Upbiotics

What are Probiotics?

"Probiotics are good bacteria that play an essential role in our body, especially benefit in our digestive and immune systems. Probiotic bacteria favorably alter the intestinal microflora balance, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, promote good digestion, boost immune function, and increase resistance to infection."

 
Probiotics claim to help a variety of health problems with the gut and beyond, everything from constipation to diarrhea and yeast infections to acne. Before this product I had never thought about trying probiotics. I figured I'm pretty normal so I don't need them. After reading up on the benefits to the skin and immune system I figured it won't hurt to give them a try.  The best part is these are not only perfectly safe but encouraged to take while breastfeeding! They pass to the baby and can clear up and prevent thrush as well as helping to regulate mom and baby. Rae recently had an issue with thrush. I searched natural remedies like crazy since I'd rather not have to use and anti fungal cream on her being so young. Within a few days of me taking these capsules she started to clear up and in about two weeks the thrush was completely gone! Also rumor has it that they can help with weight loss, although I have no personal experience there so it may or may not be accurate. I plan on keeping these in my routine even though I have a terrible time remembering to take them. Since they are taken twice day with food I try o remember in the morning with coffee and around dinner time but usually the day is hectic at those times.

This particular brand of probiotics contains 7 strains L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, L. plantarum, L. Caise, B. longum, B. breve, B. subtilis. These all occur naturally in a healthy gut.

I would chose this brand over others because they are manufactured in the USA and there are no chemicals, preservatives, fillers, or binders in the capsules they are completely natural and with minimal research all ingredients are identifiable.

These can be purchased on Amazon and the companies website.

I received this product  free in exchange for a honest review.
 

Acure Organics

Wooh! New baby is finally here and hubby got me a new laptop so it's time to hop back onto the review horse! Awhile back I received a few products from Acure organics. Unfortunately with the end of my pregnancy and preparing for a new addition all my reviews got pushed aside. I received their Balancing Facial Toner and Argan oil, along with our Moroccan Argan oil + Argan Stem Cell shampoo and conditioner.

"The Balancing toner is alcohol-free, so it will not strip the skin. Instead it is vegetable glycerin based, which is a natural humectant that draws moisture from the air into the skin. It also contains organic witch hazel, which is quite different from the typical witch hazel because it is not alcohol derived, making it much gentler at balancing bacteria and quite soothing to the skin. A toner is so important because it hydrates the skin, soothes inflammation and balances bacteria growth but ultimately, accelerates product penetration. It's the easiest way to up the ante in your regimen."
To me this toner smells and feels like everyday witch hazel but, I love it. I've adopted it into my skin care regimen and I use it every night after washing my face. It is so refreshing and has immensely cut down on my breakouts. Especially with how crazy my skin is right now with post baby hormones.





"Argan oil is such an asset to reduce the congestion in your skin. I know it sounds counter-intuitive but it’s true. Consider the fact that water can’t cut oil, but oil can cut oil. Argan is dreamy because it is over 80% polyunsaturated essential fatty acid and loaded with antioxidants like vitamin E. Vitamin E pushes tons of oxygen into the pores and acne bacteria cannot live in the presence of oxygen. It is also amazing at softening congested debris like blackheads and the essential fatty acids are wonderful at stimulating healthy firming, moisture balance, anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling support. Plus, you can use it for so much more; sunburns, wound healing and scars, adding shine to hair and decreasing frizz/fly-a-ways, cuticle treatment, etc."
I tried this product in my hair, it made it entirely too oily, which I hated. Butttt it's awesome to add a few pumps to a bath! This leaves my skin feeling so moisturized and is great to soak in. I love combining this with lavender salts in a before bed bath. It's BEYOND relaxing.

"The ingredients that make the Moroccan Argan Oil and Argan Stem Cell formulation a rock star include Sunflower Lysine, Argan Stem Cells, and Sea Buckthorn. The Sunflower Lysine acts as natural cortisone and blocks the histamine response in skin so it balances, soothes and provides anti-inflammation support. The Argan Stem Cells help to strengthen hair retention boost moisture content and hair regeneration. Sea Buckthorn contains a ton of essential fatty acids and helps support buildup of the skin's lipid layers. Finally, for those concerned with thinning of the hair or hair loss, the zinc and magnesium from the Pumpkin Seed oil helps block DHT (dihydrotestosterone) build up in the follicle. DHT is the hormone often responsible for stress hair loss and male/female pattern hair loss."
I love this shampoo and conditioner! It as one of the first things I threw in my hospital bag. It has a very mild scent and feels great. I love that I can pronounce all the ingredients and recognize what most of them are.

Over all I would recommend all of these products they are a great organic alternative to the usual chemical laden beauty products.

