NARS Eyes & Spa Smoothness

Two totally random product reviews:

This little NARS palette is a duo recommended by the beautiful Emma Watson - she always looks fresh-faced and a little sultry at the same time, so when she said "jump"...I did.  Called Tzarine, this is a pinkish-beige on one side, and a sparkly gray on the other. It's an interesting combination because the colors are so very opposite - i.e. not simply a lighter/darker version of the same shade, like a lot of shadow duos.  Both shades have a TINY bit of shimmer, but don't translate as sparkly. They blend nicely into each other, but I admit the light shade needs to be layered on to show up well.  Overall, I like it.
$35, http://www.amazon.com/NARS-Duo-Eyeshadow-Tzarine/dp/B003VRCEEE

H2O+ Sea Moss Black Sand Body Scrub - on the subject of deals and steals, I found this fun product at TJMaxx for about $8 - it typically runs $20. When I buy discounted products, I am always a little skeptical, but this stuff is excellent. I find it cool that the micro-fine sand grains are from cooled lava. It also contains sea salt, aloe vera, and provitamin B.  There's enough grit to exfoliate, but enough moisture to make the skin soft vs. dry. Definitely a good find!
http://www.h2oplus.com/product/sea+moss+black+sand+body+scrub.do?sortby=bestSellers&refType=

For all the Dior Divas

I am asked fairly often about my list of Dior "must haves" as compared to other brands. While I use quite a few Dior products, I readily use other brands if they seem to work better for me and my skin.  After a few years of Dior product use, the favorites that I will keep buying well into the future are...

1. One Essential Super Skin Serum

As I've said before, serums pack the most skin treatment "oomph", and of all the serums, this is my favorite! It detoxifies, cleaning out and purifying skin cells, and boosting the effectiveness of all other products significantly.  Revitalizes and makes skin more radiant, and helps correct/prevent signs of aging. "Pollution, stress, fatigue, UV rays…the atmosphere in our biggest cities has proven to be just as intoxicating as it is harmful. The ozone alone increases toxin production by 44%. Every day, 7 billion toxins accumulate in the skin, preventing it from repairing itself and diminishing its glow. As if suffocated, the skin becomes dull and appears tired."  It's not cheap at $95 and $120 (two sizes), but in my opinion, worth every cent. 


2.  Capture Totale Multi-Perfection Creme

This is my current favorite moisturizer. It's a beautiful, thick, smooth creme, and it melts into the skin.  It improves multiple deeper layers of the skin to plump, smooth, structure, and illuminate the skin. At $155 a jar, it's not cheap, but once you purchase, you can buy re-fills for $140 that pop into this "jewelry box" case.  A little goes a long way, so re-purchasing should not happen often.  Dior also makes a "rich" creme version of this for very dry skin.

3. Capture Totale Multi-Perfection Eye Cream

I am very choosy about eye creams, and have yet to find any sort of miracle cream for firmness, moisture, and dark circles.  So far, this is one of my overall favorites.  It is extremely moisturizing, and helps fill in lines and wrinkles to firm around the eye.  It's wonderfully comfortable and feels a bit like a spa treatment. 

4. DiorSnow White Reveal Gentle Purifying Foam

I recently blogged about this as my newest favorite cleanser - it foams, cleanses, brightens, but does not strip or dry the skin at all.  A great add to your cleansing routine.

5. DiorSkin Nude Natural Glow Radiant Foundation

For a nude/dewy foundation finish, this is still my go-to.  It comes in many shades, applies smoothly with a brush or sponge, and looks fresh through the day.  A nicely balanced foundation. 

6. DiorSkin Nude Compact

For a very even, natural, slightly satiny finish, this is my favorite powder.  It comes with a small brush for light application, and a sponge for more coverage, which is ideal for use throughout the day. I've used it alone and with all sorts of foundation. 

7. DiorSkin Airflash Foundation

This was the first product I ever got hooked on from Dior. Originally developed for professional makeup artists, this spray foundation gives amazing coverage that feels like absolutely nothing on your face.  It goes on easily with a brush or sponge, and is so thin, you forget you're wearing foundation. The finish is flawless and smooth, semi-matte, and long wear, especially with primer.

