Mary Kay Naturally Skincare Collection

In world filled with harmful chemicals and artificial ingredients, many of us are more aware of what we put in and on our bodies. We eat well, exercise and try to stay hydrated while living a balanced lifestyle.

Mary Kay recognizes the importance of clean, eco-certified skincare which is why their new collection is inspired by nature. The naturally derived formulas are free of parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, dyes and SLS/SLES to keep your complexion healthy.

Start with the Purifying Cleanser ($29.00) infused with cornflower water, vitamin E and glycerin to calm, soothe, condition and protect against environmental aggressors. Apply the milky cream on a cotton pad or makeup wipe and massage it in to emulsify foundation and impurities before rinsing. The formula is 99.49% natural and safe for sensitive skin.

When most of the oil and makeup has been removed, double-cleanse by slathering your face in more Purifying Cleanser and use Mary Kay’s rechargeable Skinvigorate Sonic Brush ($85.00). In just 60 seconds the powerful vibrations abolish dirt and pollutants trapped deep within pores and you can switch between 3 settings to customize your beauty routine.

For a clear complexion it is important to remove dull cells and Mary Kay’s Exfoliating Powder ($39.00) gently resurfaces with a blend of citric acid, hydrogenated castor oil and rice starch. Simply mix the powder with water, add a couple drops of MK Nourishing Oil (optional) and massage in circular motions to buff away roughness. For less friction add more water and for more grittiness add less. My skin is sensitive to over-exfoliation so I do not use the powder on the same day I use the Sonic Cleansing Brush.

If you want to look well rested, energized and alert, Mary Kay’s Hydrogel Eye Patches ($45.00) are a must! Apply the cool masks on clean dry skin for 20 minutes and relax as the lush serum soothes, depuffs and revitalizes.

After masking use the Moisturizing Stick ($32.00) to soften, protect, hydrate and replenish dry skin. The emollient-rich squalane formula melts in with no greasiness and the tube is great for travel.

Once you apply a layer of balm, pop the Facial Massage Head ($28.00) on the Skinvigorate and use it to tighten, lift and soften fine lines. 24,000 gentle pulsations tone and rejuvenate your profile in a single session.

Last but not least, apply two drops of Nourishing Oil ($55.00) before bed. This is my favorite product in the line because the formula is 100% natural and boosts radiance.

The nutritive blend contains:

*Olive Oil – soothes, prevents premature aging and sun damage, treats psoriasis and eczema, eliminates bacteria, and moisturizes with powerful antioxidants.

*Squalane Oil – supports the skin’s barrier, balances oil production, diminishes common signs of aging, reduces inflammation, boosts blood circulation, controls acne and deeply hydrates to reduce dryness.

*Sweet Almond Oil (high in fatty acids, vitamin E and A) – softens, smooths, prevents blackheads and acne, blurs find lines, heals chapped lips, alleviates irritation, and conditions.

*Vitamin E – potent antioxidant that protects against environmental damage, combats free radicals, reduces UV damage and supports healthy cell function.

You can find these fabulous products at marykay.ca

Eminence Organic Skincare Review

Many people are trying to live healthier lifestyles and cut out as many preservatives as possible which is why finding amazing, all-natural skincare is so exciting! Recently I’ve been testing the organic, handmade products from Eminence and I’m totally obsessed with the efficient formulas and luxury ingredients. The skincare is made in Budapest Hungary (a top destinations on my travel bucket list) and the brand utilizes the most natural cultivation methods and nutrient rich soil to capture high levels of fresh fruit extracts and vitamins. The process of biodynamic farming yields a potent concentration of active ingredients which enhances regeneration of the skin for a healthy, youthful complexion.

I usually begin my skincare routine with a refreshing blast of the Stone Crop Hydrating Mist infused with essential minerals. This soothing tonic alleviates dryness, balances uneven skin tone by reducing pigmentation, removes impurities and prepares my skin to absorb moisturizer and serum. The liquid looks like a nutritive green smoothie but dries clear with no residue. I also spritz it on before makeup application and keep it at my work desk for an invigorating boost of moisture throughout the day. It retails for $46.00.

As I write this article heavy snowfall is blanketing Toronto and the harsh weather can cause dry, flaky skin. To counteract the effects of winter or any extreme seasonal weather, the Rosehip & Lemongrass Repair Balm makes a fabulous reparative treatment. Enriched with Vitamins A, C, D, E, antioxidants and a variety of minerals, fruit extracts, rich oils and nourishing herbs - the balm improves texture, deeply moisturizes, heals and protects from environmental stress. It also minimizes pores, firms and revives dull, tired skin. The texture is a bit thick and chunky when you dig it out of the jar so it does take some time to melt as you massage it in. Once the formula liquefies and absorbs, my skin feels supple, soft and bouncy all night! The consistency isn’t ultra lightweight but it isn’t pore clogging or heavy either and as it sinks in the residue tends to dissipate. The balm also makes a wonderful cuticle and hand treatment and I like to rub the excess into my lips. It retails for $88.00 and even though the jar is small, a little goes a long way.

