A Brighter Day: Exuviance Brightening Bionic Eye Cream

I’m feeling mighty perky today. The storm finished in the middle of the night, and I woke up to a gorgeous, sunny, bright white snowy morning. And most special of all…a snow day. So I opened up my curtains and spent the day enjoying both the view outside and the coziness inside.

I think it’s nice to have a visual reminder that chaos and upheaval are often followed by a bright, peaceful day. Of course there’s still hard work to be done – so I’ll extend the metaphor by including the image of me digging out my car this afternoon, a couple of false starts, driving through a slippery street, but eventually arriving at a clear safe parking space.

And to all of my friends reading this…you can stop rolling your eyes now. :)

Aneeeeway…just to keep it all going; here’s something bright from Exuviance.

Brightening Bionic Eye Cream

Blurb: 83% of users saw improvement in dark circles after 4 weeks of using this essential eye cream with Vitamin K and Lactobionic Acid. Targets under eye dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles, and puffiness. After four weeks of twice daily use, clinical studies indicate that: 90% of users saw a reduction in puffiness and increased elasticity; and 87% of users saw an improvement in fine lines.

I love the way this cream feels. Smooth, creamy and very soothing. It also absorbed quickly and hydrated extremely well. The skin around my eyes looked softer right away (for some reason, this is always more noticeable in the winter). I used it for a short time, so I can’t say how it will perform over the long haul; but as a daily/nightly eye treatment, it was excellent.

As I’m fond of saying; check out the website. I recommend taking a look at their Best Sellers, and/or requesting a catalogue. There’s also a retail locator.

And…Just in case my “brighter day” concept hasn’t completely penetrated, here’s some seriously cheerful grooviness from The Brady Bunch. What? Too much? Well, at least I didn’t focus on the “bionic” aspect (you know there’s a 70’s show for everything).



(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Your Thursday...um...Foot: Exuviance Heel Repair (review)

Hello, everyone! I’ve decided to temporarily suspend my “Your Thursday Face” series for a while. Mostly because I’ve come across a ton of really awesome products lately, and I want to have time to feature them all. It's all good.

Well...it’s all good except for the fact that I am on day #2 of a toothache. I made a dentist appointment for tomorrow morning (cause I’m trying to act like a big girl); but it’s not very fun right now. So to keep my mind off of it, I’m going to focus on a beauty product that’s as far away from my face as possible. From Exuviance.

Heel Repair

Blurb: Do your heels need rescuing? Exuviance Heel Repair contains high strength Alpha and Polyhydroxy Acids (AHAs/PHAs) in an amphoteric formulation to gently yet effectively exfoliate and repair dry, scaly, even calloused and cracked, feet. Pro-Vitamin E and skin conditioning oils instantly soothe and refresh tired feet. Feet are smooth as silk, pedicure-perfect and sandal-ready. Dermatologist tested and fragrance free. 2010 Shecky's Beauty at its Best award winner.

Way to go, Exuviance! I’ve been thrilled so far with all of their fabulous face products, and now they literally have head-to-toe awesomeness! I used it twice a week and my feet are softer and smoother than they’ve ever been! They also feel great. I wish I had known about this during the summer, but I sure am glad I know about it now.

If you have issues with dry, cracked skin on your heels – go get a jar of this!

When you visit the website, be sure to check out their Best Sellers and request a catalogue. (also…3 free samples on orders over $75). You may also want to check the retail locator to see if you can browse in person.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Friday Fun: Friends and Family Event - Save 20% on NeoStrata and Exuviance!

Neostrata’s Friends & Family Event has started! Just enter code FRIENDS during checkout to receive 20% off your entire order.

Your Thursday Face: Exuviance Skin Caring Foundation (review)

I’m kinda sleepy today. Last night was late, and now I’m dragging. But even though I’m starting to fade; my featured Thursday Face item is still going strong. Check out a truly fine foundation from Exuviance.

