Monday, December 30, 2013

Swaggable: Rock your Hair by Michael O' Rourke, Bombshell Big Hair Powder

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I have fine hair but not thinning. Every time I get my hair done, my hairstylist comments about how much hair I have and may I add it's down to my waist. One thing about fine hair is when you curl it, it takes easy to the curling but holding it is another story and this also comes to volume. I can have my hair up in a bun and let it go to then resemble a lion but 3 hours later.....my roaring powers have vanished. It sort of leaves me not wanting to dedicate too much time in building up volume when I know it will find the exit sign so quickly.

I received a bottle of Michael O' Rourke's, Rock your Hair Bombshell Big Hair powder. My first instinct was, "great another dry hair shampoo". I have had a not so loving experience with dry hair shampoos and most leave me feeling itchy or worst, with a residue that I can't wait to wash out. I have tried them in spray form to just powder out of a bottle. The worst part is trying a product out for the first time and seeing white particles in your hair and you know that means you can't even walk out the door. Shaking my locks in the shower in order to dust off the powder residue makes me feel like I am half Chinchilla anyways!

Packaging:
So, I see the packaging and get a little worried because when there is a lot going on with the outside, it usually means what comes out of the inside is not a sparkly performance like the rhinestones (shaped into a heart) on the outside, but I move onward nonetheless. I may add the heart is a decal and of course I gave it a few little scratches to see if it's easily removed and it's not, so save yourself a broken or chipped nail. I was good and stopped when my nail polish told me so. The powder comes out easily and because the bottle has a thin neck, you can easily use the tap-tap method to control how much you want. I also like that they added a cap (with holes) so you can't over pour/shake. Still want that heart though.......

Performance:
I begin by applying less than a 1/4 teaspoon to the roots of my hair but I noticed the product details on the packaging that for extra shine and texture, you can add it to the rest of your hair. Okay, this much better than other dry shampoos/styling powders where they forbid it leaving your hair roots and scalp but no one gave the powder the memo! I work it in and notice that the product thickens the feeling of the hair and begin to style. I then just feel the results because it does liquefy and vanishes!  I got volume instantly by just using my hands and it was holding. The powder stays on the roots but if it happens to meet with gravity and fall to a lower level, I am not punished with white flakes or any telltale sign that I put powder in my hair. It definitely is a styling product that works and because I believe if you want clean hair that means you need to wash it like with shampoo and WATER, I won't comment on how it cleans your locks :). The product smells clean and that is as far as I go there. The volume on my fine hair remained and that evening I washed my hair so I did not get any build-up or a visit from the greasy hair demon. Using the small amount I used and the volume lasting, this is a must and look it at as an insurance policy for your hairstyle! I consider this a must buy and a great addition to my future 2014 hairstyles!

Say Hola to Rock your Hair by Michael O' Rourke at:

  • On-line- http://www.rockyourhair.com/view-all/bombshell-big-hair-powder-0-9-oz

  • Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ROCKYOURHAIR?ref=br_tf

  • Twitter- https://twitter.com/Rock_Your_Hair

  • Amazon- http://www.amazon.com/Rock-Your-Hair-Bombshell-Powder/dp/B008U2XT9E/ref=pd_sim_bt_7


Ingredients (as listed on the site):
Water (Aqua), Silica Silylate, Euterpe Oleracea Pulp Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Hydrated Silica, PEG 8, Propylene Glycol, Tin Oxide (CI 77861), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Fragrance, Citronellol, Butylphenyl Methlypropional Lilial, Linalool, Alpha Methyl Ionone (Gamma Methyl Ionone)

I received the above product from Swaggable and Michael O' Rourke, free of charge. I am not obligated to provide positive or favorable feedback, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the brand and/or it's products, which may differ from yours.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Swaggable: REBOOTizer Supplement Wellness Booster Drink

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With 2013 coming to a close, I tend to misbehave starting December 23rd. I have a trial run of misbehaving around Turkey Day but I try to pretend that never happened. With the stress of the holidays, the under-eating I do because I am busy shopping, decorating, running around and the overeating I do when we have gatherings......well, my body is not liking me right now. The feeling is mutual :P

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I received a box with 3 drinks that resemble those foil like lunch time drinks we had in school but those were pure sugar-laced junk with some banned coloring. Rebootizer is described as a Swiss formulated Wellness Booster. You have antioxidant support and detox assistance. I need some assistance and more of a miracle at the moment but we can start by hitting F5 with this and see how things turn out. This is a 3-Day system but they recommend a regimen of at least 6 consecutive days each month. We shall see if a "soft reboot" works then.

