Style Prescribed

Navigating the Residency Match Process as a Couple

2017-02-24T02:01:00.001-08:00

It's been an eventful past couple of weeks! My husband and I finished up our last minute residency interviews, went to our core site to wrap up our last required rotations, moved to California for our emergency medicine rotation...and MATCHED! (which reminds me -- congrats to everyone that matched in the AOA match and good luck to all those waiting the ACGME match results!)

Though there's loads of information on creating rank lists as an applicant, I found that I had a lot of questions specifically about going through the process as a couple. Now that we're (almost) done, I decided to share some of the information we learned along the way and hope that it will help clear up some confusion surrounding couple's matching.

What is couple's matching?
Couple's matching allows applicants participating in the AOA or ACGME match to link their rank list with another individual's. Anyone is allowed to couple's match (significant others, spouses, best friends, siblings...you get the point) but doing so has its own set of advantages/disadvantages. Participating in the couple's match allows you to rank different combinations (ie: same program, hospitals within close proximity, hospitals across the country, etc) in conjunction with your partner.

Prioritize
Communicating with your partner and discussing your priorities is crucial. Is it more important that you both get your desired specialties/programs or are you willing to compromise (either choice of program or, in some cases, specialty) to maximize your shot of ending up near each other? This is even more important if one or both of you are considering applying into a more competitive specialty with limited available residency programs. Many people apply for a less competitive specialty in addition to their primary specialty of choice to increase the likely rank combinations and alleviate some of the worry of not matching at all.

Research
Once you've decided what/where you want to focus your efforts, begin researching programs early your third year. Depending on the specialty you and your partner are interested in, doing an audition or sub-internship may be something that you consider. The advantage of auditioning at programs that you're interested in is the ability to relay your interest in the program and/or location and establish relationships with residents and attendings. This is particularly true if you and/or your partner are vying for more competitive specialties or those that place a heavy emphasis on auditions.

Half the battle (on the AOA side, at least) is making sure you can get auditions scheduled at your desired programs for the months when you want them so staying on top of things is vital. I had an extensive excel sheet with all possible programs listed by state, what their application requirements were, minimum board scores (if any), contact information, and possible audition dates. My husband and I tried to coordinate being at the same hospital during the same month to cut down on housing costs but it didn't always work out. For the most part, we were able to stay in the same general area so we were able to split rent for a 1 bedroom place for those months which helped save some money.

Focus on certain regions
When researching possible residencies, consider regions with multiple programs within driving distance to each other. Focusing on areas with multiple residency programs increases the number of combinations that can be ranked (for example, if each partner has three programs in the same vicinity, a total of nine combinations are possible as opposed to only three if the programs are different geographical areas). Like I stated above, it's important as a couple to discuss priorities --for us, living together was of the utmost importance. There were plenty of programs that both my husband and I were interested in but for various reasons they weren't viable options for the other person (they didn't have both specialties we were looking for, minimum score cut-offs were too high, etc) so we opted to skip over those for auditions. Instead, we focused our attention on the midwest because of the flexibility and number of options we would have. This was invaluable when it came to ranking programs since we were able to list various combinations of programs in close proximity to each other (more on that later...). The locations we focused on were: Detroit, Cleveland, and New York. ACGME programs may have additional geographic regions with multiple programs in close proximity.

Making your rank list
As if creating your rank list wasn't challenging enough, the couple's match adds another element into the mix. I highly recommend the NRMP tutorial on couple's matching (link here) for anyone considering the couple's match. NatMatch.com also provides a useful tool via excel sheet (on this page) which will generate all possible combinations, along with examples of how ranking combinations works. The list will also automatically create the combination of one individual matching while the other goes unmatched. It's up to you and your partner to go through and eliminate any combinations that are undesirable and rank remaining combos based on order of preference. Understand that every combination you delete theoretically worsens your chance of matching.

To disclose or not?
Whether or not to disclose you're couple's matching is controversial. I've heard mixed things from attendings, students, residents, program directors and all I've gathered is that there is no right answer. If you do disclose, be prepared to explain how couples matching works (we were asked countless times if that meant that we could only match at the same hospitals) as there is a lot of misinformation about the process.

Of note, if you disclose you are couple's matching on your ERAS application, programs will be able to see it and ask you about it. You will be required either way to register as a couple on the actual matching program, but programs will not be able to see that. For some people, disclosure is advantageous, as it allows you to really convey interest and stress your desire for the particular program, especially if your partner has received strong feedback there/program nearby. On the other hand, some program directors may be hesitant to invest in a candidate that may not rank their program as highly due to their partner. In the end, the decision to disclose couple's match status or not is ultimately yours.

Once all of this is done, you submit...and wait (and try not to stress...yeah, right)!

Good luck!

Did you participate in the match as a couple? How'd it go? Any advice? Let me know!

Huda Beauty Rose Gold Eyeshadow Palette Review

2017-02-14T01:08:00.000-08:00

2016 was the year of eyeshadow palettes. I told myself I wasn't going to buy anymore after I purchased the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette and the Anastasia Beverly Hills Master Palette by Mario on a whim.

I had been eyeing the Huda Beauty Rose Gold Edition Eyeshadow Palette for a bit but repeatedly talked myself out of it (and it was pretty much sold out every time I checked so that helped). The reviews were mixed and I tend to reach for the same few palettes usually so I managed to hold off for a while. I started getting bored of the same matte colors that I had and was really interested in how the glitter shadows were in the palette

Product details:
The palette contains a good mix of matte and glittery shadows.
Specifically, the palette has: ten matte shadows, two pearl finish shadows, and six 3D metal shadows.

