A power toothbrush for your face

I saw it in magazines…celebs were using it…I tested it out at the spa during a facial. Over time, I heard more and more about the Clarisonic. That it was invented by the inventor of the Sonicare power toothbrush (which I use and love) and as I saw more and more celebs endorsing it and spas picking it up – I began to think ‘I need to get this.’

I pooled my birthday money and for once went about this purchase more frugally – by searching for a good deal online. I knew I could get it full price at Nordstrom or at a spa on Newbury Street but I really liked the thrill of the hunt and finding the Clarisonic for less. I paid around $125 for the original Clarisonic on Amazon.com. I got the pink version – some proceeds going towards breast cancer. When I got it in the mail, I was beyond excited to test this baby out…like a new car.

I’ll cut to the chase…after months of use…I love it. The Clarisonic uses the technology of a power toothbrush to clean your face. It’s light vibrating brush cleanses your face – make up and dirt gone. I was worried it would make my skin raw or inflame my eczema. However, around the time I began to use the Clarisonic in tandem with my Chanel cleanser my eczema died down! Now, I use the Clarisonic everyday. I go with the sensitive brush head, just to be safe. The brush needs to be replaced every few months and costs around $25. You can use any facial cleanser with it.

This thing keeps it charge longer than any electric toothbrush. I’ve brought it to the gym, on vacation, you name it. It is compact enough to travel with (and they even make a smaller unit, if you’re interested). I love how my skin feels after I use this. Clean and soft. The bumps on the side of my face have lessened…and my skin is prepped for moisturizer.

http://www.clarisonic.com

Tried & True = Johnson’s Baby Pure Cornstarch Powder

First of all, why not regular baby powder? Because, after years of use, I’ve been learning more and more about the ‘risks’ of talc powder. Granted, these aren’t new findings but there have been reports that the use of talc has been connected with forms of cancer. I know, everything is linked to cancer these days. But, I am trying my best lately to avoid these types of chemicals, where possible. Therefore, I tested the cornstarch powder (talc-free!) from Johnson’s hoping it’d be an easy switch.

Thankfully, it was. The smell of the cornstarch version is pretty different than traditional baby powder – but the smell, which is called ‘magnolia petals,’ is light and sweet. I use this powder for many things – in my gym shoes after a sweaty work out, under my arms in place of deodorant sometimes. My boyfriend also uses this stuff – a little sprinkle in your gym shorts, can make a work out more comfortable – totally throwing him under the bus ;). I’ve even sprinkled a little on Howie when I thought he smelled funny…believe it. You can get the Johnson’s Baby Pure Cornstarch Powder at any drugstore – I got mine at Target. Cost less than $5 and last A LONG TIME…very long.

Looks like they also have the scent in ‘Lavendar & Chamomile’ on drugstore.com – like it!

http://www.drugstore.com/qxp68742/johnsons_baby/pure_cornstarch_powder_lavender_and_chamomile.htm?fromsrch=johnson+baby+cornstarch+powder

If you close your eyes it almost tastes like a reeses cup…almost

What do snacks have to do with beauty? Plenty. I like to share my healthy snack ideas with friends…in hopes that they’ll have some to share with me. Also, I often throw a snack in my purse on the way to the mall or Target – the goal to avoid the junky mall food or candy aisle (being honest, I usually never leave the mall without getting candy – it’s been a life long tradition for me).

I was at Target recently and there was a sale on these ‘new’ Luna Protien Bars. I’ve tried the other Luna bars…I like them, but sometimes I feel like they’re grainy or leave a chalky after-taste. Also, they’re not always that satisfying and I find myself wanting another snack shortly after. I thought these protien bars might be a good option – knowing protien fills ya up…and I thought the choco/peanut butter flavor sounded amazing.

Well, I can report back – they’re delicious. With less than 200 calories and 12g of Protien/3g of Fiber, I think these are pretty good. And I find that they’re more filling. So – instead of reaching for something junky – I’ll pick one of these up when I’m on the run. Love em’

I saw these @ Target – ~$6 a box

http://lunabar.com/products/protein/chocolate_peanut_butter/

Tried & True = Rosebud Salve

Plain and simple…I tried it years ago and now it’s a go to lip gloss. It moisturizes well, is colorless, and last forever. It is one of those lipglosses your boyfriend can borrow when suddenly he needs ‘some chapstick.’ It’s not glittery or sticky – it just works. My only gripe was that when I left the metal tin in my car the salve melted everywhere…granted, I could have guessed this would happen to most semi-liquids on a hot summer’s day, but it was still annoying. THEN, The Rosebud Perfume Co. came out with a tube version of the salve – solving this dilemma. Also solving the ‘I’m at a bar, I really don’t want to dip my dirty finger into this pot and spread it on my lips’ dilemma. I now use the tube and I bring it with me everywhere. For $6 you can’t go wrong. I usually buy @ Sephora

Side note: it has ‘other uses’ according to the package – diaper rash, treating minor burns…I’ve never used it for any of these purposes, but it’s nice to think it’s multi-functional ha

Find here: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P266126&categoryId=B70

 

The perfect white-pink polish

I was visiting Charleston, SC with my sister and mom…I was in desperate need of a manicure. My cuticles were peeling, I had scraps of polish left on a few nails…times were tough. We stopped by a local salon and got our nails done (one of my favorite mother-daughter events). I wanted something whitish/pink…that would complement my pasty skin tone. I’ve always liked those whitish/pink tones against tan skin but I am far from tan especially in late January.

I tried Essie’s ‘Fiji’ – the manicurist warned me that it is ‘a lot like white out’ – in other words, it stands out. I decided to test it out and I love it. I think because I don’t have any color I needed the extra ‘white out’ and now the pinkish-white color is popping on my nails. It is a fun color and would look even better on a nice sandy Carribean beach!

So far – no chips, which is also great! (it’s been 4 days)

Other than @ the salon – I think you can get Essie colors at Bed Bath & Beyond (or atleast I saw them there last time I was in the store).

http://www.essie.com/shop/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=fiji

A pic of the polish – Howie’s nails in the background too, added bonus!