2 new Brand backer product review

                                                     

hey guys so here another lovely 2 product reviews brought to you from BrandBacker. All opinions and thoughts are 100% my own.

This one  is a probiotic designed to help promote healthy oral health and keeping your mouth in oral optimal condition. It is meant to help your oral and nasal health. 
The probiotic S. salivarius M18 produces an enzyme that helps dissolve and loosen the formation of plaque and bio-film that eventually leads to cavities, staining, tooth sensitivities and unhealthy gums. Studies show that a special 2% of the population rarely experience plaque or tooth decay (that leads to the domino effect of dental problems) with the only differentiating factor being that they have sufficient S. salivarius M18 colonies.

TARGET BAD BREATH AT ITS SOURCE. Did you know that when you use mouthwash to prevent bad breath, you kill both the good and bad bacteria? And, did you know that it is up to the good bacteria to keep the bad breath causing bacteria in check? In fact, S. salivarius is often found in healthy mouths yet is deficient in halitosis sufferers. This means that the best long-term solution to eradicating bad breath is to repopulate your oral cavities with the good guys found in PRO-Dental.

REPOPULATE YOUR ORAL MICROBIOME. You might be familiar with your gut microbiome, but did you know that different probiotic strains populate your oral cavities? Your mouth is your first line of defense and the entry point for most infections. When your balance of healthy oral microflora is compromised by diet, disease, stress or antibiotics, you can quickly develop oral health and immune related problems. With PRO-Dental, you can finally keep this often forgotten microbiome in optimal shape!

REDUCE ORAL HEALTH ISSUES. The overgrowth of bad bacteria in your oral cavities contributes to health challenges such as plaque, teeth-staining, gum disease, bad breath, tonsil stones and ear, nose and throat infections. PRO-Dental is formulated with the most effective and clinically proven oral probiotic strains to restore the balance of good bacteria and promote oral and dental health.

PROMOTES HEALTHY EARS, NOSE, THROAT AND SINUSES. Upper respiratory and ear infections are caused by a buildup of bad bacteria that travels throughout your oral cavities. When your oral microbiome is populated with strong probiotic colonies, you are equipped with natural defenses against these nasty invaders. In fact, one clinical study shows that children treated with S. salivarius K12 have a 90% reduction in sore throats (including bacterial and viral) and a 40% reduction in ear infections!

What I though about the supplement:

I have never taken a probiotic for dental health before this one. The tablet is small and chewable, easy to take. It has a great minty taste, not too strong. They are 100% natural with no added sugar, 100% vegetarian. They have a great impact on your morning breath when you first awaken not as bad as it would be if no probiotics had been taken. As far as helping with sinuses and such, I don't normally suffer from those problems so it is hard from me to tell whether they would help in those circumstances. 

I have had no negative experiences with the product and will continue to use for the dental aspects of the product, as I have a few teeth that have become sensitive and the probiotics have seemingly helped to ease the sensitivity. 

You can find the Hyperbiotics PRO-Dental on Facebook and Twitter, and can visit their website. 

Or You can purchase the product on Amazon. 

 

                                                               

Ok my 2nd Product is this Amara Organics serum is an awesome duo for me having 2 of my favorite skin care items in one serum. Both are amazing for skin health & for helping to keep skin looking healthy, I am not really looking for a youthful look I want a look of someone healthy inside & out Vitamins C & E are great for doing that with my face, some may call that youthful, I call it healthy.

I tend to get a lot of compliments on the health of my skin & when I am trying a new product I try to pay attention to what others think & so far everyone has noticed my skin looking brighter & has a healthful glow. I have only used this serum about 2 weeks so look forward to continual use & its effects on my skin.

Amara Organics Vitamin C Serum is safe for all skin types and conditions, including dry or irritated skin, acne, and eczema. It will not clog pores and does not contain parabens or alcohol.

I am very pleased with this product. I am a true Vitamin C Serum believer and that this product also includes Vitamin E AND Hyaluronic Acid makes this product a top pick when choosing a serum!

Get the Amara Vitamin C Serum  here.

Believe me this price is worth it as many companies charge way more for less active ingredients! It is never too late to start to include Vitamin C into your skin care routine- and never too early! :-)

I received this product from BrandBacker for my review purposes, all opinions are my own. 

Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration line Review

                                                                              

Happy Spring!!!! It's that time of year again where you may or may not need to tweak your hair regimen. If you've been following me on Instagram (@Thenaturalinblue) which i just started so go follow and like. About a month ago, I was on a mission to find either the Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil line or the Manuka Honey line. Alas, I went to every CVS in my area and they were always sold out so luckily my local Target had the Manuka Honey line. This line promotes itself as being a dry hair recipe and typically in the cooler months, preventing dry hair and its  importance to naturals. 

The three advertised ingredients are specifically for preventing moisture loss and hydrating the hair. As stated by the brand: Manuka Honey has anti-inflammatory properties to sooth the scalp and helps create moisturizing barrier; Mafura Oil has high levels of beneficial oleic acid to help replenish oils stripped from the hair; and African Rock Fig contains antioxidant vitamin C which helps to keep the hair looking vibrant. Now that sounds like the perfect recipe for a cold weather product line! I have used the entire line and I must say I was impressed with some of the line. Here's my review and results of how it worked for me.

                                                   Intensive Hydration Shampoo

                                        

 

This shampoo cleanses while infusing hair with intense moisture and shine enhancing nutrients.This is the only product of the line that doesn't contain all of the advertised ingredients. Honey is not listed as an ingredient which is odd since this is the Manuka Honey line. ok ''kanye Shrugs''  this shampoo is sulfate free but lathers a lot. I used very little of the shampoo because there was so much lather which I don't mind. If the shampoo doesn't lather I get worried .This shampoo has great slip and I was able to run my fingers through it. Once I rinsed it out my curls was lovinngg it lol . I agree with the claim of it infusing the hair with intense moisture. I definitely recommend this shampoo and would re-purchase it if I ever finish it lol. A little goes a long way. 

Intensive Hydration Conditioner

This rinse out conditioner instantly softens and detangles while infusing hair with intense moisture and shine enhancing ingredients. The conditioner did not soften my hair nor did it have any slip to aid in detangling! My hair sucked it up, I was unable to detangle so I attempted to use a wide tooth comb which I had to give up on and how my hair just soaked it all in. I also tried to use this product as a leave in styler but my hair didn't dry and it there wasn't enough hold. I can't recommend this product for anyone with kinky, high porosity, thick hair. I won't be repurchasing this product. 
  
                                                      Intensive Hydration Hair Masque
                                                                              

This intensely deep conditioning hair masque infuses hair with a powerful dose of moisture and nutrients. Can we just pause for how AMAZING this hair masque is!!! Lets fast forward to will I repurchase it... YES! Do I recommend it... YES! The consistency is like any other Shea Moisture hair masque but this one has amazing slip and penetrates the hair shaft. I was able to finger detangle, my hair was soft and moisturized, and my hair had a great shine too it as seen in the pictures. My hair felt transformed like butter! If you've used the honey hair masque and you liked those results, you'll receive the same if not better results with this hair masque. The honey in this product has a strong presence and my hair loved it. It really softened my hair making it more manageable and easier to style. I can already say this will make my favorites list for 2015!!! Nothing more to say but let the results speak for themselves.  

Hopefully I will be able to check out  the new Shea Moisture lines  I will use the shampoo but I have others that are my favorite so it will have to fit in where it can lol. 

Questions, comments, or your own experiences with this line please leave them below.

HAIR TIP MONDAY

In this week’s edition, I thought I’d pick up from where we left off ....

 This natural hair stuff doesn’t have to be as difficult or as confusing as some might make it out to be. One way to keep from pulling out your hair in frustration is to keep a simple and consistent regimen, starting with a handful of products. In my experience, there are just a few basic things you really need to get you started on a decent regimen.

Cleanser

Whether you use a commercial shampoo or a natural alternative, the choice is yours. Bottom line- clean hair will lead to healthy hair.

If you do go the route of commercial shampoos, it’s great to have both a moisturizing sulfate-free shampoo as well as a good clarifying shampoo to thoroughly cleanse all the random gook (gels, creams, butters) that you may have piled on throughout the week… aka product buildup. Apple cider vinegar and baking soda are also great for clarifying.

Conditioner

This is used to improve the condition of the hair and can come in the form of a moisturizer (to put back what you might have lost in the cleansing stage) a protein treatment or a combo of both as in the case with some deep conditioners. Generally, kinky or afro-textured hair craves moisture more than it does protein. So, protein treatments, while helpful, may not need to be used as frequently as a moisturizing conditioner. I’ll have more on all of this in a future post. 

