Futuristic Skincare: HiMirror Info Plus Tips

Happy 2017! I'm so excited about what this year holds for the future--and speaking of the future, when you were little, did you ever think about how life would different? As in how the technology would change? Well, allow me to bring a little of the future to you today by introducing HiMirror.

Y'all--have you heard of this fancy-pants fabulous thing?? It's a brand new product, the first of its kind, and I hope you find it as fascinating as I do! It is straight up THE FUTURE OF SKIN CARE and I am SO excited to talk about it.  

What is the HiMirror?

The HiMirror is a smart mirror--the first of its kind--that analyzes your skin. By taking a picture of your skin, it will give a detailed analysis of wrinkles, fine lines, red spots, dark spots, dark circles, pore & complexion.

By analyzing your skin, it helps to give you a skincare solution to skin problems. It does this by looking for Healthiness, Clarity, Firmness, Texture & Brightness. If you've ever wanted a personalized skin care assessment, this is the product for you. HiMirror provides you with a precise analysis just as you would get from a professional service...but it's all from home!

And it's hands-free!! You wave your hands (check it out in the video at the end) to maneuver through the menu. It also recognizes your voice and face.

 

How does it work?

So basically, take a picture of your face--there is a camera at the top that you can turn off/on. The HiMIrror stores that pic and analyzes it. Then, as you take more pictures, you can see how your skin has gotten better depending on your skincare routine. It measures it on a scale of 0-100 (100 being the best). You can see in the pic below how much mine has improved!

HiMirror was developed under the supervision of professional consultants in the fields of dermatology, cosmetics applications, cosmetics raw materials, skincare and medical beauty, making HiMirror a quality personal Skincare consultant you can trust.

How do I use it?

You can mount it to the wall or existing mirror. Make sure it's near an electrical plug and that you have wi-fi. I have mine mounted to the wall, but sometimes I will put it on an easel on my vanity. It's not a free-standing device. Tip: Make sure it's at eye level.

Next tip: Download the app so you can keep track of your progress as well as enter your skincare products. Sparkly nails, optional. ;)

You'll set it up and then navigate through HiMirror with hand gestures. It recognizes your face and voice! My big tip is to keep your fingers together as you swipe up, down, left, and right through the menu. You will see where you take your pic to have it analyzed. You'll see this in the video at the end.

What other features are there on the HiMirror?

There's a body & fitness section, where you can purchase the smart scale to keep track of your weight.

You can upload your products in the My Beauty Box. You can access your routine.

Once you turn on the HiMirror, you'll get the weather, skin care tips based on the weather, and the news.

There's a media center where you can upload videos but my fave is the radio. You can listen to music as you get ready. Spotfiy is coming soon!

But my best tip? See the HiMirror in action! I made a video where I demonstrate the HiMirror and give more tips:

https://youtu.be/B_R8tU4na8Y

If this is the year where you finally want to start a consistent skincare routine, but don't know where to start, the HiMirror is for you! Want to learn more about HiMirror? Click here!

Extra Elle:
Had a fabulous NYE and started the new year off with a low-key day. Glad to have to day off to get blogging things done! 

3 NEW Drugstore Mascara Reviews

It's no secret on this blog that mascara is my FAVE beauty product. I'm always on the quest to find THE perfect mascara. I love hearing about the latest wand design, the newest formulation, and the recent releases. In my latest drugstore haul (check it out here or make my year and watch the video here), I introduced these new 3 mascaras. So many of you wanted a review, so after much testing, I'm ready to share!

Remember: These are just my experiences. I urge you to try the ones that interest you. You might just find THE one. ;)

RIMMEL Super Curler 24 HR

• $5.99
• "Rimmel's Super Curler Mascara has a formula containing curling and fixing polymers to instantly push up lashes to a perfect 90 degree curve with up to 24 hour hold. The curved, eye-shaped brush lifts lashes up at the root and extends the curl from the tip to give full, curvaceous, clump-free volume. Say bye bye to lash curlers. Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested."

