Burt's Bee Natural Anti-Blemish Solution: Cleanser and Spot Treatment

Thank you BzzAgent for sending me a Burt’s Bees® Natural Anti-Blemish Solution package to share and review. The package included the Purifying Gel Cleanser, and Targeted Spot Treatment, and $10 off coupons. As mentioned earlier in my previous posts...that as a BzzAgent I have a code of conduct to abide to that is be a natural and honest communicator, a listener, and to have fun! I welcome all questions or comments. If you have them please leave them in the comment section below or send me an email at bioscisweetie[at]gmail[dot]com.

*The claim for the Anti-Blemish Purifying Gel Cleanser *

This cleanser is clinically proven to help wash away blemish causing bacteria, excess oil and impurities without over-drying or irritating skin. Salicylic Acid, derived naturally from Willow Bark Extract, penetrates pores to help reduce blemishes and prevent future breakouts. Evening Primrose and Beet Root Extracts help care for troubled skin resulting in clear and healthy-looking skin, naturally. Dermatologist tested. Noncomedogenic.

My experience with the cleanser:

• Ease of use: A watery-cleanser that I pour a nickel size on to my wet hands. I work up a good lather and apply the cleanser on my face.
• Results: A healthy glow. Reduces redness without drying out the skin, and prevents excess oil on the face.
• Scent: Light herbal-ly and lemony smell.

Bottom line: I would definitely purchase the Anti-Blemish Purifying Gel Cleanser. Since it is 99.4% natural, I feel good using this cleanser. Retail price: $14.99 CAD.

* The claim for the Anti-Blemish Targeted Spot Treatment *

This natural spot treatment is clinically proven to help reduce and improve the appearance of blemishes without irritating skin. Formulated with Tea Tree, Calendula, Yarrow and Parsley Extracts to help care for troubled skin and reduce redness and Borage Extract to promote healthy skin resulting in clean and smooth skin, naturally. Dermatologist tested. Noncomedogenic.

 My experience with the Spot Treatment:

• Ease of use: A watery-liquid that I pour on my finger tips then pat on my blemishes. The dispenser is not ergonomic - the first time I used the product I accidentally poured 25 percent of the treatment out.
• Slight stinging but no further irritations - does not cause dry flaky skin
• Improves the appearance of blemishes by reducing redness
• Results: Gently settles acne over 2 to 3 days
• Scent: Herbal black licorice. The smell dissipates very quickly, and it does take some time to get use to.

How I use the Spot Treatment: After washing my face I apply the watery-liquid to blemishes. I let the product sit for fifteen minutes then I moisturize.

Bottom line: I would only purchase the Anti-Blemish Targeted Spot Treatment if it was on sale. Retail price: $14.99 CAD.

22 Things I Learned As a 22-Year-Old

 * Fresh figs

I've been inspired by my good friend Anthony to compile a list of tidbits I've learnt so far.

1. Four simple and easy self-improvement projects that will boost your confidence: Stand up straight, smile and make eye contact whenever possible, and develop a firm handshake.

2. Running was my first true love. I've put more hours into that relationship than any other in my life. He’s been really good to me.

3. I have a superhero complex. Instead of picking the super awesome nice guy, I am compelled to save the needy bad boy. Obviously this has never ended well, haha.

4. It’s a gazillion times easier to fall in love than to stay in love. And no matter what the sad songs say about love, broken hearts do mend. It just takes time, patience, and good friends.

Conversely to the popular notion that it is therapeutic to "get under someone" or date a string of guys, either of these methods are true.  Ultimately, you have to know yourself (inside and out), and love yourself before you are ready to be involved someone. 

5. I still struggle with my boarder line OCD and perfectionist tendencies; some days are better than others.

6. Never underestimate a balanced diet and exercise. Eat right and exercise regularly and you’ll feel like you're 18 again.

I emphasize on  feeling 18. I've been told multiple times that appearance-wise I have "matured into a young woman". Personally, I don't think I have made that transition. You can be the judge; check out my grade twelve photo. 

7. If you want to get ahead in life, you have to drop the people dragging you down. Distance yourself from them and move on. And I quite Dory from Finding Nemo, "[J]ust keep swimming. Just keep swimming."

8. Cell phones are a gift and a curse. People think they are entitled to your time. Don’t let that notion rule you.

9. During a crisis or when you're in a difficult circumstance, you actually do know what to do. Most often than not you are subconsciously ignoring the truth.

10. Having nice toys (i.e. tangible items) is awesome but having true friends is better.

11. Nobody is better or worse than you because of the clothes they wear, car they drive or house they live in. Examining individuals for who they truly are will make you appreciate humanity much more.

