Influenster App

 

I know that you see all of my social media posts show casing the different products that I receive for free in exchange for my honest opinion. You may have wondered what that's all about. That is what I'm here to explain. I actually work through a couple of different companies in order to do this. But the one that I love most is called Influenster. Yes the "t" in the middle of the word actually belongs there. 

To get started with influenster is easy. Basically you download the app   Click here to download the app and fill out your profile information. Once that is all done influenster matches you up with different companies campaigns that they have going on. They do this by sending out surveys and looking over your profile. 

Once they decide that you are right for a campaign they send you something called a "voxbox" in the mail. It may be filled with multiple free goodies or just one, depending on the campaign. It is then your responsibility to try the different products, and complete the tasks that come along with the campaign. The tasks are pretty simple, post an Instagram story, and leave a review on the influenster app. 

Something that I love about Influenster is that the product that you test never comes out of your pocket. There are cash back campaigns, but those are always optional.   

Some people have mentioned that it took them a long time to receive a voxbox. I actually didn't have this issue. At times there's seemed to be a bit of a gap in times that I received one. I can't say if this is 100% why. But my recommendation is that as soon as you get the app, go through your house and look for things that you've already bought and tried. Post pictures of you and the products with your honest review on the app. This is what I did, I reviewed everything I had, I was honest. and if I didn't like something I said so. The influenster community wants your honest opinion. No body likes fake reviews.
 

I've really enjoyed the random surprises in the mail. Give it a try and if it's not for you, it's so easy to delete your profile. 

Some products have been duds, but over all I end up liking a most of the stuff that I try, and it's always fun to try new items that I wouldn't normally know about or buy.

Evans Acres Mini Farm

 

        

I had the opportunity to visit Evans Acres Mini farm today with my kids. The farm has a mini festival going on today and tomorrow. They have a few mini games, You can pet the animals, have a pony ride, make your way through the little hay bale maze, Or my kids favorite was the corn kernel pit. They played in it for close to an hour. Then there's my favorite they had their little shop set up in their barn selling their lotions and soaps made from goats milk.

 It's no secret that I love goats milk soap and lotion. I usually buy my soap for myself and my family from Evans Acres Mini Farm. Which if you are Local to the Tremonton area, They will do deliveries on Tuesdays. I love not having to leave my house to get products that I love. 

So What are the benefits of Goats milk in products that you use on your skin?

1-- GENTLE CLEANSER: While most commercially made soaps contain harsh surfactants that can actually strip your skin barrier which is made up of natural moisture and oils. Goats milk soap has high amounts of fats, particularly caprylic acid, allowing for gentle removal of dirt and debris with out removing the skin's natural fatty acids.  

2- RICH IN NUTRIENTS: Goat milk is rich in fatty acids and cholesterol, which is awesome because that is what makes up a large portion of the skin membrane. A lack of these in your skin can lead to dryness and irritation. Goats milk is a good source of  vitamin A which has ANTI-AGING properties! Lastly Goats milk is a good source of selenium. A mineral that has been shown to support a healthy skin membrane, it has also been linked to improving psoriasis symptoms like dry skin.

3- IMPROVES DRY SKIN: Goats milk soup's high cholesterol and fatty acid levels may replace missing fats while providing moisture to allow for better water retention.

4- NATURAL EXFOLIANT:  Alpha- hydroxy acids (AHAs) are used to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as scars, age spots, and hyperpigmentation, due to their natural ability to exfoliate. Lactic acid , a naturally occurring AHA in goat milk soap, has been shown  to gentle remove the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing for a ore youthful complexion. I actually use a lactic acid chemical peel in my treatment room on clients with pigment issues. It is one of the most gentle AHAs, which makes it suitable for those with sensitive skin. 

5- SUPORTS A HEALTHY SKIN MICROBIOME: Goats milk contains probiotics like Lactobacillus, which is resposible for producing lactic acid. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in the body, INCLUDING skin.

6- CAN PREVENT ACNE: Acne can be caused by so many different things. So it's best to see a skin specialist like myself to understand where your personal acne is coming from. I personally don't use goats milk soap on my face, as the pores are so much larger and clog much more easily. But if you get bacne or acne anywhere on your body. The lactic acid in the goats milk soaps can work as a natural exfoliant to gently remove dirt, oil, and excess sebum.

