This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
I follow NikeRunning on Instagram and a few weeks ago, I started seeing a lot about the Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco #werunsf. How fun that would be — to run in San Francisco! I’ve always enjoyed running and have been running off and on for many years. I don’t know if I’d consider myself a “runner” though. A true runner is probably a lot more consistent than I am, but I always enjoy the occasional run.
But this marathon got me thinking — would I even be able to run for 13.1 miles? I’ve done a few 5K races here and there, but 3 miles and 13 miles are very different. When was the last time I ran for more than 3 miles in one run? And then it was decided — I needed to train for a half marathon.
I’m using my Fitbit Flex and my Nike+Running App to track my runs. Over the last five days, I ran 5 miles at 12’03″/mi; 3 miles at 12’03″/mi; and 1.5 miles at 9″51″/mi. I’ve found a few training plans online that I’ll modify and follow. My goal is to be able to run 13.1 miles straight by February!
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
There is a lot of hype around the GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD clearing treatment mask; I’ve heard everyone rave about it. I wanted to give it a try but at $69 a jar, I wanted to see if I could find a better deal.
You can buy the mask from Amazon for $37! But it seemed a little too good to be true, so I opted to buy the mask from Sephora (still slowly working my way to VIB Rouge…). You can buy the single cleansing mask for $69 OR you can buy it in a couple of kits that have bonus gifts HERE for the same price. Obviously the gift set is the best value, but I still didn’t want to pay $69, so I used a gift card I had and a 20% friend and family coupon. I ended up paying about $30 which felt like an acceptable price for this “miracle mask”. But does the SUPERMUD live up to the hype?
Packaging
This kit was packaged nicely in a pink box that showcased both the SUPERMUD (1.2oz) and the YOUTHMUD (.5oz) . The box does a jacob’s ladder kind of fold that inverts the box so that blue packaging is revealed. Kind of neat; I guess if you’re giving the mask as gift and want to “customize” the packaging.
The actual jars are heavy and have a quality feel. I opened both jars and the black jar was sealed with a foil, but the white jar didn’t have a seal. In fact, there was mud coming up around the edges a little bit too, as if it had been opened. I read online that others have gotten the mud without a seal too, so maybe the white jar doesn’t come sealed? :/ It seemed odd, but the box the jars were in was sealed and the jar seemed “full/unused” so I just went with it.
SUPERMUD
The mud is dark and has a slightly minty smell — minty like the goo they use to take a mold of your teeth at the dentist, not the good kind of minty like breath mints. It’s not awful; don’t worry. There are small chunks of green tea leaves in the mask and it’s slightly watery. I think this mask would dry out easily if left open for longer than necessary.
Application
I stirred up the mask with a plastic stick before using. I used a flat makeup brush to apply the mask, avoiding my lips and eye areas. Since the mask is kind of watery, I didn’t need to apply too much to get coverage. Plus, I didn’t want to waste any or use more than necessary, so I just painted on a thin layer.
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
There are so many ways to use Josie Maran’s 100% Pure Argan Oil. I received a small bottle of the jasmine infused argan oil last year and I loved it! This year, we got a huge MEGA bottle from QVC — 6oz.! Yay!
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
Another Sephora Haul! Yay! I actually purchased these items over the course of a few weeks. I had two other Sephora gift cards and a 20% friends and family coupon to use and I got some great things! I am so close to VIB Rouge!
I already showed a picture of this on Instagram. (Follow me! ❤) I love this color — sort of like a mauve-y rose with slight gold shimmer. I had heard lots of good things about this blush, but I decided I really wanted it after reading Vanessa’s blog: Let’s Talk Makeup. 🙂 I’ve only used it once, but so far I really like it. Review to come!
I tried this out as a setting powder for my under eye concealer — amazing! The powder is super light; finely milled. It doesn’t settle into fine lines or make your concealer look cake. I love this so far.
Definitely my favorite mascara. I like how it builds without getting clumpy. The waxes seem moisturizing to the lashes and removal is super easy with my Purity cleanser.