8. DiorSkin Nude Tan Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder

I've been a bit bronzer-averse since it seemed to be all the rage while I was in high school and early college, and it was so overdone.  As I learned how to use it lightly for an all-over touch of color OR for contouring, I started keeping it in my bag for every day use. This one is my favorite simply because it's so light and finely-milled.  It's hard to apply too much.  They make slightly illuminated shades (like the one above) with varied colors to look more natural.  The same bronzers are made in more matte shades, as well.  The compact comes with a handy kabuki brush for application and blending, but I typically opt to use a larger blush brush for a lighter sweep of color.

9. DiorSnow Lash Maximizer

This is a white formula that sweeps on smoothly, and dries clear.  It plumps, lengthens, and primes lashes for mascara. It's an active serum with soy proteins to promote long-term lash growth and strength. Lashes are hair, and need to be cared for.  This makes my lashes healthier, but also makes my mascara go on better and last longer. 

10. DiorShow Mascara

Dior has been famous for their mascaras for years, and they have several great options. My favorite is still the classic DiorShow. It's a buildable volume, slightly false-lash effect. The brush is very plush, and the formula is smooth.  It sweeps on easily, and - my favorite thing - wears SO well.  It doesn't get crunchy or flaky, and stays soft, almost like natural lashes.  I can brush them side to side and not rub off the mascara. My fave.

11. Dior Addict Gloss

I seriously probably have 40 lip glosses in my cosmetics trunks, but they're going into the recycle bin, because I only use this one, in different shades.  The formula is beautiful on - shiny, sparkly (if it's a shade with shimmer), and yet (here's the kicker) - NOT STICKY.  It infuriates me when my hair sticks in my lip gloss.  Addict Gloss comes in shades sheer enough to wear over other lip colors (stain, lipstick, whatever), and shades that are beautiful colors alone or with liner. 

Notable Mentions:

Dior Lip Polish - a pink gloss that exfoliates lips and keeps them smooth

Dior Lip Maximizer - a collagen-active gloss that goes on clear and plumps lips

Creme de Rose - a rosy lip balm that is incredibly moisturizing and smoothing, and easy to wear alone.

DiorShow Liner Waterproof - roll-up liner (comes with a sharpener on one end) that glides on smoothly, and stays put - comes in several great shades to avoid being boring with black each day.

 

Cleaning My Act Up - Cleansers, Spring 2014 Edition

Since my winter cleansing write-up, I've continued trying new cleansers to find a product with the right balance of cleansing power and benefits for the skin. 

(1) My sister gave me a bottle of DDF's Brightening Cleaner, which I used both with and without my Clarisonic for several weeks. 

Without the Clarisonic, it didn't seem super effective, but with the Clarisonic, I was much more pleased. It's a clear gel that doesn't foam much at all. After using, my skin was clean, and, yes, actually a bit brighter. I don't know if it's powerful enough to lighten dark spots or correct any discoloration (as it claims to do), but it definitely left my skin looking bright and awake. At $39, it's not a bad price, but Sephora doesn't carry the brand anymore, so you have to buy from BirchBox or Amazon, or DDF directly. 

(2) When Dior came out with the new DiorSnow White Reveal Melt-Away cleansing balm, I was excited to try it, since cleansing balms seem to be all the rage. 

It is super creamy, and you massage it into skin to break down makeup, then wipe off the excess. I was admittedly a little disappointed. It may be great for just a makeup remover, but not as a full cleanser. Can't use it with the Clarisonic, and at $50 I'd rather have an actual cleanser. 

(3) I moved on to Dior's (also fairly new) Instant Gentle Cleansing Oil. 

Cleansing oil? Seems counterproductive, right? Nope! This stuff is lovely. It's a silky mid-weight oil, and you rub it into your face to let it melt away makeup and dirt. After massaging it in, you rinse your face, and it becomes a tiny bit foamy/lathery. Not really for use with the Clarisonic either, but I didn't really need it - this took off all my makeup and left me really clean, without feeling dry or tight at all. For winter or people with drier skin, definitely a win at $36! 

