Saturday, December 8, 2012

Kiss Eyelashes

I recieved Kiss Ever Pro Lashes as a complimentary sample in my Beauty Blogger Voxbox 2012 for reviewing purpose from Kiss for being a member of Influenster and fitting all the criteria in a VoxBox challenge.


The Facts:
~$5 for everything you need.
Adhesive included!

• Kiss utilizes same top quality natural hair as premium priced department store brands
• Suitable for contact lens wearer
• Best if used with Kiss Strip Eyelash Adhesive

What They Say:
Be sure to use the included applicator to hold the lash while applying
Wait at least 30 seconds for adhesive to become clear and tacky before applying
Use applicator to “pinch” lashes to natural lash line; this ensures that there are no gaps between natural and artificial lash

What I Say:
So I have never used fake eyelashes before, mostly because I am scared of getting glue or something in my eyes which are already sensitive. That and I remember the scene from "Yours, Mine and Ours" (the original), where Lucille Ball loses her eyelashes in her beer while at a party.

But these were supposed easy to apply and last a long time. Bonus points because they are reusable. Unfortunately I am not good at this type of thing even though I tried several times they wouldn't stick and I couldn't line them up properly. Eventually I gave up. Perhaps if I had someone helping me. See the picture if you don't believe me.

Click here to get a coupon and try it for yourself.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Energy Sheets Dissolvable Strips

My sister received Energy Sheets as a complimentary sample in her College Voxbox 2012 for reviewing purpose from Influenster and fitting all the criteria in a VoxBox challenge. As with all her VoxBox items she has allowed me to test and review the items for my blog.

Facts:
~$5.95 for a pack of 10
Energy Sheets® contain Vitamins E, B5, B6 and B12. 2 Energy Sheets® contain caffeine comparable to a cup of the leading premium coffee. Sheets® have no sugar, no calories, require no water, are fast-acting and taste great!
A serving of Energy Sheets® contains 50mg of caffeine. 2 Energy Sheets® are comparable to a cup of the leading premium coffee.
Energy Sheets® come in Cinnamon Rush®, Berry Blast® and Mint Boost®. Be on the lookout for more delicious flavors soon!


What they say:
Sheets® solve problems! Sheets® are paper-thin, individually wrapped pocket-sized strips. No cans. No bottles. Simply place on tongue and your problem dissolves. 
Sheets® are packed with nutrients/vitamins and other active ingredients that, when placed on tongue, will begin to dissolve allowing for easy digestion.

What I say:
I tried the Mint Boost flavor of Sheets. After a long day at the office, combined with a cold and a crazy three year old I could use a boost of energy. Similar in size to the Listerine Strips of days past I was ready for anything.

I figured that the taste could not be nearly as revolting as most energy drinks that are on the market these days.

Taste: Minty and refreshing but with a weird aftertaste. Luckily aftertaste only lasted a minute or two after the strip was completely dissolved.
Energy Level: I felt a little more alert than before taking these but not overly so. Though I do have a tendency to not be affected by medicines and the like so that could always be the cause.
Dissolvability: took longer than I expected for it to dissolve. Says that they dissolve in seconds but it took at least a minute each time I tried them.


Recommend: Sure. Much better than some of the other options.


Want to try them yourself? Get 20% off now until Dec 31, 2012 at SheetsBrand.com when you enter promo code "sheetsinf" at checkout.





Necco Wafers

My sister received Necco Wafers in new tropical flavors as a complimentary sample in her College Voxbox 2012 for reviewing purpose from Influenster and fitting all the criteria in a VoxBox challenge. As with all her VoxBox items she has allowed me to test and review the items for my blog.

Facts:
NECCO® Wafers are made from the same recipe Oliver Chase used back in 1847 on his way to pioneering America’s candy industry.

New Tropical roll: Coconut, Passion Fruit, Strawberry, Lime, Banana and Mango

Each Classic roll includes eight delicious fat-free flavors: orange, lemon, lime, clove, chocolate, cinnamon, licorice and wintergreen.

All NECCO® Wafers are fat-free and gluten free, and contain no high-fructose corn syrup.

