Insta Natural Age-Defying Retinol Serum Review

Insta Natural Age-Defying Retinol Serum - $23.75 US

I received this product as part of an advertorial. 

I have been using retinol for over a year now and I have to say its one of the best facial products out on the market.  Retinol it vitamin A but in a lesser form then retinoids. While retinol can be purchased over the counter at any beauty store, for retinoids you need a doctors prescriptions.  Both give you amazing results, however do the higher levels of retinoids you get faster results.   Nonetheless it can also cause a massive amount of burning and peeling which many quit using before the treatment can fully run its course.  Hence retinol which works slower but helps to minimize the peeling and burning.    However with all being said, while with retinol you can still experiences the same side effects as retinoids, the negative effects are less.   Retinol causes what is known as cell turnover.  In order to achieve this you need to use products that actually help this to happen.  Retinol, retinoids, vitamin C, BHA and AHA are all forms of agents that cause cell turnover.

When I first decided to use retinol, I was 31 years old and realized that my skincare routine needed to change with my growing age. I decided to first started out with .5% in order to avoid a massive irritating and then moved up to 1%.  I did have slight irritating and peeling for a short while but it was nothing to write home about.  Its best to start in a smaller percentage before going for the big guns of 2.5% like this product contains.

When Insta Natural asked me to review this product I decided to give it a try based on its ingredient list. Insta Natural states that its formula contains "2.5 Retinol, 20% Vitamin C, Vitamin E, 10% Hyaluronic Acid, Fruit & Plant Acids and other ingredients."  I started using this product but had to discontinue once I found out I was pregnant. While there is no medical proof that retinol will harm a fetus when applied topically, (not orally) nonetheless its best not to risk it.  However in the short time I did use it, the results were great. What I liked about this product is that it contained vitamin C and hyaluronic acid which are all good for the face.  What I didn't like about this product is that it contained witch hazel.  According to the medical journal articles of dermatology, products that contain witch hazel or alochol cause collagen breakdown.  So I NEVER put anything on my skin that contains either of these two ingredients.  However with that being said, the amount is also a factor and this product does not state how much of the witch hazel is actually in the bottle.  I noticed after using it for two weeks that the fine lines around my eyes looked diminished.  The hyaluronic acid helped to plump out my skin and the vitamin C help to fade out my brown spots from prior pimples. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to brighten the skin and improve hyperpigmenation in many.  So this ingredient is like a magic cure.

However with all that being said, when using retinol, retinoids, vitamin C, BHA or AHA you must use a SUNBLOCK at ALL times when leaving the house during daylight hours. If not then you run a high risk of your skin burning badly with the sun.  Moreover, all the work you are trying to do with retinol to reverse wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, signs of aging, brown spots and so on will not change.  Many people fail to see this point. So if you aren't going to use sunblock that is broad spectrum protection (UVA/UVA) and at least 30 SPF and over, then don't buy this protect as you are only wasting your money.  It's very important when using products like this you follow the rules as stated and protect your skin during the day from the harmful rays of the sun which are MASSIVE contributors to wrinkles, hyperpigmenation, brown spots and more.

Nonetheless this product is good if using something with witch hazel doesn't bother you.

Keep Smiling

Dayana

FTC:  I received this product as part of an advertorial however I was not paid for my review and all opinions are solely my own.

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Insta Natural Advance Action Retinol Review

Insta Natural Advance Action Retinol - $23.75 US

I received this product as part of an advertorial. 

I have been using retinol for over a year now and I have to say its amazing.  Retinol (not to get too medical here) is the "cousin" of retinoids.  However with retinoids you need a doctors prescriptions and while you will see results literally in a short amount of time, it can be VERY harsh on people's skin to the point that many give up before the process is complete.  I know a few people who use retiniods and when they started out, they face literally looked like Samantha's from Sex and the City when she had a face peel.   Needless to say, while it eventually settles down, its very distressing for many at first.  So when retinol was available it was like the miracle cure for those who can't tolerate retinoids or are to scared to try it.

