Beauty Bioscience RetinoSyn-45 Review

I am excited to tell you about my review of RetinoSyn-45 by Beauty Bioscience.  This was by far the longest research I did for a product and it was well worth the time.  I used it for 45 days exclusively.

This product is really great because it comes in an easy to use kit which is easy to open and keep your products organized.  The adorable kit comes with 1A/1B, 2A/2B, and 3A/3B and you are to use it for 45 days at night. This allows you to slowly step up to a higher potency of retinol cream. Your skin can see maximum results with minimal side effects through this process. RetinoSyn 45 even allows for you to skip a night if you are sensitive or experience too much redness.

I did read the directions that stated to use sunscreen during the day while using RetinoSyn-45 because your skin will be ultra sensitive to the sun. I made the mistake of not using an spf one morning when I was trimming trees and yes, I did experience redness and itchiness but it was completely my fault. After that incident, I made sure to wash my face completely in the morning and use an spf lotion before leaving the house. I use an spf everyday ordinarily but especially now!

Results:
The results from RetinoSyn-45 have been smoother skin and less acne. I haven’t had any breakouts and it seems to be because my skin has had cell turnover and also because this product allows you to build up to the higher potency. I also think the wrinkles around my forehead and neck have improved. I did not use this product directly near my eyes but did use it near my crow’s feet and that seems to show improvements.

I do recommend RetinoSyn-45 for those that feel their skin is dull or have been thinking of getting a facial peel. This product restores your skin and gives a great result.  This product can be found online at http://www.beautybioscience/ or at HSN. 


*I received a sample for testing purposes. 

Flora by Gucci Review

I recently got to sample The Flora Garden Collection by Gucci. It’s newly available at Macy’s department stores and Sephora nationwide in three distinct floral fragrances:

Gorgeous Gardenia: A sparkling prelude of succulent red berries and juicy pear gives way to an opulent floral heart.

Gracious Tuberose: A verdant overture of violet leaves and peach softens into the plant’s silken blossom.

Glamorous Magnolia: A brilliant opening of buoyant freesia, zest and green leaves yields to a tactile fusion of peony and magnolia.

Truly all three scents were delicious smelling and fun to wear. I spent so long taking in the scents and decided overall that the Gardenia is my favorite. This doesn't surprise me at all since I have always been a fan of fruity scents and pear flavored ANYTHING!

So the next time you are at Macy's or Sephora, check out this line and tell me which one you like!

*I received this sample as part of a BzzAgent Campaign sponsored by Gucci.

Check out these Mom Haircuts

12 Best and Worst Mom Cuts

It's absolutely possible to have children without getting the bad "mom cut." Grab some inspiration from the best celeb mom styles here -- just make sure to avoid the worst

This is a TotalBeauty.com celebrity hairstyles article What do Kris Jenner, Kate Gosselin, and Hillary Clinton have in common? They've all sported the infamous short (and cringe-worthy) mom cut. But having a short 'do does not have to equate to "soccer mom." To prove it, we found these gorgeous celeb moms and their equally pretty hairstyles. See which chic moms got it right. See haircuts

Brushlove Mother's Day Contest

Just in time for Mother's Day, Brushlove is having a contest and you can win!

The winner will receive $250.00 to spend towards a day at the Spa (of your choice) as well as $50.00 to use at Brushlove.com. The contest can be entered one of three ways, through Brushlove.com, Facebook or Twitter. To enter the contest via Brushlove.com, simply select “click here to enter” on the Spa photo and answer one simple question; “What is the first word that comes to mind when you think of your Mother?” If you would rather enter the contact on Facebook, all you have to do is comment on the Spa Giveaway Photo with your one word response and Twitter, just retweet your response!

What a great way to show mom you love her and win a great prize at the same time.  Enter now until May 15th!

Replens Review and Giveaway

Giveaway Time!  Replens is sponsoring a giveaway for Moody Maria readers.

Rediscover yourself. Reconnect with your partner. Rekindle a relationship. And, most of all, wave goodbye to discomfort!

So what is Replens?  Replens is an over-the-counter/non-hormonal moisturizer to help to alleviate vaginal dryness symptoms and replenish vaginal moisture for long-lasting results. When used regularly, Replens helps to replenish vaginal moisture making for comfortable, enjoyable intimacy.

