Clarisonic & Birchbox!

What an exciting week!!  So much to talk about!  Valentines Day, my birthday, AND I finally got a Clarisonic Mia 2 AND the wait is finally over for me at Birchbox!

Let's talk about the Clarisonic Mia 2 (I'll try to post pics).  I looked at the regular Clarisonic Mia and the Mia 2.  I decided to go with the Mia 2 for two reasons:  First, I liked the dual speeds.  For my really oily skin and large pores, I wanted to be able to concentrate more on those areas at a higher speed.  Secondly, the protective travel case that comes with the Mia 2.  Sure, I could just travel with it in it's own bag or with my other cosmetics, but I really like the extra protection the case provides. 

I picked it up my Clarisonic Mia 3 in pink at ULTA on Wednesday evening. I came straight home to plug it in to charge enough to use it right away.  The first use, I was a little sloppy with it.  I used too much water and too much facial cleanser.  There was water everywhere!  It even got in my eyes!  I should have known better, but oh well.  I have used it Wednesday evening, Thursday morning and evening and this morning.  I can honestly say that already, my pores on my nose look cleaner and smaller.  The pores on my cheeks and chin are cleaner and smaller as well - but for me, my nose area is the most noticeable.  On Wednesday, I awoke to a large cyst-like zit coming up on my chin.  I went over that area with the Clarisonic each day, and today,  it is almost gone (without breaking the skin).  I don't know if this is a coincidence or not, but I'm going to say no!  It's probably a little of the magic of the Clarisonic. To say that I love the Clarisonic Mia 2 is an understatement!  Clarisonic has a steep price tag, at $119 for the Mia, $149 for the Mia 2, $195 for the standard size and $225 for the one one with the body brush head.  Either way you go, it's a great investment  for your skin!!  (as a side note:  I've read a couple of reviews about the Clarisonic Mia actually reducing the look of wrinkles - so I'm going to be on the lookout for that - especially on my forehead as those wrinkles are starting to bother me a lot).

Clarisonic recommends that you change out the brush heads every three months or so.  I'm not certain if this is with daily use or with a couple of times a week, but I'll need to gauge that as I go.  So far, I am very happy with the product!  (I also have the Sonicare toothbrush - made by the same company - and I love that too!  My teeth feel great all the time - recommend that highly as well!).

On to other good news this week - my Birchbox wait is over!!  I got the wonderful news via email on Wednesday, and I signed up almost immediately.  My first box will probably be in March.  I haven't decided if I'm going to do a video review, or just write reviews.  I'm not all that technically savvy, but I'm willing to give it a try.  I can't wait to get my first box!

I have ventured away from my MAC Studio Fix foundation and I bought Make Up For Ever HD Foundation.  I was almost out, so I wanted to branch out a little bit and try something new.  I bought the starter kit (very pricey at $79) but it included the setting powder, brush and primer.  Today is my first day wearing it, so I'm not going to write a review just yet.  I'm going to give it a week or two of daily use to write an effective review of the product.

That's all for now!
Much Love!
L

Spa Night!!

So, last night, I splurged on myself and get a facial, mani & pedi at the day spa by my house.  I really shouldn't wait that long to do that for myself.  Especially since my skin is so oily.  The facial was oh so awesome.  It was relaxing.  She started with a face massage, with some steam.  She then used a Clarisonic brush on my face, neck and upper part of my chest.  I wasn't really sure about that, but she said that for a lot of women, we remember to wash our face, but forget about our neck and chest....which is really where the face begins.  From there, she massaged my shoulders, upper back, heck and head.  It was such a relaxing experience and good for my skin.  I need do this more often for sure!!!

I also spoke to her about a Clarisonic for home use.  She highly recommended it and she reinforced what I had kind of already decided.  I was going to get one anyway.  They sold them at the salon, but I didn't buy it there.  I'm going to go to Ulta or Sephora for it - that way I'll get points for it.  The new Clarisonic Mia 2 is $149 and it also has a travel case.  I can't wait to get it and use it regularly.  I'm super excited to see an improvement in my skin.

The Dermalogica Clearing Mattifier was also recommended by the lovely lady doing my facial.  Again, they sold it at the salon, but I get points at Ulta and Sephora, so I'll buy it there.  I really want a sample that I can try for a couple of days first.  That stuff is $42, I don't want to spend that kind of money on something that may not work.  Looks like a stop in the make up store is in the plans for today!

I'll update when I get samples or my Clarisonic!

Much Love!
L

Shiny!

I love shiny lips....lip gloss!!  I like many types of lip glosses - most of which are various ones from MAC - various colors and types of their Lip Glass.  I've tried several different brands.  One that I enjoy - mostly during the winter months - is C.O. Bigelow Mentha Supreme 2x.

I can't explain why - but I only like minty flavored gloss during the winter months.  I have no explanation why I enjoy it this way, but I do.  The label mentions that it "freshens breath"....I don't find that it does this at all, but I do like the tingly and minty feeling on my lips during the winter months.  I'll try this gloss in the warmer months as well to see if I like it.

On other news, I'm still on the waiting list for Birchbox, and it's making me crazy.  I really want it to be my turn!  There are other monthly subscription beauty services, but they haven't had as many good reviews.  Crossing my fingers for my number to be up soon!

Stylemint & Jewelmint reviews

I joined Stylemint and Jewelmint last week.  I received my first order from each this week.  Here's a photo of all I got from Stylemint:

On the left was the style pick, it's the Albany in charcoal.  The fit is pretty good.  I'm a normal sized woman, so the models in the pictures make the shirts look much better.  I have real curves, so the style looks different.  I still like it, but I will have to make sure I keep that in mind when picking out my next style.  Also included was a bright pink tank top.  It's one size fits all, so I will be wearing this under another shirt of some kind.  The quality of the shirt is shirt is great.  It's soft to the touch and has a great shape.  The sleeves are nice and loose, and the bottom of the shirt is asymmetrical - longer in the back and shorter in the front.  The neckline dips a little lower than I expected, so I may have to wear a tank under it in work settings.


Also included in my Stylemint shipment was a Jewelmint piece.  It's the Desert Rose necklace.  It isn't something that I would pick out for myself, but I may wear it a time or two.  It's very pretty.

My Jewelmint order came the other day.  I ordered a trio of rings called Lady Luck.  I really like them and wore them to work today.


I really wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised with the quality.  The rings look great worn all together.

I am impressed with both so far and I'm looking forward to next month!  Now, if Birchbox would just lift their wait!

Much Love,
L