Skincare Tutorial: Dermaflash Essential Kit

In 2016 I resolve to have clear, beautiful, and healthy skin. So, I'm very grateful to People StyleWatch Magazine and DERMAFLASH for providing me with a Dermaflash Essential Kit for free for review purposes. This product is easy to use and very effective. After following all the steps, my skin really felt like I just stepped out of a professional facial at a luxe spa. At $189, the price seemed like it could discourage some, but now that I've tried it I'm convinced it's a great value. If you regularly get facials, which can run around $60-100, then this will save you both time and money.


You can view my full video tutorial here:

I've outlined the main steps below, to give you the basic idea.

Step 1: Charge the device on the base for at least 5 hours.

Step 2: Cleanse your face with the "Prep" cleanser.

Step 3: Glide your device into one of the grooves on the edges cartridge. Press down lightly and then pull up to remove one of the edges.

Cool feature - see the light blue oval markings towards the bottom of each edge? Those loosen or pop off if an edge has been used. That's how you can tell the edge on the far right has already been used and you should select another.

Step 4: Turn on the device by pressing the hummingbird button for at least 2 seconds. The hummingbird light should be solid (not pulsing) if the device is fully charged. The device should make a subtle noise like an electric toothbrush when it is on. Then, glide the device in a downward motion along the contours of your face for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Turn of the device and apply the "Soothe" hydrating cream to your face. Voila! Now, you have beautiful, smooth, healthy skin. Repeat once per week (at most). If you have sensitive skin like mine, I would recommend once every 2-3 weeks.

You can learn more about this product on DERMAFLASH's official website. The Essential Kit is available for purchase online from Sephora. Click HERE to purchase.

This is a sponsored post. The DERMAFLASH Essential Kit was provided to me for free  for review purposes from DERMAFLASH and People StyleWatch Magazine.

Tory Burch Sample Sale Review

It's reaching the final hours of Clothingline's Tory Burch Sample Sale in NYC. It ends at 5pm today. So, I wanted to let you know about some of the great finds I saw there earlier this week. All of the prices have since been reduced - so hurry, everything will go quickly I'm sure!

Clothingline is located at: 261 West 36th Street, 2nd Floor. 

Highlights included: Tees for $45, Long Sleeve Blouses and Tunics for $95, Cardigans $95, Shorts/Skirts/Pants $85, Dresses $175, Jackets/Blazers $195, and Boots $300.

There wasn't a large selection of shoe styles, but they did have most sizes in each size. There weren't any Reva Flats, but there were some really nice over-the-knee boots.

There were lots of clothes in all different sizes. I've included below a look at the very extensive collection of Size 8 items.

The cardigans were particularly popular. They were cheaper than all the other types of sweaters too!

The shearlings were gorgeous. If you are looking for a nice vest or jacket and willing to invest $450, I'd definitely recommend you take a look at that section!

They had the same style dresses in just about every size. Here's a look at the dresses on the Size 2 rack.

The handbag selection was a little sparse and only really had some very basic styles. They were all around $200-300, so I didn't feel there were any major bargains in that department. Wallets were at the cashier are and around $90.

Here are some close-ups of a few of my favorite things at the sale. I tried on quite a few items and found that the sizes really varied. I ended up purchasing items of all different sizes, so it's good to shop around on some of the surrounding racks rather than just on the one rack in your size.

This black and white dress was the best deal of the sale. It retailed for around $895 and I got it for $175! It has some really beautiful embroidery detail.

There were a number of scuba-style dresses like the one below. The other style I tried on had long sleeves and was about the same length.

This sweater was pretty pricey at $115 but I absolutely love it. It's 100% cashmere and has a really flattering fit. I love the little button detail on the back and the subtle embroidered "T" logo at the bottom right. It's a really nicely designed and comfortable piece. In addition to navy, it also came in pink and tan.

I was really psyched to find this blouse because the "Equidae"  equestrian horse is one of my all-time favorite Tory Burch prints. This was the only style they had in this print, but I thought it was really lovely and a great deal at $95.

