Island Fresh Coconut Oil - OMG!

The owner of Island Fresh - Mark Anderson blessed me with this oh so generous 54 fl oz organic, virgin, cold-pressed, non-gmo, unrefined coconut oil. The product arrived packed snugly. Anyone who complains that their item arrives leaking is honestly just simply lying! The seal was so tight as well as the cap that I had to get my husband to help out and open it and he struggled. This type of packaging ensures that this item is pure and untouched from any oxygen which would alter its freshness.

I love the simple approach this small company employs in regard to the labeling. I also appreciate the design of their website http://www.island-fresh.com/ . Good health does not have to be complicated!

The taste! OMG! Fresh coconuty, just a tad unctuous. I started out taking one tablespoon before bed. I have to tell you that my digestion (sparing you the details) has been better and I prefer this in place of fiber at night. Taking some oil before bedtime helps my liver out and is better than dessert! Google the benefits of coconut oil - guaranteed that your findings will be ala Bubba shrimp... 

I gave this oil to my dog on a dinner plate. It was gone lickety split! And I also scooped some into a glass Ball jar. Now when she sees me pick up the jar she comes a runnin'. She thinks I am going to feed it to her, but I apply it to her skin as she tends to have dry skin. As soon as I apply it she is licking it off! The benefits are twofold.

Since I have just been diagnosed with hypothryroidism (with supplementation I dodged the "Armour Thyroid" meds bullet) I was interested in coconut oil as thyroid support as mentioned on the label. 

I liked applying the oil to my hair (yummy smell), but found it was a bit too oily even after I shampooed it. However, this item is a great after shower moisturizer! I have added to a glass cosmetic jar and use it in place of expensive lotions which I have found even though gluten free, and contained wonderfully beneficial plant-based ingredients - just don't do much for my suntanned skin.

I could sing praises of Island Fresh Coconut Oil all day long long into the night. This jar has a special place in my kitchen away from heat and light. It proudly waits for me to open it and enjoy throughout the day. I will be a consumer of this product for a very long time. Thank you, Island Fresh!!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this free product from Island-Fresh.com.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Jojoba Oil by Elrique Naturals

One ingredient but so many benefits! This carrier oil was a welcome addition to my health care regime. After recently battling a thyroid condition, my hair became brittle and started falling out by brushfuls for 5 days. Quite humbling  situation for me - a scary situation. And so, I am in the rebuilding stages of hair care and thus was quite excited to review Jojoba Oil by Elrique Naturals.

Here is what I did for this review. I call this concoction my Health Loss Help Blend: I mixed 3 drops each of Rosemary, Cedarwood and Lavender with 2 oz. Jojoba Oil. Easy to measure in a pet rubber syringe or the handy dandy measuring shot glass I keep in my bathroom. I used an amber glass container to store my oils. Shook well. Massaged into hair and scalp for 5 minutes. Left on hair for 1 hour, then washed. I will do this 1-2 times a week because it was that tingly good and left my hair squeaky clean. The frizzy brittle hair is gone. I did trim the ends of my hair before using this oil blend.

While sitting with the oil on my head, I read a book and drank a cup of coffee. The summer here in Florida is almost gone and a cool crisp wind had just come from the East. I had a grateful moment as I inhaled the oils. I detected Rosemary as the predominant scent. Jojoba oil does not have a scent but is the perfect oil to add another essential oil to it so that it can be applied to the skin.

I devised another fun way to enjoy Elrique Naturals Jojoba Oil. I have a ton of pretty powders with mica. I am referring to cosmetic grade shimmer here. I have been buying the Burt's Bees Radiance lotion but it has gotten pricey and the company has changed hands and I just decided I am not going to buy it anymore. And so, I have added the shimmer to the Jojoba Oil and am now using it as a body shimmer oil. Fun, right? The glitter stays on longer and is subtle. This oil is anything but greasy and sinks into my skin lickety split!!

