Dr. Song Rosehip Oil Review

I've used several different oils, but I've never used rosehip oil before or anything from Dr. Song. I've never even heard much about rosehip oil before, so this has been a learning experience all around for me.

 A bit more about rosehip oil and then I'll continue onward to my review. 

I want to make sure to provide some education on rosehip oil because I'm sure a lot of you haven't even heard of it before.

A quick Google search reveals that "rosehip seed oil is full of vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids that are known to correct dark spots and hydrate dry, itchy skin, all while reducing scars and fine lines."

Digging deeper, I found that rosehip oil is extracted from the seeds of a wild rose bush. 

Rose hip seed oil is high in the essential fatty acids linoleic acid (omega-6) and linolenic acid (omega-3). In case you (like me) are curious about everything on the planet,

 rosehip seeds look like this:

Digging even deeper, I found that you can use rosehip oil for a ton of different things like:

• Pigment reduction
• Healthy nails
• To get shiny hair
• As a hot oil treatment for dry hair
• Moisturize and nourish dry skin
• Dandruff
• Scar reduction
• Sunburn
• Anti-aging
• Improved complexion
• Dermatitis
• Acne
• Eczema

So, now that we've all learned something, back to my review.
I'm pretty impressed with the quality of this rosehip oil because just about everything has SOMETHING added to it. Dr. Song's rosehip oil has no added oils or scents, it's USDA certified and it's organic. It doesn't stink, it doesn't smell unpleasant, and it doesn't have perfumes. If you are sensitive to fragrances in other oils, this is a great product for you.

I love the bottle that this comes in. Maybe I'm a sucker for blue glass bottles, but I think the blue glass coupled with the silver label is simple, pretty, and classy. I suppose the only negative thing I can say about the packaging is that it is so simple that it doesn't really include much information. The label tells you about the rosehip oil in general, but doesn't include any instructions, tips, or helpful uses. You'll have to turn to the internet for that. The bottle has a simple dropper, and pretty much anything that you only use a few drops of has the potential to last for a really long time, so the value is great.


My absolute favorite thing is how many different uses there are and I'm still discovering more uses. I've been using it for my acne scarring and mixing it with my nightly moisturizer.
I usually apply it directly to my scars in the morning. I've noticed that my scars appear lighter after a few weeks and I can only hope it will continue to improve the longer I use it.

At night when I go to bed, I mix a few drops with my moisturizer and apply to my whole face. My skin retains moisture much better and seems to have what I would consider a healthy glow. My fine lines even seem to be fading a little as well. If you're looking to use this as an anti-aging product, don't expect immediate results. From the information I gathered, you should use rosehip oil twice a day and you'll see results after a few months. It takes time for your skin to repair.

Even though this is an oil, it doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy and my skin hasn't been oily outside of my usual T-zone oiliness. This is a real plus for me because anything that has an oil in it usually makes me break out or it makes my skin oily. I haven't had any problems with this at all.


Bottom Line: Dr. Song's rosehip oil is great quality and a good value. A 4oz bottle should last a really long time, the price per ounce is comparable to other brands, and most other brands come in smaller sizes. It is effective for many things without having the negatives that come with other oils. I would recommend it and I will be continuing to use it myself.


If you want to try it for yourself, you can find it on Amazon.

** Disclaimer**

I was provided a product or coupon for testing and review purposes. In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please note that all opinions are my own and I will only endorse items which I truly feel are of value to my readers..

Body Merry Eye Cream

Today I am reviewing an Eye Cream by

 Body Merry

I've had amazing results after just one use, which is possibly one of the corniest things I've ever said.... but this eye cream completely eliminated the visibility of the fine lines under my eyes on the first application. I have regularly used and tried all types of beauty products to try to combat aging and I have never had anything provide such viable results with the first use. My skin is obviously going to age, but I want to be able to have my skin as healthy as possible and maybe even look younger than I am. I don't ever expect miracles out of skin products, so it is a rare occasion when I'm really impressed with something. I don't have crow's feet, but I have high hopes that this eye cream will help fend them off when the time comes.

I love so much about this product that it is hard to find a place to begin.

The pump bottle is really easy to use without getting too much or too little of the product. The simple label/packaging and the satisfaction guarantee shows that the eye cream can stand on its own merit without needing any gimmicks or flashy graphics.

It has a light scent that isn't really pleasant or unpleasant. Its not a scent that I would wear as a fragrance, but it also isn't a scent that would make me avoid using the product. Its hard to explain, but it doesn't smell BAD. The cream isn't greasy or oily and it absorbs quickly. The ingredients are absolutely amazing! When they say "70+ power packed ingredients", they're NOT kidding. This eye cream has over half of the beneficial skin ingredients that I can think of. It has reduced my fine lines, helped with puffiness and dark circles, firmed my eye area, 

and it's given my eye area a healthier look and texture.

