The Qyksonic ZOE Review

Hello, friends! 

I hope you are having a fantastic week! I wanted to follow up my last post with a product review that is essential to my skincare routine. When I started to invest in better skincare habits and products, I started to follow esthetician bloggers and instagrammers. Esthetics is a quickly growing beauty industry in our country. With thousands of estheticians out there, how do you know who’s credible and who’s not? Lots of research, my friends! I stumbled upon The Beauty Nurse, Melissa Berg, a little over a year ago. And I am so thankful I did! Not only is she incredibly knowledgeable in all things skincare, but she has the best product recommendations! Follow her on Instagram: @thebeautynurse

After I upgraded my skincare and makeup, I wanted to expand my routine even more. Melissa did an Instagram video showcasing a product called The Zoe, developed by the company, Qyksonic. The Zoe is a silicone cleansing, exfoliating, and facial massage tool. Not only that, but it can be used to apply products as well! She detailed how she uses it in her skincare routine, the benefits, and why this skincare brush is superior to the rest. As an avid Clarisonic user, I was hesitant. However, after using my Zoe for a year, I have to say I completely agree that it is the best in the skincare world. 

Qyksonic Zoe
Qyksonic Zoe $149

 

For starters, the Zoe is comprised fully of medical grade silicone.  Medical grade silicone is notoriously antimicrobial. This is extremely important when using skincare tools. The more bacteria a tool retains, the more it spreads across your face. Gross! Additionally, silicone is much easier to clean than a bristled brush head. A simple, gentle cleanser is all you need to keep this tool clean. If you are a patron of other skincare tools (primarily Clarisonic), you might notice that when you change the brush head, there are layers of gunk underneath. This is due to water, soap, makeup, face products, and dead skin cells accumulating below the head. And especially, if you are anything like I was, I wouldn’t change my Clarisonic head nearly enough. The buildup was disgusting. And to think, that’s what you’re spreading all over your face!

Speaking of changing brush heads, this is something that is not required of the Zoe. In fact, there are no attachments, no extras, no add ons, etc. The Zoe is its own compact unit that does not require anything to be changed every couple of months. Not only does this save you time (and trying to remember to actually do it), but it also saves you money! Hollaaah!! 

And, while we are directly comparing the makeup of these products, it’s important to note the actual components of the tools and their direct effect on the skin. The bristles on the Clarisonic can be harsh, especially on sensitive skin. The abrasive nature of the Clarisonic, no matter the type of brush head you use, can create small abrasions on the skin, leading to more complex issues.  The Zoe is softer, allowing the user to determine the level of exfoliation.

Another great aspect of this cleansing tool is the ability to change the intensity at which it vibrates to cleanse. The more sensitive your skin is, the less vibration you will want to use to minimize irritation. If you want a deeper cleanse, opt for a higher level. Depending on what you choose to use the Zoe for, you may change the speed throughout your skincare routine, whether cleansing or applying product to your skin. With fifteen different levels, there’s an option for every skin type. 

Since we’re talking about cleansing and applying product, the Zoe is a dual purpose product. On one side, the silicone bristles are soft and malleable, perfect for lightly cleansing the skin and removing all remnants of makeup. The other side is covered in silicone bristles that are thicker and more sturdy. This side of the Zoe is used for massaging products into your skin. I find it most effective when applying my serums, both morning and night. Not to mention, it feels good and gives my skin the ultimate glow!

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Qyksonic Zoe Colors

The shape of the Zoe is very purposeful. Wide in the middle and towards the bottom, the majority of the device is perfect for sweeping across your face to broadly cleanse. The top of the device, you might notice, is pointed. This pointed tip is perfect for getting into every crevice of your face, particularly around the corners of your nose! You can truly get a meticulous clean while using it. The petal shape ensures a full cleanse!

So at this point you might be thinking, “Ok, I’m sold. What more could there be that could make this product better?!” What if I told you this cleansing tool stays charged for up to six months! Chicka whaattt!? That’s right, you heard me. No charging for months. Could there be an easier cleansing tool to use? I think not. I love this aspect of the tool, especially for traveling. I don’t have to worry about packing a charger, or remembering to pack one for that matter! Zoe also comes with a simple carrying pouch, making it easy to pack in a suitcase or toiletry bag. 

Ok, so how do I use this awesome gadget in my skincare routine? It’s really easy. Obviously you guys know I love my DE stuff. See below!

