Beauty Review: derma e Firming DMAE Eye Lift Crème

Posted on January 25, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

“One day, mainstream skincare formulas will look like the healthy formulas we make today.”
-Linda Miles, derma e co-founder
August, 1984

I’ve been a huge fan of derma e beauty products for about 6 or 7 years now, ever since I discovered them at a local natural foods store (shout out to Fresh & Natural Foods!) years ago. I was drawn to their line by their passion for using nature’s ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, and botanicals, to improve the condition of our skin and health. Basically, I was sick of using products with so many chemicals that I was entirely unable to pronounce and wanted to actually know what ingredients I was putting on my skin and being absorbed into my body. I absolutely loved their products, as they were gentle yet effective.

So, when derma e approached me recently to test out some of their newer products that are now available at Target stores, needless to say, I was thrilled. I tried out their Firming DMAE Eye Lift Crème, which I’ve been using twice a day for about a month or so now. I have to say, those pesky little baby 25-year old crow’s feet wrinkles that were creeping up seem to have recessed back, while the skin around my eyes looks firmer and smoother than before. I’ve received numerous compliments on my skin in the past couple weeks, which I can only think is a good thing.

*Please note, while derma e offered me free samples to try and review their product, they did not offer me any additional compensation, and this is my 100% unbiased, honest-to-goodness review on their product.*

Firming DMAE Eye Lift Creme, via Target, $21.99

Let’s talk a little bit about why I like this eye cream so much. It contains DMAE, a widely-acclaimed skin-firming nutrient, that is clinically proven to boost collagen for firmer, more resilient skin. It also contains InstaLift® Goji Berry glycopeptides, which work to add further firming, lifting and tightening antioxidant power. Then, these little bad boys known as advanced peptides, two of which are called Argireline® and Matrixyl® synthe’6® work together to soften facial muscles and synthesize new key components such as collagen, helping smooth wrinkles and discourage new lines from forming. And of course, powerhouse Hyaluronic Acid infuses a surge of cooling eye moisture helping leave skin soft, smooth, tone and rehydrated.

Check out this video for more info about the eye cream:

An added bonus of all the derma e products:

100% vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, lanolin-free, gluten-free, GMO-free.

#NOTICETHELOTUS at Target in 2016…derma e has arrived!

Have you ever tried derma e products before? The next time you find yourself scouring the aisles of Target, be sure to check them out and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

xo

Beauty Review: OZ Naturals Ancient Orient Rice Enzyme Dermafoliant

Posted on July 5, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

Beauty Review: OZ Naturals Dermafoliant

Recently, the company OZ Naturals asked if I would sample their Dermafoliant facial scrub, and post an honest review of my thoughts on Trends & Tribulations. I obliged, as I love trying out new beauty products, especially natural ones.

OZ Naturals Dermafoliant Powder Scrub, via Amazon

First, here is the skinny on Oz Naturals Dermafoliant:

Uses bamboo to gently exfoliate skin and unclog pores without irritation, drying or stripping.
Contains Lactic Acid, which further helps the exfoliation process by breaking down and removing dead skin cells, revealing the glow of healthy skin beneath, and assists in reducing fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of premature aging from sun damage.
Another key ingredient: Green Tea Extract, which is rich in antioxidants and helps to prevent collagen breakdown, as well as tones and protects the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals.
The Pro-Vitamin B5 is readily absorbed by the skin and penetrates deep down, retaining moisture and relieving dry, irritated skin.
Alpha Lipoic Acid provides anti-inflammatory effects by reducing redness and blotchiness, shrinking pore size, and imparting a healthy radiance to the skin.
Safe for all skin types.
Natural and paraben free.

My review after trying out the scrub for a week:

This scrub is amazing! It made my skin feel super soft, and I love that it is made of natural ingredients. Also, it’s great as a travel product, as it comes out in powder form, and only liquidizes when water is added. After a week of using it, my skin feels softer and brighter. I would recommend OZ Naturals Dermafoliant.

OZ Naturals Ancient Orient Rice Enzyme Dermafoliant, $24.95, via Amazon

Have you ever tried this exfoliating powder? Or, do you have any other exfoliating products you love? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

10 Simple Tricks to Turn Your Bathroom into a Spa

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

10 Simple Tricks to Turn Your Bathroom into a Spa

Fancy a trip to the spa? With some clever spa hacks, you don’t have to leave your house for a luxurious experience!

Soak Your Toes

via StyleCraze

Your feet deserve some love, especially when you want to show them off during spring. Make a foot soak with 1/4 cup of coconut oil and 15 drops of a rejuvenating essential oil, such as bergamot or jasmine. Then soak your feet while you sip wine or read your favorite magazine. You’ll feel de-stressed and get silky smooth feet in one go!

Get Rid of Dry Skin

via Dabbles and Babbles

There’s nothing luxurious about dry skin! Make an oatmeal scrub to get rid of it. Oatmeal contains polysaccharides that moisturize the skin while protecting it against the harsh elements. Add 2 tablespoons of oatmeal with the same quantity of milk, olive oil and honey. Blend it well and then apply it to your face. Rub it in gently before washing it off.

Click after the jump for more easy DIY spa treatments!

Continue reading →

Morning Beauty Routine: Simple, Fresh & Bright

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Trends & Tribulations

Morning beauty routines need to be simple, quick and look natural and fresh.

F a c e :

I use neutral colors to achieve this look, and the Urban Decay NAKED eyeshadow palette has the perfect shades of golds and bronzes to make my eyes look bright.

A bit of concealer to cover under eye circles and imperfections works perfect for a day look, as foundation can often look heavy and overdone in the daytime (Clinique airbrush concealer is amazing!).

To add an airbrushed look, apply a bit of finishing powder or bronzer to minimize shine.

E y e s :

I like to add a line of liquid eyeliner on the top of my lash line to keep the natural look, and Smashbox Limitless Liquid eyeliner or Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner work great to achieve a skinny line (and can be used later at an angle to achieve a thicker line).

Finish the eyes with a couple swipes of mascara, and curl the eyelashes to set the look and really make your eyes pop.

L i p s :

Finally, apply some light lip balm, like Maybelline Baby Lips (they have neutral and tints, depending on your preference) to make your lips look soft, and add a bit of clear gloss to add shine and make your pucker stand out.

What’s your make-up routine?