InstaNatural Eye Gel and More - A Review

Each time I try a new InstaNatural product, I wonder why I've only recently discovered this fantastic company and their products. This time I got the opportunity to InstaNatural's Youth Express Eye Gel. In addition, I was also able to try their Youth Express Eye Serum and Advance Action Retinol Moisturizer.

I have been using Youth Express Eye Gel each morning and I've been very happy with the product and results. The cooling feeling is great to depuff my eyes and it has helped to diminish the fine lines around my eyes. I've noticed a slight diminishing of my dark circles. To be fair, my dark circles are chronic, I have yet to find an eye product that lessens them drastically.

I've been using the Retinol Moisturizer every night after washing my face, along with the Youth Express Eye Serum.

All of these products have been fantastic and would be great additions to anyone's beauty regime. Both products can be used morning and evening. I've been using the Youth Express Eye Gel in the morning and the Youth Express Serum in the evening. This has worked really well for me. I used the Retinol Moisturizer both morning and night. I've noticed a evening effect in my skin tone and my skin feels smoother, overall.

I love that InstaNatural's products are made in the USA and are not tested on animals. Their products are also free of alcohols, sulfates or parabens. Being the product junkie that I am, it's wonderful to find a company and products that I feel good about using and they actually work well, if not better than some of the more expensive products I've tried over the years. Their products are available exclusively online either via their website, or on Amazon.com.


Note: I received these products in exchange for my review. The thoughts I've expressed here are my own. In fact, you'll remember that a few weeks ago I published this post about their Argan Oil hair mask and Pure Argan Oil and Vitamin C Serum. I loved the Vitamin C Serum so much (and so did {msL}) that it's empty and I ordered a new bottle.

All About the Eyes

The quotations about eyes are endless.

"The eyes shout what the lips fear to say." - William Henry

"The eyes are the window to the soul." - traditional proverb

"I see my future when I look in your eyes." - KISS

 

For me, if my eyes don't look finished, I don't feel good. Some days that just means concealer and mascara. As many of your know I have been plagued with dark, under eye circles. I also have pale lashes. If I only chose a couple of make up products, after SPF, concealer and mascara would be on the top of my list. But there are other items that I've come to love recently and most days I do the whole eye (eyeshadow, mascara, liner, and concealer). I had to share some of old and new faves.

 

 

 

• Physicians Formula Sexy Booster Volume Mascara - The dense brush makes for long separate lashes. They don't feel clumpy and I love that the tube dispenses just the right amount.

• Cle de Peau Concealer (beige) - This is my holy grail. I could live without anything but this. It's the priciest item a buy but one tube lasts me a year and I use it every day, sometimes more than once a day. It's the only concealer I've ever found that covers my dark circles and I've tried them all. It'd very dense but it covers anything.

• Revlon Colorstay Skinny Eyeliner (black) - The tiny brush is perfect for a barely there line or to do a great cat eye, without ending up with terrible smudges. It stays on all day.

• Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (anti - aging) - I'm a huge fan of Urban Decay and especially the Eyeshadow Primer. I have oily eyelids and it's the only thing that makes my eyeshadow stay put all day. Without it my eyeshadow is history in a few hours.

• ROC Rentinol Correxion Sensitive Eye Cream - I apply eye cream day and night. This one really works and it's still gentle. It also provides a great base for my concealer.

• Maybelline The NUDES palette - I debated about buying this palette because I didn't love all of the colors. I've surprised myself. I use most of them on a regular basis. Because I love bright lipstick so much, I always lean toward a more neutral eye. It even has a guide on the back that illustrates different shadow combinations.

Most of these products can be found at your local drugstore. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer is available at Ulta and Sephora and Cle de Peau is available at high-end department stores like Nordstrom and Saks.

 

photo credit (back of package) - Nouveau Cheap



Makeup - Layering Isn't Just for Clothes

One of the best lessons I've learned, in the many years I've been applying my makeup, layering.  To get the best results you need to layer products.  We are constantly taught to layer clothing but layering makeup products is rarely taught.  All sorts of companies claim that their products are "All in One".  They say, you can save time and you only need this one step.  Well, that's a great pipe dream but I've rarely found one product that does it all.  My eyes are the place I do the most layering, on my lashes and under my eyes.