List price: available on Sephora.com for $65.00.
Currently sold out on http://www.shophudabeauty.com/ but you can add yourself to the waitlist (free shipping on orders over $75)

Thoughts:
I was lucky enough that I was able to snag this palette from Sephora's website because I received the product in two days (shout out to Sephora Flash Shipping!). I had heard horror stories from people that had ordered from the Huda Beauty website not receiving their packages for well over a month.

The packaging is typical of Huda Beauty products (still a sucker for it, though). The eyeshadow is laid out on a fairly cheap black plastic palette, which I was expecting since others had mentioned the poor quality. It's similar to the Anastasia Beverly Hills Creme Contour Kit case but cheaper quality.

When I initially read reviews regarding the palette, I was concerned because some of the common complaints were about the lack of pigmentation of the shadows. However, I didn't find this to be true - especially with the pearl finish and matte shadows. They were very easy to pick up and apply with a brush and equally easy to blend out.

The only issue I experienced (similar to other users) was that the glittery shadows are nearly impossible to apply with any sort of brush. This problem is pretty easy to solve if you just use your fingers for these, but if you're not a fan of that technique, then this palette definitely isn't for you. I was skeptical about how these more stubborn shadows would show up on my eyes (I haven't used my fingers to apply eyeshadow in...a few years...) but the end result was great and very pigmented. The 3D metal shadows are not chunky so if you're expecting a very obvious glitter look (think "instagram makeup tutorial looks"), then you'll find yourself disappointed with the shadows in this palette.

When I swatched these shadows, the color payoff wasn't as great as on my actual lids, but I think that may be due to the fact that I primed my eyes prior to application. Keep that in mind if you decide to purchase this palette.

Also, the swatches shown below are with two swipes of an eyeshadow brush.

(top to bottom): Dubai, Fling, 14K, Rose Gold, Trust Fund, Angelic

3D Metallic Glitter Shadows (swiped using fingers)

(Top to bottom): #Blessed, Bossy, Flamingo, Shy, Bae,Moondust

(Top to bottom): Black Truffle, Suede, Coco, Maneater, Henna, Sandalwood

Repurchase?
The Huda Beauty Palette is pricey and incredibly difficult to get, as it's been sold out almost every time I've checked since it's release. If you have the ABH Modern Renaissance palette and tend to stay away from glittery eyeshadow (and/or hate applying makeup with your fingers), then I would skip this palette. You'll be missing out on very little. However, one of the greatest draws of this palette is the ability to play with muted looks, as well as, more vibrant and colorful colors. I have been traveling quite a bit these past few months and the versatility of this palette is great because I can pack just this and have a variety of different colors/textures at my disposal.

Product Review: Marc Jacobs Le Marc Liquid Lip Crème

2017-01-10T19:24:00.002-08:00

The list of liquid lipsticks on the market right now is, overwhelming, to say the least. From mainstream brands to indie companies, it seems like everyone's jumping on the (not so) new trend. At this point, I've figured out which lipsticks work for me but I was still pretty excited when I received Marc Jacobs Le Marc Liquid Lip Crème in "Hot Cocoa" along with Marc Jacobs (P)Outliner Longwear Lip Pencil in "Nude(ist)" to try out.

Product details: lip crème available in six shades on Sephora.com and MarcJacobsBeauty.com
lip liner available on Sephora.com (seven shades), NeimanMarcus.com (three shades), and MarcJacobs.com (three shades).

List price: $28.00 (lip crème) and $24.00 (lip liner)

Claims: Full coverage nude shades that allow for long-wear (approximately eight hours) without drying out lips. The lip liner is a gel-based liner that also allows for long-lasting wear and prevents bleeding or feathering. The shades for the liner complement the lip crème color range.

Use: I very rarely wear lipstick for eight hours continuously so I decided to test this the next best way - at a desi party with greasy food I couldn't really eat with a fork/spoon.

Thoughts:
I was pretty hesitant about the color when I received it because it looked like a very dark brown on all the advertising I had seen. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that that was incorrect, because the lip crème was actually more of a orange-ish brown (I'm not sure who thought that it looked like "hot cocoa" but...). Regardless, I thought the color was pretty universally flattering and a good choice for Fall/Winter.

The lip liner was also significantly lighter on my lips than the swatches online showed. It was so light that I had a hard time visualizing where I had applied it.

Both the lipstick and lip liner feel very comfortable on the lips; given that it's currently winter, I didn't have to deal with flaking or drying out. I definitely do not agree with the "eight hour wear" claim. Though some was still left, most of the lipstick came off by the time I finished my meal.

On the other hand, there was no feathering, which is something that I struggle with when I use liquid lipsticks. And layering more coats of the lipstick also was not an issue, unlike some other liquid lipstick formulas.

Repurchase?
Though I loved the packaging (sleek and simple) and the formula was extremely comfortable, I don't think I would repurchase this. The formula isn't as long-lasting as I desire and the lip liner is far more than I spend on similar products. If you don't mind reapplying lipstick (or only need it to last for a short period of time) and struggle with finding liquid lipstick that doesn't dry your lips out, this is a good option to consider.

*I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.*

Product Review: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

2017-01-04T11:56:00.002-08:00

I dread taking off my makeup at the end of the day. Most of the makeup I use is water-proof and long-lasting because of my tendency to constantly touch my face and rub my eyes so my night-time routine generally involves me scrubbing the heck out of my face until its red.

Over the years I've tried numerous makeup removing products: wipes, oils, etc, but everything either left a significant amount of residual makeup on my face and/or caused my skin to break out so I found myself switching things up constantly. My most recent routine has comprised of using Philosophy - Purity Made Simple Cleanser (on sale here) followed by The Original MakeUp Eraser® Makeup Remover Cloth which I purchased from Sephora (also on sale right now here!). The combination of products has been fine (no breakouts) and though I don't have to scrub quite as hard with the makeup remover cloth, I still feel like my makeup isn't being completely removed, especially my mascara and eyeliner (shout-out to Make Up For Ever's Smoky Extravagant Mascara and Kat Von D's Tattoo Liner in "Trooper" for being truly long-lasting/being so difficult to remove).

