Mary Kay Consultation and Haul – March 2015

On Sunday, March 22, I got together with my Mary Kay sales rep, Heather Serreo, to have a consultation and “play”. Heather is very knowledgeable on he products and had some great advice. We were able to talk straight about the good and bad of the Mary Kay line, and shared tips and tricks with each other.

Heather, if you're reading this, thanks so much for the great session. I look forward to doing it again!

Now, of course I could leave there without ordering! I went there knowing I was going to order at least one item and that I wanted to check out some others specifically, then others just grabbed me while I was there.

• CC Cream in Very Light – This was one of the items that I was really interested in trying before I went to my consultation. I have been on the lookout for a BB or CC cream that I really liked since I ran out of my Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream, but nothing passed the test. This one seems to be a really good color match, and I really like the scent. It feels very light, yet the coverage seems decent and it keeps my skin soft. I love the packaging; it's small enough to take with me, in a squeezy tube, and also has a pump so I know exactly how much I'm dispensing.

• Timewise Day Solution – I knew I was going to buy this before I walked in. My dermatologist told me I need to wear sunscreen every day. I knew I really liked the feel of this from when I sampled the Timewise set several years ago. This combined with the CC cream (or a BB cream) seems to be working so far.

• Cream Blush in Sheer Bliss – I love cream blush and have been trying many from across different brands. As soon as I found out about this one, I asked if Heather had one to sample, and she kindly pulled one out. This is a lot creamier than many other blushes, and does have some shimmer, although that shimmer isn't overwhelming on the skin. So far I like it, but I do need to play with it more to get a better feel for how it wears.

• Satin Hands Fragrance-Free Hand Cream – Heather has been running giveaways throughout March on her Facebook page, and this was the sample-size provided for one. Both the hubby and I love this one! It's very moisturizing yet it absorbs quickly. I've personally only tried the fragrance-free, but I know many people love the peach scented version.

• Whipped Eye Color in Tiki Hut – This limited edition whipped cream eyeshadow feels like a mousse, very different than any other cream shadow I've used. Tiki Hut is a metallic brown, and can be applied sheer or layered for a more opaque color. I fell in love with this after trying it and decided I couldn't leave without it.

• Mary Kay @ Play Eye Crayon in Purple Smoke – Heather introduced me to the Mary Kay @ Play line at this consultation, a line of reasonably priced products marketed to the younger crowd. This crayon caught my eye by being a metallic purple that, when swatched, definitely looked more gray. This seems to be a creamier eye crayon than many I've tried, and can be applied fairly sheer.

I had so much fun and discovered several new products that will be entering my daily routine. I love that I was able to walk out that day with several products in hand, and only had to wait for the two eye shadows to be delivered!  I've already mentioned some ideas for our next session, and I look forward to seeing what new products Mary Kay has on the horizon.

If you don't have a Mary Kay rep, check out Heather's site here.

What are your favorite Mary Kay products?  Are there any standouts that you think I need to try?

Bath and Body Works Haul - March 2015

If you’ve read my Empties posts the past few months (here and here), you’ll see I’ve been going through a lot of hand sanitizer lately. So much so that I actually ran out of backups! You know what that means? A trip to Bath and Body Works!

It seems like the PocketBacs are always on sale at BBW. I was able to find them at 5 for $5, so the kiddo and I worked our way through every scent in the store and found 10 we liked. I think we’ll be stocked up for at least a little while.  I’ve already broken out the Rio Samba Sunset one for the bedroom and it’s just a lovely tropical scent, whisking me away to the beach for a few seconds after I put it on. The full list of what I picked up includes:

• Amazon Rainforest Orchid PocketBac
• Blue Skies & Blooms PocketBac
• Brazil Pineapple Punch PocketBac
• Dancing Waters PocketBac
• Hawaiian Pink Hibiscus PocketBac
• Lush Bamboo Waterfall PocketBac
• Pure Paradise PocketBac
• Rio Samba Sunset PocketBac
• Strawberry PocketBac
• Vanilla Berry Sorbet PocketBac

I had seen the Pillow Mists in the aromatherapy section of the store before, and had been eyeing the chamomile one for a while. I had a coupon for 20% off my total purchase, so I took this opportunity to pick up the Sleep Lavender Chamomile Pillow Mist. This is a lot stronger than I expected it to be. I found that I really only need 1 or, at the most, 2 sprays on my pillow or else it is overwhelming. Also, the mister is pretty strong, so I can’t lie down immediately after spraying my pillow.