First, the RIMMEL Super Curler on your left. On your right, my plain lashes. Use that pic on the right as a reference for the additional mascaras in this post for comparison.

mascara from above

On your left, the RIMMEL Super Curler, applied without a lash curler. On your right, a lash curler and then the mascara. I can easily tell a difference. It did last 24 hours (why would this need to be a thing, but I tested it anyway) with some minor flaking. The formula is a drier mascara but a little clumpy. There's no way this would ever take the place of a lash curler, but it definitely curled the ends. Not bad, but not my fave formula. Great for the price.

See also: Why You Need a Lash Curler

MAYBELLINE Lash Sensational Luscious

• $8.99
• "Maybelline's Lash Sensational Luscious Mascara has a Fanning Reservoir Brush that envelops lashes with a precious oil-infused formula from root-to-tip while fanning out lashes."

mascara from above

On both eyes I am wearing MAYBELLINE Lash Sensational Lucious mascara. It gives some nice volume but it does flake--all Maybelline mascaras do this on me. I liked it as well, but probably not a repurchase. It is the wettest of the three I tried in this post, but not too wet, if that makes sense?

And for those of you who asked, I compared it to the original Lash Sensational (see the review on that, here). While it is definitely clumpier, I preferred the wand and formula of the original. It is a silkier formula vs. the Luscious, which is more of a traditional waxy formula (paraffin and beeswax).

COVERGIRL Plumpify Blast Pro

• $11.99
• "CoverGirl LashBlast Plumpify Mascara can be used for 50x volume plus extreme plump and lift. This double-action brush plumps and lifts from the base of lashes for ultimate volume and coverage"

mascara from above

The first time I used this mascara, I couldn't stand it. I couldn't tell much of a difference. But using it since, I have really grown to like it. I didn't really care for the wand--minus the tip, which was great at getting inner corners and ends. Again, it's not the best ever for me, but I really liked the formula--my fave of the 3. Gives great natural-looking lashes (your lashes but better?).

Longest Lashes: Rimmel--this surprised me as traditional bristle wands usually deliver volume over length. The other two wands are plastic.

Least Clumpy: Covergirl

Which of these mascaras would you try?

Extra Elle:

• Watched the National Championship last night. I need all the coffee this morning to wake up.
• Guess what's happening a week from today? My linkup! Just post a pic (or more) and give me the story behind it. Everyone can join in! Will you?

2015: My Year of Renewal ($100 Giftcard Giveaway)

I love the rush of energy and hopefulness that a new year brings, don't you? Instead of resolutions, I choose a mantra, a saying for the year. Last year was to be more vulnerable, and this year I'm choosing just a word: renewal.

So I thought I'd let you in on my plans--just a few of the ways I plan to renew and refresh myself, my life. 

• giving thanks--the second I turn off the alarm, I instantly go through my mental to-do list. I do the same thing at night. Instant stress! No wonder I don't sleep! Instead, I'm taking a few moments to reflect on the good of the day, my life, and be thankful.
• getting energized--I focused too much on other people, other things, and not enough on myself. I have a plan to eat healthier and make time to move more. I need all the energy I can get!
• self-care--it's easy for me to get caught up in the stress of life and taking care of everyone else, so I plan on taking more time for myself. Whether it's taking time to actually read a book (I have a stack waiting to be read), watching a silly video to make me laugh, or taking a soothing bath, I plan on taking better care of myself.

Along with that self-care includes taking better care of my skin, and thankfully I've gotten a jump start on that. I have incorporated philosophy renewed hope in a jar into my skin care. Have you heard of this? renewed hope in a jar is an all-day, lightweight skin renewing moisturizer. It's $47 for 2 oz. and can be purchased where philosophy products are sold. I am in LOVE with this stuff. Let me give you a few of the benefits:

• visibly smaller pores and fine lines (yes please)
• softer skin (my dry skin loves this, especially in the winter)
• all-day hydration (this is felt instantly!)
• re-engerized healthy color and glow

So what's in this amazing moisturizer? AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids)--a triple blend of them that help give you soft, smooth skin, hyaluronate--a necessity and one of my fave ingredients for instantly hydrated skin, and more. It feels like I've had a mini facial when I wear this. It is without a doubt my essential skin product this winter. 