I stumbled upon this whole micellar cleansing water frenzy and was curious as to whether all the comments about it were actually true (feels like water?! I don't need to wash my face after because there's no gross residue?! Affordable?) I was curious so I went out and purchased one to try it out.

Product: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water (There are two types: a "regular" one with a pink top and one for waterproof makeup that has a blue top. I purchased the latter).

List price: $6.29-875

Where to purchase: Any drugstore or Ulta (where both types are on sale currently)

Claims: The concept behind these and other "cleansing waters" is that water that contains micelles (collection of molecules that surround the makeup/dirt) allows you to easily and effectively remove makeup and other products without harsh rubbing and scrubbing. Because it's mostly water, you don't have to deal with the oily feeling other makeup removers leave you with so there's no need to wash your face after using this. The end result should be clean and hydrated skin with no residual products left.

Use:
I decided to test this out after a dinner party when I had on heavier makeup than usual. For my eyes, I used a small amount on a cotton pad that I applied to each eyelid for a few seconds then gently rubbed. The result is shown below.

For my face, I used another cotton pad and wiped my face until I felt like most of the product had been removed.

Thoughts:

As you can see, the cotton pad had a significant amount of eye makeup and mascara on it and it had done a fairly good job of removing most of it from my eyes. So it definitely works.

However, despite repeatedly running the pad over my eyes and face, there was a little bit of mascara and eyeliner that refused to come off. It wasn't until I used my usual cleanser and wiped my face with the makeup remover cloth that my face was truly makeup-free.

Speaking of washing my face, I definitely do not think I would have been able to get away with just using the micellar water to cleanse my face. I agree that it isn't quite as oily as other makeup removers, but I still felt like I had a film of something that wasn't water on my face.

Although I don't think I'd ever use this in place of water to clean my face, I really liked adding this to my current routine. While it doesn't take off everything on its own, I found that when I used this with my usual cleansing routine, my face felt a lot cleaner and less dried out.

Repurchase?
Given the price, I don't see why not. Though it wasn't a miracle by any means, I did feel like it improved my current routine.

Play! by Sephora Box April 2016

2016-05-19T19:06:00.003-07:00

Theme: "The 'It' Crowd"

The theme for this month was fairly self explanatory. Between the new cosmetic line being stocked at Sephora (Milk Makeup) and an "innovative" gel blush, the April Play! by Sephora box tried to highlight the popular trends in skincare and makeup. I prefer to receive makeup products in my boxes so this month's box left something to be desired. I'm glad they included Milk Makeup, but I would've liked to try something more traditional (hint hint, Sephora).

1) Milk Makeup Sunshine Oil

I was really excited when I heard that there was going to be a Milk item in the April box. Sephora just recently started carrying the line and I have been curious as to how it is. The brand's whole idea is to make beauty products quick and easy to use, with simple packaging (which I love) instead of the elaborate designs we usually see.

The "sunshine oil" was...yellow (clever) and smelled pretty good (citrusy) but I honestly didn't know what I was supposed to do with it. Was it supposed to be applied to areas I wanted a "glow"? Was I supposed to only use it on my face? Sephora sends a little booklet with details on each product, but their directions for what to do with the oil weren't very helpful. In any case, I applied it to my face and elbows after I showered and...yep, I stand by what I said before about oils- I'm not a fan. I don't like the way oils make my skin feel and though this wasn't the worst (by far), it was just an unpleasant sensation. I don't think I'll be using this again. Also, for those wondering, this dried clear and didn't add any color.

2) Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment

This basically makes the same claims as other anti-aging products. And if you thought the $85 DDF Wrinkle Resist Serum I reviewed in my Allure April box here was expensive, just stop reading about this right now. It's nice to try out this cream for $10 but I highly doubt I will ever see enough of a change to justify dropping $105 on this. At least not right now. If you're looking for recommendations on moisturizers and products to help with hyper-pigmentation (that are easier on your wallet), feel free to go back to my Allure April box review.

3) Clinique Pep Start Eye Cream

I was a loyal Clinique fan for many years of undergrad before they changed up their makeup formula and I no longer could find the correct foundation match with my skin tone. Since then, I've mostly given up on them so this is one of the only Clinique products I own--besides the sample lipgloss in "Black Honey" I received in a Sephora purchase (lipstick version--which I am a huge fan of--here).

Like the whole "anti-wrinkle" serum stuff, I don't really understand the deal with eye creams. In the rare occasions that I've actually tried them, they've done nothing that a good facial moisturizer doesn't do and I still have to apply under-eye concealer regardless. The Clinique eye cream was no different. It comes in a cute little orange tube and applies fairly easily but I didn't notice any change the times I used it.

4) Nars Satin Lip Pencil in "Rikugien"

As soon as I pulled this out of the box, I knew it looked familiar. This was part of the Sephora birthday gift for Beauty Insiders a couple of years back so I'm not sure why they sent out the exact same shade again. Regardless, it's a nice, very neutral color which is perfect for clinic days (and a good change from my usual, darker lips I've been doing recently).

As far as consistency, it doesn't dry down completely. It has a sheen (but not super sticky, because that's a deal breaker for me with lip colors) but doesn't look like you slathered on lip-gloss. The main negative with this is that the color transfers pretty rapidly and I basically had nothing left on my lips after a couple of hours. If you're not a fan of reapplying lipsticks (like me) then this may not be the best choice for you.

