Posts for Skin Care Category

Irie Rock’s Pure Coconut Sensation Body Scrub Review

Bath and Body, Skin Care - - November 30, 2017

It’s been a long day.  You’ve managed to break a sweat in the hot Jamaican sun and when that finally mixes with your choice of lotion, it can become a pretty sticky mess at the end of the day.  What better way to unwind and cleanse after a hectic day than with a moisturising body scrub.  Locally made, Irie Rock’s Pure Coconut Sensation Body Scrub is a blend of Sugar, Coconut oil, Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E, and other natural ingredients that help the skin and its cells to thrive.

What can these ingredients do for me?

Sugar body scrubs are always more ideal than salt scrubs, for example, since sugar particles are finer and would less likely leave microscopic scratches on the skin.  Moreover, sugar is a natural humectant and does a good job of attracting the moisture in the air and keeping that hydration within the skin.

What are the skin benefits of coconut oil?

Another ingredient, coconut oil, is a natural moisturisers.  Coconut oil goes the extra mile with its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties to ensure that once the sugar crystals remove the surface dirt, the skin and its cells can be stripped of any micro-bacteria.

What are some skin benefits of cocoa butter?

Cocoa Butter’s antioxidant property is known to fight free radicals that bring about ageing, dull skin, and dark patches.  It goes further to offer deep moisturization since it is high in fatty acids.

All these ingredients combined ensures that the skin will gain and retain all the moisture possible, making it possible to have silky smooth skin even if you shower/ have a bath with hard water (water with a lot of chlorine).

For those of us who are looking for a product to provide both moisture and a cleanse,  this product is definitely a must since it does all the aforementioned and has a very neutral and ‘quiet’ scent.

What are you waiting for? ’Tis the season for silky soft skin that’ll pair nicely with your Christmas air chilled blankets.

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HEMPZ PRODUCT REVIEW + GIVEAWAY

Bath and Body, Skin Care - - November 10, 2017

‘Tis the season of giving and I have just the giveaway to make the upcoming Christmas season even more memorable. I want to give one blessed reader the chance to win a product from the Hempz  Pure Herbal Extracts Vanilla Plum line.  Continue to read for a review of the line’s sugar body scrub.

The Hempz Vanilla Plum Sugar Body Scrub is amazing and then some ! It’s like a magic potion in a jar.

When I opened the 7 oz jar, there was a little oil on the surface hinting to me that they’d actually infused an oil into it – quite possibly hemp seed oil (nature’s great source of natural proteins, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals). I gave the mixture a quick stir, and on my damp face I’d applied it. It felt similar to how sugar would melt on your tongue. It was warm.  As I rubbed it in the sugar particles went to work with exfoliating and gently scrubbing my skin – nothing painful that felt like gravel on my face.  The product is made to exfoliate and polish the skin.

CONFESSION ! I’d tasted just a little to see if it was actually sugar and not a sugar substitute, and heads up , it’s the real deal. It tastes sweet.

The product doesn’t lather per se but it works well with the water to give even distribution.

The Sugar Body Scrub contains the perfect duo; the sugar gets off the dirt and the other oils that’s in this great mix imparts and locks in so much moisture.

It common for me to have a shower and race to my room to get some lotion on my skin before I turn into an ash ball. I can usually feel the chlorine in the hard water drying out my skin as I shower.

This time, I had a shower first so I could get the best out of the scrub. With my skin feeling dry and tight already, I applied the scrub and I must say it transported me somewhere else. I felt like I was in a spa getting a sweet, relaxing pampering. The smell of the scrub was so present yet so subtle.  Even after I came out the shower, I was able to take a cool stroll to my room because I’m telling you … it felt like I’d already gotten and locked in all the moisture my skin needed.

I had to immediately document my experience. I didn’t want you guys to miss a beat of this great stuff. I somehow felt like I didn’t even need to lotion because my skin just felt naturally content with its moisture level. And I’m telling you !! I’d be ashy grey as if I’d been kicking a bag of flour had I not used this.

