Product to Try: Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser

So I am OBSESSED with Philosophy Facial products. They have a sensative skin moisturizer called Hope in a Jar, that is TO DIE FOR. It's the first moisturize I've found that doesn't make me break out more and doesn't feel oily on my skin.

I'm also a big fan of their oil-free foaming face wash, On a Clear Day. It's a great, strong cleanser and I love that it's a foam. The ONLY downside that I have ever found with the foam cleanser is that it doesn't fly well. The first time I tried to travel with it, I got to my in-laws house to find out that it had built up pressure in the bottle or something and leaked all over my travel bag.

So when I went into Sephora last week to buy a new bottle, I was DEVASTATED to find out that they were out of it. It took me forever to find a face wash that works well for my sensitive skin (and I'm talking SENSITIVE. I react to everything!). So I got to chatting with one of the employees, who suggested I try another product called Caudalie. I'd never heard of it but she said it was all natural, and I needed face wash, so I decided to give it a shot.

Turns out, this stuff is just as fantastic! It's made with grape extract, chamomile, and sage so it smells fantastic. And my skin feels great! The only thing about it that I don't like, is I have to remember to use my eye make-up remover, because its doesn't have enough strength to get it all off like my old face wash did. But I love the smell and how my skin feels. It's also a little more expensive than the Philosophy at $26.00 for a 5oz bottle (compared to $25.00 for a 6oz bottle of On a Clear Day).

Overall, highly recommend for anyone with sensitive skin looking for a gentle cleanser.

Make-up to Try: Benefits Cosmetics

I spend WAY to much money at Sephora. I've typically had a couple of go-to brands I buy from regularly (Smashbox, Makeup Forever, Urban Decay, etc...), but occasionally I will step outside the box and try something new.

Most recently, I finally accumulated 500 points on my Insider card and got to indulge in the full sized sample. On this particular day they were offering a full-sized sample of two Benefits Cosmetics: a full size blush and mascara.

The first was this amazing blush, CORALista. First thing I noticed upon opening it was that it had a light perfume smell. I wasn't a big fan of the little brush that came with it, but I have a large assortment of my own brushes, so it was easy to find something to use in its place. The color is great. A light coral-pink color that can be layered to be as dark or light as you want, so it really could work on just about any skin tone. I have a medium complexion myself, so I usually find a couple sweeps does me nicely. Its definitely one of the better, more versatile blushes I have come across.

Next, I got a full sized sample of this BADgirl Lash mascara. It has a think, fluffy brush which is great for my thick lashes. The brush itself is a little long and may not be an easy application for someone with smaller eyes. But it goes on in nice thin layers and doesn't clump as much as many of the other mascaras I have tried. It's a great everyday mascara because one coat covers and darkens, without making it look done up. My biggest complaint with mascara has always been having to have an every day and an evening mascara, but this one works well as both with just a couple extra coats.

I was very impressed with both products, so on a recent trip to look for a new bronzer, I decided to give Benefits another try.

 

I ended up picking up this bronzer and blush in one combination called 10. Again, the first thing I noticed upon opening it was the scent. It was different from the CORALista, but still very pleasant. The instructions say to take the brush it comes with and sweep it across the top before applying to your checks for high and low lights. I tried this, but wasn't such a fan. I still don't like the brush these come with. So I tried it again with my own brushes and have to say it looked MUCH better. The small brush it comes with just made it look too dark. With my own brushes I was able to control the amount that went on much better. The light blush against the dark bronzer makes for a great check bone highlighter and, if all you want is some bronzer, sweep it around the box and apply as desired. It's a great light bronzer, but not what you want if you are looking for something dramatic.

All and all my first experiences with Benefit Cosmetics was pretty darn successful. I think next I'm going to give some of their eyeshadow a try.

I'm always looking for new stuff to try, so what about you? What are some of your favorites? What brand of makeup do I just HAVE to try and why? Comment below.

Review: The Fitbit

When Sean and I decided it was time to lose weight and get healthy, he started saying he wanted to BodyBug. Unfortunately, they are like $300 for the system, so I started doing some research into an alternative. After looking at reviews and prices, I found the Fitbit.



For about $100 you get the device, a clip that it can be put into to wear on thicker clothing, a charging station, and a band to strap around your wrist so you can wear it at night.

As part of the purchase price, you also get access to this fantastic tracking site.



In addition to tracking your steps, it also calculates your sleep efficiency, calories burned, and you can even track what you eat. It gives you a base calorie consumption based on your gender, height, and weight and then you input what you eat. It's so easy and I love that I can track it all in one place.

Pros:

I love being able to track everything in one place. The website it truly one of the best features of the device. It's very easy to use and all you have to do is plug your Fitbit into the charging station for it to sync up with the website. I also like the Friends feature. Its nice to be able to compare with my husband (who also has one). My competitive side takes over and I want to get more steps than him in.

I also like that its small, because I can wear it on my clothes easily and its not as noticeable as, say, the Body Bug.

It's very easy to read and shows calories burned, steps taken, and distance walked right on the screen. It also has a screen with a flower on it that grows as you become more active. I love this feature because it makes you want to be more active, just to see how tall the flower will grow.

Cons:

It's small size is a big plus, but its also the biggest con. I've thought I lost it a few times already and because it clips onto your pants like a clothes pin, it does feel like it could break easily.

I also don't like the band that it straps to for you to wear at night. It has to go around your wrist, so if you have sensitive skin its not ideal. And it falls out of the strap pretty easily, so your sleep efficiency is not always accurate.

Overall, I would definitely recommend it. It you get a lot features and it seems to be pretty accurate (as far as I can tell). I would not recommend it for people who tend to lose things, because it is extremely easy to misplace. Otherwise its a great product that does exactly what it says it will and for a reasonable price.