5) Sephora Collection Colorful Cheek Ink Blush Gel in "Peony"

Gel...blush. I didn't know how I felt about this when I received it and, honestly, I'm still on the fence. Initially, I think I didn't apply enough and I noticed nothing. Then the second time, I think I over-applied and I could clearly see streaks of pink (ugh). Finally, I tried applying a little bit with a Sephora Collection Airbrush Sponge and then slowly layered and...it worked!

The color is definitely on the brighter side and it's easy to overdo it (tip: just continue to blend it with a sponge and eventually it'll soften the color a bit). I'm also not a fan of the texture because, as opposed to regular powdered blushes, I could definitely feel it on my face for a while. It stayed put for a few hours so that was great, but I really didn't like how I was aware it was on for most of the day. Lesson learned: blush gel + southern humidity are not a good mix.

If you like this color but want a more traditional blush, my favorite is: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 hour Blush in "Doll Face".

6) Derek Lam 10 Crosby "2am Kiss"

I LOVE this. It's been a few weeks since I received this and I've already run out. I got numerous compliments on the scent and it stayed on for most of the day which is a major positive.

It's described as a mix of "salty caramel" and "crystalized amber" which...doesn't sound so great as a perfume (and I don't know if I necessarily even agree with) but it's a good scent if you're into muskier perfume instead of floral/fruity fragrances.

Allure Beauty Box April 2016

2016-04-25T20:53:00.005-07:00

Because I was out of town for the past few weeks for rotations, I didn't have a chance to review my box until now. I came back this past weekend to both the Allure and Sephora April beauty boxes and I'm definitely liking the contents of the latter better. I'm holding out on next month's boxes to make my final decision but I'm finding most of Allure's products to be things I could do without. What really turned me off, though, was their customer service when I reached out about my broken perfume bottle.

Anyways, the theme of this month's box was "Up Close and Personal", and I felt like the items were pretty appropriate (a primer, anti-frizz serum, non-feathering lipliner, and body oil, which...I guess smells good for anyone that comes close to you?)

1) DDF Wrinkle Resist Plus Pore Minimizer Moisturizing Serum

I'll admit - I've been known to try a few ridiculous beauty products in the past but I just can't get myself to get behind this whole anti-wrinkle, magic potion stuff. Definitely not when it costs close to a $100 for less than 2 ounces (well, $85, but close enough). The product claims to "fill in pores...[and] diminish fine lines over time." I haven't used it long enough to speak to that, but if you're trying to find cheaper/equally effective moisturizers and retinol for hyperpigmentation, there's plenty of options. I highly highly recommend this Belif Aqua Bomb moisturizer, as well as the fairly affordable Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer and CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion (AM) (which is on sale right now at Target!). I've used all three and have seen a noticeable difference in my skin. For hyperpigmentation and scarring, I would check out Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads (Sephora tends to have a few samples you can try out when you make a purchase online).
Needless to say, this moisturizing serum is sitting untouched on my dresser at the moment.

2) Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Styling Creme

Moving to the South has wreaked havoc on my hair. Especially in the summer, the humidity makes my hair incredibly difficult to style and nine times out of ten I give up and just keep it in a bun. To make matters worse, I've continuously been dyeing my hair so that's just added to the frizziness. As such, I was excited to try out this styling creme and was not disappointed. It smells great (I received the "olive oil" scent) and I definitely noticed a difference when I applied it to my hair and went out immediately after. I avoid most styling products because I hate how heavy and greasy they make my hair feel, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this product didn't have that. The size of the sample isn't very big but a little goes a long way and I still have a reasonable amount left even with (near) daily use. If you're suffering from constant bad hair days courtesy of this weather, I would give this a try.

3) L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil

Speaking of amazing scents, I loved this! I was initially a little hesitant because I've tried shower oils in the past and I hated how greasy they left me feeling. I didn't experience that at all with this, however. It leaves skin feeling soft and adequately moisturized; I didn't feel like I had to run out of the shower and immediately lather myself up in lotion. The one thing I will say (because I "wasted" quite a bit of product before I realized...whoops!) is, don't expect it to lather as much as your typical body washes; there's just a "subtle lather" (as Allure explains it).

4) Mally Evercolor Shaping Lip Pencil in "Frisky Fuchsia"

Lip pencils especially in any shade of pink is something I could do without. Between all my other lip liners, lipsticks, lip stains, and lip glosses, I have the entire pink spectrum covered. Regardless, I tried this lip pencil to see how I liked it. I ended up using it all over my lip as a subtle pink lipcolor instead of as a traditional lip liner and it was alright. I agree that it doesn't feather, but I didn't find it to be all that "long-wearing". A few hours of studying and a cup of coffee later, and there wasn't a hint of pink left on my lips.

Another thing: I cannot find this product anywhere online so I'm not able to find very many specifics and I'm not sure how someone would even order this if they ended up loving it. Allure states that the liners are priced at $26 for a 3 piece set and that there are eight shades of pink and red, but like I said, I can't verify that.

With that pricing and limitation of shades (oh yeah, and the general inability to find this product at all), I would skip this and stick with Nyx and Colourpop Cosmetics for lip liners.

5) L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara

This was a full-sized product in the April box. According to its packaging, the mascara claims to make lashes "5x fuller" which I didn't notice. Longer, yes. Fuller, no. I've always heard that drug store mascara is highly underrated but the sheer number of options gives me anxiety so I stick to my deluxe samples from Sephora. I was hoping this mascara would be "The One" but, nope. Also, this is definitely not water-proof, which I learned the hard way when I proceeded to splash water on my face and immediately looked like a raccoon.

