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!!

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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.

listed on:
Canadian Contests at AllCanadaContests.com

NeoStrata Skincare Review and Giveaway!

Today I have a special treat for my loyal followers and readers. As many of you know I’ve been using NeoStrata for years and I even got my friends and family hooked! In the spirit of the season I thought I’d introduce you to some of my top product picks and cult faves plus give you a chance to win them all! Your skin will absolutely love you for pampering it so lovingly and I’ve also included my secret weapon for long, thick lashes and lush brows!

First up is the Microdermabrasion Skin Resurfacing Duo. I like microdermabrasion so much that I have my own machine at home and the process works wonders for evening skin tone and texture but not many people are willing to shell out big bucks for an expensive device or spend up to $400 dollars at the spa. We all know that exfoliation is key to sloughing away dead, dull cells in order to achieve a healthy, radiant complexion and NeoStrata's exfoliating duo is the next best thing to a professional treatment.

To use you simply apply the crystals and massage gently for about one minute, then add the activator and massage for another two minutes. The crystals provide wonderful revitalizing benefits so skin appears smooth, supple and polished after just one treatment. The Activator releases powerful anti-aging ingredients to enhance skin clarity and boost radiance. This product retails for $75.00.

The Youth Factor GF Total Regenerating Serum is one of my favourites for improving texture, tone, hydration, blemishes and so much more! Although I don’t have wrinkles and other visible signs of aging this is a fabulous preventative measure for maintaining a beautiful sculpted profile and if time has taken a toll on your skin this potent blend will help revitalize problem areas.

The beautiful pearlescent formula absorbs quickly with no greasiness and helps reduce wrinkles by up to 69%, increase skin hydration by 72% and enhance elasticity by up to 60%. It also uses Epidermal Growth Factor to stimulate cell renewal and regenerate collagen and elastin to fortify skin. The serum retails for $78.00.

Since winter can be terribly drying many of us need to increase moisture and quench dehydrated skin to prevent peeling, flaking, dullness and irritation. The Hydra-Infusion Lotion has a fabulous oil-free formula for light, shine-free hydration that feels comfortable and works well at night, during the day and under makeup. The cream is infused with mineral rich Amazonian White Clay that absorbs excess oil without drying out the skin and it is also non-irritating and ideal for all skin types. This cream leaves my face soft, supple and ready to battle the winter wind! It retails for $30.00.

As a Beauty Editor who tests and uses a lot of makeup I know how important it is to cleanse your skin at the end of the day and unclog those pores. The Gel cleanser is among my faves because the formula removes impurities, dead cells and excess oil without stripping and the gentle formula is suitable for all ages. The gel produces a bit of suds for a refreshing clean and the formula contains Glycolic acid which helps to smooth, resurface and balance pH. The cleanser retails for $30.00.

Last but not least is my favourite Lash Enhance Serum on the market. This nourishing formula infused with fruit stem cells and thickening peptides is my secret to long, thick eyelashes. After just a few days of use I applied a few coats of my favourite mascara and noticed a huge difference in how plush, volumized and accentuated my lashes looked. I wasn’t the only one who noticed the growth, my friends and family began asking if I was wearing falsies! The formula is clinically proven to visibly lengthen lashes by up to 46% in just two weeks and up to 72% in 6 weeks although my results were much quicker! I usually apply it before bed so it doesn’t get into my eyes but the formula is non-irritating so it doesn’t burn.  Although I would have preferred a mascara-like applicator instead of a thin brush the formula fortifies to help prevent hair loss and you can also use it on your brows to thicken sparse, thinning areas. The serum retails for $60.00.

GIVEAWAY: Win ALL of my favourite NeoStrata products!

Now that you’ve read about my obsession with these fabulous products it is your turn try them for yourself! One Lucky reader will win ALL of my favourites with a total prize value of $273.00! The rules are simple: you MUST be following at least TWO of my social media accounts and follow me on Google Friends Connect OR Bloglovin to qualify. This giveaway is open to residents of Canada 18+ and is sponsored by NeoStrata Canada. Some entry methods are allowed daily so please spread the word! A giveaway photo link is on the sidebar for easy access and it ends on January 8, 2016 at 12 am EST. Good Luck! 

To recap the prize includes: Microdermabrasion Resurfacing Duo ($75.00), Gel Cleanser ($30.00), Youth Factor GF Serum ($78.00), Hydra-Infusion Lotion ($30.00) & Lash Enhancer Serum ($60.00).

**Pin & share this photo**

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Winner Announcement!

And the winner of the NeoStrata giveaway is....Melissa Avey (Missy A)! There were 10,819 entries so I want to thank everyone who stopped by and continues to support my blog. There will be more amazing giveaways coming up soon so stay tuned!