  • Day 1:


Very simple to just squeeze to puncture the pouch but I made sure to do it over the sink and away from me because I have learned my lesson in the past and did not need a second shower that day. The drink smells herby, vitamin-ish and a touch of citrus with a hint of sweetness. So do we say sugary grassy bark? The main ingredients are Dandelion Root extract, Licorice Root extract, Angelica Flower extract, Lemon Balm extract, Acerola extract and Lemon extract. You have other ingredients like water, sucrose and Maltodextrin. I drink it and dispose of the pouch and I'm an Emergen-C drinker but this is nothing in taste or flavor like that. I don't feel anything so I figure I walk and see what happens.

Well, I walked, cleaned, browsed on-line and other non-interesting things and one thing that happened was I forgot I had anything until I was peeling an onion for dinner and saw the pouch in the trash. I am not seeing double so nothing good or bad has happened so far.

  • Day 2:


I was able to be victorious and only spilled a teaspoon amount when I squeezed the package open but none of it got on me! Again, I figure I walk it off and see what happens.

Dinner time comes but this time I made sure to see if anything I felt was different, better, an improvement......I'll take a tickle at this time but nothing. I am not even going to the restroom any differently but I'm hydrated, so that is sort of positive.

  • Day 3:


Since the product says to shake, I shook with gusto thinking maybe that would help. I did remember to put the third pouch in the fridge and the cold did help make the product taste less sweet. Again, had my drink and went about my day. This time I decided to read more about the ingredients and claims because I know about free radicals but it's always good to refresh our knowledge. The product states it helps with oxidative stress that can aid the bad "stuff" like weight issues, chronic conditions to fatigue and aging. I figure I use every cream and anti-aging product I can get my hands on so why no try a "inwards works outwards" approach here.

Day No. 3 came and went and I did notice some changes but unfortunately with a 3-Day sample on a recommended 6 day every 30 days system, I cannot report on a full detox regarding Rebootizer. It's one of those products that need to be used long-term to see any results I would imagine.

Check out REBOOTizer on:

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I will try contacting the company and see if I can end this review on a better note than a "?". I started with a question mark about the product and ended that way, so if I am able to try a true full regimen from Rebootizer, I shall return to report :)

I received the above product from Swaggable and Rebootizer, free of charge. I am not obligated to provide positive or favorable feedback, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the brand and/or it's products, which may differ from yours.

Swaggable: The Honest Kitchen FORCE Dehydrated Dog Food

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Our mutt is the type of dog that finds the cheapest toys the most fun to play with but when it comes to food, she is offended by the oddest of things. Actually gives me that face questioning if I am serious about her eating something she is particularly not fond of (at that second) and then comes the waiting game. I try to wait until she eats it and she waits until something else (better) is served. I have seen this dog eat a Flaming Hot Cheeto (extra hot edition), so she does not convince me she has some kind of "refined" palette after she ate that! I also find her liking raw carrots one day and not the next, so this is her plan to drive me crazy. I don't appreciate how she acted like they were radiated and left me a exploded carrot by her dish as a sign of protest!

In comes Force, a dehydrated whole foods product by The Honest Kitchen. First thing that catches me eye, it states "Human Grade" on the package. Okay, I'm not even sure everything I eat is such a grade so this definitely is the dog one upping me! The flavor sounds more like a dish you order, Free-Range Chicken with Vegetables and Fruit (grain-free). Makes my all-beef hot dog I had for dinner not so special now, even though I opted for spicy brown mustard :) You have other details like a Guaranteed Analysis disclosure, which let's you know the crude protein, fat, fiber to even caloric count. The food is made in an FDA inspected facility! So, this is all good but does the Cheeto Bandit approve?

