MTTO: Moisture Lite

Part 8 of 8 of my MTTO line review!!! For my original post and links to all the product reviews, click here.

Now onto the final review!

Moisture Lite Non-Oily Hydrating Lotion

Info taken from website:

Price: $29 for 2.4 fl oz.

Product Description: A soothing hydrating lotion formulated for individuals with normal to oily and combination skin types for whom regular moisturizers are not suitable. Non-greasy. Absorbs completely without clogging pores. Soothes and moisturizes where skin is dry while controlling oil and shine.

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Juice, Cocos Nucifera (Organic Coconut) Oil, Emulsifying Wax, Palm Stearic Acid, Vegetable Glycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape Seed) Oil, Persea Americana (Avocado) Oil, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum (Polysaccharide Gum), Salix Nigra (Black Willow Bark) Extract, Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Oil, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai Fruit) Pulp Powder, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Oleoresin, Essential Oils, Sodium Benzoate, Glucolactone, Licorice Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Extract, Spinacia Oleracea (Spinach) Extract, Matricaria Chamomilla (Chamomile) Extract, Citric Acid.

I really enjoyed this moisturizer from the first time I used it. I think it's great for those with acne prone and oily skin. It provides just enough hydration without feeling greasy. I do have combo skin so on the days where my skin is more on the normal to dry side, I do prefer to use a thicker moisturizer and I definitely don't think this would provide enough moisture for anyone with dry skin (plus it's not marketed too so duh). If you are looking for a new moisturizer that won't break you out or make your skin feel and look greasy, then definitely try this one!

MTTO: Kaolin Clay Mask

Part 7 of 8 of my MTTO line review...almost done! You can find the original post with all the review links here.

Kaolin Clay Mask

Out of the 8 products I have tried this was probably my least favorite of the bunch. I love a good mask so I was very excited to try this, but as a mask I really didn't like this. Let me explain.

So let's see, I guess I should start from the beginning... 

As with any night I decide to use a mask, I wash my face, lightly pat dry with a towel, and begin to apply the mask with my fingers. First off, this has a pump which you think would be convenient but out of all the products from this line with a pump, this was the defective one. I was pumping like no one's business for a good minute until all of a sudden, a random burst of orange/brick colored substance shoots out, landing on my shirt and mirror. We were not off to a good start.

MTTO: Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser

Part 6 of 8 of my MTTO line review! To read the original post with all the product review links, you can go here.

Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser

This is going to be a short post because there's not too much I have to say on this product except that I think this a great cleanser, especially if you have acne prone skin! 

Smell: Herbal scent which I'm not usually drawn too but I didn't mind it all.

Texture: Black gel that turns clear once you start applying it to your skin.

Performance: I've read and heard claims that this product is great at taking off all your make up. I don't know if I wear more make up than the average bear, but I didn't find that to be completely true. I always do the "toner test" to see how well a cleanser takes off make up (which is just me using a toner after I wash my face and see if any make up is still on the cotton pad). When I use this alone to take off make up, I will still have some make up residue (not a lot but some). I actually like to use this cleanser with my Clarisonic, but before I do that, I will use a cleansing water or make up wipe to take off the "initial" layer of make up. I find that I get a better and deeper clean this way and when I use my toner, no traces of make up! I love that you don't need a lot of product to cleanse your entire face, as this product creates a really nice lather on the face. I find that one pump is more than enough to clean my face. I also love that this cleanser makes my skin clean but not that tight squeaky clean or dry feeling. I highly recommend this cleanser!

Info taken from website:

Price: $24 for 7 fl oz.

Product Description: This detoxifying facial cleanser is particularly effective in caring for blemished and oily skin types as well as combination and normal skin. The creamy vegan cleanser is infused with Activated Charcoal to deeply clean pores of toxins and bacteria for smoother clearer skin. Activated Charcoal is an amazingly absorbent substance, widely known for its ability to effectively cleanse the skin, unclog pores, and remove deeper impurities and dead skin cells. Sulfate FREE "no tears" formula does not irritate eyes.

