In the summer, nearly everyone has an issue with their skin.  For me, no matter if I wash twice a day, my skin will quickly get oily and my pores clogged.  I am a huge fan of facial masks, no matter what the season, so I was excited to try out a mask you can DIY: Zakia’s Morocco Moroccan Ghassoul Clay Mask.

A weekly mask with natural and organic clay from deep inside the Ancient Atlas Mountains of Morocco are the perfect skin treatment for cleaning, detoxifying, toning and rejuvenating. A facial mask treatment made from Ghassoul clay can be relaxing and give your skin a new healthy glow. Ghassoul clay’s most impressive properties in skin improvement are its capacity of absorption and adsorption due to its high level of ion exchange. Ghassoul is a mineral rich, light brown clay that blends extremely well with water making its application to the face and skin a smooth and delightful experience. Use on skin and hair – it even makes for a fabulous shampoo; mix a small amount of powder in your favorite shampoo – wash and rinse. Super cleansing!

What is so cool about this mask is not only can you mix it to your own specifications, you can use it in several different ways!

I first used the powder itself, mixed with water, to make a facial mask.

The clay itself doesn’t have any scent to speak of, so that should appeal to those with more sensitive skin.

The recommended instructions call for one part clay to be mixed with five parts water, but for my preference I found this to be way, way too thin.  The photo above shows one heaping tablespoon of Moroccan Ghassoul Clay combined with two tablespoons of water.  This made more than enough to completely cover my entire face.

The mask, even when nearly dry, was really easy to wash off–I didn’t need the help of a washcloth at all! I could immediately feel the results of the clay working on my pores; my skin felt tighter, more radiant, and refreshingly clean.

I also had enough of the mask left to add to my regular shampoo and use to wash my hair.  My hair definitely felt squeaky clean, but I would use extra conditioner as the clay may strip your hair of its’ natural protective oils.

I loved being in control of mixing my own beauty product.  I can’t wait to make an even larger batch of Zakia’s Morocco Moroccan Ghassoul Clay Mask to use on other parts of my body!

Zakia’s Morocco is offering my readers a special discount in their purchase!  Visit www.zakiasmorocco.com and enter code ZMBLOG-208 at checkout to save 20%.  Even better–the Moroccan Ghassoul Clay Mask is on sale right now!

In the past couple of years, argan oil has exploded in popularity, and with good reason–it has several amazing benefits in various beauty products.  I recently got the opportunity to try out argan oil products for the first time ever, from Pura D’Or.

Here’s a bit more about the company:

For more than four years, Pura d’or has been growing a culture planted on a natural set of values and beliefs. But when all is said and done it comes down to one unified mission—to create organic personal care solutions that naturally work.

All our ingredients are grown on trees, not in test tubes. Our products are artisanally handcrafted by a hybrid team of artists and scientists, not by machines. Some say that this is a step backward, but we believe that this is a step in the direction of how things should be.

Pura d’or creates better beauty products from ingredients that are not only naturally beneficial, but are also sustainably grown and raised with respect for the animals that eat them and the people who produce them.

The Pure and Organic Argan Oil is great for skin! It’s 100% cold pressed. It helps create smoother skin, restores nutrients to cells and reduces scars.

A couple of drops definitely go a long way.  I was at first nervous to put oil on my face, which already gets pretty oily by the end of the day.  But rather than making my face slick or greasy, the argan oil absorbed right into my skin, making it super soft.  This is not something I would use in the summer, as I have a feeling it might be a bit too much for my face then, but in winter it’s perfect to keep my skin from drying out from too much indoor heat.

The Premium Organic Argan Oil Based Hair Loss Prevention Shampoo is one of a kind. It contains 12 DHT Blockers, creates thicker hair and prevents from further hair loss.

I definitely noticed much less hair going down the drain after using this shampoo JUST ONCE.  As most shampoos made without chemicals, this one does not lather a ton, so if you’re used to more commercial shampoos, you may think your hair is not getting clean, and finding the right amount to use takes some getting used to. But you will be left with heavenly scented (you’d better like rosemary!), stronger hair immediately.

The Premium Organic Argan Oil Based Conditioner adds texture, shine and volume to hair. Pura D’or shampoos and conditioners are free from SLS, Parabens and Gluten!

I absolutely love the scent of this conditioner…lavender vanilla is one of my favorites and surprisingly hard to find in bath and body products.  Aside from that, the conditioner works well at controlling frizz and flyaways, which is very important to me with the spring and summer months coming up.  You only need about a nickel sized dollop for shoulder length hair, and this conditioner rinses away easily and never leaves hair feeling weighed down.

Showing the textures: shampoo on the left, conditioner on the right.

All of Pura D’Or’s products are made with only all natural ingredients with no harsh chemicals. They  are animal cruelty free, USDA biobase certified and doctor trusted.

Pura D’Or’s website shop is offering great deals right now, such as free shipping on most orders, and 20% for first time orders!

DISCLAIMER: This post powered by BrandBacker.  I received free product for review purposes, but no other compensation was given. My thoughts and photos contained herein are my own.

I had never before heard of marula oil before trying Dial’s new Miracle Oil Body Wash, but I’m very happy that I’ve discovered it!

Marula Oil is meant to nourish and deeply hydrate your skin while protecting it from skin-damaging free radicals.  To have this skin protectant in a body wash form is awesome–you don’t even have to think about your skin needing it during the day.

The miracle oil body wash has a light scent, somewhat floral, but I would think it’d be OK for both men and women to use.  The formula makes a very rich, creamy lather and rinses off easily.