Skin Caring Foundation (SPF 15)

Blurb: Achieve natural, light-diffusing coverage and build skin health with this gentle moisturizing treatment foundation. Formulated to visibly reduce the signs of aging while providing all-day coverage, treatment and protection. Contains the antioxidant benefits of a Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA), along with Vitamin E, and broad-spectrum sun protection (SPF 15). Oil free, non-comedogenic / acnegenic. For all skin types. Smudge-resistant, light-to-medium, all-day coverage.

This is a spectacular foundation. It’s rich, smooth, creamy, goes on evenly, and blends beautifully. The coverage is excellent (medium, and very buildable). The feel is soft and hydrating, and the finish is radiant and glowy. It’s great for all skin types (and a godsend if your skin is oily or acne-prone). It nourishes, feels wonderful, contains sun protection, and won’t cause breakouts.

And it lasts…lasts without creasing or changing color. I applied it at 8:30 this morning, and it looks wonderful nearly 12 hours later. Truly fabulous!

Check out the website and pick a shade (there are 11 of them). You can also browse items by skin concern and request a catalogue (also…free shipping on all orders - plus 3 free samples on orders over $75, and a free NeoStrata Bionic Face Cream on orders over $100).

Happy Thursday!

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Happy Pretend Wednesday: Exuviance Age Reverse BioActiv Wash and Day Repair (review)

So let’s all just pretend that it’s still Wednesday night (and not Thursday morning). Since I haven’t gone to sleep yet, it's still “tonight.” I had another day where there was too much to do and not enough time to get it all done. Even though I'm going to write my review, I’m still going to bed with a pretty big “to do” list.

I’m trying frantically to think of some kind of tie-in between running out of time and “age-reverse.” So far the things I’ve come up with are too corny even for me. So let’s just get to our two stellar items from Exuviance.

Age Reverse BioActiv Wash

Blurb: A foaming, soap-free facial cleanser that exfoliates and stimulates cell turnover with a potent Polyhydroxy Acid/ Bionic blend. Retextures and prepares skin for maximum benefits of treatment products. Cleanses without irritation. Removes makeup. Botanical exracts sooth and refresh the skin.

Age Reverse Day Repair (SPF 20)

Blurb: A Triple Firming Complex of NeoGlucosamine™, Retinol & Peptides combined with an antioxidant complex of pomegranate and Vitamins A and E help reverse the signs of aging skin while fending off free radicals during the day. Firm and plump deeper wrinkles. Target uneven pigmentation. Protect and repair.

I’d already heard a lot about this regimen, and I was impressed by the clinical trial results; so I decided to give these items a good long try before writing my review. I used them for 4 weeks and was not disappointed.

The BioActiv Wash was gentle, cleaned well and left my skin feeling very balanced. There was no tightness or dry feeling at all. You do need to remember, though, to wet the skin first, then apply the foam. The Day Repair also worked really well. It absorbed quickly, hydrated, felt great; and I really appreciated the sunscreen.

The big payoff, though, is that my skin really does look brighter and more even after 4 weeks. Summer is always tough because even though I make sure to use sunscreen at all times, there’s still a little bit of pigmentation that creeps in. But this time my skin seems a bit brighter (instead of darker) than it did 4 weeks ago. Excellent!

If you’re thinking of giving this a try, there’s a great Introductory Collection (sold on the website). You can also check out details and ingredients of all four products in the Age Reverse regimen.

Happy “Wednesday!”
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(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Friday Happy Face! Exuviance Performance Peel AP25 (review)

It looks like I may actually make it through the first 5-day work week I've had in a while! All the days off in the last few weeks were great; but this week felt looooong. (I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one in the Mid-Atlantic region going all TGIF today.)

The fact that it's Friday has absolutely nothing to do with the product I'm reviewing. I just feel like sharing the awesome info about another item from Exuviance. I've reviewed them a couple of times, and I'm happy to add another good one to the list.

