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Blog Lifestyle

Top 10 – June Favorites

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

1. Breaking Bad (Streaming on Netflix)

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 breaking badThis show is about meth. Basically, a high school chemistry teacher and his former student start making meth in New Mexico so that he can make money for his family before he becomes too ill with cancer. I’m just starting season 3 and the drug theme reminds me of the show, Weeds, but this show is slightly more hardcore.

2.  B-12 Vitamins

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 raw b 12 vitamins b12

I love my B-12 vitamins. Good for your metabolism, mental & physical energy, central nervous system health, and optimal digestion, these pills help me feel more energized and balanced.

3. Fitbit Flex

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 fitbit flexYou all know how difficult it has been to find one of these fitness wristbands. I’ve been loving mine and all the data it’s tracking for me. From steps taken to sleep patterns — this wristband tracks it all discreetly and comfortably. See the complete review HERE.

4. The Killers – Battle Born

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 killers battle bornThis is my favorite album from The Killers and I’ve been listening to it on repeat all month long. See my posts from the concert in San Francisco HERE.

5. Sharpie Felt Tip Pens

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 sharpie felt pensI love the way these write. No frills, no guessing, no bleeding; just crisp black ink gliding across you paper.

6. Pura Vida Bracelets

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 pura vida braceletsI posted my pack of bracelets a while ago HERE, but I didn’t tell you about the company. Pura Vida Bracelets provides jobs for 30 Costa Rican artisans and it donates 1% back to The Surfrider Foundation through 1% for the Planet. In addition to that, Pura Vida Bracelets also makes special Charity bracelets to support different causes. So, not only can you mix and match these fun bracelets, but you’re also supporting a good cause too.

7. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 urban decay nakedThis palette is my go-to everyday palate. With 12 different neutral, yet shimmery colors, you’re sure to create a beautiful look for day or night. See my complete review HERE

8.  Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 enders game osc

I wanted to read the book before the movie comes out in November. I downloaded it on my phone and finished it in a couple days. Definitely worth the read although slightly disturbing :/

9. Tom Kha Gai Thai Soup with Jasmine Rice

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 thai coconut soup tom kaiIf you like Thai food, you have to try this soup. Make sure you add a little extra spice. This coconut and chicken soup is my absolute favorite! I’ve even found a few recipes online (HERE, HERE, and HERE)so I can make my own. I’ll let you know how that turns out.

10. Nike+ Running App

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 nike runningI’ve told you about this app BEFORE. It’s a great way to track you runs by distance, speed, and pace. Challenge your friends or yourself while listening to your own playlists or feedback from the app. Check out the new Nike Coach Update!

What have you been enjoying this June?

Categories
Blog Health + Beauty

Night Time Skincare Routine – Updated

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

I know it’s only been a month since I posted my Night Time Skin Care Routine, but I’ve incorporated a few more products and I’m loving the results!

I start off the exact same way as before, but before using any serums, I cleanse my face with Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-aging Retinoid Pads.

muffinchanel skincare retinol pads miracle workerThese exfoliating pads come with the serum bottled separately. You pour the entire bottle of solution into the pads when you’re ready to start using them. Because the pads have retinoid to help reduce dark spots and brighten skin, it’s extremely important to wear sunscreen the next day when you are out — even if it’s overcast. The retinol can make you more sensitive to the sun.

After, using a Miracle Worker pad, I follow with the Lancome Genefique and Lancome Visionnaire as before. I’ll then follow with the Lancome Génifique Yeux Light-Pearl Eye-Illuminating Youth Activating Concentrate.

muffinchanel lancome yeux eye serum

This eye serum is very cool and soothing to the under eye. The applicator is unique with its rotating tip. The serum is hydrating and absorbs well. I don’t have a problem with puffiness or wrinkles, so I can’t speak to those claims, but it helps my skin look brighter and moisturized. My makeup also goes on better in the morning after using this.