6) Bvlgari Goldea

I really don't have much to say about this besides the fact that I can attest to the fact that it smells good (though slightly overwhelming) even when it's leaked all over the box the products all arrived in. The packaging, you would think, would hold up well because it definitely isn't the flimsiest bottle I've seen. I was wrong.

Play! by Sephora Box March 2016

2016-04-04T11:28:00.002-07:00

When I found out Sephora was coming out with a monthly subscription box, I was ecstatic. I had pretty much given up on them entirely after trying out Ipsy for a few months (and a trial of Birchbox along the way, also) but I figured, since almost all my beauty purchases were made at Sephora, their box would be perfect. Of course, I went on to the website, realized that there was a waitlist, promptly signed myself up...and then forgot about it.

So imagine my surprise when more than six months later, I got an email saying I was finally off the waitlist (conveniently the day after I had signed up for the Allure Beauty Box -- which I reviewed here)!

The shipping schedule for the box is pretty annoying, because it wasn't sent out until the end of the third week and I received it about a week ago. Hopefully, that's just an early kink that will be worked out.

First things first - the packaging. It comes in a box with the usual black and white Sephora design elements. Along with the usual beauty items, each box comes with a pamphlet that talks about the products and a "play pass" that allows you to get a complimentary "one on one session" in store along with 50 Beauty Insider points with any purchase.

Each month has a specific theme for all the products, with the March 2016 box named "The Perfection Collection".

The products:

1) Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (1.0 fl oz: $65)

I have tried a few other Murad products in the past and, to be honest, I just do not understand all the hype. I haven't found the hefty price-tag worth it so I wasn't too excited to try this out. It's supposed to be a SPF + moisturizer + basically a built in "instagram filter" for your face all in one. I'm not so sure about the last part. I'm sure it moisturized and protected my skin, but I most definitely still had to use concealer and makeup. I think I'll stick with my cheaper Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer that costs me a fraction of the price.

2) Fresh Soy Face Cleanser (1.7 fl oz: $15)

Every time I've tried to get my hands on the Fresh cleanser deluxe samples from Sephora, they've been out of stock and with all the other face cleansers I have, I didn't feel the need to purchase it without trying it out first. Fresh's other products have always been phenomenal (still managed to hold out on buying the full sized Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment) so I wanted to try this cleanser out as soon as possible. The product claims that the soy helps refresh skin and the cleanser removes makeup, and my face did feel noticeably cleaner after I used it but it was definitely not completely makeup-free. This is another one of those items that feels good on my skin, but not enough to necessarily justify the cost, especially if you already have a go-to cleanser.

3) Sephora Collection - The Perfectionist Airbrush Sponge ($12)

Perfect timing! My beauty blender had to be thrown out and I was going to purchase another one so I was glad I received this in my box this month. Most of the time, when you're reading reviews for the Beauty Blender, there seems to be the opinion that anything beside the original Beauty Blender sponge is inferior in quality. Because of that, I was willing to spend the $20 dollars every few months to replace my old, beat up sponge. Last year, I decided to try out the Sephora Collection dupe and I found that I actually preferred those to the original I had.

The shape for these sponges is different than the traditional Beauty Blender, but I find that that's an improvement and makes it easier to handle when applying makeup. Also, these sponges last a whole lot longer and I haven't had problems with mold, discoloration, and all the other complaints associated with the original Beauty Blender.

If you haven't tried using a sponge for makeup application/blending and were hesitant because of the price tag, I would recommend checking these out. I was skeptical about using sponges initially, but I really think that they do a far better job of giving a more natural, flawless appearance.

(The sponge that came with the Play! by Sephora box is currently sold out but here are similar products that you can try out: Sephora Sponge, black'Up Contouring Sponge, Blending Sponge)

4) Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil (1 oz: $42)

I only use primer under my foundation, which I wear rarely (only for special occasions). I had used the original Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer for many years and then moved on to the more lotion-like Nars Pore-Refining Primer because it felt a lot better on my skin. I wasn't aware that Smashbox had come out with an oil version of their primer and tried it out since I've been having trouble with some dry areas on my face recently. I generally don't like working with oil because I just feel shiny/greasy the whole time and this kind of left me with the same feeling. My face didn't look like I was sweaty or anything like that, but I felt as if my makeup wasn't as matte as I would like it.

Again, this is not a cheap investment so I would recommend trying out something a little easier to work with if this is your first foray into primers. And, obviously, avoid this if you have any problems with oily skin. I'm probably going to stick with my Nars primer from here on out, but I can see this being useful for applying to those specific dry patches on your skin, if you have those. If you really don't like the feel of the original primer (I admit, the silicone makes it difficult to work with at times) and want an alternative that also isn't oily, I would try out the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water. The best part is that it comes in a more affordable size so you can try it out with less regret.

5) Kat Von D Tattoo Liner - "Trooper" ($19)

I think I've mentioned this eye liner multiple times already, so I'll spare you the details. This has been my holy grail eyeliner since I first tried it out and I try to keep myself stocked up for when I run out. It truly is waterproof, smudge-proof (good for people like me that are constantly rubbing their eyes...oops), and very pigmented. I'm terrible at working with liquid eyeliner but I really think that liquid gives the most vibrant color so this was a God-send. One or two swipes is all you need to get the color pay-off and the pen is easy to control so you can make the line as thick or thin as you want.

6) Maison Martin Margiela - "Replica" Beach Walk

Along with the five deluxe samples in the box, Sephora also sends a small fragrance sample, which is nice because the size is useful for travel. This month's perfume was different from what I usually use (I'm more into the muskier scents) but I liked it; "Beach Walk" is appropriate for the Spring - fresh, clean, and a much lighter scent.

