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Clarisonic Mia Skincare Cleaning System Review

The Mia itself is sized pretty well, and fits snugly into your palm. It feels really sturdy and well-built (I dropped mine on the bathroom floor already, and so far it still works!). The casing is also waterproof, so it is safe to use in the shower. The brush head is also sized well, and isn't too small or large for the face. I have pretty sensitive skin, so I'm glad that this set came with the sensitive brush head. It didn't irritate my skin even after daily use. It is recommended that you replace the brush head every 90-120 days. The center part of the brush oscillates back and forth, while the outer ring of brush fibers remains stationary to prevent your face wash from flying all over the place. Moving the brush in small circular motions, you are suppose to use it for a recommended time of 20 seconds on the forehead, 20 seconds on the nose and chin area, and 10 seconds on each cheek. (1 minute total for entire face). The Mia also automatically turns itself off after the full 1 minute. The included pLink charger can be used worldwide. The charger itself is magnetic, and just attaches itself to the base of the Mia. A blinking green LED light on the Mia handle notifies you when charging is complete. Upon removal from the box, it is recommended that you charge your Clarisonic for a full 24 hours. Fully charged, the Mia can be used approximately 20 times. Final Thoughts: Although it comes with a pretty hefty price tag, I feel that the Clarisonic Mia is a good skincare investment. Since using it, I have noticed that I no longer have problems with dry patches of skin, especially on my cheek area. Plus, my skin also looks a little more radiant and bright. Before, I just used my hands to wash my face, and my face never really felt completely clean afterward. But with the Clarisonic, everything feels squeaky clean after, and my moisturizers sink into my skin better. I also find that I don't have to use as much face wash when using the Clarisonic. The only thing I dislike about it is if you wear makeup and don't manually remove it beforehand, the makeup will end up staining your brush head. I wash my brush with antibacterial handsoap after every use, but the brush never remains fully brand-new looking. I have never really had problems with acne, so I can't really say if using the Clarisonic will help clear up your skin. Once in a blue moon, I will have an occasional zit, but I've been using it once a day for almost 2 weeks now, and so far I have remained pimple-free. I also haven't noticed any reduction in blackheads or pore size yet, but I am hoping that with prolonged use I might see some further improvements in my skin. *Picture belongs to me. Please do not use or redistribute without permission or linking back to my original post.

Benefit RSVP Cream Shadow

The color is GORGEOUS! Doesn't it look so pretty? The color is sort of a shimmery pinkish color. I got this mini sample sized jar in the Benefit To Go Set. It's a good sized jar actually because there's a lot of product in it. It just gets a bit annoying when you're nearing the bottom of the pot because it's hard to scoop the product out. The packaging says this can be used as a cream shadow, or as an eyeliner. The formulation is indeed, creamy, but is kind of hard to blend...the color is gorgeous though, so I usually use this as an all over color. *Picture belongs to me. Please do not use or redistribute without permission or linking back to my original post.

Benefit Erase Paste Shade #2

Erase Paste is one of Benefit's most popular concealers, along with Boi-ing (which I also have). Erase Paste is a much creamier formulation, whereas Boi-ing is more dry, and is salmon colored. Shade #2 doesn't suit my skin tone very well since it is a tad too dark. If you have minor dark circles, this may work well for you, but I prefer Boi-ing for undereye concealment. The pink and salmon tones in this product don't work too well for concealing blemishes either, in my opinion. I received this in the Benefit To Go set, but I think I may be better suited for shade #1 instead. *Picture belongs to me. Please do not use or redistribute without permission or linking back to my original post.

LORAC Starry Eyed Baked Eyeshadow Trio

I received this from a friend as a birthday gift and really like it. I've never tried LORAC products before, but I'm really impressed with the quality of this palette. Pros: * Good value * Good pigmentation * Blends well Cons: * Large size of product means portability is not so great Overall, I really love the colors in this trio. I have an affinity for brown shadows and like that these are shimmery so they're not just a boring matte brown. Plus the shimmer is not over-the-top, so the colors are still appropriate for day and the workplace. Lorac Starry-Eyed Baked Eyeshadow Trio ($25) at Sephora *Pictures are mine. Please do not use or redistribute without permission or linking back to my original post.