If you want to give this product a shot and see if it can do the same for you, 

you can find it on Amazon.

** Disclaimer**

I was provided a product or coupon for testing and review purposes, but I would never endorse something that I didn't believe was worthy of it and I would never post an opinion that wasn't my own.

Body Merry Cellulite Cream Review

Today I'm reviewing a Cellulite Cream from Body Merry.






This cellulite cream has a very definite gel-cream texture. I honestly am not fond of the appearance or smell of this. I imagine that if I took jello and mixed it with pudding it would look very much like this cellulite cream. Not really a deal breaker or even a serious negative, but it isn't what I would ever imagine a cream would look like. I was expecting more of a creamy texture... like a thick lotion. It smells like menthol and has a distinct "medicine" smell. Its not especially unpleasant, but it definitely doesn't smell good. The smell does linger in the air for a little while after applying, but (thankfully) the scent doesn't seem to stay strong on my skin.

Once you get past the appearance and smell, this product is actually really great. It absorbs quickly like a gel, and doesn't leave you feeling sticky or greasy/oily. There is a slight cooling and tingling feeling when you're applying it. Its almost refreshing and invigorating.

I've been using this for about 2 weeks now and while I can't say that I've noticed a reduction in cellulite, my skin is much smoother and firmer. Even if I never notice a reduction in cellulite, this firms and moisturizes better and faster than most skin firming creams and lotions I've tried, and at a lower price than many other brands. I love my skin texture when I use this and I will continue using it just to have that texture. My skin feels soft, smooth, and firm. It makes me feel so soft and feminine, even my husband has noticed!
To sum it up: You'll notice a huge improvement in your skin, even after the first time you apply it, I'm just not sure you'll notice any change in cellulite.

If you're interested in giving it a try, you can find it on Amazon.

** Disclaimer**

I was provided a product or coupon for testing and review purposes, but I would never endorse something that I didn't believe was worthy of it and I would never post an opinion that wasn't my own.

InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum

Review: 

InstaNatural's Vitamin C Serum

I love this serum! It has a great scent that I can only describe as "citrusy" and I would even categorize the orange color as a "citrusy color". The smell and color together is downright cheerful. The scent isn't super strong and it is very light and delicate on your skin once the serum is absorbed. The ingredients in this serum are nothing short of amazing. Its like it has a little bit of everything in it to address all your skin concerns in one little blue bottle.

A little bit goes a long way, you only use a couple of drops for your entire face so it should last a long time. I know that I get frustrated with many products because I run out of the product right around the same time I start seeing results. That shouldn't be a problem with this serum.

This serum isn't at all greasy and doesn't feel oily on your skin even though it contains many oils. It left my skin feeling soft, smooth, firm and looking MUCH healthier. I've noticed my skin tone is more even, my skin is much smoother, and I've had less breakouts. I've been using this after using the InstaNatural Vitamin C toner and I'd definitely recommend using these together. They compliment each other well and seem to really work together to make your skin healthier. You can read my review on the toner HERE

I will definitely be keeping this serum in my daily skincare routine. It has replaced several other products that I used to use because it is more of an all-in-one rather than being for one specific problem.If you're looking for an all-in-one serum for Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Sun Spots, Age Spots, Oily Skin, Overall Skin Health, and/or Skin Discoloration, this is your best bet. 

You can find it on Amazon

** Disclaimer**

I was provided a product or coupon for testing and review purposes, but I would never endorse something that I didn't believe was worthy of it and I would never post an opinion that wasn't my own.

Foxbrim Youthful Radiance Eye Cream

Foxbrim Youthful Radiance Eye Cream Review

This eye cream is fast absorbing and has little to no fragrance. It absorbs completely and doesn't feel the least bit greasy. There are so many great ingredients in this eye cream that I am happy about and I love that the ingredients are organic because I don't like damaging my skin with chemicals when I'm trying to improve it. With grapeseed oil, vitamin C, Aloe Vera, jojoba, and rosehip seed oil, it has some of the best and most effective natural ingredients for your skin.

I would honestly recommend this to anyone that is just starting out with a skin care routine or looking to improve their overall skin health. If you're using moisturizers, eye creams, and serums for the first time this product might be perfect for you. People new to moisturizers will probably notice fine lines diminishing from the lotion. People with more established fine lines that have used moisturizing or anti-aging products in the past probably won't see much of a change in those lines, but your skin should look healthier and more radiant over time.

I can't say that I noticed any "youthful radiance" after using this, but I haven't used it long enough to see the long term results. What I can say is that it is a great moisturizer, it does reduce the appearance of bags under your eyes as well as tighten the skin, and it has a ton of great ingredients to keep your skin healthy.

If this is something you want to try out, you can find it on Amazon.