Verdict:
Though this first month's beauty box had items that I wouldn't necessarily purchase, it was nice to try out different formulations, brands, and products that were outside of my comfort zone. The biggest perk with the Sephora box, for me at least, is the fact that I make most of my beauty purchases there and this allows me to try out mid/high range items before I commit. As you can see from the pricing for the full-sized products, the items tend to be pricier than the Allure box and that may be a benefit or flaw, depending on the individual.

Given that I felt pretty much the same way about both boxes this month, I'll probably give it another month or so before I decide which one to keep!

(*This post contains affiliate links*)

Allure Beauty Box March 2016

2016-03-23T09:32:00.001-07:00

My first foray into monthly subscription boxes was Ipsy over a year ago. A few months in, and I quickly found myself knee deep in makeup that I never planned to use. Although it was difficult to hit the 'unsubscribe' button because the whole idea of receiving a package in the mail was enticing (ok, yeah, judge me), I finally parted ways and decided to stay away from any more subscription boxes until I found one that actually fit my needs. I'm fairly comfortable with makeup and have some "holy grail" products and companies I tend to use, so I was looking for something that would allow me to experiment and try out new brands/items. I'm also not very wild with nail polish or hair styling products so I was specifically looking for a service that catered more to someone interested in beauty/skin care.

...and then came Allure's Beauty Box (and the "Play! by Sephora"box). I had been on Sephora's waitlist for their box for months and after researching the Allure box, decided to go ahead and try it out. Of course, the day after I signed up for Allure, I got taken off the Sephora waitlist, and should be receiving their March 2016 box in the next few days.

I received my first box a week ago, and I was pleasantly surprised. Though I don't recognize all the companies, they seem to be good quality products and, best of all, a decent size.

1) dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse (8.5fl oz: $35)

I have never tried (nor have I been very interested) in trying a rinse. I'm perfectly happy with my shampoo/conditioner routine and why change something that works, right? I decided to give it a try, because, well, why not, and I'm glad I did. I usually avoid going out anywhere after I wash my hair because the humidity in the South turns me into a frizz-ball but that was not an issue with this. My hair felt clean, but not like all the moisture and oils had been sucked out of it (which is how I feel typically). I've used this a few times since I got it, and it's been a time-saver for when I need to shower and get out of the house fast. The only thing I wasn't particularly fond of was the smell--hot shower + vinegar is not a pleasant smell (at least not to me) and the first time I used it, it was almost overwhelming. But, my hair didn't smell like it afterwards, so if you can manage to get through the shower, it should be fine (of course, if you like the smell of vinegar, then this isn't a problem).

2) Macademia Professional Ultra Rich Moisture Cleansing Conditioner (10 oz: $26)

I know, another hair product. After I said I wasn't interested in a box that primarily sent out hair/nail items. I have seen this at Ulta and a few other websites but the thought of just using conditioner (even if it's a "cleansing" conditioner) seemed odd. It definitely applies exactly like a conditioner, which also made me wary. But, once again, my hair felt like it hadn't been stripped of all the moisture so I'm a fan. What helps is that it also smells amazing (the description claims it's "brown sugar" but I thought it smelled more like coconut) so if you can't handle washing your hair with something vinegar scented, check this out.

3) Julep Konjac Cleansing Face Sponge ($12; trio for $24 at QVC)

Stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep since I started school has really done a number on my skin and I recently changed up my skin care routine to try to get everything under control. I had no idea what this was when I first received it but after reading about it I decided to try it out. I'm not sure how beneficial the sponge's "charcoal infusion" is but it helps remove all my makeup and leaves my skin truly feel clean. The nicest part is that it's extremely soft and doesn't feel very abrasive. This was one of the items I liked the most from this month's box.

4) Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder ($34)

I don't use powder. It's the one thing that kind of overwhelms me whenever I try to purchase one because everything sounds exactly the same and usually just makes me look super dry and flaky. Make Up For Ever's HD Foundation ($43 here) is my holy grail foundation that survived sweating, crying, hugs, and everything else at my wedding so I was curious how the powder was. It was extremely messy (partly because the container is so small and my powder brush is too large) but once I applied it (lightly), it was not noticeable at all. My face doesn't get very oily, especially during the winter months, so I can't speak to that but I liked that I didn't have a powdery feel/look when I used it.

5) Nunzio Saviano Anti-Frizz Sheets ($18)

I had no idea such a thing existed until I received two of these in my box this month. Because the weather here was terribly humid recently and my hair was constantly frizzy, I had a chance to try these anti-frizz sheets almost immediately. Maybe I didn't use them right (all it said to do was run them through my hair...which I did) but I didn't see a noticeable change. I still looked like a chia pet with my hair tied up so I eventually gave up and accepted defeat. Let me know if you've had any luck with these because it sounds like such a great idea.

6) Cargo Blush (in "Catalina"; $26) and Cargo Bronzer (in "Medium"; $29)

Cargo! I've been wanting to try Cargo products forever so I was really excited to get their blush/bronzer duo. They hype is well deserved. The blush initially looked very light when I swatched it on my hand, but it was the perfect bright "baby doll" color for Spring. It isn't too overwhelming so it's great for layering depending on how dramatic/subtle you want it. The bronzer was great and pretty pigemented, as well and I loved the fact that there was no glitter or shimmer mixed in. The worst thing about some of the other makeup subscription boxes is that some of the shades that you receive can be completely wrong for your skin, but I truly thing that both this blush and bronzer are universally flattering.

7) L'Oreal Pro-Last Infallible Lip Color in "115: Timeless Rose" (on sale at Target here)

This was the "extra" item in the box and I really could've done without it. It's a typical neutral pink that's appropriate for the workplace and good for something subtle, but it's similar to a lot of the other pink lipsticks I currently own. On top of that, I found the formula to be somewhat uncomfortable on my lips, though the "condition pro-seal balm" (it's the second part of the two step process with this) fixed that. I don't see the point of applying a really tacky gloss and then taking more time to apply an additional sealer to achieve the same feel that my other higher end lipsticks have. The color payoff was decent but any trace of lipstick was gone after a couple hours (once I ate).

