RESCUE Remedy Natural Stress Relief Gum

Here's another product I received complimentary through Influenster in my Bride-to-Be VoxBox.  RESCUE Remedy Natural Stress Relief Gum and their other products claim to help millions of women around the world stress less and stay calm and in control.

Here's what I say.

I was excited to find that this gum is homeopathic and that the Rescue Remedy was developed by a doctor over 75 years ago.  Sounds promising, right?  I'm not so sure.
The pieces are a pretty decent size and have a liquid center...the taste is a bit hard to describe.  Not bad, but not the most amazing thing I've had the pleasure of chewing either.  It wouldn't really matter if it were the most awful tasting gum on earth though because that flavor lasts about oh, 30 seconds? Then you are left with flavorless, hard gum. This is definitely not chewing gum and is worthless once the liquid center is gone.

So, long lasting flavor is a no-go with this one, what about it's ability to relieve stress you ask?  I'm not so sure about that one either.  I didn't really notice a difference?!  I'm willing to give this another shot...maybe I'll pop an extra piece or two next time and see how it goes!  I'll keep you posted...

You can check out RESCUE Remedy Natural Stress Relief Gum and the other RESCUE products HERE.

Kiss® everEZlashes

One of the products I received complimentary through Influenster in my Bride-to-Be VoxBox were these  everEZlashes by Kiss®.

These are the first set of false eyelashes I've seen that come with "Applicator Strings" on them and I couldn't wait to try them out!  Now, for someone who never wears false eyelashes, these strings might make things a bit easier but, I found that it actually took me longer to get them on!  I don't wear lashes all the time, I have a pretty nice set of lashes already (I'm pretty proud of them) but, I do like to wear them out to add more "oompf" to my small eyes.  I have gotten my application technique down pretty good and it was actually harder for me to use the strings instead.  For someone who struggles with applying falsies though, these would probably we a lifesaver!

Other than that these lashes were great.  The everEZlashes are made from highest quality human hair, latex & odor free, waterproof, and have a flexible formula for 24 hour hold.

Overall, I would recommend these to anyone who wears false lashes.  Those already skilled in lash application beware, the strings might take some getting used to!

Check them out at www.everezlashes.com/home

Bride-to-Be VoxBox!

It's heeeeere!  I am super excited to share the Bride-to-Be VoxBox I received through Influenster!  If you haven't heard about Influenster yet, read my post about it HERE.

Let's dig in!  Here's a peek at what was inside my box:

(Uh-maze-ing, right!?)

  You should definitely be jealous.  Unless you too were lucky enough to receive this box...well then, congrats! :)

The products in the picture include:

Kiss everEZlashes ($3.99)- These babies come with application strings...what a great idea!

Dream Water ($2.99)- Natural, 0 cal, sleep & relaxation shot.

Rescue Gum ($5.95)-Homeopathic gum to melt stress & anxiety away!

Schwarzkopf Professionals BC Repair Rescue Line ($60!)-

*BC Repair Rescue Shampoo ($18.00)

*BC Repair Rescue Conditioner ($21.00)

*BC Repair Rescue Sealed Ends ($21.00)

IvyDate (for a friend!)- Online introduction network help your single friends find their soul mate!

Thanks to Influenster for sending me this complementary Bride-to-Be VoxBox full of AWESOME products!

Check Influenster out for yourself HERE.

Are you an Influenster?

If you can answer yes to this question then I'm sure you understand and share my I love for Influenster!  If you are scratching your head wondering what on earth I'm talking about then brace yourself, you are about to discover an awesome opportunity.

Let's just assume you have never heard of Influenster...so what's this all about?  

Influenster.com is a place for culture junkies to come together and share their unique opinions of products and experiences. Active members of Influenster get exclusive access to deals, promotions, and swag from brands that thrive off the input (the good, the bad, and the ugly -- they just want to know what's up).  
As an active influencer, you’ll have the chance to get invites to Influenster programs so you can try the latest and coolest products catered towards your lifestyle before anyone else.  Members who participate actively on Influenster and engage in programs increase their opportunities to receive rewards.  If you participate in online challenges, play interactive games, spread the word to your friends, and gain currency within our system, you’ll earn serious street cred.

Seriously, if you have not checked them out I highly suggest you do!  They just totally revamped their whole website to make the member experience so much easier and fun!  I could go on and on and on about all there is to do as an Influenster...just take my word for it and check it out for yourself NOW!

 www.influenster.com

CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY

I received a sample of the new Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner complimentary from Influenster in the Summer Beauty VoxBox.
I will say I absolutely loved the Shampoo.  It lathers quite nicely and smells amazing too!  Unfortunately, the Conditioner didn't impress me much.  Given, I am SUPER picky about my conditioner because I have very fine hair and have to be careful about which kind I use.  I just don't feel like this one really did much?  It felt fine when I applied it to my hair but when I rinsed it out my hair didn't feel silky like it normally does.  It did smell reallllly good though!  I just might have to try one of the 4 other conditioners available from this line to see if one works better for me.
Check out the full details below.