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Simple Preparation:
I added Organic Low-Sodium beef broth I had left over from making stuffing to the dehydrated food. Think instant oatmeal for dogs when preparing this dish for your pet. The food actually smells like chicken and contains potatoes, celery, sweet potato, apples, organic alfalfa to even organic flax seed and herbs like basil and rosemary. You mix the package with 1/3 of a cup of warm water (foo-foo broth in my case), wait about 5 minutes and serve. The food absorbs the liquid and you do not even need to stir, so no need to walk in with the "dog's spoon" that must be put in the dishwasher ASAP.

Mutt Approved:
I did the above and served it. The pooch inspected and sniffed and then wagged. If she wags while eating and looks back but continues eating, that means it's a "Yay". If she sniffs, looks back and then comes over and looks at your hands to see if you got anything else to offer the Dog Goddess, it's a "Nay". The goddess approved and I did not get my paws checked for other offerings. She ate it all and cleaned her bowl better than my dishwasher cleans that last glass in the corner!

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I thought the idea of making my own wet food for my dog would be......well, icky but this is not only a Honest Kitchen product but a clean one. It's simple and easier than making a cup of soup in the microwave, and that means no microwave is needed and no mixing required. She loved it and the ingredients are remarkable. Force loves their furry consumers more than some companies like us humans! You can also opt to serve the product alone or as a topper for their kibble, so you can skip on adding any liquid. I also like that 10 pounds of Force food makes 40 pounds of fresh food! Force products are also GMO free, Gluten free and produced in the USA by a family owned and operated business.

Connect with Force at:

  • On-line - http://www.thehonestkitchen.com/dog-food/force

  • Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/TheHonestKitchen

  • Twitter- https://twitter.com/honestkitchen

  • Pinterest- http://www.thehonestkitchen.com/stay-connected


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I received the above product from Swaggable and Force, free of charge. I am not obligated in providing positive/favorable feedback, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the brand and/or it's products, which may differ from yours.

Swaggable: Farmer's Market Lemongrass Lemon Soap by Beaumont Products, Inc

When I received this bar of soap, the first thing I noticed was the aromatic scent it left in my mailbox. The scent is strong but very pleasant and not just because it's soap, the bar has a very clean and welcoming smell.

You will notice by the ingredients listed below, that this soap is made with ingredients you can pronounce, recognize and friendly to not only a human but the environment :) My take has always been that I will opt for an environment friendly product as long as it performs equal or better than the science created one. I watch my chemicals closely because not everything from a lab will hurt you but unfortunately some may, and especially with long term use. This soap is as friendly as it gets and so far has passed the nose test but how does it leave my skin?

LEMONGRASS BASIL Ingredients (as listed from their site):
Organic sodium palmate, organic sodium cocoate, aqua, organic and natural glycerine, sodium citrate, organic essential oils: ocimum basilicum (basil) oil, citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel oil, cymbopogon schoenanthus (lemongrass) oil, citrus aurantium dulcis (sweet orange) oil, organic butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, organic elaeis guineensis (palm) butter, organic simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, organic vaccinium angustifolium (blueberry) fruit and organic persea gratissima (avocado).

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Performance Test:
I first tested the bar out by simply washing my hands in case the oils the scent derives from would be too strong. The bar lathers quickly and with very little product needed. I was able to get a nice foam within a few seconds, which lasted and that meant not needing to go back to the bar to sustain the lather. I washed for 1 minute and then rinsed the soap off. I dislike soaps that leave a film that when you rinse, it feels like nothing came off the hand and you actually feel more dirty than when you washed. Thankfully, this is not one of those soaps! Yes, my hands felt soft but remained breathable. The scent left behind is that of clean and you are not left with a "perfume-y" cloud emitting from your finger tips. The shea butter in the soap left my skin supple and soft!