What they say:
Necco has introduced a new delicious candy item to be hitting store shelves soon! A tropical version of the famous Necco Wafer will feature such exotic favors as Coconut, Passion Fruit, Strawberry, Lime, Banana and Mango.

The crunchy, sugary wafers will be sure to take your mouth to exotic places while you indulge on the many tropical tastes.

What I say:
I really like the new taste of these classic candies. though I am not a big fan of the consistency. Necco Wafers are generally kind of chalky in texture and can leave a weird feeling in your mouth as most people are not used to it.  They would be perfect for my niece though who has a gluten and dairy allergy and thus has a difficult time finding candy she can eat.- Might just have to make sure that she has no allergies to any of the flavors.

Might Recommend




EnerGel-X Pen

My sister received a EnerGel-X Pen as a complimentary sample in her College Voxbox 2012 for reviewing purpose from Influenster and fitting all the criteria in a VoxBox challenge. As with all her VoxBox items she has allowed me to test and review the items for my blog.

Facts:
You can buy 1, 4, 5 or 12 in a pack.
0.5mm tip produces fine lines
0.7mm tip produces medium lines
Part of the Pentel Recycology line and made of 84% recycled plastic
Available ink colors include:
0.5mm: Black, Red and Blue
0.7mm: Black, Red, Blue, Green, Orange, Sky Blue, Pink and Violet
Refillable with ANY EnerGel Refill

What they say:
High performance ink technology combines the best qualities of liquid and gel ink for a super-smooth writing experience
Gel ink dries so fast even left-handed writers love it - no smears, no smudges, no globs
Maximum comfort and control with latex-free grip

Drawn w one of my black pens


What I say:
I use these pens at work and love them.
The ink flows freely but does not blot. I prefer to use black though I do not have a preference between fine and medium.
A great pen for a great price and since you can buy in several color inks you can personalize your writing.





New York Color Glitter Eyeliner Pencil

My sister received New York Color Glitter Eyeliner Pencil as a complimentary sample in her College Voxbox 2012 for reviewing purpose from Influenster and fitting all the criteria in a VoxBox challenge. As with all her VoxBox items she has allowed me to test and review the items for my blog.

Facts:
Comes in 4 colors (Showtime Black, Starry Blue Sky, Paparazzi Purple, and Glitterazzi Brown)
One pencil ~$2.49
KEY INGREDIENTS: Vitamins C & E

What they say:
Missing the spark? Get it out there with NYC New York Color Show Time Glitter Eyeliner Pencils. Create jewel-encrusted eye looks with these long-wearing glitter-infused rich colors. No doubt you will be dazzling!

BENEFITS:
Long wearing
Metallic sparkling effect
Smooth and creamy formula
Does not smudge
Non-draggy
Provides a precise line
Dermatologist tested

What I say:
The liner which I received in the Showtime Black went on easily and fairly smooth.
Though difficult to see in the photo, you can see the glitter in person.
The eyeliner stayed put all through the day and night.
Though I sometimes have issues with eye makeup causing my eyes to itch I had no problems with this product.
I would recommend.

 


Friday, November 30, 2012

Dino Lingo

I watched a complimentary Dino Lingo foreign language video clip through Influenster. You can watch a clip too, click HERE.

Facts:
Dino Lingo website
Dino Lingo features six adorable and colorful dinosaurs to make target languages more imaginative and age appropriate.
Dino Lingo for Kids is a language set where cartoon dinosaurs introduce the most common 200 words of a target language. This language set consists of 5 DVDs, each DVD focused on specific learning topics. Colors, numbers, family, animals, food, fruit and vegetables, vehicles, body parts, clothes, nature and verbs and actions After watching our videos several times, most small children can easily name everyday objects and understand basic phrases such as "Hello", "What is this?" in their target language.  Won the 'Influential Parents Award' in 2010 and 2011 in education category. Dino Lingo language learning programs are most effective for children up to 7 years of age and anybody interested in learning the basics of a new language.

