CLARISONIC MIA 2 VERSUS OLAY PRO X: THE 30-DAY CHALLENGE

Last night saw the entries for the Big October Beauty Giveaway come to a close. Thanks so much to all who participated and be sure to keep an eye on this blog when the winners will be announced on Halloween, October 31st. Yes, winners. We have decided as a token of our appreciation for all of the entries (over 700 at final count) that we would put together a small second place prize (pictures to follow tomorrow).

A few months ago, after being tempted to get a Clarisonic, I zipped on over to YouTube to see what various vloggers had to say about it. I’d heard all of the hype, but I really wanted to check out a few unbiased/unsponsored opinions as well. I was somewhat surprised to see a lot of comparison videos between the Clarisonic and the Olay Pro X cleansing devices. Not knowing what the outcome of any of these challenges would be, I pulled up a chair, grabbed a Coke Zero, and proceeded to watch a few.

I was somewhat surprised when a few vloggers indicated they really didn’t see much of a difference between the results of the two and that, for $100 less, they would stick with the Olay Pro X.

I went ahead and purchased the Olay Pro X system to see what all the fuss was about.

After using it for 3 months, I do admit my complexion looks much better and much healthier. I haven’t had a single breakout and no longer have little dry patches that would creep up by my chin or by my eyebrow areas.

Of course, all things being equal, I was so pleased with the results from the budget-friendly Olay Pro X that obviously I now must invest the big bucks to try to the Clarisonic Mia 2 so that I can compare the two for myself. If the more economical Olay Pro X works this well, the Clarisonic Mia 2 has to work even better, right? At least I always convince myself that more expensive is usually better.

Now, onto today’s business at hand. Lo and behold, the UPS deliveryman decided to come by earlier than usual today and bestowed into my outstretched hands something I had ordered from QVC. The Clarisonic Mia 2.

I chose the pink one (of course) and it came with a full-sized tube of Kate Somerville Gentle Daily Wash, which retails on its own for $32. It also came with an interchangeable head and the pLink charger unit.

Now for the interesting part…a 30-day challenge between the results I’ll obtain with the Clarisonic Mia 2 as compared to the results I’ve obtained using the Olay Pro X.

CURRENT ROUTINE: Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash + Olay Pro X.

THE CHALLENGER: Clarisonic Mia 2 + Kate Somerville Gentle Daily Wash.

PRODUCTS TO BE CONTINUED: Olay Regenerist Microsculpting Serum and Olay Total Effects

In order to get an accurate representation of whatever difference there may be between the two devices, the only item I’ll change up in the other elements of my routine are the face wash. I’ll keep using the same serum and moisturizer as I did with the Olay Pro X, to make sure any difference in the texture, clarity, or overall appearance of my skin is due strictly to the Clarisonic Mia 2 and not some phenomenal new skincare product I’ve incorporated into my routine.

START DATE: 10/28/2014.

Okay, Olay Pro X and Clarisonic Mia 2, let the challenge begin!!!

If you’d like to check out both of these systems further, here are a couple of links to get you started:
OLAY PRO X (through Target): http://www.target.com/p/olay-pro-x-advanced-cleansing-system/-/A-13109555?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=google_pla_df&LNM=13109555&CPNG=Health+Beauty&kpid=13109555&LID=17pgs&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=13109555&kpid=13109555&gclid=Cj0KEQjw_byiBRCu9qm5lc28ufgBEiQAWq-ta4s-szNErGbkygfg7bbHNQVqcDafGcVRbButt8VMtH4aAiln8P8HAQ

CLARISONIC MIA 2 (through QVC): http://www.qvc.com/Clarisonic-Mia-2-Sonic-Cleansing-System-with-Kate-Somerville.product.A254682.html?sc=A254682-Targeted&cm_sp=VIEWPOSITION-_-2-_-A254682&catentryImage=http://images.qvc.com/is/image/a/82/a254682.001?$uslarge$

I’m a huge fan of QVC and their payment-friendly purchases, as you can tell.

As always, feel free to follow what I’m up to on the following social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Beholding-Eye/683364698413511
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheBeholdingEye
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebeholdingeye

Until next time, stay beautiful!!!

