Product Review: Tried and True Image Skincare Favorites + Giveaway!

Several years ago, I tried my first Image Skincare product and after using it for a few weeks I became a lifelong customer. Finding the right skincare product can be trying and can follow a series of trial and error. It you have sensitive or problematic skin, it can even be emotional to try a product and not see any results or worse yet adverse results.

All my life, I’ve had pretty even skin that tends to dry out and can be sensitive at times. I never really had an issue using any product (as long as I bought the sensitive version of it), but never saw a change in my skin. Not a single product brought my skin to life, evened out the skin tone of my rosy cheeks, or worked with what I had naturally to make it better and stand out. It just did its job in the laziest way possible and I had no results one way or another. None of this is true for Image. After a few weeks, my skin brightened up, I could wear less makeup, and even with long nights nursing babies my skin never looked better.

Skincare Routine + Image Skincare Reviews

If you’ve been reading here for a while, you already know that I sing the praises of Image Skincare products. I’m not kidding when I say that they’ve been life changing for me. Their Cell.U.Lift helped me get rid of stretch marks (check out that review with before and after pictures here), Ormedic Balancing Cleanser made my skin glow, and their tinted moisturizer is hands down the bee’s knees.

 

Here I am with Ellie wearing just their tinted moisturizer

(my brows are filled in)

 

For the last few months, I’ve been using several new products of theirs (along with my old favorites!) and I am so impressed at the change in my skin. Full disclosure, I’ve always had good skin, I can count how many break outs I’ve had, my skin tone is fairly even with some rosy cheeks, but after I gave birth and finished nursing, my skin just look blech. It didn’t glow anymore, my diet and routine hadn’t changed (besides being a milk cow), but my skin just didn’t look as good anymore. Around Halloween, I started using their products in combination and I felt almost an instant change in my skin. I’ve completely stopped wearing foundation altogether, I wear my MAC Studio Fix just in my t-zone now, and have more and more days without makeup altogether (on the weekends/days off).

The MAX Stem Cell Facial Cleanser

Every day I wash my face with their cleanser using an electronic facial brush. I love the smell and it makes my skin so soft. It's acid, sulfate, and paraben free and helps protect skin from environmental pollutants.

Intense Lightening Serum

After my shower at night and first thing in the morning, I massage a few drops of this serum all over my face and into my neck. It’s oil-free and very lightweight, soaking into my skin quickly. The serum help skin discolorations and redness (which I tend to have a lot of in my cheeks) to help achieve a fresh-looking complexion.

Ageless Total Eye Lift Crème

Every night after my shower, I use this eye crème after the serum. It’s formula is a high concentrated blend of retinol (every woman’s favorite) and polypeptides to repair skin. I love the density of this crème, I’ve tried other under eye crèmes, but always felt that they were too thick or too thin and didn’t feel that they really worked. This has helped me looked refreshed in the mornings, even when I’ve been up with a fussy toddler all night.

Iluma Intense Brightening Crème

Each night before bed, I use the crème all over my face and neck. It’s their new brightening crème that’s focused on fading age spots and hyperpigmentation. It helps to even out skin discolorations and helps create a radiant complexion.

Prevention + Daily Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30

This is my must-have item, I use it daily as it’s a mattifying moisturizer. It’s perfectly tinted, gives great even coverage without being heavy or too thin. It soaks in quickly and I layer my makeup over it without issue. It has a built in broad spectrum UVA/UVB high sun protection and gives a great oil-free complexion to start my day. I often use this alone with powder and nothing else.

Ormedic Balancing Lip Enhancement Complex

This has been a saving grace for me several times this winter. My skin easily gets very dry, my lips especially. I’m know to bite and peel my lips (such a bad habit) and this has come to my rescue more times than I can count. Even when they’ve been to the point of cracked and bleeding. The formula is so moisturizing and feels so nice on my lips, plus it has an added benefit of a gorgeous shine. It’s specifically designed to enhance the appearance and volume of your lips and with repeated use will add up to 40% moisture volume to your lips.

