Mini Sephora Shopping Spree

I know I haven't written in a while but I have been crazy busy lately. Hopefully something good will come from all of it and then I will be able to share some good news. I've also been waiting a bit because I have done a ton of online shopping lately and I wanted to make sure I had everything in before I posted. 

Ever since I became a Sephora Beauty Insider (it's their system to track purchases, gain points, get free stuff, etc) I have seriously spent way too much money. I love the gift sets that come out during the holiday seasons and made sure to go through almost the entire Sephora website. I only told myself to buy one and I actually succeeded. My purchase included Too Faced - All I Want for Christmas gift set and Philosophy Purity (which I use religiously with my Clarisonic) and Holly Jolly Nourishment sample (free with purchase) and three samples (which they always do - except they sent me an extra one). 

I used to hate online shopping and for the most part, I still do. I will not buy clothes online unless I know my size for a fact. Beauty products, eh, I'll buy things every now and then. I guess I was in a serious mood this time. So since I didn't get to see anything before I bought it, I'll show you how they turned out.

When I first went to the Sephora website I had already had this set in mind after hearing about it on YouTube somewhere. After seeing what was available at the time, I really liked this one and what it gave.

This is what it came with

- Exclusive Blush/Eye Shadow Trio Compact -- I love the blush. I wish it a) had a name and b) could be bought individually. The eyeshadows are good too but I haven't used them that much yet. I don't normally wear eyeshadow during the workweek. 

- La Crème Lip Cream in Believe -- This I also really like. The shade of this lipstick really works with my skin and gives me just enough color on the lips.

- Perfect Eyes Eye Liner in Perfect Black -- Yup, I liked this one too. I'm actually almost out of it already. However, I do not think I will be buying a full size because even then it is really small and not worth $18.

- Lash Injection Mascara -- I haven't even used this one yet. I have enough mascaras right now so I'm keeping it on the side until I need more.

- Shadow Insurance -- This stuff works. I had definitely heard good things about it before I even got this so I'm glad it came in the kit.

- Cosmetic Pouch -- Isn't it just so cute with the teal and gold? It's currently in my purse as one of my organizing pouches.

Overall, I am very happy with this kit. I think everything that came in it is worth it and for $45, it's a great price. This is a great option for a gift for one of your friends, sisters, cousins, whoever!

This came free with purchase because I spent more than $25. I was able to choose between four options and I'm glad I chose this one because it is now out of stock.

This was set to come with:
- Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment
- Clean Original Eau de Parfum
- Origins Plantscription
- Living Proof Nourshing Styling Cream
- Urban Decay B6 Complexion Prep Spray
- Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm
- Peter Thomas Roth Oillness Oil
- Buxom Lash Mascara
- Makeup Bag

It came with all except the Peter Roth Oillness Oil. Instead it came with Living Proof Prime Style Extender. Am I upset about this? Not really, I think it would have been good either way.

I'm currently using the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment and the Buxom Lash Mascara. I absolutely love the Fresh Lip Treatment options but the prices of them are quiet high. Luckily I got two sample sizes for my birthday and this one, so I should be good for a while. I decided to use the Buxom Lash Mascara instead of the Too Faced one because as soon as I saw the brush, I fell in love. It is great for the type of lashes I have. I already have really long and really black lashes so what I really needed was something to separate the lashes and too many mascaras just clump them. Buxom has been perfect!

I can't wait to try the other samples, especially the Living Proof products. I'm also almost, very tempted to buy some more things and try out one of the other free sample bags.

As far as the four perfume samples go, two were men and two were women. I haven't tried the women's one yet but my boyfriend did try his. He liked the YSL L'Homme Libre, which I'm not surprised about because he LOVES the regular YSL L'Homme. The Burberry Brit Rhythm ended up in the trash right away, he was not a fan.

I'm almost tempted to say that I'm too happy with this Sephora Purchase. Not only was everything awesome but the package arrived in three days, THREE! Can I just go buy more stuff now?

Something else I'd like to tell you about, my Clarisonic online purchase. When I first bought my Clarisonic, I got a coupon saying that my first online order over $50 would be 50% off. It's been almost three months since I got it so I decided to buy a twin pack of replacement heads and a travel bag. I was also very happy that the package arrived so quick, three days. But hey, it wasn't what I ordered. It was a new charger. I called them and spoke to a nice lady who said they would email me a return label for what I was sent and a confirmation and tracking code for what I originally ordered. She also apologized for the mistake and put a 20% off onto my account for my next purchase. A week later, no label and no confirmation. I was annoyed. I was especially annoyed because the girl on the phone was actually really nice so I didn't want to get mad at her. So exactly a week later I called them back (and talked to another really nice lady) and told them I hadn't heard from them or received the two emails (and package) they told me I'd be getting. Later that day the package arrived at my door with the proper order and no expectations of it arriving that day. I still haven't gotten an email regarding a return label so I guess I also got a new charger. Even though both ladies were nice, I wasn't too thrilled with the mistake and the lack of follow up. I think next time, I'll just go to the store.