BIG OCTOBER BEAUTY GIVEAWAY – SNEAK PEEK #12 – GO BIG OR GO HOME!!!

Happy Sunday and, to fellow fans, Happy The Walking Dead Episode 3 Night! We’re all about The Walking Dead on Sunday nights here at Casa Beholding Eye. We like to think of it as quality family time gathered around the TV after work and having dinner…even though we rarely speak a word until the episode is over.

There are less than 2 days left to enter the giveaway and we’re up to Item #12 (one sneak peek featured 2 items).

This blog is lengthy but there may or may not be a little “twist” at the end, so I encourage you to read all the way through. *hint hint*

This one is probably going to rock your socks off so be prepared.

From the FabFitFun Fall Edition box is “the” big-ticket item. Renowned for skincare product extraordinaire, here it is:

From Dermalogica, one of the top names in the skincare industry, is a full-sized Skin Hydrating Booster. I love me some Dermalogica but, truth be told, my skin is sensitive and a bit combination but rarely, if ever, dry. I’m sure this is an exceptional product (as are all Dermalogica products), but it would just go into my Skincare Graveyard as I would likely never use it. My skin’s quirkiness is your gain, readers.

RETAIL VALUE: $56.00.

So let’s take a look at the other 10 items in the giveaway and do a quick recap, in no particular order:

RETAIL VALUE: $38.00

RETAIL VALUE: $25.00

RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $10

RETAIL VALUE: $29.00

RETAIL VALUE: $22.00

RETAIL VALUE: $19.00

RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $20.00

RETAIL VALUE: $35.00

RETAIL VALUE: $95.00

RETAIL VALUE: $55.00

ESTIMATED RETAIL VALUE: $404.00

With an estimated retail of over $400, not to mention most of these items are top-of-the-line, in-demand products featured in recent subscription boxes, this is a giveaway in which we at The Beholding Eye take great pride offering.

A few people have asked why do a giveaway as opposed to selling the items on Ebay and making a quick buck (or a lot of quick bucks, considering the retail value).

Well, that’s a very good question.

1. Because it’s better to give than to receive? Yeah, sometimes, but I’m usually pretty self-absorbed.
2. Because before I discovered subscription boxes, I would have crawled through broken glass on my hands and knees to get my bloody hands on a just a few of these products? Definitely.
3. I’d like to let someone who will be able to use and appreciate these amazing products have a shot at owning them? Yes indeedy.
4. Because I’m nice? (Nah, get that idea out of your head…I’m actually quite snarky — as one can tell reading my other blog entries, I’m sure — and straightforward, although with a hint of diplomacy…”nice” isn’t the first word that usually comes to mind when describing myself.

I don’t know, actually. I think it’s more a combination of #2 and #3. I’ve won a couple of very small giveaways and I know the euphoria that comes with winning. As ecstatic as I’ve been to win a few relatively minor things, I can’t even imagine being the winner of this haul. I’d probably be shouting from the rooftops and dancing in the streets…and THAT’S the reason I’m really doing this. I want to make a fellow beauty-holic happy (not to be confused with being “nice,” so banish that thought out of your mind). And while these products are UH-MAZING, realistically, they don’t do me a bit of good when they’re not right for my hair/skin type or if it’s a duplicate of a great product that I’d like for someone else to be able to try. Times are still tough for a lot of people…being able to make someone happy with a box full of fantabulous beauty products just seems like the right thing for this beauty-holic to do.

So, if you haven’t entered the drawing yet, I strongly encourage you to do so now. Entries end tomorrow at midnight. I may or may not put another product into the mix (if I can find it…I put it up for safekeeping for the drawing and have yet to unearth it) but as it stands right now these will be the contents of that glorious USPS box complete with tracking you’ll be receiving if Rafflecopter chooses you as the winner.*

From this point forward, I plan to do monthly or semi-monthly giveaways, albeit to a lesser degree. Two to three times a year, I plan on doing a blockbuster giveaway such as this one. Again, it will be products I simply cannot use or duplicates I have received. Sharing the wealth and all with my readers. I hope everyone who entered will continue to follow me on social media for updates, reviews, unboxings, etc. I’m planning on getting a laptop with a camera after the holidays so I can also do vlogging.

