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Clarisonic Aria Update and Further Testing with Sensitive, Cashmere, Delicate and Normal Brush Heads

September 18, 2014

I purchased my Clarisonic Aria back in June of this year. I had my initial review posted in in July followed by a 6-week update. Many of you have asked for additional reports so I have another update for you today. As of today I’ve been using the Clarisonic Aria for about 14 weeks and have tested a few additional brushes.

Shown below is the Clarisonic Aria with the Cashmere Cleanse Brush, Sensitive Brush, Delicate Brush and Normal Brush options

For those new to Clarisonic tools, there are several different options (comparison chart in this post). The main differences come to size, speed options and charging/storage options. I chose the Aria because it came with a stand and USB option for charging. It also has three speeds. Most of the Clarisonics come with the standard Sensitive Brush head as their default starting point. I found it effective but gentle enough for my sensitive skin, however when I started getting break outs I stopped using it for a few days because of increased sensitivity.

I stopped by my local Nordstrom and Sephora to see the different brush options on several different occasions. When I asked the associates for help, everyone was super friendly and helpful, but I received different advice each time. Picking out the right brush really depends on your skin type and sensitivity. I was first recommended that I try the Delicate Brush, two reps said the Cashmere Cleanse was too soft for them and while it felt nice it didn’t do anything for their skin.

I tested the Delicate Brush at home and found it to be slightly rougher on my face compared to the Sensitive Brush. I’ve researched reviews online and thoughts seem to be mixed. Some feel the Delicate Brush is softer (just like it was designed to be) while others feel it’s rougher (like I did). It’s about the same size and density as the Sensitive Brush, but for some reason it feels slightly harsh on my face.

On my next try, I decided to go for the Cashmere Brush Head. This one also had mixed reviews as well but many of you have e-mailed me asking to report back if I decided to try it. The Cashmere Brush head has longer bristles compared to all the other brushes. It also is the least dense. I found it very good for my sensitive skin, but my skin didn’t feel quite as clean compared to the times when I used the Sensitive Brush. If you use the Cashmere Brush Head, I absolutely think you do need to do the double cleanse where you remove your makeup first with a Cleansing Oil (full report on which ones I like best here), then follow with the Clarisonic + regular cleanser. It’s still a very good brush, I just found I needed to clean my skin a bit longer with a few more rounds with this one to have it feel truly clean.

I purchased the Normal Brush head for my husband and he’s found that this one is his preference, although he says he can’t tell the difference between the Delicate and Normal versions. To me, they both feel the same on my hand, but given the roughness I felt with the Delicate version I have not been willing to try the Normal one on my face.

Here’s a quick comparison set to show the differences in size and shape:

For the past several weeks I’ve been alternating between the Cashmere and Sensitive brushes. During break outs I stopped using the brush for a few days because it’s not recommended to use this on open wounds plus when I have break outs my skin becomes extra sensitive. The Cashmere brush is definitely the softest and most gentle on the skin. My face doesn’t feel quite as clean compared to when I use the Sensitive Brush, but the Cashmere option is still very effective especially when your skin has extra sensitive spots. In my initial testing I haven’t been able to use the Sensitive Brush everyday. I still can’t use it everyday because I find it to be too much with that much use. With the Cashmere option, I am able to use it daily, twice a day sometimes because it is so gentle.

To those who have been asking for an update, I hope you find this post helpful. Have you tried different Clarisonic brushes? Which ones are your favorites?

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L’Occitane Divine Youth Oil

September 15, 2014

L’Occitane’s latest skincare addition to the Divine Collection in skincare is their new Divine Youth Oil ($96 for 30 ml/1 fl oz, made in France). It’s an extension of their Anti-Aging line all of which contains a unique blend of natural ingredients that help the skin’s regeneration process and give it a radiant glow. I was lucky to get an early preview of L’Occitane’s fall releases back in August and received a sample of the Divine Youth Oil to try. I’ve been testing this oil for almost one full month and have been really happy with the results.