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf Juice, Coco Glucoside (Palm Kernel), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Gaultheria Procumbens (Wintergreen) Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C) , Beta-Carotene (Pro Vitamin A), Panthenol (Vitamin B-5), Activated Charcoal, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Phospholipids, Dehydroacetic Acid, Disodium Edta, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide.

MTTO: Antiox Serum

Part 5 of 8 of my MTTO line review! To read the original post with all the product links, you can go here.

Antiox Serum

After I had finished up the Antioxidant Carrot Multivitamin Serum, I wanted to see if there were any other serums from the MTTO line that looked appealing to try. I liked the antioxidant carrot multivitamin serum but it wasn't holy grail and as a product junkie, I was ready for something new. I also wanted to see if all the MTTO serums had the lotion texture which I mentioned in my latest review of the carrot serum. If you read that post then you know I solved that mystery after ordering the Antiox Serum. 

I was intrigued by the Antiox Serum because the description had mentioned that it was targeted for combo/oily skin and it would help to reduce the appearance of large pores. Now I know that we cannot change our pore size as they are hereditary, but we can make an effort to keep them clean and not enlarge them any more than need be. Break outs and enlarged pores are my arched nemeses, and I will try just about anything to win those battles.

So how did the product fare?

MTTO: Antioxidant Carrot Multivitamin Serum

Part 4 of 8 of my MTTO line review! I discussed this product back in my January favorites which you can read about here. Unfortunately, I've already thrown away the packaging but it's the same packaging as the next review I'll be putting up which is on the Antiox Serum.

This is one of the very first products I tried from the line and I really loved how much of an improvement I saw in my skin. I used up the entire bottle which took me about 3 months to finish. I used it day and night after my toner. I didn't notice immediate results but within a few weeks, I could tell that my skin was breaking out less, my skin was softer, and some of my scars had lightened.

The only thing I want to clear up from my last post about this product would be the texture of the product. I described this product as having more of lotion texture than a thin serum which was true at the time but have since realized that had to do with weather conditions at the time I was using this. Basically, in colder conditions this product can change it's consistency...similar to how olive oil can get cloudy in cold weather. This past winter I was on a heater strike (aka broke and tired of paying for high energy & gas bills) so it was quite cold in my house. I remember using this product and thinking the consistency was so weird for a serum, but after ordering another serum from the line, mystery solved.

My only real complaint about the serum would be the packaging. I find it really bulky and unnecessary but I'll go over that in my next post. Other than that, this is a great product!

Deets from the website:

Price: $37 for 1 fl oz.

Product Description: An organic approach to nourishing, protecting and maintaining proper moisture. Contains carrot oil to sooth irritated skin, provide hydration and even skin tone. Rooibos tea and vitamins provide antioxidant protection. Blended with Alpha Lipoic Acid and DMAE reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and help skin regenerate improving the tone and texture of the skin. Gives skin a vibrant, healthy looking glow.

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Juice, Simmondsia Chinensis (Organic Jojoba) Oil, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Aspalathus Linearis (Organic Rooibos Tea) Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), Emulsifying Wax, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Extract, Vegetable Glycerin, Daucus Carota (Carrot) Oil, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Thioctic Acid (Alpha Lipoic Acid), Essential Oils, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C Ester), Palm Stearic Acid, Malic Acid, Xanthan Gum (Polysaccharide Gum).

MTTO: Blue Green Algae Toner

Part 3 of 8 from my MTTO line review! This is will be another short post like my last one on the Organic Lemon Toner. In hindsight, I probably should have combined both reviews...oh well.

Blue Green Algae Toner

Info taken from website.

Price: $18 for 7.8 fl oz.

