Ingredients to Look for in Your Skin Care Products

Ingredients to Look for in Your Skin Care Products 

Let's face it. Every woman wants to have the most beautiful looking skin possible. Although we all want this, finding the skin products that will deliver the results we want is another story. With so many different varieties of skin care products to choose from, what ingredients should the products we use have? 

The answer to that question depends on what skin issues we are targeting. For the most part, those of us who are over the age of 30, are interested in the treating (and prevention) of fine lines and wrinkles. 

One way to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles is to use products that deliver powerful antioxidants like vitamin C to your skin. The best vitamin C skin care products will neutralize free radicals, boost the skin's ability to produce collagen, reduce discoloration, and improve skin texture.

A second ingredient to look for is Retinol (derivative of Vitamin A). Retinol is a multi-tasking ingredient: it increases collagen production (plumps your skin), it speeds up cell turnover (smoothing your complexion) and aids in unclogging your pores (great for those of us with acne prone skin as this will reduce breakouts). 

My personal recommendation for skin products that have both Vitamin C and Retinol are the InstaNatural Age-Defying Retinol Serum  and  InstaNatural Advanced Action Retinol Moisturizer. 




The Age-Defying Retinol Serum has several ingredients, including 20% Vitamin C - which helps at repairing damaged skin. The serum is non greasy and lightweight. Although the serum is gentle enough to apply twice daily, I have opted to use it once a day in the morning - with good results. 

After cleansing my skin with my charcoal based face wash, I apply a few drops of the serum in my hand then distribute it to my face and neck. I kid you not, but my skin literally drinks it. 

I've noticed that it only takes a few seconds to dry with no residue left behind on skin. I really love using this serum - it is by far the best one I've used. 


 
On those days when I am going makeup free, I then follow up with the Advanced Action Retinol Moisturizer. 



 
The moisturizer contains 2.5% Retinol, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, jojoba oil, Shea butter and green tea. The consistency is in the middle - it's not exactly lightweight but not as thick as a cream either. It applies nicely and is easily absorbed by the skin.  

The reason why I only use this if I am not wearing makeup is because I have found that it makes my skin produce more oils than it normally does.  Applying this moisturizer at night has proven to work better. 

If you have normal or dry skin, you won't have that issue. 

  Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using these two products:

• Cleanse and tone skin before using serum
• Apply serum to entire face and neck (a few drops is all you need)
• Allow the serum to dry completely before applying moisturizer
• Apply the the moisturizer in circular and upwards motions
• Allow the moisturizer to completely dry before moving on to the next step in your beauty routine (whether it is applying sunscreen or your makeup)
• If you have sensitive skin, apply these products only once daily - preferably at night
• Once the bottle of serum is opened, it is important to close the cap properly storing it in a cool place in order to maintain its effectiveness. 
• Always use a sunscreen after applying products like these with vitamin c and retinol. 

BONUS: Dead Sea Mud/Minerals 

One skin care issue that tends to appear along with fine lines and wrinkles is uneven texture and or dullness in skin. 

In my case, the skin texture I have is due to suffering from severe adult acne. Using products with dead sea mud/minerals has proven to be a great addition. 

The mask helps detoxify the skin by absorbing excess oil, dirt and toxins leaving behind smoother skin. 

Use these tips when using InstaNatural Dead Sea Mud Mask: 

• Cleanse skin before using mask - this can be applied to wet or dry skin

• Distribute a small amount on skin using fingertips moving in an upward circular motion

• The mask will feel "cooling" at first then it will begin to harden

• Leave mask on for 10-15 min. (I do the entire 15 min) 

• Wash mask off with warm water 

IMPORTANT: I highly suggest you apply this mask once a week only. It may appear that the mask is not that "strong" but it IS highly concentrated.  

Child, I did not follow this one tip and I had breakouts for days - not due to irritation or reverse reaction, the minerals in the mask were "pulling" out all the toxins/impurities from of my skin, which it is supposed to do, but I didn't let me skin recuperate after the first initial application. So, trust me - one application a week is more than sufficient. 

In conclusion, skincare products rich in vitamin c and retinol can greatly reduce signs of aging skin such as fine lines and wrinkles. Adding a mineral infused detoxifying mask to the regimen will also improve the texture/dullness of your skin, allowing all the previously mentioned ingredients to work more effectively. 

FTC: Article powered by InstaNatural & BrandBacker. Images and content are 100% unique and property of LatinFlava Designs, Corp. Links shared are NOT affiliate links.

What ingredients do you look for in your skin care products? 