12. The greatest virtue is not charity or patience, it is empathy.

13. You can change your values, morals, and principles but no matter how hard you try, you can’t change the essence of who you are. Embrace it and use it to your advantage.

14. You can’t avoid offending people from time to time. It just means that you stood up for someone or something in your life.

15. The most valuable thing to have is a good reputation, and it’s neither hard nor expensive to acquire one: Be honest. Be trustworthy. Respectful towards others.

16. Nothing is certain; everything is socially constructed.

17. Stigma is not only disgraceful, it is disgusting.

18. Maximize each day - try to squeeze every last drop of goodness from it. When you look back, you won't have any regrets.

19. Candor is hilarious... with me anyways.

Some classic candor moments:

* I'm on a second date with a guy and I said, "But your mom will like me!"
* Telling my good buddy, Ryan, that "I'm practically naked" over the phone.

* Offering to hold my friend's tennis balls which was misinterpreted as a sexual innuendo. 

20. To overcome indecisiveness trust your gut feeling and run with the choice you have made. Even if it means running with scissors. To quote Ryan, "Wheeeeee!"

21. A fear of failure is a ticket to mediocrity. It's good to fail from time to time, it just means you are challenging yourself and not simply drifting in life.

22. The greatest key to happiness is keeping perspective. Take an artisan's point of view towards life, from a distance the bumpiest paths looks clean, sleek, and very smooth.

* Homemade cookies! Yum!

Garnier Nutrisse Package

 Photo 1. The four piece package I received from ChickAdvisor

Photo 2. Ad from Elle Canada Magazine

I was one of 50 lucky Canadian members to test Garnier Nutrisse Cream plus the Garnier Fructis Color Shield Shampoo, Conditioner, and Instant Color Sealer care products. Thank you ChickAdvisor for selecting me! =)

I posted my three original reviews on the ChickAdvisor site so check them out: Garnier Nutrisse Cream, Garnier Fructis Color Shield Shampoo and Conditioner, and Instant Color Sealer. If you found my review helpful  give me a vote there. ^__^

Garnier Nutrisse Cream Review

I was sent two boxes of the Garnier Nutrisse Cream in Liquorice #10 to review. This hair dye provides a long-lasting grey coverage, and the gentle formula leaves my hair incredibly soft with a brilliant glossy shine.

The dye is rich, creamy, and thick so I had no dripping issues. Yay! The product did lightly stain my scalp and the bathtub but the staining did not cause irreversible damage. Thankfully, the light stain can be lightly scrubbed away. My hair color is now a healthy deep black – the color matches my natural hair color quite precisely. I would repurchase the Garnier Nutrisse Cream Hair Color and I suggest my friends and family to check this product out.

Garnier Fructis Color Shield Shampoo and Conditioner Review

I love color of the bright pink and green bottles, which is quite easy to locate when shopping. I also love Garnier’s hair products - the distinctive energizing fruity scents.

The hydrating shampoo and conditioner, in my opinion, are gentle and safe to use everyday. The products do not strip my hair of its natural oils or add heavy oils. In other words, the shampoo and conditioner leaves my hair smooth, soft, and shiny without weighing my hair down.

I have found that my color lasts longer than when I use store branded shampoos for color-treated hair. Garnier's shampoo and conditioner saves me time and money, since I don’t have to color as often. I would repurchase this dual system and urge my friends, family, and co-workers who have color-treated hair to check out Garnier's Color Shield line.

Instant Color Sealer Review

The Instant Color Sealer product is amazing and it’s a must have! Similar to the Garnier’s Shampoo and Conditioner the sealer smells wonderful!

The product is light weight, and non-greasy to the touch. My color-treated hair is silky soft, sleek, and shiny! This formula controls flyaways, frizz and moisturizes my hair all day long. The seal keeps the color vibrant and my hair looking healthy.

Forever21 Haul!

I was so excited when I made my Forever21 purchase. But then my excitement evolved into guilt after I watched the video "The Story of Stuff" in my Social Policy and Justice seminar, and "Wake Up, Freak Out- then Get a Grip" in my Human Behavior and Environment class. The videos has made me more mindful of my consumption patterns, and impact on the environment. And I hope that the videos will also inspire my readers to be more conscious of their spending habits, and lifestyle. =)

 

I ordered my clothes on Thursday, Sept.16th and they arrived on Monday, Sept. 20th! A speedy delivery system.

Haha, here are my goodies. And sadly, they don't bring the boys to the yard. :P

* Chiffon Ethnic Dress (left)  and Showdown Metallic Dress (right)

* Twisted Shoulder Sheath Dress (left) and Flowers & Rhinestones Tunic (right)

* Shoulder Padded Top (left) and Rosette Center Top (above)