Mabelline Super Stay 24 Lipstick

I've used the Keep up the Flame & Constant Toast quite a few times. It goes on evenly and dries quickly. I love that the color is bright but not overly bright. Its perfect for daytime or nighttime wear. I will say it stays sticky for longer than I'd like but once it dries, its dry. My only other issue is once its dry my lips feel dry, like they may crack (they don't). I feel like I have to apply the balm frequently. But it stays on. I can put it on at 8AM and it stays on until I shower at night. It fades a little but not much. And this is after eating and drinking all day. I would recommend this to all my people who hate reapplying throughout the day.

I got this free to try from Influenster to give an honest review.  

Influenster Revive Vox Box

Got it all free to try from Influenster to give my honest review.

Kauai Coffee, Garden Isle, Medium Roast 

I tried this coffee for the first time today. It wasn't bad but something about it wasn't what I like. The flavor was rich and the smell was invigorating. The initial taste is slightly strong but its good. I just found it had an odd aftertaste. Everything has an aftertaste but this one lingered and made me feel like my "coffee breath" was 1000 times worse than normal "coffee breath". So it was good and if I had more I'd drink it but I don't think I'll buy more on my own. But I do really like that the pod is compostable. It makes me not feel as bad buying k-cups.

Chock Full o' Nuts, Midtown Manhattan, Medium Roast 

I am not complaining. I was concerned about trying this one because it says "chock full o'nuts" But there really wasn't a nut flavor. It was more like a regular cup of joe. i will say it was a smooth cup of joe. It wasn't bitter at all but still had a strong flavor. I would definitely try it again. 

Hills Bros, Medium Roast

Not bad but not great. I guess I am used to my coffee with chicory so most other coffees don't really compare. I will say it wasn't bad but it wasn't strong enough for my liking. I probably wouldn't purchase it in the future. 

Vanilla Plnt by Plant Protein Powder

Okay, I can usually stomach anything that isn't Cinnamon.   I could NOT drink this one.  I tried.  I really did but something in this actually made me gag.  I tried multiple times to swallow it and I gagged each time.  I dumped the rest down the drain.  So yea I have no idea if this is filling but it made me *blah* so it would work great as a weight loss option....

Cookies and Cream Next Step Fit N' Full Shake Powder 

Surprisngly my favorite.  I actually enjoyed it.  I didn't think I would like it because I am not big on Cookies and Cream but I really liked it.  It also kept me full and didn't leave an awful after taste in my mouth.  I may actually give this one another try. 

Strawberries and Cream Whey Tech Pro 24 Powder

This made me remember I am actually not a fan of meal replacement drinks.  There is something in them that triggers my involuntary gag reflex.  But I managed to drink this whole thing with only a couple gags.  And its not that it tastes bad, quite contrary.  This actually tastes very good for being a Protein Smoothie.  I will say it is smooth, especially if you use the tumbler to shake it up.  It tastes like you are drinking melted strawberry ice cream.  That isn't a bad thing.  Just one of the ingredients doesn't agree with my taste buds.  I drank this for breakfast and was pleasantly surprised by how full I felt.  I was still full after cutting my front & back yards and cleaning the kitchen.  4 hours later I finally got a bit peckish and had a late lunch.  So this was a great meal replacement.  Had I not done all that exercise I may have stayed full much longer.  I think I will try this again in the future. 

SheaMoisture Fruit Fusion Coconut Water Weightless Shampoo & Crème Rinse

Why is this so expensive?!?!  I loved how it made my hair look.  It was soft and shiny but not weighted down.  And it smelled divine.  I would love to continue using this but my checkbook said no.  Maybe with some coupons and a sale.  Regardless, I would definitely recommend trying this. 

SnackWell's Biscuit Thins, French Vanilla Latte 

These were delicious!  So crunchy and full of flavor.  It was like eating a Vanilla Latte.  That sounds weird but it really was good.  They were even better when dipped into a cup of coffee.  Yum!

Blush Vox Box

So many things to try and review!!!

Ardell Natural Lashes - Make your eyes pop without any makeup!  I mean makeup helps but just adding these lovely lashes makes a huge difference.

