Review: Exuviance Rejuvenating Treatment Masque

I was given the opportunity to review this product months ago and decided to test it over time to ascertain whether or not the product works for me. Read below for my testimony.

Exuviance Rejuvenating Treatment Masque (ideal for normal/combination skin) claims to stimulate cell renewal through the deep cleansing power of AHA/PHA contents. This product is formulated to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and pore size while increasing clarity and firmness of the skin.

product packaging

thick gel consistency

Application - As directed, I used the product once a week (You can use it as often as needed.) by evenly applying the gel over my cleansed face and neck. I let it sit for about 10-20 minutes. I noticed how slimy the product is and that seems to be the only downside of the product. Being gel based, it wasn't a surprise to me though it was a tad uncomfortable. Once completely dried, I peeled the mask off and rinsed my face with warm water.

upon mask application:

Consistency - This is a viscous gel based formula so it tends to get gooey. I personally do not enjoy the beginning of the application due to how sticky it is. For the first minute or so of the drying process, it feels like an adhesive is lathered on the face. It will cease to feel sticky and in stead, effects will begin to set in.

 after 15 minutes of complete drying

Results - From sticky to a calming feeling and then the fun part, peeling. Upon doing so, you will instantly feel how supple and taut your skin is. I'm delighted by how I don't just see results, I feel it too. In addition to that, the masque leaves no residue on the face as it easily peels off. 

after applying the mask

The verdict - As for exfoliating and increasing firmness of the skin, I can vouch for this face masque. I can't speak for their claims of increasing clarity and reducing fine lines since I trust those are genetic but this may aid in both to a subtle degree. Being that I'm always on the go, this product is great for those who are constantly caught up in the hustle and bustle of city life. There's absolutely no residue that at times, I go without rinsing though it's advised. I'm left with a refreshing feeling and youthful glow to my skin. 

PROS - leaves skin feeling supple

      - revives stressed skin

     - reveals smooth skin

CONS - sticky consistency

Yes, I recommend this product.

From one everyday girl to another.

False Eyelash Application for Newbies

I've worn false lashes in the past but never applied it myself so since there was a sale at CVS, I decided to lure my husband there. I did. *teehee*

I purchased an Ardell Fashion Lashes Starter Kit which came with glue, lash applicator and #101 Demi black lashes.

Like everything else in sunny California, the price was subject to 9.75% tax so my total amounted to $7.12

kit

Made from 100% sterilized human hair

Applicator and glue

Naked eye

Naked eye

How I did it:

1. Put a measly amount on a piece of paper and use a toothpick to apply the glue on the lashes. Too much glue is no bueno! You don't want to glue your eyes shut.

Apply the false lashes as close to your lash line as possible using the lash applicator or tweezers (I don't suggest the latter if you have shaky hands) starting from the inner corner of the eye.

2. Use a brow brush to keep the lashes in place upon application or a smaller brush of your choice.

Press and hold it in place for about 30 seconds to a minute until the glue dries.

Then, brush off the excess glue on the lashes to separate them for a more natural effect.

You will achieve this look after the application of false lashes

3. Allow the glue to dry before applying eyeliner then fill the gaps between the lash line with liquid eyeliner.

In the absence of that, use a pencil liner or dab a dark shade of eyeshadow above the tip of the false lashes.

Lastly, once the glue has dried out and after makeup application, gently curl your lashes.

This is the end result. Luscious lashes! No mascara needed.

To remove false lashes, use a cotton ball moderately soaked with eye makeup remover.

Never peel off the false lashes without it so as not to pull out any of your natural lashes.

The only downside to this product is that the glue smells like a bunghole.
Excuse my French.
My friends recommended the MAC glue as the best adhesive for false lashes.

I won't be surprised if a lot of you do it differently than I do.

This is how I do it. :)

Practice makes perfect!

Astringent vs Toner

Lets address the elephant in the room. What is the difference between an astringent and a toner?

similarities: They're both designed for regular skin care which share a similar purpose. What are they?

-Cleanse the skin of makeup residue

- Destroy bacteria that causes acne

-Adjust pH level in the skin

-Gives you a temporary feeling of "taut" skin

Who uses which?