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Final Results:
I used the soap for a week and the bar barely looks used and that means the product will last long. I am an "Ivory girl" because I enjoy a clean feeling and not bars that are supposed to feel like you washed your hands with lotion. This bar left my hands soft, hydrated and actually help combat the dry hands I get in Winter from over washing. No oily residue left behind that you then spread onto everything you touch and I also judge a soap's build-up by how my sink looks within that week I used the bar. My sink was also residue free and left clean! I saw that Farmer's Market has other scents and like Blackberry Preserves, Apple Orchard to even Pumpkin Spice and Unscented. I will share that I kept the box and once the soap dries, I put it back in and it makes the bathroom smell really nice, so that was another positive I found welcoming.

Farmer's Market soap retails for $4.99 a bar and are made in the U.S.A

Connect with Farmer's Market Soaps:

  • On-line Store- http://farmersmarket.beaumontproducts.com/farmers-market-soap/farmers-market-bar-soaps

  • Store Locator- http://app.xtremelocator.com/custom/beaumont/

  • Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/farmersmarketsoap

  • Twitter-https://twitter.com/farmersmrktsoap


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I received the above product from Swaggable and Beaumont Products, Inc., free of charge. I am not obligated in providing positive/favorable feedback, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the brand and/or it's products, which may differ from yours.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

7th Heaven Montagne Jeunesse Masques Giveaway!!

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Easiest Giveaway because I know it's the holidays and 7th Heaven like their masques, does not complicate it. All you have to do is like their FB and follow them via Twitter. When you do, leave a comment below and that enters you! In one week
(12/20), I will announce the winner!  Told you it was easy :)

What does the winner get?

Well, 6 Masques to call your own!  Sent directly from the company to your door :) (smile again)

7th Heaven

  • First, please Like the Facebook!

  • Secondly, please Follow via Twitter!

  • Then please Comment on the Post Below to enter!!  Thank you :D

Montagne Jeunesse 7th Heaven, Argile Nettoyante Masque

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7th Heaven, Argile Nettoyante Masque is part of Montagne Jeunesse's "Clean Up Mud" collection. Considered a volcanic mud exfoliating masque.

Volcanic Clay, is considered to purify and with the finely grounded Lava Pumice added, you will get to the "new you" with this baby! The masque is intended to clean-out the yuck and welcome in the baby smooth skin and it does deliver a unique blend of ingredients that will get you there. ****We have reached Giveaway Time, stay Tuned****

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So, is it more than Lava Rocks?

7th Heaven uses a high quality Volcanic Clay that helps with evening skin tone to removing that dull appearance. The clay is rich in nutrients from minerals that aid with removing sebum that causes skin issues to giving your skin a firmer appearance The pumice effect gives you that edge in exfoliating and works as an extra insurance in resurfacing that beautiful glowing skin! Added benefits come from Organic Rosemary and Witch Hazel. Rosemary, is an ingredient you find listed in many at-home tonics and there is many reasons why. From the plant to the oil it produces, the benefits range from increasing blood flow, firming and toning to even having anti-inflammatory properties. Also included is Organic Aloe Vera and Organic Cloves. Cloves? Um, I'm hammed out by now but Cloves goes beyond just holding pineapple rings down on your ham! Cloves, have antiseptic properties and the Eugenol compound found in them help with acne to reducing swelling. Call it a puffiness killer! Just because 7th Heaven treats us so well, the masque also includes Organic White Willow and Organic Tree Oil. I have used Tree Oil for many things but I first started when I heard it was great for spot treatments associated with blemishes. I love being able to cure things naturally whenever possible!

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Final Results
I was an Apricot Scrub user for.......well, let's just say years because I started to count and Junior High came up and then I thought about HOW MANY years are in between. Let's say Apricot Pits are so yesterday and it's all about the Lava Pumice! The pumice is better and I reward whoever finely crushes it so Mr. Lava Rock Crusher....thank you! The fine texture did not allow me to over exfoliate and because it is a masque and begins to dry, your play time is ended and that means the chance to cause damage does to. I left the masque on for 20 minutes and after removing, I loved the results. Out of all the masks, my skin liked how the Argile Nettoyante exfoliated best. It beat the face brush I was using and I got 2 uses out of one packet. You just can't find a more nourishing product on the market for the price point and a packet is easier to store than a bottle!

