Influenster Viva la VoxBox Product Review

I was selected by Influenster to review the following products in the Viva la VoxBox.  I was supposed to do a YouTube video, but since I recently had neck surgery I was unable to film.

This VoxBox had lots of fun goodies. I really liked some of the products. First up is the Cetaphil Cleansing Cloths. I really liked that the cloths were gentle and didn't burn, sting or irritate my skin. The cloths removed my makeup, cleaned my face and left my skin feeling clean and refreshed. It didn't leave an oily feel or make my skin feel tight. I really liked that.

In my opinion, the cloths were rather large and could have been cut in half. Other than that, they did their job effectively. 

A 25-count package retails for about $7.49.

My box also included the new Vaseline Spray & Go in the scent Cocoa Radiant. I loved the smell of the spray. It is perfect for summer and reminds me of the beach. The spray is very moisturizing without feeling heavy and oily. It does dry quite quickly.

My daughter uses this spray as a daily moisturizer under her make up every day. It absorbs very fast. 

I will certainly be purchasing this product on a regular basis.

A 6.5 ounce bottle retails for $5.94 at Wal-Mart.

Montagne Juenesse sent a Creamy Coconut face mask. I absolutely loved the smell of the face mask. It applied easily and I could have probably gotten two uses from one package. The Creamy Coconut mask is suitable for all skin types and is supposed to moisturize and hydrate the skin.

I did apply it before a shower and I feel that my face seemed hydrated and softer. I believe that it did exactly what it was supposed to.

I loved the easy application, the smell and the feel of my skin after using it.

The best part is the price. A one time use packet retails for about $1.49 at Wal-Mart. 

I also received an NYC City Proof Twistable Intense Lip Color. This one was a bit difficult for me because the color that was sent was red...very, very red. I am a strong believer that red, like blond hair, is very specific to each person. Not everyone can wear any shade of red, just like not everyone will look great in one shade of blond. I think it takes a lot of trial and error or a visit to a really good make-up artists to help you find the right shade of red. 

So...with that said..I did try the lip color. It was too red for me but I did like the way it applied. It did last through out the day with out having to reapply and the bonus...IT DID NOT BLEED!!

Had the lip color been a neutral, or even softer shade of red, I would have worn it on a daily basis.

I will be looking for a shade that is suitable for me for when I go back to work. The product is well worth the price.

A full size lip color retails for $2.99. 

The Shell Fuel Reward Card was a new concept to me. Honestly, I am still learning about it but I will give you the overview of what I understand it to be. First you sign up for a Shell Fuel Reward Card by requesting one online or picking one up at your local Shell station. Then you link a major credit card to you Shell card and start earning points and rewards with you everyday purchases. You can earn up to $0.25 per gallon of gas that you put in and also earn rewards on when you dine at restaurants, shop at certain stores, buy groceries and make purchases in convenience stores.

Once you have enough rewards earned, you can actually pay for fuel with the earned rewards on your Shell Fuel Reward Card. This is ideal for my family since my husband drives alot for work. And I think anything you can do to earn points/rewards by purchasing things you normally always purchase is a great idea!

The cost of the reward card...FREE!!

And my personal favorite was the Pure Ice Nail Polish. I received the two colors shown below. 

I've often seen these polishes but have been reluctant to purchase them because of their cheap price. I am happy to say I am very pleased with them after trying them out.

They apply easy and do not bubble. The colors are nicely pigmented and do not require multiple coats. The only downside is that they did chip after 2-3 days and that was with a base and top coat.

I have purchased a few additional colors for spring.

These polishes are only available at Wal-Mart and retail for $1.97. 

Overall, I  was pleased with all the of products I received. There are several products that will become staples in my household. I am still trying to figure everything about the Shell Reward Card. 

**I was not paid to write this review. I was given the products free of charge by Influenster and all opinions are my own.**

Birchbox April 2014 Review

My April 2014 Birchbox was really good. I'm glad that it was because I have been on the fence about whether to keep it or not. The past few months have been just ok...and that's giving it alot more credit than it deserves.

So I told myself I would give them one more month and if Aprils box was full of lotion sample packets I was cancelling. 

Thank you BirchBox for giving me something I can actually use!!

I was very excited to try the Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel. This was my first time trying an Anastasia Brow product (though I've always wanted to) and I really, really like it.

It is clear and went on great. It doesn't have any scent at all and the best part was that it lasted all day.

That's saying alot for a product that held up to Texas' 100 degree day!

Will I purchase a full size? You betcha!

I'm always excited to try leave in conditioners. My hair can get really dried out in the Texas humidity, so when I see a sample of leave in conditioner in my BirchBox, I may just squeal a little.

This sample of Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle got my heart pumping.

.....THEN.....

the spray was broken and I wasn't able to use it.

That was really disappointing because:

A.) I love the rubberized bottle presentation

B.)It smells great

C.) It was a decent sample size

So, I emptied some on my hand and ran it through the ends of my hair. My hair was not at all tangle-y, which is HUGE for me, especially now, since I have to have my hair up in a bun all the time because of the neck braces. 