** Disclaimer**

I was provided a product or coupon for testing and review purposes, but I would never endorse something that I didn't believe was worthy of it and I would never post an opinion that wasn't my own.

Naturalico Cellulite Cream Review

Today I'm going to do a review on Naturalico Cellulite Cream.

There are some pros and cons to this product. 

Upon opening, you'll notice that the cream is more of a gel-cream and it is a bit runny, which is unexpected for the type of packaging in my opinion. The upside to this is that under the lid is an additional piece with a tab that both keeps it from leaking or spilling and is really easy to remove. 

The smell is quite strong in the container, but it isn't as strong on the skin. I wouldn't really consider it unpleasant, but it isn't a scent that I would wear as a perfume either. It reminds me of a menthol-citrus blend. 

 The product itself is rather pleasant.
There is a slight cooling and tingling feeling when you're applying it. Its a little refreshing,
and I really like that the fragrance isn't as overpowering once it is blended into the skin. 

I can't really say that I noticed any change in cellulite, but I will say that this product makes your skin feel firm and incredibly moisturized. Even without any cellulite reduction, it is well worth the money for the incredible skin texture it leaves you with. I've tried many other lotions and creams, but I have to say that I love the way this makes my skin feel.

If you want to give this a try, its totally worth it for the silky smooth, firm, and hydrated skin it gives you.
You can find it on Amazon

** Disclaimer**

I was provided a product or coupon for testing and review purposes, but I would never endorse something that I didn't believe was worthy of it and I would never post an opinion that wasn't my own.

InstaNatural Vitamin C Toner Review

Today's review: 

InstaNatural Vitamin C Toner

This toner has a seemingly pleasant citrus smell until you spray it in your face and then it is instantly overwhelming and hard to breath. You'll instantly start waving your hands around to fan the smell away or start dabbing at it with something in hopes that it will help with the smell. It doesn't. The good news is that the smell diminishes once it's absorbed... either that or your temporarily lose your sense of smell. Either way, you stop smelling it soon after spraying it on your face. I have no idea what everyone else is talking about when their reviews say the smell is pleasant and refreshing. I'm not going to lie to you. It is completely awful once you spray it. Just a heads up for everyone.

Now that I have that out of the way, I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this toner. There's so much good about this product that the eye watering smell can't even diminish my 5 star review. I love InstaNatural products and I think this is one of my favorite products of all time. This instantly tightened my pores. It did not just reduce the appearance of my pores, my pores instantly snapped shut tighter than they've been since I was 20 years old. My skin looked at least 5 years younger after just using this ONCE. After using it for just over a week, my skin has a more even tone and looks healthier. I'm excited to see if my skin will continue to improve over time with this product.

I didn't really notice any real moisturizing from this product, but I have noticed that my skin isn't as oily. Over the years I've developed an oily T-zone and I'm happy to say that its almost entirely gone. The only time I notice any oil is if I don't use this vitamin C toner before I go to bed, and even then it is minimal.

One of the other really great things about this is that it comes in a good sized bottle that will last a really long time. So not only does it work great, its also a great value. If you have oily skin, large pores, or want a toner that improves your skin and skin health, you can't go wrong with this. I would recommend this any day to any one.

You can find it on Amazon

** Disclaimer**

I was provided a product or coupon for testing and review purposes, but I would never endorse something that I didn't believe was worthy of it and I would never post an opinion that wasn't my own.

Apothecary Tea Tree Oil Review

  I'm new to tea tree oil. I'd heard of it before, but I'd never used it or even seen it in the store. What really impressed me about Apothecary Extracts tea tree oil is the ebook that shows you a bunch of different ways to use tea tree oil (including recipes). I was amazed that tea tree oil can be used for so many things like cleaning, skin care, and first aid. I've been mixing it with coconut oil because it makes a great hot oil treatment for my hair. I've also used it as a bug repellant! I'm trying some of the cleaning and aromatherapy recipes from the book next and I found some other really great ideas and recipes on Google that I want to try.

 I love the bottle that it comes in. It reminds me of  "snake oil" and "elixer" bottles from long ago. I love how "old timey"  Apothecary Extracts portrays itself and really feels to me. The label is straight to the point instead of being gimmicky. The label clearly tells you what you're getting, popular uses, suggested uses, and warnings. Apothecary Extracts is factual about their tea tree oil. There are no taglines or slogans to try to make you buy the product it stands on its own feet. I'm going to throw up one of the images associated with the company below this (grabbed straight from Amazon) because I love it and I think it really goes to show what I mean by "old-timey".

 I also really love the fact that Apothecary Extracts is pharmaceutical grade tea tree oil. It makes me feel better about using it because I know it is pure without added oils or chemicals. This bottle isn't "huge" but a little goes a very long way and I'm sure this will last me for years because you only use a few drops here and there. I got a 4oz bottle that runs around $20. After everything that I've tried, I still have an entirely full bottle. I would most definitely buy again. This is worth trying if you're looking for a high quality tea tree oil or if you're looking for chemical-free alternatives.