And Happy Sunday and Happy The Walking Dead Episode 3 night from Casa The Beholding Eye to you. See our bright and shining faces? That’s yours truly photo-bombing in the background.

As always, feel free to follow what I’m up to on the following social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Beholding-Eye/683364698413511
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheBeholdingEye
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebeholdingeye

Until next time, stay beautiful…

If you haven’t entered yet, click on the Rafflecopter link below and get your name into that proverbial hat…Remember, you can’t win if you don’t enter!

ENTER HERE: a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Due to the overwhelming response to this giveaway and our heartfelt appreciation at all of the kind words, new subscribers, new followers to our social media, etc., we were thinking….Perhaps we should add a second-place winner, who will receive a cosmetic bag full of various and sundry samples we’ve been receiving in our boxes for a few months now. While not nearly as grand and glorious as first place, we think it would be a nice little “thank you” gesture for one additional reader who took the time to enter the contest. Let me know in the comments what you think about this latest addition. Au Revoir for now, and stay beautiful!

(Please note that the giveaway will only be available for US and Canadian residents, otherwise postage would be cost-prohibitive…Thanks for understanding!)

BIG OCTOBER BEAUTY GIVEAWAY: SNEAK PEEK #10 – GO BIG OR GO HOME!!!

Okay, we’re winding down to the last couple of days of the giveaway and, since it’s Friday and I’m still on cloud 9 over my Wantable Intimates box from this morning, let’s grab another item and toss it into the giveaway. Who ever thought giving things away could be so much fun?

And here it is, Item #10 in the Big October Beauty Giveaway:

From the world-renowned Bulgari, this is an approximately 3-ounce bottle of their Bulgari Eau Parfumee Au The Blanc Conditioner. It smells wonderful (as do the Bulgari fragrances I’ve sampled). Assuming its hefty price tag means it not only smells good but actually works well, this should knock your proverbial socks off.
(RETAIL VALUE: Approx $20; full-size 6.76 oz bottle retails for $45)

And tomorrow will likely bring what is likely the final item in the giveaway. Off the top of my caffeine-deprived head (I’m only halfway through cup #2 this lovely Friday morning), I believe retail value on this giveaway is now up to $350 and contains some truly UH-MAZING products. It’s going to be like the Beauty Fairy came to visit the winner…Be sure to enter now so you don’t miss out on your chance to have a big box of awesomeness show up on your doorstep! Link at end of post for your convenience, my lovelies…

As always, feel free to follow me on the following social media and be sure to enter the big October Beauty Giveaway (link at end of this post!):

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Beholding-Eye/683364698413511
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheBeholdingEye
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebeholdingeye

ENTER RAFFLE HERE: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time, stay beautiful, and good luck to all who enter the giveaway!

(Please note that the giveaway will only be available for US and Canadian residents, otherwise postage would be cost-prohibitive…Thanks for understanding!)

BIG OCTOBER BEAUTY GIVEAWAY – SNEAK PEEK #8 – GO BIG OR GO HOME!!!

Away we gooooo……Here’s a sneak peek at item #8 in the Big October Beauty Giveaway.

This product was a huge hit in the FabFitFun summer box and apparently does wonders for hair of all types. I’m sure it’s a fabulous product but my old-school self doesn’t waiver from my tried-and-true hair miracle, John Frieda Frizz Ease, so time to pass this little jewel on to someone who will put it to good use.

Balance Guru Organic Sesame and Lemongrass Balancing Oil (1 ounce)

(RETAIL VALUE: $25 – GIVEAWAY PRODUCT IS FULL SIZE)

Retail value of the giveaway is now up in the $300 range…with more yet to come!

Be sure to subscribe to this blog, leave a comment on the original giveaway announcement, and follow the directions through the Rafflecopter for your chance to win. Winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter. Entries end October 28, 2014, and the winner will be announced via this blog on October 31st.

As always, feel free to follow what I’m up to on the following social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Beholding-Eye/683364698413511
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheBeholdingEye
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebeholdingeye

ENTER DRAWING HERE: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time, stay beautiful, and good luck to all who enter.

