Sunday, May 4, 2014

Uni VoxBox

Class is in session.... Introducing the Uni VoxBox 2014 provided by Influenster



Products include:  Click on each for reviews.

-Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-On Manicure
-NYC Expert Last Lip Color
-Pilot Acroball PureWhite pen
-Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation
-Playtex Sport Fresh Balance tampons
-Red Rose Real Tea Premium Water Enhancer


After testing these products for a little over two weeks. My favorite products from the Uni VoxBox is the NYC Expert Last Lip Color in Forever Fuchsia; highly pigmented and moisturizing. The Pilot Acroball pen; doesnt bleed/smear dries instantly and grips comfortably. And the Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Foundation in Sand; didn't match my skin tone as an actual foundation but worked perfectly as a concealer/highlighter, light-weight and easy to blend.

The Broadway Nails press-on manicure that I received in this box wasn't my choice of style and will be given as a gift to my little cousin who loves girly stuff, which includes press-on nails and this will be perfect for her.

The Red Rose real tea water enhancer was lovely and refreshing on those sunny days. Not something I would drink everyday, as I prefer drinking water. But my sisters love adding a squeeze in there water bottles for on the go iced tea.

*Received complimentary from Influenster for review purposes.

Red Rose Real Tea Premium Water Enhancer

Finally – a water enhancer with no dyes or coloring that’s made from real brewed tea. Make boring water taste tea-rrific with REAL TEA from Red Rose!



Flavor: Blackcurrant Raspberry


Pros: -No dyes
-Made with real brewed tea
-Gluten free
-Control amount of sweetness and flavor
-Compact to take anywhere
-No need of waiting to mix/dissolve into water

Cons: None

Overall verdict: Lovely and refreshing drink for those sunny days. But not something I would drink everyday as I prefer to drink water.

*Received complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Pilot Acroball PureWhite Pen

Pilot Acroball PureWhite combines a glossy white barrel with Spring Pantone inspired grip colors and smooth writing advanced ink, which combines the vibrant color of gel with the thick drying benefits of ballon point ink, so writing is effortless.

$4.59 per 3-pack / $6.24 per 4-pack / $7.49 per 5-pack


Pros: -Easy hold and comfortable grip
-No bleeding or smearing
-Dries instantly
-Glides evenly onto paper
-Comes in lovely Spring Pantone shades for any mood

Cons: None

Overall verdict: Love this "fashionable pen"!

*Received complimentary from Influenster for reviewing purposes.

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation

Lightweight liquid mousse texture leaving skin shin less, yet feels weightless & cake less. 
Available in 8 shades $4.99-$5.49 ( price varies upon store).




Pros: -Lightweight
-Easy to apply and blend
-Medium to full coverage 

Cons: -Not shine free, shiny around t-zone after a few hours
-Shade is too light to use as foundation

Overall verdict: Amazing for highlighting and concealing under the eyes! 



*Received complimentary from Influenster for reviewing purposes.




Playtex® Sport® Fresh Balance™ tampons



Play without limits. The NEW Playtex® Sport® Fresh Balance™ tampons with Odor Shield technology. Designed to neutralize odors for ultimate freshness on and off the field. Combined with 360 degree design for Sport Level Protection.

$3.99 - $4.99






Pros: -Easy and comfortable contoured applicator
-Flexible fibers for comfortable fit
-Neutralizes odor

Cons: None

Overall verdict: These are so comfortable whenever I have dance practices or performances, during the time of the month. The applicator is contoured for easy and comfortable fit and the fibers absorb and flex to my every movement.


*Received complimentary from Influenster for review purposes.


Saturday, May 3, 2014

My favorite, classic go-to look







Products Used:
-Cover Girl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3in1 foundation in 860 Classic Tan
-Rimmel London Stay Matte liquid mousse foundation in 300 Sand
-Makeup For Ever Pro Finish powder foundation in 168 Golden Camel
-MAC bronzing powder in Refined Golden 
-MAC powder blush in Desert Rose
-Urban Decay eyeshadow primer potion
-NYC liquid liner in 887 Black
-MAC matte lipstick in Studded Kiss
-Ardell 120 Demi false lashes

Tools used:
-Beauty Blender
-e.l.f. powder brush
-DUO eyelash adhesive
-Eyelash curler

How I Got The Look:
Applied Cover Girl as my foundation and used the e.l.f. Powder brush to blend foundation into the skin. Then applied Rimmel London foundation under my eyes, forehead, and on my chin as concealer/highlighter. Then used a damped Beauty Blender and stippled to blend into the skin. Then set the face with Makeup Forever Powder with Beauty Blender.  Bronzed face with MAC bronzer and applied MAC blush with powder brush.
As for eyes I primed the lids with Urban Decay primer potion then applied NYC liquid liner and winged my liner. Then applied falsies and curled lashes. 
Lastly, applied MAC lipstick to finish off the look.