The only down side of the sale is that they do not accept returns, only exchanges of 1 item in your total purchase. I actually picked up one dress and had a bit of buyer's remorse. So, rather than getting back my $175 I had to go back and see if there was another dress style I preferred.  A bit of a bummer but I actually did end up with something I really liked.

Last Minute Holiday Gifts for Everyone on Your List!

A bit puzzled looking for some last minute gifts? Check out my gift guides below that are sure to cover everyone on  your list. You'll need to hurry, these items are selling out fast and guaranteed Christmas delivery ends at a lot of stores this weekend.

Dads, Grandpas, Brothers, & Boyfriends

Holiday Gift Guide 2015: Boyfriends & Dads by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Moms & Grandmas

Holiday Gift Guide 2015: Moms by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Babies & Kids

Holiday Gift Guide 2015: Baby & Kids by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Host / Hostess

Holiday Gift Guide 2015: Hostess by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Daugters, Sisters, & Girlfriends (Students)

Holiday Gift Guide 2015: For Her (Students) by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Daughters, Sisters, & Girlfriends (Recent Grads / 20's)

Holiday Gift Guide 2015: For Her (Recent Grad / 20s) by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Daughters, Sisters, & Girlfriends (30's-40's)

Holiday Gift Guide 2015: For Her (30s-40s) by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Happy Holidays!

Gift Guide: Jack the Bulldog, Man's Best Friend

Whether you're shopping for your brother, boyfriend, dad, or even grandpa - who doesn't love James Bond? Through several generations he's continued to be debonair, fearless, and irresistible. 

The latest installation of the 007 saga is no different. Daniel Craig soars to new heights in this year's "Spectre" with the most gorgeous women, breathtaking scenery, and tricked-out cars we have ever seen. 

If you loved "Skyfall", you may notice that Daniel Craig isn't the only familiar face in the latest film. Jack the Bulldog, M (Judy Dench)'s quirky bulldog figurine enrobed in a regal Union Jack survives the blast and makes another notable appearance. This time, he's on Bond's coffee table in his chic London flat - a little worse for wear, but still standing strong.

British tabletop and giftware brand Royal Doulton created all of the original Jack the Bulldog figurines for the Bond films. Right now you can get your very own. They've developed a limited range of replicas that are sure to warm the desk of the most stalwart gentleman in your life.

Each figurine is hand-made and hand-decorated by skilled ceramic artists. It is fantastic quality and the perfect size to place on your desk or bookshelf. Royal Doulton has been making bulldog figurines since 1940s honoring the former UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill's "steely British determination". This version is sure to become a collector's item, treasured for years to come.

Love this gift idea? You can purchase the "Spectre" Jack the Bulldog HERE.  

It's currently on sale for just $70 (originally $100)!

This is a sponsored post. This product was supplied to me for free for review purposes  by Waterford Wedgwood Royal Doulton.

Thanksgiving Day & Black Friday Sales Round-Up

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you're all feeling stuffed around now, with bellies full of turkey and hearts full of warmth. So you can spend more time with the people who matter most, I've rounded up a few of the best Thanksgiving week sales for your convenience. I'll be sure and keep it updated through the weekend.  Happy shopping!

Anthropologie: 25% off with code "SHOPTOIT"

ASOS: 30% off with code "BLESSED"

Ayres: 50% off + free shipping with code "AYRESBF"

Baublebar: 30% off with code "THX"

Birchbox: 30% off of $35+ for Aces members with code "ACESONLY"

Century 21: Extra 25% off one item. No code.

Ciate: 30% off everything. Prices as marked.

Cowshed: 20% off everything. Prices as marked.

Design Darling: 20% off with code "THANKFUL"

Drybar: 20% off products and tools. Prices as marked.

Durance: 30% off with code "BLACKFRIDAY30"

Furbish Studio: 20% off with code "CYBER"

GILT: Free shipping with code "FREESHIP"

J.Crew Factory: 50% off everything. Prices as marked.

