Getting a new Skincare Gadget

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Remarkably, I’ve spent less of my recent personal time on a computer than the past year. My day job has been more demanding recently, so I’ve had less personal time and I’ve actually wanted to give myself a break from the screens. I’m reading paper books more. I’m taking more walks.

At the end of the day, though, I still like buttons and internet in a lot of things – including my skincare.

I’ve been a Clarisonic Mia2 loyal for approaching three years, now – which is crazy, because it seems like just yesterday (really 5 years ago) I just learned about that particular skincare gadget and was incredulous at the cost.

For the last few months, my skin has been having a hissy fit. I’ve used a fresh brush head since, and I clean it regularly. Although I don’t think it is the Clarisonic’s fault, I decided for science and curiosity to try the Foreo Luna Mini. So I took advantage of one of the sought-after 20% off Ulta Platinum Perks and ordered one last week. It’s due to arrive in a day or two.

Foreo Luna Mini Skincare Gadget

Going in, I don’t have any preconceived notions or expectations for the device. I am a bit excited about the the hygienic aspect and the fact that you don’t need to replace expensive brush heads every 3-4 months.

If you don’t already, would you consider using a skincare gadget or tool?

New: beautyblender beautyblusher

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beautyblender beautyblusherbeautyblender beautyblusher

I never was impressed by the beautyblender micro.mini. To me, they just seemed too small to be easily handled. A tiny sponge jumping out of your hands is not a useful sponge. I am, however, a beautyblender classic loyal…and unlike the beautyblender Nude which left me kind of confused, I really love the newest addition to the family – the beautyblender beautyblusher.

I definitely have applied blush with my beautyblender (love it for the Josie Maran Argan Infinity ones!), but a slightly-smaller (without being mini!) sponge would really be ideal for placement and blending.

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Throwback Roundup – March 2016

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Throwback Roundup

I’m trying to make a concerted effort to have a presence in good ol’ Twitter’s Throwback Thursday shenanigans. Not everyone likes or uses Twitter, though (no judgment – it took me a long time to come around and accept it as a tool) – so I figured a good way to maybe revive old content might be to do a monthly roundup. In addition to my Twitter activity, I’ll share a throwback roundup as a proper post on the last posting day of the month.

Get nostalgic with me!

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Suave Professionals Volumizing Line

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Suave Professionals Volumizing
Suave Professionals Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner

Ever on the hunt for a great shampoo and conditioner for my needs, I decided to try another inexpensive option when it was time to repurchase, recently. (Sometimes inexpensive products that don’t seem exciting can be, after all!) So, for science, I picked up the Suave Professionals Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner ($4-6). They are claimed to be as effective as Matrix Amplify (but I have not tried the Matrix product so I am unable to compare).

The clear shampoo lathers well (if you’re into that sort of thing…and if you aren’t, steer clear) and rinses cleanly without too much effort. I found the consistency of the conditioner to be thin – not terribly thin to the point of being useless, but not as thick, creamy, and moisturizing as I would generally like it to be. I apply it and leave it for 3 minutes before rinsing while I other things in the shower, but it does not penetrate the hair shaft as much as I’d like.

Both are noticeably fragranced, but neither are unpleasant, and neither of them tend to linger significantly.
After washing and conditioning, I blowdry my hair without any product other than my Tresemme Heat Protector (inexpensive, works great), my hair does look and feel more voluminous than with what I was using previously (Tresemme Moisture), but it isn’t substantial enough to forego mousse if you need some lift at the scalp. It’s more… fluffy, but not truly voluminous.

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Pedicures, Revisited

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Tools for PedicuresImplements for Pedicures

We’ve officially hit Spring (though tell the weather in my area that). We are now closer to the start of sandal season than the start of boot season! That’s celebration-worthy. When the chill of and Winter set in, though, a lot of people relax their attitude towards certain areas of grooming – like shaving or pedicures.

Before I continue, this post is not intended to judge or slam your personal choices. At the end of the day, you should absolutely do what you’re comfortable with, what you have time for, etc. If it means taking a break from the tedium that is regular shaving with a classic razor, cool (though I recommend at least trying an electric or laser option). 

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Value Sets

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Throughout the year (but especially during the holidays!) retailers and brands offer samplers or value sets where you pay $X amount for several products. Like anything else, some are hits, some are misses. I’ve bit on a few of these before – a Marc Jacobs rollerball trio three years ago for $39 (still have more than half of each – definitely happy with that purchase!), The Too Faced Everything Nice Holiday 2014 Set for $59 (while I still love most of the shadows in this, if I were doing it over with over a year of hindsight, I’m not sure I would have purchased).

What I’ve never purchased for myself, however, are the Sephora-curated value sets. It’s foolish really, because some of them have been really good. I think value sets are a great way to a) try new product without committing to a full-price, full-size; b) a good way to revive your collection; and c) Sample sizes are always great for purses and travel.

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