The Powers of adding a Exfoliating Cleanser to Your Skin Care Routine

Over the years we have been schooled on many different steps that need to be added to our skin care routine. Some of these steps are often overlooked, one in specific, exfoliating our skin.

You may be thinking, "Why is exfoliating such a big deal, anyway?"... Many woman have, including myself, have thought like this once or twice. But, guess what?

Exfoliating is a M.U.S.T.     Here are the reasons why:

1. The instant benefit: Immediately after exfoliating your skin will glow, feel silky smooth, and soft.
2. Exfoliating keep pores "unclogged" which will help with avoiding blackheads and pimples from surfacing.
3. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, while reducing the appearance of fine lines.
4. Exfoliating helps keep your skin clean. Clean skin will continue to look younger and more subtle as you age.

Now that we know the BENEFITS. how often should we exfoliate?

Dry skin: A minimum of once a week to avoid irritation to dry skin.

Oily skin: Using a gentle exfoliate brand - should be used once a day. (I have oily skin and am prone to breakouts - I use a gentle exfoliate twice a day.) 

Normal - Combination skin: A minimum of twice a week.

Which brands should you use?

There is one suggestion I can make. I have recently fallen in love with SIBU Beauty Exfoliating Facial Cleanser.

SIBU Beauty - Exfoliating Facial Cleanser

I first heard about it while watching Dr. Oz. He featured the SIBU Beauty brand not too long ago. On the show they talked about one of the main ingredients infused in SIBU Beauty which is sea buckthorn berry. This ingredient contains over 190 bioactive compounds, including the elusive Omega 7 (a rare and vital nutrient necessary for healthy skin).

I have oily skin, so I use a very small amount  in the morning and at night before going to bed. Since I started using it I can definitely see the results. Which is the main reason why I jumped on the chance to share this with all of our readers.

Now it's your turn: You too can have chance to get your very own SIBU Beauty Exfoliating Facial Cleanser at 75% off! These cleansers retail for $18, but your price is only $5! plus there is FREE SHIPPING...

PS. Don't forget to come back and let us know how the SIBU Beauty has ranked in your beauty skin care regimen. We love to hear back from our readers!

Mother's Day Gifts for the Mom-To-B

Mother's Day Gift Guide for Moms-To-Be

As Mother's Day approaches, some of us may be wondering what types of gifts we will purchase for our special Mami's. But what about those ladies who are expecting? Should they get gifts on Mother's Day, even if they have not given birth yet?

Oh yes! In my opinion "motherhood" begins the very second when a woman confirms her pregnancy. Would you not agree with that logic?

I am not the only woman who think this way apparently.

The writers at workingmother.com have put a slideshow together for those who are celebrating this Mother's Day with women who are still expecting.

This list has everything from stretch mark cream to a nifty "rocker" for the new bundle of joy. Now with the rocker, I am not sure who will enjoy it better, Mom or the baby!

To see the slideshow - please click the caption under the photo

Now it's your turn:  Can you remember what gifts you were given the first time you celebrated Mother's Day?

Special 10K Fanbration Celebration Event

It's another fabulous giveaway event for all of our lovely readers and fans! Please join us here at LatinFlava Designs, Inc as we sponsor a giveaway dedicated especially for YOU.  In show of our appreciation, we have selected quite a few amazing gifts as well as a grand prize as a special thank you for your support.  Please take a few minutes to look through the lists of prizes - Enter for a chance to win!

Powered by Mom and Mommy & Baby Reviews & Giveaways are super excited!

Thanks you to our wonderful readers Powered by Mom has reached over 10K on Facebook!

 

 

To celebrate we're bringing you a fantastic giveaway!

Thanks to some wonderful bloggers and businesses we have some fabulous prizes to give away to you!

$20 Bath & Body Works GC from Mommy & Baby Reviews & Giveaways

Ottilie & Lulu Gift Pack Perfect for your Pre-teen's skincare from Mom Blog Society

$20 GC from bubbles-bath-boutique.com they have handmade soaps, bath bombs etc..

Prize Heidi Klum Shine set with perfume, shower gel & body lotion from Mommy Moments with Abby

$25 for a choice of fragrance up to $25 value from Fragrances 123 several name brands to choose from (my new website)

AND FOR THE GRAND PRIZE!

Choice of $100 from Paypal or a Gift Cards such as Oldy Navy, Wal-Mart & More (store selection to be discussed with winner)

 

How to get the Violet Femme Fatal Look

Wearing bold colors on eyelids is not the only trend noticed on the runway this year. Another eye beauty makeup trend is using hues of pink, purples and lilacs blended together for a smoldering seductive stare.

violet femme -face chart

To achieve this look, there are a few products that are needed.