Introducing CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™, a new line of shampoos and conditioners that will change the way women care for their hair. 99% percent of hair’s natural strength and beauty comes from the scalp. For years women have been treating the ends of their hair, rather than the source — the scalp. One small change like feeding scalp* can make a big difference. FEED SCALP* with new CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™.

NEW CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™ is available in a range of six shampoos and five conditioners to meet different scalp and hair needs. The line is infused with Nutrum 10TM technology, a rich blend of vitamins and nutrients. CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™ nourishes the scalp, and creates the right foundation for strong, beautiful hair from root to tip. CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™ gives women stronger**, more beautiful hair in just 7 days. For more information, please visit our site.

Where to Buy

CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™ products are available at mass retailers, select drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.

Suggested retail price: $4.99 – $5.99

*Disclaimer: refers to stratum corneum

**Disclaimer: Less breakage upon combing vs. non conditioning shampoo

Quaker Soft Baked Banana Nut Bar

Yummmmmmy.  That's the first thing I want to say about the Quaker Soft Baked Banana Nut Bar that I received complimentary for testing and review purposes in my VoxBox from Influenster!  You have to try these for yourself.

Not only are these bars made with real bananas and almonds, they also have 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

Where to Buy

You can find Quaker Soft Baked Bars at most major retailers.

Suggested retail price: $3.29 for a box of 5 bars.

Always & Tampax Radiant Collection

I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster in my Summer Beauty VoxBox and I was very excited to see such trusted brands like Always & Tampax included!  I'm sure every girl out there is well aware of these brands and the Radiant Collection is nothing less than what you'd expect from them.  The packaging so cute (I'm a sucker for anything pink) and I was pleased to finally see resealable wrappers for easier and cleaner disposal.  I definitely recommend! 


Check out their websites to learn more!
www.always.com
www.tampax.com

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen

I received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster and I love it!  This sunscreen doesn't feel greasy and leaves your skin so soft and silky.  It smells amazing too!
Check out the full details below.

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration™ Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30

Also available in SPF 12, 30, 50!

With its ultra-luxurious hydrating silk ribbons, Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration™ lotion sunscreen nourishes and pampers skin while providing broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, and 12-hour moisturization when out in the sun.

Where to Buy

You can find Hawaiian Tropic products at most major retailers.

Suggested retail price: $8.99 for a 6oz bottle.

Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color

Have you had a chance to try out the new Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color?  If not, I highly recommend it!  I was lucky enough to receive this product complimentary to test through Influenster’s VoxBox program and I must say, I'm in love!  The formula is great and it's so easy to use.  PLUS, it dries super fast too! 

Here's how mine turned out...

Full description:

NEW! Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color is summer’s hottest nail trend that allows you to create a gorgeous 3-D nail art effect in just seconds. This unique formula has been specially developed with metallic particles – just hold the built-in magnet over wet polish to reveal a unique design on the nail. Seal with a topcoat for extra shine! Learn more at www.sallyhansen.com

Easy steps
STEP 1 
Shake and Apply 2 coats

STEP 2
Hold Magnet for 10 seconds over wet nail polish

Instant Attraction!
Let dry and seal with a top coat for extra shine

Where to Buy

Available at chain drug stores, food stores and mass merchandisers nationally.

Suggested Retail Price: $9.99

YOU'VE GOT TO TRY THESE!

I Only Have Eyes For You...

Ok.  So, I miiiiight be developing a slight obsession for eye shadow.  In the last week alone, I have bought a handful of drugstore shadows, 2 MAC Paint Pots, a MAC Pigment, and a new 88 color pallet from Coastal Scents.  I don't know if it's because I have yet to find one that really WOWS me or what, but I just haven't been able to control myself!
I'm excited to say, my splurge was well worth it and it turns out, one of my drugstore purchases actually impressed me the most.  Um, I might be in love?  I must share.

         

This little beauty is the L'Oreal Paris Infallible eye shadow in Amber Rush.  I'm a fan of neutral colors-creams, tans, browns...you get it.  I'm usually drawn to the more shimmery shadows, as opposed to matte ones and this one has the best of both of those worlds. 

Color? Love it. Pigment quality? Unbelievable. Staying power? It's not going anywhere. (even without a shadow primer)

I, without a doubt, give this one 2 thumbs up...if I had more thumbs I would give it more!  I wonder what sort of amazing-ness the other Infallible colors hold?  I must buy another.  Or two.  Or all of them...

Looks like my obsession won't be ending anytime soon.

If you've tried any of the L'Oreal Paris Infallibles, I'd love to hear your thoughts on them.  If you haven't, I highly recommend!

-G.

February Beauty Box 5

 I had mentioned in my Battle of The Beauty Boxes post that I was waiting to receive the very first launch box from Beauty Box 5. I know I'm a little late in posting, but here is a look at the February box:

The first thing I noticed was the Smith's Rosebud Salve-this is a full size product!  This stuff is amazing...you can use it for just about anything from chapped lips to dry skin, even diaper rash!  So far, I've only used it on my lips and it feels pretty darn good.  It does really smell like roses. I will say, it's kind of an odd smell to have on your lips, but it won't keep me from using it. This full size sample values around $6.

