a little about it again shall we?  The Soniclear Elite is cordless and rechargeable.  It provides up to an hour of continuous use on a single charge.  It’s waterproof so you can use the unit in the shower or bath which is where I prefer to use it, especially since I use the body brush as part of my shower routine.

Soniclear elite, michael todd, soniclear elite brush, deluxe soniclear elite, sonic cleansing brush, facial care, skin care, regimen, clean face, skin care routine, skin cleansing system, skin cleansing brush,

The Power Control Handle produces up to 300 sonic movements per second for 6x better cleansing than with hands alone and you get an Antimicrobial Daily Cleanse brush that is gentle, effective and the brush bristles are sized and uniquely rounded at the tip for gentle cleansing.  The Antimicrobial brush is perfect for stains and odor causing bacteria protection.  You also get the Antimicrobial body brush (which I love) for exfoliating the body to give you a smoother and softer feeling skin.

Soniclear elite, michael todd, soniclear elite brush, deluxe soniclear elite, sonic cleansing brush, facial care, skin care, regimen, clean face, skin care routine, skin cleansing system, skin cleansing brush,

The unit comes with Multiple Speeds with C-Boost Technology.  6 sonic speeds provide customizable cleansing experience for your specific skin type and skin concerns.  C-Boost provides a pulsating massage designed to rev-up your skincare regimen.  A Cleansing Time is built in to keep automatic time and beeps to remind you to move to the next cleansing area.

Soniclear elite, michael todd, soniclear elite brush, deluxe soniclear elite, sonic cleansing brush, facial care, skin care, regimen, clean face, skin care routine, skin cleansing system, skin cleansing brush,

With a comfort grip that is soft and will help to provide increased comfort to prevent slipping – you have a complete unit that is ready to go and use when you are.  I love that the Soniclear Elite gets the job done while helping to make my job easier since the unit is so easy to use.  As I mentioned before, I have more than one unit and keep one in the shower for my body scrubbing and one in the bathroom for facial cleansing.  I also love that the units offer great cleaning but now have so many other fine attachments.

Soniclear elite, michael todd, soniclear elite brush, deluxe soniclear elite, sonic cleansing brush, facial care, skin care, regimen, clean face, skin care routine, skin cleansing system, skin cleansing brush,

One of my absolute favorite accessories is the Lush Cashmere Face Brush ($30.00).  This antimicrobial brush is a gentle cleansing brush that is perfect for every day use on my sensitive skin.  Since I cannot use my soniclear on my face daily with the standard face brush, I love that I have the option with a different brush head.  This brush head is soft and feels wonderful.  It looks like it’s rubber, but is soft bristles similar to those on a makeup brush – soft to the touch and my face loves it.  This brush is gentle enough for me to use daily (as I mentioned) but I love that the bristles are long enough to get in places easily like my nose and doesn’t irritate my skin at all while still offering a great clean.

The cashmere brush is a plush facial brush that has longer and extra soft cashmere-like bristles to provide gentle yet thorough facial cleansing.  It’s ideal for boosting hydration while gently cleansing pores, fine lines and wrinkles.  This brush micro massages away makeup, dirt, oil and perspiration to reveal a complexion that feels softer, cleaner and better hydrated.  This is especially suitable for all skin types, including mature and sensitive, easily irritated skin.  This brush head is compatible with all devices except the Soniclear Classic.

Soniclear elite, michael todd, soniclear elite brush, deluxe soniclear elite, sonic cleansing brush, facial care, skin care, regimen, clean face, skin care routine, skin cleansing system, skin cleansing brush,

The Sonic Infuser Head for the face ($35.00) is also a great tool to have.  This infuser head allows you to harness the power of sonic movements to apply your serums and creams onto the skin for maximum efficiency.  Since most skin care products you apply with your fingers are usually absorbed by your fingertips and evaporate before working, the sonic infuser head helps you to apply these products differently.  The sonic delivery system disperses the product thoroughly and more evenly so that it can work for you.  With sonic movements at hundreds of times per second to help put that serum and cream in the epidermis instead of settling on the surface of the skin.

Soniclear elite, michael todd, soniclear elite brush, deluxe soniclear elite, sonic cleansing brush, facial care, skin care, regimen, clean face, skin care routine, skin cleansing system, skin cleansing brush,

Did I mention I’m absolutely loving the extension handle ($25.00).  I use one of my Soniclear brushes in the shower and let’s just say getting to my back with my short arms requires me to call my husband for assistance.   Having the extension handle has been a lifesaver and keeps my device secure and in place so that it doesn’t fall.  With daily use it has held up without any issues which I love.

If you are interested in checking out the Soniclear Elite and the accessories for yourself – you can check them out here: http://www.michaeltoddbeauty.com/soniclear-elite-deluxe/

Cost: $199.00

I am a huge fan of this device.  I own 4 myself and have purchased three for family members over the years.  It’s a device I use and love and I absolutely enjoy the fact that these attachments that you can get make the unit so versatile for the whole body in any beauty routine.  Family members have loved when I have purchased these for them and they use them consistently as well.  I have written about Soniclear so many times on HGW that it’s becoming a name that is familiar here.  Like with anything you see on this site, if I don’t like it – you’ll know about it.  This is definitely something I like and I love sharing it with all of you.  The way I see it, your skin is something you have to live with your entire life, so you might as well invest in it the best you can.

Have you tried the Soniclear Elite from Michael Todd?  If so, what do you think about it?  If not, is this something you may have on your Holiday wishlist this year?

Signature Honey

Disclaimer:  The products featured in this post were sent for review consideration.  All opinions are my own, 100% honest & unbiased.  Affiliate links are posted through out.