The Routine: Skin Cleansing

I am introducting a new set of posts called The Routine.  These will feature products I use and love on a daily basis as well as some trends that I am currently trying out.  I felt it was right to start with cleansing and facial care products.



First off is the Clarisonic Facial Cleanser.  I love my Clarisonic.  I purchased one about 18 months ago and my skin has been polished ever since.

Clarisonic Mia 2 at Sephora

Here's the benefits of this product:  Clarisonic's patented sonic technology gently removes the impurities traditional cleaning methods leave behind, cleansing six times better than your hands alone. In just 60 seconds, its sonic action removes impurities from pores so that creams, serums, and moisturizers are more effective. And with regular daily use you'll notice a reduction in dry patches, oily areas, and blemishes.  

This is the truth!  I love how I no longer have dry skin, and it takes all my makeup off and leaves a clean surface!  I know it's pricey but you can find promo codes out there, and I replace my brush head about every 5-6 months (I know it's recommended every 3 months).

Deals:  I bought mine from the skinstore which runs 20% off promos frequently.  If your thinking about a Clarisonic here's the current promo code:  SEP20

With your Clarisonic it is best to use a good face wash.  I really like Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel.  I received my first sample in the August PopSugar box and instantly loved it!  I was able to pick up a few more bottles in some product swap groups I belong too, but as with most things you can find better deals on the product simply by searching Ebay.  This Special Cleansing Gel smells terrific and really takes all my makeup of leaving my skin feeling tightened and fresh.  If you are not looking to spend that much on a face wash, I have loved using Neutrogena Cream Cleanser with my Clarisonic and had great results as well.

Eye Makeup removal is another story.  I don't use my Clarisonic or Dermalogica on my eye area.  For this task I love Neutrogena Oil Free Makeup Remover.  However, I have found great sales on the CVS imitation product with just as great of results.  This product completely melts off that mascara with the aid of a little hot water.  I have tried other brands like Almay with not as good of results.  I also need something that will be gentle on my eyes, another reason I love the Oil Free Formula.



When it comes to skin care I am pretty loyal to my products and routine.  I am so happy I have some great products that do the job but as always it's fun to try new stuff out.  What products do you use in your skin cleansing routine, do you switch it up often or are you brand loyal?  Do you have a Clarisonic (if not you should :))?  

Zoya Blaze

I was excited to try out my bottle of Zoya Blaze from the 2012 Ornate Winter Collection.  You can purchase Zoya polishes for $8 from Zoya, or as always from Amazon or Ebay.  Blaze is a cranberry red with holographic micro glitter.  I love this polish!  It went on smooth and I love the different dimensions you get from this glitter that you can't get from just a glitter topcoat.  I love how it mixes with the cranberry and creates layers of sparkle!  This one will be in heavy rotation this fall and winter!  Don't these photo's make you want to go pick a bottle up!

Zoya Blaze

blurred photo to show glitter

Gelish A Touch of Sass

Today I have another Fall Gelish shade from the Under Her Spell Collection:  A Touch of Sass.  Once I saw the name of course I had to try it ;).  You can pick this up at Sally in the mini size .3fl oz or Ebay or Amazon in the full size .5fl oz bottle.  A Touch of Sass is a deep blood red, perfect for fall.  Reds and pinks are the colors I pick out the least due to skin tone issues, but this one is perfect.  This is the first red shade I have liked in a long time, it is very rich and not pink or orange toned at all!  The formula was nice and thin (not a fan of the thick and goopy gelish shades), I used three coats.  You can see some streaking in the photos due to the flash, but in person they are not that obvious.  I will wear this cream shade for a few days and then try some fun nail art and additions to the shade.  Did you pick up A Touch of Sass this Fall?

OPI Liquid Sands What Wizardry is This?

Today I have OPI Liquid Sands What Wizardry is This?  This color is from the Wizard of Oz OPI collection released last spring.  You can still pick this up at Ulta, or of coarse ebay or amazon retail price $9.  I love OPI liquid sands and this one did not disappoint!  I am a fan of brown and gold anything, so when I saw the combo I knew it was for me.  This polish looks brown or black depending on the light with small flecks of gold glitter.  I paired it with another liquid sand polish Honey Ryder from the OPI Bond Girls collection.  Liquid Sands are textured polishes with micro glitter that look great with or without a topcoat.  I used a topcoat in these photos.  What are your favorite Liquid Sands shades?

OPI What Wizardry is This? with OPI Honey Ryder accent

micro glitters

RocksBox 2nd Set

Today I received my second set of RockBox jewelry in the mail.  If you aren't familiar with Rocksbox it is a jewelry subscription service where you get to try out jewelry for a monthly fee and either keep it and purchase it, or send it back in a prepaid envelope for a new set of items.  Each shipment has 3 items and guarantees at least $200 of jewels.   I sent in my first box on a Saturday and received my next box on a Thursday.  I think that is a good turn around, the items are shipped from California.  I felt just ok about my first box liking 1/3 pieces.  I filled out a customer survey and it did help this time I like 2/3 pieces.  So are even though the pieces of coarse are hit or miss due to personal taste, I really like this service.  I like to wear lots of different jewelry and this is perfect for me.  I will continue to look forward to my RocksBox delivery!  If you are interested in trying Rocksbox you can get your first month for free!  Subscription plans are $15-19 a month depending on length of membership, and you can cancel anytime.  Sign up here if you are interested (referral link):  RocksBox

Liz Palacios Teardrop Ring in Fern ($38.00 member price 30.40)  I really like this!  It looks great on my and I love the color, the stone is so vivid.

