Follow Me!

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

My New Skincare Routine & Review!

Hey Everyone! It has been quite a while since I last blogged or made a video. I had my 3rd child so they have all been keeping me very busy!! The reason I am writing this post is because after my pregnancy I noticed my skin just being so absolutely dull. I no longer had that "pregnancy glow" lol. My skin felt dry, dark circles from lack of sleep, acne and of course my hyper pigmentation gets increasingly worse with each pregnancy I have. I have always used different products for each issue. But what happens when you have dull skin, acne, wrinkles and dark spots ALL AT ONCE?? I felt I looked like a puzzle piece at the end of putting it all on! And what happens if you get a zit where your wrinkles are? All of this took a back seat to being a mommy, of course.

You all know how invested I am in my skincare and makeup (obviously, hence my blog and youtube channel lol), but I just felt like it was taking too much time using and experimenting with different products that I didn't ever see results!
SO, one of my Mama friends from school dropped off a sample kit of some Arbonne products to try after I told her what all my problems were. Usually I am not into a lot of steps, but I was only going to borrow the products for 4 days, so I really wanted to give it a chance. These products are Vegan, Gluten Free, Cruelty Free and Botanically based. She wanted me to let her know what I thought about it and I was in the perfect position to do just that. I needed a reason to get my blog on!

Night One, I kid you not, I used all the steps and I immediately emailed my friend and told her how bright and soft my face was! This is all just directly after I washed my face and got ready for bed. However, I've had products that feel great on, but they really don't do much of what I need it to do. I woke up and did the morning routine (which is just a little different). When I went to wash my face that morning my skin was like my little baby's butt, I swear! The softness had lasted ALL night! Usually my skin sucks up everything it can and I wake up with all my "issues" I listed above.

I was seriously wondering what was going on. I have to tell you tho, that I really wasn't completely sold on it because I have SO many different skincare products (and expensive ones too!!). After talking to my friend and researching the Arbonne products I found the reasons why my skin was reacting so well to it! To be honest, I had never heard of Arbonne before, so I came into this completely objective. Right on the website it says:

We formulate without

talc | tallow | carbon black | animal products or by-products | parabens | formaldehyde-donating preservatives | phthalates | formaldehyde | alkylphenols | benzene | monoethanolamine | triclosan | synthetic dyes | hydroquinone | artificial sweeteners | artificial flavors | cholesterol | trans fats | mineral oil 

Gluten FREE! Vegan!? No Mineral Oil? So, DUH! When I went back to all the ingredients in my other skincare products (things like Clinique, Chanel, Lancome, Drugstore brands and many more) I was shocked at what I was putting on my face every day, trying to "treat" my issues. No wonder they never worked!! They are loaded with toxins. I don't want to bore you with scientific ingredients and meanings. I think you get my point ;) 

So, day 3 of using my friend's skincare that she dropped of to me, I had no irritations or allergic reactions. My skin is very sensitive. Everything in the line smells like citrus. It makes me feel fresh, but it's not overpowering like when you put on chemically induced fragrances. I actually went the last 2 days WITHOUT makeup *gasp*! I felt comfortable enough to leave the house with my very own natural skin. Now, no, this didn't solve my problems in 4 days, but it did show me that I needed to keep it going to see where it could go.

When I parted with my borrowed products, I went over different ways to purchase them and how to get discounts for me and my friends. In the end I was able to get 35% off my order PLUS a free $50 item for spending $150. Arbonne also has ways to build your own business if you wanted to. The 35% discount was just too good to pass up. They don't sell their products in mass retailers so it's easiest to just buy them online.

On top of my own experience, I happened to meet someone who has used Arbonne for a while. Check out this transformation!!



I received full approval to share her pictures and her story (SO BRAVE!!??).
She says...

"The time has come, I have finally let go of my pride for perfection and Im not shy to share. 
😫 ahhh! 7 MONTHS LATER as requested.... HERE YOU ARE.
Maybe I will inspire you, maybe I will gross you out. Either way, I LOVE YOU AND THANKS FOR READING THIS POST. Feel free to share!!
I promised my Arbonne team that I would post this, as an example to them and as a story of success, to my network of family & friends. 
Pic 1. Is January, 2015. This day I decided to QUIT using Dept. store cosmetics, I didn't wear makeup for a week, I called in sick a cppl times that week, and I PRAYED like never before. I put my trust in my products and in myself. ‪#‎ArbonneGeniusPads‬ and ‪#‎Re9‬ ‪#‎AntiagingEyecream‬ (under, above eyes & on mouth laugh-lines.)
*I was just healing from a mental depression, felt like I wanted my life and happiness back, decided to make Arbonne a business for my family, & made the decision to stop using animal by-products ON and INTO my body.
Pic 2. Is February, 2015.
"

