Good morning, class! Today we are looking at a product that I was provided for free, through Brand Backer, in exchange for my honest review. More specifically, we are talking about the Exuviance Performance Peel AP25.

product photo from Exuviance.com

The Exuviance Performance Peel AP25 is a Glycolic Acid Peel that is made to be safe and easy to use at home. It contains a 25% AHA/PHA blend that includes Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid and Gluconolactone. I’m just going to assume that I’ve spelled those words correctly. Anyway…these ingredients exfoliate dead, dull surface layers and encourage the process of cell renewal to reveal healthier cells (and consequently, healthier skin!)

The Exuviance Performance Peel AP25 comes with 12 treatments, plus one test treatment. Since Exuviance recommends that the treatments be used twice weekly, this is a six week course of peels. As I mentioned, this peel is incredibly easy to use. After cleansing, you apply an “activator pad” all over your face. The worst part of this step is the smell. Luckily, the unpleasant odor does not last. You let the Activator Solution sit on your face for ten minutes (less if you feel discomfort) and then apply the Neutralizer Pad and rinse with water.

Results

I made sure I had two weeks to work with the Exuviance Performance Peel before writing my review. I figured this would be an appropriate time frame in which I might begin to see some results. As you know, my concerns are less about fine lines and more about evenness of skin tone and smoothness of skin.

before

If you were going to see results, you’d see them on my cheeks. I have some discoloration from acne, so this is the perfect place to monitor.

after

OK, so I’m not convinced that the photos do the results justice. I honestly feel that the overall appearance of my skin is much more even and bright after using this peel for two weeks. Unfortunately, my awesome results have been marred by an incredibly unusual breakout. I do not believe that the blemishes are related to this treatment, but nonetheless, they make it hard to get a good photo! All in all, I would highly recommend this peel if you are looking for an easy-to-use treatment that yields quick results.

The Exuviance Performance Peel AP25 is available at the Exuviance website  and retails for $77. So if you’re ready to take the #peelchallenge, head over!

I will be sure to do a little update once I finish the course of twelve treatments. In the meantime, please let me know your favorite skin remedies, peels and treatments in the comments!

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When Valentia asked if I wanted to review another one of their products, I was really excited! After all, I still use the skin detoxifying clay mask they sent via BrandBacker in May.

So today, class, I present to you the Valentia Night Revive Retinol Serum. First, let’s talk about what the Night Revive Retinol Serum does!

Valentia Night Revive Retinol Serum – A transformative retinol serum that fights wrinkles and provides hydration, for visibly smoother, rejuvenated skin.

According to Valentia, the Retinol Serum will diminish wrinkles, stimulate collagen, improve skin tone, manage breakouts, and condition skin. The special ingredients in this product that promote these benefits are:

– Retinol (Vitamin A): Works at the cellular level to stop winkles, manage breakouts, and evens out skin discoloration.

– Vitamin C: Guards skin against environmental free-radicals to prevent premature aging.

– Vitamin E: Provides intense hydration to diminish the drying effects of retinol.

– Squalane: Derived for pure olive oil to soften and condition delicate skin.

As directed, I applied the Valentia Night Revive Retinol Serum to my cleansed face nightly for about a week. While I don’t think this is a long enough period of time to see some of the long-term claims, my skin did feel hydrated and smooth upon waking. I also noticed an even skin tone and bright complexion. This is a thick serum that is easy to apply (don’t you hate runny serums?!) and has a scent that is not unpleasant. You get 1.18 fluid ounces in the dropper bottle, which I’d say would last at least a few months if not longer.

If you’d like to learn more about Valentia, do visit their Instagram and Facebook pages. Take note that their products are cruelty free and made in the U.S.

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Hello, class! Today I’m talking about an amazing line of products that I had the privilege of testing thanks to BrandBacker. Remember that this means I received the products for free in exchange for my honest review. The brand in question is Ark Skincare. For those unfamiliar with Ark Skincare, here is a snippet of information taken from their webpage:

Beautiful skin at every age

ARK Skincare is a British skincare brand, which treats skin by age and skin concern. Created for use in our London Spa, ARK Skincare products deliver professional, salon grade results using the most innovative natural formulations. The result is a highly effective personalized skincare regime for every individual.

