Friday, November 30, 2012

Influenster


If you've read my blog for a while, you'd know that last year I was accepted as a member of Influenster.  As a member, they send you boxes full of goodies to review.  I've received a couple of boxes and can I say that I've loved it?! Well, I just did! The best part? It's free to join! All you need is an invite from a current member.

So you're wondering, what's the point? Well, the point is to review and participate in this community. The more you participate, the more "influence" you are perceived to have. It's a nifty idea, though the whole points thing isn't my favorite. Some people already are influential in their own right. They've worked for a long time on establishing their brand, and their influence is rightfully so. But some know someone else who is influential in the same right and got a mention on their social media channel and therefore are more "popular" and more desirable within the program even if they didn't really do much for it. This is where my issue lies.

I don't write here or at my other space for subscribers. I'd like others to read my posts for their comments.  I yearn to have discussions on here sometimes, too! While my numbers are still low, I am so far enjoying what has been said. For this, I will continue to write, and if I'm selected for a box of goodies, awesome!  If not, that's ok too.

OK, that went in a whole other direction. LOL! It's alright. It's what I do. :D

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 Hr Eyeshadow - Tough as Taupe - Review

Hey guys!  I know I've been out for a bit and I apologize for that. I've been trying to get things settled in my apartment.  It's hard to believe how long it's taken me to unpack from this last move, but doing it slowly and correct is better than quickly and messily.

But anyways...

The internet has been abuzz with these Color Tattoos by Maybelline. Resist as I may, I couldn't resist any longer, so here we are.  I know I'm quite late to the game, but I didn't think much of them when they first came out.  I just thought to myself that I had plenty of cream eye shadows   I ended up picking one up in the color Tough as Taupe.  It's a grayish purplish taupe color with very slight shimmer.


HAHA! I couldn't help myself and dipped my fingers in before taking pics.

So far I think it's fantastic! It doesn't crease on me and makes for a quick daytime look. It looks great on my tan skin, too!


See? And this is just one sheer swatch! It's easy to build up, too.  I have picked up the limited edition ones, the neutral Fashion Week 2012 collection and those will be swatched soon!

FTC: I paid for this item with my own money. All opinions expressed herein is my own.

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Retail Therapy - Lots of Revlon!

I decided to do some shopping after all the insanity that has been going on this summer.  I love shopping, have I mentioned that?  I love a good deal even more!  I have been embracing doing a bit of couponing and enjoying getting things for free, or almost free.




Two weeks ago, I picked up some foundations.  The Revlon ColorStay Whipped Foundation to be exact.  It was on sale at CVS.  Something else on sale at CVS was the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain.  Even better was that they had ExtraCare Bucks and I had $2 Revlon coupons!  They also had a deal at CVS where if I bought $10 worth of Physicians Formula, I would also get ExtraCare Bucks back.  Seriously?  How could I resist?  So I came home with 2 foundations, 2 lip stains and 2 packages of eye liners.  They jumped in my cart!  I swear!

Walgreens had nail polish on sale as well, and after my $2 coupons and Register Rewards, they came out for free.  I didn't exploit that much.  I just picked up the Revlon ColorStay base coat, top coat, and a color polish.  I'm hoping the base and top coats are as good as I keep hearing.  Mom picked up some essentials as well.  You can never go wrong with vitamins!

This past week CVS had the same nail polish deal, so I picked up six more polishes for virtually nothing.  They also had my holy grail lipstick for virtually free after coupons and ExtraCare Bucks.  I also picked up a couple more Revlon Balm Stains.  It was a cycling reward on almost all of it, so I couldn't resist.

This is an example of what I have been doing recently.  It's been keeping my mind off of the stresses of the summer.  It's also been keeping my family off of my back as I'm not buying anything, per se.  And whatever I don't use goes to people overseas in need.  It becomes a win/win situation for everyone.

I hope you enjoy this post.  It's a little update of what I've been up to.  For the things that I have picked up, I will write reviews for you all.  I have seen many mixed reviews on the foundations and even on the stains.

