REVIEW: Sole Patches shoe inserts

Hello everyone! Today I have a short and sweet review on Sole Patches shoe inserts.

Sole Patches are cushioned stickers that can be applied directly to the ball or the heel of your foot. Alternatively, they can be applied directly onto your shoe to avoid pain in your feet. I chose the latter, as I wanted to get more than just one use out of a pair of patches. If you apply them to your foot, they will only last for one use, but if you apply them into your shoe, they will stay permanently.

 


After trying these in a few pairs of shoes, including the flats below, I can confirm that the shock-absorbing properties of the high tech urethane PORON® (by Rogers Corporation) gave my feet extra padding and cushion with each step. I also love that this materials is antimicrobial, so I don't have to worry about the material getting gross in my shoes.

I was lucky enough to try these during the holiday party season, and these patches helped me avoid tired and sore feet. As Sole Patches' claims promised, I noticed that I could last a bit longer on the dance floor and I stayed a little longer at the party since my feet were more comfortable!



If you have shoes that you don't wear due to foot pain, I highly recommend trying #SoulPatches! They will allow you to wear any shoes you want without sacrificing comfort.

DERMA E: Same Great Formula with Fresh Packaging

Today, I have an exciting review for you. DERMA E has been producing high quality skincare products since 1984, with 100% vegan, cruelty-free formulas that do not contain parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates, petrolatum, mineral oil, artificial colors, gluten, soy or GMOs. I don't know about you, but that sounds like an all-around great line of products to me!

DERMA E came out with a new line of packaging in September 2016. By March 2017, the new packaging design will be in all of DERMA E's retail stores, including Whole Foods, Sprouts, Ulta Beauty and more, with 100% of their line in the new design. 

I was lucky enough to see the new packaging in person, on two of the products in their popular hydrating line: the Hydrating Day Creme in the old packaging and the Hydrating Night Cream in the new packaging. 

On the left is the old packaging, and on the right is the new packaging.

The best part about this packaging roll-out is that DERMA E is keeping the same formula I know, trust and love. DERMA E's eco-ethical formulas remain the same in their fresh new digs, which is a win-win in my book.

This new packaging look is such a fresh change, yet still keeps the DERMA E's unique touch as a brand, as well as the simple lotus design. I love the sophisticated, no-frills, neutral appearance of the new packaging; it looks beautiful on your bathroom counter or vanity. I also love that you can see through the frosted glass jar so you know how much you've used.

On the left is the old packaging, and on the right is the new packaging.

Not only has DERMA E switched up the look of their product packaging, they have also done an overarching rebranding based on the brand's heritage, mission and values. Check out their updated website, which beautifully complements the packaging rebranding.

I'm very impressed with DERMA E's decision to rebrand and the way it has been excuted. The simple, clean branding that DERMA E has adopted is gorgeous and eye-catching. Have you seen the new DERMA E packaging at stores near you? Let me know what you think!

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REVIEW: Valentia Night Revive Retinol Serum

As you know by reading Urban Mannequin, I am a huge fan of Valentia skincare. I recently got the opportunity to try the Night Revive Retinol Serum, one of the brand's newest products, which is a transformative retinol serum that works to prevent wrinkles, increase hydration, and rejuvenate your skin.

This serum is the perfect addition to my nightly skincare routine due to its anti-aging benefits and quality ingredients. My favorite features of this product are that it stimulates collagen, improves skin tone, and conditions your skin using the following key ingredients:

• Retinol (Vitamin A): This ingredient starts at the cellular level to fight winkles, control acne, and even out hyperpigmentation.
• Vitamin C: This anti-aging vitamin protects your skin against environmental elements to prevent premature wrinkles.
• Vitamin E: Another amazing vitamin that provides intense hydration to decrease the drying nature of retinol.
• Squalane: This hydrating ingredient is derived from olive oil to moisturize and condition sensitive skin.
  

I highly recommend this product if you are looking for a new serum for your nighttime skincare routine. It feels luxurious on the skin and I love the results! You can try out Valentia's Night Revive Retinol Serum by clicking here. You can also check them out on Facebook and on Instagram. 

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Review: Valentia Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer

Hello, everyone! I'm back on the blog with another review of a Valentia skincare product. As you know, I am a big fan of Valentia products; I have tried serums, masks and moisturizers, and each has been high quality and nourishing for my skin. 

Today, I will be telling you about the Valentia Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer. This product comes in a bottle with a pump. I love moisturizers that come with a pump because it is convenient and prevents germs; I hate sticking my fingers into a moisturizer in a jar. The product inside the bottle is a lightweight, fast-absorbing cream that gives your skin a beautiful, healthy, and hydrated glow.

The Pure Glow moisturizer is supposed to lighten dark spots, restore skin's radiance, diminish fine lines and hydrate for 24 hours. After using the product for several weeks, I agree with all of these claims. My skin feels healthier and more illuminated, and I believe Valentia's key ingredients are to thank for that.