What they Say:
"Language learning programs for kids"

Dino Lingo is an interactive language learning program for children. Fueled by a child's own imagination, kids learn a new language through interactive teaching techniques that incorporate play and storytelling and
encourage your child to start speaking it almost immediately.

Dino Lingo is ideal for fostering a toddler's cognitive development.

What I Say:
  • Kiddo and I watched the German language video.
  • Having taken German in high school and college I easily understood the video. It was so colorful and fun that Kiddo (who just turned 3) loved it too. 

College vox box 2012

Thanks to me my younger sister is also an Influenster.

Recently she received her first complimentary VoxBox, she even let me test all of the products with her.

In the College 2012 VoxBox there were a lot of items that anyone might enjoy. Once I have the reviews complete they will be linked on this page.

Necco Wafers in new tropical flavors - HERE

Broadway ImPress Nails (which I have previously reviewed HERE)

New York Color Glitter Eyeliner Pencil  - HERE

Energy Sheets Dissolvable Strips - HERE

EnerGel-X Pen - HERE




Thursday, November 1, 2012

NYC Individual Eyes

The compact of New York Color Individual Eyes eyeshadow was a complimentary sample the I received from Influenster for testing and reviewing purposes.

Facts:
Available for $4.99 in six different compact shades, some of which are eye color specific.



What They Say:

Discover NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compact, the all-in-one compact with everything you need for a complete eye look: primer, illuminator, applicator and complementing shadows. With four colors, specially coordinated to intensify and enhance your eye color, you can create a look as individual as you are. Make your eyes pop
Color glides on smoothly, evenly and really lasts
Ultra silky texture
Long-lasting, pigment-rich color provides all-day wear


What I Say:
My sample color was Dark Shadow, which was a white, two grays and one black shades.

After reading the directions as to how and where the colors are suppose to be applied, I was prepared.

After a few minutes I was all made up. Considering that these are colors I don't normally wear I thought I did pretty well at following the directions and applying the eyeshadow. I even got several complements from my coworkers.

I think I will try another shades NYC has available. Perhaps browns, navy and purples which what I normally wear.

NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compact

Friday, October 26, 2012

Spin Pin

The Goody Spin Pin was a complimentary sample the I received from Influenster for testing and reviewing purposes.

Facts:
Available in light and dark hair colors to blend in with your hair.
Can get Spin Pins in 2 sizes
2 Pins are in each box and cost ~$5-7 depending on the store.

What They Say:
The Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin allows you to easily achieve three chic updo styles. Simply twirl your hair up and spin the two Spin Pins in for a perfect undone bun, side bun or double bun!
• Includes easy-to-follow three step instructions for achieving a professionally perfect undone bun, side bun or double bun.. Here is an instructional video.
• Does the work of 20 bobbies

First Bun w Spin Pin
What I say:
This was the first thing I tried after opening my Beauty Blogger Box. After reading the directions I thought I was ready to put my hair up.

After a few failed attempts I was successful even though my hair is just shoulder length, and the model's in the video had longer hair. I continued to use these for several days after and the more I used them, the better my hair stayed up in the bun, so I guess practice makes perfect.

I really liked the Spin Pins, once I got the hang of them, and I think that I will go and buy some more.

Once I got a chance to look at their website I notice that they also sell Mini Spin Pins, which are more ideal for shorter hair or fine hair. Perhaps this should be the next purchase.

Not your Mothers Smooth Moves

I received a complimentary tube of Not Your Mother's Smooth Moves from Influnster for testing and reviewing purposes.


The Facts:
Infused with Coconut and Silk Extract
$6 for 4oz tube

What they say:
Not Your Mother’s offers essential hairstyling products with only the best ingredients and technologies for a truly cool and unique style. Your style might come from the streets, the magazines you read or straight from the Catwalk. Trends fade, but true style never will. Confidence, creativity and class will always be in fashion. Dare to experiment with new styles, get inspired and embrace your own personal fabulousness. Don't follow others, make your own statement. Stand out, be different, and embrace your style with Not Your Mother's.

