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Michael Todd Soniclear Antimicrobial Sonic Cleansing System

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It’s no secret that I’m addicted to skin care.  I wish I had started sooner, but hey, better late than never and I’m really happy with how much my skin has improved over the last 3 years.  Along with changing up my skincare to something that works, changing my tools have a lot to do with it too.  Lately I’ve been using the Michael Todd Soniclear Antimicrobial Sonic Cleansing System as a part of my daily skincare regimen. Having tried various cleansers, systems and tools for my skincare process – I just have to say, this is probably one of my favorites if not my favorite tool to use.

Michael Todd Soniclear

This little post here will be a gateway and introduction to the product itself… but not a formal review as I have a complete and thorough review coming along with a demo soon (stay tuned for that).  Since the Holidays are here, I wanted to make sure that I could include this information for those looking to add a cleansing system to their wish lists or for someone purchasing for that beauty lover in mind.  While I’ve been using this system now over a month and have seen AWESOME results – I still want to be able to put it to the test a little longer.

The Michael Todd Soniclear System retails for $150 and includes:

  • 1 Soniclear Device
  • 1 Antimicrobial Face Brush Head with Cover
  • 1 Antimicrobial Body Brush Head with Cover
  • 1 Charging Stand
  • 1 Charging Cord

Now – I have used another cleansing brush in the past – a cult favorite, more on that in another post… but I have super sensitive skin and it did not work for me.  The Soniclear however, is the World’s First Antimicrobial Sonic Skin Cleansing System that offers powerful, but gentle cleaning even for sensitive skin.

Stain and odor causing bacteria can grow on your brushes when skin cells, makeup and moisture combine with bacteria that cling to the bristles between cleansing.  Soniclears motto “cleaner skin begins with a cleaner brush” is just that.  The Soniclear micro-massages away dirt and impurities and then protects itself from microbial contamination.  This product removes makeup  6x better and cleanses 2x better than with your hands alone.  I noticed a huge difference in what my brush head looked like after using the system to remove the makeup that my makeup remover wipe left behind and my brush was literally clean after rinsing off the residue.  After using this product for a month, I was amazed that the bristles on my brush still remained white.

Michael Todd Soniclear

Since I have sensitive skin, I had high hopes that this product would work for me since other systems did not.  I’m glad that I had the opportunity to use this and will continue to have this product as a part of my skincare regimen for years to come.  I love that both the face and body brush while soft enough to use on my sensitive skin, it still gets the job done and all areas that I use the brush on feel clean, smooth and soft.  The bristles are so easy to clean, leaving behind no residue from makeup products and I love the different control settings along me to adjust the speed when ever I need to so to accommodate my most sensitive areas on my face and body.  This waterproof unit is a favorite to use in the shower and I’m not gonna lie, I’m totally loving the purple.

Considering all it does, the product is affordable (it comes with two cleansing brushes) and I have noticed my skin feels softer, cleaner and brighter.  My skin care serums absorb into my skin much more quickly and I have had comments about how radiant my skin has looked lately.  I will be doing an in-depth review soon as I feel that using this product for about a month was simply not enough to truly give more information than I provided.  When it comes to skincare, I like to try things out with other products I’m also coveting.  My upcoming review will include a demo of me using the product as well as the skincare routine I have been using along with it and products – so stay tuned!

Have you tried the Michael Todd Soniclear?  If not, do you use a skincare cleansing brush in your regimen and what are your thoughts on it?

Signature Honey

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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Beauty Products That I’m Thankful For – The Beauty Council

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The Beauty Council

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!  Thanksgiving or the Holidays in general always excites me and I find that I am not only very happy and looking forward to making memories with my family but also a little on the emotional side as I remember past memories with loved ones who are no longer here.  While family time is important to me, I also consider my “beauty buddies” my extended family and the Beauty Council includes some of my favorite beauty loves.  Along with the Beauty Council, I bring to you Beauty products that I’m Thankful for… so grab a coffee, tea or cup of cocoa, have a seat and enjoy!

Beauty products that I am thankful for

I say this time and time again that finding and choosing a favorite product for me is kind of like asking me to choose between my sons.  Don’t get me wrong, I do have those that I cannot live without, but I also feel that I either love it or hate it and if I love it, I will definitely make use of it.  This year (2014) was all about either rediscovering old favorites or brands I stopped using or trying out products again that I haven’t used in a while.  I do have some new goodies on my list, but overall these are items that I know I have grown to love or have loved from the first use.  Some are newly introduced, others have been a favorite of mine for a while… but overall, these are the products I think I would thank the Beauty Gods for.