L’Occitane fall preview (more on the Bonne Mere soon)

The new Divine Youth Oil is a lightweight face oil that I’ve found to be really lovely for sensitive skin. It’s a moisturizing oil that absorbs quickly into the skin that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. The Divine Youth Oil is made with 100% natural oils. According to L’Occitane, it contains the “anti-ageing properties of immortelle essential oil from Corsica, soothing and regenerating properties of the borage, evening primrose, camelina, echium, sea buckthorn, apricot and rose hip oils.” All of these ingredients combined have been formulated to give the skin a smoother and more radiant look. The oil comes in one size right now, packaged in a glass bottle with a push pump at the top to dispense product through a dropper. The oil is a very light weight fluid where a little goes a long way. I only need one small drop to cover the entire face.

When it comes to testing beauty oils on my face I usually proceed with extreme caution. I’ve found several that have a luxuriously moisturizing feel that does wonders for the skin, but many have an extremely strong herbal scent which I have not been able to tolerate. L’Occitane’s body products have been a go-to for me since many of their items are extremely gentle for sensitive skin (and noses) so I had high hopes for the oil and was relieved to find that the Divine Youth Oil has a very pleasant and gentle scent. The oil has a light soothing floral smell that did not irritate my sensitive nose. For those sensitive to florals, this one is not a super strong floral, it has warm notes that smell like honey to me.

The Divine Youth Oil can be used for both day or night, but it’s recommended mainly to be used at night when the skin is least exposed to environmental toxins and stresses so the skin can absorb it better. My skin had recently gone through another break-out episode for the past few months (from foundation testing) so I stopped all of my night time treatments to let the skin breathe and take a break from everything. The breakouts increased sensitivity to everything and I stopped using moisturizers at night because they would sting my skin. There were several days (and weekends) where I skipped makeup and moisturizer entirely during the day. I started to get dry patches but didn’t want to use anything that might irritate my skin further or clog pores. I was very nervous about trying this oil even after some of the spots had healed, but given my luck with the other items from their line combined with the reviews on the oil from the UK website about the regenerative properties, I decided to try this in spots before applying to the entire face and I’ve found it to be perfect for my sensitive skin.

For the past month I’ve been using this at night 2 to 3 times per week and my skin has improved tremendously. A little drop goes a long way and I like the way it absorbs quickly into the skin. It hydrates the skin without feeling heavy or greasy but you do need to make sure you use only a tiny bit. It leaves the skin glowing and healthy looking. If you’re a fan of beauty oils and use them regularly you can definitely use this during the day. I prefer to use a cream or a gel moisturizer for day since I find oils to be a bit too heavy and rich for my normal-combination skin. I really liked how it helped restore my skin.

Some close ups of the bottle and packaging, the cap has a push pump to draw and dispense the oil:

Ingredients:

The oil is bottom line another winner from L’Occitane. A little goes a very long way and absorbs into the skin quickly so the bottle will last a long time. The Divine Youth Oil launched in the US last week  online and in stores and retails at $96 for 1 fl oz.

Right now, L’Occitane has a special offer where you can register to receive a deluxe sample mini of the Divine Oil by registering here (valid through October 1st or while supplies last). I highly recommend you make a visit to your nearest L’Occitane store soon to test this in person.


Have you tried the new Divine Youth Oil? If not, do you have any L’Occitane favorites? Their Shea Butter Extra Gentle Body Lotion and Hand Creams are at the top of my list for go-to hand and body products. When my friends have baby showers, I usually bring something extra for the mom-to-be and the items are usually from L’Occitane (the Mom & Baby line is usually a big hit). The hand creams are always great add-ons during holidays and special occasions too.

For more on L’Occitane, be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter @Loccitane and Instagram @Loccitane (for more reviews and features search using #DivineYouthOil). 