Disclaimer and Rules: (Please Read)

This NeoStrata giveaway hosted by Diary of a Trendaholic Blog is open to residents on Canada only and is sponsored by NeoStrata Canada. One winner will be chosen at random via Rafflecopter (random.org) to receive the products specified in this 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). The giveaway begins on Friday December 11, 2015 and ends on Friday December 8, 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 18 years of age or older to participate. The winner must send their mailing address (no PO Box addresses) and contact information 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 2 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.

NeoStrata Canada will mail the prize directly to the winner, 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 NeoStrata 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 or sponsor without any additional notification or permission. There will be no cash alternative offered under any circumstance.

All beauty products received by the giveaway winner(s) must be used at his or her discretion in compliance with the directions on the product (s). The blog owner and sponsor are 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(s) completely release the blog owner of all legal liability pertaining to any and all side effects associated with the use of all products won.

By accepting the prize the winner(s) agree to comply with the rules and regulations herein which cannot be contested including the use of any legal action against the blog owner or NeoStrata. 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 other than the sponsor in order to ship the prize.

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.

Posted on: Canadian Contests at AllCanadaContests.com

Yves Rocher Serum Vegetal Rides & Lifting V Shaping Care

I have tried and tested many beauty products to find fabulous formulas and I will admit to using creams and serums for women much older than me and for correcting skin issues I don’t yet have. Call it good genes, vigilant skincare or sheer luck but I’m happy to report that preventative measures do work and I don’t have fine lines or wrinkles. Be that as it may I cater to women of all ages here on my blog and Yves Rocher is a brand that paves the way to healthier skin with innovative new creations and the power of natural extracts.

The new Serum Vegetal Collection takes advantage of the skin’s ability to absorb key ingredients by optimizing the assimilation of active botanicals that benefit and recharge the cells. You can think of this range as food for the skin, infused with a powerful extract from the Ice Plant- also called the Life Plant which is used for its ability to deeply penetrate and fortify the skin.

Yves Rocher uses responsibly sourced natural ingredients from around the globe to bring you the most intensely effective extracts, herbs, vitamins and antioxidants for the health of your complexion.

The Ice Plant originates in the South African Desert and is known for its ability to adapt and survive in extreme conditions. It has an enhanced ability to repair, grow and thrive in harsh environments making it a natural anti-wrinkle treatment that reactivates cellular mechanisms. The extract is suitable for all skin types and meets the needs of every woman including: radiance, firmness and lifting.

Ice Plant

*Photo by Dan L. Perlman, source: Ecolibrary pg DP266

The Wrinkles & Lifting range includes:

*V Shaping Serum

*Wrinkles & Lifting Supra Life Mask

*Lifting Eye Cream

*Day Cream

*Night Cream

The day cream has an oil-free, light, velvety texture made with 89% natural ingredients that work well under makeup to prevent the buildup of excess shine and oil throughout the day. It moisturizes and eradicates dryness with hyaluronic acid to leave skin soft, supple and silky with a faint luminous finish and no residue. It also works to enhance collagen and elasticity which reduces skin slackening and the look of wrinkles. The entire collection has a very strong perfume-like fragrance but the scent is quite pleasant and tends to dissipate with wear. The day cream retails for $58.00.

The Night cream is considerably thicker and richer, similar to a corrective overnight mask that can be applied over the face and neck for intense hydration, softness and sculpting. It eradicates dry, flaky patches and deeply nourishes with a formula free of oils, artificial colorants and parabens so you wake to healthy, radiant looking skin! (Retail price: $58.00)

Although the moisturizers do a great job keeping your skin dewy and conditioned Yves Rocher didn’t stop there, they enhanced the effectiveness of the collection with the Wrinkles & Lifting Mask that comes with a massaging brush to plump cheeks, contour the face, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and increase firmness. The brush also acts like a micro-exfoliant that instantly boosts the complexion with soy oil, cornflower water, seed extracts and organic shea butter. To use: simply apply the mask to cheeks, the entire outline of the face and under the chin in a upwards motion and rinse with water after 5 mins. (Retail price: $37.00)

The Serum can be used on its own or with the night cream before bed to improve and magnify the lifting, toning and anti-aging effects. It envelops skin in a light film of moisture to restore and revive resiliency. (Retail price: $58.00)

Proper skincare would not be complete without a great eye cream and this regenerating formula is refreshing, hydrating and lifting for a more youthful, rested appearance, it retails for $44.00.

This line along with the Wrinkles & Radiance Collection and the Wrinkles & Firmness range is available at Yves Rocher stores and at Yvesrocher.ca.