FTC: All items mentioned were purchased by myself with my own money, coupons, and rewards earned from my purchases.  All opinions are my own.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

My feelings on Hauls...




We all shop. That is a fact. We window shop, we food shop, we clothes shop, car shop...  You get my drift.  I enjoy shopping, sometimes more than others.  I'm a HUGE fan of window shopping especially.  There is something so creatively inspiring by looking at displays and patterns.  I have been even inspired by a sheet of scrapbooking paper.  It can come from anywhere. 

And when you do as much looking as I do, you're bound to buy things.  This causes a bit of conflict, because I like to share some of what I pick up.  I've been thinking about how to write about it. 

Most people call them HAULS. 

I'm not a fan of the word "haul". It just sounds kind of brutal and rough...

Trying to figure out what to call it is a bit of a headache, and I still have no idea of a title.  I know I'm not the only person who is not fond of the word "haul". Kandee Johnson stated she wasn't a fan either in one of her videos

I may call them "Shopping Trip".  What do you think of that?  It gets the point across without sounding so brutish.  What would you call them instead?

Image above is from http://clipart.edigg.com.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Dr. Scholl's For Her Ball of Foot Cushions Review


These things are great!  I've been suffering from Autoimmune Urticaria and sometimes the mere act of walking aggravates the condition.  Even on kitten heels, these are great.  I remember when these came out years ago.  I put them in a pair of strappy high heel sandals and wore those sandals to death because they were SO comfortable. As I haven't been wearing many high heels in the last 5 or so years, I had forgotten about these.

The Dr. Scholl's website states that these have some great features.  They are:
  • Helps prevent ball of foot pain
  • Immediate Massaging Gel™ comfort for the ball of your foot
  • Only ball of foot product made with unique FabuSTEP® gel
  • Prevents toe scrunch
  • Stays firmly in place
  • Removable without damage to your shoes
  • Discreetly fits all women's shoes

See the little squiggles in that exposed oval?  Those are what make these a dream.  I seriously don't think anyone could resist a pair of shoes with these on!

I would completely and 100% recommend these.  They were amazing then and they are amazing now. :)

You can find these at most drug stores, mass merchandise stores and food stores in the foot care aisle.

FTC Disclaimer: As mentioned above, these products were provided to be my Influenster for my review. As always, any opinions provided are honest and my own

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips Review



If there was one product for me to be reluctant about, it would have to be this one.  There is always one in each grouping.  I have heard many things about it from various sources.  Influenster says:
Don't Get Stuck With a Sticker!

Nothing feels or wears like real nail polish. Now Sally makes it easy to get Salon Effects anytime, any place using real nail polish – with no dry time! Don’t settle for plastic imitations that peel off. We’re the real thing. Just peel, apply & file! Learn more at www.sallyhansen.com
  • No dry time
  • Lasts up to 10 days
  • Removes easily with nail polish remover
  • 40 must-have styles
I put this one off as much as I could.  I set them aside always planning to put them on and then allowed things to come up.  Afterall, I just moved a month ago and had tons of unpacking and cleaning.  It's too hot to do anything!  Yep.  Excuses.

Something about that description seems too easy.  Did I mention that sometimes I am a klutz?  It's true.  I'm the worst ambidextrous person when it comes to being able to do tasks with both hands.  I can do some things as a lefty and some as a righty.  Nail polish isn't one of them.  These strips I didn't think would be either.

I finally got the courage to do it, though.  I googled for tips and I read the instructions multiple times just to make sure I didn't miss something.  I even looked on the Sally Hansen site for a how-to.  I prepared myself fully.  And then I opened the little box.

*GULP* "Not intimidating" I lied to myself.  I read those directions inside, too.  These came with two small packages of nail polish strips, a file and a cuticle stick.  Ok...

I took a deep breath and gathered the rest of the suggested materials: scissors, acetone/cottonball, some cuticle cream, a basecoat and topcoat, and a nail buffer.  I'm sure you are wondering why.  I had read that the strips show nail ridges, so I made sure to double check that my cuticles were extra groomed and that my nail beds.were smooth to the touch.  After all, I cook and clean, so who knows if I may have nicked my nail a little. 

