Darphynia's Diary

This month's Birchbox I received my Birchbox yesterday, and have to say that I'm a bit happier with the sample sizes.  That being said, there is one product I really don't care for.  The February box featured a nice variety of products for the shower/bath, lips, face/body, and a fragrance.  The sizes of the products were bigger than they have been in the past, which is a plus.  I hope that trend continues.  Image courtesy of birchbox.com  The Naobay moisturizing cream has the initial consistency of a lotion, but once I rubbed it into mu skin, it was hydrating like a body cream.  I used it on my face, but it was a bit too heavy, so for now I'll use it as a hand cream.  The product, in my opinion, has the fragrance of Froot Loops, but is barely detectable and dissipates quickly.  Would I purchase the product?  Probably not, only because there are other creams I prefer.  I do, however,recommend that you try it, especially...

Valentine's Day is in 4 days, and whether you are celebrating with your sweetheart or friends, gifts always add a nice touch.  They may not get them on the day, but (1) It's the thought that counts, and (2) It'll be a nice little extension of the day.  Gift cards & handmade gifts are always nice as well.  Anyway, here are some ideas for everyone.  For the Gamer Razer Naga Epic Chroma Mouse , $129.99 Image courtesy of razerzone.com Add some life into your gamer's set-up with this mouse.  Complete with a 12-button thumb grid and over 16.8 million colors, it works wonderfully alone or in conjunction with other Razer Chroma accessories.  It will also sync with other Chroma products, lighting a desk in a "wonderful world of color". Gunnars Gaming Glasses , $59.25 & up Image courtesy of gunnars.com The frames of the gaming glasses are specifically designed for headset compatibility.  Gunnars also makes outdoor and ...

About the Brand It is a new year, and a new brand, derma e , is now available at Target .  Derma e is a vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, mineral oil-free and petrolatum-free skincare line that has been family owned and operated for the past 30 years.  The product line, which can be found in retailers such as Whole Foods and ULTA,  Derma e uses "green chemistry" to create high-quality products.  "What is green chemistry," you ask?  It is a process they use by fusing plants, vitamins, and other naturally powerful ingredients with modern science.   "The award-winning line features doctor-developed, consumer-tested and clinically-tested face care, body care and treatment products," ( dermae.com , 2015). About the Product:  Firming DMAE Eye Lift  Video courtesy of derma e Derma e 's Firming DMAE Eye Lift is a multi-action eye cream that is doctor-developed, and is made to tighten, lift, and firm the s...

OZ Naturals, thus far, has had wonderful, effective, cruelty-free products.  Their Ocean Mineral Cleanser is a gentle, lightly-foaming cleanser that contains rich minerals, Vitamin E, and other natural & organic ingredients.  This cleanser is free from parabens, sulfates, and alcohol, which helps make it safe for sensitive skin. Image courtesy of OZ Naturals I have combination skin; an oily T-zone and drier skin around my hairline.  I have been using the cleanser as part of my daytime and nighttime skincare routine (in place of my usual products), both with and without my Clarisonic.  A dime's worth is all I need to cleanse my face.  In the time I have been using it, which is almost a month, my skin has felt refreshed, clean, balanced, and clear.  I still get the odd breakout (thanks to my medication), and the weather still has an effect on how dry certain areas are, but overall my skin is balanced.  I have not had any issues with the cleans...

My Chao Purchase @ Whole Foods Vegan "cheese" products are more common, but finding a quality product (or one that isn't terrible) can be difficult.  I have heard a lot about Chao by Field Roast from vegans and non-vegans because it is the closest thing, texturally and taste-wise, to the real thing.  Since I don't have a Whole Foods near me, and the closest Mother's Market that carries it is not close at all, I took a trip to LA.  Yes, I will travel for food, especially when it's good.  Upon entering Whole Foods, I did some shopping before heading to the refrigerated section.  The vegan cheese-like product section is already quite small, and I was worried that my trip would all be for not.  Luckily, they had all three flavors in stock. Each package comes with 7oz (10 slices) of pre-sliced product.  When I took the slices out of the package they felt a bit waxy.  I started to have my doubts, but kept an open mind, since I hadn't tasted them...