*I received these products complimentary for review purposes the opinions expressed above are 100% my own.

PureSOL Konjac Facial Sponge

I was recently given the opportunity to test out this Bamboo Charcoal Konjac sponge. This is the second sponge of this time I've had the privilege of receiving. I love these charcoal sponges they are light exfoliators and leave my skin feeling unbelievably refreshed and soft. I like this sponge a lot. I like that it is small and compact. As you can see below it also comes with a small suction cup so you can attach it inside your shower to to your mirror when not in use. 

I love that they thought of that little detail as with the last sponge I received from a different company I really had no where to hang it to dry out of the humidity of my shower. This one is smaller than my other one so it probably won't last as long. The company recommends to replace the sponge every 2-3 months so you do get a lot of use out of it. This sponge helps to even skin texture, prevent break outs, and is 100% eco friendly. The PureSOL sponge can be found at Konjac Sponge - Activated Charcoal - Facial Sponge, 100% Natural Sponge, Eco-Friendly - Gentle Exfoliating Sponge, Deep Cleansing, Improved Skin Texture - Konjac Facial Cleansing Sponge - Natural Beauty Products -Free of Chemicals, Parabens, Sulphates, Fragrances & Coloring. Good for Sensitive Skin, Hypoallergenic - Cruelty Free, Vegan, Biodegradable, Naturally Sustainable - 100% Money Back Guarantee  I highly recommend these sponges!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Sieva Stretch Mark and Scar Cream

I was given the chance to test out Sieva's stretch mark and scar cream and I LOVE IT! I usually don't buy into the whole 'this will cure your scars/stretch marks' but no kidding after just a week of use a burn scar on my arm has drastically faded, and since I'm currently pregnant I've used it to replace my normal cocoa butter routine to try to prevent stretch marks. I love the citrus scent as well. I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Sieva Cellulite Cream

I was given the opportunity to try Sieva cellulite cream I don't have a major cellulite issue just a bit on the backs of my thighs, it's not a perfect permanent fix but I do notice that it 'fixed' my issue a little. I don't think I'd buy this on a regular basis, to me the slight peppermint scent was slightly off putting and the results weren't worth what it would cost me to buy it.I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Pure Shea Butter

This is the second type of pure raw Shea butter I have been given the opportunity to test. This one far surpasses the first in packaging and in quality.

The packaging on this brand is in a nice easy plastic container!

The first brand of Shea that I tried came in a bag almost like a Ziploc. It was in the form of a brick which is nice if you are only using it to add into other products or as a base for homemade products but this form of packaging, being in a plastic tub is a lot easier to manage if you are using the Shea butter as a lotion with no add-ins. The smell is still a little off putting but I expect that with it being unprocessed. It smells like wood. This is easily remedied with a few drops of lavender oil or other essential oil in your palm before hand. I would definitely recommend this brand!  

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Foxbrim Youthful Radiance Eye Cream

All these beauty creams and products promise the same thing. Better looking, better feeling, and more youthful skin. This product isn't any different and just like the others only has minimal results. Over the month that I have been using it morning and night the only difference I've noticed is that I look more awake. It's organic but that's about the only selling point for me. I haven't used an eye cream on a regular basis before this and don't plan to start now. It is a great moisturizer but in my opinion it doesn't have the wrinkle healing properties the company claims it does.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango

I was given the chance to try new Dial Coconut Water with refreshing mango body wash. I was so excited to receive the product, and couldn't wait to get it into my shower for a test run!

The bottle was a little top heavy and topples easily so I've had to move it up to the rack to keep it from killing my toes. Killer bath skin care product bottles aside I absolutely loved this product. As soon as I cracked open the bottle my bathroom smelled like the tropics! It was amazing and so smooth, I soaped some up on my loofa and went to town. I love when a body wash's scent lingers after its been rinsed off and I'm in my pjs, and this wash does. I would recommend this product to everyone it's great for the whole family!

Here's an ingredients list: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Peg-8, Glycerin, Fragrance, Cocos Nucifera (coconut) Fruit Extract, Polyquaternium-10, Cocamidopropyl Pg-dimonium Chloride, Isostearamidopropyl Morpholine Lactate, Propylene Glycol, Dmdm Hydantoin, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium Edta, Sodium Chloride, Blue 1, Red 33. - See more at: http://www.dialsoap.com/products/coconut-water-mango-ultra-fresh-hydrating-body-wash#sthash.fqPP76qy.dpuf

Dial was also awesome enough to send me 3 coupons for FREE body washes that I will be giving away to 3 lucky winners!
The give away will go live at midnight tonight!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"The Dial brand provided me with a sample of Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango body wash in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own."