Everyone remembers when the Clarisonic cleansing brush became popular. It was available in a variety of really cute colors, different brush heads for different skin types, and rang in at a $100-$250 price point. I really wanted one obviously, but decided to put it off (I think this was around the time I was selling clothing to thrift stores in exchange for quick cash for a Megabus ticket to NYC). I am happy I waited! Not too long after the Clarisonic launch, Olay came out with a cleansing brush called the Olay Pro X Advanced Cleansing System. It is affordable ($35) and does a fantastic job! I have had mine for almost 5 years. I think I have only had to change the batteries once and I use it in the shower, so it can definitely withstand a ton of water exposure. It leaves my skin feeling extremely soft and clean and feels like a mini facial everytime you use it. The device has two speeds, one with a slower rotation if your skin is feeling sensitive (perfect speed if you have a bad sunburn and dont want to over exfoliate) and a faster option for a deeper cleaning. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking to change up their skincare routine! This thing really gets in there and digs the dirt, sweat and oil out of your pores (ew) and leaves your skin with a perfectly clean and even base for makeup application. And if you dont like it-at least you didnt shell out the $100 for the Clarisonic!
Author Archives: powersm87
Refreshing Summer Sprays
I hate to say it, but is it Fall yet? Unless I can be at the beach the rest of the summer it’s safe to say I’m over it. I just moved from Philly to NYC last week and it’s really a toss up as to which one is more excruciating when you’re walking the streets and experiencing those god awful baking garbage smells. Only a month to go! But in the meantime, I need some rescue remedies.
One of the items I always like to have with me is an Evian spritz bottle. Yes, it’s just water in a can. And I find it to be worth the “$15 for two” deal at Sephora. It’s a great way to quickly refresh yourself when you’re overheating, or feeling claustrophobic on a busy subway (or even on an airplane!) It can also help set your makeup (just be sure to use a light mist for this). Another great and refreshing option is the Caudalie Beauty Elixir. This option is pricier, as its $18 for a 1oz bottle, but I have been through 2 of these and they have each lasted me an entire year. The Caudalie spray contains essential oils including peppermint, rosemary and mint. Both work well and are available in “to-go” sizes, making them perfect for your commute or when you’re traveling.
Prime Time

Benefit’s Stay Don’t Stray Eyeshadow Primer has been my go to lately for eyeshadow application and under eye concealer. I have been using this brand for about 2 years now and highly recommend it for a few reasons. It’s $26 but lasts a very long time, and I have not had any issues with it drying out. I have also found that this primer, compared to others I have used (Urban Decay and Laura Mercier) really helps your eye shadow stick without any fallout into your eye lid creases (one of my biggest pet peeves)! It also gets 4/5 stars on both Ulta and Sephora’s websites. Another “benefit” (see what i did there?) is that the formula contains sodium hyaluronate which is known to hydrate, and vitamins C & E known to help fight signs of aging. This makes it a great concealer because it helps control those under eye baggies and creates a “well rested” appearance.
If you’re not ready to commit, take a look in the check out line at Sephora. They usually have smaller samples of it and it’s a great way to test it out!
Dry Shampoo Favorites
Happy Monday! I can barely keep my head up after having such a fun July 4th weekend. I was in desperate need of this product this morning so thought it would be fitting to discuss it today. Above are my two favorites, Moroccan Oil Dry Shampoo which just launched this year, and an old classic, Tresemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo. The price points on these are very different (Moroccan Oil- $26 and Tresemme-$5) and to be honest, I think they work about the same. Both do a good job of adding volume and eliminating oil and odor, which are the 3 key ingredients to a good dry shampoo. The differences between the two are that the Moroccan Oil provides UV protection, and comes in two different formulas for dark or light toned hair. Plus, it has that incredible “just left the salon” scent to it, which is why I purchased it to begin with. The Tresemme has a fresh scent, but not quite as powerful as the Moroccan Oil and it does not provide UV protection for your hair. I have tried a variety of drugstore brands along with pricier brands and for me, these two are the winners of each category.
Get Naked
This product, the Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette, is a great investment for a few reasons:
1. It caters to a variety of eye colors
2. Has daytime and nightime shadow options
3. Is great for mixing
4. Will last you a long, long time
5. Has every finish you could need: mattes, pearls and metallics
The palette is $54 so yes, it is on the pricier end. This item was actually gifted to me last Christmas so I lucked out, but I still think it is worth the money to virtually not have to purchase another eyeshadow for the next few years.
For tips & tricks on how to get the most out of this palette check out this youtube video:
Wavey Wednesday
The BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium curling wand is one of the best purchases I have ever made. Before this, my hair was only ever two styles: air dry frizz ball, or straight. This helped shake up my routine a great deal. It is super easy to use and gives you perfect beachy waves. This tool is my go-to when I go out because the curls also add volume to your hair giving off that “professionally done” look. I have had so many compliments on this particular hair style. You can purchase this wand on Amazon for $40, MUCH cheaper than any of the other high end brands. I highly recommend this tool to anyone looking to change up their look.
Completely Smudge Proof Eyeliner
One is a liquid eyeliner and one is a crayon, but both are solid choices. While different in type and texture, these two eyeliners are what you want if you have a long day ahead of you. Need something that will last you from 8am-8pm? Either of these will get the job done. The liquid eyeliner is called Jesse’s Girl Cosmetics Liquid Eyeliner, Waterproof, Black. It is SEVEN dollars! I first used this brand when it was sent to me in an Ipsy bag and I fell in love with it. I am usually terrible at applying liquid eyeliner but this one goes on smooth and locks into place. It lasts me through work, a happy hour, and an entire night out.