However with that being said, retinol is no easy fix either.  When I first decided to use retinol, I was 31 years old and realized that my face was no longer that of a 20 year old.  I decided to first started out with .5% in order to avoid a massive irritating.  I then moved to 1% and now 2.5%.  However along the way as my skin was experience cell turnover (which is only caused by retinol, retinoids, vitamin C, BHA or AHA) I did have slight irritating and peeling for a short while.  Moreover, what a lot of people don't know, is that even though retinol is a less stronger version then retinoids, it can still do a number on your face if you start to high.  So it is ALWAYS recommended you start at a lower percentage and work your way up.

When Insta Natural asked me to review this product I jumped at the chance because I have been looking to move up in retinol percentage with the right ingredients. Insta Natural states that its formula contains "Maximum Strength Retinol with a 2.5% concentration of Retinol (Vitamin A). It Fights Wrinkles, Fine Lines & Hyperpigmentation - Vitamin A, along with Vitamin C and Green Tea, provide strong antioxidant power to fight against the signs of aging. These nutrients work synergistically to reverse the effects of sun exposure and other aggressors that damage the skin, leading to the development of wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and more. Using our Retinol Cream daily will help to improve skin tone and texture to reveal younger, healthier skin. Reduces Blemishes and Breakouts - Vitamin A has also been known to help with blemishes. By removing dead skin and unclogging pores, Retinol can help control breakouts so you can achieve a clearer, smoother, flawless complexion. Hydrates Skin - No need to worry about dryness or flaking. Our Retinol Moisturizer formula contains a creamy blend of nourishing ingredients, such as Jojoba Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, and Shea Butter, which keeps your skin well hydrated. Once applied, the retinol cream will leave your skin feeling soft and supple throughout the day."

I started using this product for a month but had to discontinue once I found out I was pregnant. While there is no medical proof to prove that retinol will harm an unborn child when applied topically (not orally) nonetheless its best to mitigate risk and air on the side of caution. However in the short time I did use it, I did see amazing results. First, due to the jojoba oil, my skin did not suffer from dryness and peeling nearly as much as it does when I first go up a percentage in retinol. I also noticed that my very little fine lines that started forming around my eyes became less noticeable. The hyaluronic acid did wonders in helping to plump out my skin and I saw a great continuous improvement in my brown spots for a pimple that decided to leave behind its traces. The vitamin C was a great addition as this antioxidant helps to improve the brightness of the skins quality and helps as well with brown spots, hyperpigmenation and cell turnover.  

However with all that being said, one thing needs to be kept in complete mind when using retinol, retinoids, vitamin C, BHA or AHA.  You must use a SUNBLOCK at ALL times when leaving the house during the day.  If not then your skin while burn badly with the sun AND all the work you are trying to do with retinol to reverse wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, signs of aging, brown spots and so on will not change.  Many people fail to see this point.  So if you aren't going to use sunblock that is broad spectrum protection (UVA/UVA) and at least 30 SPF and over, then don't buy this protect as you are only wasting your money.  It's very important when using products like this you follow the rules as stated and protect your skin during the day from the harmful rays of the sun which are a MASSIVE contributors to wrinkles, hyperpigmenation, brown spots and more.

Nonetheless when used correctly, this product claims to do what it states!  I would recommend this product!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

FTC: I received this product as part of an advertorial. However I was not paid for this review and all opinions expressed are solely my own.

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Insta Natural 100% Natural Seaweed Powder Review

Insta Natural 100% Natural Seaweed Powder - $24.95 US

I received this product as part of advertorial

I have been using Insta Natural products for the last few months and have seen some good results with a large number of their products.  I recently tried their Dead Sea Mud Mask and just loved it.  So when I was given the opportunity to try their Seaweed Powder, I was for sure up to the challenge.  I will start by saying I have never heard of or ever used a Seaweed Powder product.  So I wasn't too sure how I was going to use this product or what benefits it would offer me skincare wise.

This product came in a massive 24oz tube.  The kelp is certified organic and can be used on your skin and hair.  This product comes in a pale green powder form and has no strong smell or odor.   Once mixed with water it turns into a dark greenish color.  I wasn't to crazy about the color but hey like I always say "in the name of beauty, you try it all!"   You can find "recipes" for this product in mixing it with other ingredients in order to get good results.  You can find this recipe list on the jar.

