I’ve never been a huge beauty-product junkie, but I recently had the pleasure of trying a few new products and have been itching to tell you, our readers, about them ever since. Citra Formaldehyde Free by Nail Tek and Auriderm Illume Eye Creme will be the best additions to your beauty regimine, guaranteed. Why, you ask? Take a seat.
Did you know that formaldehyde is one of the most dangerous, and prevalent, ingredients in beauty products? According to the Mayo Clinic, formaldehyde can cause skin reactions, trigger heart palpitations, irritate the respiratory system, cause joint pain, dizziness, headaches and chronic fatigue. Serious side effects include weakening of the immune system and cancer. Many nail products today have formaldehyde in them but claim that a small amount isn’t dangerous. Why risk it? Citra Formaldehyde Free is the first citrus-based aldehyde alternative to formaldehyde. All I had to do was take one look at my soft, pathetic nails and I knew I had to try it. After a week of daily application, I feel like Superwoman. I even conducted a little test as to my nails newfound strength – cracking open a Diet Coke with just the nails, like the commercials you see on tv. Now I’ll only drink anything with a pull-tab; I need to show these babies off! The product is made in three different formulas: one for already strong, healthy nails; one for soft, peeling nails; and one for dry, brittle nails. You can find all three formulas at all Ulta store locations, many nail salons and at nailtek.com for $15 a bottle.
As much as I’ve been trying to avoid daily beauty regimens, I knew there was something I was going to have to do about the dark circles under my eyes. I get enough sleep, don’t drink (too) much and really didn’t know why I was being forced to rub concealer under my eyes every morning, enough to the tune that with out concealer, I could easily be mistaken for the neighborhood crack addict. Luckily, Auriderm exists! Auriderm features Vitamin K Oxide, a more stable form of Vitamin K, which helps the body reabsorb hemosiderin, a substance in the body that helps reduce bruising. I made sure to apply the white cream morning and evening, as per the directions, and got discouraged at first when I didn’t see results immediately (i’m very impatient). However, after a week I saw some lightening of the discoloration under my eyes and I got to significantly reduce the amount of concealer I was slathering on there every morning. The only addition I wish the cream had was an ingredient in it to reduce small lines and wrinkles. As much as I don’t want to admit it, I see a few lines forming around my eyes that I want to stop in their tracks, and reverse their progress. But it does have ingredients in it to reduce puffiness which has resulted in my hangovers looking much less severe.
Auriderm also has a full line of other products using variations of the same ingredients specializing in reducing discoloration. These include a clearing gel for spider veins and a post-op gel to reduce the severity and duration of brusing caused by cosmetic and medical procedures. Although only available at doctors’ offices, these products are definitely worth asking for. Tubes of the Illume Eye Creme go for $50, a bargain compared to other ripoffs you can find.
As much as I didn’t want it to happen, I can finally admit that I now have a beauty regimen. But if my eyes are brighter and my nails are stronger, why would I ever want to stop? Two thumbs up, five stars, A+.
Disclosure: All products were provided for review. No monetary compensation was received for this review. All opinions belong to the author.
