Darphynia's Diary

A little un-boxing photo, literally. First off, how wonderfully simplistic is Herbivore's packaging?  It's minimal, crisp, and the containers are reusable.  The products are also vegan, natural, and cruelty-free.  For the entire month of August I used Herbivore Botanicals exclusively, with the exception of an added SPF in the morning.  I had read great things about them and wanted to see if their products were really worth the hype.  My day and night routines consisted of:  

Sorry for the dark image!  The flash just wasn't working out. My skin has been changing; also, the more I stress the more I'm break out.  My go-to product has always been calamine lotion.  I either mix it in my lotion or use it as a spot treatment, but I wanted to try something new.  Sunday Riley has a fantastic(ally expensive) serum, Good Genes , which I love because it works.  I went on to see what else she had.  I ended up buying Sunday Riley's UFO trial pack (no longer available) that included the UFO: Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil and travel-sized Martian Mattifying Melting Water-Gel Toner in the hopes that my skin would clear up.  The texture of the toner is like a thick water-- definitely more water-like than gel-like.  Martian is lightweight and absorbs fast; smells a bit earthy and medicinal, but is tolerable.  The oil is your typical face oil, but it smells horrendous (to me anyway).  It could be the cumin seed oil coupled w...

Hair Mini Haul I just received a package from Sephora, and it only took a couple of days to receive, which was nice.  Since I was running out of dry shampoo, I decided to purchase a set since it was actually worth the money.  I also purchased a set by VERB, a company based in Austin (all products are made in the USA). 1.  Sephora Favorites:  Extend Your Style , $32.00 Image courtesy of sephora.com If you like to try different types of dry shampoo collection, or are looking for one you will love, this set is perfect.  Currently, I'm really into trying different hair products.  I don't know about you, but I go through these phases of wanting to use hair products, then not.  Anyway, on with the set.  This favorites set comes with the following (list courtesy of sephora.com ): - 1.25 oz Alterna Bamboo Style Translucent Dry Shampoo - 0.75 oz Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo - 0.5 oz Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-Powder - 1.4 oz Drybar Detox D...

The holidays seem to come earlier and earlier.  Of course, it's now the end of October, and before you know it, it'll be time to give gifts.  Personally, I love gift-giving.  Whether it's a gift card, set, or something handmade, there is something for everyone.  Here are a few ideas for the makeup-lover on your list.  I have complied a list a high- and low-end (regarding price) sets that will hopefully fit any budget.  You can also create your own gift set by adding full- or travel-sized items to a basket, jar, or other container. 1.  ULTA:  Time to Shine 71-Piece Collection , $24.99 Image courtesy of ulta.com For the makeup lover who is just starting their collection, or someone who wants a kit on-the-go, this ULTA brand collection has everything in one convenient train case.  The train case has two pull-out drawers that house makeup, and comes in either a pink or silver finish.  Time to Shine contains the following (list from U...

It's nearly time for summer vacation, and what better way to protect yourself than with the Sun Safety Kit from Sephora?  The 16 pieces of SPF fun are encased in a hot pink and clear train case, perfect for traveling.  Find your new favorite SPF product with the deluxe samples in the kit.  Because of their size, each product fits perfectly in any bag, whether you are driving or flying.  The best part is that $20.00 of the purchase price has gone to benefit The Skin Cancer Foundation !  One of my all-time favorites products is in the kit-- fresh  sugar lip treatment, because your lips need protection, too!  Questions?  Leave them in the comments below, or shoot me an e-mail .    How to Enter: 1.  Like the blog page. And that's it!  An easy step for one great gift, and of course, shipping is included.  The winner will be chosen at random and announced on June 22nd.  Good luck! Side 1. Image courtesy of seph...

I look forward to the Sun Safety Kit every year, and this year's set was especially nice since there was only one tanning product.  The Sun Safety Kit is not yet available online, but most (if not all) of the stores have them now.  I apologize for the glare; I should have probably taken a photo of just the products...but I didn't. This year's kit features SPF products from:  fresh (one of my favorite lip balms!), Peter Thomas Roth, Josie Maran, Supergoop!, Korres, Origins, Ole Henriksen, Amore Pacific, and more.  All of the products are wrapped up in a clear plastic train case trimmed in pink.  I will post the complete list following the pictures.  Using an SPF, even when it's overcast, it so important.  Your skin is constantly exposed and deserves to be protected.  This kit is great for you or as a gift.  The variety allows you to try out different brands and textures/consistencies so you can figure out what best suits you. Side ...

Mother's Day is coming up.  Instead of the usual bouquet of flowers, why not surprise her with a a gift that will keep on giving?  Here are some of my favorite Mother's Day sets. For the Tea-Lovers: Teavana For the tea-lover, Teavana has created a wide array of gifts to suit several tastes.  Pictured below are the Radiant Flower Collection ($49.95) and In Bloom Collection ($69.95) gifts, on the left and right, respectively.  The Radiant Flower Collection contains:  One 14oz infuser mug, two tea tins, and 2oz each of Jasmine Dragon Phoenix Pearls & Strawberry Blush Rose Oolong teas.  The In Bloom Collection contains:  A 32oz teapot, two tea tins, and 3oz each of Flowering Pineapple & Lemon Marigold Blossom teas.       Image courtesy of teavana.com Image courtesy of teavana.com You can also create your own gift .  Grab a tea maker or teapot, some rock sugar or honey ; a teacup, teapot/infus...

Foreo Luna Mini.  Image courtesy of foreo.com No, you're not seeing double.  I did a short review that wasn't really a review, of the Luna mini , awhile back.  I had not yet purchased the Luna Mini, but did shortly after.  During CES 2013, I happened upon the Foreo booth.  My first thought was that it was some kind of pleasure object.  It was around other booths that fit that genre, the items are made from silicone, and they vibrate.  As I was talking to one of their representatives, I was informed that it was a new way to clean your face.  I am an avid Clarisonic user, and have said so from the beginning, but I thought I would give this a try.  I like that it is made of silicone, and that it has a non-porous surface.  Sorry the photo quality isn't the greatest.  Under the device is the USB cable & Authenticity card. The package comes with the Luna Mini, USB cable, User Guide, and Authenticity Card.  It is impo...