Once you mix this with water, you find that the natural scent of seaweed/kelp does arise.  It smells like the beach I will be honest.  It wasn't that bad at all.  However I do like the beach smell so for me it worked! I used this product as both a face mask and body scrub and I loved how my skin felt after! 

What I love about this product is how it works great for your skin! My face felt so tone and smooth after use it and I had no dryness or tight feeling afterwards.  However what I didn't like about this product is how messy it can become.  You have to mix your solution in an empty container in order to get this product to work since it is a powder after all.  luckily I had empty containers lying around my house, so I could make more than one use out of them!  I am not to sure how I would of felt had I had to use my pots and eating bowls.

Moreover, if you use this as a body scrub or body mask; once you wash this off in the shower it can and will become very messy.  Also, if you use this on your body, you can't leave your bathroom.  If you sit anywhere you will probably leave green stuff behind on your chairs and beds.  So you have to stay in the bathroom while using this for your body at all times.  So while its a hassle, however you do get personal time for yourself.  

I would recommend at least trying this product out if you are into trying new things like Seaweed and organic Kelp!

Stay Pretty & Forever Young!

FTC: This product was given to me as part of advertorial.  However I was not paid to write this blog post and all opinions are solely my own.

Jenny 

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Insta Natural Cellulite Cream Review

Insta Natural Cellulite Cream - $23.75 US

I received this product as part of an advertorial. 

I like to believe that the only way you can tighten skin and reduce cellulite is by drinking h20 and target exercises to your problem areas.  However with all that being said, I will admit that a little help now and then with a few good products can give you results in the look of cellulite.  While we all know (or we should) that no product or cream can get rid of cellulite, however they can help with diminishing the cottage cheese look that this nasty little thing of life leaves behind.  

I received this product about a month ago and started using it right away.  After just having my third baby four months ago and losing almost 70 pounds, trust me I needed the help! I decided to incorporate this cream along with my diet and exercise routine.   This product contains  "Organic Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Green Tea, Vitamin E and Vitamin C" to mention a few of the ingredients. 

 

I decided to use this product twice a day in the morning and nights to see results.  It had an amazing smell to it which I loved.  The texture was always great and just like the smell reminded me of Shea Butter.  I was able to rub this into my skin smoothly and quick with no problems.  It absorbed quickly into my skin with no oily residue.  I was able to get dressed quickly right after applying this.

  

Yet with all those great benefits, I did not feel that this tighten my skin.  It did hydrate my skin.  That was the amazing part.  It really left my thighs and legs feeling ever so soft and silky smooth, however it did nothing for my cellulite which was a bummer.  I have used other products from this company and they have left me with amazing results.  This product would be better used as a moisturizing cream in my opinion.

Stay Pretty and Forever Young!

Jenny

FTC: This is not a sponsored post nor was I was paid to write this blog.  All opinions expressed are solely my own. 

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Insta Natural Dead Sea Mud Facial Mask Review

Insta Natural 100% Dead Sea Mud Facial Mask - $24.95 US

I received this product as part of an advertorial. 

I love anything that says "Dead Sea" in it's name.  So when I heard of this mud mask that contained actual dead sea mud in it, I was excited to try it out!! I have tried some before in the past and simply loved them. So I had really high hopes for this product!

When it comes to Dead Sea Mud anything I am always very careful on reading the labels. I once tried one that eucalyptus oil in it, and it burned my face.  So when a mud mask says all natural I always check to see what ingredients they are putting into it.  According to this ingredient list, this product contains "Pure Dead Sea Mud, Organic Shea Butter, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Aloe Vera Juice, Organic Vegetable Glycerin, Organic Jojoba Oil, Hickory Bark Extract, Organic Calendula Oil, Filtered Water, Xanthan Gum."  So far so good for me, so I proceeded in trying this mask on one day at home during my "in home day spa" days when I need a little pick me up and winding from the weeks work day!

