I received my Influenster Sunkissed Voxbox!

I received my Influenster Sunkissed Voxbox!

I received an e-mail to complete a survey to see if I qualified for the box a couple months ago and a few weeks later received an e-mail advising that I was chosen to receive the Sunkissed Voxbox from Influenster!  I was pumped because I haven’t received a Voxbox in a while.  I had seen voxbox unboxings on Instagram and on blogs but those were for other voxboxes not the Sunkissed.

Low and behold the mail man was REALLY nice to me the other day because not only did he deliver my voxbox, but he also delivered a number of items I ordered from Target (sadly, they’re not for me, BUT they are for my niece).

Here’s what I received in my Sunkissed Voxbox:

-          Dr. Scholl’s For Her High Heel Insoles

-          SinfulShine with Gel Tech in My Kryptonite

-          Olay Fresh Effects {BB Cream} Skin Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15 in light/medium

-          Goody Ouchless Ribbon Elastics

REVIEW: Goody Spin Pins

I have seen the Goody Spin Pins at stores like Target and had never raised an eyebrow to them.  They always seemed like daunting little devices and I wasn’t positive that two little “cork screw” looking devices would work as a piece to hold my hair in – let alone get INTO my hair.  I never read the back of the box to see how they are used; I just assumed they’d be as torturous as bobby pins typically are in my hair.  Note: My hair is silky and thin-medium (depending on the day) so bobby pins and even hair ties tend to slide out of my hair, stab me in the skull, etc., etc.  With all that background “danger signs” when I received these in my Influenster Beauty Blogger Voxbox I was hesitant to use them.  In fact they are one of the last products for me to try out.  After using them – I really wonder what took me so long!

PACKAGING & PRICE:

The product comes packaged in a pink and green box with a clear plastic casing to showcase the product inside.  The pins are tied down to the inner cardboard to keep it from moving around in the box.  The products range in price dependent upon where you purchase, but for the most part it’s between the $5.79-6.29.  The lower price being Walmart (Target is 10 cents more) and the higher price being a pharmacy (Walgreens).

PRODUCT:

The pins themselves are harder metal pieces.  The edges are rounded so you don’t have to worry about gouging your skull. The design is sleek enough to spin into your hair, sturdy enough to hold and maneuver and textured in a way that’s not slippery against your fingertips.  They’re pretty sturdy pieces as well – they don’t blend by holding, etc.  The pins come in two shades – a light and a dark.  The light obviously for lighter hair colors (blond and dirty blondes) and dark for brunettes or folks with black hair.

PURCHASING:

These are available for purchase at almost all major retailers that sell Goody hair products.  Target, Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens while they are also available on websites such as Amazon and drugstore.com.  As mentioned above pricing varies based on the retailer but for the most part they fall between the $5.79-6.29 ranges (the prices can be slightly higher if purchased online).

OVERALL:

I would HIGHLY recommend these to anyone who is looking to simplify their hairdo.  This literally took me 10 seconds to do and it holds my hair pretty well.  I tend to touch my hair ALL DAY LONG (it’s a bad habit) especially since I have my hair in layers (which are growing out) I have different lengths to my hair, so the shorter lengths always tend to hang and/or do what they want.  The pins do a great job at keeping my hair back, in place and pretty cute and precise without the need or use of a hair tie, etc.  The pins spin in and out of the hair with ease, not pulling or tugging.  I was quite surprised at how easy they spun in and how pain free it was.

RATING:

A

NYC Individual Eyes - Dark Shadows (Swatches & Mini-Review)

I received this NYC (New York Color) Individual Eyes in the shade Dark Shadows from Influenster in part of their Beauty Blogger Voxbox.

These complete palettes come with a cream primer and illuminator as well as four complimentary shadows.  To help the user create the “perfect” eye look there is a diagram on the back of the palette explaining where to put each shadow, while the plastic insert over the shadows advise as to where they go as well.  It’s a perfect all-in-one palette for a beginner or even someone who’s either on a budget or wants a palette that has everything together for easy travel.

This particular Dark Shadows palette has the following shades available: white, silver, gunmetal grey and black.  There’s also a cream illuminator (white) and a primer base (nude).  The shadows have a bit of glittery shimmer to them, but it’s no where near overwhelming or even moderately overwhelming.   I would say the color pay off is pretty stellar for a product that retails for $4.99.  I own the palette which is geared toward brown eyes (it has a cranberry/plum shade in it – gorgeous!) and I’ve used that many-a-time when I don’t want to have to go through what I have and want something that’s almost “fool proof”.