*Press samples featured

Modere Beauty Box Review

If you love beauty boxes, skincare and healthy hair then today you are in for a treat! Recently I have been trying the luxurious beauty box by Mōdere and unlike other subscriptions that may include a few small samples, Mōdere contains 5 full-sized products and 4 samples that are backed by 25 years of scientific research! With this box you are getting exceptional quality and cruelty free products void of cheap ingredients or harsh chemicals.

This box is not a continuous monthly service and Mōdere has a great policy for customer satisfaction to guarantee that you don't end up with a bunch of products you won't use.

How it Works

1. When you receive your box you can enjoy each sample that also comes with detailed instructions on usage.

2. You have 7 days to try the samples and if you are not completely satisfied you can keep them and the eye gel and return the full-sized products using the pre-paid shipping label.

3. If you keep all of the products you will be charged $79.99 + tax saving you $50. The retail value of all the products is $139.99.

4. If you decide that you only want one or two products you will be charged for what you keep and you can still return the other items at no additional cost!

What’s included:

Exfoliant ($12.99)

I am not a fan of harsh, gritty exfoliants that leave my skin sore which is why I love this product! Using enzymatic action, the ultra-fine exfoliating beads gently removes dead cells leaving skin more receptive to moisture and nourishment.

When I use this exfoliant I notice a difference right away; my skin feels smooth, supple, soft and revived! You don’t need a lot of product to cover the entire face and as you exfoliate the formula works up into a rich cream that distributes well and smells light and fresh.

Key ingredients:

*Prickly pear

*Brush-like bamboo particles

*Jojoba beads

*Silk amino acids

*Vitamin E

The exfoliant is gentle enough to use 2-3 times a week and it resurfaces the top layer of skin to improve texture and appearance.

Anti-aging Serum ($39.99)

The anti-aging serum helps improve skin firmness, radiance and smooth fine lines and wrinkles for a youthful glow. Although I don’t have wrinkles, the creamy formula also helps improve the complexion with natural ingredients that protects, evens and revitalizes. The serum is milky, lightweight, fast absorbing and moisturizing with no greasy residue or stickiness. I like that it helps balance my skin and I have noticed fewer pimples, blemishes and less redness.

Key ingredients:

*Rye seed extract- encourages skin firmness.

*Maca - hydrates, enhances skin tone and luminosity.

*Hydrolyzed Elastin - maintains the appearance of smooth skin, rejuvenates and enhances elasticity and firmness.

*Gotu Kola (used for thousands of years in India, China and Indonesia) - strengthens and heals, increases antioxidant and collagen concentration and has anti-inflammatory properties.

*Banana flower- reduces free radicals and acne, helps diminish dark circles, reduces wrinkles and moisturizes to nourish dry, tired skin.

The serum can be used both morning and night and I like applying it before bed so that it goes to work while I snooze.

Antioxidant Gel ($24.99)

The antioxidant gel can be used with the anti-aging serum and is formulated with an effective yet delicate form of vitamin C designed to balance your complexion. Infused with emollients and vitamins, the waterless gel brightens, moisturizes, improves firmness, reduces wrinkles and strengthens your skin’s natural defenses.

When you apply the gel, the texture evens the surface of your skin helping to minimize pores and create a smooth canvass. I like wearing it under makeup because it works like primer!

Antioxidant Hair Serum ($21.99)

Having long, thick, naturally curly hair requires a lot of care which is why I love this product! The hair serum helps banish frizz and fly-aways for silky, soft, manageable tresses and weightless volume.

I like using the serum after I shampoo and condition and before I blow dry, flat iron or style. Although it contains nourishing, exotic oils it is surprisingly light-weight when used in moderation and it does not build-up or appear slick and oily. It is excellent for dry hair types and I love the scent!

Key Ingredients:

*Kendi oil- penetrates to seal the hair cuticle, strengthens to reduce frizz, breakage and split-ends.

*Argan oil

*Ethyl Macadamiate

*Tamanu Nyamplung Oil

Dual Action Eye Gel ($29.99) – 

yours to keep even if you return the box!

I battle dark circles on a daily basis so the inclusion of an eye product is fantastic! The dual action eye gel works morning and night to brighten the eye area, reduce puffiness and calm dark circles. It also helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines with fast absorbing hydrolyzed elastin and protein.

Overall this box is one of the better subscriptions I have tried, the products are all great and I can work them into my skincare routine with ease. 

If you are interested in these products the collection can only be purchased with an exclusive invitation but for all of my fabulous readers you can click HERE to try the box!

**Disclaimer: products were provided for review