Unfortunately, as we age our skin becomes dry and less elastic. We can easily see the effects on our face and hands, but may not realize that this also affects other delicate areas of our body. While menopause is the most common cause for feminine dryness, other factors, such as medications, excessive exercise, stress, childbirth/nursing or tampon use can also be the culprit. However, there is no reason pain and discomfort from feminine dryness should stand in the way of you having a satisfying intimate relationship. That is where Replens comes into play.

How does it work?  Replens comes with easy-to-use applicators and contains a bioadhesive that attaches to dry, compacted cells and delivers continuous moisture until those cells are naturally regenerated (about every 3 to 5 days). Use it approximately every three days for long-lasting hydration of dry vaginal tissues and feel more like yourself again.

A little information about Replens:
- Clinically tested
- Goes to work immediately and lasts for days
- Gynecologist recommended
- Estrogen and fragrance free
- Readily available at stores nationwide, such as CVS, Walmart, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, Target, Walgreens and more.

So make the commitment – to use Replens and alleviate vaginal dryness, Rediscover. Reconnect. Rekindle. Replens.  Join their Facebook page for more information at  – Facebook.com/Replens, or http://www.replens.com/.

If you would like to try Replens, please enter the giveaway by leaving a comment here with a name and email address.  US Residents only please.  Contest ends at midnight on 5/11/12.  Good Luck!

Repair Sun Damage Before Summer

It happens every year, summer comes around and we slather on the sunscreen and try to protect our skin from sun damage and spots. Well how about repairing your skin before summer and starting out fresh? After all, with parties around the pool and outdoor events, your face will be highlighted even more and all uneven skin tone will be revealed. I don’t know about you, but I am very aware of people looking at my face and focusing on my skin spots and birthmark. It makes me feel uncomfortable and I would like to have the confidence that I am not being judged by my facial imperfections, but by my personality.

A great product for repairing that damage is Luminaze. It can be found at your local Nordstrom too so it would be easy to ask for a sample. If you want to see results, check out their website at http://www.luminaze.com/and click on the tab that says, “The Proof”. Results can be seen in as little as 7 days!

Luminaze works to repair skin with a natural ingredient and give your face a uniform look. It does not use harsh ingredients that some skin lighteners use and will not give you excessive skin lightening or splotchy areas on your face. Try it today before summer is already here. 

*This is an advertisement brought to you by Luminaze.

Pantene Pure and Strong Review

Three is a good number.  They always say three is a charm, right?  Well I have three reasons you should try the newest addition to the Pantene Nature Fusion Collection. 

-It is exclusively at Target
-It is economically smart to purchase Pantene because it works as well as salon shampoos
-The new packaging is green - made with 59%* sugarcane-derived plastic!

I have been using the Pro-V Pure & Strong line all week.  I am in the process of regrowing my hair in a healthy manner so I want to use quality products.  Pantene has always worked great for my hair and knowing that this shampoo has a purifying, silicone-free, dye-free and paraben-free formula makes me trust it even more.  I did notice my hair felt refreshed and shiny this week.  It had more of a bounce.

I used the Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Pure & Strong Purifying Shampoo and Strengthening Conditioner.  Some conditioners can make my hair itch or feel heavy but this one definitely did not. I feel like it will help prevent breakage too.  Oh and it smells great too! 

Now for the Sugarcane-Derived Packaging: Pantene will help make your beauty routine a little greener with it's Nature Fusion packaging made with 59%* sugarcane-derived plastic. This material has significant environmental benefits, including less reliance on the planet’s non-renewable resources than traditional petroleum-based (HDPE) plastic.

Sugarcane-derived plastic uses less fossil fuels and has a lower potential to cause global warming (when compared ton per ton – or gram per gram – to petroleum-based plastic).

Its production process uses over 70% less fossil fuels than traditional petroleum-based (HDPE) plastic.

Its production process releases over 170% less greenhouse gases than traditional petroleum-based (HDPE) plastic.

Pantene Nature Fusion, which combines the best of Pro-V science with naturally derived cassia, is the first in hair care to use renewable, sugarcane-based plastic on its product packaging.

Go green and bravo to Pantene for this packaging!  Hopefully more companies will follow their lead.

So if you are at Target, which I know you will be, check it out today.



*I received a sample for this review but the opinions are my own.

Summer is Coming, How about a Body Cleanse?

If you are like most women in America, you are a little hesitant about this summer and fitting into your swimming suit. I know my friends are and we have been hitting the gym a little more often for that reason. My kids are already mentioning summer pool parties and pool play dates. I am seriously considering a whole body cleanse.