(Please note that the giveaway will only be available for US and Canadian residents, otherwise postage would be cost-prohibitive…Thanks for understanding!)

GLOSSYBOX SEPTEMBER UNBOXING: DOES IT MAKE THE CUT…PLUS GIVEAWAY!

Well, today’s mail call brought my first Glossybox, a monthly subscription box sponsored by Harper’s Bazaar touting a monthly assortment of their cream of the crop samples.  I’d been watching unboxings of Glossybox for awhile and sat on the fence for awhile.  Costing $21/month (the same as my much-beloved BoxyCharm), it just didn’t seem to pack the bunch of BoxyCharm.  However, being as BoxyCharm is predominantly makeup and Glossybox also contains high-end skincare products, I decided to give it a try for a couple of months and see if it passed my own personal bar for a subscription.

So, here we have it, the September Glossybox.

Lovely presentation and the box is really lovely, and I’m a sucker for black and white combos.

Okay, let’s get this lovely box ripped open and dive on in.

I should point out that large full-sized BB cream by Boscia is a bonus item I got for subscribing and not part of the monthly subscription. Which is good, because they sent me the color “BRONZE.” Yeah, my lily white skin is going to pass this product (which is supposed to be UH-MAZING, but definitely not my color) along to someone who can give it a good home. FAIL, Glossybox, right out of the proverbial gate…or box, as is the case here.

(RETAIL VALUE: $38…Or ZERO, in my case)

Okay, let’s get to the regular subscription box items. First up is this OCC Lip Tar. I won’t lie, I was hoping for Black Dahlia but received Authentic. Le sigh…I won’t call this a fail yet, though, as I understand the color doesn’t apply nearly as Jack-O-Lantern orange as it appears in the tube and is a great mixer for other colors, plus it *might* fall into my love of nude/taupe/brown lips that I prefer, if applied with a very light hand.

(RETAIL VALUE: $18)

Next up is a luxe skincare treatment from Vichy, their Liftactiv Night. I love trying new skincare products and this sample is large enough to give it a try for about 10 days, so I’m happy about that.

(RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $12 – Full Size is 1.69 oz and $50).

Okay, now let’s take a look at the lovely Essie nail polish in the color Madison Ave-Hue. A little late in the season for this color and, while I would have preferred something a bit more Fall-friendly, I can see wearing this in a few (short) months when Spring is once again upon us.

(RETAIL VALUE: $8.50)

Next in this box of mixed wonders is a very nice sample size of Bulgari Eau Parfumee Au The Blanc Conditioner. It smells wonderful (as do the Bulgari fragrances I’ve sampled). That being said, I’ve never had much luck with perfumed conditioners actually WORKING besides adding a temporary fragrance to my hair. I’ll try to go into this one with an open mind simply because, being Bulgari and considering the price for a full size of this product, it better be out-of-this-world FANTABULOUS.

(RETAIL VALUE ABOUT $15 – Full size is 6.76 OZ AND $45)

And last item up is a sample size of the much-ballyhooed Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real mascara. I’ve actually read mixed reviews about this product. Some users immediately loved it and made it a holy grail, whilst others gave it more of a ho-hum review. I guess I’ll find out for myself now that I can give it a try. It’s going to be hard to top my favorite mascara, Too Faced Better Than Sex, but I’ll go into it with an open mind.

(RETAIL VALUE ABOUT $5 – Full size is 0.3 oz and $23.00)

So, there we have it, the September Glossybox.

Would I choose Glossybox over Boxycharm, if I had to choose? NO. WAY. NO. HOW.

Will I give it another month to see if it gets better? Ummmm…Not sure, but at this point I’m thinking probably. Although a new subscription box, New England Sack, just launched and it’s spendy…I may cut Glossybox sooner to make room in the budget for NES. I’m obsessed with New England and that box just sounds custom-tailored for me. Well, that and the French Box, which should be arriving in the next week or so.

Okay, my lovelies, that’s it for this Glossybox review. If you’d like more information on Glossybox, here are some links for you to check out.