Product Description: Rich in vital nutrients, trace elements and amino acids, organic blue green algae and kelp in combination with Hyaluronic Acid penetrate deeply into the skin to speed the elimination of toxins, promote cellular renewal, naturally nourish and remineralize the skin. Highly moisturizing and moisture balancing, with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Cleans and maintains the skin’s proper pH without the drying effects of alcohol. Aids in the treatment of acne prone and problem skin. Prepares skin for serums and moisturizers. Contains black willow tree extract recognized for thousands of years for its healing power and fresh, warm, spicy tea tree oil a powerful immune stimulant to help fight infections and promote clear skin.

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf Juice, Ascophyllum Nodosum (Organic Kelp) Extract, Aphanizomenon Flos Aquae (Organic Blue Green Algae) Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Salix Nigra (Black Willowbark) Extract, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai Fruit) Pulp Powder, Sodium Chloride (Dead Sea Salt), Polysorbate, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Essential Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Glucolactone, Citric Acid, Lavendula Angustifolia (Certifed Organic) Hydrosol.

MTTO: Organic Lemon Toner

Part 2 of 8 featuring products from the MTTO line! You can see my original post here.

So this post is going to be pretty short as I don't have too much to say about this product but here are the deets!

Organic Lemon Toner

Info taken from website:

Price: $18.00 for 7.8 fl oz.

Product Description: Clears away excess oil and lingering impurities while working to maintain the skin's ideal moisture levels. Also helps to firm, lift and tighten and ease away the appearance of fine lines and discolorations for a more even-toned complexion.

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf Juice, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Vaccinium Myrtillus (Organic Bilberry) Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Organic Sugar Cane) Extract, Acer Saccharinum (Organic Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus Auranium Dulcis (Organic Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Organic Lemon) Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Organic Cranberry) Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Malic Acid, Citric Acid, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai Fruit) Pulp Powder, Tartaric Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), Vegetable Glycerin, Polysorbate, Essential Oils, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Essential Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Glucolactone, Salix Nigra (Black Willowbark) Extract.

Smell: Fresh Lemons. This is one of the nicest lemon scented products I have ever smelled! Not too artificial or sweet, absolutely divine!

Usage: I used this with a cotton pad and applied it after washing my face but before any serums or moisturizer. I used it day and night everyday.

Final Thoughts: This toner is marketed towards normal to oily and problem skin and I would definitely consider my skin in the latter of those groups. What I really love about this toner is how refreshing it feels on the skin without making my skin feel tight or dry. The smell is absolutely amazing and I think this is a great everyday toner for anyone. During use, I did notice that some of my acne scarring began to lighten but this was a gradual process. One bottle lasted me almost 3 months using it 2 times daily. If you are looking for a toner with more natural ingredients, this is a great one to try!

MTTO: KNU Anti-Aging Face Lift

As I mentioned last week in my skincare rave post, I have been loving the MTTO line (Michael Todd True Organics.) This week I'll be posting reviews on each of the products I have tried. First up:

KNU Anti-Aging Face Lift

Info taken from website:

Price: $150 for 1.7 oz. (3 month supply)

Product Claim:
Lifts, Tightens and Rejuvenates

Aids in Treatment of Acne, Scarring and Rosacea

Product Description:

A fast-acting anti-aging cream containing MICHAEL TODD true organics’ advanced proprietary blend of peptides, plant stem cells and snail serum complex for immediate and long lasting anti-aging benefits.

The Good Stuff in a nutshell:

70% organic ingredients and no added water, dyes, artificial fragrance, parabens, sulfates or other harsh chemicals.