What I say:
The product smelled great (kinda like coconut) when I opened the tube. The cream was not greasy or sticky and was easy to work through my damp hair. After brushing and drying it, my hair was straight with great volume, no frizz and felt soft to the touch.

Visit their site: http://www.nymbrands.com/

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Bath and Body Works Pumpkin Cupcake Mini Candle

I received a Mini candle for testing and reviewing purposes from Influenster. The scent I got was Pumpkin Cupcake.
Mini Candle and Coupon

The Facts:
Slatkin & Company Candles sell at Bath and Body Works.
14.5oz Candle w 3 Wicks cost $19.50
7.5oz Medium Candle cost $12.50
4oz Small Candle cost $10
1.3 oz Mini Candle cost $3.50
There are about +40 fragrances, but not all fragrances come in all the candle sizes mentioned above and some fragrances are seasonal.

What they Say:
  • Elegant glass containers
  • Highly fragranced candle exclusively developed and tested by our team of Home Fragrance experts, including the world's best master perfumers
  • Made using the highest concentration of fragrance oils, an exclusive blend of vegetable wax and lead-free wicks for optimal performance
  • 3-wick candle burns approximately 30 to 45 hours and includes a elegant silver lid to keep your fave fragrance fresh, while adding a touch of dĂ©cor.
  • 7.5 oz candle burns approximately 30 hours
  • 4 oz. candle burns approximately 20 to 30 hours and includes a elegant silver lid to keep your fave fragrance fresh, while adding a touch of dĂ©cor.
  • 1.3 oz. candle burns 10 to 15 hours

  • Actual Pumpkin Cupcake I made
    What I say:
    I could smell the lovely scent of this whenever I opened the Voxbox. I noticed this candle right away and saw the name, "Pumpkin Cupcake".  Since I recently made Pumpkin Cupcakes I feel like I have a pretty good idea of how they smelled and I was not disappointed. The scent instantly reminds me of fall and Thanksgiving.  As I love fall and the scents that it brings, I was eager to light it.  After lighting it the wonderful smell emanated throughout the room. Even after putting out the flame I could smell the lingering scents of the candle.

    Because I liked it so much I decided to use the coupon for $10 off of a 3 Wick (up to 5). Which I received in my box to buy a larger version. Unfortunately when I got online to make this purchase they did not have any candles in the Pumpkin Cupcake. Due to this issue I felt slightly cheated, how dare they get me to try a product and then not offer it up for purchase when I like it??? Perhaps they only offer this scent in the stores, which make me made because I am not driving over an hour just to buy a candle that I like, I will buy the cheaper version at my local store instead. I do a good portion of my holiday shopping online due to the lack of options in my small town.

    In any caseI guess I got over it, because I did order 3 other fragrances. Upon receiving my order I removed each of the lids and was blown away by the wonderful fragrances of each. I have not burned any of them, as they were supposed to be Christmas presents for others, but now I think I will keep them and get those people something else.



    For those of you who want to try a mini candle for yourselves Bath and Body Works has on offer on their Facebook page for a free mini candle. It's an in store only offer and is running from Oct 26-28th, 2012. You must click on the offer and have the voucher sent to your email. You can either present the email or show them the voucher on your phone to receive the candle.

    Monday, October 22, 2012

    Book Lovers Cravebox

    I received the Book Lovers Cravebox, which was full of goodies that I had never tried before. The box cost $11 to get from Cravebox.

     For those of you who haven't heard of Cravebox, go to the next section. 
    For the information about the Book Lovers Cravebox head down to the second section.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Cravebox was created to bring its members the best, most innovative products in the market. They built Cravebox to deliver products and solutions that speak to many of our Members' interests, including:
    • Health and Wellness
    • Cooking, Baking and Grilling
    • Hobbies, Arts and Crafts, Pets and Recreation
    • Beauty and Skincare
    • Kids, Baby and Family
    • Home Cleaning and Home Organization Solutions
    Several times a month Cravebox Curators pack up handsome and hefty boxes filled with products, gadgets, doodads and supplies focused around a theme, activity, occasion or hobby that our Members love. Members are notified as soon as each new box is available, and have 3 days to come to the Cravebox website to enter a lottery style drawing for that Cravebox. Winners are notified as soon as the drawing is completed, and receive their Limited Edition box within about two weeks. Limited Edition boxes are available to winning Members for just $10 each. Each box has a cost which you pay ONLY if you are chosen to receive the box.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Ok, now to the Book Lovers Cravebox.