But wait--there's more! I have a chance for you to renew with a giveaway for a $100 off offer code to philosophy.com! To enter for a chance to win, simply leave a comment below letting me know how you plan to renew yourself in 2015 (please leave an email as a way to contact you) and good luck!

Sweepstakes Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 72 hours to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 1/1/15 – 2/23/15.
Be sure to visit the philosophy brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

NYE Hair, Makeup, Nails Ideas

Hey you! How was your Christmas? Do you take down the decorations today or wait? Mine are still up but my mind is already on New Years Eve! I've got some hair, makeup, and nail ideas for you. Please check out my super quick video I made for you:

I love how the "play" button is on my nose. HA!
Can't see above? Click-->http://youtu.be/Icb7_sb4tig

What did you think? Did you like it? Below, I break down the look:

Nails:

• OPI My Voice is a Little Norse--this is the most gorgeous glittery silver polish I have ever owned. I added a glittery top coat from Out the Door--it's in the video. 
• I used 2 coats but an accent nail or painted over black, white, or another color would be gorgeous.

Hair:

• To mix it up, I busted out my hot rollers from 1993. I'm serious.  I added some volumizing powder in my roots before adding the rollers. Leave until cooled--I take them out after finishing my makeup, but in the video I took them out sooner. I felt silly having rollers in the whole video, so out they went. Style with fingers and add hairspray if needed.

Eyes:

• I do my eyes before applying foundation. I started with MAC vanilla pigment and applied with a flat brush.
• In the crease, I added black (I used the LORAC MegaPro palette) and then blended it out. I also used this color under my bottom lashes.
• In the outer "v" as a definer, I used a mulberry shade (from the same palette) and blended that out.
• I used a liquid liner on my top lash line, curled my lashes, and added Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara. I used Anastasia brow gel for my brows. I made a last second decision to add false lashes from Sephora. I think this is the first time I've put them on in a video!

Face:

• After letting my primer set in for a few minutes, I used MAC Studio Sculpt foundation, and applied it with a brush.
• For my concealer, I used Ben Nye concealer palette.
• I set it all with It Cosmetics Pores No More powder.
• I used a light mauve blush (it was from the NARS Guy Bourdin palette) with a light hand in the cheekbones.
• For highlight, I used  Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight.

Lips:

• I had to do a red lip. I had to! I used a Jordana red lip liner. Be sure to apply it while making a fake smile. It's my trick to make sure you get all the spaces.
• I used MAC Rocky Horror Picture Show lipstick in Oblivion. I share more red lip options here.

Have a great weekend! Be safe, behave, and be well. Love, Elle

Spring Cleaning: Makeup & Beauty Products

My resolution this month is to not buy beauty products, and I've spent the past couple of months trying to use up many of them. I thought I'd share my Spring Cleaning methods in the hopes it'll help you too! So before you toss your makeup, read on:

D A M A G E D or E X P I R E D

• This is the obvious first thing to do--are the products damaged? Is it time to upgrade that hair tool? 
• Or expired? I use this guide from Allure magazine to tossing makeup.

 R E T U R N or E X C H A N G E

• Many recently used products can be returned to the store--be sure to have the receipt and check the store's policy (Sephora, drugstores, Ulta, allow returns, for example).
• Can't return for a refund? Try seeing if the store will exchange.

S E L L or S W A P

• This is another obvious idea, but trying selling gently used products online, perhaps via Ebay or your blog. 
• I would advise against selling/swapping things that promote bacteria, like mascara or products you touch with your fingers, like facial cream in a jar. 
• Be honest with the condition of the products. Sanitize brushes and cut off the tip of lipsticks.
• Swap with friends, family, other bloggers your makeup or hair products.
• Have a Product Swap Party!