Next, I apply Lancome’s ABSOLUE PREMIUM Bx – Absolute Night Recovery Cream

screen-shot-2013-06-25-at-10-06-46-pmThis cream doesn’t mess around! I apply it to my face, neck, and chest. You’ll instantly feel more moisturized with this non-greasy cream. But by the morning, your skin will feel so much healthier and smoother. This cream is super expensive at $185 for 2.6oz, but it’s worth it.

Categories
Blog Health + Beauty Lifestyle

Sephora 1000 point gift – Is it worth it?

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

I’ve been a Beauty Insider at Sephora for years which has been cool because, for every dollar you spend, you accumulate one point and you can purchase “perks” with your points. There are perks for 100 points and 500 points and you’ll get a complimentary birthday gift.

screen-shot-2013-05-31-at-10-54-24-amLately though, none of the perks have seemed that interesting to me and my points have been accumulating. On my last trip to Sephora, I was offered a 1,000-point perk — a 20% off coupon to use on my next purchase. It seemed cool at the time so I accepted.

muffinchanel 1000 point perk vib rouge sephoraBut is 20% off really worth it? A one time use coupon — to reward me for spending over $1,000?  I love Sephora and they have most of the brands that I’m looking for — more of a selection than say Ulta, who also has a similar loyalty program. The differnce between Sephora and Ulta’s loyalty programs though is all in the rewards. I get dollar-off discounts on my purchases at Ulta when redeeming my points and I regularly receive 20% off coupons in the mail that don’t cost me any points at all.

Plus, with all my spending at Sephora, I’m a VIB (I spent at least $350/year) , and as a welcome, I got a 10% off card. That’s awesome, but for spending over $1000, I’d like to see a little bit more than 20%.

What do you think? Is the 1000 point perk worth it?

Categories
Blog Health + Beauty

Mascara & Primer – Sephora (mini) HAUL

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

muffinchanel sephora haul smashbox lancome mascaraMascara just seems to go on smoother and stay on longer with a good primer. On my latest trip to Sephora, I picked up my favorite combination — Smashbox’s Layer Lash Primer and Lancome’s Hypnose Drama Mascara.

s730945-main-heroPrimer prevents your mascara from drying out your lashes. Not only will it keep your lashes hydrated, but it’ll help your mascara glide on without clumping.

I’ve tried primers my Dior and Lancome, but this Smashbox primer is my favorite. It protects and adds volume while lengthening your lashes.

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On top of one coat of Smashbox primer, I apply Lancome’s Hypnose Drama mascara generously. Hands down, my favorite mascara ever. I’ve tried other high-end mascaras, but I keep coming back to this one.

With a slight curve in the brush, you’ll be able to coat those harder to reach lashes for a perfect fanned-out look.

Definitely pick up these items if you get the chance!

Categories
Blog Health + Beauty

Night Time Skin Care Routine

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

The Clarisonic Mia is my favorite skincare tool! I love it. The Mia is perfect for travel and everyday use because of its size — it’s Clarisonic’s smallest skin cleansing system. The Mia runs for one minute on one setting. I’ll use it twice — once for my face and once for my neck & décolleté.

bluemiamed-new2I use my Clarisonic with Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple cleanser. This cleanser is so gentle, yet it is strong enough to remove all of my makeup. With purity and the Clarisonic, I know I am removing all of the impurities from my skin.

s407304-main-heroAfter my skin is clean, I’ll apply Lancome’s Advanced Génifique serum.  3605533117217_1-7oz_advancedgenifiqueI love this because it absorbs quickly into my face, neck and décolleté. My skin looks youthful and radiant after using this serum and I feel that it preps my face well for the final step to my night time skin care routine, Lancome’s Visionnaire 

screen-shot-2013-05-27-at-1-44-46-pmThis cream has a pleasant smell and is essentially, a skin corrector. It fixes visible pores, wrinkles, discoloration, and makes your skin feel soft and healthy.

See my UPDATED night time skin care routine here. 🙂