  1. Cleanse skin with Mahalo Unveil balm cleanser 
  2. Double cleanse with Drunk Elephant Pekee Bar
  3. After the cleanser is applied to face, use the soft side (with flowers) of the  Zoe for 2 minutes to cleanse. I typically spend about 30 seconds in each area of my face at a medium speed. 
  4. Rinse face and pat dry
  5. Apply Drunk Elephant B-Hydra serum and Vitamin C serum (morning) or B-Hydra and TLC serum (evening).
  6. Spread serums across face. Use the other side (no flowers) of the Zoe to massage products into face. I use a higher intensity for this part. 
  7. Finish with Drunk Elephant’s Marula Oil, Polypeptide Cream, or Lala Retro Whipped Cream.

If you are interested in buy a Zoe for yourself, click HERE. There are a few different styles out now, each at a different price point. 

Compared to other silicone cleansing tools, the Zoe takes the cake. With the ability to personalize your skincare, longevity, and overall design of the device, it outshines its competitors by a mile.

Honestly, if you’re looking to upgrade your skincare routine, the Zoe is your best bet. Not only will it deeply cleanse and gently exfoliate your skin, but it will massage your products into your skin, increasing the ability to work their magic. This anti-aging, antimicrobial, and super convenient tool is incredibly easy to use and I guarantee you’ll see results!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! We will be traveling back home to Wisconsin for a wedding. We are so excited to visit our home state (and drink some Spotted Cow-people who have left WI, you know the struggle!). You better believe my Zoe is coming with me!

XOXO, Sarah

Clean Beauty Roundup

Hello, everyone! While I’m working on my Rome blog, I thought I would share one of my favorite topics with you: clean makeup! 

As the health and wellness industry continues to boom in our country, we are bombarded with suggestions from companies and social media “experts” that insist their products are the best. Now, by no means am I an “expert” in this industry, but I’d like to think that after significant research and lots of trial and error (heavy on the error), I can provide some pretty solid suggestions.

Now, we know that what we put in our bodies is paramount to our health. Our food fuels our bodies, minds, and spirits. What we eat can directly affect how we perform at work, how we sleep, how we interact with our families, the clarity of our skin, our energy levels, and so much more. Food is half the battle, if not more! As the science behind health and wellness continues to evolve, we are realizing that what we put on our bodies is as important as what we put in our bodies. 

 

 

 

 

Have you taken the time to really look at what is in your products? Can you pronounce the ingredients?! Do you know what they are and what effect they have in our bodies? Our skin is the largest organ we have. What we put on our skin not only affects our skin directly, but the absorptive properties of our skin allows those ingredients to be readily absorbed into our bodies’ circulatory system, affecting all internal organs. You could be eating all the fruits and veggies you can possibly eat, but still putting horrific chemicals on your face. Yes, life is totally about balance and I will be the first to admit that. But when it comes to makeup and skincare, what I put on my face every single day is important to me. Read below for my current clean, non-toxic, natural makeup routine. 

Primer/SPF

While this is technically the final step in my skincare morning routine, it is also the first step in my makeup routine. Drunk Elephant’s Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF not only serves as my sun protection, but it’s also my primer! This tinted cream is silky and smooth; it sets right into my skin. It creates the perfect canvas for me to apply my makeup. I mix it with a couple drops of Drunk Elephant’s Marula Oil to thin it out, making it easier to apply and spread across my skin. Benefits to Drunk Elephant? They eliminate the “Suspicious 6”: essential oils, alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances/dyes, and sodium lauryl sulfates. Their philosophy is simple and powerful. Read about it here

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Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense

Foundation 

When I began developing pretty severe acne about a year and a half ago, I was encouraged by my esthetician to change up my foundation. I had been using Bare Minerals since highschool. I knew my shade in every single season. I didn’t even consider the ingredient list! My esthetician pointed me in the direction of Priia, a makeup company that specializes in mineral makeup for acneic skin. Priia makeup doesn’t contain bismuth oxychloride, talc, dyes, parabens, sulfates, or comedogenic (pore clogging) ingredients. Read more about it here!I love the Creme Mineral Foundation Stick in the shade Sandy Beige during the winter and Neutral Tan during the summer. This foundation glides over my skin, giving me coverage that ranges from light to heavy, depending on the application. Priia foundation covers my redness, hides my acne (yes, I still get acne!), and creates a perfect canvas for the rest of my makeup. Not to mention, when I started using this foundation, I didn’t break out! Specifically, the foundation didn’t cause my breakouts, which was a huge deciding factor for me. 