WEBSITE: http://www.glossybox.com/referal?CI=MTIxNDg0
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/GlossyBox.com

And feel free to follow me on the following social media and be sure to enter the big October Beauty Giveaway (link at end of this post!):

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Beholding-Eye/683364698413511
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrsMorelion
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebeholdingeye

ENTER RAFFLE HERE: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time, stay beautiful, and good luck to all who enter the giveaway!

(Please note that the giveaway will only be available for US and Canadian residents, otherwise postage would be cost-prohibitive…Thanks for understanding!)

BH Cosmetics Makeup Brush Set Pictures and Review

Well, having brushes strewn about in various places by various makers, I finally decided to indulge in a reasonably-priced set of makeup brushes that actually matched and had their own storage area.

I’d been hearing pretty favorable reviews about BH Cosmetics, not only about their cosmetics in general, but in particular about their brush sets. Now, I don’t mind paying top dollar for high-end products but if I can find a reasonable substitution for a high-end product at a fraction of the price, I’m all over that deal. It frees up money to spend on other things…Like more makeup or another subscription box or SHOES.

After perusing the BH Cosmetics site and finding a number of really impressive sales, I decided to go with the 24-Piece Burgundy Brush Set which was rated 4.3 out of 5 possible stars by reviewers, as well as a lip gloss and lipstick to check out the quality of those as well.

Shipping was very fast. I ordered these on Tuesday night and they arrived bright and early Saturday morning.

Here is what the case (brushes contained inside) looked like out of the bag:

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This baby is BIG. It’s much larger than I was anticipating (dimensions weren’t given that I saw on the BH Cosmetics website). It’s aesthetically pleasing and looks like a nice alligator skin clutch that one could carry for an evening out.

I was also really impressed with the closure/clasp on this clutch, too. Really a pretty and classy touch with the gold closure and the logo:

<img src="” alt=”” />

Now for what’s inside the lovely clutch, the brushes themselves. Here are a few random shots of the various brushes. They range from a huge fan brush to a foundation brush to various eye lining and shadow brushes to a mascara wand to a lash/brow grooming brush. If you need any type of brush, I’d say you’re probably going to find it in this kit.

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Beautiful presentation, the brushes that should be soft feel very soft, the stiff brushes feel stiff enough to do the job, and overall I’m a very happy camper with this set. Full disclosure: I haven’t used them with makeup yet (hey, it’s Saturday, I overslept, and I’ve only had one cup of coffee so far) but have done the “touch” test and feel these are very comparable to the quality of Eco Tools or ELF Studio.

PROS: Great price, seem to be of high-average quality, fast shipment; also, note that BH Cosmetics always has specials and promo codes and coupon codes and their website is tons of fun what with their vast array of palettes and sets.
CONS: Ye gads, this poor set smells like chemical warfare gone bad. It’s going to need to be aired out for awhile after being trapped in that plastic in which it was wrapped. I realize the clutch is faux and not real leather but the scent is a bit overpowering. I’ve left it out unfolded so air can circulate to it. That, however, is the ONLY con I’ve found about this set and, hey, for this price, I don’t mind airing it out for a couple of days. It’s not like I was putting on makeup today anyway so I’m good with that.

And here are the lipstick (“Toasted”) and lip gloss (“Office Queen”, love the name AND the color) to which I treated myself when I ordered the brushes. Both go on smooth, have great pigment, and coupled together are my PERFECT nude lip. The “Toasted” is much more tan than pink, the lighting in the picture is a bit deceptive. Well done, BH Cosmetics!

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All in all, I was out about $25 for the amazing brush set, the lipstick, and the lip gloss. As I said, BH Cosmetics can be found on Facebook (links to their FB page and website below), and ALWAYS have special deals going. I even saw the set I ordered on for $16 or so a week or so before I got around to ordering it. I intend to order more products from BH Cosmetics in the future and hope that I’m as pleased with all of their products as I am these 3.

BH Cosmetics Website: http://www.bhcosmetics.com/products/24-pcs-burgundy-brush-set (this will take you to the set I purchased and then you can navigate from there)

BH Cosmetics Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bhcosmetics

Until next time, stay beautiful…and feel free to follow me:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrsMorelion
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Beholding-Eye/683364698413511?fref=nf
Instagram: https://instagram.com/wishcraft559