My dehydrated skin cannot get enough of the lush Stone Crop Masque! This indulgent formula is loaded with vitamins, Coenzyme Q10, antioxidants, honey, fruit and many other incredible ingredients that fight free radicals, correct skin tone, hydrate, recuperate damaged areas and boost overall health. Looking at the jelly-like masque you can actually see the fresh fruit pulp and smell the aromatic herbs. After 10-15 minutes (or longer depending on your preference) the formula boosts hydration levels for ultra silky, incredibly soft, resilient skin. The slick texture is a bit tedious to rinse off (I prefer to do it in the shower) but it has fabulous brightening effects. This is one of my new favorite moisture masks because I see and feel results immediately after treatment. It retails for $46.00.

Calendula Oil has become a popular ingredient in skincare because it contains high concentrations of Beta Carotenoids, antioxidants and vitamins that enhance the skin’s natural healing process for smooth radiant results. For me the oil has also helped reduce the occurrence of breakouts while keeping my complexion clear, soft, even and blemish-free. I’ve also noticed gradual lightening of discoloration and the disappearance of dry patches. I prefer to layer the oil with moisturizer and use the excess on my hands and cuticles. It retails for $36.00.

After a relaxing shower when skin is still moist and warm, a good body oil locks in moisture and improves skin texture. The Eminence Apricot Oil smells deliciously sweet, and candy-like with a juicy fruit formula and reconstructing oils that drench skin in lush layers of moisture. The light finish creates a radiant sheen that doesn’t transfer or feel greasy and the hydrating effects last all day. The oil also protects the cell membrane, heals and reduces lines, wrinkles and roughness while boosting elasticity, clarity and suppleness. The other oils in the formula are: grape seed, jojoba, seabuckthorn, pomegranate and carrot plus a long list of essential vitamins. It retails for $29.00.

My night time routine always includes a comforting eye gel since dark circles are prevalent in my family and I do some of my best work late at night. The Cucumber Eye Gel ($68.00) is light, cooling and loaded with organic ingredients that relieve stressed eyes.

The main components include:

Cucumber: reduces puffiness and rehydrates

Shea Butter: moisturizes and revitalizes

Bearberry (antioxidant): evens skin tone

Eyebright: reduces irritation and swelling

Atlas Cedar: calms the skin

The gel rejuvenates and lifts while diminishing signs of fatigue and aging. The darkness under my eyes seems to be improving (especially when used my Foreo Iris Massager) and the entire area is smooth and well hydrated.

Eminence is available online at thefacialroom.ca and for more information or to find a retailer near you visit eminenceorganics.com. 

Bella Aura Skincare Review & Giveaway!

I love discovering new products especially when they are 100% natural and infused with amazing botanicals. Today I am happy to introduce you to one of my new organic obsessions – Bella Aura, a brand that captures the exotic, nourishing benefits of Moroccan ingredients infused with 7 vitamins, high performance peptides, minerals and skin loving omega acids!

I want to take a moment to describe the lush, velvety texture of these incredible concoctions because they are quite unique and innovative. The formulas in this range are water based and enriched with botanicals making them very light and fast absorbing with a refreshing finish. The thing I love most is that each chic glass bottle is infused with rich conditioning oils that are expertly blended, resulting in a fabulous hybrid elixir of lotion and oil. During the winter my skin tends to be quite dehydrated so I usually layer my moisturizer with an oil or serum for extra hydration. With this collection you get everything you need in each bottle so layering is not required to treat and alleviate dry skin.

The Antioxidant Booster is a powerful detoxing blend that protects against negative elements in the environment and brightens the complexion to promote youthful radiance. The silky emulsion repairs and restores the skin’s natural barrier while fighting free radicals and reducing the appearance of dark spots, discoloration, blotchiness and redness. The purifying benefits also help support collagen to fight the signs of aging and with the infusion of mint, barley, jojoba, cactus extract, orange peel and more my skin is thriving! You can use the Booster day or night and although it contains natural oils it isn’t greasy or slick. To use: simply massage into skin and proceed with sunscreen and or makeup application as usual. I love how hydrated and soft my skin feels when this nutritive formula absorbs and like all products from this brand it has an invigorating botanical scent. The Antioxidant Booster retails for $148.00.

