Thursday, December 22, 2011

Garden Botanica Heart Fragrance

I also received a bonus product in my Influenster Holiday Voxbox! It was for Garden Botanica Heart Fragrance. Although this was a trial size/sample, I liked that it came in a pump/spray type bottle. Some samples don't and it's awkward to even try the perfume that way!
  • The perfume has a fresh, clean, floral scent, and dries to a more vanilla-y scent.
  • Although it was a light scent, I liked it because it wasn't overpowering like most perfumes can be.
  • It's affordable! Only $28 for 3.38 fl oz.
My only problem was that I've never seen it in stores, and I don't know where else I would buy it besides online.


My previous Influenster Reviews

Disclaimer: All products mentioned in this review were given to me by Influenster, but all opinions are mine.

Montagne Jeunesse

Also Included in my Holiday VoxBox from Influenster was a Montagne Jeunesse Fruit Smoothie face mask!
I got Fruit Smoothie in my Voxbox
Also included in the Holiday Voxbox from Influenster was a facial mask from Montagne Jeunesse. I had always seen this near the check out aisles of stores like Walmart, but never bought it. I was excited to see it in my Voxbox because I had never tried it, but always wanted to!
The instructions are to cleanse your face with warm water, apply on your face and neck with fingers, and to relax for 15 minutes (it should dry a bit at this point). Then, rinse off with warm water and pat dry!

Pros:
  • It came in a one time use packet, which made the portion perfect! It was also a thick cream texture which made it easy to apply to my face.
  • It smelled so good! Seriously, so good! It's made from a 'natural blend of raspberry, mango, apricot, peach and pomegranate'. It smells most like raspberry, though.
  • It left my face feel smooth, moisturized, and taut.
  • It gave me a reason to relax!
  • It's suitable for all skin types, (normal, dry, and oily)
Cons:
  • The packaging can be difficult to tear open after your hands are wet from cleansing your face. Make sure to open it before you begin.
Would I buy this again?
  • Definitely! I'm so happy to have gotten this in my Voxbox! I had seen it time and time after again, but never tried it. Now that I did, I love it! It's so readily and easily found that I'll be able to treat myself with an at home facial every week! These would also make excellent stocking stuffers!

My previous Influenster Reviews

Disclaimer: All products mentioned in this review were given to me by Influenster's VoxBox program, but all opinions are mine.

NYC New York Color

NYC's Liquid Lipshine in 'Nude York City'
Also included in my Influenster Voxbox was a tube of New York Color's Liquid Lipshine. I've always been familiar with NYC's products because they can be found almost anywhere, are fairly inexpensive, and have a great variety of products I love!
"Straight from the city that never sleeps, 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!"
Pros:

  • The color was a perfect neutral that gave your lips a special shine without being too over dramatic, but the shine made them look extra special.
  • The lip gloss wasn't sticky, like some others can be, and it smelled and tasted yummy but wasn't too overpowering.
  • The lip applicator (a stick) was easy to use.
  • I've said this before, but the shine was so nice! It made my lips glossy and shiny (not sparkly)
  • They have a vitamin e formula which makes your lips feel moisturized.
Cons:
  • Since it's a gloss, you do have to reapply quite often, but for the price, you can't beat it!
Would I buy it again?
  • I'm actually looking into buying the different colors of the Liquid Lipshine! They have a wide variety that are suitable for any occasion, and you can't beat the $2.49 price tag! In the winter months, I like applying a thin layer of chapstick before the lip gloss to ensure extra moisture and super shine!
I plan on also buying Rivington Rose, Prospect Pink, and Midtown Mulberry.

My previous Influenster Reviews

Disclaimer: All products mentioned in this review were given to me by Influenster, but all opinions are mine.

Softsoap Coconut Scrub

Two full sized bars were included in my Voxbox! 
Also included in my Influenster Voxbox was two bars of Softsoap Coconut Scrub! Since I love coconuts and I'm familiar with the Softsoap brand, before I even opened up the soap, I knew I would love the product! Not only did it smell good, but it was an exfoliating soap which is perfect for this time of the year! 
Pros:
  • THE SMELL. Coconut is one of my favorite flavors and scents. It smelled relaxing and made me feel like I was somewhere tropical.
  • I liked the fact that the bar wasn't completely smooth. It had exfoliants from coconut and made my entire skin feel soft and smooth.
  • The bar was also slightly tapered, which was good because it was easy to hold onto.
  • It also moisturized my skin which is great for this time of the year when my skin gets extra dry, but doesn't leave any of that weird residue you can get from some soaps.
Would I buy it again?
  • The day before I received my voxbox, I saw this at the grocery store and almost bought it. Now that I've tried it, I'll definitely buy it in the future, but I'd also like to try the different scents they have, like Juicy Pomegranate and Mango Infusions, and Sweet Honeysuckle and Orange Peel.


Disclaimer: All products mentioned in this review were given to me by Influenster, but all opinions are mine.

Mentos Chewing Gum - Product Review

Also included in my Influenster Voxbox was this Mentos Pure Fresh Chewing Gum.

Pros:
  • These were SUPER minty and were able to combat my stinky tuna breath quickly! They have green tea extracts which purify your mouth.
  • They lasted for a long time, which is surprising for gum!
  • They come in a plastic container, which makes them great for stashing in your purse without worrying about damaging the gum, or having the wrapper open up in your purse.
Cons:
  • In the beginning, they were EXTREMELY minty, a little too much for my liking. But they did mild down soon after.
Would I buy these again?
  • I'd like to try their different flavors, but this probably wouldn't be the first gum I would go for at the grocery store.