The crayon liner is Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner. When you first apply it, it is very easy to move around, blend, etc and is great for a smoky eye look. However, after about a minute it dries completely and is there to stay. This eyeliner really impressed me this week when I got stuck in an hour and a half advanced hot yoga class (another story for another time). Suffice it to say, when I left there I was sweating like no one has ever sweat before. I checked the mirror just to see the mess that would be looking back at me and my eyeliner looked completely untouched! I was blown away. The only negative I have about this liner is that at times it can feel heavy on my eyelids especially if I am already tired. It is also $20 so not as cheap as the Jesse’s Girl. But still a great choice!
Either of these are excellent for those humid summer nights when you feel like your makeup is going to melt off your face. Even if your foundation does, at least your eyes will look good!
Have a great weekend 🙂
Special Edition: Rent the Runway Unlimited – A User Interview
As some of you know, I currently subscribe to Rent the Runway Unlimited. I am a big fan for many reasons, but I thought it would be an interesting change of pace to interview another subscriber about their experience. Today’s interview is with one of my nearest and dearest friends Jessica Stein! She introduced me to the service and has been a member since their initial start up (click on the links throughout the post to check out some of her favorite items):
How long have you been a member of RTR Unlimited?
I have been a member of RTR Unlimited from the day it started- July of 2014 I received my first order.
How did you first hear about it?
I received an e-mail about Unlimited from RTR. I had actually never rented a dress from them prior but was on their e-mail list. I signed up during the Beta program so they actually reached out to me multiple times to get my opinion on the program- what I liked and what I thought they could improve. Some of my suggestions are now implemented, so I like to think my input helped 🙂
What made you decide to try it out?
I love clothing and accessories and thought this would be a fun way to try out things that are outside my normal budget. The three pieces I choose at a time can really freshen up my wardrobe and allow me to experiment with what I already own.
Do you find that it helps control shopping urges?
To an extent…haha! At the time I became an Unlimited member, I was newly engaged and knew I had to curb my usual spending habits because it would be a financially straining year for me. It definitely has been helpful for more formal occasions where I would typically go out and buy a dress. This past weekend, I wore a dress and used a clutch from Unlimited for a wedding and got to wear something I loved without spending a ton! If I ever feel there is a void in my wardrobe, I can use this service to fill that rather than going out and shopping like I would have done in the past.
How many people do you know who use the service?
Currently just me and the writer of this lovely blog!
What are your three favorite items you’ve rented, and what is the
longest you’ve kept an item?
Ahh this is a hard one! I really have loved so many of the pieces I have received. I love Eddie Borgo jewelry including the door latch cuff. Eddie Borgo pieces are simple but have been fun to wear with other jewelry of my own. I have also enjoyed my Loeffler Randall handbags. They are roomy but not too big so good for a weekend outing when you don’t feel like carrying around a lot of stuff. I am also a huge fan of Helmut Lang jackets including the Smoking Wool Tuxedo Blazer and Inclusion Coat. The Tuxedo Blazer I had for over two months I believe. It transitioned really well from fall into early winter. I could wear it out on the weekends with a cute jumper or to work! It was the piece I by far got the most use out of.
What three items do you currently have?
Right now I actually only have one piece- the ELA Metallic Stud DN Bag. This bag is spacious and holds a lot. I also love the metallic color and it goes with a lot! I just returned the Whiting & Davis Birdcage Clutch and the ML Monique Lhuillier Ring Around Dress which I used for the wedding I mentioned earlier. Both pieces were great. The color of the dress definitely stood out to me and I would get it again.
Would you recommend this to a friend?
Absolutely! I am always advertising the service to friends. I always receive compliments on the pieces I am wearing so encourage people to try it out! It is a reasonably priced and fun way to get fashionable pieces you may not typically purchase yourself!
Brighten & Illuminate Your Monday
Happy Monday! (inserting that exclamation point was kind of difficult)
Onto week 2 of The Daily Primp. I enjoyed sharing my insights with you last week-however I think this blog will work better if my entries are more spaced out, so I will be updating 3-4 times a week moving forward.
Today’s product is one of my favorite lotions. It is PERFECT for summer when you have no choice but to have constant arm and leg exposure. Jergens BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream is amazing and is like having a hydrating/tinted moisturizer for your entire body. It visibly firms and smooths while evening and brightening your skin tone. I used it all last summer and am onto bottle #2 this summer. It is available for light/medium/dark skin tones. And its $12.99. A good quality product that won’t break the bank-give it a try! It is also available in travel size if you want to do a test run without buying a full bottle.
For this product, and any of the others I have previously mentioned, feel free to leave a comment by clicking on the link below the header. I would love to have feedback and am dying to know if anyone has tried anything and liked/disliked it. Also, if there is a topic you would like me to cover (does not need to be beauty product related) please send that along as well.
Hope everyone has a great start to the week 🙂
Foundation Friday
Dewey delightfulness could have been another name for this post. This is a foundation I was introduced to about 3 weeks ago by a fabulous Sephora employee who used to do theater makeup so he knew his stuff. It is new to the foundation market. It’s light, hydrating, and gives off fresh faced summer glow. Introducing bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tined Hydrating Gel Cream. There are 10 shades to choose from and its $29! Unheard of for good quality foundation. One of the other great things about this product is that you don’t need to apply a primer beforehand, just your daily moisturizer. It also works well as an under eye concealer and has been receiving rave reviews on both Sephora and Ulta’s websites. Go grab some just in time for the weekend!