Many thanks to L’Occitane for sponsoring this post. More information on my Disclosures page.
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Weekend Reads / Link Love

September 14, 2014

Above: Prada Marfa photo by Gray Malin, tray by West Elm, candles by Diptyque in Vanille and Le Redouté, leather catchall by Pottery Barn, book Yves Saint Laurent

I hope everyone has been having a nice weekend. We’re experiencing a heat wave in Southern California so I’m trying to stay indoors to keep cool. This upcoming week I’ll have some posts on a few foundations I’ve been testing along with some skincare loves. (After several weeks of another skin flare up episode, my skin has finally started to clear up again and return back to its normal state.) I spent Saturday morning with Beauty Professor at the Neiman Marcus Project Beauty event and will be sharing what I purchased at the event soon. I’m also still working my way through my Charlotte Tilbury reviews so stay tuned. I wasn’t happy with my initial photographs on the eyes/cheeks so I’ve had to reshoot the product photos which is why it’s been taking forever to publish.

I wanted to share a new addition to our home (non-beauty related). I just received my first Gray Malin print which I ordered from the Labor Day sale event (they had free shipping and free framing). I picked one of his Prada Marfa prints and couldn’t be happier. I have so many of his prints on my wish list. (You can also find some of his work on sale at One King’s Lane.) Be sure to visit his Lifestyle Blog for inspiration.

Some weekend reads and videos I’m loving right now:

  • I’m living vicariously through others to see what on backstage during NYFW, I’m dying over this neutral NARS palette featured on the @narsissist instagram 
  • @marcbeauty posted this sneak peek of a nail polished used on the models at their SS15 show, I’m wish I knew what the color was called, anyone have any ideas? 
  • Garance Doré x NARS has a really cute video on the new Audacious Lipsticks
  • Love this video on The Man Repeller with Jenna Lyons (NARS also included)
  • Paris on Four Months has some exquisite work she has done for Dior (love love love!!)
  • Temptalia gives us a first look at YSL’s new Blush Volupte in Singuliere
  • Front Row Beauty has swatches of Chanel’s VFNO Sweet Star Le Vernis (I’m hoping this color of nail polish will eventually make its way to the US)
  • Messy Wands has some helpful skincare tips on how to deal with a sunburn
  • The Non-Blonde shares her top perfume picks for fall (I’ve made notes)
Anything you’re loving this weekend? Favorite reads?
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Bobbi Brown Limited-Edition Mixed Metals Collection

September 10, 2014

Bobbi Brown has a new limited-edition eye set called the Mixed Metals Collection ($130). It’s currently exclusive to Neiman Marcus, Harrods and Bobbi Brown online. This is a five-piece set which includes:

  • Small black cosmetic zip case with rose-gold colored detailing
  • Mixed Metals Shimmer Brick Eye Palette, .14 oz/ 14g
  • Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink, 0.1 oz/ 3g
  • Smokey Eye Mascara, .17 fl oz/ 5 ml
  • A Mini Dual Ended Eye Shadow/Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush with cap

I’m not typically drawn to such cool-toned eyeshadows but the colors in this palette are really striking. The Shimmer Brick Eye Palette has 10 different colors, all with high shimmer. It is an extremely tiny palette and if you want to apply individual shades you will need an extra small detail brush to pick up individual colors. (See sizing info on the previously released Sequins and Raw Sugar versions.)