Oily Skin - Use an astringent! This is a strong toner used to control excessively oily skin. This has an anti-bacterial quality that reduces oil, blackheads and cares for acne prone skin types. 

Can I use an astringent if I have dry skin? I wouldn't suggest that you do since alcohol based astringents will only make your skin even drier. 

Dry Skin - If you fall under this skin type, use a toner. They're mild on the skin and it's meant for those who produce less oil on their faces. This product is also perfect for aging skin. Toners aid in hydrating dry skin. These are designed to help clear clogged pores and cleansing.

How to use them:

For both toners and astringents, use a cotton ball to apply the product on your face.

Be sure to apply the product after cleaning and before moisturizing.

Use this on a daily basis as part of your beauty regimen.

These products are necessary to keep your skin conditioned. I saw a difference when I started using a toner. I use Clean and Clear's Fairness Toner with Vit. C and it leaves my skin feeling taut and healthy. Not using toners/astringent increases the risk of losing natural oils in your skin and thus, increasing the accumulation of dirt. That's a NO-NO! 

How do you benefit from using them?

It closes open pores and retains the moisture in your skin. Also, skin toners cleanses your skin of makeup residue and microorganisms responsible for acne and blackhead build up. Upon regular use, it will leave your skin feeling supple, fresh and improve  your skin's texture and complexion. For aging women, it will lessen the appearance of lines and maintains the natural pH level of your skin. 

Nightly moisturizing tip for girls with dry skin like me:

After you clean and tone your skin, splash some water or use water mist like Evian Facial Water Spray to your face then pat it nearly dry with a towel.

Then, apply your night cream/moisturizer on your face and neck and leave it on for five minutes. If you want to hasten the process, cover your face with a warm towelette then pat your skin dry of excess moisture.

Drink more water and avoid diuretics like caffeine and alcohol. Eat orange and yellow fruits that are rich in beta-carotines, an antioxidant. Though your breath may repel people, eat garlic. It helps. Avoid sweets, darlings. Minimize the chocolate intake.

Recommended moisturizing products for oily skin: 

-Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

-Olay Regenerist Deep Hydration Regenerating Cream

-Lancome Aqua Fusion

-Olay Night Cream with Aloe for Sensitive Skin

*Avoid those with cocoa butter. Choose non-comedogenic moisturizers with SPF in it. Clay masks can help reduce excess oil and dead skins cells but only do this once a week or else it will increase oil production.

Recommended moisturizing products for dry skin:

-Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

-Clarins Extra Forming Night Cream for Dry Skin

-Garnier Regenerist Night Cream (also good for normal/combination skin)

-Clinique Comfort on Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream

*When looking for a night cream/moisturizer, be sure to read the ingredients. Check if there's CynergyTK(TM)  in the list. If so, purchase the product because natural substances such as this promotes elasticity in your skin by further producing collagen. Other ingredients to look for: shea butter, avocado oil and active manuka honey.

Toners: (dry skin)

-Kiels's Rosewater #1

-Clean&Clear Fairness Toner

-Murad Hydrating Toner

-Clinique Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion

Look for these ingredients in toners:

-Cucumber, Rose Oil, Chamomile and Witch Hazel Extract (They contain hydrating properties intended for dry skin.)

Astringents: (oily skin)

-Proactive

-See Breeze Fresh-Clean Astringent for Sensitive Skin

-Clean&Clear Deep Cleaning Oil Fighting Astringent

Beauty Process:

cleansing - toning - moisturizing

My products:

St. Ives Apricot Scrub - Clean&Clear Fairness Toner - Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

Dry Skin and Wind Burns

Since it's chilly and windy in California, you can't avoid wind burns and dry skin every now and then. Take care of yourself during the nippy fall season.

Face:

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream for Dry, Sensitive Skin 16oz.

$13.11

I use Cetaphil moisturizing cream for my face and extremities. Cetaphil locks in the moisture in my skin and being fragrance free and noncomedogenic, it won't clog your pores and reduces breakouts. My skin has become far more supple and smooth that my husband noticed it. I use it twice a day; once in the morning and again before bed time. The cream keeps your skin well hydrated throughout the day as it’s proven to bind water to your skin to prevent moisture loss. Unlike other brands, Cetaphil isn’t greasy after the application. I like that the formula has a thick consistency as compared to the watery ones. You'll notice the difference after a week.