It didn’t feel oily but my skin felt succulent, soft to the touch, thoroughly moisturized but not dripping in oil like a festival or French fry. I’d recommend this to anyone !

It was made to exfoliate and polish and it does EXACTLY that. Even my palms felt moisturized. It’s great for use before bed so you can feel smooth against your cool and refreshing bedsheets during the Christmas season.  This product will make the perfect gift for you or any loved one you have in mind.  You can check out and purchase Hempz Pure Herbal Extracts products at any Fontana Pharmacy location or visit fontanapharmacy.com.

Have you tried any of the Hempz products before?  Would you like to?

To win the Hempz Vanilla Plum Herbal Body Moisturiser Hydrate and Soothe lotion like this post and comment Fontastic Christmas Giveaway.  Winner will be randomly selected on a day to be announced.  Local entries only.

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Not a lotion fan? Irie Rock’s Moisturizing Tea Tree Aloe Gel Got You

Skin Care - - October 5, 2017

Perhaps the first thing that jumps out at you in the title is the word ‘gel’.  I know.  I thought the same – why would I put gel on my skin?  But don’t let that sway you, it’s applied just like lotion; massage into the skin where needed.  Irie Rock’s Moisturizing Tea Tree Aloe Gel was developed to be a lightweight alternative to lotion that’ll better the skin and hair.

I’ll cut the jibber-jabber a give you the rundown of this product because, well … who likes reading through thick paragraphs anyway?

Here’s the deal.

  1.  It’s lightweight.  Sometimes lotions and oils have a tendency to make the skin feel like it’s suffocating underneath a heavy, tacky, heat-attracting trap. #CRINGE!
    This product on the other hand, absorbs into the skin and pores without leaving the skin feeling tight or trapped by an invisible film.
  2. It’s moisturising. I’m not sure what else to say other than it makes the skin feel supple and hydrated enough to withstand Jamaica’s heat!
  3. It’s long lasting.  Don’t worry about it melting away in all the heat. It melts away on the skin upon application, and by the end of the day it feels pretty non-existent but your skin feels so moisturised at the same time.
  4. It’s relatively odourless.  Sometimes lotions can be overbearing with the scents.  This product will go easy on the sinuses and is ideal for men and women who want moisture without the powerful smells of some lotions.
  5. It’s pocket friendly.  Well that speaks for itself.  Fontana Pharmacy’s got you the price hook up so your skin can glow within budget.
  6. It’s soothing.  When you first put it on there’s a cool sensation that flushes across the area of application.
  7. All natural ingredients. Water is the most hydrating and moisturising agent.  This product’s main ingredients are water, tea tree oil, and aloe vera.  They combine to fight against eczema, sunburns and extra oily skin.
  8. It’s local. It’s manufactured right here in sunny isle Jamaica, so no need to worry about imported fake or watered down ingredients because it’s all at our fingertips in galore.

    Are you looking for moisture without the weight?  Stop in to the nearest Fontana Pharmacy and get yourself Irie Rock’s Moisturizing Tea Tree Aloe Gel.

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GIVEAWAY!! Get juicy, moisturised lips this summer with revlon kiss balms

Makeup, Skin Care - - July 14, 2017

It hurts.  A LOT … when you mistakenly grin, when you lick it or even when you drink.  It’s enough to make a tear trickle down your face from time to time, and can be quite unattractive.

Chapped, cracked lips … the official sign that it’s summer or winter.

raven

Dry lips can often make you regret all the times you took its moisture for granted.  Chapped lips are as a result of lessened humidity in the air.   This is particularly the atmosphere during winter and summer.  Studies show that prolonged exposure in the sun will heighten one’s likelihood of getting chapped lips – but that’s pretty much expected.  Additionally, because the lips do not have oil glands, persons often lick them to replenish the moisture, however, this is one of the main culprits of the dry lip problem.