With all of their products, it’s a deeply, loving relationship I have for them. They really have helped me feel my best and get my skin to where I want it to be. I recommend them all the time to friends and family when asked for certain products for their skin problems. All of the products mentioned here are parabin free and are mostly for all skin types. When my skin was in the dumps, I could see results almost immediately. I can’t imagine the state my skin would be in without these gems.

FTC: All products were provided to me, all opinions are my own.

Currently...

beanie // tights

1. It’s still hot, hot, hot over here in CA, but I’ve started to dream about boots, booties, jeans, scarves, and tights. I bought this knit beanie from Target this week and I’m dying to wear it outside. I think we need a family trip to Oak Glen…Last year we barely had a fall or winter season, but it’s supposed to be extra cold and rainy this year. We shall see! That’s definitely something I miss about living in Utah- it’s so gorgeous there and I loved the scenery year round. That’s one of the biggest reasons I mostly visit in the winter time too, so I can get a bit of cold and snow to hold me over.

gem crayons (in store) // paint dabbers // purse // beanie and mitten set

2. Even though it’s barely fall and Halloween is just next week, I’m focused on the holidays. I’ve already started my shopping with a few items for stocking stuffers, have made a mental list of items needed to decorate the house, and we’re already drawing our Secret Santa’s for Matt’s side of the family this weekend. Last year, Christmas was a lot of fun and I expect it to only get better as Ellie gets older and understands the holiday more (not just the gifts/Santa stuff). I’m really looking forward to this year and seeing her face light up when she sees the tree and Christmas lights.

mama and me headbands

3. Matching headbands is totally happening soon. I ordered this sweet Olivia Lace set from Willow Crowns and I can’t wait to match with my little mini-me (or mini-daddy depending on the day- she changes so much!). With her fall/winter wardrobe I’ve kept a little bit of what I have and what I’ve bought for her in mind so we can coordinate, but even still, these headbands will do the trick! I have a feeling that Ellie will be just as excited to match as I am.

IMAGE Skincare

4. The last few months, my skin has looked a little so-so. I’ve thought about making an appointment with a dermatologist to see what’s going on and I’ve scoured the beauty aisles at Target, but I just don’t know where to start. I don’t have acne, but my skin isn’t as radiant as it used to be. It just seems blech. That’s why I’m so excited to try some new products from IMAGE Skincare. I’ve been using their products for over a year now (check out my reviews HERE and HERE) and have started to use these new products for just over a week. I told my husband after just a few days I was already convinced that I could see a difference. I’ll definitely be doing a full review in a few weeks.

5. We are taking family pics this weekend with all of Matt's side of the family and I'm so excited to work with Lovers of Love Photography again. We've talked about doing family pics for years and I'm so happy that we're finally doing it.

Happy hump day! Hope your week is going well!

Product Review: Image Skincare Cell.U.Lift and Tinted Moisturizer

As some of you may remember, I’ve been using Image Skincare products for several months, I reviewed their Ormedic line here. I can’t rave enough about the skincare line, it has moved mountains for me in terms of how my skin looks. I’ve started using two more of their products that I just HAVE to share with you guys as well. For one, I’m just that girl who needs to spill every great sale, product, and new trend with everyone. Then for two, I’m a blogger and this is the forum in which I shout it from the rooftops. Then for three, I’ve already talked about one of the products a bit in my weekly Bumpdates. So now, here is the review I’ve been promising you guys!

 Body Spa Cell.U.Lift Firming Body Lotion

Image Skincare was sweet enough to send me their Body Spa Cell.U.Lift Firming Body Lotion after reading my Bumpdate about my Stretch Mark Gate and I’m so thankful they did! I started using the product right away and took a few pictures along the way to document. The marks aren’t completely gone as you can tell in the picture below, but are hardly visible. I’m going to continue to use the product post-baby in the hopes that I don’t get any marks on my belly that may not have been visible beforehand, to prevent any additional marks appearing on the underside of my chest, and to further decrease the visibility of the ones I have now.

The Body Spa Cell.U.Lift Firming Body Lotion smells so yummy, a nice mint scent and the first couple of times of use gives your skin a nice little tingle. It has a soft beige tint to it, absorbs easily into the skin without any residue, and I used the lotion once a day, either at night or in the mornings after my shower, and it never left any type of product on my clothes. I could lather up, get dressed, and be on my way! I love that it rubbed in so quickly and left my skin so soft and without marks.