Secret Clinical Strength Lavender - It smells great but its not really y thing.  I don't like feeling sticky and this makes me sticky.  Even HOURS after application, I feel sticky.  I'd much rather feel dry.

Pantene Expert Intense Hydration - Holy soft hair Batman!  My hair has NEVER been so gorgeous.  I have color treated hair and spend a lot of times outdoors.  While my hair is pretty because I take care of it this made it even better.  Its so soft and shiny, its honestly not looked this healthy in years.  And this is after I got stuck in the rain and it kind of frizzed out. 

Simple Skincare Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes - They feel a little rough on the skin but they do the job.  They get all the makeup off.  Mascara takes a little scrubbing but not much.

PerfectDetails.com - They have great products.  All kinds of unique things to use for a wedding!!!

Slimfast Vox Box

I received a Slimfast Vox Box from Influenster to try the products and review them.  These are my honest opinions.

SlimFast Advanced Nutrition - Vanilla Shake

This is supposed to be a meal replacement shake.  I tried it as a breakfast shake.  I made sure it was chilled for optimum taste.  I couldn't make it more than a few sip/gulps.  The flavor was incredibly sweet.  Way too sweet for my liking.  The taste of the vanilla seemed very fake also.  Overall it was not a good experience for me.  I refrigerated the left overs and tried them again later in the day, thinking it was just my early morning taste buds misbehaving.  But my second try went the same way.  I like the idea but I wouldn't be able to force it down.  I wouldn't try it again.

SlimFast Advanced Nutrition - Baked Crisps - Sour Cream & Onion

This is a 100 Calorie snack.  Healthy baked crisps, yes please.  But alas, these were not what I expected.  The chips were crunchy which I loved.  But they were almost too thick.  Slightly thinner would have made a wonderful difference.  The initial flavor was delightful.  It was sour cream and onion, until you swallowed.  Then there was this awful chalky aftertaste.  It was like a coating on my tongue.  I ate about 1/2 the bag before I just couldn't do it anymore.   If you are looking to get me not to snack at all, this worked.  But if I needed a little filler between meals, I'll just stick to fruit or nuts. 

SlimFast Advanced Nutrition - Drizzled Crisps - Cinnamon Bun Swirl

This is another 100 calorie snack.  Where the Baked Crisps were savory, these are sweet.  Well I would imagine they are sweet.  My husband said they were "okay" but asked me not to buy them.  I couldn't try them myself because I have a thing about Cinnamon.  I can't eat it.  Well I can eat it but only if the flavor is virtually undetectable, like in King Cake.  Otherwise, this horrible gag reflex thing happens.  Something I hate with a passion so if I know or can smell the cinnamon in things, I wont eat them.  So I wouldn't buy them but that is more of a me thing not an issue with the actual product.

I like the idea of the products that were sent to me but the textures and flavors of said products were not appealing to me.  Therefore I personally wouldn't recommend them. 

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs®

I've never really thought about using leg makeup before.  I'm not old but I'm not "young" either.  In recent years I've noticed some flaws on my legs but I don't really pay attention to them.  Nothing major but very small spider veins, scars from a rough fun childhood, and minor bruises (I'm a tad clumsy). 

I hate getting my face makeup on my clothes so I was apprehensive about using leg makeup prior to getting this sample.  I received the liquid lotion, not the spray.  My first use was a pleasant surprise.  I followed the instructions and let it dry completely before dressing.  It seemed odd to be putting makeup on my legs but I just pretended it was lotion.  Who knew you could make my legs look so soft, smooth and even.  From a distance they looked quite amazing.  In pictures they looked very nice.  Up close you could still see some "flaws"  but nothing too obvious.  It went on just like any old lotion but you must pay attention or you may end up with uneven looking skin.  It dried fairly quickly and that felt a little weird.  It was like I could feel a layer of something on my legs but the sensation eventually passed.  I will say it did NOT rub off on my clothing for which I was thankful.  I was also thankful that it didn't seem to "sweat off".  I live in the south...it's hot.  Every part of your body sweats.  I wouldn't wear it running but I was impressed that my walking all over downtown didn't seem to affect it. 