I bought mine at Neiman Marcus a few weeks ago in store. I purchased it without asking about the price expecting it to be in the $80ish range (not sure why, but it’s what I anticipated). Bobbi Brown’s website says this set is a $150 value, but if you break down the price of the full-sized items, to total is $100. The gel liner is $24, mascara is $28, palettes have been released around $48ish. I’m not sure that I would value the small brush and bag at $50 to get to the $150 value.
Onto the review. The Mixed Metals palette itself has really striking colors I find beautiful for just about any occasion. It is on the shimmery side but not too frosty (at least for me). They blend very nicely together and layer together for a number of different looks. I rarely use more than 5 shades of shadow all at once. The same applies for this palette, but I like that there are different variations of shades to create different looks depending on your mood.
I really like any of the deeper shades layered over the Black Ink Gel liner (which is a classic goof-proof eyeliner I think everyone needs in their beauty kit, or the brown one if you don’t like black eyeliners).
I’ve never really been a fan of Bobbi Brown’s mascaras but the Smokey Eye Mascara is a really nice clump-free defining and lengthening one. The first use proved to do absolutely nothing but after reading reviews, I gave the wand a few pumps and product finally adhered to the brush wand. It’s a super rich black color that doesn’t smudge, flake or fade on me. Since I have thin straight lashes, I typically need something that adds a lot more volume. But on low-key days, the Smokey Eye Mascara has proved to be very good. I like that it’s a really lush black color.
Swatches below, all the shades are really pigmented:

I really like this set but can’t help but feel it is overpriced for $130. (Although it is completely my own fault for not checking on the price at the store before buying it.) The brush is usable and decent quality so it’s something I will definitely use even if it is tiny. The pouch is small and compact but sleek looking so I know it is something I know I will get regular use out of too. I wish Bobbi Brown released the palette individually and also that the palettes would start coming in larger sizes. Ideally I would love this to be the same size as the Urban Decay Naked Palettes or Naked Basics simply because it would be easier to dip a brush into and pick up individual colors. You can definitely take a brush and swirl together multiple colors like you can for her face Shimmer Bricks, but I find the colors so beautiful on their own I wish I didn’t have to be so careful in trying to pick up one specific shade.
Neiman Marcus does have their Beauty Event going on right now through the 21st (or while gifts last) and Bobbi Brown does have an individual gift with purchase for their line. So if you’re looking to splurge, now might be a good time to get extra samples with your purchase.
The Bobbi Brown Mixed Metals Collection is limited-edition.
Available at Neiman Marcus, Harrods and Bobbi Brown online.

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NYFW Spring/Summer 2015 | Gucci Westman for Hourglass Cosmetics at Oscar de la Renta

September 10, 2014

Photos by Thaddeus Rombauer for Hourglass Cosmetics
I have some beautiful looks from Hourglass Cosmetics to share with you. Yesterday, makeup artist Gucci Westman for Hourglass Cosmetics created the fresh polished beauty looks for Oscar de la Renta’s spring/summer 2015 show. The created looks were “pretty, polished and with a dash of modern edge”. Backstage at Tuesday’s show, models flaunted luminous skin, berry-stained lips and striking a slightly rebellious note, dramatic winged liner on the eyes.
“I was inspired by some of the more graphic prints in the collection,” said Westman, who combined two Hourglass liners to create the playful geometric shape and deep obsidian shade. “It needed to be appear inky, so I started with Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner and then applied the 1.5mm Mechanical Gel Eye Liner on top. It’s youthful, cool and fresh.”

To balance the bold liner, Westman fashioned a runway-worthy radiance by using Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint and the Ambient Lighting Palette. “Unlike cream highlighters, which are difficult to control, the palette is incredibly easy to use. It’s all about gorgeous, effortless beauty.”
GET THE LOOK

SKIN: Prep skin with Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer and follow with Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint for a luminous complexion. Conceal any dark circles or imperfections with Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer.

CHEEKS: Create a seamless, soft-focus glow with Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette. Lightly contour with Radiant Light, a sun-kissed golden beige. Then apply Ambient Lighting Blush in Diffused Heat, a vibrant poppy shade, to the apples of the cheek. Finish up by highlighting with Incandescent Light, a pearlescent shade.
EYES: Sweep Hourglass Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner along the upper lash line, flicking the liner up and out. Repeat the application to create a thicker line. Follow with Hourglass 1.5mm Mechanical Gel Eye Liner to enhance the black tone. Finish up with two or three coats of Hourglass Film Noir Mascara on the top lashes.
BROWS: Perfect arches with Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil.
LIPS: Prep lips earlier with Hourglass No. 28 Lip Treatment Oil. Apply Hourglass Opaque Rouge Lipstick in Empress, a deep aubergine shade, and use your fingers to diffuse the color. Finish with a dab of Hourglass No. 28 Lip Treatment Oil for a subtle sheen.