From their website, the lotion has an EPP complex that’s exclusive to Image to strengthen collagen fibers and reduce the volume of lipid cells and underlying tissue. The lotion isn’t just for expectant mothers, like a belly butter, but is for anyone who has stretch marks or cellulite. The product reduces the appearance of cellulite, increases circulation, and improves skin quality. 

Picture 1: The day I saw the stretch marks

Picture 2: One week of using the Body Spa Cell.U.Lift Firming Body Lotion

Picture 3: 10 Weeks after Picture 2

I focused the product mostly on my chest and belly for stretch marks due to the pregnancy, and saw a significant difference in the reduction of my stretch marks and truly feel that the lotion kept my skin from getting more. This lotion is amazing, just the confidence it’s given to me with the results I’ve had I consider it a holy grail product, it’s incredible and a product I’ll continue to use. This would be a perfect gift for any mother, either just expecting or post-baby to help them prevent or reduce the look of stretch marks and help tighten their skin post-partum.

Prevention+ Daily Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30

The Prevention+ Daily Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30, from their site, "This next generation pure physical broad spectrum UVA/UVB moisturizer provides an even skin tone and healthy glow while protecting against the damaging effects of the sun." You can use it alone or combined with your makeup. I've used it both ways,it's perfect for a day without makeup when you're running errands. There's one shade available and it seems a bit dark, but blended right in perfectly with my skin. It was like magic! You couldn't tell that I had anything on at all, but my skin was evened out and had a little glow to it. It was nice to be able to not wear any makeup, but feel confident in going out with just a bit of coverage that's lightweight and protects against the harsh sun rays.

The moisturizer is good for all skin types, especially those with uneven skin color and tone. It's water resistant so it's perfect for a day at the pool or beach! If you have problem skin, the lotion is oil-free so it shouldn't bother your skin, but still give you a gorgeous tint. I know that there's a lot of hubbub about using more safe products, and this one is Paraben free and chemical free high sun protection. I really love this lotion, it's been wonderful in my daily routine.

Have you had the opportunity to use their line? If you're interested in trying these out, and I highly recommend that you do, call 1-800-796-SKIN to find a location near you that carries the line. Image Skincare has a variety of lines of products that focus on different skin care needs, Prevention, Ageless, Vitamin C, the Ormedic line I reviewed before, etc. If you have any questions about the products I tried, feel free to comment below or send me an email!

FTC disclaimer: Image Skincare provided the products for an honest review, I was not compensated for this post and the opinions above are completely of my own, based on my own experience. 

InstaLately Link Up 20

Best.Mail.Day.Ever. I LOVE Image Skincare products (see my reviews here) and am so happy to try their Body Spa Cell.U.Lift Firming Body Lotion and Prevention+ Daily Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30. Image Skincare has the most amazing products and I can't wait to review these two for you guys!

I posted this for Throwback Thursday #tbt of some of my best girlfriends on a Vegas trip a few years back. Oh how I miss my blond hair and extensions!

The hubs loves SPAM, but I just can't get on bored. I just don't trust canned meats and he made me try it- my verdict: it's ok. I would never want it again or buy it, but he picked some more up when he went to the grocery store -__-

The hubs and I go to the stores the day after every holiday to pick up our favorite sweets, this is the last of our Reese's PB Eggs and they were delicious. The holiday shapes have such a better taste than regular cups, they have a better PB to chocolate ratio I think.

I saw this beauty blender at Target and had to share. So many beauty gurus swear by these sponges and you can find it for a great price now! I didn't buy it myself because I use a brush for my foundation. Have you try this sponge before?

My sister found the perfect pink from Sally Hansen! It's Sweet Talker and for the life of me I haven't be able to find it anywhere. I'll just use hers until I see her next, he he he. This is three coats- the first coat is pretty sheer, but it builds to a pretty shade.

My new F21 top from this post, my lollysheep chain necklace, and day 2 hair/curls. 

