I’ll start my post by first making 3 updates:
1. First days of Clarisonic use
2. Stila “Petunia” cream blush review
3. Eyelash curler discussion and photo evidence- if you don’t have one, get one NOW (this should really have a separate post, but I’m feeling word-y today)
…and then I’ll post my outfit(s) of the day.
So without further ado, here we go:
I used my Clarisonic for the first time on Sunday night, and so far, so good. I used it with a combination of La Roche Posay’s Effaclar Gel Cleanser and Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Foaming Face Wash.
Pros:
Makes skin very clean
Makes skin feel smooth and you can tell your products absorb better
My makeup went on very smoothly the next day
Feels good on your skin
Removes dead skin and flakes
Mia model is smaller, so no big charger on my sink area
Cons:
When I use it around my nose, it really, really tickles
The Mia model turns off after 1 minute, so I have to turn it back on for more cleansing
I will continue to make regular updates about my Clarisonic use. I have good skin right now, I just want great skin. I know a few people had left comments to a previous post where I (dramatically) complained a bit about my skin, but when it comes down to it, I do feel lucky to have good skin. Having had cystic acne in the past, I know what real bad skin looks and feels like. I apologize if I confused anyone in any previous posts. I do have some unevenness and things I dislike about my skin, but in general I have good skin (especially compared to what it was.)
My hopes for the Clarisonic are:
Improvement of pore size (smaller)
More even skin tone
Prevention of fine lines
Better product absorption/effectiveness
No flaking/dryness on skin
Now for the Stila convertible lip and cheek color in “Petunia”. I have used this as a blush for the past few days, and it literally shot right up to my number one mostfavoriteblushever. I apply it using a MAC travel size duo-fiber brush, and then I blend it with a clean Sigma duo fiber brush to give it a perfectly blended apperance. Note: I wear this over powder and bronzer.
It lasts ALL day (even through an hour of pilates) and it really gives your skin a translucent pink-y/peach glow to it. I have no idea how I hadn’t discovered this product a long time ago. I was always so afraid of using cream blushes because I tend to get a bit oily, but this doesn’t make my skin oily at all. In fact, I’ve noticed I haven’t had to blot at all in my cheek area when I wear this.
I absolutely love this blush and plan to buy more cream blushes because of this product. The color is so incredible. I tried to take pictures of it for the blog, but sadly, my lighting or something was off because it hardly showed up, whereas in real life, you can totally see a pop of color. The thing I love most is that this blush shows a pop of color while still remaining glow-y and translucent. It shows your real skin through, yet still adds color and dimension.
I also love it as a lip color. I wear it under my MAC lip conditioner in “Feelin’ Good.” Do I recommend this blush? Absolutely. I also have to mention I love the packaging. Pretty and easy to toss into your purse or makeup bag without having to worry. I think the key to cream blushes is application technique. I am all about the duo fiber brushes. I first deposit the color onto the brush, and then onto the top of my left hand to make sure I don’t have too much product. Then to cheeks, and blend blend blend.
Item number 3 was prompted by a picture I took of myself where my lashes were so incredibly curled, I thought I had to show it to my readers to convince anyone that doesn’t have an eyelash curler that they absolutely MUST invest in one. I’ve written about this beauty miracle tool before, but to summarize: Shu Uemura‘s eyelash curler is your best investment. Blast for a few seconds with your hairdryer, curl lashes, apply mascara, and done!
You can click the photo to enlarge it. Do you SEE those lashes? I absolutely love how wide open and awake my eyes look just from this simple step! Ladies- if you have $20, please invest in this incredible tool. You will thank me, I promise!
Now for 2 outfits of the day: I wore this one on Monday:
Today I just wore something really simple. Black dress pants, top and sweater.
Bottoms: Express; Top: Club Monaco; Sweater: Forever 21Questions? Comments? Please leave them below! I love reading your comments 🙂 As a reminder, Leah is still answering questions in yesterday’s Motivation Mondays post.
xoxo,
Veronika.