Leave-In

Leave-in conditioners pretty much continue the moisturizing process after washing and may even include a form of light protein to give the hair a good moisture-protein balance. I never skip this step!

Oil/Butter

Here’s where it all comes together. While the hair is still slightly damp, seal all that lovely moisture in with an oil or butter of your choosing, depending on what agrees with your hair (for many, porosity comes into play here and you may need something light). I like whipped shea butters as well as coconut and grapeseed oils, to name a few. Fiddle with a some to find what works.

Styler… Optional

While I often end the process at the oil or butter, many take it a step further with a styling product, usually something that provides some hold for flawlessly defined hair. These may include your soufflés, creams, gels and such. I have found, though, that I can get a well-defined twist-out or braid-out without a styling product just by setting the hair while it’s still damp and allowing it to dry completely.

So that, as they say, is that! My suggestion to “newbies” is always to start with just a few things, one… maybe two from each category. Assess what your hair needs are, read the labels and make your selections. Try ‘em for a few weeks and see how your hair responds. Even if your products change, be it due to the change in season or otherwise, your routine should stay pretty consistent.

Hope this was helpful!

PRODUCT REVIEW: Valentia Even Glow Serum

I recently received a free full sized Even Glow Serum – 20% Vitamin C Antioxidant Treatment from  Valentia Skin Care @http://www.valentiaskincare.com, sponsored by Brandbacker.  The following information is from their press release about their serum

From Valentia's Site:

 Our skin is damaged each day due to environmental pollutants, oxidative stress, and chemical laden cosmetic products. The amount of free radicals waging war on the skin quickly depletes our natural protective resources.
    Our premier formulation is backed by scientific research into the efficacy of each of the natural ingredients we have carefully selected.
    Our proprietary blend of skin super oils compliment our 20% Vitamin C base, leading to a powerful antioxidant treatment. Each natural ingredient was chosen to support and enhance Vitamin C’s efficacy on the skin, leading to more well-rounded serum to add to your daily skin care ritual.
    Our Even Glow Serum will repair, refresh, and renew your skin; restoring evenness to your complexion, giving you an extra boost of confidence each time you look in the mirror. 

I mean, they really make this stuff sound like the King of Vitamin C serums! I was absolutely down for this, even if it meant I'd have to suffer through a zit here and there!

 Vitamin C: With a 20% concentration does more than boost the body’s immune system; it also provides many benefits to keep the skin tight, smooth and looking ageless. Vitamin C has been scientifically proven to reduces the effects of sun exposure on the skin, including sunburn, sun spots, redness and wrinkles. In addition to helping reduce the signs of aging, Vitamin C is essential for everyday maintenance to strengthen and smooth out the skin, as well as neutralizing free radicals before they can damage the skin.

Superior Ingredients:

Vitamin C: With a 20% concentration does more than boost the body’s immune system; it also provides many benefits to keep the skin tight, smooth and looking ageless. Vitamin C has been scientifically proven to reduces the effects of sun exposure on the skin, including sunburn, sun spots, redness and wrinkles. In addition to helping reduce the signs of aging, Vitamin C is essential for everyday maintenance to strengthen and smooth out the skin, as well as neutralizing free radicals before they can damage the skin.

***Our additional Key Ingredients below were all selected for their ability to enhance and support Vitamin C’s effect on the skin.

ORGANIC ROSEHIP SEED OIL & ORGANIC SEA BUCKTHORN OIL - These oils promote skin hydration and lock in moisture to protect your skin from signs of aging and improve its beauty and youthfulness. Rosehip Oil specifically has been used in medical communities around the world for those with serious skin ailments and only recently has North America learned to embrace natural solutions from our ancestors. These two organic oils are full of antioxidants and therefore act as the perfect supporting cast for our best friend – Vitamin C

RESISTEM (Plant Stem Cells) – This provides the perfect mix of protection from stress-related aging and promotes skin detoxification. Resistem will help your skin regenerate faster while protecting it from environmental stressors.

HYALURONIC ACID(Botanical) – Holding up to 1000 times its weight in water and drawing moisture out of the environment and onto the surface of your skin ,there is not a more effective moisturizing agent on the market today. Penetrates deeply, and actives collagen production for a fresher, younger, firmer, and brighter complexion

GREEN TEA EXTRACT- The catechins in green tea are a potent antioxidant which also contribute to the overall anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant benefits of this ancient health and beauty secret.