*Rimmel London foundation was received complimentary from Influenster.

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure

imPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails

 Is the revolutionary way to achieve a flawless manicure in seconds. Just peel off, press on, and you're done! NO glue needed! High-shine colors, trendy designs and glam glitter nails that last up to a week! 








*Received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster.



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*I did receive the patterned/design (photo above) set from Influenster, but will be giving as a gift. The design is just not my style. So the pictures below are a set I already own. Review will be based on this set.

$5.99 for colors/ $7.99 for patterns (prices may vary)
Can be purchased at Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, Rite-Aid, and Target




Shade: 240 Tweetheart



Pros: -Easy to apply
-High shine
-Easy to remove
-A large variety of colors and patterns

Cons: -Doesn't last long (2 days max)
-Not worth the price, considering it doesn't "last up to a week"

Overall verdict: These are ok. If you need a really quick manicure for a special occasion these are perfect as there is a lot of colors and patterns to choose from. But the adhesive on these aren't strong, so I don't recommend if you need a manicure expecting long lasting. 




Newest Edition To My Makeup Bag





NYC New York Color Expert Last Lip Color


Ready to take your lips to the next level? The NEW Expert Last Lip Color line has 20 shades. Each intense amplified color and shine lasts up to 6 hours! Moisturizing formula that glides on easily for a silky finish for all day wear.



Shade: 447 Forever Fuchsia  ($1.99)



Pros: -Smooth formula
-Moisturizing
-Intense pigmentation
-Stays on long, depending on the color it can stain the lips (5-6 hours)
-Inexpensive, $1.99
-Lipgloss isn't needed (slight sheen)

Cons: None




Overall verdict: Love this product! Very moisturizing, highly pigmented, easy application, and come on; only $1.99 (even cheaper if you have coupons). Doesn't hurt to try.


*Received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Kiss® everEZlashes







How to use: If needed, trim lash to fit your eyes then simply apply adhesive to the lash base and let set for 30 seconds, then use the applicator to apply lashes along natural lash line. Hold allowing adhesive to dry completely and then repeat onto second eye. Once completely dry, hold & squeeze lashes firmly between thumb and index finger and push in lashes. Do the same to the second eyelash. 

Where can I purchase this: Retails for $3.99 and are available at CVS, Walgreens and Walmart stores nationwide. For more information check out Kissusa.com

My Thoughts/Overall: These are lovely lashes and look natural. The only con I have about this kit was that it comes with "16hr Strip Eyelash Adhesive" and a applicator which I found they both didn't work for me. Even after letting the adhesive dry to get tacky its staying power ("16hr") once applied to the lash line didn't last. I had to reapply adhesive and once dried I could still see the glue even when I "tired" to cover it with black liquid eyeliner. I'd prefer to use my DUO as it is what I've been using for years. As for the applicator, it was very flimsy and I couldn't get a good grip of the lashes. So I opt to using my tweezers for a better control.

Overall, the lashes are great for everyday and any type of makeup look. They are very light weight, reusable and look natural. But I'd rather use a different lash adhesive (DUO) and apply with a tweezer for better precision.

*Received these items complimentary from Influenster for testing and review purposes.

Dr. Scholl's® For Her Ball of Foot




Happy Feet! With Dr. Scholl's Ball of Foot Cushions


Dr. Scholl's® For Her Ball of Foot Cushions are engineered to prevent ball of foot pain in any women’s shoe, so you don’t have to sacrifice fashion for comfort. Their unique gel provides cushioning and absorbs shock and slim design prevents feet from sliding forward and helps you avoid toe scrunch.

How to use: Peel off sticker and place cushions on top of your current designated (left and right) insole.

Where can I purchase this: Retails vary from $5.99-$7.99 and are available to purchase at drscholls.com  or drugstore.com and at Walmart and Walgreens.

My Thoughts/ Overall:  Super easy to apply and remove without damaging the shoes. Found that it prevented my feet from sliding forward and stayed in place all day. Also it feels like a massage with every step you take.
Overall, works wonderfully! My favorite pair of wedges are finally comfortable to wear throughout the day.
* Received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Q-tips® Precision Tips™


Perfected Lip Color using Q-Tips Precision Tips


Specially designed for makeup touch-ups and cleaning tight spaces, Q-tips® Precision Tips™ cotton swabs are a must have at home!
  • Made with pointed tips at both ends, Q-tips® Precision Tips™ cotton swabs are ideal for touching up eye liner, precisely applying concealer and perfecting manicures like a pro.
  • 100 percent pure cotton.
  • Sleeve & Tray packaging keeps cotton swabs protected from the environment and gives you a clean swab every time.
  • Q-tips® cotton swabs are biodegradable when composted and packaging is recyclable.