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
I love the gelshine kit from Sephora by OPI. Gel manicures last so much longer than regular manicures and aren’t harsh on your nails like acrylics. The entire gelshine kit from Sephora costs about $160, but like I’ve told you HERE; it’s worth the price. They have 17 only 9 colors to choose from online now, but I’ve seen more of a selection in the stores.
Today, I used the French Manicure kit that I got in my last Sephora Haul. The kit comes with 2 of the gelshine colors: True Romantic and White Hot, a french tip applicator brush, and some nail decal stickers — all for $29 which is a really great deal considering that each of the polishes alone costs $17.50.
Here’s what I used to get that clean, classic french manicure look using Sephora by OPI gelshine.
After cleansing the nails, I applied the base coat and two coats of True Romantic.
After my base was cured, I painted on the White Hot onto the tips of my nails using the applicator brush.
I cured each nail after I painted on its tip and then I sealed everything in with a layer of the Top Coat. 🙂
Click HERE if you want to see step-by-step how to apply the gel polish/curing.
*UPDATE: After a few days of wearing the True Romantic pink color, the pink begins to fade. It is no longer a clear bright pink, but it turns in to a almost “opaque cream” color — not pink. It looks fine with the french manicure, but it’s definitely no longer any shade of pink. You’re better off using Bare To Be Different from the same Sephora by OPI line if you want a clear/pinky color that lasts.
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
Let me start by summarizing: this post is about eczema and includes pictures of terrible rashes…you have been warned!
The transition into fall and winter can be harsh on your skin. We all want balanced, and soft feeling skin, but sometimes it takes more than lotion.
Growing up, I would get dry, itchy patches on my arms and legs during the winter, but it wasn’t until I got older that it became more severe. I had reddish patches on my legs near my knees that would itch year round. This was so frustrating, especially during the summer when I would wear shorts, but my legs were flaky, itchy, and dry. 🙁
I saw my doctor when the “rash” seemed to spread to a larger section around my knees and the area around upper thigh became discolored. She told me that I had eczema and prescribed me a cream to apply daily.
The cream was thick and cold and I hated it, but I applied it every day. I started to notice results after a few days and stopped using the cream. The itching and rashes returned so I continued the cream again. The cream was just a temporary solution — I needed something healing; something that would balance out my skin and keep my hydrated.
*Drumroll* Josie Maran – Whipped Argan Oil!!!! I cannot say enough how much this has helped me. Josie does not mess around and I couldn’t be happier.
My mom gave me this jar of the Whipped Argan Oil ultra-hydrating body butter in the scent Vanilla Fig (thanks Mom!). It’s a little pricy at $35 for the .8oz size (at Sephora or QVC), but worth every penny to me for how it’s helped me. (Pictures at the end) More about the cream — it’s super lightweight and not greasy. It absorbs quickly into my super dry skin, but just as quickly all over where I’m not dry. It comes in a few different scents, but I really love the Vanilla Fig — sweet, but not overpowering.
I first used this before bed and the next morning I saw a huge difference. After a couple days, my dryness and redness were gone; my skin wasn’t itching and irritated. AMAZING! And even when I missed a couple of days, the rash didn’t come back. Finally, something that actually worked to heal and fix the problem! It’s only been about two weeks since I started using Josie’s Whipped Argan Oil, but I don’t have an issue with eczema anymore. The difference is night and day! My skin is soft and smooth; no discoloration and no itching! YAY!
I am so super happy to have found the Whipped Argan Oil. Look at the difference — the eczema was basically attacking my leg, and now my skin is calm and balanced. 🙂 This is a love love love holy grail product for me. Everyone should try this out; you will not be disappointed!
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
My last Sephora Haul was back in August when they were having that promotion to earn 3x’s the points for VIB’s. This time, I had a 10% off coupon code from the “Beauty Fall” promotion and a gift card that my Prima gave me for my birthday. Thanks Prima 🙂
So, I bought a couple of things, redeemed some beauty insider points, and of course got some free samples! Yay!