Ingredients:

Aloe barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Juice, Aloe barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Butter, Prunus armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Emulsifying Wax, Palm Stearic Acid, Vegetable Glycerin, Fucus vesiculosis (Organic Seaweed) Extract, Camellia sinensis (Organic Green Tea) Extract, Vaccinium myrtillus (Organic Bilberry) Extract, Saccharum officinarum (Organic Sugar Cane) Extract, Acer saccharinum (Organic Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus auranium dulcis (Organic Orange) Extract, Citrus medica limonum (Organic Lemon) Extract, Vaccinium macrocarpon (Organic Cranberry) Extract, Camellia sinensis (White Tea) Extract, Spirulina maxima (Blue Green Algae) Extract, Euterpe oleracea (Acai Fruit) Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Phenoxyethanol, Hyaluronic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl, Tetrapeptide-7,GHK-Cu Tripeptide (Copper Peptide), Betaglucan, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Epidermal Growth Factor, Glycolic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Malic Acid, Mangifera indica (Mango) Butter, Shea Butter (Naturally Refined), Xanthan Gum (Polysaccharide Gum), Salix nigra (Black Willow Bark) Extract, Azadirachta indica (Neem) Oil, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Oleoresin, Sodium Benzoate, Glucolactone, Citric Acid.

Product Line Rave: Michael Todd True Organics

 So obviously by the title you can tell that I'm in love with a new line of skincare! I have been using the Michael Todd True Organics line since December and can confidently say I attribute my improved skin to their products. Not only do I love that their products are formulated without all the bad stuff, but they are effective products for my acne prone and blemished skin which is awesome!

The picture above shows all the products I have tried from the line, minus one other bottle which I think I threw away already. It's crazy to think that I have positive things to say about each product! I am not affiliated with the brand what so ever,  I seriously just love the products!

April 2013 Favorites

April was yet another month where I loved so many things! My skin was definitely acting cray this month so I did tend to focus more on my skincare and I'll have reviews up shortly of what worked and what didn't . The weather also started getting much warmer and that meant a little less make up for me... just a little. Let's not kid ourselves, I'm a full face make up kind of girl but I started to bust out more of my nude pink lipsticks and less of my beloved brights. Eye make up was pretty much the same everyday and some days it was just mascara, liner, and lip balm. 

I think I have mentioned most of these items before but here's what I used and abused in April!

*Disclaimer: I'm not associated with any of the brands mentioned and all opinions are my own. Direct links have been provided to make shopping easier. Some links are provided via ShopSense*

March 2013 Favorites

I loved so many things in March, it was hard to narrow down all the items to keep this post from becoming an essay. Some of the products I feel need their own post so as I get those up, I will link the post so you can read a more in depth review of those items.
I say it every time, but seriously, where does the time go? I mean I literally didn't realize it was Easter until like 3 days before the actual day! Hence, why this post is up late....

Anyways, here's what I loved, used, and abused for March:

January 2013 Favorites

I can't believe January will officially be over after today! Seriously, where does the time go, what have I accomplished, did the days and nights get shorter??? Ahhhh, MIND BOGGLING I tell ya!
(I should probably just copy and paste that statement for future end of the month posts because I have been feeling like that after each month goes by for years now...hmph.) Pinkie Pie's facial expression is a perfect depiction of what I look like at the the end of each month when I have realized more time has passed and I still have so much to do.

Anyhoo, so I thought for the end of the month post I would do my favorites for January since I love these types of posts. It's a great way to discover new things and sharing is caring, so without further ado, here are my favorites for January:

• Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water
• Michael Todd True Organics Antioxidant Carrot Multivitamin Serum
• Clarisonic Mia 2
• Beauty Blender
• Clark's Botancials Smoothing Marine Cream
• CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lipstick in 350-Eternal

January was mostly about skincare for me. The older I get, the more I realize the importance of skincare and making sure I'm putting my best face forward (pun intended)! No but seriously, with all the make up in the world, it really doesn't matter if your face isn't at its best. I have combo skin which constantly breaks out and a lot of discoloration and scarring from acne in my teens. It seems like an on going battle to figure out what products will actually work for me so I've been ecstatic to find some that have really been making a difference!