How to use this/tips:

  • The Ultimate Smokey Eye Look 
To achieve a quick smokey eye, draw a thick line close to your lash line using your eyeliner and smudge upwards with a Q-tips® Precision Tips™ cotton swab to create a “smokey” effect.
  • Dab Three Dots to Hide Under Eye Circles 
Hide under eye circles by using a Q-tips® Precision Tips™ cotton swab to dab on three dots of concealer. Use the other end to blend for a seamless finish.
  • Apply Fake Lashes 
Use Q-tips® Precision Tips™ cotton swabs to help apply fake lashes! Start by applying a dab of lash adhesive to the tip. Keep the tip close to the lash line and use it to guide the application of the faux lash strip.
  • Mask a Blemish 
To quickly hide a blemish, simply moisten one end of your Q-tips® Precision Tips™ cotton swab with an astringent that contains salicylic acid and lightly dab onto the blemish.  Use the other end as a makeup applicator to apply an oil-free concealer to mask the blemish.
  • Remove Puffiness and Soothe Skin 
Help remove puffiness under the eyes with Q-tips® Precision Tips™ cotton swabs. Place a small bag of Q-tips ® Precision Tips™ cotton swabs in the freezer that have been dampened with water.  Once chilled, roll under the eyes to alleviate any puffiness and soothe swollen skin.
  • Precision Powdering
Rather than applying powder on the entire face, use your Q-tips® Precision Tips™ cotton swabs to dab loose powder only where you need it – for example, the center of the forehead, the sides of the nose and the chin.
  • Keep Your Perfect Pout in Place 
Keep lip color from bleeding by using Q-tips® Precision Tips™ cotton swabs to apply loose translucent powder along the outer edge of the lips.
  • The At-Home Manicure
Give yourself an at-home manicure and pedicure with Q-tips® cotton swabs or Q-tips® Precision Tips™ cotton swabs by lightly moistening the end with nail polish remover to instantly erase nail polish from your cuticles.

Where can I purchase this: Retail varies $2.59-$3.35 and are available on Q-Tips.com or at Walmart and Walgreens.

My Thoughts/Overall: The pointed tips at both ends make it perfect for touching or cleaning up eyeliner, eye makeup and lipstick. Precisely applying concealer or perfecting nail designs. The usage is endless.

Overall, a very multi-purpose product. I've used these for beauty and nail fixes/clean ups and designing. Great for my everyday makeup application and clean-up use as well as for my freelance makeup kit. Love that it's stored in a small convenient box that I can take everywhere with me.

*Received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster.

Something Blue VoxBox


VoxBox contained (click product link for review):


Luster NOW! Instant Whitening Toothpaste



When you don’t have time for a full whitening regiment, quickly give your mouth the optical illusion of whiter teeth with Luster NOW! Instant Whitening Toothpaste. After just one brushing, the proprietary Bluverite® formula gives the appearance of a whiter, brighter smile, with results that last for hours. Designed by dentists, NOW! Toothpaste is gentle on teeth, safe for dental restorations and won’t cause tooth sensitivity. With daily use it will even help remove surface stains. And, as the only oral care product awarded Allure Magazine’s Beauty Breakthrough Award, you know that top beauty editors have given it a major seal of approval.

**This product is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

How to use: Brush teeth throughly, preferably after each meal or at least 2 times a day. If there is excess blue color/paste on your gums, rinse with water for a few more seconds.

Where can I purchase this: Retails for $7.99 on Luster Premium White.com and available at Walgreens.

My Thoughts/Overall: After only 3 days of using this toothpaste I noticed a difference in how whiter and long lasting my teeth stays white. That's pretty amazing!! It lathers very well which is what I look for in a toothpaste for a clean feeling. Plus a little squeeze is all you need, so you use less product. The flavor (Happy Mint) and formula isn't over-powering and acidic which I find in other toothpastes it inflames/irritates my gums.  

Overall, an amazing toothpaste if your looking for one that whitens teeth instantly, whitening staying power for hours, lathers very well for a clean feeling and great if you have sensitive gums.