Why treat skin by age?

There are two main transition periods in the aging process where there is a dramatic shift in hormone production and a significant change in the way the body functions: late 20s to early 30s and late 50s to early 60s. ARK has looked at the skin externally and internally during these periods, to create three age-specific product ranges, which support skin with the optimum level of nourishment and skin-perfecting ingredients.

I was sent two products to test out- the ARK Age Defend Replenishing Moisturizer and the ARK Hydration Injection Masque.

ARK’s Age Defend Replenishing Moisturizer is formulated for those in their 30’s and 40’s and is focused on retaining moisture and diminishing signs of premature aging. It is meant to be used morning and evening and comes in a really luxurious feeling container.

I am very picky about my moisturizers, especially those meant to be worn under makeup. I was surprisingly pleased with the Age Defend Replenishing Moisturizer! It is thick but yet quickly absorbed and does not contribute to any oiliness throughout the day. I even used it over a rough patch on my cheek (a healing zit, if we want to get real) and it helped my makeup go on incredibly smoothly.

The Hydration Injection Masque is formulated for all ages, though it is meant to be worn for different amounts of time for each age bracket. For those in their 30’s and 40’s, the mask should be left on for about 10 minutes once or twice a week and then removed with a warm cloth. The Hydration Injection Masque contains ingredients that help soothe irritation, retain moisture and restore vibrancy.

Again, I am usually pretty skeptical of the grand claims of skin products. However, the ARK Hydration Injection Masque delivered. I am not lying when I say that the mornings after I used this mask my skin looked amazing. I felt like I looked refreshed (even when I slept poorly) and my skin felt so soft.

Both products I tried retail for $70 USD. This puts ARK Skincare in the “luxury” range. I think what makes them unique is their age-specific targeting, so if you are in the market for new skincare, I’d check out ARK.

I liked these products so much that I’m considering trying the other two skincare products in the 30’s-40’s range. So… if anyone from ARK Skincare happens to be reading this… let’s talk.

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Hello, class! I was lucky enough to receive the EVERPRO BACK2BLONDE Temporary Root Concealer through Brandbacker (which means it was free in exchange for a review!) This was perfect timing, as I am currently holding off as long as possible between salon visits.

According to EVERPRO:

BACK2BLONDE is the fastest and easiest way for blondes to disguise their dark (and gray) roots, delivering results unmatched by any other blonde temporary root concealer in the mass hair color aisle. The NEW! BACK2BLONDE product line is made up of 3 colors (Dark Blonde, Medium Blonde and Light Blonde) that cover 9 shade levels and is offered in an aerosol can spray form. No mixing, no mess – just spray and go!

In order to show you how easy this product is to use, I filmed a short video using the lightest BACK2BLONDE shade available (Light Blonde). As you know, I have little experience with videos so I apologize for amateur quality (for example: I recorded it with my phone camera vertical… yes… like I’ve never used a phone before…)

Here are some side-by-side before and after photos:

before

after

before

after

As you can see, the EVERPRO BACK2BLONDE does deliver on its claim to cover up to dark roots. I’ve been quite pleased with this product’s longevity (it lasted through a sweaty workout) and I actually do plan to use this until I get my highlights redone in September!

I also have great news- EVERPRO is hosting a giveaway where you can win your own BACK2BLONDE! Please click here to enter.

Overall, I feel the EVERPRO BACK2BLONDE is a great product. It is as easy (if not easier) to use as dry shampoo and is a fantastic option if your blonde hair is in need of a quick fix at the roots.