But the folks over at Revlon’s got you covered.  They’re aware of the yearly struggles that the lips go through so they’ve recently introduced their Kiss Balm line.

revlon-kiss-balms-1

Six tropical, fruity flavours designed to provide lasting hydration with a pop of colour.  Give your lips a coat of Juicy Peach, Crisp Apple, Tropical Coconut, Fresh Strawberry, Sweet Cherry or even Berry Burst.

I picked myself up a Crisp Apple at Fontana Pharmacy and I’m ready to tell you wassup !!

revlon crisp apple

When I removed the cover, the kaleidoscope of scents that rushed towards my nostrils reminded me of a cherry lollipop I use to eat as a child.  However, when I gave it a second whiff , the aroma overtook my senses and tantalised my nostrils with a scent very similar to the apple Jolly Rancher; forcing my taste receptors to remind itself of the sweet and sour flavour that the popular sweet would give.  If I’m being honest, I was actually moved to give it a quick lick.  Beware !! It does not have the same taste.

The fragrance doesn’t just unfold and linger in the space around you.  It transfers onto your lips so you could actually smell it on your upper lip especially.  Don’t worry, it’s nothing that’s obnoxiously loud that’ll cause you to sneeze.

smelling

When my friend had smelt it herself, and had seen me applying it; she was already sold and was anxious to get her hands on one to call her own.  One of her main concerns was the consistency.  She’s very heavy handed and wanted to know how it felt after several applications.

I must say, the product is lightweight and went on like my lip was a hot skillet and the balm was butter.  With just two swipes my lips instantly felt smooth and soft.  You could possibly forget that you’re wearing it.  Even with dozens of applications (because I tried it) it does not weigh down the lips to the point that they begin to feel numb.  It did not feel heavy or sticky and was actually rather comfortable.  The image below is about ten swipes.

Lip tester

With each swipe the hue that is deposited gets more pigmented but not to the point that it is overpowering.  It resembles the look that a lipgloss would give.  The gloss isn’t enough to blind a person who’s 1 mile away nor will it make you look like you just ate fried chicken.  Perfect for the minimalist woman – hydration and colour.  It can also couple as a base for your favourite matte lipstick.

Get Juicy, Kissable Lips this summer ’17 !

For a chance to win your favourite Revlon Kiss Lip Balm and a Revlon makeup pouch, simply comment below and name all six flavors of the Kiss balms.  Entries end on Sunday 16th at 11:59pm.  Feeling lucky? You could be one of six winners.

*This is a Jamaica ONLY giveaway*

 

 

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5 Beauty Tips You Need To Survive Summer ’17

Bright Ideas, Skin Care - - July 11, 2017

It’s summer time ! So you know what that means.  Bikinis, brunches, beaches and parties!  Of course, that also means the searing sun, acne flare-ups, dry skin, and chapped lips.  No need to fear.  Below are a few tips and reminders for you to consider this summer season.  LET THE SUMMER BEGIN!