I swiped my nails with acetone and proceeded to follow the instructions.  When I tried opening the first package of strips, this happened.

I had to break into the package.  I'm convinced there's a conspiracy!  As I applied the strips, I warmed them between my fingers for a few seconds to make them more pliable.  As time went on, I found the strips were easier to smooth if I cut the bulk of the excess once I placed the strips on the nail.  Somewhere I had read that using a basecoat made the strips stick better, so with a couple of nails, I did that too.  My little experiment, you could say.  After they were all on, I painted a nice thick topcoat over the strips to make sure they stayed on.  I wasn't convinced that they would otherwise.


So far they have held on, but I will say, it was a bit more difficult than the package let on.  I had problems with parts of the strip tearing as I was placing them on with a little stretch as the instructions said to do.  They also had points where they didn't want to stick onto the nail.  That one could have been my fault.  And as newly applied strips, they look as though there is tip wear.  I guess what this really means is that I need more practice.

These strips can be found at chain drug stores, food stores and mass merchandisers nationally.  The suggested retail price is $9.99.  You can find more information at http://www.sallyhansen.com.

FTC Disclaimer: As mentioned above, these products were provided to be my Influenster for my review. As always, any opinions provided are honest and my own.

Bath & Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist Review


Back in the 1990's, I worked at a Bath and Body Works.  I thought I was in love with their products before then, but I was mistaken.  Seeing all the lovely fragrances every time I worked, I became insanely hooked.  My first love was Freesia, which has sadly been discontinued and replaced by their Sheer Freesia scent.  Since my employment there over 10 years ago (I can't believe I just wrote that and that it's been THAT long ago...), I have discovered many lovely scents.  Among my friends, it's one of those places we always go to.  I have a pretty decent "collection" of items from Bath and Body Works.  I love their body washes the most.  They are light, but during the shower, they intoxicate the air with their scented goodness.

I digress.  I received the Bath and Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist recently in the scent Sweet Pea in my Influenster Spring Beauty Voxbox.  The Influenster site is very vague about the product.  It states:
NEW Fine Fragrance Mist Collection!

Fine fragrance in a mist as light as air. Discover a better, more delicate fragrance experience in over 20 Signature fragrances. It’s love at first mist! Exclusively at Bath & Body Works.
Of course that doesn't say much about the product as if you went directly to the Bath and Body Works product page.  Here, there is a description of the scent:
Introducing our NEW Fine Fragrance Mist. Our beautiful, sophisticated new bottle features a Fine Fragrance pump for a more delicate mist and improved coverage control.  
Lavishly spritz on your body to lightly scent your skin with our original, award-winning Sweet Pea, a fruity floral scent that evokes the intoxicating, floral-infused breezes of the Mediterranean. 
  • Top Notes: Sweet Pea, Watery Pear, Logan Berry, Rhubarb
  • Mid Notes: Cyclamen, Freesia, Raspberry
  • Base Note: Musk
  • Aloe conditions and nourishes skin
This scent is fruity and floral.  It is light, though, so you shouldn't feel suffocated.  It's the perfect daytime spring and summer scent.  It layers well with other light floral scents for a completely unique experience.  For a body spray formulation, I find the scent lasts for about 5 or 6 hours, after which I feel compelled to touch up.

This item can be purchased online at http://www.bathandbodyworks.com or at any of their locations..

FTC Disclaimer: As mentioned above, these products were provided to be my Influenster for my review. As always, any opinions provided are honest and my own.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Sheer Cover Duo Concealer Review


I've been seeing this product pop up all over YouTube and have heard many great things about it.  To say I was dying to try this is an understatement.  People were saying that it was an amazing under eye concealer.  As someone who has genetically dark under eye circles, I'm desperate to find something to help me without it being cakey.  The Influenster website says: 
Sheer Cover® Concealer is perfect for all skin types and tones. Our concealer is a customer favorite offering a custom blend for the various shades on your face and covers up imperfections. It not only covers up the look of dark circles, blemishes, redness and age spots, it also moisturizes with Jojoba and Allantoin. 
It instantly conceals blemishes, dark spots, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone – we’ve got life’s little imperfections covered!
KEY BENEFITS:
  • Instantly covers skin imperfections for a flawless, natural look
  • Variable coverage – sheer and creamy perfect for under eye circles or more opaque for blemishes, dark spots and hyperpigmentation
  • Easy application – glides on, won’t pull or tug at fragile skin
  • Allantoin helps calm and soothe sensitive, irritated skin
  • Provides antioxidant protection from free-radical scavengers
  • Dermatologist-tested.