Hi! I've been reading your blog for a long time now and I just realized today I wasn't an "official" follower! LOL
I totally agree with the eyelash curler! I don't understand why so many people overlook this amazing little tool. I thankfully have really thick, long lashes (so much so that I don't bother with mascara), so all I do is curl and I instantly look fresh! EVeryone should own one!
well Norma, I am very glad to have you as a new follower! I am also glad you understand my views on lash curlers! they are BEYOND essential!
🙂 thanks for your comments!
What did you use to keep the cystic acne from coming back? You have fantastic skin. Please share your anti-acne regime.
Julie- you can find my clear-skin regimen here: https://veronabrit.blogspot.com/2009/10/how-i-got-clearer-skin.html
please also read Sephie's blog about her skin saving routine: https://accordingtostephie.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-i-got-glowing-clear-skin-on-budget.html
good luck 🙂
I agree 100% on using an eye lash curler. My mom is a gorgeous red head, and has very light eye lashes and taught me young that an eye lash curler and a good mascara are essential!
I love both outfits too. They look awesome on you. Sometimes I wish I worked in a place where dressing up like that made sense. Thanks for sharing!
I've tried curling my lashes cuz mine are really short. They just end up looking crimped. Not a good look. Maybe it's the cheap curler that I use?!
V–would you do a picture of that stila color on your lips? I'm considering buying it, but that color looks a bit pink for me.
I love that macy's top! also, your slowly convincing me to take the plunge and buy a clarasonic with all these posts about it. I seriously need to get my pores smaller (other than that my skin and I are on decent terms, but the pores, their huuge. ew.)
Great OOTD's…love both – we are similar in that I, too, tend to wear every single variation of black and adore pink as well. I wholeheartedly agree with you about the eyelash curler, no matter which one you have it makes a difference. I actually use a cheapy from the $1 store and it works better than the $30 ones I've bought previously!!
I just started a blog, actually check me out at https://kconspiracyofbeingmaria.blogspot.com
And Veronika, great blog 🙂
cute outits! I can't wait until I am actually working again and can break out the cute work clothes. I'd love it if you include more OOTD from the weekend, though 🙂
Curious did you try the reformer class yet and what did you think? Here where I am in CA they haven't caught on yet and classes with the reformer are 75 dollars an hour! so unfortunately I can only take those classes when I visit my mom 🙂
Janine- I will try to take a good pic of the color on my lips and cheeks 🙂
MrsHark- I haven't done the reformer classes yet. Since it was on groupon, it's hard to schedule a class right now! I will definitely report on it when I do have time to get in for a session!
xoxo
-veronika
Hi, it's Sally here, the same gal who bought the same Ikea coffee table a few weeks back 🙂
Anyway, guess what? I just made a hair appointment with David for this Saturday! Squeee! I'm so excited. I seriously need to lighten up my naturally dark brown hair.
Also, in relation to this post, I've always wanted to try a curler but I'm just too chicken to use it. I keep thinking I'm going to pinch my skin or something. Blah.
I read a great article on Temptalia from a Hollywood estetitian re not using the Clarisonic every day, or twice a day. Check it out. She said it can be drying.
Love your outfits – you always look so adorable!
Hey Veronika,
About two months ago, I received a free Clinique cream blush with a purchase I made, and I too was worried about the oily factory, but as a super pale gal, this product has been phenomenal. If I don't wear blush, I look like a zombie, and this thing lasts through the work day and well into the evening.
xo
K
ps. LOVE your blog.
A- I am using it once a day right now, at night only, and using a vitmin c-cream to moisturize right after. Glad you like the outfits 🙂 hoopefully i'll post more color as spring comes along!
Kasia- cream blush is quickly becoming my new fave! I can't wait to try other brands and colors now that I know it is a workable type of cheek color for me. I agree- if I don't wear blush I look so pale!
Wow, good to know about that Stila product, I just may have to look into that (like I need any more products!) Hope you have great luck with your Clarisonic and I also love your outfits–super cute!
Veronika,
LOVE your OOTD! so pretty!
I've never used cream blush, but I'm going to order the stila, thanks for the reviews.
LOVE your blog!!
I loove creme blush too! I've been using a Clinique one for years (it lasts forEVER) but now I think I need to branch out and try some new ones!