* Received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Kiss Ever PRO Lash Starter Kit


Kiss Ever PRO Lash Starter Kit

Ever tried applying eyelashes but became frustrated when they didn’t position correctly? Only to remove them and start over? Kiss Ever PRO Lash Starter Kit provides everything you need for amazing lashes instantly! Each kit includes 1 pair of Eyelashes, 1 3g Adhesive and 1 PRO Lash Applicator. The new PRO Lash Applicator allows for a flawless application every time! Kiss lashes come in a variety of styles that are perfect for everything from day wear to a formal evening event. 

How to use: 
Simply apply glue to the lash band and let set for 30-60 seconds for adhesive to become slightly clear and tacky. Using the PRO Lash Applicator, apply lashes along the natural lash line. Hold, allowing adhesive to dry completely. Do the same to the second eyelash. Both lashes have a perfect fit!

Where can I purchase this:
Kiss Ever PRO Lash Starter Kit retails for $4.99 and are available at Walgreens stores nationwide. For more information and how-to videos, visit everezlashes.com

My Thoughts/Overall:
Love this starter kit. I'm actually more in love with the glue and the lash applicator than the lashes. I've been using the back of my tweezer or a cotton swab to apply the lash glue onto the lash band. Now that this glue has an applicator it makes applying glue easier. The glue gets tacky within seconds and dries on clear.
Love the lash applicator. The way the applicator is made, shaped just like an eyelash makes gripping and applying the lash easier.
The lashes are gorgeous and can be worn for day or night. They are so full, whispy and absolutely beautiful. I did however have to trim them to fit.

This kit is perfect for anyone, beginner or PRO. Kit includes everything to have beautiful lashes and makes applying lashes with ease. And for it's price, total bargain!


Overall, great kit and beautiful lashes. They lasted all day with no re-applying glue and I've gotten many compliments. Wish these were my real lashes. 


**Received this product complimentary to test and review through Influenster’s VoxBox program. This is MY HONEST OPINION.      

Friday, November 16, 2012

Not Your Mother's Smooth Moves Frizz Control Hair Cream


Not Your Mother's Smooth Moves Frizz Control Hair Cream

Got Frizz? Straighten up and tame that mane... or whatever you call it. SMOOTH MOVES™ is your call to fighting out of control hair and will help reduce your styling time. Infused with natural coconut & silk extracts this salon formula will keep you thinking straight all day.


Product Facts
- De-frizzes and straightens hair
- All day performance
- Adds shine
- Coconut and silk extracts add shine and strength to hair

Styling Tips and Effects
Apply to damp hair, distribute evenly with a comb and then blow-dry to reveal straight, frizz-free hair. 


Where can I purchase this:
Can be purchased at CVS, Walmart, and ULTA for $6.
For more information on NYM products go to NotYourMother's.com 

My Thoughts/Overall: 
I have thick, long, layered hair and this hair cream makes my hair super soft and feels very light weigh, which my hair tends to feel weighed down. I apply a small amount onto the palm of my hand ( a little goes a long way), work it into my hair, then comb through (a great detangler too) and then I either blow dry or air dry my hair. After applying the hair cream my hair stays controled; frizz-free, shiny and smooth straight. It also smells divine; very tropical. Who wouldn't want there hair smelling like coconuts and the tropics... 


**Received this product complimentary to test and review through Influenster’s VoxBox program. This is MY HONEST OPINION.    

Monday, November 12, 2012

Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin


Steps:
1. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck

2. Twist your hair into a tight bun and tuck in the ends
3. Spin one pin in from the top and the other from the base, taking care not to interlock pins.


Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin

 The Spin Pin does the work of 20 bobby pins! Easily achieve chic updo styles; simply twirl your hair up and spin the Spin Pins in for a perfect top knot, undone bun and side bun!
 

Where can I purchase this:
Can be found at Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreen’s for $7.29
More information about Goody products can be found at Goody.com 

My Thoughts/Overall: 
 I have long, thick, layered hair and I always find myself never knowing what to do with my hair. I usually style it into a bun or pony tail because it's simple and easy.
The spin pin idea is genius. It makes pinning my hair into a bun super easy. I literally just twist the pins into my bun and it secures with ease. No need for a hair brush, hairspray or bobby bins. How awesome is that! 
However, I do recommend using these when you have dirty or textured hair. I find that if you have clean hair it doesn't hold up well without some kind styling product.
Overall, a really great product for simple up-dos and not bad of a price considering the usage of this being used almost everyday. It looks to be made of good quality and I find it doesn't damage my hair after using it a full day and overnight.

 **Received this product complimentary to test and review through Influenster’s VoxBox program. This is MY HONEST OPINION.   

