Mega Review! Clarisonic + Sephora Haul! (: Part 2

*Takes a deeep breath* Ready for Part 2? xD  Using a Clarisonic Mia2 feels like giving yourself new skin after every use. In this post I'd like to talk about what I've been using with my Clarisonic and also give a rundown and review of the samples I received with my online order from Sephora. I hope you all enjoy!

I had never tried out any Boscia products before my Sephora purchase, so I was excited to try some out. The Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel does exactly what it says it does. It pumps out the top, and it does come out as a sheer black gel/liquid. It has sort of an odd smell..it smells fresh but it also sort of smells like motor oil or something to me but I don't really mind it. After working this into your skin, it feels as if the inner layer of your skin is being chilled (slightly tingly) and your skin is slightly tightened, minimizing the look of pores. It is perfect for morning use when you want to wake right up and feel refreshed. The Detoxifying Black Cleanser works exactly the same, only it doesn't pump out and it warms instead of cools, so it's good for when you want a nice rest. The Green Tea Blotting Linens smell fresh--exactly like sweet green tea bags. The packaging is very cool--its limited edition! It has an oriental design and looks cute hiding in your purse! They are translucent light green papers with brown specks. Not the best blotting linens I've used, but they still work very well at blotting your lipstick or picking up any excess oil from shiny spots on your face. The only problem I have with them is that they are so thin and rip easily.

The next product is an extra purchase I made in-store. It is a product I've heard many Clarisonic users rave about. It is Philosophy's Purity Cleanser..and I've heard from many people (but mostly persuaded by missglamorazzi on youtube) that this cleanser + the Clarisonic = Awesomeness. I really do like it. I love all of Philosophy's product packaging..so simple and cute! It has a liquidy lotion consistency and looks milky. I can't quite put a finger on what it smells like and I've asked several people..to me it sort of smells like a fresh..herbal bug spray? xD It doesn't smell bad it's just a unique scent. (its natural--no fragrance) You can use this without a Clarisonic (all of them can be used without it of course) as a cleanser and as a makeup remover. I would describe it as a basic cleanser, definitely great for everyday use and I'm loving it!

My birthday was last month and I added the Fresh Sugar Kisses Mini Lip Duo to my cart as Sephora's birthday gift! It comes with the Sugar and Sugar Rose Lip Treatments. The packaging is so sweet and sleek. Both lip treatments are SPF 15, and they glide on the lips smoothly and are very moisturizing. I personally have very dry lips so I usually have the urge to reapply often. The smell of the Sugar reminds me of lemonhead candy and the Rose smells almost the same with a hint of rosy scent. I really like the Rose tint, as it is very subtle and natural. I love getting little birthday gifts from them; it shows that they really care about their customers! Finally, I'd like to talk over the samples I chose with my online purchase.

The 3 samples I chose were:

-Urban Decay's Naked Skin Foundation: I liked this sample because they gave me 4 different shades to make sure mine (or similar to mine) is included--and I can give the rest away to my friends. I liked the foundation, (I was shade 2.5) but I found the sample a bit yellow..It lasted throughout the day, wasn't heavy, and it gave a pretty matte finish. It dries very quickly though, so it is one of those foundations where you have to work in sections so it doesn't dry out and look patchy.

-Clear Prep FX Matte Foundation Primer & Acne Treatment Gel: I haven't tried this yet! I'm waiting for a day where I need my foundation to stay all day long. Since I have combination/oily skin, I like that it is matte so I am excited to give it a try.

-Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil: This one is my favorite and I am planning on buying the full size very soon. Since I can have oily roots sometimes I was a little scared to try a hair oil...I didn't think I would really need it but it is so amazing. It acts as a serum and I like to apply it in the middle of drying my hair to protect it from heat damage and ensure it doesn't leave residue. It makes my hair look so silky and shiny and fresh out of the shower. (minus the water! ;P)

I also entered a code for 6 fragrance samples. I could choose from 4 themes: Playful, Casual, Addictive, or Chic. I decided to go with what I feel was closest to my personality, so I picked Playful. To cut things a bit shorter, I'll just tell you my 2 favorites. My second favorite is Giorgio Armani's Acqua di Gioia. It is very fresh, light, and aquatic. I love it..good for being outside or at the beach to work and shopping! My absolute favorite is the Versace Bright Crystal..I've already gone out and bought a full size! It is very light, playful, and girly. I am planning on wearing the to school a lot. I've been wearing it so much lately, everywhere I go!