Another generous, well-priced product by Elrique Naturals! Thanks for the opportunity, HealthBizDirect!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from HealthBiz Direct Inc. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Scential Health Cinnamon Bark

Remember growing up and eating Cinnamon Hots? That is the pleasant memory that assaulted my taste buds when I reviewed this product as a mouth wash. I added 2 drops to purified water. I keep a glass shot glass in my bathroom (why not?) for mouthwash as it is the perfect size for a quick swizzle of mouthwash. The cinnamon quickly sunk to the bottom of the glass so I had to stir it first. Cinnamon is beneficial for gingivitus, or tooth infections. I have sensitive teeth and was quite impressed by how enjoyable gurgling with this elixir was! Cinnamon goodness and memories all in one!

I also added 2 drops to 4 oz of purified water to an atomizer to use as a natural bathroom spray. I love cinnamon year round but this would be a great house gift to give a hostess and a Christmas present as well. I found glass atomizers on Ebay that were quite nice and inexpensive. So much less than a commercial spray and better for you and the environment.

Because Cinnamon is a "hot oil" you cannot apply to your skin without a carrier oil and even then some people are sensitive to it. I hear it is good for sore joints and muscles. It is also a mood elevator, and so for this reason, I decided to diffuse it in my diffuser and it was heavenly! I am diffusing it now. Do you see me smiling?!

I plan on experimenting with almond oil and Epsom salts to make a bath soak. I know I must sparingly add the Scential Health Cinnamon Bark as a little goes a long way. I loved this product. I appreciate its unique properties and the generous size of the bottle. The essential oils by Scential Health are affordable and have no fillers. Reviewing this product was so enjoyable!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product free from HealthBizDirect, Inc. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christinaatwordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Vitamin C & CoQ10 Age Defying Masque by Elrique Naturals

 I was very happy to be notified by HealthBiz Direct Inc. that I could take a bit more time to review this healthy yummy face masque! I took the extra time to do some experimenting. I first followed the directions on the jar. I applied a thin layer of masque onto clean skin and after 5 minutes rinsed off. My skin felt smooth and moisturized. 

However, my favorite part of using this product the first time was the scent. It was so fresh and I was reminded of a Creamsicle. I know! Call me crazy, but the color of the product jump started this thought in my head (it is truly a beautiful peach color). As I twisted the lid off, I was greeted with yummy creamsicle goodness in sight as well as smell. Draw me a bath and dump a tubload of this product in and I would be happy forever!

Back to the Practical Matter of Beauty
My next idea was to apply this masque early in the morning. I left it on until lunch. I enjoyed the sweet smell and I was able to swish a loofah across my face. The gentle buff with warm water ushered in a pretty glow - almost a mini microdermabrasion session! I loved it!

Finally, my favorite way to use this product is to apply at night before bed after a hot shower while my skin was dewy and clean. I applied to the decollete (why not, when this is a generous 4 oz jar?). I also applied to the skin on the top of my hands and then added cotton gloves. I slept in my Elrique Naturals Vitamin C & CoQ10 Age Defying Masque and I woke up happy! 

The best part of reviewing products is being reminded that the best products do not animal test, are Made in the USA  and do not contain "bad for you" chemicals! This product falls into all of those categories. You can see the ingredients at Amazon.com. 

One comment I have is that I noticed on the jar that this product is also for Hair Rejuvenation, however I saw no mention of this on the Amazon page. I will be experimenting with this Elrique Naturals product as a leave-in conditioner. After all, who doesn't want to enter a room smelling like Creamsicles!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from HealthBiz Direct. Inc I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christinaatwordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com .

Doctor's Skin Recovery Serum by Dr. Denese New York

 

This product by Dr. Denese is a new must-have in my microdermabrasion skin care arsenal. I apply this serum (liberally btw) on my face and neck after using my Microdermabrasion machine. I leave it on for a full 12 hours - yes I do not rinse until after coffee and croissant! The trick with this recovery serum is that one must leave it on so that it can do its work to restore the damage done to skin cells and to get rid of surface pigmentation inconsistencies.

After a microdermabrasion, toning and recovery serum session, my skin not only glows but looks evened out, the skin a more healthy brown and less discoloration or white marks due to sunblock.