I also had a coupon for one FREE travel size signature item. After confirming with a sales associate what was included, the kiddo picked Waikiki Beach Coconut Body Lotion.

Do you have a favorite PocketBac scent that you think I should try?

Dermatologist Visit

On February 2, I finally had those dry red patches on my face checked out by a dermatologist. I also had some weird patches and dark marks on my arms I wanted to get checked out while I was there. I was able to get in to see Dr. Joya Sahu at Jefferson Dermatology, and needless to say, she completely overhauled my skincare routine.

Dr. Sahu first started me on Desonide cream for when my skin is flaring up. That was only to be used for a week at a time, then I was to switch over to a Ketoconazole cream for daily maintenance. She also prescribed me a Ketoconazole shampoo to use twice a week. On my arms, I was supposed to use Fluocinonide cream for 2 weeks, and apply a strong moisturizer over that.

Because of the red flaky patches, I should now consider my skin combination, with the T-zone being oily and the rest being very dry. She told me to not use any cleansers on my face, using only plain water to wash it. I specifically asked about removing makeup, and she said it is OK to use makeup remover wipes. She also wanted me to avoid using cleansers on my body in all but the most crucial areas, and there to only use non-soap cleansers from a list of provided brands. I’m to stop exfoliating; even using a poof or washcloth is too much for my skin to handle right now. She suggested that, for extra moisture and protection, I apply my choice of oil (olive, coconut, baby) PRIOR to my shower. Finally, my moisturizers were completely overhauled as well. Out went anything with fragrance, and lotions, and anything with a pump. From now on, I’m only supposed to use creams or ointments from specific brands.

With these rules in hand (literally), I made my way to CVS, knowing that they were having specials on both moisturizers and several brands on my list. Knowing what I had available at home, I decided to go primarily with Aveeno products because I was able to find almost everything I needed in one brand in non-giant sizes. I did pick up some Johnson's Baby Oil with Shea and Coconut and a travel size of CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.

After the first week, the flakes on my faces were almost completely gone and much less red, while the arms were also improving. As instructed, I switched over to the Ketoconazole, and started having a few issues. I started breaking out while on that cream in the areas where I applied it, and noticed something similar when I used the shampoo. I called the office, and we decided I would go off the cream, then try it again to see if I had the same reaction.

The rest of the month was a struggle. My arms did great! I can’t remember the last time my arms have been free of dry patches like they are now. But by the time I got back to the dermatologist for my follow-up appointment, my face was a flaky, red, patchy, broken out mess.

So I’ve now started a new regimen that includes a stronger steroid cream and oral antibiotic. I will switch over to Elidel cream next week. So far, my face is improving every day. I saw the doctor and started the regimen on Tuesday. Friday was the first day where I could felt like I could wear face makeup and not have to worry all day about the flaky mess it would become.

Birchbox - March 2015

I must say, Birchbox has gone out of its way this year to make really pretty boxes. I just wish I had enough room to keep them all!

March's Birchbox theme is Creativity, though the only place it really comes through in the box itself is on the included product info card.

I wasn't overly thrilled with my box this month. It seemed a little weak, and almost a little empty because most of the samples were pretty small. It was also very skin care-heavy, which is OK but not my favorite.

Elite Therapeutics Rosemary Eucalyptus Body Creme – This mostly organic moisturizer readily absorbs into the skin. However, it does have a very strong scent, something I don't mind as much in a shower gel but can be a little overwhelming in a moisturizer.