Performance Peel AP25

Blurb: The creators of the original Glycolic Acid peel introduce a high performance peel that is safe and easy to use at home. The Exuviance Performance Peel AP25 contains a 25% blend of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Polyhydroxy Acids (PHA) including Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid and Gluconolactone. Performance Peel AP25 not only works at skin's surface to exfoliate dead, dull surface layers, it also stimulates the process of cell renewal among all layers, to reveal fresher, healthier cells. With regular use, up to twice a week, this peel has been clinically proven to: Refine pore size and smooth texture, visibly diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve clarity and brightness, brighten and even skin tone, Provide an all-over healthy glow, suppleness and smoothness to skin.

The package contains 12 peels (a 6 week supply if used twice weekly). They're suitable for face, neck, chest, body and the backs of your hands. I tried them out on my face and loved the results.

First, they're incredibly easy to use. The pads are in "single serving" packets – very hygienic, and no messy bottles or pumps. I rubbed an "Activator Pad" containing the peeling agents over my face. Then I waited 10 minutes and followed with a "Neutralizer Pad." I rinsed, moisturized and was all done. No muss, no fuss, and great results.

My skin looked fresh and glowing right after I used the pads; and over the last few weeks it has started looking clearer, smoother and brighter. I haven't felt any irritation or sensitivity at all. This is a truly fabulous at home product!

You can learn more by checking out the Exuviance page on the Neostrata website. I'm a big fan of their oily/acne prone skin products; so if you have any issues in that area, check them out. There's also free shipping for orders over $75, and a free gift (an awesome tube of their Skin Brightening Gel) with orders over $100.

And while you're trying to look busy until 5:00; you may want to check out their page on Facebook.

Happy Friday and have a great weekend!

Bionic Morning: Exuviance SkinRise Bionic Tonic (review)

It's my third day back at work after a nice long holiday break. I spent Monday and Tuesday getting caught up and now I'm flagging a bit. Quite frankly, I think that after a long vacation, we should be allowed to ease back into the full work week more gradually. Like, first a two-day week, then four days, then the full five. Somehow I don't think my idea will fly though. Maybe I should just put it in the suggestion box anyway (anonymously, of course).

Anyway, my need for additional perkiness this morning neatly coincides with my scheduled review of a fine item from Exuviance. They blew me away in July (see review) with some of their skincare, so I'm thrilled to talk about another great product again.

SkinRise Bionic Tonic

Blurb: The perfect way to start each day! Renew your skin, spirit and senses, revealing a healthy, radiant complexion, with enhanced clarity, smoothness and firmness. This powerful moisturizing, antioxidant and anti-aging tonic contains a triple blend of Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) and a marine botanical to moisturize and condition skin. Eucalyptus and cucumber refine and stimulate, while green tea extract helps to protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals and harmful environmental factors. Alcohol-free.

The jar contains 30 pads soaked in the tonic (nice and easy for my confused and blurry mornings). The peppermint and eucalyptus provide both perkiness as well as pampering. I found the tonic invigorating, but not drying at all. And the nice collection of PHA's, anti-oxidant and anti-aging ingredients is a great boost under my daily moisturizer (one note, the tonic contains algae extract - in case you're sensitive). The tingly feeling lasted for quite a while; and both my moisturizer and sunscreen seemed to go on a little more smoothly.

Check out the Exuviance page at the Neostrata website. I'm a big fan of their products for oily/acne prone skin; so if you also have those concerns, it's definitely worth a look. There's also free shipping and 3 samples for orders over $75 (and a sample of the rejuvenating treatment mask for orders over $100).

Happy Wednesday!
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Mattify! Clarify! Protect Me and Correct Me! Exuviance (review)

This summer my skin has been behaving sooo much better than usual (probably due to all the great skincare I've been trying). But then all of a sudden, it started acting up (probably due to extra stress and less than optimal sleep). Anyway, my skin suddenly becoming a hot mess ended up being a perfect opportunity to test out some items from Exuviance.

