Clarisonic Overview w/ Boscia Cleanser, Nee's HK Giveaway, and Party Pics

Hey lovely ladies! Hope everyone is having a GREAT memorial day weekend so far! I wanted to do separate blog entries in hopes of not consuming too much of your time, but I decided what the hey! I'm just gonna condense it all in one cause' I'm a lazy bum! haha.
First off. . . .I've decided to enter Nee's Hello Kitty Giveaway! Check out her fabulous blog!
All you have to do is answer one simple question. . ."What is your favorite Hello Kitty item that you own?"
In my case, I LOVE LOVE LOVEEEEEEE my HK Tee. I got this at Metropark. What I love about it? Welll....let's see I love the fact that Hello Kitty is a nerd! I think there's a lil' nerd in all of us beauty babes. I like the "talk nerdy to me" phrase because it adds a comical twist to the "talk dirty to me" cliche!

Good luck to all the people entering this giveaway! *hugs*


Now as you guys know, I've been religiously using my pink Clarisonic for the past week now. It has seriously become my staple skin cleaning/clearing tool! I cannot stress enough how wonderful this tool is because in a matter of one week my pimples has cleared up! I think the only issue I have is trying to find a better cleanser to match with it. Since Clarisonic clears your pores, any product that you apply after or while using the brush is crucial because it's what sinks into those newly opened pores. I tried using my Philosophy cleansers, one for the acne and the other is just regular/makeup removing cleanser....however I've experienced some dryness when using both. I decided to switch to this Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel ($21). What's great about this Cleansing Gel is the fact that it doesn't dry up and it actually protects the natural barrier of your skin!

Purifying Cleansing Gel
A refreshing, soap-free makeup remover and cleanser derived from amino acid to deep clean your skin while protecting its natural moisture. Hydrangea Leaf thoroughly, yet gently, purifies and refines the appearance of pores. A powerful antioxidant, Jojoba Leaf and a unique anti-irritant, Willowherb, combined with therapeutic Green Tea, will calm and combat free radical damage, preventing the visible signs of aging. Radiate health and beauty with boscia.
(picture and info. courtesy of http://www.boscia.net/)


Partayyyy pics! I did Nat's makeup...I kept it simple as she requested. She really likes how I do cat eyes. I just brushed a lil bit MSF in Gold deposit to the apples of her cheeks, her nose, chin, and her décolletage. As for moi, I used my Novel Twist Cool Eyes Palette (Phloof on tearduct and brow bone area, Novel Twist on eye lids, Deep Truth on outer V, and Beauty Marked on crease and above of Deep Truth).



I dabbed a lil' bit of peach toned concealer under her eyes to brighten and conceal any dark spots.


She's goofin' around with the guys.


I drew the drunken frog on the finished Patron bottle. It's been kinda like a tradition with us to get a patron and drink it all up then write any birthday wishes or comments on it.

It was a great party! Good times... ^_^

Cupcake & Clarisonic Review Snippet

Just wanted to share some cupcake creations. . .these have walnuts in them and are kinda crunchy on the outside but soft and gooey inside. Oh my my sweet tooth!
UPDATE- - - -

So since I purchased my Clarisonic, my complexion has significantly improve. This is the best skin cleaning tool I have used by far and trust me when I say. . .I HAVE USED PLENTY! We are talking from Proactive to Clean & Clear, I've had microdermabrasion done as well.
I use my Clarisonic w/ both the regular and acne formula philosophy cleansers. I have tried using my Kracie Naive Rose Cleansing lotion but it was not compatible. I think for this brush, I would definitely stick with a light cleanser with a foam consistency or maybe just apply a small amount of cleansing lotion, otherwise your skin will dry up.
I use the clarisonic brush once every night and every morning. After I use it, my skin feels sooo soft and clean. I was amazed when I first used it! I didn't even have to use moisturizer. Also, my makeup goes on smoother. The dry patches went away and it gets rid off white heads and black heads.

I know it hasn't been a week yet but so far so good!
I'm working on the Sally Hansen Inspired by Carmindy Airbrush foundation by the way. ^_^

Hello Pink Clarisonic--Bye Bye Pimples! Haha

After a whole week (seems like a year!lol) of soul searching, I finally decided to go ahead and make an investment that will improve my worsening skin situation.
I have dry patches from the dried up pimples and the pimples keep comin'...eeep!


Look at this cheap excuse for a sample!? After I spent $235 you'd think Sephora would be more giving...-_-


I also got this Philosophy On a Clear Day face cleanser ($25) for clearing up the acne. Lots of great reviews on this and I will soon do my own review.


Very neat packaging I must say!


I got the pink one because for every purchase of the pink one the company makes a donation to Breast Cancer foundations. I for one, had many love ones battle this illness so this was more of a personal matter rather than just color preference. The price for this is $195 but I believe that when this product first came out it was a little bit over $200.


This is what's in the box...I laid it all out. You basically get the manual inserts, the handle w/ the detachable brush head (must be replaced in 90 days), you get the charging dock w/ power adapter, a plastic cap to cover the brush head, and 3 mini cleansers. Also, the SA told me that I can return this even without the receipt if I'm not happy with it.


I haven't heard much about whether these cleansers are good or not, but a lot of people are using their preferred cleanser.


Here is a side by side comparison of the brush next to my fix+ spray. Although it may look bulky, it's not heavy at all. It's perfectly maneuverable!