    Here are the items that my $11 got me (which is great if you remember that they have to ship it from I dunno where) Click the link below the picture to read my review of the item.
    Natural Vines

    Soy Nut Mix
    Gratitudes Bracelet- No Review
    
    How I Came to Sparkle Again
    

    Since I have not yet read "How I Cam eto Sparkle Again" by Kaya McLaren (due to the overwhelming stack of books from the library...which I am almost done with) here is a link to Goodreads review

    Friday, October 19, 2012

    Influenster Beauty Blogger Vox Box 2012

    Wo Hoo! I managed to snag the Influenster Beauty Blogger Vox Box 2012, which was full of all kinds of goodies. Here is the list of complimentary items that were included in my VoxBox, which I will be reviewed.

    Goody Spin Pins To see my review please click HERE.

    Eboost in Orange - This was sent in the Naturals Vox Box a month or two ago. To see my review please click HERE.

    New York Color Eyeshadow in Dark Shadows click HERE for review

    Not Your Mother's
    Smooth Moves Frizz Control Hair Cream click HERE for review.

    Bath and Body Works Pumpkin Cupcake Candle. Click HERE for review.

    Kiss Ever Pro Eyelashes please click HERE for review.

    If you haven't joined Influenster yet you should. Its quick, easy and free to join and you get to try a lot of awesome products.


    Tuesday, October 16, 2012

    Birthday Freebies

    So since it was my birthday last week I had a few coupons for some free goodies. All of these programs were free to join and you get stuff for nothing. I got freebies from Gigi's Cupcakes, Sephora, and Victoria Secrets.


    
    Cupcake from Gigi's
    
    Gigi's Cupcakes - If you like big cupcakes with more icing than you know what to do with this is the place to go. They have a ton of locations around the USA (most of which are in the south east). If you join their loyalty club you get points for each purchase that you make which can get you freebies and in your birthday month you get a coupon to use for 1 free cupcake. The flavors of cupcakes that they sell change twice a year (they just started their fall and winter flavors), and they bake different things everyday so you can go and get cupcakes everyday for a week and you will have different options each day.  As a baker myself I never turn down a free cupcake, if nothing else I consider it research into other flavor options. Cupcakes are $3.25 each or $3 each if you get a dozen.



    
    Sephora Duo
    
    Sephora- If you have ever been to a Sephora you know they have quality products but you will pay well for them, so if you are watching your pocket book this is probably not where you shop. I found out that they have a loyalty program, its free to join and you get a free gift for your birthday. This freebie can be redeemed online or in the store. The current free gift is a duo of Fresh Sugar SPF 15 lipbalms. Each 0.15 lipbalm sells for ~$22 in the store or online, so that's a pretty great freebie!  Through the loyalty program you get points for each purchase, after so many points you get free coupons or items. Also when you order online you can get free small samples of different products. The samples are always changing so you can try a lot of different things... if you buy frequently.



    
    Victoria Secrets freebie
    
    Victoria Secrets- I have been a Rewards member for nearly 10 years, so I knew what to expect. Once a member of the rewards program you get coupons and such mailed to you a few times a year. (This is not the same as the credit card program that they also have.) Most of the time you get 3 coupons at once; free pair of panties, free bag with purchase equaling x amount, and x% off certain items- usually instore use only. Because I no longer live close to a VS (over an hour) I don't usually get to use mine, but I hold on to them until they expire just in case. For your birthday you get $10 free coupon (some of these are specifically for instore or online only please check).


     

    Do you want to snag some awesome free stuff for your birthday too? If so my suggestion is that a month or 2 before your birthday rolls around look and see what places you like, or just want to try have a birthday club or something similar. If its free and you get the chance to use the coupon or get the gift then great, if you don't get to then you didn't really lose anything. Who knows you might find out that you love or hate a certain item that you were wanting to try anyway, at least then you know without having to spend all your hard earned money.

