Kate Hagan Gallup 8/20/20 Kate Hagan Gallup 8/20/20

Review: Plant-based 7 Minute Lift

*Affiliate disclosure - currently all of my paid work is shared via offsite links. I do not at this time receive compensation for posts on my own website. I do, however, get the opportunity to sample some products for free or discounted pricing. I am not paid to write a review.

I am so glad I tried these beauty products. In addition to feeding my newfound love of all things Greek, I also avoid most makeup instead sticking to simple and naturally based skincare routines. In summer, this can often devolve into a less-than-desirable mix of sweat, sun, and sunscreen — so I really need some fast and easy tools to help support my active lifestyle. Additionally, I stopped wearing mascara and eye makeup due to regular allergies (itchy eyes) and sensitive skin, so I’m super picky about what goes on my face. I’m happy to say that all of these products not only worked but did so with zero skin irritation.

Athena 7 Minute Lift

I’ll admit I was skeptical, thinking a 7-minute face-lift sounded more like an infomercial than a product I wanted to try. It’s a bit difficult to see with my home lighting, but 8 minutes later my doubts were over, however, as I could see a noticeable difference in forehead lines after only a single application. The product is simple to apply. First, wash and dry your face. Dampen the included brush which looks much like a brush for blush or some powdered foundations and lightly “paint” on the Athena product. While the jar is tiny, a little goes a really, really long way and I actually over-applied a bit on my eyes on the first go-round.

The most difficult part of the process was trying not to make a facial expression for 7 minutes. As any mom knows — 7 minutes is enough time to have insane amounts of chaos happen in a home with a preschooler. The feel is an initial tightening, almost like wax solidifying and then a slight tingle - but that’s it. It’s subtle in the picture, but I definitely saw a softening of my “thinking” lines on my forehead and the squinty lines near my eyes.

The pleasant smell and tingly sensation are likely products of the ingredients which consist of 12 different Greek organic essential oils including lavender, peppermint, citrus, and chamomile. The product smells good. An absolute must for me too, the company does not test on animals under any circumstance. Check out the website to learn more!

Adonia Organics Plant Collagen Day Serum and Cleansing Gel

The Athena 7 Minute Lift is part of the Adonia Organics skincare family. You have to apply to a clean face, and Adonia Organics has just the products you need. I tried both the Plant Collagen Day Serum and also the Daily Cleansing Gel for Face & Neck. You can see that beyond my sunshine burnt shiny nose, my skin is moisturized and clear. I’ve been using both products for a few weeks now, sometimes only every other day as the kid has a tendency to knock things off the bathroom counter and force me to search for missing items.

Again, these products are based on organic Greek ingredients and animal-friendly. They smell good. My face feels better without irritation. I had previously avoided most collagen-products due to their association with animal products, so have been enjoying the opportunity to use a collagen-product with plant-based ingredients like vitamin E, aloe, artichoke, algae, and nettle extracts. Working with naturopathic medicine professionals, I know that nature can support our skin and bodies without the needs for excessive processed ingredients.

The cleansing gel I have nicknamed the “feel-good, soothing, smell-nice face stuff” as it has become a favorite part of my skincare routine. If you check my writing on other platforms, I don’t normally rave this much about a soap. This gel is definitely another level however as it’s not just how my face looks and feels after use, but the actual experience of putting on my face feels like the daily minute of soothing self-care I never knew I needed. It’s just a nice smelling and genuinely soothing experience, especially during a time where I’m avoiding any indoor spa experiences.

So what’s next? Buy it. It’s a long-lasting, all natural, organic plant-based experience. And the product line doesn’t end at the three items above. I have discovered that Adonia Organics makes a tummy-toning serum and wrap and OMG am I in. If it works anything like the rest of the products I can’t wait. I didn’t even know about these products before, but now I need them all.

Kate Hagan Gallup 8/13/20 Kate Hagan Gallup 8/13/20

Review: A2 Milk

I stopped drinking regular milk probably 20 years ago. Cereal has never been the same since. That’s not to say I’m unhappy - I really enjoy Blueberry Lavender Almond Milk from Trader Joe’s in my coffee and coconut milk or oat milk with just about anything. I even still use real, hormone-free milk in cooking sometimes, but am careful not to over-consume because I get both stomach and sinus issues.