Photo w/ the attach plastic cover to keep the brush from contaminants.




The brush is very soft! I thought at first that it would be comparable to the texture of a tooth brush but it's no where near! These are super soft...perfect for those with uber sensitive skin like moi.


So for the next two weeks, I'm going to be religious about using this each morning and evening. Heck, I might even pile on some makeup and dirty up my face just to test the power of this baby! LoL

Is it Worth the Splurge??

So I'm contemplating on getting this brush so I decided to ask for your honest opinion ladies.
The only thing that holds me back from getting this for myself is the price. A part of me thinks that I've splurged many times on makeup but this is something that I really need especially after these unexplainable and unbearable breakouts that I've been having for the last week or so. The pimples have dried out but I am still left in the dark about what's causing them.
I'm leaning towards the pro's in getting this Clarisonic brush especially after researching youtube reviews about it. I've tried using my regular face wash and acne medication routine whenever I do get breakouts and while it does heal it in a couple of days, out POPS a NEW pimple in a new spot on my face. Ugh....-_-.
Now there is a NEW Clarisonic brush version that has recently entered the beauty market (like sephora). Here's the info I got from Sephora about it . . . .

Clarisonic® Plus Skin Care System & Spot Therapy Kit
What it is:
An enhanced Clarisonic® Plus system with a third speed along with a new Spot Therapy Brush Head for the body.

What it is formulated to do:
From the creators of the Sonicare® toothbrush comes a new innovation—the Clarisonic Plus Skin Care System & Spot Therapy Kit. Sonic technology first changed the way we clean our teeth, it's now changing how we cleanse our skin. The sonic frequency moves Clarisonic's soft, gentle brush back and forth at more than 300 times per second, thoroughly clearing pores and skin surface.

Here are some of the benefits this revolutionary skincare tool delivers:
- Removes makeup six times better than traditional methods.
- Clears pores and reduces the appearance of pore size.
- Cleanses so thoroughly that skincare products absorb better.
- Creates noticeably healthier-looking skin.

The Clarisonic Spot Therapy Brush Head takes sonic cleansing beyond the face to gently cleanse and exfoliate; smooth rough, dry patches; and prepare the skin to better absorb skincare products. It is ideal for use on the décolleté, hands, arms, elbows, and feet. Enhance your results with the complementary Refining Skin Polish for the body, developed by Robb Akridge. This intensive, 3-tier refining solution exfoliates, firms, and smoothes the skin, delivering radiant, silky-soft results.

This set contains:
- Clarisonic Plus three-speed brush
- International charging cradle for worldwide use
- Sensitive brush head
- 3x trial-size facial cleansers
- Spot therapy brush head (for the body)
- Trial-size refining skin polish (for the body)

What else you need to know:
Used by leading dermatologists and luxury spas, Clarisonic is professional-caliber sonic skincare for healthy, beautiful skin. The Clarisonic Plus has three speeds, allowing it to be gentle enough for cleansing the face yet strong enough to be effective on the décolleté, neck, and arms. Simple control buttons, a customizable T-TIMER®, and a convenient charge indicator make Clarisonic a breeze to use.

It's for both the face and the body but what really makes it tempting is the fact that it's pretty much a more IMPROVED version of the old one. Be that as it may, the PRICE has also..."improved" a bit along with the new perks. It went from the old $195 to a whopping $225. Now it may not be much of a jump in dollars but it has left me VERY skeptical. Plus the$225 one does NOT...and I repeat...does not come in a pink color unlike the older version.
So please ladies...I NEED YOUR HELP! I am in dire need of your opinion regarding this matter. If you own one or not, I would still appreciate any thought about this matter. Is $225 a small price to pay for GREAT skin? What do you think?
Thank you!

MAC + Sephora Haul

Went to Sephora and MAC w/ my sister Grace.

I got a bunch of samples and makeup goodies from her. She gave me a brand new Chi Iron Guard Spray cause' I'm almost out of it.

Lancome Photogenic Skin-Illuminating Sheer Loose Powder

Yay! I finally got the blush I've been lemming for...Moon River!

Very cute pink-blue blush!

My first ever MUFE falsies.

Avon bath/skincare products...these smell like honeydew! Yum!

I got the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer and above is a pic of it next to my Laura Geller Primer.

My MAC MSF Collection... (w/out flash)

(w/ flash)

Circle Lense Haul

I ordered 2 pairs of circle lenses. One pair was these Geo Angel Gray lenses and the other pair are Geo Honey Wing.

I got a free neko, green contact lense case.


Here's I'm wearing the gray ones.

MAC Haul + Ponds Face Wipes

Love Rocks



Grand Duo




PONDS FACE WIPES Mini Review:
I actually first used this when Jes sent some my way in a love pack. I used it when I went to Florida.
PROs:
I didnt' even need to use eye makeup remover because a couple towelettes of this was enough to remove all the makeup from my eyes and face. I especially like the fresh, clean smell from this product. It's highly affordable and you get a 30 towelettes. I have acne prone skin and after using this, I don't have any allergic reactions or breakouts.
CONs:
I don't like the packaging because it's soft plastic not hard plastic like the Neutrogena one. In order to get a towelette you have to peel the designed openning flap and stick it back on to close, so it's likely for the towelettes to dry up if you don't properly close it.
CONCLUSION:
I would buy this again because it's quality product for an inexpensive, affordable price. I would just transfer it to a different container to keep it from drying up.