I realize this post is much longer than it needed to be so I'll end it here. My next post is something I have been waiting patiently to write about, monthly subscriptions! Yay! So keep an eye out. Until then, have a good week and I'll talk to you soon!

My Daily Skincare Routine

Hello and Happy Friday! I meant to write this post a few days ago but I've been busy. I really need to get some discipline with this! I write this as I sit on a 6 am flight, sipping on my Bloody Mary mix. And thankfully/luckily, it's quiet.

Today I'm talking abut skincare! As I posted in my Labor Day Shopping post, I finally joined the Clarisonic club, woohoo. And I'll also share what else I use, because I'm definitely not lucky enough to just use the Clarisonic.

After doing my research, I decided on the Mia 2. I chose this one for a couple different reasons. It has two speeds, a timer and a battery light. You use the Clarisonic for one minute and 40 seconds of that is for your t-zone and the other 20 seconds is for your cheeks. While using it, you really can't tell how long it's been so this is where the time REALLY comes in handy. You start 20 seconds on your forehead *buzzbuzz*, 20 for your nose and chin *buzzbuzz*, 10 for one cheek *buzzbuzz*, and 10 for the other *turns off*. The light also notifies you on when it's time to charge and when it's done charging. I wash/rinse the head after every use (Yes, it's obvious that you should, but some don't) and should be changed every 3 months. Even though the Mia 2 is not advertised for the body, you can buy an extra head (regular not sensitive brush) and still use it.

Before I hop into my routine, let me tell you about my skin. I am combination and I mean, super combination. My t-zone gets really oily throughout the day and no matter what, my cheeks get really dry at night. Even though this all works for me and I have heard people of all skin types using these products, everyone should test and try until they find a routine they like and works for them. 

Both morning and night I start with my Aveeno Clear Complexion Cream Cleanser. It's really good for removing makeup and scrubbing out all of the dirt and oil that has been building up. I then use my Mia 2 with Philosophy's Purity cleanser. I have heard from so many people how great it goes with the Clarisonic, and they're right. The match makes your skin incredibly soft. I then use Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer. -- I know I should be using something with SPF but my super sensitive nose can't handle the smell of it all the time.

There are also a couple different products that I use for when I get bad breakouts, which I only use in the evening. I use the Clinique Acne Solutions which has a cleanser, toner, moisturizer and spot treatment. I still use my Aveeno moisturizer between the Clinique one and the spot gel because this system sometimes really dries out my skin. That's also why I do not recommend using this every day. I also use Mario Badescu Drying Lotion for my "OMG, where did this come from?" pimples. It is amazing, ah-mazing, and highly recommend it to everyone.

One last thing I would like to bring up is the dreaded "Clarisonic Purge" that a lot of people talk about. Within the first couple weeks you can breakout pretty bad because all the dirt and oil that has been trapped in your skin is coming to the surface. Did this happen to me? Yes. Was it horrible? Eh, not so much. I predicted that my purge would be on my t-zone and I was dead on. The only part that's horrible is that I currently have a reindeer nose, ah! I am totally okay with this breakout because I know it'll get better!

I am, however, looking for a really good night cream. I need something hydrating for my skin but haven't found anything I love just yet. If yoyo have some suggestions, I'd love to hear them! What kind of products do you use for your daily routine?

Happy Weekend, talk to you all soon!

Oh, Hello There!

Hi! And welcome to my blog. I guess I'll begin by saying the first post is hardest. It can definitely be tough trying to catch attention by just your first post, but that's okay, I've done this enough times that I shouldn't be too horrible.

I'll start off my introducing myself. My name is Christina Theresa (hence the title) but I mainly just go by Christina or Tina. I'm a 24 year old college graduate trying to figure out life. I'm a daughter, girlfriend (to my wonderful boyfriend Kazem of more than two and a half years), friend and cat mommy (to my little girl, Zoey).

I love Pinterest, blogs, trying new things, things that glitter and shine, and things that help make me feel and look pretty. And this leads me into the start of my new blog. I'm just your average, normal girl next door. I'm not a pro at using beauty products and health but I know how to. Incase that doesn't make sense.. I know how things are suppose to work but my execution isn't always the best. This will be me sharing my trials and errors, likes and dislikes, and whatever else with you. I will read the blogs of those perfect skinned and haired girls, the in shape health nuts, and try different products then share with you how they turned out.

I'm the girl that goes, "I LOVE her hair, I'm going to try that!" and then it turns out either really good or not good at all. I'll share my experiences and hope you enjoy reading and can learn something from me!

Let the games begin. :)