Darphynia's Diary

I cannot even being to express how much I love my Clarisonic.  I have the original (I think at one time it was called the "Classic") in white.  You know, the bulkier, heavier device with its own mount.  Despite its bulk and weight, it has been great for my skin, and 5 (give or take) years later it still works like a charm.  The beep and pause, both of which are still present in the newer versions, let the user know that it's time to change areas on the face.  After realizing I would be traveling quite a bit more than usual, I figured if one is good, then two must be better.  I purchased the Mia 2 when all Clarisonic devices went on sale at Sephora awhile back.  They no longer carry it in yellow, which is the color I chose.  Another plus with both devices is the charge, which is phenomenal!  One full charge easily lasts me a month on the original device, and the same goes for the Mia 2.  The biggest difference, aside from the obvious changes that come with product develo

I figured I would post my own skincare routine...well, for my face anyway.  Soon, it will be a new year.  After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, your skin is probably in need of a little TLC, especially your face.  The winter weather (or summer, depending on where you are) can make your skin a chaotic mess.  Listed below are my day and night routines for keeping my skin amazing and free of dry spots and blemishes.  Day Routine :  Clarisonic + Ceramic Slip Witch Hazel (as a toner) Fresh Seaberry Face Oil Peter Thomas Roth SPF 30 Boots No. 7 Beautiful Skin Night Cream OR The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream (optional) Spritz of Calamine Lotion Night Routine : Clarisonic + Boots No. 7 Beautiful Skin Melting Gel Cleanser OR AmorePacific Treatment Cleansing Foam Witch Hazel (as a toner)  Fresh Seaberry Face Oil  Boots No. 7 Beautiful Skin Night Cream (dry/very dry) OR LUSH Celestial Moisturizer (optional) Spritz of Calamine Lotion Image property of Clari

I have tried nearly every eyeshadow primer out there:  Benefit, Smashbox, Urban Decay, Too Faced, etc. and the two that have worked the best for me are Urban Decay and Too Faced.  The Benefit and Smashbox brands box made my shadow crease within an hour or so.  I am focusing on Too Faced tonight because of the wide variety of finishes that their Shadow Insurance comes in.  At IMATS LA last year, I purchased one of each type of Shadow Insurance .  I love each of them for different reasons.  Here are some pros and cons of each--one of the biggest pros that they all share is that they do not come with a wand.  Not only does it make the primer easier to apply, it also makes it easy to use in any setting, whether you are working on a bride, shoot, or going for a night on the town.  Remember that a little will cover both lids, so about the amount of half a pea or less should do the trick.  Let it set while you prep, then color it up with your favorite shadow hues

I saw Bad Pickle Tees at a craft fair and purchased a couple of tanks and a tote.  They print on my favorite tanks, by American Apparel , and carry other t-shirts, totes, and kids apparel at reasonable prices.      I bought Oh Kale Yeah! in gray, and the soba tank in a royal blue: Picture property of Bad Pickle Tees Picture property of Bad Pickle Tees They are so comfortable!  It's like when you find the perfect shirt; you always want to wear it.  The other great thing is the sizing.  I can wear anything from a small to a large in this tank.  When they are washed, they do not shrink (if they do, it's not noticeable), and take up hardly any space if you decide to travel with one.  Tanks can also be layered, so keep that in mind when choosing a size.   I also bought this tote (Dimensions:  14 1/2"W x 15 1/2"H; 22"L handles): Picture property of Bad Pickle Tees      This heavyweight canvas tote is perfect for a day at your local Farmer's

Since Christmas is tomorrow, I won't be posting until Friday.  Until then, I want to wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday! This was taken, by me, at Disneyland (2014).

Makeup Monday is here!   Have you ever loved a brand so much that you wanted one of everything?   Awhile back, I saved enough to do just that at IMATS LA, with one of my favorite brands, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC).   While I don’t much care for the name, I can live with it knowing the quality of their products.   OCC makes one of my favorite lip products of all time, Lip Tar .   I have been using Lip Tars on myself as well on clients for years.   They come in a wide variety of colors and finishes.   From nudes to reds to off-the-wall colors, such as Rollergirl (vibrant lavender) and Technopagan (blackened purple w/blue pearl), anything is possible!   Finishes come in matte, metallic, and (new) gloss.   Lip Tars can be used alone or combined to create your own, one-of-a-kind color.   All colors are versatile and wonderful for creating the perfect pout for all occasions.   Lip Tars will ensure a gorgeous and unforgettable long-lasting lip, whether you use them in your

The holidays are supposed to be a time for gatherings, family dinners (whether they are blood or not), and fun festivities.  Even though I love the holiday season, I meet it with some apprehension.  My family, particularly on my mom's side, has been through a lot of tragedy in the past few years.  The following note is to them (and yes, I will post one directed towards Dad's side at a later date):  The passing of loved ones and the circumstances surrounding them have placed a dark cloud over the joy and excitement that usually takes over this time of year.  While it is more consuming for some than others, I find it interesting how we all deal with it.  Instead of letting negativity get the best of us, some are able to truly be elated during the holidays because that is how our relatives would want it.  They would never want negativity to put a damper on our happiness-- during the holidays or any other time of the year.  Then there are those who are not able to cope, and despi

 Who doesn’t like to support small businesses?   Today, I am featuring m y friend, Stephanie Chen’s, online shop:  Chen Essentials .  The products feature doTERRA essential oils as well as doTERRA essential oil products.   Wellness experts have discussed the benefits of essential oils.  Personally, I love to use and have used essential oils (I love anything minty!) in my own homemade skincare.  Chen Essentials offers a wide array of single oils, oil blends, and supplements that are great for aromatherapy, skin, and overall wellness.  One of my favorite items is the 8-Vial Keychain (you'll have to scroll down a bit to find it), which allows you to take eight of your favorites on-the-go ($6.50).  Diffusers, organizers, and bottle cap stickers ensure that you never lose track of your bottles.  Most products can be purchased as single-items or in kits/packages.  There are also promotional incentives if you decide to become a wholesaler ($35.00/year), such as a percentage off

Today is Friday, which means it's time to discuss something related to...you guessed it...fashion!  It's been quite chilly here over the last week or so (okay, cold for us in Southern California).  I, personally, have to wear layers and layers to keep warm.  Unfortunately, for feet, it's a different story.  You can't always wear several layers of socks, which is where these come into play: From Merryn, 2014. These moccasins were a gift from my friend, Merryn, in Australia.  I cannot tell you what a godsend these are!  From soft and warm lining to the durable outer material and sole (so I can wear them outdoors), these are the best!  I have, literally, worn them every single day, all day (until bedtime, of course!).  Never again will I have to worry about my feet or toes freezing, especially when I head to the desert or mountains.  Find a pair to fit your winter needs, here . . From Grandma, Christmas 2013. Also, speaking of keeping out the cold, I have a