(4) My last Dior cleanser test was the DiorSnow White Reveal Gentle Purifying Foam. 

The DiorSnow line is formulated for brightening skin, and so far I mega-love this cleanser. It's perfection with the Clarisonic! Texture is super creamy, and with whatever, foams up beautifully. Unlike the case with some foaming cleansers, my skin doesn't feel the least bit dry or tight after rinsing. Lovely balance of clean and comfy! The tube is $45, but it's pretty large and lasts quite a while. Possible new favorite? 

(5) Birchbox sent me a couple of samples of the NUXE Reve de Miel cleanser, which I've been trying this week. 

I am torn on this product - it seems to do the job of cleansing my skin, but it doesn't remove eye makeup well, and I do not enjoy the smell.  It's made with honey and sunflower extract to leave skin soft after cleansing, but the smell is SO sweet - it's a bit cloying. Then again, the bottle is only $19, so it's on the cheaper end of French products. Overall, not BAD, but not great, either.  

(6) Last, but not least, I picked up a deluxe sample of Murad's Essential-C Cleanser after a recent facial.

This cleanser is made with a lot of antioxidants to cleanse and re-hydrate skin.  It has a fresh citrus scent.  It doesn't foam much, but it does the job.  Another mid-price ($36) cleanser that works, but didn't amaze me.

After all of the recent weeks of testing, my FAVORITES are:

DiorSnow White Reveal Gentle Purifying Foam

-and-

Philosophy's Purity Made Simple

Jazz up your Spring & Summer Manicure!

I am 100% stealing this from Lucky Magazine, and linking to their site here:
http://www.luckymag.com/beauty/2014/03/dainty-spring-nail-art-stickers

I am not averse to nail art, but I can't seem to make it last, or I get bored with it quickly, so all of these are great ways to "jazz up" the digits.

My favorites...of course, I adore the summery nautically-inspired Dior polishes and stickers that come along with them, especially the gorgeous Sailor blue.

Incoco's multi-colored bloom appliques are so ladylike and pretty!

Finally, Sephora's temporary cuticle tattoos? Adorbs!  Buying ASAP!

Squeaky Clean! Cleansers: March 2014 Edition

In my search for all things ideal for my face, I've tried a lot of cleansers. Most seem to be usable, but aren't very exciting. Quick thoughts on just a few:

1. For the drugstore-brand price point, Biore's Combination Skin Balancing Cleanser does the trick. It doesn't leave my face feeling transformed, but it gets the dirt out for between $5 and $9.

2. Fresh Soy Face Cleanser: Got a deluxe trial of this from Sephora, and read the solid reviews - but I wasn't blown away. The smell is a bit odd, and it doesn't foam very much. It left my skin feeling fairly clean and not tight, but it's SO gentle, I wondered if it was effective enough. Not my pick, at $40.

3. Lancome Creme Radiance: One of the few Lancome products I would buy again! This milky/creamy cleanser turns into a great foam, cleans well, and leaves my skin bright and clear. At $25, it's affordable and worked well with my Clarisonic. A little seems to go a long way, making the tube last longer.

4. SK-II Facial Treatment Cleanser: while I WILL fork out the dollars for SK-II's balancing essence/toner, I am not sure the cleanser is worth $70 unless you're REALLY sensitive, irritable, dry, delicate. It's a very gentle, natural, but effective cleanser - just a tad price prohibitive unless you really need this specific type of product.

5. Philosophy's Purity Made Simple: so far, this may still be my favorite cleanser. It's gentle, very lightly/pleasantly scented, and very effective - it removes every trace of makeup (even eye makeup).  It comes in 5 sizes, ranging in price from $10 to $52, but is around $23 for a standard-sized bottle, so it's affordable.  Little goes a long way with this one, as well...I would definitely recommend it.

Overall, I have a lot of cleansers to try, but so far, the Philosophy and Lancome options have been my best experiences. Anyone else tried/liked/hated them?

Stay clean!

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?