This also worked well in healing the burn on my arm. I apply the cream on my feet at night and seal in the moisture by wearing socks afterwards.

Lips:

Chapstick Medicated Lipbalm

$1.79

  

The same goes for the medicated Chapstick. My lips felt cool because of the menthol in the lip balm and eventually healed. It helps soothes the pain and locks moisture in your lips. Since it’s a medicated lip balm, you shouldn’t use it more than twice a day. If you feel the need to moisturize your lips even further during the day, use regular lip balm or petroleum jelly.

What causes dry lips anyway? There are numerous causes but the most common is the lack of humidity. This causes the lips to dry up. When this happens, do not lick your lips because the air will dry your saliva and cause crusting which can eventually lead to cracking. If you don’t have lip balm or petroleum jelly, drink more liquids. At the end of the day, clean your lips with warm soapy water or apply hydrogen peroxide if there is bleeding.

Tips for Shiny Hair

Do you have lackluster strands that make you yearn for healthy and shiny hair? I have some tricks to share with you without having to break the bank! There are natural ways to get your hair shiny in no time. Shine-depleting elements such as pollution and hair products can break down the nutrients in your hair causing it to be dull and brittle. I’ve got a few remedies which I personally apply whenever my hair needs an overhaul.

1 Hour Fix

Aloe vera – To achieve shiny, silky and manageable hair, I suggest aloe vera. If you have the plant in your garden, break a piece in half and rub it on your scalp then wash it off after an hour. You can also opt to purchase products that contain aloe vera or get natural aloe vera juice by using your own juicer to extract the liquids from the plant. A one hour treatment will give your hair a quick shine.

30 Minute Fix

Avocado – Eating an avocado is fattening and it causes high blood pressure so feed your hair instead. The fruit is high in fatty acids and nutrients which will leave your hair looking rejuvenated. Mash one to two avocados depending on your hair length. When a thick paste is formed, apply it on your hair from the root to tip and leave it on for 30 minutes. Rinse it off and apply your personal choice of shampoo.

Coconut oil – Generously apply coconut oil to a comb and stroke your hair with it from root to tip. Once you’ve covered the whole surface, wrap your hair in a towel and let it sit for thirty minutes. Shampoo your hair and rinse afterwards. The antioxidants in the oil will heal damaged hair cuticles and lock in the shine.

10 Minute Fix

Mayonnaise – If you need a quick fix for a night out, grab a handful of mayonnaise and apply it on your dry hair. Cover your whole head of hair then seal it with a plastic bag or GLAD Cling Wrap. Leave it on for ten minutes then rinse it off. It may reek a tad but after rinsing the mayonnaise off, it will leave your hair soft and tangle free.

Quick Rinse

Apple cider vinegar – Being rich in alpha-hydroxy acids, it minimizes residue build up in your hair and leaves it softer after the application. After your shampoo of choice, rinse your hair with half a cup of apple cider vinegar and mix it with ¼ cup of water. Massage the solution into your hair and rinse it once more.

I can vouch for these tips since I personally use them whenever my locks need to be invigorated. After those easy natural fixes, your hair will be shining in no time! Show off your wonderful tresses and maintain a healthy low budget solution for your strands.

My New 'Do

In preparation for a new life ahead of me in the States, I decided to get a makeover. I've had side bangs for the longest time so I went for full bangs to enhance the oval shape of my face. I had with me a photo of Anne Hathaway sporting rainbow bangs from The Devil Wears Prada. Seeing that the texture of my hair is far different from hers, the hairstylist and I agreed on full bangs instead. He quickly concurred when I confessed about not befriending the blow dryer. After staring at it long and hard at the parlor, I realized that the textured fringe brings balance to my face and creates even more of an oval feel to it. I was being a broken record in reminding the hairstylist that I wanted the length of my bangs to be below the eyebrow and just above the eyelid.

I didn't want to walk out of the parlor looking like this:

Lil' Kim, you're a hot tamale but que horror! You're not rocking that mess.

I left the parlor with a smile and new bangs to soften my features.

I attribute my look to Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada.

Sheer happy and elegant.