    I would love to hear what birthday programs you and your family or friends enjoy.

    Saturday, October 6, 2012

    Crum Creek Soy Nut Trail Mix

    I received a complimentary single serving sample pack of the Crum Creek Soy Nut Trail Mix for reviewing purposes from Cravebox.

    Facts:
    10 single serving packs (1 oz each) for ~$5.50. Organic blend of slightly sea-salted soy nuts, raisins, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and chocolate chips. Vegan

     
    What they say:
    Featured in Oprah's O magazine as part of Dr. Oz's "28-Day Plan to Renew Your Body, Mind and Soul." 
    High in fiber
    High in protein
    Just 6 net grams of carbohydrates per serving 
    Trans fat and cholesterol-free
    
    What the contents of the packet look like
    
    What I say:
    I looked at the ingredient list and was like... "hmm, not really my thing". But I opened it and decided to try it anyway.  I really liked the crunch that the seeds and such provided but they were really dry and I needed to drink a lot to wash everything down. I felt like I needed more raisins and chocolate chips to cut through all of the dry seeds and get a new taste in my mouth. (As you see there was like 2 chocolate chips in the picture and no raisins. Mostly soy nuts). I ate the whole bag while I was working on some things online so it obviously too bad.  I would consider getting these again if I was going on a trip where I wanted a healthy snack that I knew my hubby won't want to eat but otherwise I will leave it for someone who appreciates it more than I do.


    Friday, October 5, 2012

    Natural Vines

    I got a complimentary sample of Natural Vines Strawberry Licorice for reviewing purposes from Cravebox in the Book Lovers 2012 box.

    Facts: 
    8oz resealable bag. Available in Strawberry or  Traditional Black. ~$3 a bag.


    What they say:
    Some licorice is loaded with non-natural ingredients described by numbers and multiple syllable compounds. Natural Vines® brand licorice is made from all-natural flavorings and colors from natural food sources. We use no artificial flavors and no preservatives. So you can have a pure licorice experience. In addition, Natural Vines® brand licorices contains no high fructose corn syrup, trans fat or soy, are cholesterol-free, low-sodium, vegan and made in a nut free facility.

    What I say:
    I love other brands of strawberry licorice so I was happy to get these. I opened the bag and could immediately smell the strawberry. They were bite size and a lot softer than I was used too.  They were not sticky or gummy and this didn't stick to my teeth or need a ton of chewing before I could swallow.

    Because these are more natural than similar candies I have tried the taste was also a lot different. The taste was good but sadly my taste buds have been trained to love the processes sugars and I didn't fall in love with these. I would however consider buying these for myself or my kid as a healthy alternative to other candies. Perhaps like will grow into love.

    Try them for yourself and see if you like or love them.


    Wednesday, October 3, 2012

    Enfagrow Older Toddler Drinks


    My samples

    I received complimentary samples of Enfagrow Older Toddler Drinks (from Emfamil company) and coupons from SheSpeaks.com.

    I received two different flavors (4 individual little boxes of each), vanilla and natural milk flavor.

    Facts: a 4 - (8.25 fl oz) pack of ready to drink container is ~$5.99. You can get Vanilla or Natural Milk flavors. You can also get this in powder to make your own.

    What they say:
    Specifically designed for toddlers 1 year and up, Enfagrow Older Toddler Ready-to-Drink Cartons are made with real milk and have:
    DHA and iron—two building blocks of a toddler's brain.
    19 nutrients to help support growth
    Natural Defense® Dual Prebiotics® Blend—designed to help support your toddler's immune system.


    The taste test

    What I say:
    Kiddo (she is almost 3) always wants milk and when we are out and about that's not always feasible (especially if its hot out), so I was excited to try this.

