Olay: Fresh Effects BB Cream

I received Olay's Fresh Effects BB Cream complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster (post coming soon on Influenster if you don't know what I'm talking about). I was excited to receive this product because Olay is one of my favorite drugstore brands.

This BB cream retails for around $12.99 and comes in 2 shades: Fair/Light and Light/Medium. I'm about an NC35 and I can kind of get away with Light/Medium but I definitely think there should be darker shade options. This product has an SPF 15 which is nice but it's not water resistant so it's not meant to be used in place of a sunscreen for swimming or outdoor activities that may cause sweating.

*You can visit OlayFreshEffects.com or Amazon for purchase info*

It comes with 2.5 fl oz. of product which is a decent amount of product. According to the description sent to me, this product claims to provide:
"24-hr hydration and a splash of sheer color. This all-in-one skin perfecter, sunscreen, and tinted moisturizer evens skin tone and refreshes the dullness, for flawless looking skin."


In general, I'm not a big fan of BB creams because I personally need more coverage. I envy those who can get away with a little tinted moisturizer and be on their way.

Review: GlamGlow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment

Image from Sephora.com

Info from Sephora:

Price: $69.00

What it is:
A 10-minute professional-quality mud mask for men and women. 

What it is formulated to do:
This mud mask leaves skin noticeably radiant and glowing. It activates moisturizing collagen synthesis, provides gentle resurfacing exfoliation, and helps to leave skin smoother, brighter, and softer. While providing tighter skin texture and tighter pores, it provides a more youthful appearance and absorbs impurities without removing natural oils. 

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

I actually stumbled upon this product by accident when I was trying to use up some credit on the Birchbox website. I remembered seeing the brand GlamGlow on the Sephora website and decided to use my credit on a more "luxury" purchase since I couldn't justify spending $69 on a mud mask any other time. They only offered this particular mask on the Birchbox site and it wasn't until after I completed my purchase that I realized the mask I was actually wanting to try was their Super-Mud Clearing Treatment...whoops.

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: 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: 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!