It's a 10 Miracle Leave-in Product – I have heard great things about this product, and I think it has actually been used on both me and the kiddo at the hair salon. It smells great, and really does remind me of a salon. I look forward to trying this out once I finish off the one I'm using now.

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid – This is a leave-on exfoliant that is supposed to be used after cleaning and toning. I'm currently under the care of a dermatologist, so I won't be able to use this for at least a while.

Roloxin Lift Revitalizing Facial Masque Treatment – Face masks can be fun, and these individual packets seem interesting since the mask needs to be activated by massaging prior to opening. Again, due to my current skincare requirements, I don't know when I'll have a chance to use these.

Smashbox Cosmetics Be Legendary Long-Wear Lip Lacquer in Coral – This lip lacquer is a cross between a liquid lipstick and a gloss. It is a bit more opaque than a gloss, but a lot shinier than a standard lipstick. I'm not always a huge fan of coral lipcolors, but this once seems very wearable.

What did you get in your box this month? Have you been enjoying Birchbox lately? What's your favorite product?

Don't get Birchbox yet? Subscribe here (my referral link).

Ipsy - March 2015

Oh, what a Floral Fantasy this month's Ipsy is, exactly as the topic indicates. The bag has a blue watercolor floral pattern on one side, while the other side is a solid matching blue. While the bag itself isn't my favorite, it just really feels like the perfect size and shape for a makeup bag for some reason. It seems perfect for throwing in my bag, and big enough to keep the essentials.

I really like this bag, and think I'll get a lot of use out of it:

Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter – This is the only product in the bag that I had used before. I had previously received it in a Birchbox, and really like it as an inner rim eyeliner to help brighten up an eye look. It is a nice, soft pencil that has pretty decent staying power. My only complaint is that it has to be sharpened. I have used this on other areas, like dark circles, blemishes, and as a straight facial highlighter, and it works fine as that as well.

NYX Butter Lipstick in Pops – I am a big fan of NYX products, particularly their lip products, yet this is the first Butter Lipstick I've tried. This has a very luxurious texture, smooth and creamy and a pleasure to wear. Pops is a pinky brown nude cream lipstick that is very wearable everyday. It is slightly darker than my natural lip color, so it doesn't wash me out at all. It doesn't seem to cling to any dry spots and stays inside the lip line without liner. This is so comfortable, I may need to try some other colors. Any suggestions?

Acure Day Cream – This lotion is from a company that produces natural products, one of which is a face scrub I already know I really like. So I was really excited to see this! It has a light formula which goes nicely with its light citrus scent. While it is light and absorbs quickly, you can still feel you have applied cream. It says to use it on the face, neck, and chest, but I think it would also be nice as a hand cream. Once thing that would make it better, since it is a day cream, would be some SPF.

Pixi by Petra Mesmerizing Mineral Duo Eyeshadow in Apricot Glow – I went on to the Pixi website to see if this was full or sample sized, and it appears that this whole product, as indicated on the Ipsy site, is custom made for Ipsy! I thought maybe it was just the color combination, size, or something along those lines, but it looks like the duo itself is custom. The colors are very nice, but they seemed a little difficult to swatch. I'll know more once I get a chance to actually use it.

Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels – These are gels you stick on your undereye area that are supposed to soothe and de-puff the area, thus reducing any dark bags you might have. I have tried a similar product before, but not this particular brand. I did receive 2 pairs of these in my bag this month. It says you re supposed to use these once a week and dispose after use, so I received 2 weeks worth. I'll give it a shot, but I'm not going to get rid of my eye cream, either.

Like I said above, I really like this month's bag. It was makeup heavy, which I personally prefer, and the colors are shades I'll use. Also, the makeup alone was worth more than $10, making the bag worth the cost.

How was your bag this month?

If you don't already get Ipsy, you can sign up here (my referral link).