Valentia Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer [review]

I'm back at it again with another skincare product review. And it's by a brand you've probably seen many times on my blog. I continue to review their products because I want to show that there is a cheaper alternative when it comes to skincare products which also gives amazing results. Valencia is one of them. They a brand that use all natural ingredients and is perfect for my sensitive skin. 

This Brightening Moisturizer Will:

• Lighten dark spots
• Restore skin radiance
• Even skin tone
• Diminish fine lines
• Provide all-day hydration

Specially selected ingredients work together to achieve optimum results.

KEY INGREDIENTS:

• Botanical Hyaluronic Acid: Floods skin with moisture, supports skin elasticity, and plumps skin from within.
• Kojic Acid: Controls melanin production and prevents dark spots.
• Ginseng: Boosts skin firming collagen, fights wrinkles, and gives the skin a brighter and more energized look.
• Safflower Oil: Repairs skin's natural moisture barrier and provide superior skin protection.
• Shea Butter: Infuses skin with a myriad of vitamins and nutrients for superior skin hydration and nourishment

Now, I've been using this for about 2 weeks and so far I can't find any complaints. I haven't broken out yet and it is very light weight and moisturizing. Sometimes I even just put this moisturizer on without any other skincare products before work and my face is ok for majority of my shift. I do not think this lasts the entire day for me because of my skin type but you have to understand that every skin is different. My chin area gets really dry but then my nose and forehead gets super oily (in general). After applying this product, it cannot withstand both. By the end of my shift, my T zone area is a bit oily and my chin area is again dry - but I don't necessarily blame the product for that - i think that's just my skin going back to it's natural state pre-moisturizer. This is why I say that I don't think the moisturizer lasts 24 hours. However, in my opinion it is a good time to wash your face again and reapply. They say the best skincare method is to just keeping your skin clean so just like you brush your teeth midday, why not wash your face in the process as well?

They provide a good size product in such a sleek packaging. My only issue I think with this brand is that EVERY SINGLE PACKAGE LOOKS THE SAME. The label is also the same, with the same font so if you have more than one product on your vanity, you will get confused. You have to really look and read the product before using and although this is not a bother to most people, but I know there are others who usually just choose their skincare products off their vanity just by looking at the packaging itself. The moisturizer does stand out because it is bigger than the other products that I have by them however, if they start coming out with more products with that size, it may be confusing again. 

I give this product a 3.5/5. I can't give it the full 5 because I have other products that I love so much more BUT I probably will fit this in somewhere in my skincare rotation. 

If you want to check out other reviews I've done by Valencia, click the following links:

• http://thegracerysh0p.blogspot.com/2014/08/review-first-impression-valentia-even.html
• http://thegracerysh0p.blogspot.com/2016/05/revitalize-and-detoxify-skincare-for.html 
• http://thegracerysh0p.blogspot.com/2016/07/roses-are-red-wrinkles-give-you-blues-i.html

xoxo

**This product was sent to me by Valencia, words are 100% my own*
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H582SGI
http://valentia.com
https://www.instagram.com/valentianatural
www.facebook.com/valentiabeauty

Summer 2016 Skincare Products

Hello ladies!!!!!

SKINCARE SKINCARE SKINCARE! Here are my favorite skincare products on rotation at the moment and I am seeing RESULTS! Click the video above or read my review below for the full details but I highly recommend these! 