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The Perennial Picks Skincare Discovery Kit contains:
INVINCIBLE Root Cell Anti-Aging Serum 0.27 fl. oz | 8 ml
SLEEP TIGHT Renewing Night Treatment 0.5 fl. oz | 15 ml
RISE ‘N SHINE Daily Moisture Lock o.5 fl. oz. | 15 ml
NEW DAY Gentle Cleansing Grains | 1.4 oz. | 40 g

According to Farmacy,

A unique patent-protected variant of Echinacea Purpurea, GreenEnvy contains the highest known concentration of the phytochemical Cichoric Acid, a potent natural antioxidant which helps protect and firm the skin by inhibiting the enzymes that break down collagen. Cichoric Acid also normalizes the skin pigmentation process to promote a more evenly toned complexion.

I tried these products for a week, using the following routine:

In the morning I cleansed with water and applied the Rise ‘n’ Shine Daily Moisture Lock.
In the evening I cleansed with the New Day Gentle Cleansing Grains. I applied a small amount of the Invincible Root Cell Anti-Aging Serum and let it sink it. Then, before bed, I applied the Sleep Tight Renewing Night Treatment.

First of all, I love the packaging on these items. Everything feels clean and simple. Additionally, none of the products has an overwhelming fragrance, which is a huge thumbs-up in my book.

I tend not to like products that involving mixing a grain with water to cleanse. I typically get pieces in my eyes, which is uncomfortable to say the least. However, the New Day Gentle Cleansing Grains are finely ground enough where  this was never a problem for me. This product left my skin soft and clean.

The serum and night treatment are also amazing products. I kept touching my face before bed because it just felt so soft.

My least favorite item in the Perennial Picks Discovery Kit is the Rise ‘n’ Shine Daily Moisture Lock. I prefer a product that sinks into the skin a bit quicker. I also try to use products in the morning that have SPF in them, and this has none.

Overall, this is a fantastic kit if you are looking to try out Farmacy. I will be adding some more Farmacy products to my “must try” list, including their Skin Dew setting spray and their various hydrating coconut gel masks!

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Hello again, class! Thanks to BrandBacker*, I had the pleasure of trying a couple of free little goodies from a brand called MAKE Beauty. I want to share my initial impressions with you (and if you stay until the end – there’s a discount code for you!)

the brand

Rather than try to describe their mission myself, let me share with you MAKE Beauty’s story, taken directly from their website:

MAKE believes there are no beauty rules. That each individual is driven by an artistic approach to their own personal reality. That it’s beautiful to be inspired by your imagination. To embrace a whimsical approach to life. To be outspoken, intelligent, confident and un-self conscious.

MAKE encourages creative self-expression as individuals everywhere color their world. Our beauty products are designed for personal experimentation with rich formulations and rare palettes in an unconstrained range of colors, finishes and textures. The line is professionally formulated but user-friendly
and can be applied as layers to give as much or as little impact as you feel like on any given day. Whether the look is perfect no-makeup-makeup or modern minimal alongside a more pigmented finish is entirely up to you.

MAKE is made in our hometown, New York City. It is paraben-free and never tested on animals. 10% of sales are donated to the We See Beauty Foundation, supporting women-led, worker-owned cooperative businesses across the Americas.

The products

I was sent two products to test for you. The first was their matte eyeshadow in the shade “Alabaster.” The second was the silk cream lipstick in the shade “Taffy.”

Alabaster is described as a “soft eggshell with peach undertones.” On me, the color was very light, but not quite enough to be a good browbone shade. I like it for an all-over lid, or transition, shadow. I found this matte powder to be a bit chalky to pick up with a brush, but it applied very nicely.

Taffy is a “medium pink with purple undertones.” This cream lipstick applied incredibly smoothly and evenly. The color is GORGEOUS. I found the formula to feel a bit waxy on the lips, but never uncomfortable and never crumbly.

Alabaster on top and Taffy on bottom

I used these products to help create a really light, fresh look:

Both full size products are sold for $25.

#makeyourself

MAKE Beauty has been kind enough to extend the following discount to my readers:

20% off sitewide on Makebeauty.com with the code MAKEYOURSELF, valid through 3/1-4/15

Please let me know if you purchase anything! I would love to see more of these lovely products in action!

*This post is sponsored. however, all OPINIONS put forth are my own and entirely honest. because honesty is important.

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