confetti

  1. Coconut oil can be used as sunscreen.  Studies have shown that coconut oil has the SPF power to block up to 75% of the sun’s radiation.  This is ideal since it can keep your melanin poppin’, and goes further to give the skin loads of health benefits.  Additionally! It costs way less than sunscreen and can be used in the hair and can even be used to fry some yummy chicken legs for the family barbecue.  This product is way more than a simple 2-in-1.  It’s an everything in one.  From the pool to the family barbecue.sharon feanny coconut oil
  2. Drink more water to reduce oily skin.  The skin has certain mechanisms in place to help protect the body from bacteria and other microscopic invaders.  One of the natural protectants that the skin produces is sebum.  For some of us out there, our sebaceous glands tend to kick things into overdrive and cause ‘oily skin’.  However, before we go pointing fingers at sebum, ask yourself ‘am I drinking enough water?’  When dehydrated, the body is prompted to produce more oils, hence ‘oily skin’. Of course, this may not be the case for everyone, and some of it can actually be linked to genes.  Try to cleanse [the surface of the skin], tone [cleanse beyond the surface to the pores] and moisturise [to replenish the skin’s moisture].  Nonetheless, it’s good to chug a few glasses of water throughout the day to keep hydrated, especially in this summer sauna.
    jesse pinkman
  3. Exfoliate the lips.  That glaring summer sun …  it dries out more than just the skin.  The sun and particular dry summer atmosphere has the ability to strip the lip of its moisture, causing dry and cracked lips.  OUCH!  Don’t forget to EXFOLIATE. Fontana beautician Danielle Jones, explains that it is important to remove the dead skin from the lips to allow new growth.  Try using the Revlon Kiss lip balm as a moisturiser for the lips. P.S. look out for an upcoming review and giveaway on that. (Spoiler Alert, it smells and feels great).
    revlon-kiss-balms-1
  4. Jergens lotion is NOT for the face.  Yeah, I know.  I was shocked too.  Danielle warns that although the face is covered by skin, using lotion as its daily moisturiser can predispose one to breakouts, especially in the summer heat.  Try using an actual moisturiser instead.
  5. Use moisturisers with glycerin, shea butter, stearic acid or ceramides.  These ingredients are known to give rich moisture to the skin.  However, if you can’t get your hands on any of these, some good ol’ petroleum jelly will do the trick to replenish the skin’s moisture.With all these tips,  where could you go to find the right products to help you this summer? Stop by the nearest Fontana Pharmacy or visit fontanapharmacy.com.What are some of your beauty tips? Comment below and let us know!
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Is Activated Charcoal Worth The Hype?

Skin Care - - March 26, 2017

Activated Charcoal is the current rave in beauty spaces. Many bloggers have been singing its praises about its amazing results so we here at Fontana Beauty Vibes decided to try it for ourselves. Activated Charcoal is available in soaps, masks and capsule form. My skin has been experiencing sporadic breakouts so I wanted to really  see what kind of results I would get. For this review I tested the Bel Espirit Activated Charcoal mask and soap.

Activated Charcoal Mask

activated charcoal mask

 

Initially when I heard about activated charcoal I imagined it having a very strong obnoxious smell. I was pleasantly surprised when I tried this mask and it was the complete opposite. It had a very faint charcoal smell that was not overwhelming. I applied it in thick layers all over the perimeters of my face  and made sure to avoid my eyes. After a few minutes the mask began to dry. I felt a pulling sensation as if the product was lifting particles from my skin. My face really seemed  to tighten up and I could barely move the muscles in my face. Following the activated charcoal mask fully drying I rinsed with warm water.

So did it work?

Well immediately after rinsing, my face felt really smooth. However I noticed there was a lot of white particles that surfaced on my face which would explain the pulling sensation I experienced. So in that sense it did work because it removed the impurities from my skin. I recommend using a facial moisturizer as you will experience dryness.

Charcoal Soap

CHARCOAL POST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I used the soap consistently for one week so that I could be able to give a fair review and it has fast become my new fave. Over the course of one week there has been a noticeable change in my skin. My acne is slowly clearing up and overall my skin feels softer and smoother.

To be honest when I decided to test these products, I was thinking to myself that this was just another trend and I had little confidence that it would work for me. Turns out I may have found the perfect solution to all my acne troubles.

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Jamaican Entrepreneur Dianne Plummer launches make up line “Your True Shade”

Makeup, Skin Care - - February 17, 2017

It’s no secret that finding “Your True Shade” for many black women can be an extremely difficult task that is quite frustrating. Dianne Plummer knows this struggle all too well and she exemplifies what it means to use a challenge as an advantage. Fontana Beauty Vibes had a little chat with Dianne. Here’s what she had to say:

Dianne Plummer

Why did you decide to create “Your True Shade”?