  Apothecary Extracts Tea Tree Oil is exclusively available on Amazon, so if you're looking to try it you can find it there.



  

** Disclaimer**

I was provided a product or coupon for testing and review purposes, but I would never endorse something that I didn't believe was worthy of it and I would never post an opinion that wasn't my own.

Healthy Food Fight!

I'm sure we all know cooking and eating healthy can be kinda tough.

Through SheSpeaks.com I heard about the Aetna Healthy Food Fight

Aetna is providing healthy tips from a nutritionist, cooking and eating tips from Bobby Flay, among many other things. They have tons of recipes from Bobby Flay, The Culinary Institute of America, and everyday people.

Visit the Aetna Healthy Food Fight and explore all the wonderful recipes and other helpful features of their site.

I particularly love the "Healthy Recipe Analyzer". You can enter your recipe/ingredients and it'll rate how healthy your recipe is! You'd be surprised at how many recipes aren't as healthy as you think they are.

Another great feature is Aetna's "Fast Food Alternatives". Unless you're like me and you get sick just thinking about calories and fat, you probably grab fast food now and then. I personally have a hard time cramming down any "fast food" beyond Subway, but my husband has no issue eating a Double Whopper with cheese *shudders*.

If you're on the run a lot and you have to grab fast food, this tool is for you! Not only do they recommend a healthier alternative to some of your choices (such as getting vegetable pizza instead of deep dish), they also include the calorie count AND tell you how long you'd have to walk to burn off those calories!

You can also submit your own healthy entree recipe to compete against others.

Three top qualifiers from each region will travel to the Semi-Final recipe cook-offs.

The Semi-finalists will cook their dishes in front of a representative from The Culinary Institute of America and local VIP judges. The winner from each region will receive an all-expense-paid trip to New York City to compete in the Final Cook-off judged by Bobby Flay. Four Finalists will be competing before Bobby Flay and other VIP judges. The winner of the Final Cook-off will receive a grand prize of $10,000 worth of groceries donated by Recipe.com!

So, if you have a great healthy recipe, join the fight and submit it! If you don't have a healthy recipe, check out the Healthy Food Fight recipes and try something new.

While you're there, you can also enter for a chance to win a set of Circulon gourmet cookware!

I'm hoping some of the tips and recipes Aetna has provided will help my family be a little healthier. They're all junk food addicts and its hard to get them to eat anything that could possibly be good for them. If your kids are the same, give this healthy alternative to Fruit roll-ups a try! No dehydrator needed. My kids love fruit leather!

Apple Spice Fruit Leather
Yields one 11”x17” pan of fruit leather
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 5-8 hours at 170°F

INGREDIENTS
1 25-ounce jar of applesauce
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cloves

INSTRUCTIONS

    Preheat oven to 170°F.
    Line an 11”x17” jelly-roll pan or lipped cookie sheet with greased parchment paper (wax paper will smoke in the oven) or a silicone baking mat.
    Spread the puree until it’s about 1/4” thick. Pick up the pan and tilt back and forth until it’s evenly distributed.
    Bake in the oven for 5-8 hours. Rotate the pan halfway during the baking time to ensure even drying. Timing will vary depending on the fruit used. It’s ready when it’s smooth and non-tacky.
    Let it cool, then cut in strips with scissors or a pizza cutter. Stack or roll them and store in an airtight container or a zipper storage bag. I roll them with plastic wrap or parchment paper so they "peel" like real Fruit Roll-ups.

Tip: Store in a cool, dry place. You can store fruit leather for up to a year in the freezer, six months in the refrigerator or a few weeks at room temperature.

Other ideas/alternatives:

• Spread a thin layer of melted caramel over the fruit leather and allow it to harden a little before rolling.
• Cut fun shapes with cookie cutters, stack on parchment paper and tie with a ribbon to make a unique hostess gift or a lunch box surprise.
• Spice up a can of pumpkin with nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and cloves for another twist on fall-inspired fruit leather.
• Puree a can of peaches or other canned fruit in the blender for a quick option that requires no washing and slicing.
• To sweeten fruit leather, add a couple teaspoons, or to taste, of vanilla, sugar, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup.
• You can adjust this recipe for just about ANY kind of fruit! All you need is fruit puree (seasonings can make a difference!), sweetener, and a little tweaking of the recipe cook time (some fruits cook faster than others). Feel free to experiment and share! My favorite is plain strawberry (pureed fresh strawberries, sweetened to taste). Mixed berries are great as well.

**Disclaimer:
I do not receive any monetary compensation and all opinions in this blog are mine and mine alone.