With benefits like these. It's easy to see that I turn to Evans Acres Mini Farm, for a more natural soap to put on myself and my family. Check out their products and get yourself some of this nutrient filled goodness by Shopping HERE

Check out their Instagram HERE

Check out their Facebook HERE

Now lets talk about their cute Farm! Quoting from their website: "We are a small, family-run farm in Bothwell, which is a rural farming community in Northern Utah.  We have been breeding and raising Mini Silky Fainting Goats since 2017.  My “day job” is medical transcribing from my home, allowing me to be able to work and be home on the farm at the same time. In 2020 when COVID-19 hit, surprisingly my work cut way back and I found myself with extra time on my hands. I was right in the middle of kidding season with my goats when the idea struck to begin milking my goats and making skincare products. It may seem a little unconventional to milk my mini goats (as they aren’t really dairy goats), 

but it has worked out great. They have provided enough milk to make products and allows me to raise a breed I absolutely love!  Our family and extended family immediately fell in love with the goat milk soap and lotion. We were hooked!  We then began producing more for friends and eventually started selling at Farmer’s Markets where others fell in love with our products. It has been a very rewarding experience.  From beginning to end, our products are made by hand.  The goat milk comes from our very own goats.  The products are handmade by us. Each bar of soap is hand cut. They are then packaged directly by us as well.  They are definitely made with love. "

If you are like me and love local events I highly suggest going to this little farm in beautiful Bothwell Utah. The fall festival will run all day tomorrow October 24th, 2020 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It's $5 per kid and $2 for adults (spectators). You can also pick your own pumpkin for only $3. Don't forget to stop by their little shop in the farm to pick up some soap, lotion, and a cookie for the kids. (If you don't have cash they take venmo). 

 

Address: 13485 N 10000 W, Tremonton UT 84337

PLEASE FOLLOW COVID GUIDELINES WHEN VISITING

The risks of popping

 

🌸Let’s talk about “popping  zits” for just a minute. What’s the difference between when I do “extractions” in my treatment room and when people “pop” at home?

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🌸You know that nice steam I have going while I Thoroughly double cleanse your face? Then the wonderful smelling enzyme that we use under the steam? 😀well that’s not just for the relaxing warm and fuzzies that it gives you. It serves a purpose. The double cleanse totally cleanses your face of any debris or bacteria that may creep in during extractions, the steam and enzyme both soften the skin and sebum, so your pores and skin aren’t damaged in the process. By doing all of this I’m less likely to cause hyperpigmentation, scaring, and since I wear gloves and use tools I’m not giving you and infection.

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🌸 when you look in the mirror and see a big zit ready to burst, I’m guessing that you’re not taking the time to cleanse and steam your face. Most people squeeze and squeeze until they have a big hole in their face. The bacteria from their nails and hands creeps in causing more acne and infects the pimple they were trying to get rid of.

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🌸 I 💯 understand that you don’t want to walk around with white bubbles on your face, so here’s a few tips.

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1-If you must extract. Do it after double cleansing in the shower and use two q-tips to gently squeeze out the debris.

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2- be sure to cleanse, tone, and moisturizer your face morning and evening.

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3- my favorite cleanser for acne is the “raspberry refining” from skin script you can find it in my skin care shop in my bio.

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4- wash your pillow case at the very least once a week, to avoid reintroducing unwanted bacteria to your face.

Do Norwex Cleanser cloths really cure acne???

 

I think by now Norwex has been out long enough that we have all heard of it, but just in case.... Norwex is a MLM company that has distributors who promote a more natural way of cleaning. You basically switch from using chemical cleaners in your house to using these cloths infused with "mico-silver". I'm 100% behind this idea of getting rid of harmful chemicals in our homes. I've loved the Norwex cloths that I have tried. If I can clean my house without breathing in something harmful to my health I'm all for it. But what about the other side of their products? The body/facial cloths, and the new skin care line that they have now?

I went to a Norwex party at a friends house one time, I was SO impressed with the way the house cleaning products cleaned ALL the bacteria left behind from raw chicken. But then the presenter brought out the facial cleansing cloths.... She said "My friend has severe acne, she switched to these cloths and water and now her face is completely clear! I only use these and water on my entire body and face!". A lady in the room replied with "so we can ditch all of our expensive wrinkle creams?!". As an Esthetician who is constantly studying skin I cringed SO HARD at this statement. But because I'm not a Jerk, I bit my tongue because I didn't want to make her feel stupid in any way. Hence my post here. I hope that I can nicely correct any Norwex presenters who are making these claims. So lets get into what is wrong with this statement. 

(All of my acne clients, this will be a refresher from your first appointment with me, where online or in person.)