I would swatch the colors for you, but the light shade matches so well, I can't even tell where I swatched it.  I will say that it is VERY lightweight.  It takes quite a bit to build up the product under my eyes.  It usually requires dabbing some on with my finger, a light layer of powder foundation over that, and then another thin layer.  My dark circles are minimized in a way I have very rarely seen.  I'm even compelled to put it on when running out the door.  Those who know me in person know that I never do random things like that. This combo is the tan/dark duo, for those who are wondering.  The tan color is perfect for the paler me.  I usually get darker than the dark color after a couple visits to the beach.  I guess we will see how well it does after a good frolic in the sun.  :)

This item can be purchased online at http://www.sheercover.com as part of their introductory kit or individually.  I have also seen this line at my Ulta store.

FTC Disclaimer: As mentioned above, these products were provided to be my Influenster for my review. As always, any opinions provided are honest and my own.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash Review

One of the first products I was dying to try from my Influenster Spring Beauty VoxBox was the Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash.  As I've mentioned before, I have VERY finicky skin that sometimes can react to nothing at all on a whim.  Part of me was hesitant to try this, but Aveeno is KNOWN for having very gentle products.

According to the Influenster website:
"This daily body wash cleanses and moisturizes for visibly healthier skin every time you shower. Its breakthrough formula combines natural colloidal oatmeal - long known to soothe skin - with a unique blend of natural oils and emollients, to help replenish skin's natural moisture. The creamy body wash lathers gently and then rinses clean, resulting in softer, smoother, healthier-looking skin long after you shower. It's lightly fragranced, soap free, dye-free and hypoallergenic so it's gentle enough for sensitive skin."
Now, I'm not a soap person.  I live off the Dove Beauty Bars normally as I usually react badly to pretty much every soap.  My skin will get dry to the point of almost cracking without my beloved Dove.

Well, now I have an alternative!  This milky body wash is amazing.  Despite my strange skin, I'm not one who enjoys using body lotion after every shower. I just don't have that kind of patience. This body wash left my skin more moisturized than almost every other, smells fantastic, and has a great price point of $5.99 to about $8.99.  Sure, it sounds a bit high, but you only need a small amount to create massive amounts of lather.

This is one of those things that I will be picking up at the store soon.  I think it's worth having on hand for those bad skin moments.


Check them out at http://www.aveeno.com for more information about this product and more!

FTC Disclaimer: As mentioned above, these products were provided to be my Influenster for my review. As always, any opinions provided are honest and my own.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Influenster Spring Voxbox 2012

While I was on my blogging hiatus, I was selected to receive the Influenster Spring Voxbox to review.  I'm pretty excited with what I received.

For those who are not familiar, Influenster is a service that periodically provides bloggers and other "trendsetters" free products to review.

Here is what was inside.


  1. Sheer Cover Duo Concealer
  2. AVEENO Daily Moisturizing Body Wash
  3. ChapStick Lip SHIELD 365
  4. Sally Hansen Salon Effects
  5. Bath & Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist
  6. SOYJOY Bar
  7. Dr. Scholl's For Her Ball of Foot Cushions
In the next few days, I will be trying and reviewing these products.  From the looks of it, I will enjoy it all even more than the last box!

FTC Disclaimer:  As mentioned above, these products were provided to be my Influenster for my review.  As always, any opinions provided are honest and my own.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

I'm Back!

I apologize for my long absence.  I have been trying to clear up some real life issues.  In short, I have moved into a new apartment, have been looking for work and have been organizing things for an upcoming event I have been volunteering for.