The Daily Repair Moisturizer offers intense, lightweight hydration with a breakthrough active ingredient more effective than hyaluronic acid! Not only does my face feel soft, supple and smooth after using this it also gets a blast of vitamins including: K,C,E, A,F,D and B plus all of those omega acids I mentioned earlier! The rich, fortifying blend prevents water loss, rejuvenates, rebalances, minimizes fine lines and eradicates dullness for that bright, vibrant complexion we all crave. I absolutely love this cream for long lasting defense against dryness, it retails for $128.00.

The Instant Lifting Eye Contour helps reduce the appearance of aging and is formulated to make the eye area look 6 weeks younger in just 4 weeks. It also helps reduce the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, crow’s feet, dryness and uneven texture. The biggest issue I have with my under eye area is dark circles, partly due to poor sleep habits (I’m a night owl) and because of hereditary factors (thanks dad!).  I love how gentle this formula is on delicate skin and it absorbs quickly without irritating my eyes or feeling heavy. I have noticed that my eye area looks more revived, awake and refreshed in the mornings (even when I feel tired) and again I love the natural elements that brighten the skin. The eye cream retails for $128.00.

The Night Cellular Renewal is my favorite products in the collection because I can layer it with the Antioxidant Booster or moisturizer for incredibly hydrated, silky skin that feels amazing all night and looks healthy and revived in the morning. This powerful emulsion helps heal and optimize cellular renewal to prevent the signs of aging while you get your beauty sleep. It is ideal for all skin types including sensitive and I’d recommend it to women and men of all ages, especially if you love organic blends and detest artificial additives. The Night Renewal cream retails for $148.00.

Last but not least is the Gentle Purifying Cleanser which has the same creamy-oil texture as the other products plus vitamins and extracts. Despite the light oils in the formula it provides a soft, soap-free lather for efficient cleansing. The formula is loaded with vitamins E, B, C, omega, crushed minerals and antioxidants to eliminate impurities, nourish and protect without drying or stripping the skin. It foams away makeup residue, dirt, impurities and excess oil that can clog pores and cause blemishes leaving my face clean, soft and ready to absorb moisture with no uncomfortable tightness. The cleanser retails for $42.00 and also works well with cleansing brushes like the Clarisonic.

You can find these fabulous products online by clicking HERE

GIVEAWAY

Since I love this collection so much I have teamed up with the brand to host an amazing giveaway! One of my lovely readers will win ALL FIVE products - prize value $594.00. This giveaway is open to North American residents and to qualify you must be following my blog via Google Friends Connect OR Bloglovin and at LEAST TWO of my social media accounts. The giveaway ends on March 18, 2016 at 12 am EST and some entry methods are allowed daily. More rules and regulations can be found below. Good Luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Winner!

Thanks to everyone who entered my Bella Aura Giveaway, there were over 10,000 entries and as always I appreciate your support of my blog.  Please stay tuned for more awesome prizes & click HERE to enter my NeoStrata giveaway!

Congratulations to Analyssa from California, I hope you enjoy the skincare collection as much as I do!

Disclaimer and Rules: (Please Read)

This Bella Aura giveaway hosted by Diary of a Trendaholic Blog is open to North American residents only and is sponsored by Bella Aura Skincare. One winner will be chosen at random via Rafflecopter (random.org) to receive (1) Antioxidant Booster, (1) Daily Repair Moisturizer, (1) Instant Lifting Eye contour, (1) Night Cellular Repair and (1) Gentle Purifying Cleanser with a total prize value of $594.00 as outlined in this review post. All information must be entered correctly as specified via Rafflecoptor and entrants must be following at least 2 of my social media accounts and my blog via Bloglovin or Google Friends Connect (GFC) to qualify, (only viable entries will be considered). This giveaway begins on Thursday February 18, 2016 and ends on Friday March 18, 2016 at 12am Eastern Time Zone.

            One eligible winner will be announced on http://diaryofatrendaholic.blogspot.ca/ within two weeks following the giveaway end date and entrants must be at least 18 years of age to participate. The winner must send their name and full mailing address (no PO Box addresses) and phone number to diaryofatrendaholic@outlook.com to receive the prize. Winners will also be contacted by email if a valid email address is provided. In the event that the winner does not claim the prize within 3 days after being contacted a second winner will be selected at random or another thereafter until the prize is claimed. Falsified entries or entries that cannot be verified may be disqualified at the discretion of the blog owner.

