Bamboo charcoal can be used for many things: purifying water, brushing your teeth, as well as cleansing your body, face and exfoliating. Bamboo charcoal has strong absorbing properties that draw toxins from your skin (hence the purifying water). It is said that cleansing with bamboo charcoal removes impurities from your skin, giving you a soft, improved appearance. I have been using the bamboo charcoal exfoliating body sponge by Sephora twice a week, for five weeks, and can't say I've seen any improvement. Yes, I feel like it's lightly exfoliating, but my body pouf provides the same sensation. Is it drawing toxins from my skin? I honestly don't know, but I can't see a difference in my skin. If you are a 'bamboo charcoal' believer, then maybe this product is for you, but I'm not jumping on the bamboo charcoal movement just yet.

I've read many reviews about the bamboo charcoal body sponge falling apart. It does say on the packaging that the sponge must be handled with care. This cleansing sponge is very delicate, so wrap your hand around one side while exfoliating your body in circular motions with the other side. Gently drain the sponge of access water by squeezing with both hands (do not twist). I have not experienced any breakage and my sponge is still completely intact.

Formula X CLIX! are convenient quads that hold four mini nail polish, serum, or cuticle oil (depending on the set), meant to restore your nails of most common nail issues. Each bottle is 0.1 oz (super tiny) and a great for travel. The sheer color and top coat have earned a permanent spot in my toiletry bag. I love these little sets! The Formula X CLIX! Brightening Prescription is meant to remove stains and offset discoloration. 

Step 1 - The brightening treatment serum is applied first and dissolves quickly. 

Step 2 - The color correcting base coat has a light purple hue that combats yellow stains. This color corrector is not as thick as polish and can probably be used alone for a quick color-pick-me-up.

Step 3 - The sheer color is the perfect pale pink (my favorite).

Step 4 - Although it is clear, the color plus top coat kinda looks holographic and has a slight hint of blue color.

Only four coats and you have brighter nails. The color is pretty, but a little too blueish for me. It could be that I don't have nail discoloration, so there is no color to neutralize and the blue stands out more. Of course, I purchased this set cause it's mini! I also purchased The Strengthening Prescription, The Hydrating Prescription and The System To Go - I will post reviews soon.

Make Up For Ever didn't interest me until I visited the Sephora in Downtown Montréal. The Make Up For Ever section is huge, intriguing and the lashes display to die for! I have a new addiction to falsies and have been trying all the major brands. Make Up For Ever false eye lashes are amazing, but we'll talk about that another day. Being that the lashes are great, I figured their other products are probably high quality as well - so, I went back and purchased the Make Up For Ever Sens'eyes waterproof sensitive eye cleanser and the Mist & Fix setting spray.

When I take off my false eye lashes, sometimes there's glue left on my lashes and lids and my longtime-favorite eye makeup remover doesn't get it off. I was hoping the Sens'eyes would do the job and it does! This oil-free, gel makeup remover is strong enough to remove waterproof makeup, so a little glue is not a problem. The directions say to apply the remover on a cotton pad and let the solution sit on your eyelids and lashes (do not rub), then gently wipe the eye makeup off. Unfortunately, it burns my lids, so I'm enclined to speed up the process and rub away.. This remover is a sensitive eye cleanser, but I guess my skin is 'overly'-sensitive. There is no visible irritation after using this product, so I'll finish the bottle.

Mist & Fix is a light weight makeup setting spray. I'll admit, I was hesitant to spray anything wet on my face after applying my makeup, but this non-greasy, non-sticky formula goes on nicely and dries instantly. It kinda has an unpleasant scent that diminishes quickly - I'm sensitive to smells and would discontinue use if it lingered. After misting my face, my makeup appeared more even and my dry, 'winter skin' looked hydrated and dewy (even a little oily). Now that I'm over my fear of makeup setting spray, I'm gonna try other brands before settling on my favorite.

The new Clarisonic Mia Fit is the perfect travel size cleansing device. This compact, sonic cleansing device has two settings: delicate and power cleanse. Setting 1 (delicate) is gentle on your skin. If you have sensitive skin, I recommend using the Luxe Cashmere brush head on setting 1 for a soft, non-abrasive cleanse. Setting 2 (power cleanse) is just that; a stronger scrub for those moments when you need extra cleansing. The power cleanse is great for after workouts and removing heavy makeup. The Mia Fit is waterproof, so you can take it in the shower. It comes with a stand, USB universal voltage charger and a Radiance brush head (pictured below).

Clarisonic tips: Apply an ample amount of facial cleanser to the brush head and cleanse your face using circular motions. Take advantage of the timed function that guides you through a 1 minute and 20 seconds cleanse on your face and neck. Clean your brush after each use. If it is full of makeup, wash with facial cleanser or eye makeup remover (for stubborn, waterproof makeup). Once a week, remove the brush and clean your device. Change your brush every three months.

Hydrate your body with Boxed Water. The sustainable packaging is charming (kinda chic), small enough to fit in your bag and environmentally friendly. Boxed Water is my new favorite on-the-go water. 

I am super high maintenance when it comes to facial cosmetics and insist on taking everything when I travel. If I packed full-sized containers, I'd need a second suitcase! Mini's and empties are my travel 'must haves'.

MAC stackable containers and Bobbi Brown empties are my favorite travel containers. MAC stackable jars are the best way to arrange all of your facial creams and serums. If you're like me and use up to seven creams a day, these mini containers will drastically minimize the size of your toiletry bag. These jars are kinda delicate, so be careful when screwing them onto each other. I find anti-aging creams and sunscreen have harsh effects on plastic, which causes them to break easily - makes me wonder what it's doing to my face! Bobbi Brown empties are made of thicker plastic with a screw-on cap that seals the jars and bottles; they will never leak. These empties are great for liquids and foundation. They can also withstand the harsh effects of strong anti-aging creams or sunscreens.

Shrink your toiletry bag with stackable's, mini's and travel containers. This is an investment you'll be happy you made.