My hair feels soft, it's not heavy and weighed down AND when I brush my hair I get a slight whiff of that soft, sweet smell.

LOVE THIS!

Will I purchase a full size? It's very likely. 

I have had a few Supergoop samples previously and they've been fine. It is a more expensive item and honestly, if I'm going to spend that amount of money on a face cream, I'm going to need a sample that is a bit larger than just for a two-time use.

However, I did use it and it seemed just fine. I honestly didn't notice any earth shattering differences between this and other sunscreens other than the smell. Supergoop doesn't have that "sunscreen" smell. It doesn't burn when it goes on and it never feels heavy. You could honestly apply it right before putting on your foundation and it would be just fine. It's not greasy at all.
This Supergoop Daily Correct CC Cream did have a slight tint to it that would work for a wide array of skin tones. I liked that. In fact, I didn't have to add anything other than mascara and lip gloss to walk out the door. So I did like it much better than my other Supergoop super-mini samples.

Will I purchase a full size? Probably not. I need a larger sample to use at least for a week to see if it's worth the money.

I always like when I receive nail polish samples in my monthly subscriptions because:

A.) It's usually a color I wouldn't think of trying

B.) It introduces me to brands other than Essie and OPI

C.)The colors are right on season

D.) I usually fall in love

This month I received Color Club Gala's Gem Collection in the color Breakfast At....

This soft emerald pearl that is JUST PERFECT for spring. I put it on immediately and like other Color Club polishes I used, it applied great. There was no bubbling or streaking and the polish lasted almost a week before I had to touch it up. I had several compliments on the color. 

I was happy!

Will I purchase a full size? I'm not sure if the have a full size or just a mini-set...but either way YES I would!

And last but not least was this sample of KIND Health Grain Bars. THIS is why I love/recommend/keep BirchBox. I would never in a million years pick up something like this to just sample and try. BUT..it was in my box and oh...my...word...It is delicious!

The sample bar didn't have that diet, gritty, meal taste or texture.

It was actually a very nice grain bar with a delicious taste. I will definitely have a box of these in my desk when I go back to work. 

Will I purchase a full size? Absolutely!!

I was super happy with this months BirchBox.

If you would like to try BirchBox out click here!

IPSY March 2014 Review

I absolutely loved my March 2014 Ipsy bag. The bag itself was super cute and the four items inside have certainly been used!

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First up was a NYX Love in Rio palette trio in the color VooDoo Love Spells.

The shadow goes on smoothly and the pigment lasts all day with out needing touch up. I love the cute little bow detail on the closure. 

I love that NYX is very affordable and available at most grocery/drug stores.

You can also purchase it here.

I also received a Marvelous Moxie Lipstick from bareMinerals. I was given the shade "Get Ready". This is a creamy, super-saturated, ulta-pigmented color that glides on like butter for full coverage in a satin finish. I love it. The shade is not bright and out there...it didn't smear or bleed and it too lasted through out most of the day.

Purchase it here.

We also received a Chella Eyeliner Pen in Indigo Blue. I have never,ever found or used a more perfect eyeliner. The color is so pigmented. The shape of the tip is truly no-fail. It's a silky eyeliner that truly stays on all day, until you are ready to take it off.

The color blue that it is is just magnificent. I don't wear blue, I feel a bit too old for that much color on my eyes, but I gave it to my daughter and she loves it!!

Purchase it here.

And last but not least is the pixi flawless beauty primer.

I am new to primers and this one did not disappoint.

What I loved about it was that it truly gives your face an illuminating appearance. You just glow.

It's perfect for Spring/Summer and I easily see this becoming a permanent part of my daily makeup routine!

Purchase it here.

If you have not signed up for Ipsy yet click here!

Believe me, you won't regret it!

BIRCHBOX PRODUCT REVIEW

I have fallen so very fall behind on my product reviews.

I am taking a few minutes today to review some of my favorite Birchbox products over the last few months.

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Birchbox is truly a monthly sample subscription. I don't expect to receive sample items that exceed my $10 monthly subscription rate. However, Birchbox has introduced me to so many new brands and items that I otherwise would have never heard about. Lots of the items are now my new "must-haves" and I think THAT is the purpose of the Birchbox sample subscription!

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One item I received that I was extremely excited to try was this hair accessory to do a half-up hair bun. It's the SARAHPOTEMPA The HALF-UP.

I am always trying to do my hair new ways and get it out of my face while growing my bangs out. This is amazing! I love it!

Due to a procedure I had done on my next in October I have a constant under the skin sunburn like sensation that makes my neck/shoulder area so sensitive that even my hair brushing against my shoulder hurts like...well, it hurts really, really bad.

With this half-up tool I can put my hair in a low bun. It's gets the hair off my shoulder/neck area and it looks done, like I actually spent time on it.

The best part, it's only $9.00 and when you take your hair out you have a little curl!

Next up is the Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel for sensitive skin.

......Oh...My...Goodness....

This is one of those new "must-haves".

I absolutely love the smell. It's subtle and soft, not at all overwhelming.

But the look and feel of my skin after using it...

unbelievable.