Gorjana Sirena Bracelet in Matte Silver ($45.00 member price 36.00)  This is the miss for me.  Although it is pretty, it is so small there is no way I can put it on by myself and is very tight if someone else does.  Ow well, better luck next time.

Maria Kofman Freshwater Pearl long Multi-Stand Necklace ($110 member price $88)  This is a winner!  I love the style, colors, materials everything.  I can't wait to try this out with a few of my fall outfits.  

All the Jewels:  2nd Rocksbox set

Polish TBH Chocolate Frogs

Polish TBH (Indie brand)  has a Harry Potter line of polishes I came across on Facebook this week!  I had to have Chocolate Frogs.  This is a gorgeous brown shade with gold, orange, and navy blue, and green glitter of various sizes.  It is currently sold out, but keep checking here for restocks:  Chocolate Frogs.  I used four coat's of Gelish Double Shot Espresso as a base layer (very thin polish).  I really liked this shade of the Gelish polish, I can't wait to try more nail art with this brown color.  I also used my Konad stamper and Bundle Monster plate BM-213 to create some fun accents.  I used a rose gold, orange and a navy blue polish and stamped a triangle pattern to match my Chocolate Frog's glitter.  I think it came out great, perfect for the fall!  Are you going to pick up any of these Harry Potter colors?  I also have my eye on Sorcerer's Stone when it gets restocked!

Chocolate Frogs

October Julep Maven

Julep October Maven polish box choices were released today and they are amazing! I can't wait, which box did you choose? I upgraded! Not a Maven yet? Sign up and get your first month free! Use code: FREEBOX after that you can choose your box based on the colors you like or you can choose to skip the box that month! They also offer mystery boxes every few months for those who like the surprise!  Julep Maven

This months add ons:  a black latex, black with glitter, and glow in the dark topcoat!

9 polishes, eyeliner, sharpener, and charcoal mask $180 value in the upgrade box!

WHAT I'M LOVIN.....Starbucks Salted Carmel Mocha

I have to share my latest obsession.  Although it's not about nail polish or makeup check the tag line it lists espresso! so fair game  :)

Starbucks Salted Carmel Iced Mocha!!!!!!!!  I can't get enough!  Try one and let me know what you think, this is my new favorite replacing the Iced Peppermint Mocha.

Espresso and steamed milk, blended with mocha sauce and toffee nut flavored syrup. Topped with sweetened whipped cream, caramel drizzle and a mixture of turbinado sugar and sea salt.

Did you also know that if you order a Venti you get 3 shots of espresso instead of 2 in iced drinks....  Have you tried it?  What did you think?

Zoya Charla & Ivanka

I finally got to try my Zoya Charla and Zoya Ivanka tonight!  These shades are from Zoya's Sparkle Collection from 2010.  I just purchased them recently, each shade sells for $8 at zoya.com, or of course you can find them on ebay or amazon for a little less.  Zoya Charla is a blue foil with silver and green accents.  Ivanka is a green foil with silver accents.  The shades go perfect together and compliment each other perfectly!  I used a gradient fade on the tips to get this look, it was super easy and the colors sparkle even more in person!  I can't wait to try more nail art with these shades.  What do you think of Zoya's Sparkle shades?

Zoya Charla, Zoya Ivanka

RocksBox

Over the weekend I received my first RocksBox in the mail.  Heres how Rocksbox works:  You fill out a style profile and get 3 pieces of designer jewelry, averaging over $200 a set in the mail at one time.  You can send the pieces back for new ones as often as you like in prepaid envelopes, or keep any of the items for a discounted price.  You can refresh the items any time and includes free shipping, it a way to "date" your jewelry.  I was excited to open my first box, and it did not disappoint!

First Look:  Nice presentation box, and prepaid return envelope

Charlene K Hammered Gold Drop Earring retail $60  , $48.00 member price

Dara Ettinger Druzy by the Yard Necklace in Amethyst retail $156.00, member price $124.80

closeup of the gorgeous stones!

Urban Gem Banquette Bracelet in Coral retail $42.00 , member price $33.60

Retail value of borrowed gems:  $258!