I would say the Dark Shadows palette isn’t for everyone.  Some just don’t look great with silvers, while others aren’t comfortable with such “bold” eye looks (particularly if you’re more of a neutral kinda gal).  Overall, I would say if you’re in the market for an all-in-one palette check out what NYC has to offer – they offer some pretty standup products for the price.

REVIEW: Not Your Mother's Smooth Moves

In my Influenster Beauty Blogger Voxbox I received a sample size of the Not Your Mother’s Smooth Moves frizz control hair cream.  I admit I was pretty pumped to get this in my box because I absolutely LOVE Not Your Mother’s hair products.  This goes without saying that I fell in love with this product.  It works quite well, smells amazing and is affordably priced (especially if you hit a pharmacy during a BOGO sale).

PACKAGING & PRICE:

The full-size container contains 4 fl. oz. of product and comes in a squeeze tube (similar to the one pictured – just larger).  The product retails for $6.00 but this price will undoubtedly be lower at a Walmart location – I believe their Not Your Mother’s products retail for right under $5.  Pharmacies (CVS in particular) frequently put Not Your Mother’s products on sale – typically with a buy one get one free sale, so you’d be able to get two bottles for the price of one.

PRODUCT:

First of all, I will discuss the smell – this has a delicious coconut scent.  I am a complete coconut LOVER so the scent is completely up my alley.  Since you are using such a small amount of product in your hands, the coconut smell isn’t there all day – at least not to me.  Since my hair isn’t long enough to sniff on my own, I asked my boyfriend to smell my hair and he said it smells good but there’s no key scent to it.  So in my opinion the coconut smell dissipates.  The product itself is a cloudy clear liquid.  It’s middle of the road in thickness and when you rub it over your hands it’s got a little sticky texture to it on your skin. A little does go a long way, so a bottle should last you a while.

PURCHASING:

Smooth Moves is available at all major retailers – CVS, Walmart, Drugstore.com, Ulta, and Amazon.  Prices of course, vary by location.  I have not seen this brand at my local Walgreen’s OR Rite Aid – but perhaps those are just my local stores?

OVERALL:

I would strongly recommend this product to any and all hair types.  My hair is straight (it can get wavy if I pull it back in a bun when wet and let it air dry in a bun – as seen in the picture) and I’m always dealing with flyaways.  This keeps my hair in control and completely smooth all day long.  I have healthy hair as it is (meaning I don’t dye it, don’t blow dry it, etc.) and the feel of my hair with this product in it, just makes it silky and gorgeous.  The scent, the price and the payoff are completely worth it in my opinion.

RATING:

A+

Review: Bath & Body Works - Mahogany Teakwood Candle

As part of the Influenster Beauty Blogger Voxbox, I received a mini Bath & Body Works candle in the scent Mahogany Teakwood.  I wasn't aware I was going to be getting this beforehand, nor was I aware of what scent I would be getting in my box as scents are put in at random.  To say I was very excited, is an understatement.  I can say this is one of the most raved about Bath & Body Works candle scents because many people say it smells like Abercrombie.  Honestly, I don't shop at Abercrombie and I can't think of the last time I walked past the store -- but I can say this: this candle smells AMAZING!

I love Bath & Body Works candles, some of their scents are amazing and this is one of them.  I loved it so much I actually went out and purchased the full-size candle, which is now safely stored away in my closet for future use.  The one thing I like about B&BW candles is they offer these mini size candles -- so you can test out a few of them to see if you can handle the scent.  These are great for smaller rooms -- bathrooms, foyers, etc.  I don't feel the mini's are strong enough to be the major scent in say a bedroom, etc.  If you had 2-3 of the minis in one room going at once, you'd be able to get an equal spread of the scent throughout the surface area.

Now as for the scent of this candle?  It smells manly - like cologne, but not over powering.  If this was a cologne, I'd probably buy it and spray it on my boyfriend ;).  According to Bath & Body Works the scent is described as follows: "Revel in the cozy fine woods fragrances of mahogany, cedarwood and oak, highlighted by delicate lavender and geranium notes."

The only tip I have is, if you're into candles -- make sure you trim the wicks.  The taller the wick, the more likely they are to smoke, soot the glass, etc.  Overall, I give these a thumbs up.