Next, are the Weleda Hydrating Day and Night Creams.  I've used them a few times now and so far so good.  Not a huge fan of the smell, but again, it's not bad enough to keep me away from it.  The full size Day cream goes for $20 (1oz) and the Night is $21 (1oz).  These samples contain 5 ml each, totaling about $7 in combined value. 

The Priti NYC Soy Nail Polish Remover Wipes are a great alternative to harsh acetone removers.  They are 100% readily biodegradable, non-toxic, and not carcinogenic.  This remover is derived from farm crops and does not contain any petroleum ingredients.  The only ingredients listed are Natural Soybean Esters, Biodegradable Dibasic Esters, and Organic Lemongrass Essential Oil.  A much healthier choice for your nails and the environment.  You'll pay $10 for 10 wipes, leaving this sample with a value of $1.

Last, and the only one I have not tried yet, is Comodynes Self-Tanning Towelette.  Self tanning products make me really nervous and I have not worked up the courage to put this on just yet.  From what I've read, it does get decent user reviews and they boast that this is the leading product of it's kind in Europe.  According to the Comodynes website, "their formula, with a moisturizing complex, eliminates the feeling of tightness and keeps the skin soft. Their perfume leaves no aroma on the skin."  I'll probably wait until I have a few days to stay in hiding before testing this out just in case I end up looking like an oompa loompa!  An 8-pack of these towelettes are currently selling for $13.99 on their website so we have a $1.75 value for this sample.

My verdict on Beauty Box 5's first box?  Honestly, I think it was a bit boring.  I was hoping that since this was the company's launch box, they would start off with a BANG.  Since it did include a full size product, and it happens to be the one I have the most interest in out of all of the samples, I will give them an extra point for that.  This box had a total value of about $15.75, so you're getting more than you paid for with the subscription costing $12 a month but that is not enough to really WOW me.  I think it's important to make the customer feel like they are getting a great deal and a lot of "bang for their buck" but I really just feel like they gave me free shipping on this one.

Beauty Box 5 did have a BOGO promo code available for this first box so at least I will be getting one more to really get a feel for what they have to offer without dishing out any more cash.  At this point, if the next box doesn't really impress me, I don't think I will keep my subscription. I know they are just starting out, but with all of the other sample programs available, they are really going to need to step up their game if they want to stand apart from the others.

If you subscribe to Beauty Box 5, I'd love to hear what your thoughts are so far!  For those who haven't, you can go check them out HERE.

-G

Battle of the Beauty Boxes

If you follow any beauty blogs or websites, I'm sure by now you've heard of the beauty sample programs that have become increasingly popular.  Have no clue what on earth I'm talking about?  Let me explain a little.

*Caution-These can be highly addictive!*
Basically, for a small fee, you can have a mix of cosmetics, skin care, hair care, and other beauty related samples delivered to your door each month. Brands of samples vary with each company, some including well known high-end brands, more affordable ones or brands you may not be familiar with.  This gives you the opportunity to try out products, some of which are quite expensive, without forking up the cash to buy and try the full size product.  It also gives you a chance to discover products you may have never tried on your own or even known about.  Some programs even offer reward points for reviewing samples and purchasing full size products from their online store which can be cashed in for discounts!

I myself just recently discovered the world of beauty sample subscriptions and I must say, it's hard to NOT sign up once you find out about them!  I mean, who wouldn't want get a box of different surprise beauty goodies every month?!  I signed up with Birchbox, which costs $10/month or $110/year and they claim to offer quite a variety of high-end products.  I just received my very first Birchbox last week and I'm excited to see what next month brings!  Here is what mine included:

 Eye Rock: Designer Stick-On Liner, 4 pack
colorscience pro: glow and glo Travel Puff  Mineral Bronzer
Juicy Couture: Viva La Juicy
Jouer: Moisturizing Lip Gloss in Birchbox Pink
Showstoppers: Designer Fashion Tape in Black and Nude
6 free tune downloads from indie rock band, Green River Ordinance

In searching for other sample programs, I came across a brand new one that just launched this month called Beauty Box 5.  I found it just in time to receive their very first box and decided to try it out before they sold out like some of the other programs have. Their box is $12 a month but they also have a quarterly and yearly option as well. The first box should be arriving any day now and I will be sure to let everyone know what I get!

I haven't decided if I will try any of the other sub programs yet, I figure I should TRY to stick with only a couple at one time.  Here are just a few of the other ones that are available in the US:
My Glam, Beauty Army, Sample Society, and New Beauty Test Tube.

Do you have a beauty sample subscription?  Which is your favorite and have you discovered any must-haves we should know about?  If you don't have a subscription, what are your thoughts...would you like to try one?

Ready, aaaaaand GO!

Oh boy, my first post...GET EXCITED!  I can just picture all of you jumping for joy at the thought, all ZERO of you.  I have officially jumped in head first into the sea of bloggers, don't let me drown people!  You should definitely stop back by and check out my future posts on beauty, life, and whatever else I may find amusing as I venture through life as a twenty-something.  You really want to come back, you just might not know it yet. ;)