Beauty products that I am thankful for

Colour Pop Eye Shadows – These gorgeous shades with a weird and unique texture have captured my heart a few months back and I use them so often, how could they not be favorites?

Lorac Mega Pro Palette – I’m definitely thankful for this one, because I literally stalked the site to make sure I got my hands on this palette.  I’m thankful most importantly that I got a chance to get one… because it’s awesome.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Tamanna Dress Your Face Palette – I’ve been rocking out the colors in this palette consistently, how could it not make this list.  Gorgeous shades for year round and pretty much any skin tone.

Milani Baked Blushes – It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Milani, but their baked blushes or any of their blushes are definitely favorites of mine and great for everyday use.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette – Have you tried Hourglass Ambient lighting powders?  Well, this is a great set to try out some of these powders and fall in love as I have.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette – These are so gorgeous in the pan I don’t even want to use them sometimes… but they are worth it and you will fall in love with these too.

Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara – Hey, my lashes are so short and sparse but I have found the best “hands down” mascara on the market for volume and some length and it’s normally less than $4.00

Benefit’s They’re Real Mascara – Top 5 of my favorite mascaras.  A mascara that I can use on it’s own and it offers me enough length and volume so you can see my little wittle lashes. lol

NYX Matte Bronzer in Deep – We all know I love my Sunny Bronzer from NYC, but this one is definitely a favorite and perfect for my skin tone.

Too Faced Shadow Insurance & Coastal Scents Step One Eye Primer T – My Holy Grail Primer is from Too Faced but lately I’ve been crushing on my Coastal Scents Primer.  Definitely must haves that I can’t live without.

Teadora Nourishing Lip Butter in Dusk – a great asset year round but especially during the colder months.  I’m so glad that I got to try this lovely treat for my pucker.

Beauty products that I am thankful for

Bite Beauty Lippies – they have definitely stolen my heart this year from their lipsticks and high pigment pencils to their Agave Lips Mask.  Fabulous brand and awesome lip goodies.

Maybelline Color Sensational Matte Lipsticks – these are a new release and I own three of them.  So creamy, moisturizing and I love how awesome they feel on the lips.  Looking for a great matte lipstick, yup – check these out.

Milani Color Statement Lipsticks – my #1 love of lipsticks from the drugstore.  If you know anything about me, it’s that these are still my favorite.

Jordana 12 Hour Made to Last Liquid Eyeliner Pencils – I will pull for these before my Urban Decay 24/7 liners, because they really don’t budge on my waterline.  Less than $3.00 each these give high end eye liners a run for the money.  I can’t wait for Jordana to come out with a larger variety of shades.

New York Color Liquid Eyeliner in Black – If you watch my videos or follow me here you know this is an important one for me.  I’ve been using this eye liner now for over 6 years, before it became a cult favorite.  Back then, it was an affordable option that I loved and still do.

Paula Dorf 2+1 For Brows Kit – this is a new favorite but I’m glad to have had the opportunity to try it out because it makes doing my brows easy as pumpkin pie.

Color Switch Duo – The Beauty Gods know I have more than my fair share of makeup brushes and sometimes I’ll use 8 or more in one look.  This awesome little gadget allows me to switch between shades for blending or placing color and I can still use my same brush.  Of course, it is not meant to take the place of cleaning your brushes – you still have to do that, but it’s such a dandy tool.  A makeup artists’ dream.

Beauty products that I am thankful for

Be Delectable by Cake Beauty’s Lemon & Cream Hair & Body Mist – I need to get the rest of the scents, but these are fabulous.  A light mist of yummy on the body or hair makes for a showstopping entrance.  Yes, this is affordable and no it does not replace my love for perfume, but this is great for every day.  My favorite body mist.

Freeman Feeling Beauty Facial Masks – I pictured the Facial Brightening Mask but most of them are favorites of mine and considering I have super sensitive skin, I’m very thankful that these work pretty well for me without any issues.

Michael Todd Soniclear Cleansing Brush – Last year I had many issues with my Clarisonic.  While it does work for others, it just did not work for me and it was difficult to find something similar that would wow me.  This cleansing brush is gentle on my sensitive skin, anti-microbial and most importantly – it’s purple. lol

Argan Oil & Coconut Oil – pictured is one of my favorite Argan Oils from BebeLush. Used in combination with my Dr. Bronners coconut oil, these products have definitely improved my skin’s texture, look and overall appearance.  These oils have made a huge difference in my skincare and used alongside some of my favorite serums, it’s because of these products and caring for my skin that I no longer need foundation and concealer.

