December Favorites

It's a short list, but these two products came to mind immediately. This was the first time I've ever tried them and I will definitely use them again.

First up:

Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo by TIGI
This came as an extra in my Little Black Bag Subscription and I'm really happy with it. I usually don't like dry shampoos because they just don't work with my hair. I have fine, dark hair and dry shampoos usually leave a white residue and weigh my hair down. Sometimes I can't even brush it out, but I've noticed that this one is pretty much colorless. I've tried endlessly to find one (from high end to low end) that will work and so far this one is holding up. It allows me to get one extra day out of my shampoo and my hair is a little shinier because I'm not washing the natural oils out on a daily basis. My color is also holding up a little better too. The one downfall is the scent. I think it's suppose to be a citrus but it doesn't do it for me. However it does wear off almost immediately. It's not enough to keep me from using it.

Next up:

Time to Clear Purifying Mud Mask by AHAVA
I love using mud masks, but I hate sitting around with it on my face for 10-15 minutes. Call me impatient.This mask you only need to leave on for 2 minutes...PERFECT! I tend to get the hormonal breakouts around the chin and this helps to clear it up. This is great if you have sensitive skin because it goes on with more of a sheer consistency. It also doesn't dry out your skin like some mud mask can. My skin didn't feel tight when I rinsed it off and I had a healthier glow.


I'm always open to trying new products. I would love to hear your suggestions for dry shampoos and facial masks. What are your go to products?

Neutrogena Hand Cream BzzCampaign

So, I just received my next BzzAgent campaign and it's for Neutrogena hand cream. This really couldn't have come at a better time because I'm suffering with unsightly winter skin. My hands have been DRY and CHAPPED!!! If you haven't checked out BzzAgent you definitely should. You can find them here. This is what came in my kit:

I received a full size fragrance free hand cream and six mini samples. My boyfriend was the first one to get a sample and so far he's liking it. That says a lot because he has the driest skin I've ever seen. This hand cream is a little different from your average hand cream because it's glycerin based. You can see the consistency in this picture.

Please excuse the iPhone pictures. I'm still on the hunt for my camera cord. The nice thing about this lotion is how quickly it absorbs and I'm also noticing some improvement in my nails. They're not breaking as much as they usually do. Yay!!!

Some interesting product facts for you:

• Just one dab repairs many signs of damage: dryness, chapping, splitting nails, dry cuticles, scaliness and roughness
• 2012 Good Housekeeping Seal award winner
• First hand cream to heal with concentrated glycerin
• Keeps manicured hands looking beautiful
• Long-lasting
• 2oz product good for 200 uses (a small amount goes a long way!)
• Available in Original and Fragrance-Free
• Suggested retail price of $4.99 per 2oz product

Have you tried the Neutrogena hand cream yet? I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions. 

Influenster Holiday VoxBox 2012

Hope everyone is making it through the holidays. I don't know about you but, I'm definitely ready for some downtime. I was fortunate to receive my Holiday VoxBox from Influenster today and I LOVE it. If you don't know about Influenster you should definitely check out their website at www.influenster.com. Influenster is a FREE program where you take surveys based on your interests and obtain badges. Depending on the badges you earn you can qualify for FREE boxes of samples and/or products to try. If you haven't, you definitely need to check out Influenster soon. Here's what I just received:

 How fun is this box? They're all products that I'm super excited to try out!

Quaker Real Medleys Oatmeal ($1.79 per cup)
This will be great for those mornings when you're running behind and you need something quick.

NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine ($2.49)
I may have actually found the perfect nude for me and the price can't be beat. I also love that this gloss is not sticky and it's super shiny.

Kiss Nail Dress ($6.99)
These are super fun and they will be perfect for New Year's Eve.

EBOOST ($28 for box of 20 effervescent powders, $39 for box 30 effervescent powders)
According to their website, EBOOST will boost your mood, focus, and immunity with natural ingredients and no crash. This is the perfect time of the year for this. I think everyone may be in need of an extra boost after all of the holiday festivities.

Goody QuikStyle Brush - Half Round Styler ($11.99)
I think I'm most excited for this product! Full round brushes can be a little tricky for me, so a half round brush may be just the solution. This brush also has super absorbent microfiber bristles to help dry your hair more quickly.

Montagne Jeunesse Face Masks (Under $3)
I love mud masks and I will probably use this tonight.

There was also a $25 coupon to Sole Society which means I will be picking out a pair of shoes later!

I love the assortment that this box contained and I can't wait to try all of the products. I will keep you posted on my thoughts. I would love to hear your thoughts if you've tried any of the products listed or if you've been a lucky recipient of a VoxBox.

Bark Box - December

I have a confession...I spoil my dogs. I decided my little guy Floyd needed to get in on the mail time fun. Bark Box is $23/month and 10% goes toward supporting a rescue group. There are different prices depending upon which options you sign up for, so you'll want to check out their website at www.barkbox.com. Here's what we got this month:

The boxes always have some type of toy which are always hit at our house. They also include different types of treats and grooming products.

Simply Fido Toy (www.simplyfido.com)
This what my Floyd grabbed out of the box first and he's been playing with it all day. I love this toy because it is great for the holiday season and it is one of the nicest quality toys I've seen in awhile. I think we will be investing in some more very soon. Did I mention they're an organic toy supplier?

Puppy Cake Red Velvet Cake Mix (www.puppycake.com)
I have never tried anything like this, nor have I seen it in any of our local pet stores. We may have to save this for Floyd's birthday month in February. :-) This company has a complete line of cake mixes and an adorable bone shaped pan that we may have to invest in.

Bocce's Bakery Holiday Feast Treats (www.boccesbakery.com)
All natural treats made with chicken, pumpkin, cranberries and cinnamon. I have a feeling these won't last that long. They also have other amazing flavors on their website including the Elvis treats that are  peanut butter, banana and bacon flavored. Love it1

Fresh Dog Oatmeal Shampoo (www.freshdog.com)
I'm really excited to use this. It smells amazing and much better than what we've been using.They also sell dry shampoo on their website.

Really, how could you not spoil this little guy? Floyd is thrilled with his new goods and he gives his December Bark Box two paws up. If you received the December box or have tried any of the products let me know what you think.

December Popsugar Must Have Box

Just wanted to leave you a quick review on the December Popsugar Must Have Box. I like the Popsugar boxes because they usually have a great variety items and each month is a little different.  The box this month was another great one and all of the products will be put to good use.

Box contents:
Bistro Mug (Two double walled mugs)
Tea Forte Tea Sampler (10 bags)
Peppermint Sticks
Face and Body Soap by Jaboneria Marianella
Pinch Kit
GoSwype
Rent the Runway Coupon

The Minimergency Kit by Pinch was probably my favorite item along with the mugs. This little kit has 17 beauty essentials like earring backs, nail polish, safety pins, and deodorant. Great for those little emergencies that you may run into. This would make a great gift or stocking stuffer. 

You can find out more about Popsugar and sign up with this link: http://popsu.gr/hik. The subscription is $35 a month and you definitely get more than your investment.  

Wantable.co - December Box

I came home to a great surprise today! My wantable.co box arrived. This is a relatively new company that does subscription boxes. You can choose makeup or jewelry and I went with a makeup box this time. With wantable.co you can buy a box for $40 or subscribe for $35. When you order your box, you take a beauty profile quiz and I think they hit the mark. I LOVED all of my products. The other great thing about wantable.co is that they're a hometown company. Yay Milwaukee!!!

SO, here's the lowdown:

My box included:
Highlighting Powder by Swagger Cosmetics (Champagne in the Bubble Bath) $14.50
Cheek Color by Paula Dorf (Doll Face) $23.00
Lip Pop Gloss by My Face Cosmetics (Hot in Here) $18.00
Loose Eyeshadow by Swagger Cosmetics (Red Bone) $9.50
Long Last Eyeliner by MiA BelleZZa (Black Jade) $16.50
Spardaro Doux Amour Sample
Spardaro Sole Nero Sample
Kai Perfume Oil Sample

This box was a great value. I got $81.50 in cosmetics for $35 and I couldn't be happier. The products are high quality and I will DEFINITELY be ordering more boxes from this company.

The loose eyeshadow in Red Bone and the highlighting power. Absolutely gorgeous colors.

Paula Dorf Cream Cheek Color in Doll Face (A beautiful and build-able color)

 Swagger Loose Eyeshadow in Red Bone (The picture really doesn't do this color justice. It's gorgeous!!!)

MiA BelleZZa Eyeliner in Black Jade (I adore this color!)

MyFace Cosmetics Lip Pop Gloss in Hot in Here (This is a beautiful nude with just the right amount of sparkle.

So, have any of you ordered a wantable.co box? If so let me know what you think! If not, what are you waiting for???

www.wantable.co

December Hammock Pack

Have you heard of the Hammock Pack yet? If not, you need to run to their website: www.hammockpack.com. This is another monthly subscription plan ($25/month) that delivers a getaway to your doorstep. The December theme was Ski Lodge and I loved everything. This company really takes the time to send out a beautiful product right down to the packaging.

