Friday, November 28, 2014

Influenster Vaseline VoxBox Product Review


I was chosen to receive the Vaseline VoxBox from Influenster.  I've using this Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair body lotion for about 2 weeks now.  It takes a while to soak into the skin after I apply it, which is one thing I'm not happy about.  The other thing I wasn't impressed with is that even though it says non-greasy lotion it does have a bit of a greasy feeling.  I'll apply this in the morning after my shower and hours later I feel almost sticky in the places I applied the lotion to.  That being said, it does work very well at keeping skin moisturized.  One of my problem areas are my elbows.  After using this lotion they're no longer dry or ashy looking.  Prior to receiving this product I was using the Vaseline Total Moisture body lotion.  I think I'll stick to the Total Moisture lotion because it sinks into the skin faster and doesn't leave me feeling greasy and sticky all day.  #Influenster #InfluensterApp

Update 12/1/2014: Husband touched my arm 10 hours(!!!) after applying this lotion and thought I was sweaty...definitely no longer using this.
*I received this product complimentary from www.influenster.com for testing purposes.*
I hope this was helpful.  Thanks for stopping by!

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Influenster "Spring Fling" Voxbox Product Review

As a part of Influenster.com, I was one of the members chosen to receive their "Spring Fling" Voxbox for testing and review.  All products were complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

My box included the following 6 items:
1. Kiss Everlasting French Nails
2. Nivea Skin Firming Hydration Lotion
3. Softlips Cube "Pomegranate Blueberry" Lip Balm
4. Playtex Sport "Fresh Balance" Tampons
5. Rimmel London Scandaleyes "Retro Glam" Mascara
6. "Labor Day" Movie "Peach Pie" Car Freshener

Review
Kiss Everlasting French Nails:

I did not like these.  On the box, it claims to have "Flex-Fit Technology" to ensure a perfect fit.  When I applied these nails, I held down the sides in an attempt to form them to fit my nails.  The sides did not stay down.  You can see in the photo the dark spots are where the glue is actually adhering the nails to my natural nails.  These only stayed on for 3 days before beginning to pop off.  There were also some air bubbles in the white section in some of the nails.  They're $6.49 for a box which, to me, is way too expensive for the quality that you get.  There are cheaper press on nails that look better and last longer.
 Nivea Skin Firming Hydration Lotion:

I used this lotion for about a week and a half before I ran out.  This is very hydrating and moisturizing.  I didn't notice any skin firming, but it claims that "you'll see firmer, more toned skin" in as little as 2 weeks.  I didn't use it for that long, so I don't know if that claim is true.  I do like it for moisturizing and hydrating my skin though.  It does that very well!  It doesn't have the most amazing scent, but it's not unpleasant.  It takes a few minutes to dry, so if you're in a hurry to get dressed you may not want to use this.  I don't think it's too long of a wait for it to dry though.  This 2.5 oz bottle retails for $2.49 and the 13.5 oz bottle goes for $10.99.
Softlips Cube Lip Balm:

I received this in the Pomegranate Blueberry scent which I really enjoy.  I believe these are supposed to be comparable to the EOS lip balms.  They have the same waxy consistency and come in a variety of scents.  I have 6 or 7 of the EOS ones, but since I've had this Softlips one I've been reaching for this over all of my EOS ones.  The Softlips Cube actually feels like it's doing something for your lips unlike the EOS ones that do nothing.  The Softlips Cube retails for $3.49 which is a similar price point to EOS.  One thing that I don't like (about the Softlips Cube and the EOS balms) is that the packaging is just bulky.  I know it's supposed to be unique and fun, but it's a bit annoying when you have a thin purse and these create a bulge.  In short, these are nice, but I think I'll just stick to lip balm/chapstick in a tube.
Playtex Sport Tampons:

I really cannot give a review of these yet.  I actually received this package from Influenster the evening of the last day of my period, so I haven't even opened the box yet.  These claim to neutralize odors and give "sport level protection".  During the summer is when I like to outdoor sports and activities, so we'll see how that works.  These retail for $3.99 to $4.99 per box, which is about average price.  *I'll come back to this post next month and add my review of these.*