I am one of those people who believe that my daily dose of Vitamin D must come from the sun (it's free - after all!). I take a supplement from Life Extension called FernRoot which is an oral supplement that will undo the sun's damage before my cells are radicalized. I also wear UV/UVB Broad Spectrum lotion but still - having products that can help my surface sun damage is so helpful! Also convenient. And affordable - which I appreciate most.

Be prepared to use this product liberally. If you do not, you will not enjoy its many benefits as quickly! Dr. Denese outdid herself on this serum. Get yours today...

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product free from Dr. Denese New York for the purpose of review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Advanced Firming Facial Pads by Dr. Denese of New York

Oh my goodness! I just had to start this review with an exclamation. The very first time I swiped the wet pad across my freshly cleansed (I use Dr. Denese Hydrating Cleanser) and toned face, I was not prepared for the "stinging" sensation which was much like a facial I once had in a salon in which I had an acid peel administered and then a laser. I actually was quite pleased to know that this "at home use" product packed such a powerful punch.

What confirmed the product to be a magic formula for fresh, radiant skin was the moment I looked in the mirror the next morning. I had forgotten about testing Advanced Firming Pads the night before. I actually did a double take and looked back in the mirror and smiled. I am a 40's something woman and radiance upon waking does not occur often ;).

I waited a few days and then repeated the process. I left the product on my face overnight and was equally pleased in the morning. The second time I used Advanced Firming Facial Pads I applied my favorite serum after (Dr. Denese's Doctor's Skin Recovery Serum). The serum I always use after using the SkinScience Clinical Resurfacing System (Dr. Denese's Micro dermabrasion machine). Liberally apply this serum and you will enjoy smoother skin than imaginable!

Advanced Firming Pads are Step 2 in Dr. Denese's Six Step Skin Care Program. http://www.drdenese.com/six-step-skin-care,

I always enjoy reviewing Dr. Denese's products. After seeing her on a PBS special I never forget her sharing that we must "work" our skin, meaning as we age, we must wash, tone, exfoliate, moisturize, and make it a priority to take the time and use the products she formulates - - thus that youthful glow.

Using her products, especially Advanced Firming Pads give me that healthy youthful glow that I have sought for a lifetime. So much more convenient and affordable as compared to going to a salon. Worth the investment and necessary for my at home beauty regime!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product free from Dr. Denese of New York for purpose of review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

IB Revitalizer Overnight Oil Treatment Spray by Jonathan Product

Sometimes a product comes along that leaves me speechless (does not happen often!). This was one such product that I struggled with to give proper homage to the product and its creator. Therefore, I decided to break out an acronym and let the words speak for themselves. Here goes...

Super great idea
Probably need to sleep in a shower cap while this amazing product does its magic
Extra curly and full of body after washing the next day
Created with a great fragrance
I love this product!!!
A must-have for any beauty arsenal
Love the convenience and uniqueness of conditioning hair while getting my zzz's

I did not have the IB Purifier on hand for this review. However, I washed my hair in the kitchen sink with baby shampoo and warm water. I applied an inexpensive conditioner and waited a few minutes before I rinsed out then towel dried. I let my hair air dry (I always do) and voila! I was looking at curly, shiny hair within the hour. I also noticed a drastic improvement with less frizz.

I am looking forward to experimenting with additional hair products immediately after using the IB Revitalizer and then styling with a blow dryer to see how straight hair will look after using this product.

Important: This product is for those with dull,color-treated or fine hair. I qualified in all three categories. The directions state to use twice weekly for four weeks, then 2-3 a month for continuous results (which I plan on doing).

This product smelled great, worked amazing, and was fun to apply and sleep with (in my hair). It will be one of those loyal "go to" products in my hair arsenal. I felt pampered, my hair felt pampered and the entire experience was successful and fun! I am still speechless....

For more information http://www.dermstore.com/product_IB+Revitalizer+Overnight+Treatment+Spray_13394.htm

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product free from DermStore LLC as part of their Independent Reviewers Product Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com/.

