Cleansing with Konjac- not Kojak

(Via Google Images)

Yes, that is Telly Savalas, and no, I am not really going to write about Kojak, a show that ended before my time. I am going to give you some info on the Boscia Konjac Cleansing Sponge ($18 USD). Konjac? Kojak? Same difference. Well… not really…

 

(Via Google Images)

Konjac sponges are gaining popularity in the US market. We usually are more into high tech rip your face off cleansing tools so the konjac sponge is a nice change. I don’t really consider myself to have sensitive skin but found my Clarisonic to be a bit harsh during cooler months and though I love my my Foreo Luna Mini, I  sometimes feel it doesn’t get really into my pores enough. Le sigh.

A konjac sponge is a little different. First off, it is a cheaper method. It is also disposable and won’t cost you an arm and a leg for a replacement head. It is also super gentle at exfoliating and just so fricken cool. Yes- fricken cool.

Konjac is native to Asia.- it is actually a type of potato It grows at high altitudes. Konjac is naturally 97% water, loaded in minerals, but not in calories. It is also pH neutral. And that is reason #139 that I love konjac potatoes- that, and their ability to exfoliate skin without stripping.

(Image via http://marena-konjac.blogspot.com/)

I ordered the Bosica Konjac Cleansing Sponge because I got an email about it from Sephora. I’m always looking for some kind of item in hopes that it will obliterate blackheads. I thought $18 USD was a little pricey but what was stopping me really? The sponge is half a sphere. It feels like a ball (or half a ball) of styrofoam. You immerse the sponge in warm water and it softens. Before my first use, I really let it soak up water. It softens up really well but still feels sturdy in the hands. Put cleanser directly onto the sponge and massage the skin in a circular motion. Rinse your face. Rinse the sponge out well and hang it to dry. It’s that easy.

I’ve been using the sponge for maybe three days now and it has become the favorite part of my cleansing routine. It just is so soft and feels so refreshing yet soothing. My skin also looks more vibrant.

The Boscia Konjac Sponge should be disposed after 2-3 months. Oh! If you don’t want to spend 18 bucks, there are a few other great options which I will most definitely be trying. Check them out:

EcoTools Pure Complexion Sponge ($5.99 US- Seriously?)

Dr. Sponge via Anthropologie ($8.50 US)

Amazon also has a few options.

Go get fresh faced!

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

Studio Gear Gets an A+ for Their CC Cream

Hello, hello!

I hope all is well today. I have had many trials and tribulations with face products for quite a bit. I have a decent complexion and rarely have any real issues with my face. When I was given the opportunity to try Studio Gear’s Hydrating CC Color Correcting Cream, I figured what the heck?!

Studio Gear Hydrating CC Cream

 

I have always had trouble with BB creams. I found them to be either too heavy or way too watery. My face would become an oil field and I would have to blot like crazy. I resorted to using only a face primer and that seemed to do the trick. I was intrigued by the Studio Gear Hydrating CC Cream because it offers SPF 20, is oil free, lightweight, and hydrating.

This is my before. Note to self: drink coffee before photographs.

From Brandbacker website:

Hydrating CC Cream transforms and enhances your complexion in an incredibly light, smooth formula. This foundation simultaneously fights aging, retains moisture, and covers and treats blemishes with a non-oily, perfectly radiant finish.

Key Benefits:

Prevents fine lines and wrinkles with collagen-building ingredients
Restores skin elasticity by promoting moisture retention
Brightens and illuminates skin with a non-oily, complete coverage application

When looking the product, it almost looks like a face scrub. There are microencapsulated pigments in the CC cream that allow for hydration of up to 72 hours.

Do you see the little capsules? This amount covered more than half my face.

I applied it over the very light moisturizer I use. It goes on very smoothly and I found that I do not need a lot of product to cover my face.

Napkin swatch! See how the color develops as it is smoothed over.

 

The product does not make the skin look matte. I wouldn’t say it makes it look dewy either. This CC cream gives you a slightly luminous finish.  I actually would say this made my skin look “better than” its natural state.

After application. Way too close today.

As for the grease factor- the Studio Gear Hydrating CC Cream did not make me super oily. In fact, I felt that it actually helped keep some of the oil at bay. With that said, lasting power was pretty good but I did need to touch up with my powder here and there.

I put on some more color.

The price of Studio Gear Hydrating CC Cream is $34 USD. It is available in three shades, linen, natural, and wheat,  which is a pretty limited selection. I am wearing the cream in Natural, so any skin tones lighter or darker may have some difficulty when selecting a shade.

If you are interested in trying Studio Gear’s Hydrating CC Cream or any of their other products, just click here. You will receive a 10% discount on your order when using the code bloggercc.

Let me know if you try any other Studio Gear products. I’d love to hear about it!

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

This post is powered by BrandBacker. Product was sent to me complimentary. All opinions are my own.

I’m Baaack! (I Hope!)

Good Morning!

After a few months of trials and tribulations, I am hoping to be back and posting more frequently. I’ll give you a rundown of the past six months:

-November, 2013- My husband and I moved out of the apartment we lived in for over four years. We really liked the apartment but agreed it was time to move to a bigger place.

-December, 2013- We soon learned that the landlord was not attentive and that our downstairs neighbor was not the type of person you’d want to share a building with. (Yes- it was that bad.)

January, 2014- We decided we needed to get the heck out of the new place so we packed up and moved into my mother-in-law’s house.

February-March, 2014: These moved along pretty quietly. We took a brief vacation, celebrated my birthday, and just settled in. The weather kind of stunk- snow and more snow but we were chugging along nicely.

April, 2014: Just as we thought things were getting back to normal, my husband learned that he had a detached retina. He had to have surgery. It was not pleasant. In the meantime, I had hit a very stressful time at work. When it rains is pours. I also was planning on going to Iceland with my mom for her birthday- a treat from the hubs and I. After waiting a few days, he sent us on our merry way. We got back this past Friday night.

And that, my friends, has  been my life the past six months. I think my husband and I learned quite a bit. It is wonderful when you have a full on support system and a family that will help you. You also can’t let this kind of junk crush you.

I hope you all are doing well. I plan on posting on a weekly basis, if I can wrap my head around it!

Until then…

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXOXO