First Impressions on Sole Patches [Review]

I love pampering my feet and the holidays compounds to extra tired feet with the standing, dancing and walking around stores. Even though I'm a tall woman at 5'8" I also love my high heels but not the aftermath of wearing 'em heels all day long! So, a huge and heartfelt thank you to BrandBacker and Sole Patches for sending me some high heel cushions to test out over the holidays.

Staying Power 
Hear me out, these are not just any basic high heel cushions I have come across. These flower petal cushions, as cute as they are, can also be adhered to your pressure areas of your feet or in your shoes. I think this is very unique! I haven't come across shoe cushions that can be adhered to your feet. So that's what I did. I adhered the flower cushions to the balls of the feet and they surprisingly stayed on for the full day from 9am to 11pm. I know this is probably TMI but I have very sweaty feet - that after 8 hours of wearing socks they are pretty damp - yes, TMI. Anyhoo, the flower cushions slipped minimally but for the most part they stayed in the same area. I also adhered the flower cushion on my beloved heels too and the cushion did not slip and slide - it has been very securely staying in it's spot.

Comfort Level 
At first using the cushion, it feels soft and bouncy and over time I didn't even notice that it was there. Surprisingly the glue did not irritate my skin - I have sensitive skin and sometimes having other adhesive patches on my skin makes it red and itchy. At the end of the day I just dispose the used patches, which didn't leave a sticky film behind on the soles of my feet - that would have been irritating. You all know what I'm talking about. I found the cushions has helped with reducing the tiredness of my feet but it did not completely eliminate the soreness. My only two critiques for the sole patches are: another shape than a flower and more "breathe-able". The shape is cute but is it practical? I'm all about being practical and the flower shape makes me wonder what are the missed foot coverage areas. Second, I wish the cushions were more "breathe-able". When I removed the heel cushions I felt like I have worn a band-aid for too long or haven worn a pair of latex rubber gloves for too long.

Final Thoughts Even though I was sent these sole patches to try the opinions I express here are mine. I would definitely have another box or two of the Sole Patches for new high heels where I know it takes some time to break them in or just for certain hard to wear heels to reduce tired feet.

My Hydra-Total 5 Ultra-Fresh Ritual

A heart felt thank you to Influenster for sending me the Hydra-Total 5 Ultra-Fresh package to test out. I am in LOVE with the micellar water! I use it in the morning as a toner and in the evening to remove my makeup (lipstick, eyeliner, foundation, mascara, and blush). The micellar water is gentle enough to use twice a day. I find some products strips my skin of it's natural oils but this does not; it works with my skin's natural barriers and fauna. A joy and pleasure to use! The micellar water does not leave my skin feeling greasy or waxy like some micellar products out there. In the evening I also use the cleanser with my mia to make sure all the makeup and any build up is removed from my face. My skins feels supple and soft after the cleanser. Then I follow-up with the night cream to seal in the moisture and keep my skin hydrated and smooth. I'm very impressed with L'Oreal's Hydra line - gentle, hydrating, and works well with my finicky sensitive and combination skin. Check them out! :) #5Works, #BeyondHydration

First Impressions on OZ Naturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Thank YOU to OZ Naturals for sending me their Hyaluronic Acid Serum to test out. I am very attracted to the OZ Naturals line (and of course I’m a huge fan of their Vitamin C serum) because of the essential ingredients list and that there are no filler items like parabens, sufates and alcohol. I’ve purchased my second bottle of Vitamin C serum! I really looked forward to trying their Hyaluronic Acid Serum. 

I absolutely love how this serum can be used daily and works well with my sensitive - yet acne prone skin. Ugh, living with my finicky skin sucks. I have used the serum once a day for 3 weeks and my friends have asked what I have been doing differently. I told them I stopped wearing foundation (because I look like a light bulb mid-day with this hot weather) and I’ve been using serums regularly. My friends said, “Wow, it looks like you are wear foundation.” I personally don’t notice a difference but my friends sure have. I guess it is because I use to have severe cystic acne and it has always made me very self-conscious of my skin – foundation on or off. Anyhow, I like how the clear serum goes on gently and it is thin in consistency like something between water and gel. My skin feels hydrated after using this product. It’s like using a hydrating toner. I can’t wait to see the long term results!

First Impressions on Refreshing OZ Naturals Vitamin C Serum

Thank YOU to OZ Naturals for sending me their Vitamin C Serum to try out. I am quite drawn to the serum because of the minimal ingredients and no filler items like parabens, sufates and alcohol. OZ Naturals claims their ingredients at 72% organic: Vitamin C, MSM, Vegan Hyaluronic Acid, Witch Hazel, Vitamin E, Amino Complex, Jojoba Oil. OZ Naturals claims the serum can be used daily and works with all skin types, and the product will not clog pores. 

Lucky me, I have both sensitive and acne prone skin. Eeeek! I'm very cautious to apply any products to my face in case I break out in rashes or acne. With careful thought, consideration and after a patch test I went ahead and applied to the serum to my face. I have used the serum twice a day for 2.5 weeks.  I like how the serum goes on refreshingly and does not sting or burn when applied to my face.  My skin feels firmer and tighter immediately after using this product. The serum is clear, thin in consistency, and very lightly scented light orange blossom water. My skin drank up the serum and it didn’t leave my skin sticky or greasy.  I can’t wait to see the long term results in 4 to 6 months. 

First Impressions: Murad Resurgence Kit

A big shout out to Andy for sending me Murad Resurgence products to try! Thank you for the sampling opportunity.

Contents of package: Renewing Cleansing Cream, Intensive Age-Diffusing Serum, Age -Balancing Night Cream.  Samplers - Age Diffusing Firming Mask, Renewing Eye Cream, Rapid Collagen Infusion

Renewing Cleansing Cream 

I love the ingredient list: no toxic parabens, sulfates and phthalates. Also the gentle cleanser is jammed packed with beneficial oils that help the skins oil production and regulation. This is a light and fresh smelling creamy cleanser that leaves my skin dewy, soft, clean and smooth after every use. The gentle cleanser doesn't strip my skin dry and flaky nor does it leave it feeling tight. I've used the rich creamy cleanser a handful of times and so far so good – no breakouts! I have really finicky skin (that I get from my Dad’s genes): sensitive, oily and acne prone. As of March 15, 2015 this product is selling at $36 CAD at Sephora.

Intensive Age-Diffusing Serum
After applying the serum, I noticed that the product had some minor pilling. The lumpy residue was in my eyebrows and the crown of my hair. :-( Nevertheless, the benefits outweigh the pilling! I love the  retinol in the serum – promoting quicker skin renewal.  I noticed that the serum toned and calmed down some of the redness in my skin - must be the oat and soybean extracts.  My skin felt more hydrated and plump.  $94 CAD.

Age -Balancing Night Cream 
I am highly impressed by the results of the night cream! I love waking up with smooth and supple skin. I use a pearl size amount to cover my face and neck. The night cream applies smoothly. It is a bit greasy and heavy but my skin drinks this stuff up within minutes. The night cream is packed full of goodness for the skin – shea butter, avocado oil, soybean, oat, retinol, evening primerose, almond oil and so on! $82 CAD.

Check out this (starter kit) 3 product skin care system, if you haven't already, for $57 CAD. I know I will look into the cleansing cream and night cream. :) Thank you Murad for helping me unlock beautiful skin. 

First Impressions: Hyperbiotics Pro-immune

Thank you Hyperbiotics for sending me a full-sized bottle (60 capsules) of pro-immune tablets to try! Haha, hellllllllo HyperbioticsPro-immune! Where were you when I worked with young children at school?! I was consistently, I seriously mean consistently, there wasn’t a day…okay, that’s a lie, my first day of work with small children I wasn’t sick but there after my immune system was shocked. I was always buzzed with a sickness because working in a classroom with children aged 3 to 6 years old is a bubble of mutating colds and stuff. Anyways, those days are behind but I spent a year trying to rebuild and recovery from my constant period of sickness.  During that time I looked into probiotics which I consumed on a daily basis in the form of Greek yogurt and gained a sold 5lbs in 3 months, haha. :( I’m very appreciated to stumble across Hyperbiotics. Their capsules have probiotic, vitamin C, zinc, and Echinacea – a very strong mixture! I like how the product is very friendly for those who are vegetarian, lactose free, gluten free! I finished the bottle of tablets and I’m happy to report that I didn’t experience adverse side-effects, haha. I didn’t wouldn’t call this formula a miracle in a jar or a super drug but there were days were I was sniffling, a bit congested and felt the initial effects of a cold coming on but it thankfully didn’t turn into a full blown sickness. This may have been the tablets or maybe my own body naturally fought off the cold...Anyways, yay for being healthy! I’m on the fence- I haven’t decided whether or not I would purchase the tablets. I'm pretty happy with my current concoction of vitamins and minerals...I’ll keep everyone posted about my decision. Thanks for reading! Happy days!

Update to Secret Outlast Clear Gel

I'm really digging this gel now! I absolutely love how all my black clothes stay black. I also like how I don't have to turn the handle forever until some of the product appears. I think it's frustrating at first to get the gel up and the air bubbles settled. Now it is now very effortless for the gel to appear. I am addicted to applying the cool refreshing gel on. I will stock up on this product when it goes on sale. I recommend you to check this out if you are tired of white streaks all over your black clothes. This would be such a nice treat for you and your clothes! :D

First Impressions: Secret Outlast Clear Gel

I’ve used clear gels in the past and it was a mess with the application. I was a bit hesitant on trying this deodorant given my former history with gel products. Plus, I really like my current “clinical” deodorant because it takes care of my high demand underarms.

I received this product free from BzzAgent to test but this doesn’t sway my honest opinion of the product. I am quite impressed and surpassed by this gel. When I first opened the product I was twisting, and TWISTING and TWISTING and I thought **** they sent me dud product. ARGGGHHHHH! Evenly after lots and lots of twisting a tiny bit of the product squeezed out. It glides on smoothly and easily, and quickly dries. The scent is powdery BUT not a lavender scent that it claims to be, nevertheless the scent is not overwhelming or lasting. 

The best part of this product is that it doesn’t leave hideous white streaks on clothing like solid sticks I have been using. This product is gentle on my black tops and little black dresses – thank YOU! 

I have felt absolutely protected but not completely dry. I’m a very sweaty person. Overall this is a fab product that I will purchase when it’s on sale to change up my routine.