Award season is in full swing and with the Oscars happening this Sunday, I’m partnering with my friends at Babbleboxx to share some of our must haves for when you need a little extra TLC.
I’m starting with my absolute favorite and something that should be on everyone’s wish list, the Clarisonic Mia FIT (for the gentleman in the audience check out the male version, the Clarisonic Alpha FIT). By now most of you are familiar with the original Clarisonic Mia cleansing brush which uses their oscillating technology to gently and more effectively remove everyday impurities, makeup, and sunscreen. It’s the #1 device recommended by dermatologists and proven to cleanse skin 6x better than hands alone. Which in return allows for better absorption of skin care products so they work more effectively.
It’s been around forever and a staple for beauty bloggers. Late last year Clarisonic launched the men’s version, Alpha FIT in a rounded, more condensed shape that fit in the palm of your hand with no added handle and us ladies were jealous. The result, the Clarisonic Mia FIT which
When it comes to taking care of their skin, guys can be clueless. Which is why the holidays are the perfect time to give him a little extra nudge. Whether he’s at skincare 101 or has a full fledge routine, we have something for every level of skincare connoisseur.
1. Dollar Shave Club (starting at $1/month + $2 shipping and handling) – Great for the practical man who loves a good shave, sign your man (dad, brother… friend!) up for a membership to the Dollar Shave Club. It’s the gift that keeps giving where every month a fresh razor arrives at their doorstep. They also offer an assortment of grooming products that can be added in for an additional cost. They also offer gift packages starting at $35 for a 4 month subscription (which includes a 4X razor and 30z Shave Butter or product of his choice).
Clarisonic recently launched Alpha Fit, their first device specifically engineered for men. Introducing the product was Dr. Robb Akridge, President of Clarisonic Global and one of the original founders of Clarisonic. The campaign slogan ‘It’s Your F-Ing Face” hopes to inspire men to take their regimens more seriously and take care of their skin. For the event I brought my friend, Dan Ralph, someone who has worked in skincare for over a decade and my #1 tester when it comes to mens products. He also happens to be the person who bought me first Clarisonic a million moons ago. Here’s his review on the new device:
Dr. Robb Akridge, President of Clarisonic Global introducing the Alpha Fit
I have been a big proponent of the Clarisonic since 2010 when I first started using the Clarisonic Plus. This is a three speed model for face and body. Typically when purchasing anything, I prefer the one with all the bells and whistles and the Clarisonic Plus was that. Even though I love this device, I only ever used one speed on my face. Here we are 5 years later and my Clarisonic Plus works just as good as it did when I first got it. Maybe it needs to be charged more often but I can not fault it for that, I find that I need more sleep as well than I did 5 years ago too.
Clinique never ceases to amaze me in terms of pushing the envelope to develop new and innovative products. Their latest development is a major game changers! In an age of selfie’s, #NoMakeupMondays, and everything social media, where at any moment you have to be camera ready, having great skin has never felt more important. Neither has proper cleansing considering the amount of pollution in the air (and some other factors — ahem, diet, drinking…).
Having lived in major cities my whole life, I never much subscribed to home shopping networks like QVC — which I associated with stay-at-home moms and consumers that didn’t have immediate access to stores at every corner. Living in a place where there is a Sephora on every other block, TV is the last place I look to make a beauty purchase (although they do sell online as well).
However, after attending a recent QVC event, I could not have been more wrong — given the amount of beauty brands out on the market it’s a challenge to pick which product is worth the investment; QVC offers consumers that educational component and the opportunity to learn about the products beyond just staring at the packaging straight from the expert behind the brand.
I was shocked by the amount of prestige brands they are currently showcasing — Perricone MD, Bliss, Algenist, Clarisonic, Fresh, Tarte, Lipstick Queen, Make Up For Ever, Go Smile, Josie Maran, Mally, Laura Geller (to name a few) as well as retailers like Space.NK, and Sephora are now partnering with them as well!
Talking vitamin C with Dr. Perricone!
And they certainly got my attention. Walking the isles of the QVC event, I got to meet Dr. Perricone and hear first hand why I need to drop everything and try his Vitamin C Ester 15 (QVC Item #A221548) — which has a high 15% concentration of vitamin C fused a with fatty acid derived from palm oil that’s going to brighten my skin and give me a glowing complexion. And then there was Poppy King (THE LIPSTICK QUEEN!!!) — who I’ve been obsessed with for some time now. Her lipsticks are so luxurious and rich and offer this perfect combination of hydration and pigment without being messy or flimsy. She’s launched the Lipstick Queen Liptopolis Lipstick Collection ($48/QVC Item #A226460) which has this super cute packaging that includes 3 lipstick shades, Central Park (peach), Soho (red) and Upper East (nude hue). What can I say… I’m so Soho — I haven’t stopped wearing this shade since I got the set. I met Josie Maran, Ken Paves, Laura Geller… and hearing first hand from these experts what makes their products so great and the best way to use them adds such a value and educational component that I’m a total QVC convert. Plus you can expect a medley of specials and exclusives from these brands only available on QVC.