I think a body cleanse might be just what I need to get a jump start on losing a few pounds. I am already working out 3-5 times a week, drinking lots of water, and “sort of” watching my calories. I need to really focus a bit more on my eating habits. It is so frustrating to go to the gym, sweat and give it your all and then weigh the exact same amount each day. I think a body cleanse might give me that positive boost to keep my dieting on the right track.

For a cleanse to successfully work, you have to be ready, focused, have a goal in mind, and not have any obstacles. Obstacles might be vacation, out of town guests coming to town, a special event at work, or even a group of friends that revolve your socialization out of eating. For me, the best time to do a cleanse might be when I have a full work week and no social events. That way I can stay focused and know by the end of the week I will see results. Then it will be onto bathing suit shopping!


*I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

Mother's Day Gift Guide Feature #1

It's May now and time to start thinking about that special woman in your life..Mom!  I am going to feature some great new products or gift ideas for Mother's Day.  My first feature is from Travalo.  You may remember my review of the Travalo refillable perfume atomizer here. 

I think a Travalo atomizer would be the perfect gift for any mother!  It is not only for travel but for anyone that likes to have their perfume in their purse, car, gym bag, or office desk drawer.  Travalo is a finger-sized container designed to refill in seconds.  New this summer, Travalo is introducing the latest model—Travalo Excel ($19.99) – which holds 30 percent more fragrance (65 sprays) and is made of durable aluminum.


See how it works here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb9sW0DnbKo&feature=youtu.be

Each Travalo comes with a lifetime warranty in addition to the following features:

· Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved
· 98 percent recyclable, environmentally-friendly, lightweight material
· Features a clear window to gauge level of perfume
· Suitable for men and women
· Works with removable nozzle bottles
· Assortment of colors
· Spill-free internal refill system doesn’t use funnels or other parts
· Three convenient sizes: Pure, Classic and Excel (50-65 sprays each)
· Retails for $9.99 to $19.99

Travalo is available for purchase at select retailers in the US and Canada and online at http://us.travalo.com/.

And now for the great news, Travalo is offering Moody Maria readers at 20% discount at their website:  Simply use the Code: ROCKINMOM and you will receive 20% off.  The code is good through 5/13 and only valid at http://us.travalo.com.

Also – Like them today at Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TravaloAmericas for a chance to win a huge gift package for you and your mom.
Happy Mother's Day Shopping!

Eco-Friendly Can be Convenient

10 Best Eco-Friendly Products at the Drugstore

"Natural" doesn't have to mean "pricey" when it comes to beauty products. See our 10 favorite green beauty products you can find at the drugstore

This is a TotalBeauty.com beauty products article We know -- you'd love to go agro-green on all aspects of your life -- including your beauty regimen. But you simply can't afford the all-natural products, right? Wrong. While some organic beauty products are admittedly steep, there are great natural finds in your drugstore beauty aisle. Here are our top picks. See steals

Hair Therapy Wrap Review

I have been frantically trying to grow my hair out for a few years now.  Each time it gets a little longer, I end up getting highlights or using a flat iron too often and causing damage.  Then it's back to the salon for a trim.  Well, now I have had enough!  I am really going to grow it out this time and make it healthy once and for all.  I am so fortunate to have tested a product that will help me do just that. 

I have been using the Hair Therapy Wrap from www.brushlove.com.  It is simply amazing.  I can use my favorite deep conditioner, put on the wrap and it does all the work for me.  Since using it, I have noticed my hair is softer and feels much healthier.  Although I will still be using my flat iron, I will stop highlighting my hair for awhile and use the Hair Therapy Wrap.  My hair will be as long as Katie Holmes' in no time!

Features & Benefits:


• Strengthens the hair and hair cuticle to reduce breakage

• Deeply nourishes the hair roots and scalp

• Softens and makes hair more manageable

• Improves hair texture

Here is the link to the product:  http://www.brushlove.com/hair-therapy-wrap-w.html  You can also like Brushlove on Facebook. 


*I received a sample for review.

Frozen Food and Dieting

10 Best and Worst Picks from the Frozen Food Aisle

With our hectic schedules, frozen foods are a necessary evil. Find out which ones you should nuke the next time you're crunched for time -- and which ones to leave in the frozen food aisle

This is a TotalBeauty.com diet article We'd all love to eat healthy, freshly cooked meals every day but kids, work, and life get in the way. For the days when you can't muster the energy to cook, frozen foods can be a great go-to. But it's important that you choose the healthiest options. Enter registered dietician Laura Cipullo, who says healthy frozen foods really do exist -- you just have to know which ones to buy and which ones to avoid. Find out here

Do I Make you Blush?