I have never seen anything like it. My skin is so soft, not tight and dry.

My skin almost looks illuminated, so fresh and clean.

I cannot live with out this product.

It is a bit pricier that what I would normally use on my skin, but the benefits and results of it far outweigh the price. And I can use points I've earned at Birchbox to apply towards the cost! 

I really loved this Ruffian Nail Lacquer. I first noticed the nice, wide brush by which to apply the polish. It gives ample coverage and goes on very smoothly, no bubbles or wrinkles. I love that the color looks almost like a gel once on and it stays looking fresh with out dulling. It did chip on me after a couple of days, so I had to retouch. Had this polish lasted just a bit longer with out chipping it would be absolutely perfect! 

Oh, the Chella Highlighter Pencil....my, my, my....

I have never used a highlighter in the past but have always wanted to try it.

This pencil alone is $18.00 (and has free shipping right now)

, so receiving it in my box exceeded the cost of the monthly subscription.

I love this pencil. It applies very silky and smooth and blends perfectly. I love how it highlights the areas of my face by which I use it. I can't compare it to other highlighters since I've never used any, but I can tell you this is a pencil I plan to continue purchasing from Birchbox as long as they sell it. I love it. It's another of my "must-haves".  

I received a very generous sample of Leirac Paris Sensorielle Oil. This is a brand I had no prior knowledge of and a product I would never generally purchase for myself. However, after using this I fell in love. The floral smell is subtle and feminine. Just enough lingers behind to leave a lasting impression. You can apply this oil to your face or skin or even in your hair. I usually apply a small amount to my hands and rub it through out my hair then rub what ever remains into my hands.

My husband gave me a hug and complemented me on how great my hair smelled. It's that kind of product. Just enough to be remember, not overpowering at all. I love it.

Again, the price is a bit steep, $40 for 3.4 fl oz. but I plan to use my Birchbox credits to buy the full size. I can see that it will last for at least six months, if not longer!

Another product that I fell in love with and possibly one of my most favorite samples I ever received was the Manna Kadar Cosmetics Sheer Glo Shimmer Lotion. Right now it's $29 on Birchbox with free shipping. When I initially saw it I thought it was another pink nail polish. I wasn't thrilled. Then I saw that it's actually a shimmer lotion. I apply it to my cheeks and under my eyes as a highlighter. It has a soft pink hue and leaves your skin looking supple and dewy. I love it! 

I am not in any way, shape or form a chocolate fan. I will be the first to tell you I hate chocolate. I don't like chocolate cookies, I despise chocolate cake and ice cream. Chocolate bars are not at the top of my list. In fact, when I'm wanting to bake something sweet I make chocolate because I know I won't eat it! So when I saw this Ghiradelli Mint Chocolate bar in my box I was almost kind of mad. I thought it was a loss of product to send me a chocolate bar when it could have been replaced by a hair or make up product I could actually use and enjoy.

Birchbox had it right.

The Mint Chocolate was just right.

It hit the spot. It was creamy and smooth and delicious.

I shared with my girls, not because I wanted to but because it was the right thing to do.

I have since been on the lookout for the Ghirardelli Mint Chocolate in my local stores and have yet to find it. It figures...the first chocolate I actually like and I can't even buy it! 

I had been hearing raves and raves about how wonderful this perfume is. I was skeptical. I really only wear a select few...any perfume from Givenchy, some Chanel, some Mark Jacobs and my Thierry Mugler Angel. However, I do like receiving perfume samples because I know I need to branch out. I have seasonal perfumes and really don't stray from what I know.

When I received a sample of the Folle de Joie eau de parfume I was a little anxious to see what the hype was all about. Let me say.... the hype is right! I love the smell of this perfume. I can easily see it becoming one of my spring/summer staples. It has such a soft, floral, feminine, light, delicate smell. It is the way a woman should smell...in my opinion. It makes me want to throw on a summer dress and sandals. I love it! Now, the price is not cheap..it's $98.00 for 3.4 fl oz, but again, it is worth it. When I treat myself to a spring/summer perfume with my bonus check at work, I will be purchasing this. It's heavenly! 

I also received a cute tan, plaid twistband. I had been seeing several people post on Birchbox's Facebook page and the product page how much they loved their twistbands. I was a little jealous that I never received one. So when I had one in my December box I was ecstatic. It provides a good, solid hold. It's super cute and can be used as a bracelet as well. I don't think someone with a lot of thick hair could run a marathon or do a Zumba workout with a twistband, but they will certainly hold up for around the house work or running errands. I can't wait to buy a new pack. I wish they had maroon and white Texas A&M colors. Now THAT would be awesome!

I really plan to do, or at least, attempt to do, a product review each month of the items received in my Birchbox and my Ipsy bag. Again, with the Birchbox I don't go in with the expectation that I am going to receive items that will exceed my monthly subscription rate. Some months I do, other months I don't even come close. But every month I receive items that are new to me and are fun trying out. And that makes it worth it. It's like a little present in the mail each month. And if there is a product that I don't use, then my girls surely take it over. In fact, I usually get what they don't want!

If you haven't signed up for Birchbox, click here to get started!