In addition my aversion to standard milk, I was intrigued by a2 Milk’s New Zealand roots. As a Kiwi-American myself this immediately got my attention.

An alternative to lactose-free milk

People always suggest lactose-free milk to those with dairy issues (who aren’t vegan) but I’ve never found it made a difference to anything beyond my budget. While lactose is the issue for some complaints on dairy, for others it seems to be protein-based. In my the case of a2 Milk, they take the protein issue seriously being made with only A2 beta-casein protein.

Why is this important? A1 beta-casein seems to be linked to many different digestive and health issues. On the minor end is discomfort, but on the major end, this protein has been linked to childhood (Type 1) diabetes and heart disease in adults (via Healthline).

All I know is that both my family and myself saw an immediate difference when we started drinking it. In addition, a2 Milk cows are not treated with the growth hormone rBST*, follow a plant-based diet, and focus on sustainability in their farming — all concerns to me as an eco-focused parent. The product is non-GMO, just focuses on a specific kind of cow.

Is a2 Milk good?

My child and husband are the best taste-testers when it comes to milk — and both of them loved it. Neither guy noticed a discernable difference in taste or texture when compared to regular milk, but everyone felt better when switching to this brand. I tried it in cooking and found that it worked well too. We tried regular milk, chocolate, and coffee creamer. Honestly, we loved them all.

My only complaint is that the chocolate milk and coffee creamer are nowhere to be found in my neighborhood. Fortunately, I can find a half-gallon of the regular 2% for about $4 at my local Target and Safeway. In fact, it’s in my fridge right now!

Kate Hagan Gallup 8/13/20 Kate Hagan Gallup 8/13/20

Review: School Mask Pack

We ordered our first School Mask Pack by Crayola in search of the perfect fitting mask. Finding the right fit has definitely been a challenge in this house. Each family member needs masks that do different things. My husband needs a mask he can wear at work five night a week, that can also be easily removed for a snack or socially distanced break. I leave the house less, but double mask in grocery stores and also run frequently. Kiddo is higher needs but also four. He needs a mask that is comfortable and fits well. If it slips, he’ll try to take it off.

We don’t need a one-size-fits-all mask

We’ve supported a number of local businesses and purchased home-made cotton masks locally. These have been great, but as different family members have borrowed the closest clean mask — we’ve easily stretched out many elastics. I don’t feel the need to commercially purchase more simple elastic straps for this reason. I also love the neck gaiters I’ve gotten from different virtual races, but if you’ve read the news lately — neck gaiters are fine but likely controversial.

School Mask Packs are worth the wait

We ordered our pack of kid’s masks back in June when I still believed in-person preschool might be an option. It was understood that this was a preorder and would be a significant wait. I received these items in early August. If you need a mask right now, you will need an interim purchase until your pack can arrive, as the company has experienced Covid-related delays in shipping and manufacturing.

But it’s worth the wait.

Sealed package that arrives with your mask 5-pack.

The masks arrive five to a pack in a sealed bag, and inside that bag is a washable mesh holder. Preventing mask loss in the laundry is definitely a plus. The masks themselves are colorful and you can choose from multiple patterns on the website including a waterproof version. There are also masks in adult sizes, which we have ordered too.

The company lists the mask materials as:

100% Cotton Outer Layer
Cotton-Polyester Blend Inner Layer
Polyester ear straps
Polystyrene bead stopper

I thought the delivered product fit well-tried on both my child and his stuffed puppy. I was delighted with the ear-adjustment straps. It’s a stretchy elastic with a bead to hold exact ear placement. There’s also a bendy nose wire. I could tell the fit was right because both puppy and child wore their masks the entire time we were out instead of swiftly discarding the face cover.

Overall I’m really happy with the purchase so far, and can’t wait for our adult packs. For a five-mask deal prices run about $35 for kids and $45 for adults when I purchased, making these affordable too.