• Farmacy
• "INVINCIBLE Root Cell Anti-Aging Serum (0.27 fl. oz | 8 ml): This serum has been clinically proven to improve the skin’s natural hydration and reduce the appearance of surface lines and wrinkles, while also firming and smoothing. It helps restore the skin’s overall radiance, promotes an even skin tone and healthy glow."
• AMAZING! Very watery so a little big goes a long way. Pea size can probably cover half your face. 
• "SLEEP TIGHT Firming Night Balm (0.5 fl. oz | 15 ml): Reinforcing the skin’s natural moisture content, this balm aids firmness and tone while helping to restore elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles."
• MEH~ This wasn't my favorite because the balm consistency. It was too oily for me - it felt very heavy on the skin. This shouldn't be too big of an issues because you apply it at night but for me personally, it wasn't my cup of tea. I like that fresh clean feeling you get which I experienced from the other three products. 
• "NEW DAY Gentle Exfoliating Grains (1.4 oz. | 40 g): A potent, all-inclusive skincare treatment, the grains cleanse, exfoliate and clarify in one step for fresh, clear skin."
• AMAZING! CRAZY TO ME THAT IT WORKS. The product is very gentle to the skin and you barely notice it. This is what makes it perfect for sensitive skin. The smell is a little bit on the oatmeal milk maybe even a little nutty side (hard to describe) but isn't too strong. You will be amazed on how well it works. 
• "RISE ‘N SHINE Daily Moisture Lock (o.5 fl. oz. | 15 ml): This lightweight day cream soothes the skin, helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and delivers a renewed sense of firmness and elasticity."
• PRETTY GOOD. This locks in the moisture very well which also makes me believe the serum you put on underneath is sinking into her skin throughout the day. 

• First Aid Beauty
• It does what it claims. INTENSE HYDRATION. The product itself is pretty thick and feels thick in the beginning but it goes away after a few minutes. Does not leave any oily residues.

• Clinque Smart Custom Repair serum
• Serum cleared a lot of my redness and blemishes. My skintone was evened out and it was brighter.

• Estee Lauder Clear Difference Advanced Blemish Serum
• Very moisturizing and lightweight. Cleared a lot of my redness and blemishes. This product is a keeper.

• Shiseido IBUKI refining moisturizer
• Very moisturizing. Using this along with the clinque or estee lauder serum really help clear a lot of my redness and blemishes. I've gotten compliments and if you had my skin growing up this is a skicare revelation.
• Mario Badescu drying lotion
• WORKS! You look crazy for a couple hours but it is worth the crazy. Make sure you don't shake the product, just get a Q-tip and dip it straight into the bottle until you reach the pink goopy part and then apply. It may sting a little and the smell is kind of punches you in the face so don't inhale it too much. 

xoxo

Roses are red, wrinkles give you the blues, I need more moisture in myskin, how about you?

"Roses" seem to be showering us with it's presence all over the place. As skeptical I may have been, I didn't see the significance of roses being a key ingredient in these products. But my views have changed.

As soft as a rose petal feels, these products will make your skin silky smooth.

Valentia - Royal Rose Hydrating Serum

This is a very light weight serum that doesn't leave any thick residue behind. Great for right under your make up. After application, my skin felt more hydrated and supple. The scent is exactly like the name. It smells like roses. Scent isn't too strong that you'll pass out from the fumes but just be aware that there is a scent to it that some people may not enjoy. 

Mario Badescu - 

I have started to like these spray toners and mists. Easy to apply and less product waste. This was the first product I tried from Mario Badescu and I have high hope for the other products as well. 

I apply this mist right when I get out of the shower when my pores are still "open" from the heat and my  face is still damp. I spray it on my face and just let it soak into my skin. Now I feel fresh and clean with the hint of rose scent. This leaves my skin soft and ready for the rest of my skincare routine.

The scent is not to strong so people with sensitive noses will not complain about this product. However, do not open your mouth right after application because the residual mist may still be in the air and you will taste it. I say this through experience guys :p

Apparently you can use this over your make up as well. I haven't tested that out yet but seems promising. I have a similar product from a different brand that I do use over my make up when I see those unwanted dry patches and it fixes it right up. I hoping this one does it.

Fresh rose face mask

I received this as the birthday gift from sephora and I'm on the fence. Just because I already found a more affordable alternative that seems to do pretty much the same thing. This particular mask though has real rose petals inside. 

The gel like consistency allows your skin to breath while it is slowly hydrating and rejuvenating your skin. The mask is so thing that after application you sort of forget that the mask is even on. It feels like a serum. It dries pretty quick but you will feel the slight sticky feeling on your face. 

When you wash the mask off you feel your hands gliding off your face because it's so silky and smooth (I am talking about the mask itself). But afterwards, your face is smooth and feel hydrated. Put on your favorite serum afterwards and you can call it a night.

