Perfume Samples

Perfume sample, some love 'em, a lot of people hate them.

I seem to be a part of the former group. Why? Perfume samples allow you to do exactly what their name says-sample a perfume before you commit to it. As many people know, the same perfumes can produce a different scent on different individuals according to our own "scents". By trying out perfume samples before buying a new perfume, you can test how your body reacts to the scent and whether or not it's a good fit.

Perfume samples are also good for people (me) who don't like to commit to one scent. I've always admired people who have "signature scents"-those who go through bottle after bottle of the same perfume and become recognizable simply by that scent. I can't commit. Not only can I not commit to using up a whole bottle of perfume in an appropriate amount of time, there are just some days when a scent doesn't quite fit my mood and instead turns me off.

Can't commit either? I suggest checking out Sephora's Fragrance Deluxe Sampler for Her, a small set with various perfume samples to try out for a few weeks each.

I Love Lush

I love Lush. 

More specifically, I love their bath products and skin care (which obviously I'm all about). I'm sure if I tried any other products I would probably love them too. 

There is something about the It's Raining Men shower gel that provides a feeling of relaxation and comfort after a long day. The honey scent is calming and conjures warm feelings. This is my go-to product for a good night's rest. 

Oh, Creme Anglaise, how I love you. Yes, you are PRICEY and my college student budget won't allow me to invest $46.95 in a creme de corps, but I'll never forget the smooth, lasting moisturizing feeling you provided after receiving you in an AWESOME wrapped holiday gift box  (that I picked out myself with my Christmas gift cards). 

Speaking of Christmas, I've also tried the holiday Golden Wonder Bath Bomb, which truly delivers a surprise after revealing its rattling contents. Phoenix Rising is also beautiful, tinting your bath water and filling the air with sweet cinnamon. 

Finally, what can I say about the Yuzu and Cocoa Bubbleroon? I'm a fan of baths. You simply can't go wrong by taking a relaxing bath with "fluffy citrus chocolate bubbles", which is exactly what this little macaron-like bath treat looks like. 

Do you Lush? Let me know your favorites below :) 

Prevent Frizz With This Trick

Ever struggled with frizz? We ALL have; short hair, long hair, straight hair, curly hair. I discovered this little trick a few years ago and have since used it to prevent my hair from turning into a giant frizz ball. 

To prevent frizz: Go about your usual shampoo and conditioner routine in the shower- HOWEVER- do not rinse the conditioner from your hair with hot or even warm water. Yes, this means that I am saying if you want to prevent frizz, you have to rinse your hair in COLD water-even in the winter. Why? 

Many years ago when I had long, long hair (as many latina girls grow up with), I discovered one cold winter night that after I exposed my hair to the cold, dry air in our apartment, (my mom likes to keep windows open, I don't know why) it miraculously didn't get frizzy as it usually did. Somehow my thought process pinpointed the cold air as what was keeping my hair tame and I began to rinse the conditioner out of my hair using cold water. I've since read that cold water seals the hair cuticle(kind of like how it tightens pores?), sealing in moisture. Let me tell you, it takes courage to dump cold water on your head, especially in the winter. 

Here's how I do it: I lather my hair with my shampoo of the moment (right now its the Suave Professionals Invigorating Clean with Rosemary and Mint) rinse, and apply my favorite hair treatment, Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask. This is the last step in my shower routine. 

After leaving this on for at least 5 minutes, I reduce the water temperature to cold bordering on freezing, and lean my head back into the water stream like they do at salons (this is only to avoid freezing my body in cold water). I rinse the hair treatment completely and avoid rubbing my hair dry with a towel, instead patting it gently. Afterwards, I use a wide tooth comb to detangle instead of a brush in order to reduce breakage. Then I let my hair air dry OR use a hairdryer. VOILA! 

Why I love my Clarisonic

Clarisonic has changed my life. I've used the Clarisonic Mia Cleansing Brush for a little over a year now and I am happy I made the decision to buy it after thinking it over for quite some time. Before getting the Clarisonic, I had acne on troublesome areas of my T zone.

The Clarisonic provides a gentle yet deep cleansing for the skin. Used with your cleanser of choice, it makes an excellent treatment a few times a week. Since I began to use I have noticed improved skin texture as well as minimal breakouts. I highly recommend the Clarisonic brush, I know I won't stop using it any time soon.

Image via clarisonic.com

I got my Clarisonic Cleansing Face Brush at Sephora in a limited edition set like this one. The set provides a good value for your money, and I can say that the Boscia cleanser has also become one of my favorites.

Love your Clarisonic? Share your thoughts below!

Why I Love Beauty Masks

I've only recently tiptoed into the world of beauty masks, but one thing is certain:

I love them.

I've used the Borghese Fango Brillante Brightening Mud Mask as well as an Asian jelly mask my roommate gifted me from her holiday travels to China and the feeling they leave on my skin is unmatched. I highly recommend the Borghese mask. While I do not know the exact name of the asian mask I used, I recommend checking out the blog Musings of a Muse to get a better sense of what asian beauty products to use and where to buy.

Masks serve many purposes and you can buy them depending on whatever skin concern you would like to treat. I only use them about once a week and never on the same day simply because I don't have an exact schedule as a busy college student. I've put on masks midday/midnight and each time the results have been impressive.

Have any mask recommendations? Share them below. :)