Layering - Concealer

I have chronic dark circles. I've mentioned them before. The battle to cover them has been raging ever since I started wearing makeup. Sleep helps a little but they are never completely gone.  My sister shares this same struggle and my mom has a hint of them, so I know they're hereditary. I could live without blush, eyeshadow and even lipstick but I can't live without concealer. The first step is a depuffing roller and serum.  I use Garnier. I follow with a rich eye cream, like Physicians Formula Intensive Wrinkle Corrector Eye Cream. Moisturizing is crucial for concealer. Then I add Benefit Lemon Aid on the darkest areas.  It neutralizes the bluish tones.  Then I add Cle de Peau concealer, with a brush. It's my miracle product. It covers better than any concealer I've ever used. It's pricey but a tube lasts me almost a year and it's worth every penny. I follow with a long wearing creamy concealer (like Revlon ColorStay concealer).  Then I finish with a light dusting of powder to set it all. This multilayer combination virtually eliminates my chronic and very dark circles, which is an amazing accomplishment.

Layering - Mascara

Mascara is another layering trick.  I heard this tip from a makeup artist and I never gone back to just one mascara.  A few months ago I started using Physicians Formula Eye Booster Eyeliner + Serum.  I was skeptical that it would really grow my lashes.  I'd tried drugstore serums before but to be honest, I wasn't consistent with use.  I use eyeliner daily and got it on sale.  It gets fantastic reviews.  I have to say, it lives up to the reviews and the hype.  My short stubby lashes really are longer and fuller.  I love this product!  I apply my liner first then I begin layering mascara.  I start with Maybelline Lash Stiletto.  It lengthens my lashes and defines them.  Then I add Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume mascara (or another volume type mascara).  Last I use Clinique Bottom Lash mascara to get the inner and outer corners of my eyes.  I know it's for lower lashes but the tiny brush is perfect for the tight corners of my eyes and my lower lashes too. This layering process gives me thick, long lashes without false lashes or extensions. It works great. I love many of the expensive mascaras but frankly, I've found great economical options at the drugstore that work just as well for me as the pricey brands.  I get three different mascaras for the price of one high end brand.  Clinique is a department store brand but the lower lash mascara is only $10 at Sephora.

Do you layer any of your products?

Fall Beauty Trends 2012 - Budget Options

The runway shows don't just start fashion trends, they also start beauty trends.  Designers use hair, makeup and nails to compliment their designs and create a complete look.  There are lots of trends to try this fall.  I selected a few of my favorites from the runway.

You don't have to spend a fortune to try a new beauty look.  There are products and tools available at your local drugstore or discount store. 

Texture and Volume
Many of the same tools and products that work for texture also work for volume and vice versa.  A root volumizer, dry shampoo, and a teasing brush topped with hair spray can create a style with texture or with retro volume. The techniques are also similar. With volume, you'll just need to smooth the outer surface layer.

Flushed Cheeks
Cheeks that are flushed have the look that you've been in the sun or out in the cold.  The color looks like it's coming from within.  Using a cream or gel blush or a stain will give you this look better than a powder.  These products will also last longer.

Deep Red Lips
Rich plums, burgundies and maroons are the colors of fall lips.  Prep is key when wearing dark lipstick.  Exfoliate your lips using a lip scrub or just your wash cloth.  Then add a light coat of lip balm.  These steps will help your lipstick to wear longer and will reduce feathering.  If you are wearing lip stain, exfoliate but skip the lip balm.

Winged Eyes
The beauty of a winged eye is that you can go subtle or bold.  You can get the same effect with liquid or gel eyeliner, depending on your personal preference.  This tutorial from The Beauty Department will help you with the basics. The drama is up to you.

Hair Accessories
Statement hair accessories are an easy way to dress up a simple hair style.  There are lots inexpensive options at discount and accessory stores.  Select something that fits your personal style. Sparkly or geometric, clips or headbands, the possibilities are endless.

Sophisticated Nail Art
This fall nail art is all about metallics, classic colors, reverse french manicures and half moons.  Nudes, navys, and chrome dominated the options on the runway.  The designs were sleek and simple. They'll fit in at the office as well as a night out. If you've shied away from nail art because it was too young and cutesy, these fall options may be right up your alley.

They key to any trend is to make it work for you.  It's also a fun chance to try something completely new.  Pick up some inexpensive products from your local drugstore and try a trend on for size.  I recommend CVS (if there is one in your area) because of their extremely liberal return policy. You can return any nonprescription item within 30 days, with your receipt (open or unopened).  I just tried out a new deep red lip stain.  After trying it out, I knew the color wasn't right for me. I returned it to CVS and got a full refund.  That's no risk shopping!

I'll be trying out lots of these trends over the next few months.  Will you be trying anything new?