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Creme Mineral Foundation Stick

Makeup sponge

I used to be a Beauty Blender devotee! But that price tag, yikes! With the money I spend on cleaner and more natural makeup options, I needed to find a way to cut costs elsewhere. I LOVE these inexpensive makeup sponges that are the perfect dupe for Beauty Blenders. Check them out here! I get it wet and squeeze out the excess water before lightly dabbing in my foundation. For half the price of one Beauty Blender, you get five blender sponges that work like a charm! 

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Beakey Makeup Sponges

Concealer

I use concealer pretty rarely! I credit my awesome under eye serum for keeping the darkness and wrinkles at bay. However, when I have a really pesky pimple that can’t be covered with just foundation, I turn to Priia’s Acne Safe Concealer in the shade Light. This stuff is my holy grail! It provides enough moisture to prevent the blemish from getting flaky and provides enough coverage to hide it. 

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Priia Acne Safe Concealer

Setting Powder

Ok, it’s taken me quite some time to find a setting powder that doesn’t dry my skin out, create creases, make me look overly pale, or make my skin feel like it could peel off. Ilia’s Soft Focus Finishing Powder is my gold medal winner! This stuff is light, easy to apply, and creates a soft finish when applied on top of foundation. I use a large powder brush to lightly apply the powder to my forehead, cheeks, and chin, the areas that get the most oily throughout the day. The best part about this stuff? It doesn’t leave a white film all over my face. Ten stars! 

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Ilia Finishing Powder

Bronzer

I’ve already explained to you guys why I love Priia makeup. I use the Vacation in a Jar Mineral Bronzer. This beautiful bronzer is anything other than orange and fake looking. A little goes a long way but this stuff is fantastic. It suits all skin tones well. The application creates a flawless glow, worthy of a Caribbean vacation. And, because you only need a small amount, this container lasts a long time! 

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Priia Vacation in a Jar Bronzer

Blush

YOU GUYS. This blush is my hands down, all time favorite, beautiful, glowing blush. So I used to love sparkly blush when I was 16. I thought it was the bomb diggity. As I got older I started gravitating towards more matte options. THEN I found Crunchi Makeup’s Make Me Blush compact blush. I love the shade Crave, which is a clean dupe for Nars’ Orgasm blush, which I used before switching to cleaner options. This blush brought me back to a little sparkle. And when I say sparkle, I mean shimmer. This blush gives you a total glow-up. Although I can appreciate a good cream blush, this compact gives a cream a run for its money. If you’re in the market for a solid blush, check this stuff out! 

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Crunchi Make Me Blush

Highlighter 

I don’t always reach for a highlighter. I find that I tend to want it for special occasions: weddings, date night, parties, etc. It gives you that extra level of glow that makes you feel a little more glamorous. My favorite highlight right now, The Illuminator, comes from Ilia. It is a cream twist top, making application super easy! I love the shade Polka Dots and Moonbeams. It gives just enough reflective shimmer to give you a glow, but doesn’t leave you looking oily or feeling sparkly. Besides applying it to the bridge of the nose and cheekbones, I like to dab just a little in the corners of my eyes and on my brow bone to give my eyes just a little lift. While some green beauty can be difficult to find, Ilia is now available at Sephora, in stores and online! 

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Ilia The Illuminator

Eye Shadow

I jumped on the Beauty Counter bandwagon a couple years ago to try out their skincare and makeup products. While I’m not a huge fan of everything they market, I have fallen in love with their Velvet Eyeshadow Palette in Romantic. Candlelight has become my go-to everyday color. It is simple and classy. I’ve never been a huge eye shadow person. I don’t know the first thing about layering colors or contouring. Even though I consider myself to be an absolute beginner when it comes to applying eyeshadow, I love having well matched colors at my fingertips to experiment with when I’m feeling adventurous. 