I would not choose to wear this daily but I don't wear face makeup daily.  I would use it for special occasions or professional meetings where my potentially banged up legs may be on display.  

Just remember to wash your hands immediately after applying...I don't know if it would "color"  them but I wouldn't take the chance. 

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Fresh is Fierce

Carefree makes various feminine products.   I was sent a pack of Carefree^® Acti-Fresh^® Pantiliners to try and review.

From their product description, "Carefree^® Acti-Fresh^® liners are designed to deliver freshness, thanks to an 8-hour odor control system. These thin liners feel as soft and thin as a panty, so all you feel is confident."

I don't normally use pads so I never really considered Pantiliners.  I just don't like feeling like I have a "diaper" on.  These, being liners, are very thin.  This would make you think they may not work but they do.  You barely notice they are there.  I usually only wear thongs and they worked well with those too.  I use these usually after intercourse or during ovulation...you know the times when you are "leaky" and end up with damp undergarments.  No one likes THAT feeling.  Also, if you live in the south, like I do, it gets quite toasty.  Having these helps keep you a little drier when you are baking in the heat.  So these were a godsend.  They keep your panties dry and your lady parts feeling fresh (and odor-free). I would definitely recommend them.

I can also see them being useful in congruence with tampons "just in case" but I have not tried that. Either way I find these to be a great little thing to keep with you anytime. 

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I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Dessange Paris - California Blonde - Some thoughts

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

So I have blonde hair (no secret).  It is naturally dark blonde/very light brown depending on the time of year but I choose to keep it much lighter year round with a little help from a box (or salon).  I received the Dessange Vox Box for California Blonde.  I am always leery of  new products, mainly because I take pride in my pretty blonde locks and I'd like them to stay pretty for as long as possible. 

This one being made for color treated blondes made me a little more comfortable.  Luckily I received it right about the time I was due for an appointment with my hairdresser.  I must say these products pleasantly surprised me.

First off the Shampoo/Conditioner:  

The scent while a little strong is appealing, at least to me.  It reminds me of being at the salon.  A little goes a long way (I have medium/long hair).  It doesn't leave me hair oily or dry.  It looks healthy.  Since using the Dessange Products my hair seems shinier with a tad more bounce.  Usually after I get my hair done it looks great until it is washed a few times.  Then is looks a little dull (not bad by any means but not quite as pretty).  So far (2.5 weeks in) and my hair is still just left the salon shiny.  It is also very soft and smells wonderful (did I mention I like the scent).  So I believe I will purchase these products once the free ones run out.  

I usually let the conditioner sit for a few minutes before I rinse.  You know, while I wash/shave.  It may do nothing but I think letting it sit for a little while helps.  I should also mention when I get out the shower I don't rub my hair dry (causes too much frizz), I wrap it in the towel and "dab"  it dry.  I don't wash my hair everyday.  I also rarely blow dry my hair.  It air dries after most washings, drying with a slight wave.  If I don't like how the wave looks I straighten it.  I am telling you this because my habits might affect why these products seem to work so well for me.

I've only used the color correcter twice since I've received it. Mainly because it says to use about once a week and I haven't had it that long.  I will say though, even with only two uses my hair is definitely less brassy.  Let me set the scene.  I'd just washed my hair with the above products.  I let my hair towel dry a few minutes so it wasn't sopping wet.  Then I opened the tube of corrector.  It is indigo...royal blue...purple.  I'm not sure how to classify its color but it is unnerving, especially when you have very blonde hair.  But I had read elsewhere that it was safe so I tried it.  It smells amazing just like the Shampoo/Conditioner.  You don't need much but you want to make sure you are evenly running it through your tresses.  USE GLOVES!  It should come with gloves but whatever.  I put my hair in a clip and let it sit the full 10 minutes.  Rinsing was unnerving also...having blue looking dye go down the drain.  I kept imagining my hair looking very smurfish but it didn't.  It actually didn't look any different, until it dried.  Then it look smashing (at least to me).  See below.  Yes I know in one it is straight and the other it isn't BUT the color difference is compelling. 