    I opened the Natural Milk flavor and gave it to my daughter to try. She was expecting milk and though this was similar it was not milk and she promptly told me that she didn't like it. I urged her to try it again but her mind was made up.  I tasted it myself just to see how different it was.  It did taste somewhat like milk (though it was not cold so maybe that was part of her issue). The taste reminded me of the milk that is left in the bowl after you finish your Cherrios (the plain ones not the tasty honey oat kind). So needless to say she wouldn't drink anymore, though she did feed it to the dogs and they loved it.

    Next day I try the Vanilla flavor. The boxes look the exact same so she doesn't want to try it knowing that she did not like what she tried the previous night. I bribed her to try it (I know, but dang it she is stubborn). She still claims that she did not like it. Well dang it! I tried it and I thought it was just fine, you can taste the vanilla flavoring which is very mild and I thought it was much better than the Natural Milk flavor. I tried chilling this and putting it in a cup so she wouldn't see the package but got the same reactions none the less.

    After 4 failed attempts I still have 4 ready to drink servings of this stuff. So I guess it will just be used on her cereal where she won't be able to notice the difference... or maybe I will drink them myself.


    Monday, October 1, 2012

    Geodeo


    I received a complimentary stick of Geodeo Deodorant from Influnster for testing and reviewing purposes.  The sample I got was called Island.

    Facts: $5.99 for a 2.3oz stick

    They say: Don't Fake it. Get real fresh. Under-the-palm-trees-with-a-fruit-drink fresh.
    GEODEO Island is what "ahh" smells like. The potent combo of bamboo and aloe organic extracts, and antioxidant vitamin E gives your skin a mini-spa treatment with each application. Warning: May result in sporadic smiles.

    Volcanic minerals + Icelandic algae fights impurities
    Enzymes neutralize odors
    Bamboo + aloe nourish skin
    Vitamin E fights free radicals


    I Say: It has a nice scent and glides on easily and leaves little or no residue. It doesn't stop me from sweating but since its not an antiperspirant I am not that surprised. Unfortunately, even with this on once I started to sweat it was useless because I am stinky... at least I think so. I dunno if others agree or disagree but since I refuse to ask I have to speculate.  I will continue to try this but on those important occasions where I konw I will sweat and stink I will stick with something else.

    Friday, September 28, 2012

    CleanWell Individual Hand Sanitzer Wipes

    I got a this sample of CleanWell Individual Hand Sanitzer Wipes from Influenster for product testing and review.

    Facts:  You get 50 pouches of these wipes for $29.99, I only got one so here's hoping that is enough to clean/sanitze what I need to. Since they are small they are good to just throw in your purse, diaper bag, car or even your pocket for whatever emergency awaits.

    What they say:
    We believe in eliminating germs safely. That's why we developed CleanWell, a patented formulation of natural thyme oil that kills germs yet contains no harsh chemicals. CleanWell truly is a better way to clean.
    The Anitbacterial wipes kill over 99.99% of household germs, specifically Influenza A, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli on hard, nonporous surfaces. Our convenient 1oz To-Go Spray and 10 count resealable wipes are suitable for use on all hard, non porous surfaces where bacteria or unpleasant odors are a concern.

    What I say: Its Fall and germs are around the corner its time to arm ourselves. Since I am not a scientist and don't have a lab at my house (that I am willing to admit anyways...JK) I can't validate if this actually kills 99.99% of germs that it claims to. But it cleaned up the mess and I think that I would use  these everyday.

    The Original Dish Drying Mat

    I received a complimentary sample of the Original Dish Drying Mat from Influenster for testing and reviewing purposes.

    Facts: You can get one of these for $4.99

    What They Say:

    The Original Dish Drying Mat is the new solution to the age old tradition of placing dish towels on the counter when hand washing pots, pans, dishes, and glassware.
    The unique, laminated design combines a thin layer of foam between two layers of high quality, super absorbent microfiber.
    1. Superior absorbency; holds 4 times its weight in water
    2. Cushions delicate dishes and stemware
    3. Machine washable and highly durable
    4. Folds and stores easily
    5. Has multiple uses; try it underneath your dish drying rack in place of the plastic drain board. Place it underneath your appliances (mixer, blender, ect.) to protect your counter top from scratches and scuffs.
    6. Available in two different sizes and four colors.
    What I Say:
    I wash the majority of my dishes in the dishwasher, but there are always cake pans and such that I have to hand wash. I admit that once they are washed they can sit in the second part of the sink or on the countertop for days after they are washed because I am busy living life and sometimes I'm just lazy. I was sure when I got this that it is a wonderful product but based on what I know about myself I doubted it would be very useful to me. Once again my biased opinion before I even gave it a chance.