{Ken Paves gives Cheryl of The Fashionista Stories his signature Hairdo extensions — looks so natural!}
{Sarah Potempo demoed her “The Wrap-Up” ($24/QVC Item #A323424) on a model, instantly giving her the perfect bun in seconds!}
{Fresh co-founder Lev Glazman introduced us to their hand blended (in a monastery) ancient remedy to the fountain of youth, Elixir Ancien + Face Treatment Oil ($50/QVC Item #A226364), which is being offered exclusively in a .5 ounce size on QVC}
{Former super model Josie Maran has more then one reason to be glowing — we suspect it’s part baby-bump, part her latest Argan Illuminating Body Butter ($30/ QVC Item #A224383) which combines her lightweight, hydrating body butter that’s infused with her signature ingredient, argan oil and a delicate luminzers that offers a subtle shimmer for that perfect summer glow.
For the complete list of beauty offerings, visit QVC.com
October is special month, when brands rally together to help raise awareness and funds to help fight against breast cancer. This year for BCA month, I received a record number of emails by brands participating, so as I weed through (and I’ll try to update this as more come through), here’s a list of how some companies are showing their support:
**assume all of these product promotions are for the month of October unless otherwise stated**
Dior fans can go to www.diorauction.com to bid on items in three categories: Luxe Trips, Elite Experiences and Lavish Products as well as a “Shop Now” section, where customers can purchase items like a Christian Dior book or an engraved Dior Blue Tie palette, all available exclusively through Dior and select partners. 100% of the proceeds benefit Look Good…Feel Better, an organization dedicated to helping women deal wit the appearance related effects of cancer.
Catwalk for a Cure invite
Catwalk for a Cure – Tickets ($100) to this annual breast cancer charity event in benefit of The MA Affiliate for Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation hosted in Boston on October 13th includes a cocktail hour, hors d’oeurves, silent auction, fashion show, reception and gift bag. When: Oct.13th from 7-11pm at 60 State Street, Boston, MA. Click HERE for tickets.
Stila
Stila – Get empowered in pink with Stila’s limited-edition Positive and Pretty Palette featuring four award-winning Eye Shadows, a Cheek Color and a Highlighter. A mirror is included for on-the-go application and a detailed face chart offers how-to tips and tricks. 10% of the proceeds will go to a variety of BCA charities including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Price: $14 (a $62 value).
OLEHENRIKSEN is offering a special 1.7 oz. size of their best selling Truth Serum in BCA packaging ($65), with a portion of the proceeds going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation available at www.olehenriksen.com and Sephora.
Clarisonic Almond Blossom Plus
Clarisonic is donating a portion of the proceeds of its “Pink” products to Look Good…Feel Better throughout the year as well as $15 for each specially designed, limited edition Almond Blossom Plus Skin Cleansing System ($235) sold during October to LGFB available at Clarisonic.com, Nordstrom or the Ritz Carlton spas. Additionally for the month of October, Clarisonic will donate $1 to Look Good…Feel Better for every Facebook “Like” they receive (Facebook.com/clarisonic). They have also partnered with The Ritz-Carlton who is working with them and Skin Authority skin care company to offer an exclusive Look Good…Feel Better facial in select Ritz-Carlton spas. With every LGFB facial performed, $15 will be donated to Look Good…Feel Better ($5 each from Ritz Carlton Spas, Clarisonic and Skin Authority). The facial will be available through November 5, and costs $180 for 50 minutes.
B&B Spray de Mode
Bumble and Bumble is donating $5 from every purchase of Spray de Mode on bumbleandbumble.com to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Skyn ICELAND – For the 7th consecutive year, skyn ICELAND is releasing a limited edition Pink Detox Kit ($45), donating $5 from the sale to Cancer Support Community.
AHAVA – For every purchase of their Hope Blossoms Mineral Bath Salts ($22), AHAVA will make up to a 15% donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation in support of their mission to help fund research and promote education and early detection. These mineral-rich salts contain 21 essential Dead Sea minerals, including Magnesium, Potassium and Calcium that work to melt away stress, while providing essential moisture to skin and relief to tired muscles.
CND Pink Wishes Set
CND launches Pink Wishes Colour & Effect duo nail polish set ($20) to help raise awareness against breast cancer and commemorate women everywhere fighting against it. Plus what better way to match that pink ribbon then with some extra pride on your fingers and toes? Available for a limited time, visit CND.com for locations.
TIGI’s BCA Collection – With each purchase of TIGI’s pink ribbon products, TIGI will donate a portion of the proceeds to City of Hope, a leading research, treatment and education center for cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Darphin is donating $15 for every specially packaged Redness Relief Soothing Serum in pink ($85) sold to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. This high potency
October is special month, when brands rally together to help raise awareness and funds to help fight against breast cancer. This year for BCA month, I received a record number of emails by brands participating, so as I weed through (and I’ll try to update this as more come through), here’s a list of how some companies are showing their support:
