XANADU 24K Gold Vitamin C Serum Hyaluronic Acid Review

XANADU 24K Gold Vitamin C Serum Hyaluronic Acid

REATAIL $59.99

This is the most luxurious Vitamin C/Hyaluronic Acid serum I have ever used....and I have used several.  It actually contains 24K Gold flakes that enhance a youthful glow.  The serum comes in a beautiful see-thru pump bottle.  It has a light refreshing scent of natural botanicals and a gel like consistency.  

I really like to use this serum at night and also under my makeup as a face primer.  It does a great job at prepping my skin for foundation.  Now, lets talk about the gold flakes.....when I first saw the bottle I was a little hesitant because I didn't want my face to look "glittery".  As you can see in the picture above, the flakes are very small and actually dissipate over time.  The reason for the gold flakes is to promote a "glow" and it actually does this ever so slightly. 

I have never used a serum like this before.  It is a very unique serum that not only contains Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid but it also contains Matrixyl 3000.  If you are unfamiliar with this ingredient, it is a peptide that specifically stimulates collagen synthesis and skin repair.  

This serum is made by ISA Professional.  They are a leading company that specializes in flat irons.  I actually own an ISA flat iron and I have used it for years.  They are expanding into the beauty industry with two new products; Xanadu 24K Serum and EVAO Organic Argan oil. 

Product Description

XANADU 24K Gold Vitamin C Serum by ISA Professional is designed to be the Best Serum for your face. Can also be used as a foundation primer.

Formulated with a combination of Botanical Ingredients, High Tech science, and 24K Real Gold. This serum will moisturize, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, even skin tone, repair sun damage, and give you a golden youthful glow.

From Nature 

* 24K Gold. 
* Vitamin C - pH balanced and highly absorbable. Brightens skin, combats wrinkles and dark spots. 
* Vitamin E moisturizes and heals. 
* Rose Extract soothes the skin and gives the Xanadu serum a delightful natural scent. 
* P-anisic from the spice anise. 

Supporting what's already in your skin
* Hyaluronic Acid captures and holds up to 1000 times its volume in moisture to your skin.
* Collagen to support your skin's own collagen.
* Creatine supplies energy to your cells.
* Beta-Glucan boosts the immune system. 

From High Tech science
* Palmitoyl Oligopeptide (Matrixyl-3000) is a peptide that specifically stimulates collagen synthesis and skin repair.
* Epidermal Growth Factor stimulates new cell growth.

Product provided for review.

Pura d or' Shampoo & Conditioner

Pura d or' Shampoo & Conditioner

Retail $20.99 each

There is something about using a great shampoo and conditioner that makes me want jump in the shower!  I have been using the pura d or' shampoo and conditioner for the last few weeks and I really it.  It is marketed as a hair loss prevention product and now that I'm in my forties, I can use all the help I can get!

These products come in a pump bottle.  I appreciate the pump bottle as there is  nothing like trying to pry open a shampoo bottle with soapy hands.  The shampoo is on the thicker side and takes a few pumps to get a good lather.  They are paraben and sulfate free which can hinder later, although, you will get a nice later with the shampoo.  The shampoo has a minty/tea tree scent that is pleasant but not my favorite scent.  The conditioner is on the thinner side and requires a few pumps to acquire enough conditioner to get through my tangles.  It has a vanilla scent and I like it better than the shampoo scent.  These products are organ oil based, 99% vegetable base ingredients, paraben/sulfate/gluten free/ and contains 12 DHT Blockers.  

About The Brand

For more than four years, Pura d'or has been growing a culture planted on a natural set of values and beliefs. But when all is said and done it comes down to one unified mission—to create organic personal care solutions that naturally work.

All our ingredients are grown on trees, not in test tubes. Our products are artisanally handcrafted by a hybrid team of artists and scientists, not by machines. Some say that this is a step backward, but we believe that this is a step in the direction of how things should be

Pura d'or creates better beauty products from ingredients that are not only naturally beneficial, but are also sustainably grown and raised with respect for the animals that eat them and the people who produce them.

Premium Organic Hair Loss Prevention Shampoo: 

Prevents Hair Loss 

Strengthens Hair

Adds Volume

All Natural and Organic 

Vitamins for Hair Growth 

Paraben, SLS and Gluten Free

12 DHT Blockers

Premium Organic Argan Oil Based Conditioner- Lavender Vanilla:

99% Vegetable Base Ingredients

Manages Frizz

Enhances Shine

Argan Oil Based

Paraben, Sulfate and Gluten Free

Final Thoughts

For the price, you get a huge bottle of high quality shampoo & conditioner.  I have color treated hair and they do not offer a color treated line as of this post.  In regards to the "Hair Loss Prevention" aspect, it contains 12 DHT blockers so only time will tell if this has been beneficial.  I like that it does not contain parabens and sulfates as most companies seem to be going this route.  It really comes down to how my hair looks and feels after I blow dry and style it.  My hair is shiny, soft, frizz-free and light weight.  This product reminds me of WEN cleansing conditioner.  I feel like I get the same results without having to sign up for some silly auto-subscription program.  I hope to see this line expand and offer more products in the future.