I saw this quote on Pinterest, and it's exactly how I've been feeling about the changes about to happen in our lives.

Product Review: Ormedic Skincare Products

Many of you already know that since becoming pregnant, I've been looking for more organic products to use. I've started to really notice the amount of chemicals you use just in getting ready. It's crazy! Although, I'll never give up aerosol hairspray- I just can't do it. When the opportunity came up to review Image Skincare's organic line Ormedic, I couldn't pass it up. Especially after I read their site and what they're all about!

Here's some info, straight from their site:

"The Ormedic Product line combines the latest techniques in medical skincare with fresh, natural ingredients to create balanced, healthy skin. These organic skincare products repair and rebalance skin for a stunning, moisturized look and feel. Moreover, Ormedic products are effective for all skin types. Ormedic organic skincare products contain soothing botanicals that create the perfect accompaniment to unbalanced, sensitive and post-treatment skin."

Um, I'm sold. Especially about the products being for all skin types. I have sensitive skin that dries out easily, and prone to eczema and the pregnancy has made it more so (pretty much every belly butter gave me a horrid rash). I've used all of the below products for a few weeks and none of them have irritated my skin or caused my exczema to flare up. My skin seems to be glowing more than ever even (and not just because of the pregnancy, all I've got from that is more sensitive skin and pimples). I truly LOVE these products, they're amazing!

Ormedic Balancing Facial Cleanser

 
This cleanser smells delicious and clean, but is still pretty subtle, I really love the scent. It removes all of my makeup (including eye makeup) and leaves behind no residue.I use either my fingers or my Olay Pro-X to apply the cleanser, it foams nicely (not too much or too little). You also get a lot of bang for your buck with this product because it's 3 in 1 – cleanser, exfoliator, and toner. I've noticed my skin is a lot more even and I don't need as much coverage from my makeup. I've also stopped user my toner, I just don't have the need to after using this cleanser in the shower. This product would be perfect for all skin types, but especially those with sensitive, treated, or irritated skin.

Ormedic Balancing Soothing Gel Masque

This masque is very gentle, made from organic aloe vera and echinacea to name a few of the great ingredients. I'm always very careful about masques, what I use and how often because again, I have dry skin, my cheeks are ridiculously rosy, and I'm prone to exczema. This masque hasn't dried out or bothered my skin one bit. I use it 2-3 times a week, you just put it all over your face and neck wait 1-5 (the bottle says 5-30) minutes, and rinse with cool water.

Ormedic Balancing Anti Oxidant Serum

I had to save this for last because this stuff is legend....wait for it....dary! I'm not kidding people, this serum is life changing. Head straight to their site, sign up, and order it asap. I use it all over my face, especially under my eyes. You know my fave under eye concealer? I'm not even using it anymore!! No joke. With the pregnancy, my sleep has been chaotic, I wake up every night a few times, I'm up for about an hour, so I should have dark bags, but with the help of this gem, it doesn't even show! It has Japanese green tea and aloe vera and soaks into your skin easily without any residue. It's also for all skin types, restores moisture, and nourishes environmentally damaged skin.

I seriously can't rave enough about these products, I don't think I'll ever use anything else. Consider me a convert. I'm so happy I had the opportunity to review these, because they're simply amazing. I like the packaging too, simple, clear, and streamlined.

Image Skincare's vision is something I really love; everything is made in the USA, is available in 27 countries, paraben free, and the fragrance (they all smell great!) are 100% from essential oils and not some random chemicals you can't pronounce. Also, for your fur lovers, the products aren't tested on animals!

If you're interested in trying these out, and I highly recommend that you do, call 1-800-796-SKIN to find a location near you that carries the line. Although I only tried these three products, Oremedic has a variety of other products in the line and Image Skincare has other lines as well for your skincare needs. If you have any questions about the products I tried, feel free to comment below or send me an email!  

FTC disclaimer: Image Skincare provided the products for an honest review, I was not compensated for this post and the opinions above are completely of my own, based on my own experience.

So, which is more important to you to have done and why?

Also, I'm doing another Q and A so be sure to check out this post and comment with any questions you have for me! The post will be up next week!