I really loved the necklace, it was fun to wear and was totally my style.  The bracelet, didn't wow me and I tend not to wear earrings other than my diamond studs.  I am happy to see that there is a card you send back with the items where you give feedback on if the pieces were for you or not.  I realized, I can  choose to not receive earrings, and get a ring instead, which is great.  I am mailing this back this weekend, even though the necklace was gorgeous (and pricey!)  and can't wait to see if they take my preferences into consideration for my second set of jewels.  Want to try RocksBox, subscriptions start at $19 a month and are less pricey if you commit to 6 months or 1 year, money back guarantee anytime!  Get your first month free through this referral link:  RocksBox

Zoya Pixie Dust Chyna

I already had to replace my mani from earlier, I wasn't feeling the shade.  I have been waiting for the fall to try my Zoya Pixie Dust shade Chyna, which is a rich ruby red with small black flecks.  I know Pixie Dust polish is great on it's own with a nice matte finish, but I added some shine with a topcoat of Seche Vite very fast dry top coat.  Chyna is from Zoya's fall 2012 line, but I think this shade will get heavy rotation this fall and winter around here!  What do you think of Chyna? 

Gelish My Nightly Craving

Tonight I tried another one of the new Gelish Under Her Spell Shades, My Nightly Craving.  This shade is a mauve/lavender creme hue.  I used three coats, and I must say the formula in this gelish line is greatly improved from the thick and goopy spring shades.  I used Julep Clio as an accent glitter gradient.  I think this shade would be lovely on most people, however with my skin tone I don't care for it.  You win some and lose some!  I will stick with the gorgeous Gelish Lust at First Site for my fall purple shade of choice.  What do you think of My Nightly Craving?

September Barkbox Review

I also recieved my September Barkbox on Saturday (also Popsugar and Rocksbox) it was like Christmas :)  Barkbox is a monthly doggie subscription service that starts at $19 a month for the month to month plan, less if you sign up for more months.  I chose the small dog box, as I have a 10 pound and a 50 pound dog and my big dog doesn't care how small the treats are, and doesn't play with toys.  Here's what I got this month!

All the Goodies

Aussie Naturals Shark Toy ($ 7.99):  Combines the appeals of rope, squeaker and stuffing free tug toy.    Sookie already is getting some good play time out of this one, she likes tugging toys.

VetraCare Pet ($8.95):  Liquid Bandage disinfects and protects cuts and scrapes.  This is going to come in handy for Athena who like to itch herself till she bleeds during allergy season!  I didn't know such a thing existed, we usually reach for the Neosporin.  

Plato Natural Duck Strips ($ 11.99 )

Wagatha's Organic Dog Biscuits in Pizza flavor ($10.95):  These are already a hit around here, they are loving them :) and yes they smell like pizza!



I totalled this months Barkbox at $39.88, what a great deal, I paid $16 a month with a promo code!  The dog's are loving all the new treats and toys, which make me happy too!  If you want to try Barkbox click the (referal link) here: Barkbox sign up and recieve $5 off your first month!  What did your doggies get in their September Barkbox?

September PopSugar Box

I received my Must Have PopSugar Box in the mail on Saturday.  This month was especially exciting because I didn't have any spoilers until the day before it came, the anticipation was killing me!  The theme of the September box is do it yourself.  I love this months contents, lets get to it!

First Look

All the Goodies

Must Have Home:  Rifle Paper Co. Coaster Set ($16)  These paper floral coaster are great for a girls night, or as a regift  as a hostess present.

Must Have Beauty:  Kitsch Headbands ($15.99) I have never tried these kind of headbands and I know they are "in" right now but I already love them, they can also be used as ponytail holders and the colors are perfect!

Includes a promo code for 20% off your next Kitsch order

Must Have Fashion:  P.S.-Your Invited by Erica Domesek ($15.60)  This DIY book is adorable!  It has great project ideas for your home, clothes, jewelry etc.  I can't wait to try a few of them out!  I love crafts and these are updated versions think pinterest.....

Must Have Fashion:  Shoptiques $25 Gift Card.  Shoptiques is an unique website that features boutiques from all around the world in one place.
I used this already to purchase a ring that was $22 plus shipping, my out of pocket cost was $6  in the end, but nice that I got to pick out an item that I liked!  Here's a photo of my ring.

Got my ring in 3 days!  Great shipping, gorgeous piece!

Must Have Home:  Barr-Co Original Scent Reed Diffuser ($46.00)  The scent is a blend of milk, oatmeal and vetiver, think clean smelling.  I have read they sell these at anthopologie stores.  I would never spend that kind of money on something like this so what a nice gift for myself!

Must Have Food:  That's It. Bar ($1.66)  Only ingredients are fruit, hmm apple and pear, can't wait to try it.
Must Have Fitness:  Sharkies ($ 1.48) for a quick boost during workouts gummies with electrolye's, never met a gummy a didn't like :)

I totalled my September PopSugar box at $121.73!  That is a great deal on these fun items that I wouldn't have picked out for myself, but I really love them all.  I paid $35 a month, for my MustHave box, and can't wait to see what I get next month and start looking through that DIY book!  If you are interested in getting PopSugar as well you can sign up through this link here (referral link): MustHave PopSugar Box fyi they are already sold out of Octobers box, sign up now to get November!  What did you think of the September box?