Shiseido perfect cleansing oil

I'm not a newbie to cleansing oils but this one doesn't feel like an oil! It's light and rinses off cleanly. Surprisingly the first ingredient is mineral oil with grape seed oil further down the list so I technically can't rave about it.

I can love the bottle- while it can 'shoot' product at you, I always love a pump!

This was a new fav until I saw the mineral oil content. 😞

 

Alpha hydrox intensive serum

I've used their products before - when I was younger & really didn't 'need ' them. Well time marches on & now I have lines and dark spots so I scoured Ulta for a solution. (Esp since Kaiser gives the run-around on what it considers 'cosmetic' issues - quality of life counts! -that's my biggest beef with KP.)

I decided this 14% glycolic aha was my solution. While this line has a 'lightening' product - I'm going with a 'sloughing' solution. You apply this liquid with a cotton ball & leave it on (I plan on only using it overnight - even though it's winter I'm concerned about sun exposure).

I've only used it one night but I can feel and see a difference! My dark spots are faded & my skin feels smoother! I will update if I have to decrease usage (I could see that being a problem at 14%!) 

Best part is there is NO SMELL - I had used a lotion of theirs YEARS ago and the smell was a deterrent - it lingered even after dried. (Said lotion was recently tossed as it changed color - but it was easily 15+ years!)

Davines all in one milk - for hair

Sorry I've been radio silent for a bit! These past two months have been crazy - but I've recently bought or sampled some amazing products!!

Davines all in one milk- multi benefit beauty treatment is one such item. While I love my Aveda everyday products, I'm a bit of a product whore & obvs I cheat!

This leave-in supplement is awesome! I have several sample sizes and have been using it as a treat, not an everyday - but it allows me to airdry without other products! My hair is light and curly - like a baby! But not flyaway or frizzy. 

The scent is clean and pleasant (& disappears quickly!)

BareMinerals purifying facial cleanser

I've been a St. Ives apricot scrub or just plain soap face washer forever. I've dabbled in the Clinique 3-step & tried cleansing oils, the brown neutrogena bar soap, Kiehl's etc. but I was never convinced any of them were worth the extra steps or the price.. Until this product. 

At first glance, there is nothing flashy or new about it. I like the size (6 oz) & the pump but when you smooth it on - it glides across your face & yet you feel.. Deep cleansed. It has a soft fragrance but pretty undefinably mild. It helps remove makeup as well as dirt & your face doesn't feel stripped (which I rarely felt anyway but this product just has that 'je ne sais quoi' that makes me see why I might want to spend more than a few dollars on a facial cleanser. 

Libraries are our friends!!

I have become an 'online library' lover..
I haven't checked out a traditional book in years but I often have 2-3 digital books on my iphone/ipod.

For me, it's a question of convenience. I hated carrying around a book, beating it up & then still not finishing it before it was time to return. While I still might not finish a digital book, I can easily re-check it & continue reading.

San Francisco uses overdrive.com but other libraries use different services. Here is a great article about all the options available at the library!

Save money! Use your library!

http://www.mercurynews.com/larry-magid/ci_28831780/magid-local-libraries-offer-digital-content

Third love t-shirt bra - not my love

I must not be their target audience. I love a comfortable bra but for me: firmness & support are vital (Otherwise: owwwwie!) I have experienced comfortable support. (But not from this bra). 

The cups fit well - although I'm not sure about the memory foam.. It was soft.. 

The straps are ultra stretchy & long (they have a decorative element & then the adjustable part) so if you have a lo-n-g torso (or as I refer to it: shoulder to boob drop) this is your perfect bra!

For me: the straps are a double fail. 

1)Stretchy does not equal support. I know I know, allegedly the 'band' is where all the  support is.. Maybe.. If your an A,B,C but as a DD - it's a combined effort - both band & straps have to work it to keep the girls from looking like a bouncey house. (Regarding the band: Bali, lillyette, wacoal & Olga all offer much 'firmer' bands - this band felt like a Hanes or target purchased bra - not firm brand new= not firm enough & I'm not 'double-teaming a $65 bra with a bra-support cami)

2) soo long!! I have a short torso & an especially short shoulder-2-boob drop. I was able to adjust them comfortably but as bras age '(in general), the adjustment 'slips' & frankly, having to super shorten is just annoying. 

Now let's talk about price. This is a $65 bra. I can get a Wacoal bra for that price. If you haven't tried a Wacoal, March down to Nordstrom & try one one on. Wearing one is practically a boob-gasm. I double -dog-dare you to keep silent about how they make your boobs feel. That's right: squeal. Sigh. Jump up & down. 

For the same price, I experienced none of that feeling. All I got was flop flop flop. (As aurally unappealing as it is painful.)