DermOrganic Hair Products – pictured is the Leave-In Spray Therapy which I use often, but DermOrganics products have really been a huge asset in how awesome my hair is.  Soft and manageable and my curls are pretty.  My hair loves these products to the end of the earth.

Dove Pure Care Dry Oil – African Macadamia Oil, Coconut Oil and more.  Yes, I knew I would love this product.  The ingredients alone scream volumes of why I love it so much… so no explanation needed. lol

Be Delectable Triple Moisture Body Lotion in Strawberry & Cream – one of my all time favorite body lotions because who doesn’t love to smell like vanilla and strawberry?  Moisturizing with shea butter, coconut oil and aloe vera, this is one that I know I will continue to love for years.

So – my very very long list of products is finally over.  I know, I know… I need to start learning how to narrow down my options.  But, there is nothing wrong with options and I’m thankful that I’ve had the opportunity this year to try out so many awesome products.

Happy Thanksgiving loves and don’t forget to head on over to the blogs below and check out what made my buddies thankful list. <3

Signature Honey


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Instanatural Stretch Mark and Scar Cream

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Stretch Marks? Come on now… after giving birth to three children – 2 of which are twins, to say I have a few zebra stripes on my belly would be an understatement.  Having worked in the plastic surgery field a few years I do know a thing or two about taking care of my skin, but that doesn’t mean that stretch marks are not going to find their way creeping onto areas consistently.  Besides my tummy since I’m quite blessed in the upper half of my body as well, you can find a few stretch marks there as well.  I use a number of different creams as well as oils and always interested in checking out new brands and products that may help my scars and stretch marks a little.  The last month I’ve been testing out the InstaNatural Stretch Mark and Scar Cream and using it in combination with other products I already have in my body cream arsenal.  Here are my thoughts on this product.

InstaNatural Stretch Mark Cream

First of all – let’s start with the size of the bottle.  For just $35.00 you get 5 oz of product which will last you a long time.  Even if used according to the directions – which is to apply twice a day, you still have enough product for a thirty day supply or more depending on the amount of product that you dispense and the area size that you are applying it to.

InstaNatural Stretch Mark & Scar Cream

The cream is a different texture than I would have expected.  It’s cream-like but still feels almost like a mousse and when applied to the skin, it smooths out and applies like a lotion.  The amount you see in the photo above is all I use to cover my entire stomach region.  The product does have a light lotion type scent though I couldn’t pinpoint the exact scent.

I really enjoy the pump that the container has.  I dispense the correct amount of product each time.  I’ll be honest in saying that InstaNatural is really good at their dispensing of product on their packaging for various different serums, creams, etc. so I didn’t expect anything otherwise from them.

I apologize for not sharing any photos of before and after – but I was not quite comfortable doing so.  I can tell you that while I didn’t notice drastic results I did definitely notice lightening of some of my stretch marks on my belly – they are not as dark as before.  I think this is a plus considering these stretch marks are from many years ago.  With the price point, ease of use and the fact that my skin did not have any allergic reactions, I definitely think this is a product I know I will continue to use.  I’ll be sure to stop by and provide an update after I’ve been using it for a while and maybe then I will be more confident in sharing my photos, because I did take them :)

What are your favorite scar or stretch mark creams to use on your body – if you use them?

Signature Honey

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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Sephora VIB Haul 2014 – Tarte, Bite Beauty, Benefit and More

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As much as I love makeup – I do my best to keep my makeup purchasing at a minimum… well, at least now I do.  But, I cannot tell a lie, there is one time of the year that makes it most difficult to skip on the purchases and that is during the holidays when all the cool makeup holiday sets come out.  It also means that I look forward to the Sephora VIB sale each year and that is the time when I take part in my annual Sephora VIB Haul 2014.  Check out a few things that I hauled during this sale.  I’ll be sure to have details of each one coming soon to the blog and YouTube channel.  Not interested in reading?  Well click on the video below and watch directly on Youtube. lol

Sephora VIB Haul 2014

There were a few items on my list to grab from the get go and that was the Benefit Cheeky Sweet Spot collection and the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette.  But after browsing Sephora I practically jumped for joy when I seen the Bite Beauty Lip Crayon Mini Collection of four… I am in love with these lippies and a few other goodies I had been wanting to try.  I also had my eyes on that Tarte set so it was in my radar while going through the site.

