Cellulite Be Gone! Body Merry's Cellulite Defense Gel-Cream

I've always, always, ALWAYS had a body image issue. I think the problem is deep-rooted in the fact that I was overweight as a kid, and my classmates let me know it. From the time I was in Elementary school, I've struggled with my weight, my skin, my hair, EVERYTHING! And when I say "struggle", I don't mean that I couldn't keep it under control. I mean that no matter how "pretty" whatever aspect was, I still lacked the self-confidence it took to realize that IT DIDN'T MATTER what people were constantly thinking of me.

Flash forward to my first day of college. One of the events on campus was to be a splash party and I knew this a month or so in advance. I. Was. Horrified. I was 17 going into a campus of hundreds of kids my own age and older. To go to this party, I'd have to wear a swimsuit bottom (you KNOW it was the short type!). I immediately ran out to get cellulite cream, as my sister had made a comment about it as I was swimming that summer (thanks, Hailey!). I could NOT let that happen again! I picked up the Equate Cellulite Lotion (Wal-Mart brand) and began using it. It didn't take long for my thighs and arms to start bruising. Yes, BRUISING! I'm not sure what it was in the formula, but my doctor said that the bruising would go away, but I had to STOP using the cream. It had thinned out my skin and veins. On the plus side, nobody saw my cellulite because they were too busy wondering if I'd tell them about Fight Club.

When asked to review a free sample of Body Merry's Cellulite Defense Gel-Cream, I had instant flashbacks to the bruising caused by the other cream I'd tried. I decided that it was worth a shot (I'm over the self-consciousness of cellulite...but hey...it wouldn't hurt to get rid of it!). I decided at the first sign of bruising, I would stop use, and compare the ingredients between the two formulas. Luckily, I never bruised! There are a few other good things about the product, though. For one, it's doesn't stink or smell chemical-y. The formula glides on, doesn't make a mess, and absorbs quickly. Body Merry's products always supply a generous amount, and this cream is no different. A little goes a LONG way for me, so I know this tub will last a long while. The lid is easy to get on and off (don't you hate it when a lid is cheaply made and it skips the track??) and the label is professionally designed. It's very eye-catching!

I know that a product like this will have to work over time, so I will write an update at a later date. For now, though, my skin is left feeling soft and smooth and firm. I'm seeing a gradual difference, but the most I've seen is in my arms. They are much firmer. Overall, I have to say it's a winner! I mean, I didn't bruise and my skin! ;)

Buying Technoskin's 3DS Case Isn't A HARD Decision (but it IS Hard Enough to Protect your System!)!

Recently, I was selected to review Technoskin's 3DS case! I was REALLY excited, because my husband carries his system around in his pocket. There's a couple of things wrong with that: 1. It's getting scratched up. Whether he's got it out on the counter or it's rubbing against keys, etc. in his pocket, I've noticed that the system is looking rough. 2. It's much easier for something small to fall out of his pocket unnoticed than something bulkier and heavier. His workplace is completely carpet. He would never hear it if it fell out! 3. He had no way to keep our games organized, or even in one place! If I worried about the 3DS falling out, imagine my worry over the games!

 I would have been fine with a very, very basic, box-with-a-zipper style case. However, what I got was so much cooler! :) I didn't expect the exterior to be as hard as it is! That makes me think that it would be a good barrier against falls or pressure. It's not going to stand up to being ran over, but it's pretty durable feeling!

The zipper is high quality. It didn't lock up or get snagged or resist being zipped up at all. Typically, zippers and I don't get along. In fact, all of my coats have buttons! Haha! This zipper operates smoothly and didn't give us any trouble at all. Inside, on the interior wall of each side of the case, you find two mesh pockets. We assume that one is to hold the DS in place and the other is to hold accessories like a stylus or charger. In the middle, there is a flap that has slots for eight games. AWESOME! A way to keep these secure and from rolling around! This keeps you from having to collect them in your hand and go through them to find what you want.

The flap and interior are lined in a soft grey color and the flap is pretty plush! Finally, as mentioned before, the price, at $19.99 is better than you will find most cases at national chain stores! Buy your case here. Overall, I think this case is of great quality and will serve us well! :) I (we) highly suggest it!

A Powerful Trio for Skincare! + Dermarolling Facts

I'm pretty sure it's mandatory for me to start freaking out about my skin now. If I could, I would go back to my 12-22 year old self, slap her, and tell her that she's committing MURDER on her skin by sleeping in makeup!! If I hadn't done that for TEN YEARS, I can imagine how glowing, beautiful, and youthful my skin would look. Unfortunately, I was STUPID. YES, STUPID. If you're reading this, and you SLEEP IN YOUR MAKEUP...STOP! Stop being STUPID!

Ok...rant over.

But seriously...it's really bad for your skin and you shouldn't do it.

So where does one begin when wanting to undo the damage?

Through research, I've found a few solutions. One of them, dermarolling, sounds really crazy at first, but I SWEAR by it now that Petunia Skincare has provided me with a dermaroller to use for review purposes.

In my research, I found that there are several different options for someone looking to begin dermarolling. First, you have to consider your tool. The longer needles penetrate deeper and stimulate the skin on a deeper level. The shorter needles are for daily use (.25 length and below) and help your skincare products absorb better.