I can also tell you that now, 9 months after the last pic, she is absolutely radiant! I would have NEVER known that she went thru this ordeal with her skin. We all deserve to feel beautiful and sometimes it's just nice to show that inner beauty on the outside too. *The products she used are below!* You can check them all out on the website HERE. Also, if you want me to hook you up with a discount you can email me (amckay.arbonne at gmail dot com) or you can find me everywhere on social media and send me a message!! (links below)

Thank you so much you guys for stopping by my blog!! If you have any requests for future posts, feel free to comment below! You can also head over to my YouTube Channel where I have 200+ videos and even more in the making (including a giveaway!!)! I'm so excited to share the awesome things I have learned over the past year I've been MIA. I really appreciate you all sticking with me and for subscribing!

Lots of love.

Amanda


Come Gimme Some Love! I'm everywhere!

*YouTube Beauty Channel!
STAY TUNED FOR A SKINCARE GIVEAWAY!!!!

*My Beauty Blog! 

*Vlog Channel!

*My Mama Blog! 

*Facebook page!

*Instagram

*Twitter!!

*Pinterest!

*For Business Inquiries Only*
amckay.arbonne at gmail dot com



Arbonne Products

This is my FAVORITE Product! Toss out your Noxema-Type pads!!


Frequently Asked Questions: Genius Pads

  • Why is SD alcohol used in this formula specifically?
    • SD alcohol is used to deliver the solubilization of the key ingredient retinoid, which results in better stability, efficacy, and faster delivery to the skin surface. 
SD pure grain alcohol was also used to solubilize brightening ingredients, such as mandelic and azelaic acids, which are not soluble in a waterless base. It also reduces tackiness and absorption while improving delivery of key ingredients for superior performance. We designed the formula to be waterless to take advantage of its moisturizing benefit and to avoid the use of preservatives and minimize irritation potential.
Science today allows us to develop more efficacious, environmentally sound, safer alcohol with controlled purity. Many types of alcohols come from plants, animals or petroleum. Because we are vegan, environmentally conscious, and we want to avoid the use of petroleum-derived reSources whenever possible, we use a plant Source.
Grain alcohol does not have petroleum distillates, which have been linked to many health concerns. Grain alcohol comes from naturally occurring fermentation, which can be metabolized by the body so it doesn’t become toxic like other synthetic alcohols. 
When grain alcohol is combined with appropriate botanical and scientific ingredients in conjunction with other emollients, the end result is a non-drying, new delivery system.
  • Is Genius a cleanser or a moisturizer?
    • It is not a cleanser or moisturizer; this product is a combination of a nightly resurfacing solution and pads that help improve the skin’s appearance with time.
  • What if I experience minor itching or discomfort?
    • If you experience irritation, redness or itching, reduce the frequency to 2–3 times a week, and consider incorporating Calm products into your regimen. If symptoms persist, discontinue use and consult a doctor.
  • Can it be used on sensitive skin?
    • If you have sensitive skin, use with caution. Start using two times a week and build up frequency as skin adjusts. Use Calm Gentle Daily Cleanser and Soothing Facial Serum and follow with your favorite Arbonne moisturizer. 
  • What products are best to use in conjunction with Genius?
    • After using the Nightly Resurfacing Solution and Pads, we recommend using Calm Soothing Facial Serum, and RE9 Advanced® Night Repair Crème or FC5® Moisturizing Night Crème.
  • Can I go in the sun? 
    • When using the Nightly Resurfacing Solution and Pads, it’s especially important to use sunscreen during the day. For excellent options, see the SPF products in the Also Recommended section.
  • Can I use the RE9 Advanced Cellular Renewal Masque while using Genius?
    • Yes, you can use the Cellular Renewal Masque while using Genius. Depending on your skin sensitivity and type, you may use the pads after the masque treatment, then follow with your favorite Arbonne serum and moisturizing products. If sensitivity occurs, we recommend you alternate: Use the Cellular Renewal Masque (glycolic-based formula), then use the Genius Nightly Resurfacing Pads (retinoid-based formula) the next night. Sunscreen is recommended every morning after your nightly treatment.








 *I was given sample Arbonne products to try for 4 days. I purchased all full size products with my own money. I am not being paid to write this review. All opinions are my own. Thanks *