The Braun ThermoScan 5 and I

So recently I received a complimentary Braun ThermoScan 5 from Influenster. If you are not sure what that is, its a Ear Thermometer with ExacTemp Technology. Its takes sonly a few seconds to get an accurate result.

Initially I had some reservations with this particular model. Having a child with a Sensory Disorder can make things like touch and sound difficult. My daughter isn't particular fond of having me put anything in her ears, unless she initiates it first. So needless to say I didn't try it out on her immediately.

Then 2 weeks ago I overheard my daughter on her monitor coughing, and as many moms know, there's a regular cough and the "Sick" cough. It was still 2 hours before her regular wake up time but I already knew she was coming down with a cold. Once she was up and ready to start the day I could hear the congestion in her voice, along with watery eyes and constant sneezing. So I figured this would be the perfect time to try the ThermoScan 5 out. I did a quick read over the simple instruction manual and was ready to give it a try.

At first she resisted my attempts to put the tip into her ear, which was expected. Then after using it on myself a few times she was ready to take a turn. I was very relieved the ThermoScan only took seconds to give me an accurate reading, mostly because I know she wouldn't hold still for long. I knew from touch she was warm but thankfully I was able to know exactly how high her temperature actually was. Luckily, she was able to control her fever with over the counter medications.

So to summarize my experience with the Braun ThermoScan 5 I would say that I was very pleased with its accuracy and prompt reading. Taking my daughters temperature has always been somewhat of a battle but turning it into a turn taking game does seem to help. I would, (and have), recommended the ThermoScan to customers at my work, (I am a cashier at a drugstore). Thank you Braun and thank you Influenster. I am glad to have had the opportunity to test and review this product, and definitely proud to be an Influenster!

For the Love of Lashes

For as long as I can remember I have been obsessed with long dramatic eyelashes. I myself have long lashes that are stubborn and stick strait, so trying to recreate this look wasn't easy. I used to envy the girls in Teen Magazine and vowed that someday I too would have the "Doe Eye" look. Then when I turned 13 I received my very 1st eyelash curler. It was Maybelline and purchased years before I was born, it originally belonged to my mother,  who's make up routine had since become tinted moisturizer and mascara. Now this eyelash curler definitely had some miles on it but trust me, it was built to last. Seriously it was indestructible. It had the strongest grip, like I got a work out when I squeezed the handles. I used that curler almost everyday for 5 years until I suffered what I believe was a traumatic experience. While cooling off in the ocean with my friends, my beach bag/purse was stolen right off the sand and with it my beloved eyelash curler. As crazy as it sounds, out of everything I had in my bag like my cell phone, wallet, cash, and car keys, I was more upset that my irreplaceable curler was taken and most likely dumped among the empty soda cans and used up bottles of sunscreen, (this would be where you would hear the faint sound of my heart still breaking).

So from there my journey of finding a suitable replacement had begun. I've since purchased an easy dozen different eyelash curlers trying to get a similar result. I've tried the traditional clamp style, the mini curler, the heated wand, even the travel size. Not one of them really compared, or held up to there promises of a "show stopping and long lasting" curl.

Then finally after the numerous trial and errors I found one worth talking about, Benefit's ProCurl Curler. It was the traditional clamp style I was accustomed to and the super cute 50's style packaging had me sold. But after a few months it just wasn't meant to be, with every squeeze of the handles the lash clamp weakened along with my hopes of ever finding a suitable lash curler that would stand the test of time. 

So the search continued on. During an unnecessary shopping trip to Sephora I made an impulse buy and purchased the Shiseido Eyelash Curler. When I got home I opened the little black box and gave it a try, I was thrilled. This curler exceeded my every expectations.  It curled my lashes right from the root and the silicone pad kept me from causing that God awful pinch we've all experienced at one time. So for $17 and buying on a whim I had a new beauty weapon. I've been using my Shiseido now for 3 years and have only had to replace the silicone strip. It's just what my stubborn lashes needed. The search was finally over. 

Until....

This past Christmas Eve I received one of the best gifts ever. My husband's Aunt manages Lancôme for the east coast and has access to all the top goodies, (can you say dream job). She gave me a beautiful silver box containing the entire Lancôme brush collection, 2 new mascaras, and a shiny new eyelash curler. The notorious "Le Curler Eyelash Curler". I was so excited I actually screamed and possibly gave my husband's grandmother a heart attack. 

Now this curler is beyond amazing!

The grip is firm and strong, but doesn't pull out my lashes. The silicone pad doesn't get indented like others sometimes do, and it's wide enough to fit all of my lashes which has been an issue since I have wide eyes. 

Now fast forward to today, I've been using the Le Curler for 5 months and it always gives constant results. I pretty much use it daily and keep it safe guarded in my vanity. You could say I'm obsessed and you'd be right, but after searching for so long I can justify it, (at least in my head).

Armed with the Le Curler and my favorite mascara, Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes I have finally recreated the wide eye Bambi look I've been missing. And as my backup I carry the Shiseido Curler with me and team it with my go to mascara, Mary Kay Lash Love, which I've recently acquired and it quickly became a new favorite. It's absolutely perfect for grabbing all those tiny lashes that normally get missed and it doesn't turn me into a warped version of Tammy Faye Bakker when I tend to go overboard.

Well there it is, my eyelash curler journey has ended. What a long, hard road it's been but I have finally found my dream curler and I'm not ever letting it go 🔐

Below is my before and after, both photos I am wearing my Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes

Clearly using the Eyelash Curler makes a huge difference.

Here are a few tips I've learned along the way.

• Cover your lashes with a light coat of loose powder before applying mascara. It helps your mascara to grab all those tiny lashes and increases their length
• I always brush my lashes before applying mascara, I use disposable mascara wands which can be found at any beauty supply store.
• Once my lashes are curled I use the tip of the mascara wand to separate them so they have a more fanned out appearance.
• NEVER, and I mean never pull on your lashes when combing or brushing them. Eyelashes are extremely fragile and I have accidently lost clumps of them before. It takes forever for them to grow back.