P.s. My usuals are in the $15-30 range (Bali, lillyette usually depending on the sale) & yes, I often try on wacoals just for the experience. 

P.ps. I am using a stock photo off their site. I received a black bra but I couldn't photograph it well & even on their site, you can see the strap detail better on the beige versus the black.

Icebreaker merino bliss wrap IS BLISS

I had a very expensive trip to Daiso this weekend as I stopped into the Icebreaker store on the way. I've owned a 'beanie' by them for years but living in San Francisco, never really got the 'full effect' & probably only wore it maybe 6 times...

I picked up the Bliss Wrap as I need a light but warm everyday wrap. Its only been 3 days (& my wallet is still smarting from the price) but OMG! It is amazing!

I've been struggling with outerwear with the warmer temps here in San Francisco. Days have been hotter and the evenings can still be foggy/wet depending on the neighborhood. I need one item that works in multiple conditions while looking polished (but can also go casual).  

It's light but kept me warm while waiting for a bus in typical SF weather (a drizzle foggy, windy night)! Plus it was comfortable during the warmer day in Berkeley. How is that even possible?!? (Apparently: wool)

The sleeves are long so I could pull them down over my hands or push them up/fold over - again a great win! (& they stayed warm! Possibly no need to carry gloves!!)

I was 'between' sizes - m or l? I went with the medium because I wanted a more fitted fit - however I won't be able to tie it behind me (while closed - opt. 3)

I love the options & the pockets!! Perfect for my iPhone on #sfmuni! 

I'll update my opinion after a few washes as my other wraps have 'pilled' at that point. 

No more Mexican Retin-A

Insert super sad face!

I'm off to Mexico this November & was looking forward to refreshing my Retin-a stash.. until I talked to a life sciences underwriter.

I always figured the US product & the other products were made in the same facilities, with similar quality, etc. controls. APPARENTLY NOT! They have a section for the US drugs that can be inspected by the FDA & then there is the section where all others are made!

EEKK!

Plus, she pointed out that the US has problems with our supply chain integrity (knockoffs, thefts & replacement with fake products) SO who knows what you ultimately purchase!

Too bad the stuff is AMAZING!



http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/30/fashion/30skin.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Costco: yes or no?

I love love love Costco. It's difficult when you are single (even with roommmates!) because you over buy. I will never need floss again. Seriously. I bought a pack when I first got my membership & I'm ALMOST through it all!

But I find some AMAZING face product deals (StriVectin!?!?!) & I love the ability to browse their aisles! I just wish it was more convenient to get there!

http://reviews.costco.com/2070/11269734/strivectin-original-strivectin-sd-cream-reviews/reviews.htm

Plus you can save on travel (DISNEYLAND!) as well as gas! 

This article helps provide more reasons why it may or may not work for you:


http://refrigerators.reviewed.com/features/is-a-costco-membership-worth-the-money

Benefit they're real mascara

Another Benefit brow bar purchase that I wish I loved! 

It's decent but difficult to remove. I actually went & bought the benefit they're real eye makeup remover because I was suffering from morning raccoon eyes. 

Also- no eye rubbing during the day!! It will give raccoon eyes & flake!

Requires at least two applications for full, longer lashes. When I first got it, it had a noticeable smell (not good, not bad - but had never noticed mascara had a scent!)

But as I've used it, the smell has gone away.

Would I buy it again? No. I can't wait to go back to my lancome definicils which lengthens, thickens and removes easily! 

h2o aqualibrium eye makeup remover

I like this light non-oily remover. It's weirdly blue & you should shake it before use. (So it probably seperates). Best part is that it's extremely gentle! My mascara just disappears off my face!

It was a freebie to me but I would consider purchasing.

http://www.h2oplus.com/product/mobile/best+makeup+remover.do

Porefessional by Benefit

Benefit Porefessional

I get my brows done at their BrowBar & while the price has been going up up up, the quality and consistency is still there & they don't ask me about brow or lash tinting. (Duh- I'm natural blonde! I like my light natural look!) 

This was a 'because I was there' purchase & everyone was talking about primers. I don't have big pores to begin with & I've never been able to ascertain what this product really does- I still get greasy by the end of the day & I've never had an issue with my tinted moisterizer disappearing.

It does match my skin tone & is light & kinda 'fluffy' feeling on my face at first. But does it reduce the signs of anything!? Undetermined but I often get 'your skin is so gorgeous' comments from others when I remember to use it. 

I feel like it's pricey esp. since it's not even an ounce. $31 for .75

https://m.benefitcosmetics.com/product/view/the-porefessional?ext_id=psad_Bing_US_the_porefessional