Disclaimer: I received this product free for reviewing purposes but that in no way alters my opinions or thoughts as these are my own.

Shannon’s Influenster Beauty Blogger VoxBox Unboxing!

I was invited to see if I’d qualify for the Influenster Beauty Blogger VoxBox.  After submitting the requested information, I was emailed about a week later letting me know that I was selected and that my box was in the mail.  I received it almost a week later and was excited to see what products I got to sample.

If you’re not familiar with Influenster is (www.influenster.com) it is a website which provides samples of products to participating and eligible individuals.  You qualify for badges by submitting reviews, etc., on products and based on your information, your activity, your score and your information you are selected to participate in particular boxes.

Here’s what I received in my voxbox:

-          Kiss Ever Pro Lashes – Starter Kit

-          Goody – Spin Pins

-          N.Y.C Individual Eyes eye shadow palette – Dark Shadows

-          Not Your Mother’s – Smooth Moves

-          E-Boost – Dietary Supplement – orange flavor

-          Bath & Body Works Mini Candle – Mahogany Teakwood

-          Coupon: $10 off a full-size 3-wick candle

I’m looking forward to trying out all the goodies I received and sharing my experience with you as I try them!

DISCLAIMER: I received these products from Influenster for reviewing purposes.  I am not affiliated with these brands.

I received my Influenster Summer Beauty VoxBox!

Well, I received it two weeks ago and am just now getting around to posting about it. I received an e-mail from Influenster alerting me that I was picked to receive the Summer Voxbox and I was thrilled. The last one I received was back in the winter-time and I had not been invited to another campaign since until this one. I was looking forward to seeing what was in the box especially after getting my e-mail which just gave a generic hint as to what the products in the box would consist of. I will say the feminine hygiene one raised a brow because that’s a whole new topic! The goodies I received in my box are as follows:

- Hawaiian Tropicc Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30 $8.99 for a 6 oz bottle
- Tampax and Always Radian Collection Prices vary per location
- Quaker Soft Baked Bar in Banana Nut Bread $3.29 per package
- Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color $9.99 value
- Sally Hansen Nails and Cuticles Hand Crème $5.99 for a full-size bottle
- Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy (Shampoo & Conditioner) $4.99-5.99 for a 12.7 & 12.9 oz bottle

Quaker – Banana Nut Bread Soft Baked Bars

I received this Quaker Banana Nut Bread soft baked bar in my Influenster Voxbox as a complimentary gift for reviewing purposes and I must say this is amazingly delicious!  I LOVE banana bread, especially with walnuts and this is a healthier alternative to it.  It doesn’t have the consistency of banana bread, but it gives you the illusion of having a yummy homemade banana bread with far less calories and guilt.  I will say I did warm mine up in the microwave per package instructions for 10 seconds and it was fabulous.  As soon as I opened the microwave door (at work mind you) all you could smell was banana.  Ahhhh, I’m a SUCKER for fragrant banana smells in food.  The almonds are on the top of the bar so they are nice and crunchy.  It’s rather filling and satisfying for a snack, it’s not overly sweet – which I appreciated, and it’s just a yummy snack.  I’m definitely going to be picking up a box or two of these next time I am at the market picking up some items to stock away in the cabinet.

Now in case you are wondering, here are the stats:

Made with real bananas and almonds, Quaker Soft Baked Bars Banana Nut Bread flavor has tasty ingredients and key nutrients to help provide fuel to start your day.

-5g Fiber*
-20% daily value of 5 B Vitamins
-6g of Protein
*Contains 3.5g of total fat per serving

FREEBIES: Kiss Nail Dress & Nail Artists

 

 

I received these two Kiss nail design products as part of Influensters reward for completing the Kiss Nail Dress campaign as part of their Love Voxbox campaign.  I wasn’t expecting anything until I got a package in the mail, opened it up and was like “Ohhh!”  I know I did not have the greatest experience with the particular nail dress that I received in my Voxbox, but I will admit this design is super adorable.  I would most likely be using this as an accent nail instead of a complete manicure.   I also received a package of Kiss Nail Artists, which are little rhinestone shaped designs to place on my nail over polish to add some pizzazz to what could be a plain manicure.  I have never tried anything like this, so I’m looking forward to giving them a try.

The two products I received are:

Kiss Nail Dress - #28 Jeweled Strips

Kiss Nail Artist – Metallic Accents #NS32