Overall, the value of items for this box was great and I loved that it allowed me to try new products, brands, and formulations that I hadn't before. I was pretty dead set on cancelling either this or the Sephora box after the first month but now I'm tempted to hold off on Allure for another month.

I'll post a review of the Sephora box soon!

Tony Moly Sheet Masks

2016-02-16T20:59:00.001-08:00

For the past few months, it seems like sheet masks have become all the rage. I usually stick with "traditional" masks and I have so many of those that I haven't really ventured out into trying anything else. But I kept coming across the Tony Moly Sheet Masks everywhere on instagram and I decided to check them out.

About the product:
I'm a little late to the Korean beauty product bandwagon, so I had no idea what Tony Moly was. The company has had products stocked in Sephora, Ulta, Urban Outfitters, and a lot of other places so it's not entirely new. The Korean-based company has a pretty extensive range of beauty/skincare products, but their sheet masks seem to be the most well-known, at least from what I've gathered.

Tony Moly Sheet Masks come in 11 different varieties, targeting different problems:

Lemon Mask - brightening
Tea Tree mask - skin soothing
Tomato mask - radiance
Aloe mask - moisturizing
Red Wine mask - pore care
Pomegranate mask - elasticity
Broccoli mask - vitality
Seaweed mask - skin purifying
Rice mask - clear skin
Avocado mask - nutrition
Makgeoli mask -skin purifying

How it works:
Each mask comes individually packaged and you just tear it open when you're ready to use. The sheet mask has little cut outs for your mouth, eyes, and nostrils but it took a little bit of stretching for them to be large enough for my eyes. Also, the masks were very wet and the first time I used the mask, I found the liquid dripping all over my clothes. I made sure to squeeze out the extra liquid the next time and it was a lot better.

I applied the mask to my face and waited for around 25 minutes before removing. It's convenient because I can get some stuff done while the mask is working its magic, but, like I said before, make sure you aren't dripping all over your computer/books (...not that that happened to me...)

It's super quick and easy to take off; I just peeled the sheet off my face and, ta-da!

What I liked:

Very easy to use
Can be quickly taken off when you're done. The worst part of traditional masks for me is standing over the sink, washing my face multiple times to make sure I didn't leave anything on and then trying to ensure that there aren't any dried mask bits in my hair.
My face feels pretty dry after I use most masks, but these masks left my face feeling moisturized. I didn't feel like I had to lather on moisturizer immediately afterwards.
Cheap (though this may because I ordered through Amazon)

What I didn't like:

Masks are over-saturated so they drip all over clothes if you're not careful
Have to have 20-30 minutes of time available to use these masks.
The masks have a scent, and depending on what kind it is, it can be a little overwhelming
Some of the masks have a lotion-like texture, so if you don't like that, the masks may not be for you.
I didn't notice any difference between the different masks I tried (besides the scent and sometimes texture).

Would I repurchase?
I enjoyed seeing what the sheet mask craze was about, and was genuinely curious about all the hype surrounding the Tony Moly brand. It was fun using the masks (and proceeding to scare my husband when he walked in on me with it on) and my skin did feel moisturized after. I got a great deal on Amazon and I may purchase the one or two that I liked. The masks didn't really do anything to address my specific problem areas so I'll primarily be sticking to my traditional masks (Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask, Boscia Luminizing Black Mask, Origins Problem Skin Mask are some of favorites).

Where to buy:
Amazon (if you want to try out the entire collection)
Sephora
Lord & Taylor (there's always some type of crazy sale or free shipping offer going on here)

Let me know if there's other sheet masks that you recommend!

Black Friday Haul (oops!)

2016-02-11T19:52:00.002-08:00

Errr, so it's been a while since I updated anything on here (oops). I've been meaning to post about Black Friday and Christmas for a while but hadn't had a chance to sit down and do it...until now. This post is super late at this point, but I'll try to be better at regularly updating from here on out.

So I had told myself I wasn't going to get anything else after the Sephora VIB sale but then, of course, they had to send that $20 off $50 and I found myself on the site -- "just to look"-- and, well...
But a lot of the things I received are deluxe samples so they don't really count, right?

1) Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 ($7.50): I ordered this for my husband because he received some as a present a year or so ago from someone and he's liked it since then. I also got a smaller size in the Sephora sample bag I received, so I was able to try it out, too.

The scent/flavor is kind of masculine but if you're looking for something that's a little different than the usual fruity, flowery glosses/chapstick, I would recommend this. The tube lasts a pretty long time and because it's a little bit more expensive than the $2 chapstick I'm used to using, I tend to keep track of this a lot more (haven't lost it yet, fingers crossed).

2) Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Lipgloss in Black Honey ($16.50) : I went through a phase in college where I only wore Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey . I eventually moved on but I was interested in trying out the new lipgloss version of my old HG lip color. Glad I tried out a smaller sample size because I was not a fan of the consistency. Much too sticky and there was very little color payoff. I find myself reaching very rarely for anything glossy anymore (is this a sign that I've officially grown up??) so it could just be that I prefer more matte formulas in general.

3) Benefit Roller Lash Mascara ($12-24): Ever since I ran out of my Diorshow Black Mascara , I haven't been able to find another one that I liked as much. Though I like this mascara, I don't really find it curling or lifting anything, really. It's also not very long wearing, so I usually end up using something else if I'm going to be out all day. If anyone has a recommendation for a good, waterproof mascara, let me know! :)

4) LaVanila The Healthy Body Butter ($19): Have heard great things about LaVanila so wanted to try this out. I'm pleasantly surprised with it, since it's a departure from the usual stuff I use. I've been using it almost everyday and there's still quite a bit left. Will definitely repurchase.