Optical Illusions Colore - Corrector Pen "Dust in the Wind" by Colorescience Pro

As I reviewed this product I realized for me -  this product had a bit of a learning curve in regard to 1. choosing the correct color for the correct season 2. how to get the cap off. As I tackled the easier task - I realized the longer gold cap was what I needed to pull off and the shorter gold cap was the handle which I needed to twist until the product appeared on the sponge head as shown to the right.  I applied the shade Dust in the Wind under my eyes as well as under my eye brows.

I asked, "Why not?" as I applied to my eyelids. At first, I thought the color was too dark as it appeared ruddy within the first few seconds I applied it. However, as I lightly rubbed all of the product into my skin I realized what an amazing product Optical Illusions was for an evening out. My skin tone absorbed and embraced it!

Currently, I have a bronzed skin tone from tanning in the South Florida sun. Therefore, this shade was perfect for me for now. However, after researching more about this unique creamy powder, I plan to investigate the shade Remedy that Red for my particular skin color and tone for those months when I do not have a suntan.

Just a hint about the sponge applicator. It was a bit scratchy then I realized I had run out of product on the tip. As soon as I twisted more product, I got way too much all at once. I learned to be patient and just twist a few times so that I would not waste the product. Having just enough product on the sponge tip is key to successfully adding it. Make sure you rub it in with your finger. The rubbing in of the product allowed it to successfully blend in with my skin and do it's work effectively. Before I blended it in, it was way too dark.

Optical Illusions Colore Corrector Pen is a unique as well as a multi purpose product. I felt it had cutting-edge appeal for all ages and skin tones. It truly delivered the promise of reducing puffiness and fine lines. The zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for UV protection is a nice added bonus for daytime use.

I would recommend those considering purchasing this product to do your research beforehand. Meaning, read the full description at Dermstore.com so you will know which shade is perfect for you for when you want to wear it (remember - it serves many purposes for many seasons).

Check it out today as there is a Free Gift with Purchase as of the date of this review. Also, DermStore offers free shipping on all orders all the time. No time to waste! Those puffy eyes could use some  carrot oil to nourish, cocoa butter to moisturize, and who would turn down dark chocolate extract which will brighten your eyes (and not add an ounce to the scale). Optical Illusions Colore Corrector Pen delivers all that and more!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product free from DermStore LLC as part of their Independent Reviewers Product Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

CellRenew Rx Cell Recharging Gold Serum by Dr. Denese New York

It was not a coincidence when the other day I got a compliment about "how good" my skin looked! I began applying CellRenew Rx Cell Recharging Gold Serum by Dr. Denese for a week prior to happening upon this compliment bearer.

After cleansing my skin I applied this product to my damp face, neck and the delicate skin on my hands. At first I was surprised then quite pleased to see the gold flecks in the serum.

This serum went on smooth with no greasy feel. It had little scent, but a pleasing clean aroma.

I used the product straight for seven nights. I noticed after the first application that some dark patches had appeared that I hadn't seen as prominently before (I have always been a sun goddess). Two nights later those patches were completely gone.

Small lines around my eyes were less noticeable. However, the biggest difference was the increased tone of my skin.

I faithfully use Dr. Denese's microdermabrasion machine three times a week.As a result of using that product, I have learned the value of stimulating collagen. Since I am a forty-something, my collagen production has slowed down. Therefore, using CellRenew Rx in conjunction with the Dr. Denese Microdermabrasion machine has undoubtedly added to "how good" I looked when I received the unsolicited compliment about my skin.

I will continue to enjoy both of these amazing products by Dr. Denese. I hope she will offer a foundation product with the same glowing gold that is offered in CellRenew. A girl just never can have too much gold in her life. Thank you Dr. Denese for helping me to look my best and to enjoy being beautiful! This product is one I will forever keep close by. I will grow old with it but no one will suspect I am a day over 40 - that is how good it is. I award it five stars - gold ones that is!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Dr. Denese www.drdenese.com. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.