This set is Limited Edition and Exclusive to Sephora. All I really wanted was the POREfessional face primer (because I got a free sample in my last Haul and loved it), but for only $6 more dollars, I get a full sized POREfessional, a full sized They’re Real mascara, a mini SunBeam highlighter, and a mini Coralista lip gloss! Yay!
Such a great value. And it all comes in a cute “collector’s” tin which I can use to store things in. I’ve never used the SunBeam or Coralista so it’s nice to get to try out new products.
I selected this kit because it was a great value as well. Also Limited Edition, it comes with 2 gel polishes (White Hot and True Romantic), nail decals, and a applicator tool.
True Romantic and White Hot
Nail Designs
I prefer gel nail polish to regular polish because they’re easy to do and they last so much longer. (See application process HERE ). Plus, with this kit, I get everything for less than the two gel polishes would cost separately! (See what I used to create French Manicure gel nails HERE)
VIKTOR & ROLF – Flowerbomb
I redeemed 250 points to get this mini sample of my favorite fragrance. This is a great little travel size and it comes in the same signature bottle. Super cute!
Samples
I always like selecting the three free samples when ordering online. This time I got:
LANCÔME ÉNERGIE DE VIE Dullness Relief & Energy Recharge Daily Cream
Bumble & Bumble – Thickening Shampoo
BENEFIT COSMETICS – The POREfessional
P.S. I’m about $100 away from VIB Rouge.…kind of excited!
First off, there is NO SPF in this foundation and I am all about protecting my skin from the sun’s UV rays. I’ll use a sunscreen (usually Neutrogena’s dry touch SPF) as a moisturizer before applying the foundation.
Cost
$48 for 1oz. Kind of pricy, I think, for what you really are getting.
Packaging
The foundation comes in a sleek glass bottle with a shiny black cap that removes to reveal a pump dispenser. I always prefer a pump because it allows me to control the amount of foundation I use and it’s more hygienic than an open bottle or compact. The bottle is very substantial, and I’m sure that it’s part of that high price tag, but it’s heavy and kind of bulky if you were to travel with it.
Consistency
The formula really is different than other liquid foundations. The “gel” is almost smooth like a primer. It’s still runny like a liquid, but thicker and very light weight. The gel does make it nice to apply though and a little goes a long way. One pump can give me light coverage for my face and neck.
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
I love a nice ethereal glow on the face during winter — really all year long, but there’s something really pretty about a nice shimmer right above the cheekbones during the holidays.
Highlighters can give your skin a more youthful appearance. Not only can you apply it to the cheekbones, but also under the eyes, on your brow bone, down your nose, right above your lip — in your cupid’s bow, and along your clavicles.
Here are a few products to use to give you that holiday glow!
High Beam – Benefit
I’ve used this for years and it’s great for a pinkish, metallic silver highlight. It’s a creamy, kind of watery consistency that comes in what looks like a nail polish bottle. A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY with High Beam. I dot a small amount onto my cheekbones, under my eyebrows, and down my nose to highlight and just blend it out.
Too much highlighter can give you an unnatural, frosty “glow”
Since it is very metallic, you may want to mix it with your moisturizer or some foundation before applying, to give it a more natural look.
Watts Up – Benefit
I really like this highlighter. It comes in a gel-like creme stick — like a chap stick. The consistency is similar to a chap stick too, maybe a little grainier and not sticky, but then it turns into a powdery feel. You can apply the product directly on your face and then use the opposite end of the stick, which has a little foam pad, to blend it out. I prefer to blend it with my fingers. The color is a kind of champagne gold with shimmer — a deeper colored highlighter. This might be a good highlighter for you if you have a tan complexion or if you prefer a highlighter without a pink undertone. Application is easy and it’s very forgiving if you apply too much.
Hello Light – it Cosmetics
This gel/creme highlighter comes in a silver compact and is very subtle. I apply this with my fingers and as it comes in contact with your fingers, the product warms and becomes very easy to smooth on. It’s a pale white/silver shimmer color that gives a very natural, youthful look. Perfect for that happy, natural glow without looking like you are wearing a highlighter.