Smashbox Layer Lash Primer

*Picture does not belong to me. It was taken from Sephora's site. Smashbox's lash primer is MSRP $16 for 0.16 oz. of product. It contains panthenol to help condition and strengthen eyelashes, and when used, is suppose to lengthen and volumize. The primer itself applies white. For reference, I have your typical Asian lashes - short, sparse, thin, and stick-straight. I applied this after I curled my lashes, and before I put on mascara. Pros: * Thin brush makes it easier to reach all lashes. * Lengthens lashes. * See-through tube makes it easy to see when product has run out. Cons: * Formulation is too thin and liquidy. * Does not volumize. * Wet formula dragged down my lashes and uncurled them. Rating: 2/5 I actually returned this primer back to Sephora because it did absolutely nothing for me. I have been using Shiseido's mascara base for years (LOVE it!), and I was so disappointed to find out that Sephora stores no longer carry Shiseido's makeup line - it's online only now. So I was recommended this one by the SA. If you have naturally thick, curly lashes, then this product may work for you. But for those of you who have trouble keeping your lashes curled, stay away from this primer, because the watery formula will only weigh down your lashes and uncurl them.

Cargo Glosses with TimeStrip Technology

These lip glosses are one of Cargo's best-selling products, and are MSRP $22 for 0.16 oz. of product. I got these for a steal when Sephora had them on sale for $5.50 each. They also have a Blu-ray version (MSRP $24) that is suppose to be flattering on HD film and photo. What really sets this lip gloss apart from all others is the TimeStrip technology used, if you haven't already noticed from the bulky cap. When the TimeStrip is pushed into the cap of the gloss, it automatically tells you how much longer the product is good for until it expires or should be thrown out. I really like this feature because lip products can get a bit germy since the applicators touch your mouth, fingers, are shared with others, etc., so this serves as a handy reminder as to when you should replace the gloss. Taste: Not bad, but not good either...these aren't flavored so there's no taste really Texture: These glosses are more on the thin side - they are not "gloopy" and thick like some glosses. Pigmentation: Very, very sheer color since these are not very pigmented at all Wear: These hold up pretty well - about a few hours. They are also not super sticky. Overall Rating:5/5 These are a good basic, everyday gloss. I like that these glosses have a thinner consistency and are not too sticky. They keep my lips moisturized and although they are not very pigmented, they add just a hint of color and shine. What I love most about these is definitely the TimeStrip technology - I always have a ton of lip products in my makeup case that have been there for who-knows-how-long. They should just put TimeStrips on all makeup products, especially mascaras! Would I buy these again? If they are on sale at Sephora for $5 bucks again, definitely yes. These are a great value if you can find them on sale. *Pictures are mine. Please do not use or redistribute without permission or linking back to my original post.

Tokidoki Cromatico Eyeshadow Palette in Diamante

The Tokidoki Cromatico palettes are MSRP $25, contain 4 shadows, with 0.05oz of product each, and a double ended mini eyeshadow brush (with bristles, not foam applicator). To give you a general idea, each shadow measures 0.6" x 1". I REALLY wanted to like the Diamante palette, but I have to say that I am very disappointed. The shadows seem to be of good quality, the staying power is pretty good if worn with an eyeshadow primer, and I absolutely love the adorable packaging. But although I love how the colors look in the pan, they are much too light, even on my pretty fair skin. Diamante barely shows up, and the glitter pieces get everywhere EXCEPT where you want to apply it! Even though Nancy Rocks looks pretty pigmented in the pan, it is very hard to achieve the same pigmentation on your skin. Romeo was the only color that showed up easily with only one swipe. Considering the pigmentation (or lack thereof), I have to say that I won't be repurchasing this particular palette (in the same color selection). For the $25 price tag, I don't think you're really getting your money's worth, especially since the shadows themselves are pretty small. Maybe if it were $15-$20, I would reconsider. Oh and the included brush is teeny-tiny, so it's pretty much useless. I haven't tried the other two Cromatico palettes yet, but hopefully the colors show up better than the ones in the Diamante palette. *Pictures are mine. Please do not use or redistribute without permission or linking back to my original post.