*Update: Honestly, the applicator is maybe a little more narrow than others, but there's no other difference.*
Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara:

This mascara is just ok.  It claims to give a "thicker, fuller, wide-eyed look" but all it really did for me was lengthen my lashes.  These do not make my lashes look thicker or fuller.  However, it didn't clump up my lashes or get flaky throughout the day.  This mascara only retails for $5.99, so the price isn't unreasonable.  I probably won't purchase this mascara because I prefer ones that make my lashes look thick and full.  I'll probably only use this on days when I'm wearing false eyelashes and don't want to waste my good mascara.
"Labor Day" Car Freshener:

This was added to the voxbox to promote the movie Labor Day being released on Blu-ray and DVD.  This smelled terrible.  It looks like it would smell amazing like peaches, but it had an artificial butter, pre made pie crust scent.  I took it out to my truck, took it out of the wrapper, sniffed it, shoved it back in the wrapper, and threw it away as soon as I could.
That's all for now.  Like I wrote earlier, I'll come back next month and edit this to include my review of the Playtex Sport tampons.
Thanks for stopping by!
*Update:  I was fortunate enough to win 2 brand challenges from Influenster (Rimmel London and Kiss nails).  Here's what I got:

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

NYX The Curve Liquid Eyeliner Review

So, a while ago I was at Ulta looking for a new liquid eyeliner because mine was running low.  I saw this from NYX and decided to give it a try.  I liked the unique ergonomic shape, and I figured that there would be quite a bit of product considering its size and price ($14.99).

To be honest, it isn't all that comfortable to hold.  In fact, it's just bulky.  The felt tip is nice and helps give precise lines and edges.  The formula is okay.  Not bad, but nothing special.  After about a week and a half to two weeks after using it, I noticed that it just wasn't giving as much product as before and it seemed to have dried up.  One day I was about to use it, and accidentally pulled the tip completely off the rest of the package.  It was then that I realized why it seemed to dry up so quickly.






$15 and that is all the product that you get!  To say the least, I was very disappointed.  There are better quality eyeliners out there that are cheaper and have a lot more product.  If I had known ahead of time that that was all the product I would be getting, I would not have bought this at all.  It's just way too much money for so little product and so-so quality.  I'm not at all impressed and I will definitely not be repurchasing this.
 Have you tried it?  Did you like it?
Thanks for stopping by!  I hope this was helpful.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

BH Cosmetics Floral Blush Duos Swatches & Review

Just a few months ago, I heard some good reviews about an online makeup brand called BH Cosmetics (http://www.bhcosmetics.com/)  so I decided to give them a try.  My first purchase from their website was actually their Galaxy Chic palette (looooove) and a waterproof eyeliner.  The only thing I wasn't impressed with was the cost for shipping (the cheapest option was $7.95!), but they've recently added the option for $3.95 shipping.  I was very impressed with the products that I bought, so I took advantage of their Black Friday sale and purchased all 5 of their beautiful Floral Blush Duos.  The original price is $9.95 a piece, but they always have sales on their website.  I believe they are only $4.95 a piece right now.

Review:

The packaging is absolutely adorable.  They have a magnetic closure, decent size mirror, and they're not at all bulky.  The colors are feminine and soft and pretty pigmented.  Each one contains two shades of blush that can be combined or worn separately.  Some of these (like Lilac, Daisy, and Rose) I actually use one as a blush and one as a highlighter.  I have fair skin, and Tulip and Iris can be a bit dark on me, so I apply them very lightly.  Overall, I really like these blush duos.  They're something that I will definitely repurchase when I run out.


Swatches:

Lilac

Both colors in this palette have shimmer. 








Daisy

One shimmer and one matte.







Tulip

One matte and one shimmer.







Rose

Both colors are shimmers.







Iris

One matte and one shimmer.







If you are in the market for a new blush then I definitely recommend any of these.  I hope this was helpful.  Thanks for stopping by!