Visit Montagne Jeunesse, 7th Heaven on:

I received this product free of charge from 7th Heaven. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product or brand, which may differ from yours.

7th Heaven, Montagne Jeunesse Argile Miracle Masque

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7th Heaven Montagne Jeunesse Argile Miracle, part of the Miracle Mud collection. This is the second masque I tried and discovered all muds are not created equally. ***Getting Closer to Giveaway Time, so stay tuned***

The Argile Miracle Masque contains Dead Sea Mud along with Dead Sea Salt. This mud aids in the brightening of the skin by helping remove dead skin's cells but also giving the new skin surfacing pretty much a healthy shake full of benefits.

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Let's break down the Masque:
By providing the new skin with a huge dose of hydration and minerals, it really gets it's start on the right foot. The rich minerals found in the mud moisten the surface and allows everything from blood flow to oxygen to reach those very hungry cells. Your pores are unclogged and you will visually notice a reduction in size, giving you a more youthful appearance and your skin will also feel softer to the touch. The mud is also rich in vitamins so you will be left with improved skin to regenerated cells. Dead Sea mud is rich in salt too! Sodium helps detoxify and exfoliate, to just simply sanitize your skin. Salt also helps draw out toxins that may cause issues like acne, clogged pores, to black and white heads. Other riches found in the mud are Magnesium, Potassium and Calcium.

The Argile Miracle Masque gets it's magic not only from the Dead Sea but from the other ingredients it has. You have Organic Baobab, considered a super fruit and has more Vitamin C than oranges. Organic Marula Oil, considered an anti-aging ingredient that helps rejuvenate, hydrate, and also filled with fatty acids. The oil also provides a layer of protection because it is full of antioxidants. You will also find Organic Aloe Vera, Dulse Seaweed, and Marine Mud.

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The Double Punch of Mud and Goodies Difference:

I thought I would not notice a difference from one mud to another but since this one has both Dead Sea Mud and Marine Mud, I was hoping for double the "ooh-la-la". The masque was applied and left on for 25 minutes and blame the phone call I got at 15 minutes for my 5 minute lapse! After wiping off the phone and hanging up, I washed my face and patted dry. I noticed a reduction in pore size and my skin felt soft, not over dry at all. I had gotten a little on my eyebrow and eye area (unsure how, let's blame the phone call on that too) but I experienced no issues thankfully, and I do have sensitive skin in my area after an allergic reaction I experienced this summer with an "Urban" eye primer. It was good to know that I was safe but I would recommend still being careful when you apply. I applied my make-up and then went off about my day.

Final Verdict:

I would consider this masque from the 7th Heaven family a keeper because it is not hard on my skin. This masque would be my "maintainer", meaning it helps maintain my skin but is not a corrector or detoxifier. I don't always need rescue masks and I use the detox ones on a bi-weekly basis, so the Argile Miracle would be my mini weekly spa retreat!

Visit Montagne Jeunesse, 7th Heaven on:

I received this product free of charge from 7th Heaven. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product or brand, which may differ from yours.

Montagne Jeunesse, 7th Heaven Argile de Detoxification

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This holiday season I have experienced a cold that turned into a flu, plus with the added stress.....well, my skin showed everything I had been going through. I want my skin to look great all year round but with meeting up with friends and family, this is the time of year the camera comes out and I really do not want to remember 2013's holiday season along with the havoc my skin has gone through. Oh yeah, I remember that pimple on my cheek where I never get it until two days into December! I was ready to turn things around and hopefully 7th Heaven will be my salvation!  ***Giveaway will be launched soon, so stay tuned***

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I was sent three masques to try and I quickly reached out for what I felt explained perfectly what I need, the Argile De Detoxification Deep Pore Cleaning Masque. In 15 to 20 minutes, I have a chance to change my skin and it's appearance and you bet I am taking it!