I-mark Violet Femme shades

Application:

(1) apply a thin layer of eye primer to eyelids and under lower eyelashes

(2) using the i-mark shade violet ink (darkest shade) over the lids going up to the crease and along the lower lash lines

(3) apply i-mark shade pink dust on lids from crease going up to brow bone - make sure to blend this shade in as well as you can

(4) apply third i-mark shade mystical (lighter purple) in the inner corners of eyes

(5) apply eyeliner to the lower lash line

(6) apply mascara to both upper and lower lashes


Next, to achieve the over-all face Highlights, you will need this product.

all the Highlights Soft Glow Illuminator

Application:

(1) Lightly dust all the highlights over entire face - concentrating on cheek bones & chin. This will give you the "glow" effect.


About these products:

The I-mark Violet Femme Shades are long-lasting color shades which can be bought individually. Doing that you can easily combine shades to create different eye-looks.

The All the Highlights Soft Glow Illuminator is the perfect powder to use in getting the complete "glow" effect on entire face without going overboard! The colors in the illuminator palette can be worn by all skin-tones.



Where To Buy:  mymarkstore
Product Names: I-mark Violet Femme Shades & All the Highlights Soft Glow Illuminator

Now It's Your Turn: Where would you wear this look to? Everyday, for the Office, or just for a Date-Night?

#LoveVoxBox Unveiling

It's Fab Friday Luvlys! Today I wanted to share with all of my wonderful readers my very first video! I am very happy to say that making a video was fun and not as difficult as I had once imagined it to be.

First, let me just say that I am grateful to have joined Influenster.com  If you are not familiar with this company, you should really take the time to check them out. Basically, the more involved you are on the site, you are able to earn more badges which leads to being considered for a special treat - which is being sent a box filled with product samples that you can review, while sharing your opinions with others. How sweet is that?

I joined a few months ago, earned a few badges, and was given the chance to receive my very first VoxBox filled with goodies!

Okay, now that you have an idea of the program offered by Influenster.com, please take a few minutes to watch my #LoveVoxBox Unveiling Video:

Yes, I must admit - I tend to be a little "chatty" but could any normal person actually contain their excitement after receiving such a special opportunity? I think not! 

So, let's take a few seconds to recap which products were received in my Influenster #LoveVoxBox :

Gillette Venus & Olay Razor

Kiss Nail Dress - Fashion That Sticks

Stash Tea Herbal Tea Sampler

Ghirardelli Gourmet Milky Cream Devotion

Truvia Natural Sweetner

I am really looking forward to the chance I have been given to integrate these products into my daily routine. I already have a few ideas in mind, especially for the Stash Tea, Ghirardelli Gourmet Chocolates and the Truvia. 

Now It's Your Turn:  Which products are you looking forward to hearing about the most?  Please share your thoughts, we love to hear from you! 

PS - Don't forget to come back so you can see the products up close! 

*Disclaimer: The products included in the #lovevoxbox received from influester.com were sent to me for review as part of the VoxBox program - which is completely complimentary. However, ALL photos, videos and opinions are 100% my own.

Hair Products that EVERY Woman Needs

Today we are talking about hair. Many of us would agree that having a killer looking hairstyle can only happen if we take the time to go to our favorite salon, and pay someone else to style our hair for us. Would you agree with that? 

It doesn't have to be like that, you know?! Having a perfect hair day can be done at home, by YOU! All you need are a few products to have in your arsenal...then you are golden.

Here is the list of must-haves: 

• Leave-in Conditioner : helps detangle hair making it easier to comb through
• Boar Bristle Brush: helps combing hair back into a sleek ponytail 
• Hair Oil: use for no-frizz ends (a little does a long way) 
• A Blow-dryer : no explanation need, right? 
• Ceramic Flat Iron: has many uses: straighten hair, create waves and curls in hair 
• Dry Shampoo: great product for those with naturally oily hair, or of you want to skip a wash to keep hairstyle fresh-looking, not to mention dry shampoo also adds volume to fine hair
• Ceramic Round Brush:  great to use when blow drying hair straight; helps add volume to hair 
• Light-Weight Hairspray: like the name, it will not weigh hair down or give you that "crispy" feeling hair - no one wants that, right?

Do you use any of these to style your hair at home?  Do you have any other products you would add to this list?  Please share your thoughts with us!