The scent may be a little to strong for those with sensitive noses. The mask smells almost identical to a real rose with a hint of cucumber. Seems very bizarre but to me personally that is what it smells like. Check it out at your local sephora give it a smell before you purchase it.

InstaNatural - Rose Hydration face mask

This is very similar to the fresh rose face mask but more affordable and this mask has no flakes. The gel like consistency, smell, and application are all very similar to the Fresh rose mask.

Pretty much the same product in my opinion. The consistency, the color, the smell, even the application and wait time. If I were given a blind test, I wouldn't be able to tell this one and Fresh's rose mask apart. The outcome of this is very hydrating as well without the residue leftover feeling.

This company is known for it's organic products so if you're looking for all natural ingredients for a really affordable price, check them out!

The scent for this is pretty strong as well so caution is advised for those with sensitive sense of smell.

xoxo

thegracerysh0p's golden online shopping recommendations

How to use guide:

• I have broken down the websites into categories 
• I listed key things that may be helpful when shopping on this website.
• The less I write most likely means there's not many negative things to say so I will only touch on the key positives
• I have made this guide through my own experiences.
• So I have used and shopped at all these websites.
• This guide will always be evolving and increasing so check back for more updates!

FASHION

JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES

MAKE UP & SKINCARE

MISC. 

Revitalize and Detoxify Skincare for the bold and hungry [Clay mask & Serum]

All Natural~ Organic vibes~
A lot of chemicals in a lot of skincare and make up products these days can cause damages to our skin in the long run so what better way to play it kind of safe by using natural organic products. Although it is a big on the pricer side, BUT when it comes to your skin - you can spend an extra buck or two for good outcomes. Now, I have tried Valentia products in the past and it never disappointed. So I'm coming again with with another two products that are worth mentioning.

Tip: Little goes a long way, especially in the beginning of any start of a new product. So be careful when you start any new product, it may startle your skin at first so slowly ease the new product into your skincare regimen.

for more valentia product review: click here

Valentia Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum - Natural & Organic Ingredients - Includes Wakame (Seaweed), Lactic Acid, Licorice, Gotu Kola and Argan Oil

Not that I need any "lifting" cream at the moment but its never to late to start as a prevention method. I don't use this product often, maybe mostly at night. Using  pea size amount and applying near the areas where fine lines are definitely appearing due to a lot of emotions and my neck area.

Things I've noticed after using this product:

• Soft skin
• the serum itself isn't too heavy on the skin but still heavy for my taste as a going out serum
• it does recommend using it in the evening time (but theres no definite rules in skincare in my opinion)
• ORANGE, CREAMSICLES, CANDY - if you don't like strong smell - this is not for you
• As for results - it seems too soon to really determine, plus due to lack of actualy fine lines and such, I couldn't really tell the benefits in such a short period of time except that my face did feel hydrated. 
• Did not break me out

KEY INGREDIENTS: 

- Wakame Bioferment (Seaweed): Increases skin oxygen consumption to detoxify and boost antioxidant defense.
- Gotu Kola: Lessens the appearance of scars and increases skin firmness.
- Lactic Acid: A natural Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that increases skin cell turnover, for healthier renewed skin.
- Licorice: Lightens unwanted pigmentation and corrects skin discoloration.
- Argan Oil: Naturally rich in Vitamin E, this oil reduced water loss and protects skin's resiliency and elasticity.

Conclusion: for a 20 something year old, this might be just an extra step. Prevention I still agree on but I gravitate more towards combination products with "anti-aging" properties in it. Probably will end up giving it to my mom, but I thought I would give it a try and share my words before I send it off to it's new owner.

You can find the product here

Valentia Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask - Natural and Organic Ingredients - With Kaolin Clay, Hisbiscus & Cranberry Fibers 

If you have REALLY sensitive skin, I would not recommend this - it may be irritating. However if you don't have that problem, this is for you. The mask itself if very grainy, which makes it a great exfoliant. After you scrub and leave it on for a few minutes or however long the instructions states, it becomes a mask! Once rinsed off, my skin felt AMAZING. I personally left it on for about 10 minutes and boom. 