This Masque is part of the "Detox Mud" collection and I already like how 7th Heaven carries lines that can be paired up with your skin's needs to the results you desire. Yes, make it easy for me because at this point with all the glitter everywhere, I am wondering if that is clogging my skin (yes, I walk out like a cat lady with cat hairs, but my evidence is glitter-rama). You know you have hit your glitter quota when you look in your mailbox and yes.....there was glitter even in there so now it's even getting delivered! Your Argile de (aka:glitter) Detoxification starts with Glacial Mud, which is rich in minerals that help get rid of dead skin cells while at the same time softening and purifying your skin. You think of mud and dryness may come to mind but that is not the case with Glacial Mud, the mud hydrates by actually attracting water! You then have Organic White Tea, which I have mentioned before I absolutely love. You have zero adverse effects with a product like White Tea because it's gentle but rich in antioxidants....the stuff that attacks those free radicals that love to ruin the day, and your skin. Free radicals can be blamed for pretty much everything from damaging your skin, accelerating aging and causing not only problems to your outward appearance but your overall well being. Probably even the holes in the ozone layer. Okay, maybe not that.

Flavonoids, a class of antioxidants, inhibits the growth of cancer cells and prevent the development of new ones so if I could bathe in tea, I would! The good stuff continues with Organic With Hazel, Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Ginseng, to Organic Cucumber. Another ingredient is Quillaja (aka: Soapbark tree), which is usually used in place of Xanthan Gum (emulsifier) but Quillaja has added benefits. Current studies have seen benefits in acne to even dandruff problems. Quillaja is not only was safe for sensitive skin but provided less oil production and allowed your pores to look smaller. I also liked that the study found a reduction in acne lesions......please, oh please annihilate that cheek pimple that is right where my dimple is so I love how when I smile it likes to move up and down!

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Let the discovery of the new me begin:

I applied the masque in the shower because I was short on time but I also like how mud/clay masks perform by using this wet and dry method. I felt a cooling effect that opened up my pores and I thank the peppermint oil present in the masque for that wake-up call. I made sure to apply the masque knowing I would be out in 10 minutes. I then made sure to remember to not dry my face and walked out with the masque still on. I like using my time wisely when I pretend I am having a mini spa day, so the last 10 minutes I did things like put more lotion on my feet to those forgotten elbows. After 20 minutes, the masque had changed colors and had dried, so I washed my face and softly patted with a towel. I applied my creams, serums and magic potions and then headed off to bed. The next day, I awoke and my cheek pimple was no longer pudgy and pink. I had a thin scab but no hardness in the center like it had for 2 long days. The thing had finally dried out and was now healing versus playing the game of I may burst today if I feel like it but then there is tomorrow. I looked in the mirror and my skin had a glow but that imbalance issue I was experiencing while sick was now gone. For some reason when I get the flu, my forehead likes to get oily along with my chin. My nose then gets enlarged pores and starts pretending to look like Rudolph, so I was glad to drop the red nose act that I blame my overuse of tissue on. Thankfully, the pain I felt in the corner of my nose was gone and I was so glad because I hate those "blind pimples" that hurt and enlarge the area but never come out to play (get popped). The masque had definitely kicked the no face pimple out. I applied my make-up and went Christmas shopping!

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Final Verdict:

I would buy this masque again and again and even use it as a spot treatment for acne and blemishes, even though that is not what the product was made for. I apply make-up more frequently in December and sometimes even go wash my face to change to a evening look, so my skin gets dry to even producing more oil in my "t-zone" area because I have stripped the good oils too. If I felt an area where a blemish may be trying to come through, I would sleep with a dot of something over the area and the next day the pimple would be dry or it would decide to wreak havoc on someone else. No matter what.....it skipped me! I want to be skipped with the yuck stuff wants to attack my skin! Get this mask because not only does it help get your skin back on the healthy track when you were ill, but it also helps keep it there.

Visit Montagne Jeunesse, 7th Heaven on:

I received this product free of charge from 7th Heaven. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product or brand, which may differ from yours.