Candlelight – Too Faced
This highlighter is a powder that comes in a mirrored compact. With real gold flecks in this slightly yellow powder, you’re sure to get a warmer glow to your complexion. It’s slightly sheer, but in the sun, you’ll see the subtle gold glow.
I popped the tracker out of the band to charge it, and the band separated where the view finder is. I haven’t even had the Flex for that long! This is crazy. I’m super disappointed. At least I have the larger band that I guess I can use.
I didn’t really want to buy the replacement colored bands, but I might have to.
I’m going to check Fitbit.com to see if they have a warranty or something. Or maybe I can do an exchange at Target?
Has this happened to you? if so, what did you do?
UPDATE:
I sent an email through the fitbit.com website at “contact.fitbit.com“, letting them know about my defective wristband. They replied in less than 15 minutes and said they’d be happy to replace my band! So awesome! I replied providing my address, phone number and wristband details like they requested.
UPDATE #2:
September 4. I received my new band in the mail today! Yay! Thanks Fitbit!
Update #3
You can buy your own replacement bands in the classic colors or fun/bright colors online. They come in a three-pack which is nice for some variety & just as a handy replacement in case the band breaks :/
*** Check out my first impressions of the new Fitbit ChargeHR!It even has a heart rate monitor! I love mine!
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
Yay for my birthday month and 3x’s the points at Sephora!
I’m super excited because I picked up some awesome things at Sephora, I received a special VIB samples pouch with my purchase, and a great VIB birthday gift….AND i earned triple points!
First off, I tried out Sephora + Pantone Color IQ device to help me find the perfect foundation color for my skin tone.
The device takes pictures of your skin and tells you your Color IQ number. I’m 4Y06 — then you take your Color IQ number and plug it into your phone or their iPads they have at the makeover station and it’ll tell you what foundation colors will be the perfect match for you in each brand.
And this awesome eyeliner from Sephora. The design is perfect for your finger to wear like a little claw. It gives you a lot of control and the felt tip gives you a precise line. Yay!
Then, as extras for being a VIB, I got a deluxe samples pouch and a free birthday gift! So Great!
I’m very happy with my purchases and my freebies! Happy Birthday to me!
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
Sephora’s Beauty Insider program just created a new level — VIB Rouge. This top tier level is yours when you spend $1000 in a calendar year (January – December).
The free shipping perk is cool and I’m curious about these “special surprise gifts”.
0.29 oz gelshine™ Gel Colour (must add to cart separately)
gelshine™ LED Light
25 x Nail Pads
3 x Removal Nail Wraps
2 oz Nail Cleanser
Buffing block
2 oz Nail & Gel Colour Remover
0.3 oz Brush-On Cuticle Oil
Cuticle pusher
3 x gloves
Instructions
Prep the nails
Gently buff the surface of the nails with the Buffing Block
Spray some Nail Spray onto one of the Nail Pads and clean the nails
Apply Base Coat
Apply a thin layer of the Base Coat to your thumb. It’s super important to use a thin coat!
Cure the gel polish under the LED light
Cure the thumb first, then apply Base Coat to the other finger nails and cure them. The polish isn’t going to “dry” on it’s own, so you’ll want to do the thumb separately so it doesn’t smudge before it cures.
Apply Gel Polish
I used a super pale pink “Bare to be Different”, but Sephora offers 14 different shades on its website.
Thin coats! If you apply the polish too thick, it won’t last as long. Your manicure should last up to two weeks. Cure after each application of polish
Apply Top Coat
Cure your top coat and clean nails with the Nail Spray again to remove the tacky feeling.
Follow up with Cuticle Oil
This Gel Nail kit is awesome! You no longer have to wait for your nails to “dry”. After 30 seconds under the LED light, your manicure is safe. You can tell by the formula that it is professional quality. Use thin coats of polish to get a professional, long-lasting manicure.
I would like to see Sephora offer more colors of gel polish, but really you can use any LED gel polish you want.
In fact, I’ve done a gel base coat, a layer of regular nail polish, and then sealed it with a layer of gel top coat. Just make sure that if you’re going to layer in a “regular” nail polish, you let it dry completely before applying the gel top coat.