Jet Set Candy: 20% off with code "CYBER20"

Joie & Equipment: 25% off your order with code "THANKS"

Kendra Scott: 15% off + free shipping with code "SALE15"

Kusmi Tea: Free shipping + Tsarevna mini tin with code "BLACKFRIDAY"

Lisi Lerch: 20% off + free shipping. No code.

Lord & Taylor: 20% off + free shipping with code "THANKS"

May Designs: 40% off notebooks, stationery, photo books, desk calendars. No code.

Milly: 25% off with code "BF2015"

Molton Brown: 25% off with code "MBEVENTUS"

Nars Cosmetics: 20% off with code "TAKE20"

Nuxe: 30% off everything. No code.

The Organic Pharmacy: 20% off with code "VIPN15"

Peach & Lily: 20% off with code "GIVETHANKS20"

Rifle Paper Co: Up to 30% off everything. No code.

Sugarpova: Free shipping with code "FREESHIP"

Talbots: 50% off one item, 40% off order. No code.

Tarte Cosmetics: 25% off with code "FRIDAY"

Tory Burch: Spend $250, get 30% off with code "THANKS"

Vineyard Vines: 25% off everything + extra 40% off sale items + free holiday sticker with code "THANKS2015"

Waiting on Martha: 20% off with code "SHOPSMALL"

Zara: 30% off everything starting 8pm ET tonight

Birchbox "Feeling Fancy" November 2015 Review

The month's box celebrates the launch of Birchbox's very first  exclusive own-brand of make-up. It's called LOC, or "Love of Color". This month for a sample choice, we got to pick one of three LOC lipstick shades or one of two LOC eyeshadow shades. I went for the "Glam Life" lipstick shade.

I loved the glamorous color scheme this month. The teal and grey box top with the decorative rose pattern is absolutely gorgeous. I'm definitely going to repurpose it in some way. I also liked the accompanying cranberry tissue paper inside. It matched my LOC lipstick! 

My box contained: Obliphica Professional Seaberry Serum - Fine to Medium (full-size, $38), Harvey Prince Sincerely (full-size, $57), LOC Collection for Lips (full-size, $18), Temple Spa La La Lagoon Aromatic Bath & Shower Gel (full-size, $18), theBalm Frat Boy Blush/Shadow (full-size, $21)

Obliphica Professional Seaberry Serum - Fine to Medium

I've used this product a couple times now and really love it so far. All you need to do is apply one spray into your palm, spread it on your hands, and run it evenly through your hair just after taking a shower (while it's still wet). A full size bottle would definitely last you a long time.

I've been really impressed with how soft and silky my hair was each time I used this serum. It makes it look and feel healthy. It's also a great alternative to a leave-in conditioner when you're traveling. 

Harvey Prince Sincerely 

Harvey Prince is definitely one of Birchbox's favorite brands. This is about the fifth or sixth sample I've received from the brand (this is the third or fourth perfume). The products have all been pretty nice, but I have yet to actually buy anything from the brand.

This is definitely a more unusual scent than the other Harvey Prince perfumes I've tried. It has notes of South African Freesia, Japanese Orange Flower, Moroccan Rose, Turkish Cyclamen, Indian Tuberose, Indonesian Clove Bud, Spanish Mandarin, French Bergamot, Lebanese Cedarwood, and Australian Sandalwood. 

Looking at this description you might think it would be a bit musky, spicy, and exotic. However, I actually think it smells primarily of Freesia, with a hint of Orange Flower, and Tuberose. It's definitely very light and floral.  I didn't think it was particularly youthful, though. I think I will share this with someone looking for a more mature scent. It would make a great gift for mothers and grandmothers this holiday season!

LOC Collection for Lips 

This was my sample choice selection, in "Glam Life". While it looks like it would be a pretty dark plum/wine color, it actually ended up being a bit lighter and more magenta/rose. It glides on really nicely and has a nice moisturizing quality. It's also pretty long-lasting. 

The only critique I have is that the pigment seems to concentrate on any areas where you have try skin, essentially creating darker "spots" in those areas. So, I would highly recommend using a lip exfoliant (like this one from Lush or this one from Mary Kay) before applying this product if you have chapped or dry lips from the winter weather.