R E U S E

• Can you reuse the products in some way? Check out just a few ideas below:
• For lipstick shades that don't look as great as hoped, try using concealer to lighten them or try mixing lipsticks. Use the lipstick as a blush instead.
• Too many or broken chapsticks? Reuse them to make lip plumpers or solid perfume.
• Take powder that's too dark and use as a bronzer.
• Expired sunscreen or lotion can be used to tame flyaways or fight frizz in a pinch.
• Use that last bit of lotion or conditioner as shaving cream.

G I V E  A W A Y or D O N A T E

• While friends and family are natural choices to give products to, there are other options.
• Donate products to charity--I've done this with old/outdated curling/flat irons, etc.
• This next idea is my favorite: donate products to a women's shelter. I saw this on a news story a few years ago and it always stuck with me/
• Google your city + women's shelter to find out if they take makeup/beauty donations. Almost all take clothing.
• Many of these women are leaving abusive situations with just the clothes on their back. They need clothes, makeup, polish, hair products and tools, not just to make themselves feel beautiful, or to rebuild a life, but for job interviews too.
• Again, follow the common sense/cleaniness rules. Clean and sanitize when possible. Don't donate if nearly empty.

How do you do Spring Cleaning for makeup & beauty products?

New Year, New You: Potpourri

I started this series last month, and then life went a little haywire, and I never published this post! Oops. Today I wanted to mention those odds and ends I use. I call it "being resourceful." You might call it random potpourri. No, this is not about the scented stuff called potpourri! Enjoy.

C L O S E T   E X T R A S

• Keep your closet smelling fresh (I especially recommend this for dorms or apartments) with sachets or perfume samples. Or try my party trick.
• I use this spot remover on my clothes

B E A U T Y   E X T R A S

• I have a magazine habit (one day I post embarrassing pics of this) and I have tons of those magazine inserts that constantly fall out. What to do with them? I keep them in a stack and use to blot my lipstick, as a guard when applying mascara, when applying nail polish on my right hand, etc.
• I've mentioned this before with my beauty product organization, but if I can't see it, I won't use it. I'll forget I have it. I keep samples/new products I want to try in a container. It works! 
• As you've read from my Birchbox and MyGlam reviews, I'll often end up with beauty samples that I don't use. I keep these in a box and use as stocking stuffers for friends/family, attach to gift tags when I give presents, include with a gift card to make it a little more special, or include with a giveaway prize.
• The shelves in my closets are wire, so things are constantly falling over/through. To help with that, I put a lot of my products in a plastic box, organized by use (I keep hair products in one, for example).

J E W E L R Y   O R G A N I Z A T I O N

• I did a post on this here (almost 2 years ago...wow!). I've since updated it by spray painting the hooks silver. On the inside on my bathroom closet, I hung two racks (drawer pulls from Ikea), and then I hung hooks from the racks. My jewelry hangs from the hooks.

S H I R T  O R G A N I Z A T I O N

• To save space in my drawers/bureau, I roll my t-shirts. It's my number one packing trip when traveling too!

T R A V E L   O R G A N I Z A T I O N

• These are some of my favorite travel hacks.
• This is what I pack in my makeup bag.
• I put samples too in my makeup bag.
• This is a great guide on what to pack.
• I pack a hair dryer (sometimes; depends on where I'm traveling) and a flat iron. I can use my flat iron to straighten, curl, and wave my hair.

PS: Did you enter my Shabby Apple Giveaway? 

New Year, New You: Beauty Organization

When it comes to beauty products, if I can't see it, I won't use it. That may seem too cluttered for some, but it's a necessity for me to have everything in my sight. Here's how I organize my 900000 (approx.) beauty essentials.

I know I'm gonna get so many disapproving comments, but this is how I've organized my hair tools for years. It's never affected my tools. They're hung from a hook, and these are just a few--this pic was taken in '09, so it's changed a bit in there. Note my Product Hoarding Stash and my Velcro Rollers!

I originally shared my makeup organization post here. I should've tidied it up for the internet, but this is how it looks daily.

I spray painted this primary-colored organizer silver. It houses my eye shadows, arranged by browns, blacks, and purple/pinks. My palettes aren't shown, but they're right beside it.