5) L'OCCITANE Almond Smoothing and Beautifying Supple Skin Oil (similar): My skin has been freaking out ever since the seasons have changed and multiple people have recommended skin oil, particularly in the winter. Sephora had a small sample size ( I didn't want to buy a full sized bottle until I knew it worked) so I placed an order. Honestly, I haven't noticed much of a difference. I mean, my face feels oily, which isn't very pleasant and I'd rather just use a facial moisturizer than add yet another thing to my routine.

6) Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb ($22-38): This stuff is AMAZING. I happened to get a sample from Sephora when I ordered online and I've been hooked since. My skin is less irritated and dry and I don't have to worry about my foundation getting flaky and dry when I use this. The consistency is interesting and it takes a little getting used to; it's almost like a gel. Definitely my new holy grail moisturizer. There's an even more moisturizing version that I may try out eventually.

7) Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask ($4-$25): Everyone seems to swear by Origins, particularly those with imperfect skin. I've been using the Out of Trouble Mask ($25) regularly since I got it and I've liked how my skin felt both while I was using it and after. If you're looking for something that doesn't give your face that burning sensation when you have it on and doesn't leave you red afterwards, I would give the Out of Trouble mask a shot.

The Charcoal mask also felt really good on my skin and it definitely didn't dry me out (which is always a problem I have with masks, in general). In terms of price, it's also one of the more affordable masks and they have a lot of different sizes available, which is nice if you want to experiment without breaking the bank.

8) Make Up For Ever Artist Plexi-Gloss ($19): I received a smaller sized tube of the Light Rose gloss and...I'm not a fan. I use MUFE's cosmetics fairly regularly but the quality of the gloss was so unlike them that I was surprised. It feels extremely tacky and the color pay-off is nonexistent. I was struggling to keep my hair away from my face the entire time because the gloss was so sticky while it was on. Not worth spending $20 on an item that feels like cheap, tween lipgloss.

I'll do some full-length reviews on a few of these in the near future! :)

Sephora VIB Sale Haul

2015-12-04T20:37:00.002-08:00

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and family! We just got back from spending time with my family in California and now we're (slowly) getting back to our normal schedules after a weekend full of relaxing and lots of eating.

I finally got my Sephora VIB sale haul in the mail and I wanted to share it with you all!

1)Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Peel ($16-$148): I've had a lot of problems with hyperpigmentation and scarring recently that I've been trying to solve. After going through a bunch of other products unsuccessfully, I happened to come across these peels online and wanted to try them. They can be a little pricey so I decided to wait until the VIB Sale to go for it. I've been using them for 2 weeks at this point (2-3x a week) and I feel like I can see a difference (minor, though). I'm going to continue using these and report back when I'm done!

2) Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer ($43): I've been using Stila "Sheer Color" Tinted Moisturizer for years, ever since I first discovered the world of tinted moisturizers. Though it's worked for me in the past, I've noticed that my skin wasn't liking it too much since I moved to the South. It had very little durability in the summer, started making my skin super flaky in the winter, and I started noticing breakouts. Because it's sheer, it also wasn't doing a very good job providing coverage. Everyone online raves about the Nars Tinted Moisturizer so I decided to pick up a sample of it (and Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer) at my last visit to Sephora. Nars won, by a long shot. It's a thicker formula than most other tinted moisturizers I've used so that may not be for everyone, but it was exactly what I was looking for -- something heavy enough to cover my blemishes but lighter than foundation. It has fairly long coverage because I've noticed that I don't need to touch up anything when I get home from work. The one thing I will say is that it's a little hard to apply with a brush/Beauty Blender, and I've started using my fingers to get it to blend more naturally. Definitely check it out if you're in the market for a new tinted moisturizer. It's a little pricey but the bottle is fairly large and a little amount goes a long way. And it comes in a pretty large range of shades (I'm "Finland", for reference). I am definitely happy with the purchase.

3) Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel ($39): got a small size of this to try out with my Clarisonic Mia 1 and though it's good, I don't think I'll be getting the full size. It's pretty expensive and I don't think I noticed a massive difference in my skin. Will be sticking to my Cetaphil routine until I find something better.

4) Belif The True Cream - Aqua Bomb ($22-$38): I cannot believe I have never heard of this before. I got a small trial size of this and I am obsessed and just went ahead and bought the larger pot. This. cream. is. AMAZING. My skin does not like the wintery weather and I'm constantly struggling with flaky skin that seems to get worse with makeup. I've noticed a dramatic improvement since I started using this face moisturizer and I refuse to go back to my previous routine. The only thing is that it's almost a gel-like consistency and it initially feels a little odd when you put it on. A little goes a long way, though, and when it absorbs, you can't tell you applied anything. Because of this, I try to apply it 5-10 minutes before putting on tinted moisturizer/foundation to allow my skin to absorb the cream and that tends to work best. I don't have any problems with flaking around my mouth or nose anymore.

5) Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer ($29): Another product that everyone online raves about. I've been trying to make do with my Benefit Erase Paste but it was far too yellow for my skin tone in the Winter. I was between the Nars and the Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer but found the Nars to be more buildable and a better color fit. Similar to the foundation, the Nars' concealer comes in a pretty wide range of shades so it's worth checking out. It's a little creamier so I'm not sure how great it'd be for undereye concealing (I've heard it can crease) so I've been using the Erase Paste for that.

...that's about it. I caved and bought a few more things because of the $20 for $50 sale Sephora had going on, but I'll share those when they come in.

Let me know what you ended up getting!