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BeautyCounter Romantic Palette

Brow Gel

Another major Beauty Counter find that I have been loving is the brow gel. For years I used the Anastasia brow pencil. I struggled to find a cleaner option that was easy to apply, well colored, and didn’t leave my eyebrows stiff and flakey. Because I like to fill my eyebrows in slightly, I use the Brilliant Brow Gel in Light-Neutral Beige. I find that this color compliments the undertones in my skin well and doesn’t give me incredibly dark brows, which can look a little goofy on a blonde. This stuff is SO easy! Instead of spending 5-10 minutes trying to fill my eyebrows in perfectly, I swipe this through my brows a few times and I’m good to go. While this product doesn’t offer the same level of precious as a pencil or pomade, I love the end result just as much. My brows are filled in and stay in place throughout the day! 

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Brilliant Brow Gel 

Eyeliner 

I continue to struggle to find a really good clean liquid eyeliner. For the meantime, I will continue to use Tarte’s Sex Kitten Liquid Liner. I don’t know the first thing about creating the perfect cat eye, but I am able to apply this liquid liner with ease. It glides on smoothly, disperses the product evenly, and stays put throughout the day/night. The color is very pigmented and a little goes a long way. This eyeliner lasts for a pretty long time! I don’t wear it every day, but it adds a little oomph for when I want to make my look a little more dramatic. 

 

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Tarte Liquid Eyeliner

Mascara 

I have ranted and raved about this mascara before, so it should be no surprise to you that my all time favorite clean beauty mascara is Honest Beauty’s Extreme Length Mascara + Primer. It has been a long road to find the perfect clean mascara and if it wasn’t for Suzi from Gurl Gone Green, I would have never found this sensational stuff. This mascara is everything a mascara should be without the harsh additives and chemicals. Unlike other clean/green mascaras, this one glides on smoothly without clumps, stays all day without streaking down my face or giving me racoon eyes, holds up well in humidity and heat, and is easily removed with a balm cleanser without stinging my eyes. If there is one item in this whole list that is my holy grail, it’s this! What makes this product even better is it’s availability. Not only can it be found at Target, but also online with Amazon! Woot woot! I recommend ordering 2 or 3 at a time since it sells out rather quickly on Amazon. 

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Honest Beauty Mascara

Lip Balm

How often do you reach for your chapstick throughout the day? For me, I put chapstick on after brushing my teeth, throughout the day, before I go to bed, etc. The list goes on! For something that you use so frequently throughout the day, have you checked the ingredient list for what is actually in your Chapstick? Your Blistex? Your Carmex? Newsflash: it’s not great. Actually, it’s pretty horrible. Those alcohols in your chapstick of choice are drying your lips out! For a cleaner, moisturizing, and healthier option look no further than these two great lip balms: Dr. Bronner’s Natural Organic Lip Balm and Drunk Elephant’s Lippe Balm. Both are equally great options when it comes to cleaner chapstick options. Filled with nourishing natural oils that actually hydrate your lips, these chapsticks pack a punch. I find that I no longer need to apply chapstick constantly throughout the day! I gravitate towards the unscented choices, just to reduce the ingredient list even more. While Dr. Bronner’s is a more affordable option, it’s hard to pass up Drunk Elephant once you’ve tried it

 

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Dr. Bronner’s Lip Balm

   

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Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm

 

My Favorite Clean Beauty Websites

Looking for good places to purchase clean beauty? These sites are my most frequented! Sign up for e-mails so you never miss a deal. Another great way to save some dollar bills: sign up for Sephora’s reward program. Not only can you get travel sized samples for points, but you can also get free shipping. Heck yes!

  1. The Detox Market
  2. Credo Beauty 
  3. Sephora (Look for the Green Leaf icon for cleaner product choices!)

 

My Favorite Clean Beauty Bloggers + Instagrammers 

Above all, clean and green beauty influencers have been imperative to my research and continued education in this field. Here are a few super bomb ladies who dominate the clean beauty field. They have endless suggestions from anything regarding makeup to hair care. I highly recommend you check them out!

  1. Gurl Gone Green: Website + Instagram 
  2. This Organic Girl: Website + Instagram
  3. Dirt Naturals: Website + Instagram
  4. Root + Revel: Website + Instagram 

Do you have clean beauty items that you’re loving? I always enjoy hearing more clean beauty suggestions! Are you following green beauty experts that I should know about? Send your recommendations my way!

 

Have a wonderful Thursday!

Cheers!

 

XOXO, Sarah

 

** Of note, I am not looking to become a consultant for Beauty Counter, Arbonne, etc , so please don’t try to sell me on any programs, regimens, or joining a sales team. Thank you!**