         Diary of a Trendaholic is not responsible for a lost package(s), delays, damages or any other issues that occur during shipping, handling, processing or mailing. In the event of unforeseen circumstances the brand (Bella Aura) may choose to send a replacement prize equal to or differing from the original giveaway prize depending on product availability. The nature of any prize substitution will be decided on at the sole discretion of the host and sponsor without any additional notification or permission. The blog owner or sponsor may also choose not to replace or substitute the prize and there will be no cash alternative offered under any circumstance. Bella Aura Skincare is responsible for all shipping costs pertaining to this giveaway.

All beauty products received by the giveaway winner must be used at his or her discretion in compliance with the directions on the product (s). The blog owner and sponsor is not responsible for any adverse skin or medical reactions associated with the use of any product(s) sent to the winner. By accepting the prize the winner completely releases the blog owner of all legal liability pertaining to any and all side effects associated with the use of the products won.

By accepting the prize the winner(s) agrees to comply with the rules and regulations herein which cannot be contested including the use of any legal action against the blog owner or Bella Aura Skincare. The blog owner reserves the right to amend or cancel this giveaway at any time without prior notice. Entrants will be deemed to have accepted the official terms and conditions (“the rules”) and are agreed to be bound by them. By entering this giveaway you agree to the collection of personal information however your details will not be used or disclosed to other persons or entities. 

The promotion of this giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered or associated with Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest, Facebook or any other social media sites and blogging platforms. By participating you agree to a complete release of any liability for all websites that may have been used to promote this giveaway.

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Canadian Contests at AllCanadaContests.com

Rocia Skincare Review

While searching for great skincare reading labels helps ensure you are getting sufficient amounts of beneficial ingredients. Many brands recognize the value of quality formulas but some only add miniscule amounts of active nutrients which can lead to delayed results. Rocia is a Canadian brand that prides itself on delivering natural skincare, body care and makeup that is safe, effective clinically proven and intensely nourishing. Their collection is free of parbens, colorants, dyes, preservatives and fragrance with vegan and gluten-free formulas.

The Mixer Masque comes as loose glacial marine and kaolin clay granules that you mix with water, yogurt or mineral water to form a detoxifying, rich mineral paste. It cleanses disinfects and exfoliates with potent antioxidants, vitamins, antiseptics and conditioning agents. The nourishing ingredients include: sandalwood, green tea, seaweed and mango for an invigorating treatment that draws out impurities and leaves skin feeling revitalized and fresh! Clay masks can be quite messy and since this one is a dry powder requiring mixing I found it to be even more so. The scent is a bit raw and not particularly my cup of tea but since I rinse it off in 10-15 mins the smell isn’t a deal breaker. It retails for $18.00.

For dehydrated, parched skin the Hydrate Moisturizer provides a light, silky layer of botanicals and organic extracts to condition, reduce wrinkles and increase elasticity. Like the masque it also has many anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, regenerative and antiseptic properties which can be beneficial for sensitive, mature and acne prone skin. The ingredient list for this cream is very impressive it includes: lavender, vanilla, bergamot, vitamin E, shea butter, olive oil, grapefruit, avocado, radish root, mushroom, oil and more! Due to the natural elements and lack of fragrance I find the scent a bit spicy but if you are looking for a moisturizer infused with the best nature has to offer then this product may be for you!  It retails for $35.00.

If you prefer to moisturize with natural oil and layer it under face cream for intense suppleness the Quench Extra Hydration Oil is great! This lush formula pampers with potent skin softening agents, vitamin E, antioxidants, emollients and anti-aging components with a bit of UV protection. I prefer to apply the oil before bed so it works as I snooze and I wake to dewy, supple skin! It retails for $22.00.

I never go to bed without applying my eye cream since I battle dark circles on a daily basis. The Soufflé is gentle and helps diminish the look of pigmentation, lines, and puffiness. I love that the formula doesn’t burn and it has a nice lightweight consistency that revitalizes the look of tired eyes for a brighter, more youthful appearance. Like all products from this brand the ingredient list contains a long list of impressive natural extracts rich in antioxidants and skin loving components that are ideal for quick results. It retails for $27.00.

Environmental elements can wreak havoc on your skin and with cooler temperatures around the corner the Gardener’s Glove Hand Therapy is a great purse essential. With a fresh botanical scent the formula is packed with nourishing oils including: rose, apricot, carrot, shea, geranium, olive and more to heal rough, cracked skin and relieve discomfort. The cream also moisturizes brittle, stripping nails and damaged cuticles for youthful, soft hands that will inspire you to show off that cute mani! The hand cream retails for $20.00

Overall I enjoyed this line and I appreciate the organic quality. Although the products are quite small they seem highly concentrated so you can use less to achieve a radiant complexion. Check out Rocia on their website by clicking HERE.

*Press samples featured