Spot Treatment Gel
Blurb: Penetrates pores to quickly eliminate most acne blemishes and allow skin to heal. Formulated with alpha hydroxyacids (AHAs), salicylic acid and pro-vitamin A for direct application to individual acne blemishes. Acne fighter salicylic acid. Triple AHA blend smoothes & brightens and fights acne bacteria. Antioxidant Pro-vitamin A helps keep skin healthy.

First of all, this is very potent stuff. It's highly concentrated, powerful and fabulous. This spot treatment calmed my existing breakouts, and also prevented a potential "bad one" from showing up. It also promoted a little bit of peeling, which meant there was much less scarring (and the pigmentation disappeared really quickly). I feel a lot more secure knowing I have a little ammunition for the dreaded “next time.”

Sheer Refining Fluid (SPF 15)
Blurb: Help oily skin find its balance while reducing the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles with Exuviance Sheer Refining Fluid SPF 15. This lightweight day fluid absorbs quickly into the skin and contains an innovative patented ingredient, NeoGlucosamine™. This potent powerhouse is clinically proven to help reduce the look of discolorations and dark spots from acne and aging, while smoothing and evening out the skin's texture and tone. Cellular turnover is increased, improving skin clarity and firmness gently, without irritation. Phytotal® a botanical blend helps control oily skin, reducing excess oil production over time. Enhanced with a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 15), Exuviance Sheer Refining Fluid also helps prevent against future damage by protecting the skin from the sun's harmful rays. If you have oily skin with signs of aging and are looking for the perfect daily base, this product is for you. For added oil control, use this under Exuviance Matte Perfection.

The sample I tried was very, very nice. It had a lovely texture and created an excellent matte finish (and great base for makeup). Since it was a rough day (complexion-wise), I really noticed that my skin looked smoother and more even.

Matte Perfection
Blurb: Take control of shiny, oily, skin and create an instant matte finish with Exuviance Matte Perfection. This super light, oil-free gel quickly absorbs excess oil and minimizes the appearance of pores, transforming oily skin into a smooth matte complexion. Mandelic Acid, a naturally occurring Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) found in almonds, helps provide long-lasting control over oiliness and shine while smoothing the skin. Gluconolactone, a Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) helps improve uneven pigmentation, enlarged pores and roughness, while adding anti-oxidant properties and anti-aging benefits to help decrease fine lines and wrinkles. Exuviance Matte Perfection glides easily over or under moisturizer, can be worn under makeup as a primer, or over makeup to impart a fresh, shine-free finish anytime of the day. Clinically proven to improve overall skin texture, tone and pore size.

Super Matte! This really took away the shine – and the oil control lasted until the late afternoon. Since this has AHA and PHA, you've got mattification and treatment going on at the same time. Score!

Cover Blend Multi-function Concealer (SPF 15)

Blurb: Conceal and correct skin flaws such as dark eye circles, blemishes and age spots with CoverBlend Multi-Function Concealer SPF 15. Blended with antioxidant-rich Polyhydroxy Acid Gluconolactone to enhance and improve skin tone and help diminish the appearance of fine line and wrinkles, this formulation combines anti-aging and concealing benefits in one targeted treatment. With a variety of skin flattering shades to choose from, and an SPF 15 to help protect against sunburn, CoverBlend Multi-Function Concealer provides superior coverage for all types of skin imperfections.

Whoa. I want a jug of this. A little dab completely hid the most unsightly, horrible, "thing" that was on my cheek. I couldn’t see "it" and I couldn’t see the concealer either. This concealer also has lots of good-for-your-skin things (and SPF 15). Loved, loved, loved this!

I also tried a small sample of the Night Renewal HydraGel (part of the Introductory Collection for Oily/Acne Prone Skin). It had a velvety feel and there was an initial (slight) tingling sensation. My skin felt soft and hydrated.

I have to say that Exuviance has really wowed me. These products worked together well and totally helped minimize a tragic, unhappy skin episode. And don't think I'm not grateful. Let's hope I never need them again; but since I probably will, I'm going to be taking a great big long look at their website.
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