Check out my video embedded below, sit back & watch as I talk about each item or click here to watch directly on YouTube.

I hope to have reviews for most of the items up soon so that you can try to take advantage of them if you are purchasing for Holiday gifts.

Products hauled:

  • Tarte Bon Voyage Collector’s Set and Travel Bag
  • Benefit Cheeky Sweet Spot Set
  • Bite Beauty Best Bite Remix
  • Bite Beauty Lip Love Kit
  • Too Faced Melted Kisses
  • Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil Duo
  • Bite Beauty Mix & Mingle Lip Mini Color Matte Cream Lip Crayon in Augbergine
  • Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette
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Fall Berry Smoky Eye Featuring Anastasia Beverly Hills Tamanna Palette

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Fall Berry Smokey Eye

On Halloween I did a makeup look that really sparked a lot of interest… woohoo – it’s nice to do something right for once. lol  I was actually rushing through the eye look so I could do the skull makeup look but the eye makeup look is what caught the attention of everyone and I was asked to do a tutorial.  Now mind you, I’ve been sick pretty much since Halloween, so I haven’t had the chance to really get the tutorial up and when I finally decided to get it going… it turned out much longer than I would have liked.  But, oh well – I digress and move forward.  So since I was feeling like I needed to put some makeup on, I decided to “dress my face” – see what I did there? And, now… onto the tutorial.  It’s a long one because I am chit chatting and talking through all the steps.  Click here to watch directly on YouTube.  All details on the products used as well as photos are posted below.  I hope you all enjoy this Fall Berry Smoky Eye.

Hope you liked my talk through – now onto the photos and all the details.

Fall Berry Smokey Eye

 

Products used:

  • Coastal Scents Step One Eye Primer
  • Anastasia Beverly Hills Tamanna Dress Your Face Palette – Sangria (used in the brows and on the lid), Bengal (used as transition shade), Chocolate (used in the crease), China Rose (used on the inner third of the eye lid), Noir (used to deepen the outer V), Fresh (used to highlight the browbone) and Venezia (the pop of color used on the inner corner of the eyes).
  • Anastasia Beverly Hills Amrezy Palette – Iridescent Purple (used on the brows as well as the lower lash line), Legend (used to highlight my cheekbones).

In the original eye look for Halloween, I used a blend of Sangria (Tamanna) and Iridescent Purple (Amrezy) but for this specific tutorial I only used Iridescent Purple.  So sorry about that, I just wasn’t feeling well and forgot to add Sangria.

  • Tarte Smolder-eyes Pencil in Fig (used as a base for Sangria and applied on the lower lash line)
  • Jordana 12 Hour Made To Last Liquid Pencil Liner in Black Point (applied to waterline/tightline)
  • New York Color (NYC) Liquid Eye liner in Black (used to create the winged liner)
  • Jordana Best Lash Volumizing Mascara (upper and lower lashes)
  • Kiss EZ Lashes in 11 – false lashes
  • NYX Matte Lip Cream in Istanbul (applied to my lips)
  • Paula Dorf 2+1 For Brows (used to create the shape and define the tail and arch of my brows)

Fall Berry Smokey Eye

I know I said this earlier but this look is very easy to create.  It’s just about layering colors, color placement and of course the colors you choose.  While I didn’t get a chance to do so – you can certainly pair this look with a darker lip shade like a berry or wine or even a nice berry pink.  Nude was the choice I went with because it was right within my reach and I wasn’t feeling very well, otherwise I may have chosen to go for a berry shade myself.

Fall Berry Smokey Eye

Now for the fashion sense, I wasn’t feeling quite well but I do what I always love to do during the Fall and Winter months and that’s throw on a beanie or scarf and rock it out.  On this day I decided a beanie and a pair of gold hoop earrings would suffice.  I also have on a t-shirt… adorned with big bold letters that describe me to a “t”. lol

Fall Berry Smokey Eye

My shirt was custom made by me at HICustom.com in their design lab.  I’ll be sure to have more information on the brand and about the company in a later post.  I’m using a pair of jeans – which is my go to during the colder months.

Fall Berry Smokey Eye

I hope you guys enjoyed this super easy look.  I will have a review on the Tamanna Palette coming soon so stay tuned for that.  Wishing you all the best of these chilly months to come. xo

Signature Honey

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