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water
$13-$39 @ Sephora
This was my first time using a micellar type water to remove makeup. To be honest the whole idea of using a liquid on my face to remove makeup without washing it off was not intriguing to me AT ALL. I figured that there had to be some kind of residue left on your face that would not make it feel clean but I was proven wrong after using this stuff. I use about 2 cotton rounds for my face and 1 for my eyes to completely take off my make up. This stuff is magic in a bottle. It takes my eye make up off like no other...even my eyelash glue comes right off! It has the feel of water, no real noticeable scent, and it leaves your face super refreshed and hydrated. There's no weird residue left on your skin, I kid you not, your skin just feels clean and plump. Who woulda thought?! The price is a bit steep but I do think it's worth it. I wouldn't use this every night but for the nights I'm feeling lazy or if I know I'm going to be traveling, this stuff is great!

Michael Todd True Organics Antioxidant Carrot Multivitamin Serum
$37 @ Michaeltoddtrueorganics.com
Dude, could the name be any longer?! Even, if I abbreviate it: MTTOACMS looks ridiculous. Anyways, this stuff has been a great addition to my skincare routine. I've noticed that since I have been using this product my scarring has been fading, skin looks brighter, more even, and no major breakouts (I have NOT had to use any kind of acne cream since using this!) I also love that it is 75% organic because Lord knows we don't need more chemicals in our life. The consistency is more like a lotion and there is a medicine smell but the benefits this has provided my skin have been great and I will continue to use this!

Clarisonic Mia 2
$149 @ Clarisonic.com 
I know everyone and their mom raves about this thing but to be honest, when I first purchased this last year I didn't get the hype. Yes it took my make up off better than just washing alone with a cleanser, but I felt like it was too rough for my skin. I was breaking out in tiny little bumps everywhere so I stopped using it for a few months. I recently started using this again and now I love it! I only use this at night or when I have a lot of make up on and for people like me with acne prone skin, the trick is to not push this into your skin. It sounds like common sense but you want to glide the bristles overyour skin. I think many people with acne prone skin have the urge to want to "scrub" their face in hopes to rid themselves of the acne but that only aggravates and makes the skin worse.

Beauty Blender
$19.95-$25.95 @ Sephora
Not much to say about this except this makes applying foundation and concealer a breeze and no brush marks! I have tried the less costly alternatives and I think they do a great job as well. The main difference is really that the Beauty Blender is a much softer sponge so I think it just comes down to personal preference. I personally like how soft the original is over the less costly alternatives. Of course, you are paying like an additional $15 for soft but who's counting right?!

Clark's Botanical Smoothing Marine Cream
$115 @ Birchbox
This stuff is magic! With the steep price tag of $115 for 1.7fl oz. it better be right?! I received a sample of this in my Jan Birchbox and I have to say, although the price is crazy, this stuff does everything it claims to do. I can't say that about too many products.

Here's what it claims:
"Are you after baby-soft skin? Smoothing Marine Cream gently exfoliates and leaves the skin intensely moisturized. Glycolic Acid and Alage Extracts soften the appearance of fine lines, while Jasmin Absolute helps soothe and nourish stressed-out skin."

Yea, that baby-soft skin they are talking about is no joke. I don't even think my skin was this soft as a baby. I also feel that the exfoliant properties to this cream has contributed to my skin looking brighter as well. It's a lightweight cream that smells like lemon frosting, yum!

CoverGirl Lip Perfection in 350-Eternal
$5-$8 @ Drugstores
This was hands down my most worn lipstick for January. Dinner, drinks, grocery shopping, you name it, I was probably wearing this. It's a cool tone bright/hot raspberry color that was the perfect bold lip for me. The formula is super pigmented and comfortable on the lips (not too dry, not too slippery). The only negative I would say is that this sucker stains your lips. I don't mind this that much as it gives color to my lips all day, but when I want to take it off....it's a pain. There's been many a mornings I have woken up with Eternal stained lips even after trying to take it off the night before... I guess it's a good thing I love it so much!