Taken two weeks apart.  Left is before color corrector, right is after.

 **NOTE** Images are not altered or filtered.  Taken with iPhone 6

So yes I would 100% recommend these products to my bottle blonde friends.  They have worked amazingly for me.  Much better than any other "for color treated hair" products. 

Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane Decaf Green Tea

It's different.  Not bad different but just different.  I liked it.  I felt like I was drinking a candy cane.  I made mine with a splash of milk and a bit a sugar.  It has quite a bit of flavor on its own.  You can taste various herbal undertones.  Those were actually quite relaxing.  The after taste is minty, it is not overly strong but nice.  I drank it the first time when I had a cold.  It soothed my throat and made me feel warm and fuzzy.  Don't let it get cold...it takes on a weird flavor once it is chilled.  I am not sure I would drink it regularly but it is very comforting on a cold night, especially if you aren't feeling 100%.  I think I would keep some on hand just for that comfort when there is a chill in the air.

Frosty VoxBox - The good, the bad, and the ugly

I received the below items from Influenster in my Frosty Vox Box for free to try and give my honest opinion.

Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover
I have never been able to remove waterproof eye makeup without using cold creme and scrubbing a bit which usually leaves my eyes red and sensitive.  This was a totally different.  I put a bit on a cotton pad and wiped my eye.  It didn't remove all of the makeup in one swipe but I didn't have to scrub it to remove it.  My face wasn't red and irritated after.  It had no scent and didn't burn my eyes.  

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner
I tried the Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof eyeliner for the first time on New Years Eve.  My smokey eye had faded some as the night went on but my eyeliner stayed put. It didn't bleed down and give me dark(er) circles like some other brands do.  No one wants raccoon eye at the end of the night. It went on easily. Glided on my eyelid with no skipping or sticking.  It had the look of liquid eyeliner but the ease of a pencil.  Since it is waterproof I was concerned about it being difficult to remove. Thankfully I also received the Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover in my Vox Box (see above). 

NYC New York Color Expert Last Lip Color - Sugar Plum
I wasn't sure about a new lip color.  I usually use tinted glosses or lip stain.  Lipsticks tend to not stay put...not that glosses fair much better but I can tell when a gloss needs to be reapplied. I was surprised by this lip color.  Not only was the color a great match for my skin tone but it also stayed put.  I've worn it on various occasions and on all it stayed put better than others.  I noticed in pictures that even though you could tell it faded some it still looked great.  It went on smoothly and kept my lips moisturized.

Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane Decaf Green Tea
It's different.  Not bad different but just different.  I liked it.  I felt like I was drinking a candy cane.  I made mine with a splash of milk and a bit a sugar.  It has quite a bit of flavor.  You can taste various herbal undertones that make me feel relaxed.  The after taste is minty, it is not strong but nice.  I am not sure I would drink it regularly but it is very comforting on a cold night, especially if you aren't feeling 100%.  I think I would keep some on hand just for that comfort when there is a chill in the air.

Boots No7 Protect & Perfect ADVANCED
I liked this product but I can't review it properly.  The literature says that you see improvements in a few weeks.  The sample I received barely gave me three applications and that was being stingy with it.  I will say it made my skin extremely soft.  I imagine after regular use my skin would be brighter, more full which in turn would reduce wrinkles/fine lines.  I wasn't able to see those results because of the limited use but I envision it would eventually start working.  But the fact that it went on lightly and made my skin silky was a big plus for me.

McCormick Gourmet All Natural Thyme
You should know first Thyme can be a strong flavor so use with care. I love the taste of Thyme and have cooked with it for years. I've used it to make a few dishes so far and they all came out great. The Thyme is very fresh and flavorful. It worked well with Chicken, Pork Chops and Fish. I used it to boost flavor in a pasta dish with a cream cheese sauce. It is also good when combined with Rosemary. But again both can have a strong flavor so watch how much you add to your dishes. All in all it is a great product to have in the kitchen.