Firstly, the Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer contains Botanical Hyaluronic Acid, which prodives skin with moisture, increased elasticity, and a plumped appearance.

The next key ingredient is Kojic Acid, which controls melanin production to prevent dark spots from forming.

Then, there is Ginseng, which boosts collagen, fights wrinkles, and brightens skin. 

Another key ingredient is Safflower Oil. This oil repairs your skin's natural moisture barrier.

Finally, this moisturizer contains Shea Butter, which contains vitamins and nutrients for hydrated, supple skin.
I love that this product comes with four ounces of moisturizer; it should last me a few months, and I will definitely repurchase when I've finished this bottle.

Check out more from Valentia on their Instagram and their Facebook. I highly recommend that you try out these products for yourself to see how they change your skin for the better.

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REVIEW: Valentia Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask

Hello! Today I have a review for you on Valentia's NEW Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask that features natural and organic ingredients. But, it is Valentia, so what else would you expect from such a great skincare brand?

The key ingredients in this mask make it easy to see why it's such a powerful skincare tool.

Kaolin clay minerals draw out impurities, even skin tone, and decrease the appearance and size of pores for smoother, firmer skin. 

Plant stem cells are also in this mask. They help to naturally decrease the level of toxins that cause premature aging. They also work to soothe your skin, reduce redness, and improve texture and tone.

The next key ingredient is spirulina, a botanical stimulant full of vitamins that moisturize the surface of the skin and contribute to tissue regeneration.

This next ingredient, CoQ10, decreases the appearance of wrinkles by reducing free radical damage and stimulating collagen production. Hello, face lift in a jar!

The final key ingredients are hibiscus & cranberry fibers that have anti-aging properties to firm the skin, reducing the creation of new wrinkles.

With a list of ingredients such as those, what's not to like? Valentia always impresses me with its attention to detail in regard to the ingredients used in its products. Not many other brands have a list that long of active ingredients in their products. I would recommend this detoxifying, moisturizing mask to anyone looking to improve their skin. 

Check out Valentia on Facebook and Instagram for more natural skincare and beauty.

FTC Note: Mask provided free for review purposes courtesy of BrandBacker.

Review: Valentia Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum

Hi again! I have another new product to tell you about from Valentia. The Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum has a potent, luxurious lactic acid formula that renews your skin's texture & tone and supports natural circulation for an all-over refreshed, bright complexion. Like Valentia's other serums, this one also deeply moisturizes your skin, minimizes fine lines, increase elasticity and evens hyperpigmentation.


My favorite part of Valentia's products are their amazing contents. This particular serum contains the following powerful ingredients:

-Wakame Bioferment (seaweed) to ramp up the skin's oxygen consumption to detoxify

-Gotu Kola to decrease the appearance of scars and increase firmness

-Lactic Acid to increase cell turnover for renewed skin

-Licorice (!) to lighten unwanted pigmentation and correct skin discoloration - how cool is this?! I never knew that licorice is good for the skin.

-Argan Oil, which is naturally rich in vitamin E, reduces water loss and protects skin's resiliency



What a list! As you can see, Valentia packs a punch with their ingredients, and their Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum is no exception. After using it over the past couple weeks, my skin has become noticeably softer, and I think I may notice some of my hyperpigmentation fading.

Please check out Valentia on Instagram and Facebook to learn more about the brand that will change your skin. I guarantee you won't regret it!

FTC Note: I received these samples free for testing from BrandBacker.

Review: MAKE Beauty Silk Cream Lipstick and Matte Finish Eyeshadow

Hi there! Today I'm bringing you a review of two products from MAKE Beauty (http://www.makebeauty.com). This is a cutting-edge beauty line based in NYC that is paraben-free and doesn't test on animals.

First up is the Silk Cream Lipstick in Taffy. I mean, firstly, how cute is this small lipstick?! It packs vivid, saturated color that moisturizes your lips with vitamins and rosehip, soybean and safflower oils. If that weren't enough, this lipstick formula also contains aloe and chamomile extracts to condition lips even more. It retails in the full size (0.12 oz.) for $25. I am excited to try out other colors from this line, but Taffy is the perfect my-lips-but-better shade.

As you can see, the color looks very similar to my natural lip color.

Look how tiny it is! 

The other product sample I received to try is the Matte Finish Eyeshadow in Alabaster. This sample is adorable, as well! Can all makeup be miniature? Anyway, this is a highly pigmented, crease-resistant shadow formula that contains vitamins C and E to provide antioxidant protection to your eyelids. The full size (0.10 oz.) retails for $25.

After trying out both of these samples for the past couple of weeks, I am really impressed with the formulas of both products. I would highly recommend this line to anyone interested in makeup!

Enjoy a special 20% off sitewide on Makebeauty.com with the code MAKEYOURSELF, valid through May 31.

FTC Note: I received these samples free for testing from BrandBacker.