Product provided for review

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OZ Naturals Vitamin C Serum & Hyaluronic Acid Review

Retail: Vitamin C Serum $22.49

Retail: Hyaluronic Acid $16.45

OZ Naturals Vitamin C Serum

I have tried several Vitamin C serums over the last year and two companies continue to produce top notch products: Instanatural & OZ Naturals.  

Today I'm going to talk about OZ Naturals and it's new Vitamin C serum with Hyaluronic Acid.  If you had to pick just one skin care active ingredient to apply for anti-aging benefits, make sure it's vitamin C.  The reasons are well established in the scientific literature and are summarized in the following four points:

1. Vitamin C enables every step of collagen production from stem cell activity to the structural integrity of the skin matrix.

1. Women experience a loss of collagen integrity and production due to fluctuating estrogen levels (Pugliese 2009).

1. Skin levels of vitamin C drop 425% by the time a person reaches middle age (Shindo 1994).

1.  The only way to increase skin levels is to apply vitamin C topically (Levine 2001).

This Vitamin C with Hyaluronic Acid is the perfect formula. This anti aging serum really helps with all skin types and will give your skin that vibrant and youthful glow. This serum will plump the skin while diminishing wrinkles plus it will give you that even skin tone by helping with discoloration. I really like the quality ingredients in this product from OZ Naturals. This serum doesn't have any fragrances, parabens, or alcohol. It's made with a blend of natural and organic ingredients and contains 20% Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate).  

When I read the ingredients on the label, I was a little hesitant because I was looking for Vitamin C (L-ascorbic Acid aka Ascorbic Acid) and what I actually saw was Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate.  I learned that this ingredient is a derivative of Vitamin C and is relatively new.  However, it is considered to be a very stable precursor of Vitamin C that is able to liberate the powerful antioxidant in the skin ( ScienceLab.com).  Although Ascorbic Acid can be an irritant and actually cause acne, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is considered gentle and stable and waits to convert into Ascorbic Acid once it is absorbed. Therefore, it is thought to be a powerful antioxidant that can treat acne on the surface and even stimulate collagen.

OZ Naturals Hyaluronic Acid

You may be asking yourself, what is Hyaluronic Acid and is it something I need?  The short answer is yes.  The long answer takes some understanding of what Hyaluronic Acid is and what are it's benefits.  Here is a brief explanation:

Definition of Hyaluronic Acid:

The unique properties of Hyaluronic Acid make it the ideal anti-aging treatment for a good skincare routine. Hyaluronic Acid plays an important role in tissue hydration, lubrication and cellular function.  Hyaluronic Acid is able to hold more water than any other natural substance - making it one of the world's best moisturizers. Its unmatched hydrating properties result in increased smoothness and softening and a decrease in wrinkles.

I was surprised to find that hyaluronic acid is actually "a naturally occurring carbohydrate in the human body”.   It is found in large amounts in between skin cells, and in the fluids in the eyes and joints. As your body ages, it produces less hyaluronic acid. Using a serum that contains hyaluronic acid is one of the ways to restore a youthful look and feel to your skin.

So basically, hyaluronic acid has moisture retention properties and now that I just turned 41, I can use all the moisture retention properties as I can get!  The 30ml (1.oz) serum comes in a bottle with a syringe dropper.  It is colorless and has just a faint floral smell.  It has a gel like consistency that is lightweight (like Aloe Vera).  I really like how lightweight the formula is and how quickly it dries.  

You may be asking yourself, "why do I need both products if the vitamin C serum contains hyaluronic acid"?  You probably don't need both products unless you have really dry skin and lack moisture.  In my opinion, I like using both products but prefer to have less steps in my skin care routine.  In the future, I will just be using the Vitamin C serum and may add in the hyaluronic acid in the winter months.

Product provided for review.

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Francois et Mimi Vintage Double Wall French Press Review

Francois et Mimi Vintage Double Wall French Press 

Retail 39.99

Well, let me explain how much I love coffee...I mean...I love everything about coffee from the beans, to the roasting, to the aromatic flavors.  In fact, my sister is the owner of Vashon Island coffee and I have enjoyed a lesson or two on what makes a great cup of coffee.  