Fruit Vines Bites Strawberry
So we ate these so fast I didn't get to take a pic of the packaging.  Also, they were such a good snack I had to hide them from my husband so he wouldn't eat them all.  The were soft and had just enough strawberry flavor to make them yummy.  They didn't have that plastic flavor that similar candies sometimes have.  These didn't have that flavor.  They tasted fresh.  I will say they were a little chewy but not jaw cramping chewy.  The pieces did tend to stick in your teeth.  But all in all they were a nice sweet snack.

EcoTools Sleek + Shine
I have medium length fine hair (a lot of it) that has a slight wave to it. Using this brush definitely cut down the amount of time I spent drying my hair. My hair is fine but there is quite a bit of it. I also noticed the amount of frizz was significantly reduced by using this brush. Instead of wild hair that needed a straightener, my hair was soft and shiny with very little frizz. It could still use a straightener to smooth it but it wasn't necessary. Not using the straightener not only helps save my hair from the heat but my hair appeared to have more volume. I would recommend this product to my friends and those with straight to wavy hair for a smooth shiny finish.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner & Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover

I got these products for free from Influenster in my Frosty Vox Box to try and give my honest review. 

I tried the Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof eyeliner for the first time on New Years Eve.  My smokey eye had faded some (quite a bit at this point) as the night went on but my eyeliner stayed put. It didn't bleed down and give me dark(er) circles like some other brands do.  It went on easily. Glided on my eyelid with no skipping or sticking.  It had the look of liquid eyeliner but the ease of a pencil.  

Since it is waterproof I was concerned about it being difficult to remove.  Thankfully I also received the Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover in my Vox Box.  I have never been able to remove waterproof eye makeup without using cold creme and scrubbing a bit which usually leaves my eyes red and sensitive.  This was a totally different.  I put a bit on a cotton pad and wiped my eye.  It didn't remove all of the makeup in one swipe but I didn't have to scrub it to remove it.  My face wasn't red and irritated after.  It had no scent and didn't burn my eyes.  

I liked both products.  I want to see about different colors of the eyeliner to try.  And I am happy to replace using cold creme as it makes my face feel oily. 

Mary Kay Vox Box - Take Two

I received a Mary Kay Vox Box from Influenster to try for free. 

I've tried all the products and must say I am a bit impressed.  I've used Mary Kay in the past but just kind of stopped one day (not sure why). 

The look I liked the most involved most of the products I received.  Just to give you an idea of what I look like, I have light olive skin and light hair.  After I put on my usual mineral foundation, I used the mascara (Lash Love).  I crimped my lashes and applied it, I liked it but it didn't quite lengthen my lashes like I like.  It did thicken them though so that looked nice.  I used the gel eye liner pot to create bold but not too crazy cat eyes.  It gave the illusion of my eyes being a bit larger and it was more defined than my usual pencil liner.  Next I used the Cream Eye Color (Apricot Twist).  Its a very subtle color but it looked great.  I used my finger to apply it.  I felt like it went on better than the brush that way.  It wasn't quite enough boldness in my eyes so I used a darker brown (not too dark) eye shadow I had to put some color at the edges of my eyes from lid to brow bone.  It created a smokey eye but nothing drastic.  I wasn't a huge fan of the blush, it looked too subtle on me so I used a different blush.  I did use a bit of the bronzer though and I was pleased that it blended well and didn't give me a fake look.  To seal the deal I brushed on a bit of the translucent loose powder.  I really do feel like it keeps the shine down.  Then I added the Mango Tango lip gloss but I mixed it with a more neutral beige color to tone it down a little. 

All in all it looked fantastic!  I am very happy to have been able to give Mary Kay a try again.  It reminded me of why I used to like the products way back when.  Thanks Influenster!

Mark Kay Vox Box

Love love love my Mary Kay Vox Box from Influenster.  I've already used the Mango Tango lip gloss.  I didn't think I was going to like it but it is actually a great color on my light olive skin tone.

  

I've never used eye liner in a pot before but my friends all love it so we shall see.  The eye smudge is a golden color which I can't wait to try.  I am funny about my blushes but hopefully this one will blend well with my skin.  I don't really use bronzer often because it usually looks unnatural on me but I like to use it to accentuate, can't wait to try it.  

All in all this box looks fab!  I will blog again once I've tried it all.