Influenster RoseVoxbox 2013

I was selected to receive the Influenster RoseVoxbox to review while I was away and I'm excited to dive right in and play with the goods.

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:

• Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara
• Dr. Scholl's For Her Cozy Cushions
• belVita Crunchy Breakfast Biscuits
• Kiss Gradation Polishes
• Lindt LINDOR Milk Chocolate Truffles

I am really excited to try these things out. This box couldn't have come at a better time.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

imPRESS Press-on Manicure Review

Another product I received in my Influenster Holiday Voxbox was the imPRESS Press-on Manicure in the design 'Space Cadet'.  I have seen this brand in stores for a long minute, but never paid too much attention to it.  I am very much a fan of the natural nail, venturing into acrylics in high school and deciding that they were not for me.  Now that was half a lifetime ago!  When I saw these at the store the first time, I was intrigued.  I was even more curious when I saw there was a package in my box.  According to the site:

"Introducing imPress Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails, the revolutionary way to apply polish! Featuring advanced nail technology, you can get a salon-perfect manicure in seconds – simply peel off, press on, and you're done. There's no drying, a killer shine and a manicure that lasts up to a week! And, imPress is so easy to remove, you can change it up to match your mood as often as you want. Check out all 36 colors and patterns, including trendy brights, classic darks and animal prints. With imPress, your nails will always be your best accessory.

imPress Manicure retails for $5.99 for colors and $7.99 for patterns, and is available at CVS, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, KMart, Walgreens, Walmart and more. For a full list of online and in-store retailers, visit imPressManicure.com, where you can download an exclusive coupon and virtually try on all the colors and patterns!"

First I would love to talk about the packaging.  I'll be the first to admit that the packaging definitely grabbed my attention.  It's shaped like a little polish bottle. 

When I was getting ready to begin the process of applying these, I had difficulty getting the little bottle shaped package open.  I struggled with the black lid for a while, and once I got that open, it took me at least another 5 minutes just to open the clear part.  I guess it's good that the container is child-proof!  On a side note, I can now open it very easily.

Anyways, I sized up all my nails and trimmed them very short.  I then used the prep pad that came in the box as well.  Slowly, I began peeling the backing of the nail and applying them square to the cuticles.  I would hold each nail on for a long count of five and move on to the next.  They are very easy to apply.  As I got closer to my thumbs, however, they got a little more difficult.  I have long nailbeds to go along with my long fingers.  Since these nails are considered 'sport length', they were just too short to cover my full nail.  Here I cheated a little and put them a bit lower.

Here is my full hand:

Sorry about the large image.  So from close inspection, you can see the shine.  You can also see how the press ons don't quite fit right on my pointer finger and on my thumb.  They also bump out along the thumb, as can be seen on my thumb.

Here's what they look like on both hands:

Sorry about the quality and the size again.  I just wanted to show you how gorgeous they are.  What was sad for me was that I was only able to wear them for two days.  Even a couple of hours after putting them in, they felt like they would come off doing random tasks.  They lasted through washing the dishes and other household tasks.  They also lasted through my hot showers.  What they didn't pass was the hair test.  I have VERY long hair.  It falls almost to my waist.  Every time I would go to brush my hair, some strands would make their way between the press on and my natural nail, tugging and pulling my hair. 

This brings up another point as to how water tight the nails are.  Because water can seep in under the nails and stay there, it's a perfect environment for bacterial and fungal infections. 

Removal was quick and easy, and I can say that they were really stuck on.  There was a little bit of peeling on the surface, but a light buffing can take care of that.

Overall, this is a pretty good product if it were for more of an emergency situations.  If you have longer nailbeds, it might not be an ideal fit.

Check them out at impressmanicure.com/ for more information and a peek at all the colors and patterns 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.

NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine Review

 One of the products I received in my Influenster Holiday Voxbox was the NYC (New York Color) Liquid Lipshines in the color 'Nude York City'.  NYC is a brand that has been around as far as I could remember, and as a teen, I loved their eyeliners and lipsticks.  Many of those products that I loved in my youth are no longer sold, or maybe I just haven't looked much.  Anyways, I received this new product to try out.  According to the site:

"Straight from the city that never sleeps, NYC New York Color offers products with uptown style at down-to-earth prices, from $.99 - $4.99. The energy, style and color of New York City shines through the wide range of shades, textures and innovative products. NYC always delivers the most on-trend products & shades hot off the runway!"

"A beauty-editor favorite is Liquid Lipshine ($2.49). It has pure pigments that created a 3-D gloss effect. Vitamin E provides shine and a moisturizing feel. The formula is non-sticky, super shiny & soft. Available in 10 on-trend shades from neutral nudes, to berries & fuchsias. Start shopping for NYC at these stores nearest you: Walmart, Target, Rite Aid, CVS, Family Dollar, Duane Reade, Kmart, HEB, and others. Visit newyorkcolor.com to check out all shades and fun products from New York Color!"

I have worn it for the past two days and I can say that I would love to get some more. The color is a bit sheer, which keeps it from being too nude for my highly pigmented lips. 

The applicator is flexible and can hold a decent amount of product.  It's also great for applying it right up against the lip line, making your lips look fuller. 

The description above says the formula is non-sticky.  I wouldn't say that though.  I felt it wasn't as sticky as most others.  I also found that the lipshine was heavy when applied to bare lips.  It definitely helped to put a lip balm on.

Check them out at www.newyorkcolor.com for more information and a peek at all the colors 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.

Influenster Holiday Voxbox

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

I was selected to receive their holiday 2011 box, which they call a Voxbox to review.  Here is what was inside.

1. imPress Press-On Manicure
2. Montagne Jeunesse Flavored Masque
3. Softsoap Coconut Scrub Bar
4. NYC New York Color Liquid Lip Shine
5. Mentos Pure Fresh Gum
6. Larabar Healthy Snack Bar
7. Garden Botanika Heart Fragrance Sample

In the next few days, I will be trying and reviewing these products.  From the looks of it, I will enjoy it all very much!

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.