The way coffee is prepared can have a great impact on its taste and using a French press is the ideal way to really produce a great cup of coffee.  Don't get me wrong...I love my Keurig machines....but when I want to sip a bold, flavorful, robust cup of coffee, I turn to my French press.  

This French press by Francois et Mimi offers a beautiful "antique" design that is stunning to look at and serve with.  The ornate handle and decorative finial add to its eye-catching look. 

This Francois et Mimi:

-Holds 1000ml or 34oz

-Dishwasher safe

-Double Wall feature keeps liquids hot longer

-Dribble proof spout

-Made of Stainless Steal

I have used it several times and really like how it keeps the coffee warm for several hours.  I have even sent it through the dishwasher and it came out looking shiny and new.  My only complaint is the bottom of the plunger is not removable.  You see, coffee grounds get stuck in the mesh filter and can be very difficult to get clean.  I have been able to use a wire to clean it out...but that is a bit time consuming.  If the mesh filter was removable.....cleaning it would be so much easier.

Overall, it is a beautiful, ornate, French press that produces a fantastic cup of coffee.  I will be taking this along in my RV this summer.  It will be very useful to make coffee and set it out on the table at breakfast for everyone to enjoy.  

One last thing to mention is when the box arrived it was pretty banged up.  The plunger was bent and the French press had some pretty bad scratches.  I was offered a replacement and when that one arrived the box was also banged up.  However, the second French press was not effected by the rough shipping.  I would suggest that the company package these in bubble wrap and secure the box so its not rolling around so much.

Product provided for review.

Nutraplex Megaberry Bar Review

Price 39.95 (15 count box)

I have tried several "protein" bars over the years and had the opportunity to try the Nutraplex Megaberry Bar and share my thoughts.  These bars burst with antioxidants and bold flavor.  They contain acai berries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, and a chewy blend of blueberries.   These bars are packed with chia seeds and are a great source of fiber. 

Ok, so they are a "good for me" bar....but how do they taste?

Well, I was really excited to try these....however...I didn't care for the taste or the texture.  They tasted like saw dust and the gritty feeling of the chia seeds made my first bite hard to swallow.   I had a hard time finishing the bar and I gave the rest to my daughter to finish.  To my surprise, my daughter thought it tasted great and she really enjoyed it.  She even asked if we could get some more so she could have them in her lunch. Will you like these bars?  I think it really depends on personal taste and if you are not picky about texture.  The chia seeds really bothered me and got stuck in my teeth....these bars are just not for me.  

Ingredients

Dates, Chia Seeds, Cranberry (with Sugar, Sunflower Oil), Cashews, Pea Protein, Honey, Raisins, Safflower Oil, Blueberries (with Sugar, Sunflower Oil), Strawberries, Strawberry Juice Concentrate, Raspberries, Acai Powder, Sunflower Lecithin, Natural Flavors, Sea Salt, Mixed Tocopherols, Citric Acid.

You can read more reviews or purchase these on Amazon.

Product provided for review

Mommy's Time Out Wine Review

Mommy's Time Out Wine

This was such a fun product to review....I mean....who doesn't love wine!!  Mommy's Time Out Wine offers mom's a chance to "take a time out" from kiddos, cleaning, work, and all the stress of daily life.  They offer several wine varieties to pick from, I picked the red to sip and review.  

Since it is alcohol, you need to be home to sign for the shipment.  Once you open the box, you will unwrap a beautiful bottle of wine.  It arrives in a blue, silk bag with a personal card.  The card reads:

You can customize the card.

Once you remove the bag, you will be presented with a beautiful bottle of wine.  I was a little concerned to see that the bottle had a screw top and thought "this probably is not the best quality wine"  However, to my surprise, it was DELICIOUS!!  My husband and I enjoyed the entire bottle.....it was so yummy!

The wine labels depict an empty chair next to a table with a wine bottle. The wines are a white Pinot Grigio and red Primitivo, and are “delicate and fruity,” to be served with food or as an aperitif. 

The winery's motto: "We all know that being a Mommy is a difficult job.  A Mommy's Time Out is a well deserved break". These wines are delicate and fruity.  They come from some of the finest vineyards in Italy where the best grapes are vinified, resulting in a long lasting finish.  

Would you like to send Mommy's Time Out Wine to a special mom.....maybe you need a "time out"....order a bottle for yourself!  

Prices range from $8.00-$12.00 (totally affordable!!)

Read more about Mommy's Time Out Wine or you can Order Here.

Product provided for review.