I mean really, isn't that bow gorgeous? It gets even better when you actually open it.

In my opinion, this was a great box. I tend to be partial to sweets and this box hit the mark. I can't wait for the January box. Now onto the goods!!!

The Good Batch Classic Stroopwafel
This is completely new to me and it's a Dutch cookie. The traditional way to enjoy it is to place it over a steaming cup of coffee or tea so that the caramel melts.
Couldn't get more perfect for me! You can find these at www.thegoodbatch.com.

240 Sweet Dark Chocolate Marshmallows
Artisan marshmallows...perfect for adding a little extra to your cocoa or eating by themselves. I'm super excited to try these.
www.240sweet.com

Ticket Kitchen Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate on a stick...I love it!!!!
www.theticketkitchen.com

Sweet Lydia's Minty Pattie
Another item that I'm super excited to try. It took a lot of restraint to take the photographs first!
www.sweetlydias.com

Firebird Bath & Body Snowdrift Body Lotion
It's no secret for those that know me that I love beauty products. This is perfect for the winter. The snowdrift scent is a blend of peppermint, vanilla and evergreen.
Etsy Shop: firebirdbathbody

West 13 Bath & Body The Balm
This balm is not only for dry lips, but it can also be applied to patchy, dry skin or cuticles. I tried it on my dry lips and I've definitely noticed a difference. I will definitely try it on my cuticles too.
Etsy Shop: west13bathandbody

So, isn't this a great assortment? If you've gotten a subscription or tried any of the products let me know what you think. I'm off to order my January box.

Burt's Bees Grab Bag

I recently purchased a grab bag through the Burt's Bees website and it arrived today. Yippee!!! It looks like they offer one every year, but it was completely new to me. The bag is offered for $25 (for over $50 in product) and the shipping was incredibly fast. I think that the value is great for this bag and as of today they have a limited quantity left. Not the best picture, but here's what I got:

Super Shiny Shampoo with Mango ($8.00)
Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil ($3.00)
Nourishing Lip Balm with Mango Butter ($3.00)
Honey Lip Balm ($3.00)
Lip Shimmer in Papaya  ($5.00)
Vanilla Flame Foaming Hand Wash ($5.00)
Orange Petalooza Body Mist ($6.00)
Orange Petalooza Body Butter ($12.00)
Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion (Sample Size)
Radiance Facial Cleanser (Sample Size)
Radiance Day Lotion (Sample Size)
Radiance Eye Cream (Sample Size)
Bath Poof
Small Facial Towel
Small Black Envelope Clutch

So, if you love Burt's Bees products or you're looking for more natural products this bag is a great value! As you can see you're getting your moneys worth with this bag. I will post reviews as I try out the products.

Let me know what you think if you try out the bag.

Beecology Dead Sea Mud Soap Review

I've been trying to incorporate more natural products into my beauty routine and I recently had the pleasure of trying out a Dead Sea Mud Soap by Beecology. I was really happy with this soap and I will definitely purchase again. There was no scent and the soap lathered and rinsed off perfectly. It also didn't leave my skin feelilng tight and dry like some soaps do.




According to their website, the Dead Sea mud soap is made from moisturizing essential oils, beeswax and Shea butter. No other additives! Dead Sea Mud Soap has amazing restorative powers and for centuries mud has been prized for its essential minerals that balance and draw impurities from the skin.

What are you waiting for? Go check out their website: www.beecology.com and let me know what you think after you try for yourself.

Covergirl & Olay Makeup!!

I recently had the opportunity to try out this makeup through bzzagent.com. I love it! It's non-drying and the way it blends is amazing. My skin doesn't dry out by the end of the day and my skin tone is improving. I love that this is an affordable brand that fits into my lifestyle. I will be purchasing again.

Reboot Your Life!

 

I was recently invited to participate in the Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead Campaign through BzzAgent. It you're not familiar with BzzAgent, it's a social marketing company that allows consumers to review various products. Most of the reviewers opinions are shared through blogs, Facebook posts, videos and photo posts. I'm REALLY excited to be a part of this.

Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead is a documentary that was produced by Joe Cross. Joe Cross lost over a 100 pounds by using a juice diet. By incorporating whole fruits and vegetables into his life, Cross was able to turn his health around. For me, this campaign couldn't have come at a better time. I'm stressed out from work and I haven't been taking the best care of myself. This will be just the start I need to get myself back on track.

I definitely encourage you to check out the BzzAgent website and while you're at it, don't forget to check out http://jointhereboot.com.

Maybe it's time you recharge and reboot your life?