What It Does:

98% Natural Ingredients (see below for a description of our Key Ingredients chosen specifically to enhance Vitamin C efficacy on the skin)

EVENS SKIN TONE: Vanquish dark spots and skin discoloration with this new generation Vitamin C Serum. Quickly refresh uneven and ill-textured skin with smooth, wrinkle-free skin that leaves you looking flawless and ageless.

INCREASES GLOW & RADIANCE: Revitalize your skin with essential fatty acids that leave skin smooth and visibly brighter. Smooth skin capable of reflecting light will give your skin a youthful glow and a brilliant shine for that well-rested and refreshed look.

ABSORBS RAPIDLY: Moisturizes skin due to the capacity of the hyaluronic acid to absorb water, thereby increasing fluid between cells, giving your skin a smoother and younger appearance. This intense water absorption means no more dry, peeling or cracked skin, even in extreme weather.

BOOSTS COLLAGEN PRODUCTION: The presence of Organic Rosehip Seed oil to support Vitamin C increases collagen production so your skin retains the elasticity responsible for a youthful appearance and prevents skin sagging associated with aging. Enjoy smooth and supple skin that takes years off your appearance.

REDUCES WRINKLES & FINE LINES: Reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles with the help of our foundation 20 % Vitamin C. Special ingredients such us Hyaluronic Acid and Organic Sea Buckthorn oil work to plump up the skin, which reduces fine lines and wrinkles in the skin so it is smoother, clearer and younger.

I have been looking for a product that is natural, alcohol free, paraben free, so I am eager to try this out.

The ingredients for this product are clearly marked on the box as well: Proprietary Organic Skin Tea, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Methlsulfonylmethane (MSM), Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide (botanical hyaluronic acid), Globularia Cordifolia Callus Culture Extract (plant stem cells), Organic Rosa Canina (Rosehip Seed Oil), Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Citrus Paradisi (Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil), Carbomer, (2s)-2-Amino-5-guanidinopentanoic Acid, d-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Algae Extract, Camelia Oleifera (Japanese Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn Oil), Phenoxyethanol, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin

You just need a few drops of this serum, which is a thicker serum in the color of an orange creamsicle, which is due to the Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil,  and it smells like freshly squeezed orange juice – already I am  loving the scent!  The scent is natural from the ingredients as there is no added perfume to this product.   

 So as Natural hair/beauty/fashion blogger who will do anything to get the scoop on a product, of course I continued to use it and suffer through the short term breakouts right?

Nope.

Sorry guys...I just couldn't do it! It's taken me literally my entire 26 years on Earth (I'm sure I was probably fighting acne as an infant) to finally get rid of the huge amount of acne . While I'm always down to try and review a product to the best of my ability, I really don't want to go back down a road of constant breakouts just to see if this particular product does what it says.

What I will say, is in the 4 days of using this product before the breakouts, I genuinely saw a positive difference in my skin. It looked visibly brighter and more even-toned, similar to what my "brightening" serums from Korea will do. I think that if your skin really loves Vitamin C, or even if you've never tried a Vit. C serum, this is the one to try. The scent, the quick results I received and the decent price (only $30!) make this one a winner in my book. I just wish my skin would stop hating on Vitamin C so I could really see how well this stuff worked out long term!

Its available at Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HJD8NLY and is currently on sale for $35.00, which is over 1/2 off the normal price.  If you purchase this product, Valentia Skin Care will send you an Age Defying Facial Treatment e-book, which has 20 beauty recipes,

Have anyone Else tried it Let me know

Bobby Pins.....We were wrong this whole time

Hey Divas

We ok so let this straight  bobby pins  recently came across a picture on Instagram that pretty much shows that we have ALL been using bobby pins the incorrect way. Am I the only one who had no clue? Who says there is a right or wrong way anyways? (Side eye) Apparently the grooved end is the part the belongs on the scalp and not the other way around. *shrug* I am pretty sure since forever we have all been using them incorrectly.

Like really if only we could find out where all of the bobby pins go when they suddenly grow legs and walk away. That is the REAL question here! lol 

Just wanted to share this  with you all. It caught my attention although I will most likely continue to forever use them incorrectly. What can I say, I am a creature of habit.

until next time loves