Things I've noticed after using this product:

• soft smooth skin - thanks to the exfoliant
• smell is strong
• no dry patches
• no huge pores
• skin has been getting nicer, clearer

KEY INGREDIENTS

- Kaolin Clay: Clay minerals draw impurities, improve skin tone, and tighten pores for smoother firmer skin. 
- Plant Stem Cells: Naturally decreases the level of pro-aging toxins and works to soother the skin, reduce redness, and improve evenness.
- Spirulina: A botanical stimulant full of vitamins that hydrates the skins surface and contributes to tissue regeneration of the skin.
- CoQ10: Lessens the appearance of wrinkles by reducing free radical damage and stimulating health collagen production.
- Hibiscus & Cranberry Fibers: Both lend their anti-aging properties to firm and reinforce the skin, helping to reduce the creation of new wrinkles.

Conclusion: I'm obsessed with masks and try to do it at least once a week - it is definitely within my rotation of products.
You can find the product here

xoxo

disclaimer: Products provided by Valentia, however, words are 100% my own

The Best of 2015: Beauty/Skincare/Hair Edition

I know I keep interchanging "the best' and "favorites" but you get the idea ;p

In no particular order here are my "The Best of 2015 - Beauty Edition."

May Favorites 2015

Oh hi! My very first "Favorites" video is up and running! I apologize for the shaky audio. I'm not exactly sure what happened. I have pictures and swatches for you all because that's always what I'm curious about when I research my beauty products. So I hope you enjoy!

Product List:

• Etude House Any Cushion (Honey Beige)
• http://tinyurl.com/pkjpgvm

RIGHT: HONEY BEIGE (feat. in video)

LEFT: LIGHT

• Maybelline Color sensational lipstick (Blushing Bud)
• http://tinyurl.com/ov5ncla

• Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade (Dark Brown)
• http://www.sephora.com/dipbrow-pomade-P384060

• Hourglass Gel Liner
• http://www.sephora.com/1-5mm-mechanical-gel-eye-liner-P388106?skuId=1621275

• Radha Beauty Skin Clearing Serum
• http://tinyurl.com/q9oekmb

{REVIEW} InstaNatural Dead Sea Mud Mask

Dead Sea Mud Mask Review

by InstaNatural

Photos by InstaNatural

"About the Product (from their website)"
InstaNatural’s Dead Sea Mud Mask is an all-natural detoxifier and purifier that comes from the renowned and sacred Dead Sea. More than a million visitors each year flock to this extraordinary body of water in the Mediterranean, which contains many minerals beneficial to the skin, such as magnesium, sodium, bromine, potassium and calcium.

Once applied, this mud mask treatment starts working to absorb excess oil, dirt and toxins from the skin. It is great to expunge acne, pimples and blackheads. It also helps to restore an even skin tone for a smoother complexion. When used as a body treatment, the mud mask can soothe and relieve muscles aches and pains.

Whether used on the face or the body, our Dead Sea Mud Mask is a superb in-home spa treatment that will reveal more vibrant, refined, healthier skin.


My Words

I've tried a couple products from this company and I am definitely a HUGE fan! Check out my other reviews!

• INSTANATURAL VITAMIN C MOISTURIZER & CO.

• SUPERIOR HYDRATION ARGAN OIL HAIR MASK & CO.

I am a HUGE facial mask, fanatic. Especially "clay mask" genre. I've tried from drugstore (mint julep) to high end (glam glow) and this one I think is one of the good ones I've tried so far. Mud Mask leaves my face very smooth. The texture of the mask itself is kind of a gelatin consistency however, once it is applied it is creamy and liquidy. It applies a bit transparent (clear-ish) but dries to a matte solid color (gray) finish and is easy to wash off with just your hands and water (no need for a cloth or small towel). Smell is always a huge factor for me and it was decent, not too strong. I didn't have any minty/stinging feeling with this mask.

You can buy it here, I highly recommend the mud mask!

*Disclaimer: Product was provided by InstaNatural; but words/experiences are 100% my own*

xoxo