What does dermarolling do, though? The idea behind dermarolling is to damage your skin, but in a helpful way. The surgical needles on the head of the roller puncture the skin. This activates your body's need to heal, which sends healing collagen through all of the microchannels rather than scar-forming collagen (like you would expect for bigger wounds). New collagen and elastin forms. Why it works this way isn't 100% understood yet, but clinical studies show that firming fibers increase by at least 200% with regular use. These micro-punctures allow your product to go deeper under the skin, which allows them to be more effective in their results.

Now...it's important to remember that you are inflicting damage, on some level, to your skin. Obviously, this isn't an every day thing unless you have the proper sized needle. I wouldn't recommend it EVERY day, anyway, as it leaves you feeling a little sunburned.

There's a photo floating around the internet of Kim Kardashian with a bloody face after dermarolling. Remember...she's at a dermatologists' office and has very specific areas that she wants "lifted". Obviously, you won't do something that extreme at home. Dermarolling from home doesn't involve major needles or blood. If someone tells you that you CAN use a huge needle at home...run away. FAR away, because you will end up ruining your face!

Because the skin is damaged and then healing collagen is sent to your skin to heal it, dermarolling is ideal for acne scars and discoloration. Basically, you're replacing what's there with something better. I did notice an immediate difference in coloration! I was excited about that, as someone who has very mild scarring. I would love to see the results of someone who had heavy scarring!

Here is a breakdown of the problems and needle sizes you would need:

Sun Damaged or Aging Skin: 1.0-1.5
Loose Skin: 1.5
Fine Wrinkles 1.0-1.5
Individual Deep Wrinkles: Large, Single Use Needle
Absorption of Skincare Products: .3 on face .5 on body
Uneven Pigmentation or Acne Spots: .5-1.0 (DO NOT USE ON MOLES)

Another point that I should bring up is that dermarolling works on necks and bodies. I have seen, in my research, several women using it for their stretchmarks. It helps to make them not as deep and pigmented.

My experience with dermarolling was fantastic. I received the 1.0 size for review purposes, and with my research, I sadly saw that I can only use it once per month. I was addicted from the first time! The roller doesn't FEEL like needles. It's pokey, but I would never guess that it's puncturing the skin. The needles are very sharp, easy to clean, and painless. The handle is very high quality and durable, it is a hard plastic. I'm no scientist, but I would say that this plastic is non-porous so that it doesn't absorb bacteria and dirt.

It was painless. However, when I finished rolling my skin (you roll all over with four to five strokes in each direction) and applied my Petunia Skincare Anti-Aging Serum, I felt a bit of a sting. My skin was pretty red, also, but it faded within an hour or so (so do it on a weekend!).

My skin was softer that it's ever been in my entire life!! And when the redness faded, my skin GLOWED! The anti-aging skin serum that I used with my dermaroller was the PERFECT cherry on top. My skin was soft before applying it...but after....wow! Even when I'm not dermarolling, the serum leaves my skin feeling refreshed (not greasy at all! A concern of mine because I have greasy skin), bright, and even.

In addition, I tried the eye serum. The aspect of this serum that impressed me the most was the lifting quality. The area around my eye felt hydrated and tighter. This helped with my BAGS! As someone who is very sensitive to scent, I appreciated that it was scentless. It's hard to use a product that goes on your face that has an irritating scent! The eye serum has a gel-like quality that makes it easy to control in application. It cools and soothes on contact.

Overall, I've been very impressed by Petunia Skincare's products. The packaging is very professional looking and the products are quality. I love the way my skin looks, and I feel that my treatment of my skin is on the mend! Who knows! I may get back to looking the way I SHOULD have if I hadn't abused my skin over the years!

Zenwise Labs: Hair Growth Vitamin with DHT Blocker!

Hello, guys!


In the spirit of supplements and hair growth, I've decided to review another product that I received a while back. This one is Zenwise Labs' Hair Growth Vitamins + DHT Blocker. That way, you, dear readers, have options and different products to sort of compare and contrast. Compared to my last product, this one is slightly different. Regardless, the benefits, after two weeks of taking the supplement, showed themselves. 

A few things that I loved:


* Easy-to-open bottle. I had no issues getting into it! 
* The small capsule size made it easy to swallow. Some capsules are made of material that easily gets caught in your throat. With this capsule, you don't have that problem! 
*The ingredients are all natural! In fact, here's a list! 

Key Ingredients:
Biotin
MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane)
Grapeseed Extract
Saw Palmetto
Pumpkin (Seed-Curcubita Pepo)(4:1)
Gotu Kola (Herb-Centella Asiatica) (4:1)
Ginkgo Biloba (Leaf)
L-Lysine Hcl
L-Proline
Kelp
Citrus Bioflavanoids
Nettle (Leaf-Urtica Dioica)
Catalase
Resveratrol


 *It WORKS! I noticed significant nail growth within two weeks of beginning the product. My nails were stronger, grew more quickly, and grew to a longer length. In fact, I got to see the progress first-hand when I accidentally slammed off my toe nail! I expected it to take FOREVER to grow back but within the span of a week and a half....it was back! 

*There's no "funky" odor when you open the bottle!

*There's no need to take four or five pills a day as with other hair growth supplements I've used! That was a major plus. You can take one or you can take two!

Overall, I would highly suggest using Zenwise Labs' Hair Growth Vitamins + DHT Blocker if you're looking to jumpstart your hair health or grow it long!

Until next time!