1- Not all acne is bacterial. In fact as a skin specialist I go through so many different aspects that could be causing acne with a new client. It can come from a poor diet or even food sensitivities. It can be caused by a hormonal imbalance, it can actually be bacterial, it can be from too harsh of products or the wrong products. It can be caused by over exfoliating and compromising your skin barrier.  So while I love the make up remover cloth, I do not suggest only using the cleansing cloth and water if you are fighting acne. PLEASE find a skin specialist that you can trust to go through your life style with so you CAN figure out what is causing your acne. A good cleanser with the proper ingredients will help you.

2- Water has a different PH (acidic level) than your skin. Every time you put water on your face, (even when using a cleanser) your skins PH level gets thrown off. You then should use a toner to balance your PH level.

3- To the person who was all excited to throw out your wrinkle cream, I'm sorry to inform you... No a cleansing cloth will not help your wrinkles in any way..... I'm sorry.... If you are cleansing your face, which is 100% necessary to remove any sweat, excessive oil, and debris from the day. You are removing all of the natural oils from your skin. If you do not put a moisturizer on, your skin will start to over produce sebum (oil). If you are acne prone, this is bad news for you. Your acne will come back with a vengeance until you can repair your skin barrier. If you have a dry skin type this is also bad news because you aren't putting that needed moisture and hydration back into your skin. Your PH levels will be out of wack and you will start experiencing acne, when you never have before. 

I did notice that Norwex has come out with oils, moisturizers, and creams. So.... doing what I do best. I decided to check out the ingredients. The good news??? They actually do have good natural ingredients! YAY! The bad news??? Most of the products have Butylene Glycol close to the top of the ingredient list, which for people with normal/dry skin is not a problem. But if you are acne prone, or have sensitive skin this ingredient is pretty comedogenic (pore clogging). I really try to steer acne clients far from products with Butylene Glycol in it. Another thing to consider is that a lot of the prices are higher than the professional products that I am able to offer my clients.

I do over all love Norwex products. I love that they are eliminating the use of a lot of harmful chemicals. I also realize that there are so many different presenters out there, they are not all making these claims. But I have heard it multiple time. I want to clear it up for friends and clients that have asked me about it. 

If you would like to check out some of their products click this link NORWEX

If you have acne and would like something that will help check out my products here J. Marie Esthetics

Disclaimer: I am not involved with Norwex in any way. These are all my own opinions. 

Clearhead vitamins

 

I have tried and currently use so many products from Codeage and total honesty I can say that I have enjoyed all of them. Codeage really takes the time to thoroughly test their products before releasing them to the public. They use the highest quality ingredients that come from no gmo plants. Which, if you’ve followed me for any time. You know that I’m all about natural ingredients. I truly believe that we have what we need from nature to heal our bodies. So without further ado I’m so excited to share this NEW product with you! Clear head by Codeage.

Clear head does just what the title says. “We designed clearhead for when we feel under the weather. For all those moments when adding specific vitamins and nutrients may give us a much-welcomed boost and make us feel like a rider on the storm. When standing clear could appreciate a helping hand.” -Codeage 

Looking through the vitamins in this new supplement makes me SO EXCITED! Because there are times that I wake up just feeling a little off or I feel a cold coming on, it’s so nice to have something to give me a boost to get me through it quickly. In my opinion this is a supplement that everyone should have in their first aid box. The ingredients in this supplement have such immune boosting benefits that it’s one of those things that doesn’t hurt to take every day. 

Ingredients:

Vitamin C

Vitamin D3

Zinc and selenium 

Echinacea plant (coneflower)

Feverfew leaf extract 

American ginseng

Garlic, olive leaf extract, oregan leaf powder, polyphenols

Schisandra berry extract (shisandra chinensis), and Coptis (goldthread)

Probiotics

Don’t you love that list of ingredients? I know I sure do! They are actually doing an introductory sale on this new supplement and to save even more money you can bundle it with more supplements with the bundle and save option. Unfortunately my discount code won’t work with this sale, but you can Click here to shop

All Codeage vitamins are made in the USA 🇺🇸 which is a major bonus for us USA folk. 

My favorite product for MASKNE

CLICK HERE TO ORDER

 😷 YEP! Maskne is a real thing. I use to only see it with people who work in a place that requires them to wear a mask. But now that we are all wearing them, a lot more people are suffering from it.

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😷first of all wash or swap out your mask every day, so you aren’t introducing old bacteria, sweat and debris to your face.

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😷make sure you are doing your home regimen morning and evening. Which at the very least should include a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer.

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😷I love these clarifying pads because you use them in place of your toner, as needed to clear up congestion.

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😷Clarifying Toner Pads use purifying active ingredients to relieve breakouts while improving the clarity and quality of the skin.

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😷Reduces congestion

😷Lessens oil production

😷Provides antibacterial-like properties

😷Soothes cystic breakouts

😷Enhances cellular turnover

Click Here to Order

My secret to getting some physical activity in as a Mother.

 I literally went almost 11 years without doing anything physical to keep myself in shape. I mean sure, I would go on walks or push the kids in the stroller. I usually try to eat mostly healthy foods. But in those years of taking care of these 4 awesome kids, I was forgetting something that, as mothers we hear often. We hear this all over the internet, in quotes on pinterest, and memes on instagram and facebook.

SELF CARE IS SO IMPORTANT!

I always told myself so many excuses that kept me from doing anything. Mostly things like I have 4 kids, I don't have time to do anything for myself. I'm a mom I can't be expected to do anything. No matter what I do, my stomach will always be somewhat flabby, and so on. Given, in a lot of those years, I was either pregnant, recovering from c-sections, or just plain tired with getting up with babies throughout the night.

While to a lot of you other moms, these might sound legit, or to others these may sound silly. It's the way I felt.

READY TO HEAR WHAT FINALLY CHANGED?

First off, my youngest is now 4 years old. So I really haven't had the baby excuse for a while now.

My sister and I run a page on instagram and facebook called "Fabulously Frugal". After a winter of NO physical activity and a whole lot of bakery sweets eaten. We decided that we would put out a challenge for anyone who wanted to join us (mostly for ourselves) to get 10,000 steps in a day. At first this was really hard to do, It was January, and in Utah that means a lot of snow, so I wasn't going to be going on any walks outside. I'm a homeschooling mom (even before it was mandatory... I know, I'm not right in the head), I had no exercise clothing and I did not own a treadmill.

I put all excuses aside and decided that NO MATTER WHAT, I was going to get my steps in.
So every morning I would slip my phone into the back pocket of my jeans and get to work. I'm sure if anyone saw me in person they would think I was absolutely nuts! I would stand behind my kids and while helping them with school, march in place. When I wasn't physically walking around the house doing stuff, I would seriously step in place. While doing dishes.... step in place. Washing my hands? step in place. When the kids were done with their chores. I would turn on music in the kitchen and.... dance around until I hit those 10,000 steps. I would work up a sweat, and guess what, even with this little movement. I started to lose that extra fat that I had put on.

People started to notice my determination and things started to fall into place. My husband and kids got me some high quality exercise clothes for mothers day. Which I love, if you want to check them out. click here.
My Sister gave me a fitness watch for my birthday, and my in-laws had a treadmill just sitting around in their garage, that they let me bring to my house and use.

The first time that I stepped on the treadmill, it took me 2 1/2 HOURS to run 5 miles! I figured out, that with my stride 5 miles is about equal to 10,000 steps. It was SO frustrating, trying to get the kids to leave me alone, constantly stepping off because I felt like dying, and just wanting to give up. But I didn't I made a goal to do 5 miles on the treadmill at least 5 days a week. I stuck to it. But with a little secret on how.

Every day, my kids are not allowed to use any electronics until 1- Their chores are done 2- They do their time on Lexia (a reading program that helps them keep up on their reading skills) and 3-I GET MY MILES IN ON THE TREADMILL! While this may sound crazy. It's been the best thing in the world! Instead of fighting and asking me to do everything. They encourage me to get on the treadmill. They help each-other get stuff done, the older kids do stuff for the younger two, and I get my time to myself.

I've come to realize that when I exercise, eat healthy, and take my vitamins (check out my favorites HERE discount code JMARIE88) I have so much more energy, and I am in a much better mood. I am kinder and show more love.

I am in no way perfect and will NEVER pretend to have it all together. I still have days where my kids fight and I have to get off the treadmill a million times. I've come to accept that anytime I do yoga, my 4 year old is going to ride on my back like a monkey. During the summer, my kids may be in their jammies until 11:00 because I am taking that time to better myself. But you know what? I can now run 5 miles in 56 minutes, I was able to run my first 5k last month, and I'm able to love myself a little bit more each day. Life is about compromise. I want my kids to see that being a mom, doesn't mean you give up yourself. You can still be yourself AND take care of them.

If you made it this far. Thanks for reading. Stay true to you and find some time for self care.

Check out my instagram @j.marie_esthetics