Images sent courtesy of Hourglass Cosmetics and @gucciwestman’s instagram.
Photo credits go to Thaddeus Rombauer.
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By Terry Baume de Rose Nutri-Couleur in Bloom Berry 4, Fig Fiction 5 and Toffee Cream 6

September 10, 2014
By Terry has released six tinted versions of her classic lip balm in the Baume de Rose Nutri-Couleur ($56 for 7 g/0.24 oz, made in France). I’ve been a huge fan of the regular Baume de Rose and fell in love with the tinted shade in Mandarina Pulp #2. Her lip balm is quite expensive making these a luxurious splurge. It took me several years before I was willing to spend the money one and it was a big ouch to my wallet, but I have been really happy with the formula and have no regrets. The By Terry Baume de Rose (both regular and tinted versions) are super hydrating with a soft rose scent. It’s noticeable but not overpowering. I have sensitive lips that are prone to drying out and peeling with many lipstick brands. In my years of testing lip balms, I’ve found several that I’ve fallen in love with and By Terry has made to my favorites list.

Today I have three of the tinted shades to share with you. I bought these in two moments of weakness while at Barneys on one visit and at Space NK on another. I had a gift card and points burning a hole in my pocket and with one swipe of these I fell in love with Bloom Berry 4, Fig Fiction 5 and Toffee Cream 6 which are more on the grown-up / neutral side versus the brighter Rosy Babe 1, Mandarina Pulp 2 and Cherry Bomb 3 (swatched here). While all the shades are really quite lovely, I think the  colors 4, 5 and 6 are more classic colors that are easier to pull off.
  • Berry Bloom 4 is a lush deep but soft red (versus Cherry Bomb which is almost fuchsia)
  • Fig Fiction 5 is a blue-toned plum, it looks purple in the tube but the sheerness makes it more forgiving on the lips giving a really nice plum tint
  • Toffee Cream 6 is a nude caramel pink shade, on me it matches my natural lip color pretty closely so it might look like it’s clear in the lip swatch below, but it is actually quite pigmented and covers the lip entirely

All three shades have sheer to medium coverage in terms of pigment. They are lip balms so they are on the natural side and won’t give you a full opaque lip look. I did find that they had more coverage than YSL Rouge Volupte Shines or Sheer Candy Lipsticks. I would say coverage of the By Terry tinted lip balms is similar to some of the Chanel Rouge Coco Shines, perhaps a tiny bit more color.

Swatches, with flash:

No flash:

Close ups of each shade with lip swatches, I applied these with a lip brush that was on the end of one of my Chanel lipliners for a more precise application. First up is Berry Bloom #4:

Next is Fig Fiction #5:

Last is Toffee Cream #6:

If you’ve been eyeing the Baume de Rose for a while and are wondering whether to purchase the clear version or a tinted one, I would say go for a tinted one unless you plan on wearing it as a night treatment. I will sometimes put lip balm on my lips before I go to sleep but I don’t like having a lot of product on my face at night so I tend to skip it. Both perform equally well in terms of how they make my lips feel really soft and prevent dryness. The regular Baume de Rose is more expensive at $60 but it does have more product with 10 g versus the Tinted version which is $56 for 6 g. (Repost from my Mandarina Pulp review.)
One last view of all three shades featured today:

If it weren’t for my gift cards and points that I had saved up, I would not have splurged on all three shades, I probably would have only purchased either Bloom Berry or Toffee Cream. At $56 each these are insanely expensive but I haven’t met a single person yet who didn’t love these once they bought one (or were gifted one). With so many good lip balms on the market (that are much more affordable), I can’t say the By Terry Baume de Rose is a must-have. There are plenty of other lip products that will work to keep lips smooth and moisturized.

