Clarisonic: Can't Live Without It.

Occasionally, a product comes along that changes your life.  Is that dramatic?  Maybe. Oh, well. I had seen the Clarisonic brush used in spas, and knew it was highly recommended, but I didn't see the point in spending $150 on a skincare tool. When I started working with Dior/Macy's, I met woman after woman with great skin, but they all used different skin treatments and products. Except one - they all seemed to use the Clarisonic. 

So when Macy's brought out the Mia First at $99, I went for it. And...I. Love. It.

From the Clarisonic site: "Day and night, skin is subject to oil, perspiration, debris, makeup, and environmental pollutants. These combine to make a sticky, stubborn pore-clogging film that can make the skin look unhealthy, feel rough, and become irritated, while acting as a barrier to skincare products. Unlike spinning devices, our patented sonic cleansing technology works with skin's natural elasticity, oscillating at a sonic frequency that produces over 300 movements per second. The resulting flexing action created between the inner and outer brushes works to loosen dirt and oil, removing deep-seated impurities from pores and priming skin to better absorb topical treatments."

This means improvements in:
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Loss of firmness and elasticity
Enlarged pores& excess oil
Rough surface & uneven texture
Dullness/Lack of Radiance
Acne/blemishes

I have to say, it comes through. When I wash without the brush now, I don't feel half as clean, and my skin looks much better when I'm using it. My products work better, meaning I spend less money on them (and on cosmetics) overall. Granted, I did get my Macy's discount, so it was a great deal - but I think it's worth the investment. 

Anyone besides me <3 the Clarisonic?

February Birchbox Goodies

This month's Birchbox arrived during Winter Storm PAX and is a welcome distraction from all the ice!

 This month, we have...

Beauty Protector, Protect & Oil
"Hair oil that defends against UV rays, heat, and breakage."  I have a feeling I'll love this, since this brand's leave-in conditioner and detangler is my FAVORITE.

Dr. Brandt, Pores No More Pore Refiner
"This celeb favorite minimizes pores and absorbs oil for a photo-ready matte finish." This is supposed to work as a primer too, but I am not sure I need quite this much oil control. I'll try it and see how it works.

Juicy Couture, Couture La La Malibu scent
"Breezy So-Cal inspired scent that mingles sparkling mandarin with pink sugar." May be a bit summery, and not the same quality as a good designer scent, but Juicy does usually smell pretty good.

Ruby Wing, color-changing nail polish in Kitten Heels
"Color-changing polish morphs from a hot fuchsia to a deep magenta in the sun." I've already been experimenting with color change polishes and totally love them. They make your manicure a bit magical!

32 Oral Care, effervescent breath crystals
"Breath-freshening crystals that attack unpleasant odors for a cool, clean feeling." Seriously? They're like pop rocks for fresh breath. You swish them around until they pop. Weirdness.

What did you ladies receive in your BirchBox/Ipsy/etc. this month?

Newest Craze: Body Oils

In 2013, I noticed a lot of new body oils on the market.  I was hesitant to use an oil, but during the summer, I wanted that nice bronze-y sheen, so I tried a few. Results were mixed, and as follows...

1. Neutrogena Body Oil (~$10)

This was the first oil I tried, and I wasn't a huge fan.  The sesame oil formula is very slippery and..well, oily. It does moisturize the skin, bet it didn't smell good, and even after letting it sink into my skin, the smell and oil seemed to stay on any clothes I wore that day. I still have most of the bottle, and I don't foresee myself using it.

2. Nuance Dual-Phase Body Oil ($13)

I moved on to this oil in Salma Hayek's Nuance line, and had a better experience.  This is made with jojoba, coconut, and passion fruit oils.  It's a more "dry" oil - it takes more to sink into the skin, but I did not feel greasy, and the smell is lovely. The only drawback seemed to be that the moisture doesn't last as long as a lotion.

3. Carol's Daughter Lavendar & Vanilla Dry Oil Mist (~$16)

My latest body oil trial has been better than expected - the lavendar and vanilla is a soothing, spa-like scent.  Oils are some shea, sweet almond, and soy.  Moisture is medium-level, I'd say - not oily or greasy, but gives you a nice supple sheen. Most likely to keep using this one, and I'll check out the other scents, as well.  Carol's Daughter is a very natural brand, which is nice.

Overall, I think body oils are a nice addition to my body skin care routine - but they can't replace a good lotion or body butter.  Now, if I can only find a body butter and an oil in the same excellent scent, I'll be set.