12 Reader-Rated Best and Worst Blushes

Who doesn't want that natural flush? With these reader-rated favorite blushes, you'll be on your merry, glowy way. Just make sure to avoid the duds

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup article Blush is an under-hyped beauty product. It can bring dimension to your face, help you look younger, and bring warmth to an otherwise dull complexion. That is, if you choose the right one. See the blushes our readers can't live without and the ones they love to hate. Get reviews

THE WORST NO. 6: E.L.F. ESSENTIAL NATURAL RADIANCE BLUSHER, $1

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.6

"The texture of the blush is so crumbly that even the slightest touch would create a powder disaster. Plastic dolls have better quality makeup than this stuff."

THE WORST NO. 5: MAC CREAM COLOUR BASE, $17.50

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.5

"I love MAC, but not enough to buy this horrendous product. It creases within 20 minutes of applying and by the end of the morning, it's virtually gone."

THE WORST NO. 4: COVERGIRL TRUBLEND MINERALS BLUSH, $8.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.3

"Every time I open [the blush] it gets everywhere. I practically have to wear a bib."

Want to see the rest of the list? Click here!

Yes to Carrots Leave-In Conditioner Review

I have always been curious about the brand Yes to Carrots.  Does it smell like carrots?  Well not exactly.  I recently tested the Yes To Carrots Leave-in Conditioner with argan oil.  I brought it on a recent trip and decided to try it once.  I continued to use it my entire trip and when I returned home.  It's one of my new favorites!  I have thick, naturally wavy hair so I always need to have some sort of product in my hair to tame my curls or to smooth it when I use a flat iron.  Here are the three ways I used this awesome product:

I washed my hair and added about a teaspoon in my thick hair.  Fine hair should use a lot less because this product is pretty powerful and has argan oil.  I then let my hair dry naturally and slept.  The next morning my hair was wavy and ready to curl.  I was able to section off pieces to curl without using a brush.  The product made my hair untangled and it natural sections so it was really easy.  My hair wasn't over oily either.  My curls remained all day except when it sprinkled rain and then it got a little flat (but not frizzy). 

The second method I have used the Yes To Carrots Leave-in Conditioner was to style my hair straight or in a flip up hairdo.  I washed my hair and added a teaspoon as before.  Then I ran a wide toothed comb through my hair and blew it dry with a round brush.  After drying it I added used velcro rollers for 10 minutes while getting dressed.  Afterwards, I removed the rollers and ran a flat iron only on the really bubbly curls to tame them.  I wasn't going for the real flip up but a tamer version.  It looked great!  I also styled it today without the rollers.  I do try to limit my flat iron usage but when I am in a hurry, it's so fast!  This product also helps to repair damaged hair.

The third method was the same as the second except I added the Leave-in Conditioner to my hair AFTER blow-drying.  That is right- I added it to dry hair and it still tamed my hair!  It did not flatten it but added texture to control fly aways and frizzies and to take to the flat iron heat better. 

So, in Moody Maria's view, this is a product for every woman!  Yes to Carrots Leave-in Conditioner should be a staple in every woman's bathroom cabinet.  It can be used for deep conditioning while under the sun, to style straight or curly hair, and to tame a slicked back ponytails or braids. 

Next up, I might just try this to control my son's curly hair.  Stay tuned for that! 

In case you didn't know there are other brands in the Yes to Carrots family:  Yes To Cucumbers, Yes To Tomatoes and Yes To Blueberries.  Visit http://yestocarrots.com for more information or like them on Facebook.  You can purchase this product at CVS, Target, Walgreens, Walmart or Kroger stores.  


*I received a sample for review. 

Spring Break Update and Style

Happy Easter!  I haven't been posting too much lately because I was on Spring Break with my kiddos and hubby.  I got to visit Sephora and I have some new reviews coming. 

Hope everyone is having a great Spring so far!

Here is a little of what I saw in Disneyland....colorful outfits by brothers trying to gain attention.  I think after I took their picture they gave each other a high five.  Seriously though, lots of leggings, tanks, Lulumon, bright colors, and Tom's shoes.  LOTS OF LEGGINGS!  It's funny that a lot of people wearing black skin tight leggings and they shouldn't be.  I got to see a lot of cellulite and panty lines.  Ugh. 

These were the most popular Toms I saw women and girls wearing. 

Side braids still very much in style. 

Fun times! Hope everyone else had a great Spring Break!