    Eboost

    I received one packet of Orange Eboost as a complimentary sample from Influenster.
    Eboost is a powder that you mix in with water to make an effervescent, energy boosting, dietary supplement.

    I got this sample (mine was Orange flavored) and used it almost immediately, as I had not had time to eat lunch while on break and had three hours of work before the end of the day. I used the cup I kept at my desk, poured the contents of the packet in and filled with water. After a quick stir I was ready to taste it.

    Much to my surprise it wasn't completely horrid (as I was expecting based on the ingredient list). It kinda tasted like Tang.

    One of my male coworkers tasted it at my urging and thought it "sweet" even though there are 0 grams of sugar.

    I don't think that I was any more energized afterwards and I ate an entire footling from Subway once I got off work, so I guess the dietary suppressant didn't work for me either.

    In my opinion this product is alright and maybe if I tried more than once I could more easily see the effects that they advertise. I think I will stick to drinking water or perhaps Tang if I want the orange taste.

    Other flavors include: Pink Lemonade, Acai Pomegranate, and Super Berry.

    The cost is $28 for 20 packets, $39 for 30 packets, and $39 for a box of 12 shots.

    http://www.eboost.com/

    SheaMoisture Baby Bar Soap

    I received this SheaMoisture Raw Shea, Chamomile & Argan Baby Bar Soap as a complimentary sample from Influenster for testing and reviewing purposes.

    Facts:
    A 5 OZ bar (which is huge) is $4.99
    Ingredients: african shea butter, coconut oil, palm oil, water, vegetable glycerin, palmitic acid, vanilla extract, sodium chloride, argan oil, chamomile, mineral and vegetable pigment


    Here is what they say about it:
    Enriched with unrefined, “raw” sahe butter, argan oil, chamomile extract, frankincense and myrrh, this creamy, sulfate free bar soap for babies and children gently cleanses while naturally soothing inflammation, irritation and itching associated with eczema.

    Here is what I say about it:
    I don't have eczema so I will start out by saying that I am not reviewing this soap's ability to sooth the problems associated with the condition. But I would love to hear a review from any of you who have used it for that purpose.

    My mouth is not large enough to fit this large bar of soap in to or to say its full name without having to take a break, but as a soap its very effective. It has a nice scent but unlike many soaps on the market it reminded me of nature as it really is, not the way it is seen in swanky magazines. This is probably from the Frankincense and Myrrh and hey if they were good enough to be gifts for Jesus then I suppose they should be good enough for my soap right? 

    I left the shower feeling clean after using this and had no problems letting my daughter use this soap to wash herself (no problems except a run away bar of soap from repeatedly being dropped by my kid). Because it is so large I know that we will be able to use this soap for a long time so it is worth the cost.  


    About the Company:
    Naked Bar Before the first use
    SheaMoisture strives to make a positive impact beyond our skin. The company purchases ingredients directly from women cooperatives and indigenous farmers in Africa, paying above market prices to help improve the standard of living for those suppliers. They are working closely with local and international organizations, including ECOSERVE and AFRICARE, to protect the integrity of ingredients and improve production processes to ensure sustainable harvests. Partnering with organizations such as The Liberian Education Fund and Todee Mission, the company is working to build schools and provide access to education for impoverished girls in Africa, many of who are suppliers of Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter and other natural ingredients.

    All-natural, face, hair, bath, body, shave, waxing and baby care remedies, from age-old family recipes carried down through the generations.


    SheaMoisture products don't contain Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, DEA, PABA, Synthetic Fragrance or Artificial Color. Our company does not participate in animal testing. All products are tested by family members and friends.