Another organizing tip I've done for years--beads to hold my brushes. I'll share a quick How To tomorrow on this.

 I use this bleacher-style organizer to house my hair/skin products. I also used it to hold treats for my Super Bowl party last year!

When my mom gave me these boxes, I was unsure what to do with them. They house my polish collection, which I zip up and bring with me to wherever. The tops of the boxes are perfect to paint my nails on.

Next week, we wrap up the organizational series! Post links to your beauty organizing set up.


PS: Since organizing beauty isn't everyone's cup of tea, I did TWO posts today. Click here to read about my MyGlam & Birchbox reviews.

This post is tracker-protected, meaning I can see who plagiarizes this post.
Please, do not plagiarize this post. 

New Year, New You: Style Overhaul

Quick Update--my Great-Granny is doing so much better! After suffering severe respiratory failure, Sugar's slowly starting to heal. I was really worried we were gonna lose her, but all of the prayers and thoughts are working. Thank you. xo-Elle

If you're new to this series, I started off with Closet Organization Essentials. Last week was all about the Closet Overhaul (did you clean out your closet yet?). Today I'm focusing on style. Remember how I mentioned not to donate your old clothes yet? I hope you didn't because today we might get rid of more of them--read on:

The Books:
The first way to find or change up your style is by reading what the experts have to say. Here are a few that I own:

{a few faves}

• The One Hundred, Nina Garcia--100 items you need in your closet that will never go out of style
• The Little Black Book of Style, Nina Garcia--The ultimate guide to dressing your best
• The Lucky Shopping Manual--For those who are visual, this guide shows you exactly what to buy
• The Pocket Stylist, Kendall Farr--Tricks & tips from a celeb stylist--this one has lots of detailed info and is very thorough
• Style A to Zoe, Rachel Zoe--The guide to that Zoe signature look
• I Love Your Style, Amanda Brooks--How to develop personal style, with gorgeous photos for inspiration of fashion icons
• Matchbook Magazine's Checklist of 50 Classics (you can view & print!)

{me & an ampersand tee}

The Rules:
In this Ask Elle post, I mentioned when I first noticed fashion, but I didn't discuss my own rules for style. Here are the basic rules I use, and many are culled from the books above:

• Look for Inspiration:
• Magazines, style blogs, and street style are great starting points into developing style, or just an outfit. The colors I hear in music from having synaesthesia influence my outfits often.
• Stick to Basics:
• You'll get far more use out of basics (check out the 50 classics link above) and you'll always be in style. 
• Remember the Rule of 3:
• If you can't wear it 3 different ways, don't buy it (of course I'm excluding certain items, like a wedding dress). Take a dress, for example. Can you wear it dressy and casual? Add a belt? Can you add a shirt or cardigan over it? This really curbs my shopping and makes me think before purchasing.
• Know When to Spend:
• I spend money on classics, but I go the cheaper route if there's a fad piece I must have.
• Know Your Body & How to Flatter/Hide:
• It's time to be realistic on what looks good on you--The Pocket Stylist is a great resource for this. Learn how to hide problem areas and enhance your assets. Everyone has assets!!
• Tailor It
• You will look your best if your clothes fit well. Find a tailor (ask a department store for a recommendation) and get clothes altered when needed. I always assumed tailors were for men's suits and for formal dresses--I was so wrong! Just a simple alteration can make you look like a million bucks without spending nearly that much.
• Look Good, Feel Good
• When it comes down to it, wear what makes you happy. Having confidence will always get people to notice you before the outfit!

Spill your style secrets below! PS: Organizing beauty is next week!