Disclaimer: All products mentioned in this review were given to me by Influenster, but all opinions are mine.

imPRESS Press-on Manicure

In my Holiday VoxBox from Influenster, I also received imPress Nails by Broadway Nails.

Influenster also sent me a coupon
for $1 off my next imPRESS nails purchase
in this Holiday VoxBox!

These were in the design 'Wink Wink'








I LOVED this design! It was cute, girly, and feminine, and would be a work suitable print.


Pros:
  • The packaging and bottle were so clever! The nails themselves came inside of a package that looked like a nail polish bottle!
  • imPRESS nails come in 18 solid colors, and 18 prints, so you're sure to find one that you'll like
  • Since the nails were press ons, the glue-y ness was already attached to the nail. All you had to do was clean your nail with the included prep pad, peel the film off and attach!
  • The nails come in a good length, they're not too short, but at the same time, they aren't super long and they don't get into your way.
  • The manicure only took me about 6 minutes to do, and had looked like I walked out of a salon and paid tons of money for them!
  • The manicure lasted me for an entire week with no chipping! It went through taking boots on and off, washing the dishes, showering, etc. I only took them off because I had nail growth at the cuticle.
Cons:
  • Some of the nails didn't fit quite right for me. I had to file them to fit the curve of my nail, which didn't make it that easy. But then again, I can't expect everything to fit right for everyone!
Would I purchase it again?
  • Definitely! These nails lasted me a long time, and for their price are much more affordable than a weekly manicure. Plus, they come in tons of cute designs that I'll be excited to try out! I have to say thank you to Influenster for introducing me to these nails!
  • These nails are available at CVS, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, KMart, Walgreens, Walmart and more, so it's easy to find them! The solids are $5.99 and the patterns are $7.99.

Disclaimer: All products mentioned in this review were given to me by Influenster, but all opinions are mine.

Larabar Product Review

My Holiday 2011 VoxBox from Influenster

This review is on the Larabar I got (which I ate right away, oops) from Influenster. I received the Cashew Cookie bar, which looks like this:

I thought the bar was delicious, and fulfilling! My absolute favorite part of it were the ingredients: Cashews, and Dates. THAT'S IT!! You can't get any more simple than that!  All of their bars are gluten free, and have only 2-9 ingredients per bar.
I've purchased these bars in the past in various flavors (19 of them), and what I like most about them is how simple they are, and how delicious they taste! I usually throw one of them into my purse for a mid-day snack.

Influenster also included a little booklet on Larabars, showing all of their flavors (you're sure to find one that you like!), a sticker, and a coupon for $1 on two on my next Larabar purchase.



Disclaimer: All products mentioned in this review were given to me by Influenster, but all opinions are mine.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Michael Kors Gold Perfume - Product Review

I've been looking for a new perfume and recently received this as a sample in the mail. It's a limited edition scent and is supposed to be the lighter version of Michael Kors' scene, Michael by Michael Kors.

1oz.............$48
1.7oz..........$75

Taken from Sephora's website:
Notes: Tuberose, Freesia, Magnolia, Violet, Peppery Peony, Ambergris. 
Style: Exquisite, Luxurious, Glamourous

Would I purchase it?
The notes (taken from Sephora's site) describe this scent to a T. It's a very nice winter scent, not too sweet, but has a long lasting fragrance. It smells very similar to Michael's original scent, but lighter. The gold flakes in the perfume were a nice touch! Although it is on the more expensive side, I would say it's completely worth it, and I will definitely be buying this in the future.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Chi Silk Infusion - Product Review

I recently purchased Chi Silk Infusion from Folica. The prices are as follows:
2oz...........$10
6oz...........$17
12oz.........$30

One of my friends recommended it to me, as I was looking for a new hair serum. I chose CHI because of my friend's recommendations, and because I've used CHI products (such as their hair straighteners/curlers/blow dryers) in the past. It's a yellow/gold liquid and comes in a push-top cap. (Be careful when pouring out not to get too much out. It is a bit runny, almost like an oil, and can come out of the cap quickly).

Pros:
  • This product makes my hair incredibly soft, and shiny! The silk proteins add shine to your hair without weighting it down.
  • You only need a tiny amount, so despite its high price, the bottle lasts a long time and is a good investment.


Cons:
  • I personally wasn't too fond of the smell (thought it was masculine smelling), although my friend was. It's a personal preference.
  • Be careful not to put too much into your hair!! I have medium-long hair, and 1/2 of a dime is enough! Make sure to only apply to your ends, and not your roots or scalp because it will make your scalp greasy.


Would I purchase it again?

  • DEFINITELY! This product transformed my hair and allows me to apply heat to it without having it look dry or dead. I use in with a heat protectant and it allows me to apply heat to my hair without having it look dry or dead or smell like burnt hair. It protects my hair, and makes it extremely shiny and smooth. I actually have two 6oz bottles of it at home!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Redken Nature's Rescue Radiant Sea Spray - Product Review



Redken Nature's Rescue Radiant Sea Spray
I recently had the opportunity to try this product out, and although it comes with a hefty price tag ($17 at Ulta) it's a product worth trying. After showering, allow hair to dry until it's damp and then spray and scrunch hair to get that beachy look.
Pros:
  • gives you beach wavy hair in minutes
  • helps to textures and thicken hair
  • has a clean, cotton/linen smell that is reactivated whenever hair is touched which is great even for quick touchups on those days when you don't wash your hair
Cons:
  • it sprays out in a stream as opposed to spraying out in a fine mist
  • cost is high for such little product (3.4 fl oz)
Would I purchase it again?
  • If I was able to find it for a less expensive price, I probably would! The clean, fresh scent that is reactivated throughout the day, and the 'look' that appears as if I've spent a day at the beach are two great pros for this product.