Anywho, what I'm trying to say is that things should be getting back to normal.  I've got some fun stuff coming up including the Influenster Spring Voxbox, so stay tuned!.  :o)


Friday, January 27, 2012

My Apologies

I'm truly sorry for my absense.  I have a lot of things going on at the moment that need to be dealt with.  As of now, my posts will be sporadic at best.

xxx

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

QotW - January 23rd

"It is more useful to be aware of a single weakness in oneself than to be aware of a thousand weaknesses in someone else."
~Dalai Lama

Monday, January 16, 2012

QotW - January 16th

"A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him or her."
~David Brinkley

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Montagne Jeunesse Strawberry Souffle Facial Mask Review

Another product I received in my Influenster Holiday Voxbox was the Montagne Jeunesse Facial Mask in the flavor 'Strawberry Souffle'. I say flavor because that's what they call it.  They are right in calling it that.  It smells so delicious, like strawberries and cream.  Montagne Jeunesse has been around for what seems like forever.  I remember seeing it in my local drug stores for many, many years and have wondered how good they are.

My skin is very picky.  It's dry and oily at the same time (in the same places) depending on what product I use.  It is also selectively sensitive and acne prone.  I am very cautious with the products I use on my face.  Seeing a trial of this in my Influenster Voxbox, I became even more curious, so I did what anyone in my position would do.  I waited, read up on the website and procrastinated a little.  I wanted to see what other people had to say about it before I tried it.  According to the site:
"Whether you enjoy looking after your skin, being pampered, or indulging in some me-time, be it alone or with friends, you will absolutely enjoy one of these ‘Life Little Pleasures’… With a huge array to choose from, our face masques are packed with the most delicious natural ingredients and are bursting with luscious fragrances. Suitable for all different skin types, there is one to suit every mood and everybody! 
 Montagne Jeunesse beauty treats are free of parabens, vegetarian approved and never tested on animals. So treat yourself today to a masque that will hydrate, nourish and leave your skin cleansed, smooth and glowing. Available at ULTA Beauty, Walgreen’s, Claire’s, Walmart, Kroger, CVS Pharmacies and other retailers across the US, these masques are available in a variety of succulent flavours, including:

  • Cucumber Peel Off
  • Passion Peel Off
  • Dead Sea Mud
  • Fruit Smoothie
  • Strawberry Souffle
  • Chocolate Mud
  • And many more!"
The mask I received is considered a mud mask and has ingredients like strawberry, aloe vera and vanilla.  The package says it will tone and hydrate the skin as well as purify it.  It would be great for skin like mine!

I ended up doing the mask before bed.  I figured this would be the best time as I tend to pack on moisturizer on my skin before I go to sleep.  I washed my face with my cleanser and used my Clarisonic to exfoliate my skin.  Then I towel-dried my face, leaving it a bit moist.  When I opened the satchel, the smell was lovely.  The fruit and vanilla wafted past my nose, intoxicating me with this scent that was to die for.  I spread a thin, even coat of the mask and then added a little more to my trouble spots, the corners of my nose mostly, and then sat at my computer to relax.  After about 25 minutes (I got carried away!), I rinsed it off with a baby wash cloth, which I must say is amazingly soft to where it doesn't aggravate my skin, and moisturized it with my Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel from Clinique.

So I know you are wondering, how did my skin feel afterwards?  Pretty soft right away.  In the morning, it felt smooth, and probably looked the best it has in a couple of weeks. 

This is definitely worth trying again, and experimenting with other varieties.  These satchels will definitely be found in my basket when I go to the store.

Check them out at http://www.montagnejeunesse.com for more information and a peek at all the 'flavors' they offer and more.

FTC Disclaimer: As mentioned above, these products were provided to be my Influenster for my review. As always, any opinions provided are honest and my own.

Monday, January 9, 2012

QotW - January 9th

"A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination."
~Nelson Mandela

Monday, January 2, 2012

QotW - January 2nd

"Believe you can and you're halfway there."
~Theodore Roosevelt

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy New Years!

I'd like to wish you all a wonderful 2012!  I hope it brings even more opportunities than 2011.

XXX