That being said these do make an ultra luxurious treat and I think they feel marvelous on the lips. The pots are really big and a little goes a long way so they will last you a very long time (versus small squeeze lip balm tubes which I have sometimes finished up in a couple month’s time). By Terry’s new tinted versions are well designed. The colors have this basic but classic simplicity that enhances the lips in a natural way.

I do think these are something you should be able to test and see in person before you splurge, but if you’re like me, the By Terry line isn’t easily accessible. I hope these swatches help you if you’re shopping these sight unseen.

The By Terry Baume de Rose Nutri-Couleur lip balms come in 6 shades for now and retail at $56 each. You can find them in store and online at Space NK and Barneys New York.

P.S. There are two gift events going on that I think are worth splurging on, especially if you have a wish list going and want to take advantage of a good gift with purchase offer:

  1. Space NK has their amazing Autumn Edit gift bag event for one-day on September 10th in stores and online (details here). You might want to look into signing up for their N.Dulge Points program if you shop there occasionally.
  2. Barneys New York also has their Beauty Bag event starting the same day Wed Sept 10th through Sunday the 14th or while gift supplies last. Details up on Barneys.com now!
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Deep Smoky Teal Nail Lacquers | Louboutin, JINsoon, NARS, Marc Jacobs Beauty and Rescue Beauty Lounge

September 9, 2014

I’m currently obsessed with these dark smokey teal shades of nail polish. There are so many different kinds of teal. Some are straight blue-green creams while others have this pretty mix of green, blue, black and silver. Ones I’m obsessed with right now:

  • Louboutin Lady Twist ($50) is the ultimate luxurious deep teal version of a vamp shade. It has a full coverage with rich pigment. It applied very smoothly but due to the longish brush, I found it took a tiny bit of extra time to get a precise application near the cuticles. I will have a more detailed review on other Louboutin shades coming up, but to sum up, I’ve been very pleased with the formula, coverage and wear time.
  • JINsoon Heirloom ($18) is a darker deeper version of Chanel Azure, Heirloom is an intense metallic green teal loaded with tons of complex shimmer particles, it applies very smoothly for a metallic. The way this flashes different colors makes it resemble a peacock.
  • Rescue Beauty Lounge Small Dim Summer Stars ($20) is one of the prettiest complex shades I have ever seen. It’s silver, green, teal, black all mixed into one polish. It has the prettiest micro sparkles mixed throughout so when you look at it on the nails sometimes it looks silvery, other times more green and in other lighting more teal. I loved this one so much I bought a back up.
  • Marc Jacobs Beauty Sally ($18) is an iridescent blackened green. Don’t let the first coat disappoint you, it will be very very sheer with the first coat, but it transforms into this full coverage beautiful green with the second coat. It’s almost black on the nails but there is still enough color so it does look green with a slight hint of teal
  • NARS Wrong Turn ($20) is part of the 3.1 Phillip Lim + NARS Collection. This is such a unique color because it changes with a top coat. In the bottle and on the nails it’s a metallic gunmetal grey. Once you add a top coat it transform into this deep teal shade. (See both swatches on Beauty Geeks). It applies like one of those rich metallic shades that adheres really well to the nail and applies flawlessly. It’s a definite must have.
  • Rescue Beauty Lounge Monologue ($20) is part of the Anatomy of #Kdrama collection (featured here). It’s a deep rich navy blue with a unique metallic sheen. It’s not quite in the teal family, but I had to feature it again for those who prefer something with more blue/navy.

More photos and swatches, Louboutin Lady Twist

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For reference, here are the shades swatched side by side along with a few other additions:
Rescue Beauty Lounge Small Dim Summer Stars
Rescue Beauty Lounge Teal (d/c)
Rescue Beauty Lounge Monologue
Marc Jacobs Sally
Louboutin Lady Twist
JINsoon Heirloom
Chanel Azure (d/c)
Chanel Nuit de Russie (d/c)

Larger view:

Do you have a favorite teal?