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Bath & Body Works Fall Mini Candle

Bath & Body Works Fall Mini Candle- Pumpkin Cupcake

Mini but Mighty! Our Mini Candles provide an amazing fragrance experience exclusively developed and tested by our team of Home Fragrance experts, including the world's best master perfumers. In an elegant glass container, these are the perfect size for trialing all our fall home fragrances! Mini Candles burn approximately 15 hours.

Where can I purchase this:

My Thoughts/Overall:
I love Slatkin & Co. candles, by far the best. I got Pumpkin Cupcake: a spiced pumpkin cupcake with rich buttercream and frosted ginger. It's the perfect scent for fall, it smells so delish; its like your at a bakery/coffee shop drinking a spiced pumpkin latte with a freshly baked pumpkin cupcake with buttercream frosting... YUMMY!
The minis are so adorable and don't take up much space. Despite there mini size they pack a punch with such a aromatic fragrance that can fill up any room for hours. Very affordable and even better when they have special deals like; 2 for $5.


 **Received this product complimentary to test and review through Influenster’s VoxBox program. This is MY HONEST OPINION.  

NYC IndividualEyes Custom Compact Review

NYC IndividualEyes Custom Compact

NYC New York Color's all-in-one compact gives you everything you need for a complete eye look: primer, illuminator, applicator and complementing shadows. With four vibrant colors designed for your eye color, you can create a look as individual as you are! 

Where can I purchase this: 
Can be purchased at newyorkcolor.com for $4.99

My thoughts/overall:
Pretty impressed in the quality and pigmentation of the eye shadows in the 938 Urban Square for Brown Eyes compact. I've found the lightest and darkest shade in the compact to be the most pigmented and easy to apply. Where I've found the other two shades required more application for it to show on my skintone.
The packaging is very simple and compact. Perfect for throwing into my makeup bag or purse. I like that this compact has everything you'll need for your eyes besides eyeliner. Although, the only thing that is missing in this compact is a mirror.
You get four amazing eye shadows (highlighter, all over lid color and 2 crease/contour shades), a primer/base and a illuminator which works great as a base as well. I find that the eye shadows are much more vibrant on top of the primer/base.
Overall, the eye shadows are very pretty, smudge-proof (with or without primer/base), glides on easily, no fall outs, blendable and works well with my brown eyes. Everything is in one compact, which is great for creating a day or night look.

**Received this product complimentary to test and review through Influenster’s VoxBox program. This is MY HONEST OPINION.  

Beauty Bloggers VoxBox 2012

It's VOXBOX time!! This time this VoxBox is dedicated to Beauty Bloggers, how fun! I'm always up for trying new beauty products. Let's take a look and see what we got.


Beauty Blogger VoxBox 2012 contained:
  • NYC IndividualEyes Custom Compact
  • Kiss Ever Pro Lashes Starter Kit
  • Bath & Body Works Mini Candle
  • EBOOST
  • Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin
  • Not Your Mother's- Smooth Moves Frizz Control Hair Cream 

**Received this product complimentary to test and review through Influenster’s VoxBox program. I'm not getting paid to do this review. This is MY HONEST OPINION.

Friday, June 22, 2012

SOYJOY Review

SOYJOY

What is SOYJOY:
All natural and gluten free
Made with real fruit and ground whole soybeans
130 - 140 calories, 2 - 4 grams of fiber, and 4 grams of protein
Completely free of trans fats, hydrogenated oils, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and chemical additives
Made with non-GMO soybeans

Available in 7 great flavors: Apple Walnut, Banana, Berry, Blueberry, Mango Coconut, Pineapple, and Strawberry

Where can I purchase this:
Online at our e-store on our website, Amazon, Drugstore.com
Major stores that currently carry an assortment of SOYJOY bars are A&P, Albertsons, BiLo, Duane Reade, Giant Eagle, Giant Landover, Hannaford, HyVee, Kmart, Kroger, Sprout's, Publix, Safeway, Stop n Shop, SuperValu, ShopRite, Winn Dixie


Suggested retail price is $0.99 - $1.29

My Thoughts/Overall::
DELICIOUS! Smells just like Blueberry Muffins or Pancakes, which I love! Great for a quick snack. It's inexpensive, healthy and yummy all in one. Texture reminds me a lot like a Fig Newton bar, soft but not chewy or crumbly/falls apart. I do recommend drinking water or hydrate after as it is a bit dry. I find that it really absorbs when I take a bite. Love the bits of blueberries and cranberries in each bite i take, very satisfying. I'd definitely buy more and try out the other flavors. Ingredients are not only healthy/all natural but simple.
 **Received this product complimentary to test through Influenster’s VoxBox program. I'm not getting paid to do this review. This is MY HONEST OPINION.