Temple Spa La La Lagoon Aromatic Bath & Shower Gel 

Temple Spa is a brand distributed by Gilchrist & Soames , which is another Birchbox favorite like Harvey Prince. I've received at least four or five samples from them before.

This product has notes of Ylang Ylang, Eucalyptus, and Patchouli. I would say the Eucalyptus is the over-powering scent, as it is quite invigorating. It goes on in a pretty nice foamy white lather. I think it is pretty moisturizing too. Overall, I actually like this product a lot more than the other brand Birchbox has included that are distributed by Gilchrist & Soames. I think this one is very unusual. 

While I like the scent quite a bit, I think it is pretty gender-neutral - or perhaps a bit more masculine than feminine. I think it would make an excellent holiday gift for a dad or boyfriend!

theBalm Frat Boy Blush/Shadow

As you've seen in my previous posts, I'm pretty obsessed with theBalm. I think all of their products are pretty fantastic. I love how they create such natural looks, that many of the products are multi-purpose, and that the packaging makes them really easy to take on trips.

I like how this blush has some tan/nude tones in it so that it would look great on lots of different skin types. It's finely ground like an eye shadow which means that not only does it perform double-duty, but it's also easy to control the pigment concentration you want on your cheeks. If you want the color to be especially radiant, apply the powder with your finger. If you're going for a more subtle look, use a brush.

Beating the Winter Blues with C.Booth

Influenster recently approached me to review a product of my choice from bath, body, and haircare brand c.Booth.  Admittedly, I had only used one of their products before - the Honey Almond Dry Oil Mist from my Glossybox back in July 2013. So, it had definitely been a while and I was excited to try out something different! 

I know I've seen the brand around in quite a few locations. When I went to get my product for this review, I found a really large selection at ULTA Beauty in Princeton, NJ. However, c.Booth products are also available at Walgreens stores nationwide. All the products are extremely affordable, around $6.99-9.99 and are often on sale too!

The packaging is very sleek and gender-neutral, highlighting the purpose and natural ingredients of all of the products. They remind me a lot of a more affordable version and accessible version of Kiehl's. Products come with a variety of scents and ingredients including: passion fruit, shea blossom, Italian olive oil, walnut shell, rosemary mint, Brazil nut, and Egyptian argan oil.

I picked out the invigorating "All-Over-Body Sea Salt Scrub" ($8.99). It has an energizing scent that reminds me of peppermint and eucalyptus. It is great for sensitive skin because, although it has some sea salt exfoliating beads, they are a bit spread apart and not overly concentrated. 

I have heard that people with very dry or sensitive skin can often go a bit overboard when it comes to selecting an exfoliant, picking ones that are particularly rough to slough off dry skin. However, that can actually cause other problems. Exfoliants that are overly concentrated can actually bring too many oils to the skin's surface, causing acne and other skin concerns that those with dry skin wouldn't normally have. This product is the perfect balance to avoid those negative effects.

Sea salt is a fantastic ingredient in any body scrub.  They help purify, boost circulation, smooth, and replenish. The Eucalyptus Leaf Oil revitalizes and conditions to help sooth skin and leave it healthy and smooth. 

The only downside of this product is that there wasn't enough of it! I went through quite a bit in my first use. I'm so excited I got the opportunity to explore this brand through Influenster and I can't wait to get another scrub...and maybe some of their Rosemary Mint Bath, Shower, & Hair Wash too!

This is a sponsored post. I received this c.Booth product for free 

for testing purposes from c.Booth via Influenster.

Rebecca Minkoff NYC Sample Sale Starts Tomorrow

Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale

Up to 75% off Ready-to-Wear

Handbags, Shoes, & Accessories

Monday, November 9th | 11am-9pm

Tuesday, November 10th | 10am-8pm

Wednesday, November 11th | 10am-8pm

Thursday, November 12th | 10am-8pm

Friday, November 13th | 10am-8pm

Saturday, November 14th | 10am-5pm

260 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10001

Know before you go: 

Check out my review from the May 2013 Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale HERE.