Your True Shade (YTS) inception was actually out of a personal need as it  started while I was studying engineering in Stockholm. I have very sensitive skin, and as a black woman who was living in Northern Europe, it was difficult to find products that could match my skin tone as well as not irritate my skin. As a result, I decided to use my background in chemical engineering to create my own line of makeup and skincare products, and that is how YTS was born. Now back home in Jamaica, I want to share this secret with you. My vision for YTS is for it to be the leading cosmetics brand of the Caribbean and its diaspora.

 

What’s the biggest challenge you have had to face being an entrepreneur?

The biggest challenge I faced was getting persons to actually believe in the brand Your True Shade and actually want to purchase a product that is just as good as an international brand and even healthier for the skin. However, once someone sits in the chair and tries our foundation, they quickly accept that it is a good product.

 

Why should women support Your True Shade?

Your True Shade is a brand for those who want to take better care of their skin while having that flawless finish. Supporting Your True Shade is a positive direction towards healthy skin. Its made by a woman who understands the different skin tones in addition to the chemistry of makeup and skincare, as a result will ensure that the best ingredients are used. Wear your true shade.

 

What do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur? 

The best thing about being an entrepreneur is being able solve someones problem through our products and services and this is normally followed by a smile from our clients when they find their true shade.

 

 What’s the single most valuable advice you wish someone had given to you when you just started out?

I have been an entrepreneur for about two and a half years and now I have learnt that following your “gut” is very important and can save a lot of time.

 

You can find the entire makeup line “Your True Shade” at Fontana Pharmacy’s Kingston and Montego Bay locations or you can order online at fontanapharmacy.com.

Your True Shade foundation Your True Shade

 

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New Lips

Skin Care - Nixx Woolery - December 12, 2016

Dry, chapped lips are the worst! No one wants crusty looking lips and I am here for you if you’re not about that life!

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Review: Irie Rock Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Clarifying Acne Masque

Skin Care - Nixx Woolery - November 2, 2016

I am a big fan of Irie Rock products, why? Because they work!

I’ve been using Irie Rock skin care products for about a year now and these products work well on my skin, so when I saw that they released a new product, I just had to give it a try!

The Irie Rock Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Clarifying Acne Masque is the newest product in their Tea Tree & Witch Hazel line. The masque has antiseptic and anti-acne properties that helps to “undo damage” leaving your skin looking and feeling amazing. The Glycolic and Salicylic acid work on exfoliating the skin, while the Bentonite Clay pulls impurities and detoxes the skin, leaving your skin feeling really soft.

This masque has a liquid consistency; the thing I love about the packaging of this product is the fact that it has a pump, which limits the mess usually associated with masques.

I cleanse my skin before applying the masque then apply one pump to each section of my face, smoothing the masque over my skin. Upon applying the masque I could feel my skin tingling, which I suspect is from the tea tree and witch hazel, along with the peppermint. Unfortunately this masque is harsh and I notice that effect after about a minute after applying the masque to my skin as my eyes began to water a little. This sensation lasts for a short time, after which the masque starts to dry on the skin. I leave the masque on for about 30 minutes, by this time it is dry and my face is a little tight. I then remove the masque either with warm water, rinsing it from my face or with a warm wash cloth, which easily removes all the product from the skin.

After removing the masque, my skin felt great. I believe applying this masque to a new pimple will help to dry up the area and possibly reduce any redness and swelling which may be associated with acne.

There is no fragrance added so this is not a ‘sweet smelling’ product. What you will smell is the tea tree oil and witch hazel, making this product smell quite similar to the Irie Rock Tea Tree and Witch Hazel toner.

Give it a try and let me know what you think by commenting below!

 

Inna di lataz,

Nixx

 

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Stay Hydrated Pt 1: Skin

Skin Care - Nixx Woolery - October 11, 2016

Hello Beauty Vibers!

It’s coming on to the colder months and you have to make sure you stay hydrated during these times. That means, drinking a lot of water and using hydrating moisturizers on your skin, to ensure that your skin does not get dry. We don’t want our skin to look dry and like it’s cracking and no one wants to look ashy! Continue Reading

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