For winter skin that’s trying to shed its’ dryness in preparation for spring and summer, Dial Miracle Oil Body Wash is just perfect.  Even though the wash is made with oil, it does not leave skin feeling greasy at all.  My elbows and knees still have a way to go before being shorts-season ready, so by pairing this body wash with a great body cream I think my skin will improve greatly!

Find out more about this and other Dial products on their Facebook page.

We’ve known for a while that the waters of the Dead Sea have some sort of beneficial effect on skin.  The salty water and earth of the Sea have been used in tons of beauty products lately, such as scrubs, soaps, toners, and more.  I got the opportunity to try out a Dead Sea Mud Mask from InstaNatural, as well as an Advanced Action Retinol Moisturizer!

Manufacturer Information about the Dead Sea Mud Mask:

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.

This mud mask is a huge jar, and I can tell that it will last me a very long time!  Just from one use, this is all that was removed…and I could have gone with less, as I think I put it rather thicker than it should have been.

The texture is not unlike that of chocolate pudding, to be honest, although there are some small bits that don’t offer much in the way of grittiness.

There’s not really any scent to be noted.  Upon first putting the mask on, I noticed a cool tingling.  I liked it quite a bit.  My main issue was that as the mask went through the process of drying on my face, it began to itch.  This irritate me to the point where I definitely had to wash it off before the full 15 minutes was up, but I think my skin may be more on the sensitive side.

I did feel an immediate softness on my face after using the mud mask.  I think I will be most interested in using this mask on the rougher parts of my body, such as elbows and feet!

I had heard of retinol before, but I was never really sure what its’ benefits were. That’s why I was excited to test this moisturizer.

Manufacturer Information about the Advanced Action Retinol Moisturizer:

Harness the extraordinary power of retinol with InstaNatural’s Advanced Action Retinol Moisturizer… perfect for night and day. InstaNatural’s restorative cream contains a robust formula of handpicked ingredients designed to improve your complexion. Retinol (Vitamin A) promotes healthier skin and helps to reverse the signs of aging, while Vitamin C & Green Tea strengthen skin to protect against external aggressors that cause damage. In addition, Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba Oil & Shea Butter deeply moisturize the skin to provide long-lasting hydration.

Using InstaNatural’s moisturizing cream daily will help to transform older, damaged skin into a healthier and youthful appearance by: diminishing the appearance of wrinkles & fine lines; reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, such as sun spots, age spots and dark spots; helping control breakouts and reducing blemishes, restoring firmness and elasticity of skin, evening skin tone & texture; and delivering ultimate moisturize for soft, supple skin.

I love that this moisturizer dispenses from a pump, and one pump dispenses just enough to cover my face.  The texture is perfect, not too thick but not too thin.  It glides easily on the face and take very little time to absorb.  I began to feel that my face was softer and more hydrated after only a couple of uses.  One important thing to mention about using a facial product with Retinol–being out in the sun can lead to more damage.  So, I will be using this as strictly a night time moisturizer.

I was very impressed with both products I received from InstaNatural.  I’m also happy to say both the Dead Sea Mud Mask and Retinol Moisturizer are made in the USA and animal cruelty free!

Best of all, InstaNatural offers a 100% money back guarantee for all its’ products.

**DISCLAIMER: I received free product from the company above to test for this post.  No other compensation was given, and my photos and opinions are my own. Powered by BrandBacker.

With the scorching hot Louisiana summer we have had thus far, I was very much looking forward to trying a new body wash that seems perfect for cooling off. Luckily, new Dial Coconut Water body wash in Refreshing Mango scent seemed to be just the ticket.

Here’s a bit of product information about the body wash.

 Treat your skin to twice the tropical refreshment with every shower. The rich lather of this body wash is infused with coconut water, known to be rich in hydrating antioxidants and electrolytes. While the scent of juicy, ripe mango leaves skin feeling fresh, clean and delectably fragrant.

The juicy mango scent is definitely the star of this show!  Even before you lather up, you can tell that the scent is strong.  It becomes even more so when you put it on your loofah–lathering up is a fantastic sensory experience.  The scent also stays on your skin well after you’re done drying off.

Dial body wash always lathers quite well and generously for me, and this new formula was no exception.  With just a quarter sized squirt, you will have tons of rich bubbles that rinse off easily.

Dial Refreshing Mango is a great addition to the Coconut Water body wash line, and a perfect way to cool off and smell great after a super hot day.

Check out the Dial Facebook page for more info on their products, giveaways, and more!

I am definitely a bath and body product aficionado,  so I was really excited to try out the NEW Dial Vitamin Boost Body Wash!

There are two varieties, Vitamin Boost B with Kiwi Extract, and Vitamin Boost C with Grapefruit Extract.  I received the Vitamin Boost B to try out.

Vitamin B is a natural humectant that gives dry tired skin the boost it needs.  New Dial Vitamin Boost Body wash is a new advanced formula that contains a moisturizing Vitamin Complex that helps draw vitamins and moisture directly to your skin.  This means healthier, softer skin.

First of all, I really liked the kiwi scent.  It’s not something you find often in body products, and it gives a little hint of the tropics during this long, cold winter.

I also liked that the body wash gave a nice lather, thick, and washed off my body easily.

The formula itself is creamy and flows out of the bottle easily.

I found Dial Vitamin Boost Body wash to be really hydrating!  I can see myself using this year round, because it gives enough moisture without leaving skin greasy.  I will for sure be grabbing a bottle of the Vitamin C Boost variety to try out when I am done with this one!

The really awesome part is, Dial Vitamin Boost Body Wash doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg!  You can get them for under $3 each at stores such as Wal-Mart.

Be sure to visit the Dial Facebook page for promotions and to learn about new products!

**DISCLAIMER: I received this product at no cost for testing purposes from Purex Insiders.  My opinions and content are my own.