Can I really call this a Beauty Haul?...technically I received these as Christmas gifts. But I received a collection of amazing beauty products that I can't wait to use. Two of these products I have used before ( BBW Aromatherapy Sleep Bath and Purad'or Vitamin C Serum) and needed more of. I’ve always been pretty vocal about the fact that I am “blessed” with oily combination skin..that is also acne prone. It’s been this way for as long as I can remember, and through trial and error, I have found that the only way to deal with it is by taking care of it consistently. And having a clean diet and lifestyle. But, I still wanted to try new products. So, far, I have found a few staple products that have done wonders for my skin externally. Although, I have discovered oils work best as nightly moisturizers for me, I'm still on the look out for a great facial lotion or cream for the fall/winter months. And then a great cleanser for anti-aging. I have my eye on a certain brand but I will talk about that in another blog post later. Below, are the beauty items I have received. So, lets get onto it.
Purad'or Vitamin C Serum
A Repurchase
What difference have I noticed? Normally, my skin tends to get pretty greasy towards the end of the day, unless of course I re-apply my press powder, but with this Vitamin C Serum by Purad'or, I don’t need to do that, because it looks and feels just as soft, smooth and less greasy as it does right after I apply the product and let it soak up. Another thing is obviously the glow, texture has improved and that dry, tight, and itchy feeling I tend to get on my cheeks often is almost gone. Overall, my skin feels, very silky, tone is more even and smooth. Love, love, love that!
J.R. Watkins Body Butter
Pourle Corps Lavender
Even with a consistent body-care routine, I find that come winter time, my skin definitely gets drier! In addition to that, I have been traveling a lot lately, and I don’t know what it is really, perhaps it is the jet leg which I tend to deal with by drinking wine or the constantly changing climates. Body butters are my favorites to use. The more natural the better. I have been enjoying this one as of late.
THAYERS
Witch Hazel Rose Petal
Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner has been a toner I always wanted to try. I don't want to replaced my old staple "Dickerson" but instead have an alternative when needed. My Dickerson is inexpensive, effective, and although I admit to using a variety of toners and mists here and there, I still want to find one that I really can't live without. I hope this is it.
Witch Hazel is an excellent and natural astringent and all the better of you can find and alcohol free version. Thayers produces many of their witch hazel toners formulas with zero alcohol and plenty of glycerin so your face feels soft and hydrated after use.
Bath and Body Works
Sleep Lavender-Vanilla
I love lavender for night time. Soothing and refreshing at the same time. The lavender vanilla combination is perfect to shower or take a bath with. It's moisturizing but a clean feeling at the same time. Like all of their products, the fragrance is strong, so, if you are sensitive to scents than you might not want to apply a lot because a little does go along way. I think I am going to go purchase the lotion as well. Although, I have been using my J.R. Watkins Body Butter, Lavender cream with this.
The Item I have been most excited to try:
Michael Todd Soniclear Petite
I had previously used an off brand cleansing brush, and it quickly got sent to the trash. After 3 purchases. I've heard wonderful things about the Soniclear Elite and the Soniclear Petite, and I wanted to see what all of the fuss was about. I've used it twice a day since the day I got it...which was on Christmas. I love the finish of this Rose Gold Soniclear Petite. It goes perfect with my travel case.
The Soniclear Petite is a less expensive version of the Soniclear Elite. The Elite has 6 speeds, and the Petite has 3 speeds. Both devices are sonic powered, rechargeable, and waterproof. The Elite also has a pulsating massage mode, where the Petite does not have this option. I haven't used the Elite, so I can't compare them just yet.
The brushes on both have a round head on them that sonic movements gently scrub your face clean. The bulls eye bristles is good because it really helps get the device close to my button nose, which is where I'm prone to blackheads and dry patches. The brush head is also antimicrobial, so I'm not reintroducing bacteria to my skin. There are no worries of it becoming a breeding ground for germs. I don't generally have acne(only around that time of month) but I can only think using a non-antimicrobial brush would wreck havoc on your skin!
The top button is to select your speed. The bottom light is low, the top light is medium, and both lights are lit up for high. I like having the option of three speeds in the Petite. I have sensitive skin, so I started on the lowest setting for the first few days. After that, I switched to medium and sometimes high. I've used the Soniclear with an exfoliating scrub by Aveeno. Using the low setting. The Soniclear Petite works with your products, so you can use your favorite face cleanser. You can even use a gentle exfoliating product with the Soniclear for a deeper scrub on low. It's perfect for my spa days. Something I have to do at least 2x a week due to my bigger pores on my cheeks. Your power button is located at the bottom/lower part of the handle.
One major benefit on the Soniclear Petite is that it is completely waterproof! So, using it in the shower or bath is perfectly safe. I wash my face in the shower most of the time, so this is a major plus in my book.
My skin was noticeably softer and smoother after the first use, and it's gotten softer as time went on. With a 2 hour battery life, I don't have to charge it very often. I haven't used the Michael Todd skin care line yet, so I can't say how well they work, but I am glad that I can use my existing skin care products with this device.
What are some new skincare items you are looking forward to revisiting or using for the first time in 2018?