Thank you so so much for reading everyone! Please Follow if you'd like and feel free to comment and request anything you'd like to see on the blog! XOXO Love, Kenzie

Review: C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve

I'm finally back! I'm so sorry for the wait, everyone! On the bright side, this is a completely buzz-worthy product and I'm extremely excited to talk about it. My birthday was on Wednesday and my sister works at Bath and Body Works. I've heard so many good reviews about this product and I was shopping around with Rebecca, not really realizing that it was sold at BBW for only about $6. They have the Rose Salve, and they have a lavender one too. I may purchase that one later, and Rebecca has it, but the smell really turned me off in the store. The rose sort of smells like...old lady perfume..I don't really know how else to describe it but the point is that it's not a great smelling product, although the smell of it is pretty subtle. I hate bad smelling lip products because obviously it sits right under your nose. The container was hard to open at first, but it is basically a twist opening. On the container it says that the salve can be used on lips, cuticles, elbows, knees, and the face. It is made up of .9% rose extract, and even though that may seem like a very small portion it really stands out. The amount of product in the container actually surprised me. I think it will last me at least 2 or 3 months, and I can definitely see myself repurchasing after it runs out. The first ingredient listed is petrolatum, so it has a light Vaseline feel to it, sort of like hardened jello or something. I've always had a problem with chapped lips year round and this does magic for me. In the winter I will make sure to stock up on this!  When it comes to lip products I'm really picky, because one of my BIGGEST pet peeves in cosmetics is sticky lip glosses! I hate them so much!! The Rose Salve is not sticky at all, it is very smooth on the lips. The coloration of the product is very sheer, but I've experimented with layering this on top of several of my lipsticks, and it gives a nice rosy boost to most of them, and I really like getting comfort and style at the same time, so I can be wearing my favorite matte lipstick, and be wearing this to help soothe and soften my lips, and I will still look great! ;)  Definitely worth buying, especially because you get a lot of good quality product that will last a long time for a very small price. Thanks for reading! xoxo Love, Kenzie

On the C.O Bigelow website ( http://www.bigelowchemists.com), you can see other lip and makeup products, or you can go to http://www.bathandbodyworks.com for exclusive products provided by C.O Bigelow.

How does this help me??..with Shea Butter!

I can't be the only one who sometimes mimics shampoo commercials and other cosmetic commercials that exaggerate their use of Shea Butter, Lemongrass, Argan Oil, along with other herbs and oils all the time. I decided to uncover some of the mystery that causes people to run out and buy a product just because it says that it contains something good..I'd like to start with the big one: Shea Butter. Shea Butter is extracted from the nuts of the Shea Tree, which grow in the Western African savannah. I found out that it's no wonder so many companies strive to stock up on this natural butter. It's essential fatty acids and other vitamins give it the power to reverse the look of wrinkles and scars while deeply moisturizing your skin at the same time. The butter strengthens and protects the skin, as it even provides UV protection. It helps to stimulate the production of collagen, which makes the skin soft, supple, and younger looking. When in products it can be therapeutic and promote healing within your skin. It is mostly used in body washes, lotions and conditioners. If you want these kinds of benefits, look into the ingredients of these products when you're on your next shopping spree.

Next is a fragrant grass that grows in tropical climates that is seen mostly in hair products and lip balms: Lemongrass. It is used for medicines and aromatherapy, but the extracts from the grass are also used in cosmetics everywhere. When it comes to the skin, lemongrass extracts can help to repair both dry and oily skin types. It is also known to be refreshing and to help with energizing the skin, mostly because of the scent. Surprisingly, it can help to get rid of acne too! Lemongrass within hair products is mostly included to boost blonde hair or brighten your hair color. Recently I've seen lemon grass in some of my shampoos and body washes, and I've noticed that Burtz Bee's products often have it as an ingredient.

Lastly (for today at least), another big and buzz worthy ingredient in cosmetics is Argan Oil. It comes from the kernels of the Argan tree, native to Morocco, which is why it is also called Moroccan Oil. Argan Oil appears soo much in hair care, and it is sometimes referred to as liquid gold. Sephora is known for carrying the coveted Josie Maran 100% pure Argan Oil. It is very moisturizing as it helps retain moisture on the skin surface or in hair. Over time, Argan Oil can dramatically reduce wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and acne. It gives skin and hair a healthy glow.  You can add it to almost any of your liquid or cream beauty products to give the benefits a huge boost.

Thank You for Reading! Love, Kenzie