New Year, New You: Closet Overhaul

So last week I began New Year, New You--did you do your homework and get the supplies? Don't worry--there's still plenty of time. We will be working on your closet this week and next week. This week I'm tackling the dreaded Closet Overhaul. Get ready to make some space in your closet.  I do this every year and it works. Here are a few tricks I use to keep my closet pared down and organized:

• Break out the Bags--Before you do anything, get supplies ready. You'll need trash bags and Space Saver Bags. And some free time. 
• Divide & Conquer--This is the hardest step of the whole process, but worth it in the long run. 
• Divide clothes into Keep, Maybe, Donate, and Trash piles. I actually just keep the Keep on the hangers. If it's torn, stained, etc. & can't be repurposed, trash it. Tip: Many places give tax credits for donations!
• Seasons Change--I swear by Space Bags (I use them for traveling too sometimes). 
• My winter clothes go into the Space Bags, since it's not cold in Atlanta for very long, and sweaters take up valuable space. Depending on the amount of clothes and/or climate, this could work for all seasons. Think of the space you could save!
• Set The Mood--This might sound ridiculous, but when I'm doing my annual Closet Overhaul, I like to try to make it as fun as possible (and because Clean Your Room! Now! doesn't sound as fun).
• Cool Your Jets! I get hot and cranky trying on clothes to see what fits (note: I don't try on every item I own, just some of the Maybe items). Once the crankiness sets in, I quit the whole thing. I vow to do it later, but I don't. If the room/closet is cooler, I stick with it. TIP: Speaking of cranky, don't do this when you have pms and your clothes don't fit right!
• Tunage Time--Another way to keep it fun is to turn up the music. Time flies when I can sing and dance along to music--and I don't mean THAT hop-dance we do when trying to get into tight pants. Don't forget to use a good mirror and maybe practice that Runway Strut, you know, just in case.
• Extra, Extras--I prefer doing my Closet Overhaul alone, but having friends over can make it more interesting, they can take your cast-offs, and can give you opinions on what to keep. Another idea is to add a cocktail/mocktail or two, whether you're at it alone or with entourage in tow. Remember: If you go into with a bad attitude, it'll take longer and you'll be less likely to finish. 

Next week we will help enhance your style, further clean up the closet, and add some extras.

You can do this!

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New Year, New You: Closet Organization Essentials

You know the drill: January 1st rolls around and you just know THIS is the year you're gonna organize everything. January 2nd comes and you're really gonna DO THIS! Maybe this weekend? No, you have that other thing you have to do. "Maybe" quickly becomes "never" and then "next year, definitely!"

No more excuses! This is a New Year, and a New You! And YOU can finally get that closet organized. We're gonna do it in small steps, starting with the organization essentials. We're going to turn that tiny closet of yours into an oasis! Ok, maybe not an oasis, but a glamorous organized closet!
PS: If you're already the master of organization, send this to someone who needs a *subtle* hint. Enjoy!

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The first tool in your organization kit is the essential hanger! I absolutely swear by velvet hangers, such as these Huggable Hangers. I love these because nothing, and I mean nothing, falls off of these. I've tried flimsy camisoles, boat neck shirts, and heavy jackets on these velvet hangers and they all stay on. They save space in your closet too! Get ready to donate all of those old hangers, because you'll love these. I think I paid around $50 for 50 hangers. There are other brands that make these too and they often go on sale.

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Next, you'll need a brand new mirror so you can preview outfits. Forget that $10 one who used in college. It's time for an upgrade! Remember we're trying to make that closet glamorous! The one I love is this 4-Way Mirror from Joy Mangano. (Edit: Just noticed all of the products I'm sharing today are made by her but were purchased by me over the years. I'm just obsessed with her stuff! But back to the mirror!) It reminds me of a dressing room mirror and shows your full-length. Finally, you can see what you look like at all angles. It fits right over the door--no tools needed--and easily folds in too. Mine was around $100, but other brands cost three times as much.

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The last tool in your kit is for any of us who hate ironing, have a short attention span, or like to sleep in. May I present: The Steamer. In my closet I have the My Little Steamer. There are other sizes available, but I like the small model and use it for travel too. I comes in a bag and takes up so little room! Just add water and plug it in. Within 30 seconds, you'll be ready to steam those wrinkles away. I paid around $20 for mine, but there are different sizes/options that go up to $50. The steamer is quicker than ironing or using wrinkle release spray. And it's available in different colors. I own the lavender one pictured above.

Next week we'll tackle how to organize your closet/drawers!