I absolutely LOVE LOVE this product. The Dead Sea Mud Mask was easy to use, dried quickly, and was easy to rinse off.  It has no smell, so there’s no lingering odor.  It's 99% all natural as 99% of the ingredients have some sort of natural substance in them which help to detoxify your skin. You can actually feel your skin being cleaned and detoxified as you use this as part of your normal skincare routine.

I have been using this product for about a month now; after using this product at the start for a week, I could feel my pores open up and the weight of any oils and make up lifted off of my skin!  Since I wear makeup often, it's important for me to use a product that will not only clean and condition my skin from all the makeup and normal skin oils and residue, but that it also cleans out my pores and detoxes my face.

I could see a difference in my skin; It was tighter, smoother and brighter. I definitely will  keep this product as a part of my beauty regimen.  Now a side note! Since this product is 99% all natural, its best you keep it in the fridge.  I have noticed with dead sea mud masks that all natural; since they lack preservatives (which is good) they tend to go bad quickly if left out on a shelf and especially in your bathroom counter.  So make sure to keep this in a cold place like your fridge for a long shelf life.  Also, it gives you a great cooling effect when right out the fridge and placed on your skin!

Stay Pretty and Forever Young!

Jenny!

FTC: This is not a sponsored post nor was I paid in return to write this review.  All opinions are solely my own. 

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Insta Natural Argan Oil Hair Mask Review

Insta Natural Argan Oil Hair Mask - $17.95

Nothing says beautiful like nice shiny healthy hair!  Trust me I should know.  Or at least I knew until last year when I decided to get the bright idea of dyeing my hair!!  After almost a year of dyeing my hair a brownish/reddish color, I gave up and went back to my natural black/brown hair color.  However I have noticed that the natural shine that I normally had in my hair no longer existed due to the dyeing aspect.  Nonetheless, when Insta Natural asked me if I was interested in reviewing their Argan Oil Hair Mask, needless to say I jumped at the chance without showing to much embarrassing enthusiasm.  

My hair comes all way down to mid waist.  So its longer, really long.  I get my ends cut every 3-4 months, however with the constant blow drying, straightening and curling, it does a number to my hair.  And now that its the cold winter season, my hair could for sure use a lot of help!  Moreover, I wash my hair every other day, max every three days depending on the weather and state of my hair.  I also don't use shampoos or conditioners with sulfates in them.  After I cut this ingredient out of my haircare products, I noticed a serious difference in my hair.

When this mask first arrived to my house I notice that it had a nice creamy texture and the color was a beige color.  It was very creamy but not very thick or thin either.  It was just right.  It had a shea butter smell to it which I loved.  I just love ANYTHING with Shea Butter!  The directions stated to apply it to your hair after you shampoo and towel dry it.  It stated to leave it on for 10-15 minutes and then wash it out.  I decided if I was going to run around the house with this in my hair, I might as well put on a face mask to add to the whole home day spa!

After leaving it on for about 20 minutes (what! I lost track of time eating) I washed it out in my tub.  First thing I noticed was the amazing smell it left in my hair.  I am crazy about always having great smelling hair.  This really did the trick there for me!  Now, one thing did happen that I am not sure if it was the hair mask or the fact that I had just dyed my hair one week back; after washing the hair mask out, my hair was hard and difficult to comb through.  However with that being said, I know shortly after one dyes their hair, their hair tends to be stiff until a large amount of the hair dye comes out during regular washing.  So I did have to put a leave in spray conditioner to get the comb through.  However once my hair was air dried enough for me to blow dry; I have no words.  My hair literally was shiny, felt thicker, smelled great and my ends looked conditioned.   The dryness to my hair was gone and the ends didn't feel brittle.

I honestly plan to continuing using this mask once a week.  I am amazed at the results and the state this left my hair in.  I had no greasy feeling after and it washed out without any major scrubbing to the scalp.  I have no nasty residue left in my hair, just beautiful shiny hair!

I would honestly recommend this hair mask if you are looking for something that comes in a nice large jar, can give you results and don't want to blow the bank.    

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

I received this product as part of an advertorial in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

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