Kenra: Platinum Snail Anti-Aging Hair Care Line and Kenra Platinum Snail CC Creme #Review #Kenra #KenraPlatinum #Sponsored

I really try to take care of my hair by not exposing it to heat and/or too many products.  My hair is pretty long, reaching down towards my waist.  At times it can be a fight with my hair when it is not playing nice like on a windy day and hair meets car door.  My extinct is to yank and say some unkind words but I’m working on it, just like I am working on trying to better my hair’s overall health and condition.

 

When Kenra offered a snail care line to review, my first instinct was ewww.  I imagined a slug at the time swimming at the bottom of the bottles sort of like you see a worm in a Mezcal bottle.  The idea sounded wrong until I quickly recalled the high priced creams with what was pretty much slug juice that many swore by.  I decided to read and the ewww factor quickly dissipated.

 

Things to know:

 

No slugs or worms are swimming in your products or if you are a pro-snail person, no snails were harmed in making this new Kenra Snail Anti-Aging hair care line.  The benefits stated by Kenra read like a dream come true if you are seeking what we all desire.

 

• Shine restored
• Helps with age related thinning of hair
• Controls Frizz
• Scalp Issues 
• Dryness
• Breakage from ends to just from over treated
• Better manageability 
• Helps strengthen your hair so it is just not appearing healthier, but actually improving your locks!

 

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I received the Kenra Snail Anti-Aging Shampoo and Conditioner and after trying the products for 3 weeks this was what I experienced:

 

My first wash was amazing.  The shampoo really lathers up with very little product needed.  When it came time to rinse, my hair did not feel dry or stripped.  Still clean but super soft.  Not weighed down but a smoothness that made you think I had added a leave-in conditioner already.  This is just the shampoo!  The conditioner made me fall in love with the duo.  You know how I said how soft my hair felt just after shampooing?  Well, the conditioner left my hair feeling like I never use a blow dryer.  Silk.  Pure silkiness and a shine that was instantly seen.  I was super happy but I always wait for how my hair appears when I use the hair dryer.  I am pretty good about not using it on super high heat and not over touching my hair to create frizz and static.  I applied a small dollop of the CC Cream provided in place of my usual leave-in hair product.  My hair was pretty tangle free because of how soft and relaxed the wash left it, which made distributing the CC cream easy.  I used my finger to get rid of some small tangles that unraveled the minute my fingers passed through.  I used very little of the CC cream because my hair felt great as it was.  Now, came drying.  Can I say I welcome less drying time on any day?  My hair took only 10 minutes to dry and not the usual semi-wet head I stay with before because I lazied my way out of doing it all the way.  My hair was like I wished I had time to dry it every time and soft.  Not a lion head mane but natural lift and body that made me love my hair how it looked and felt.  It was midnight and my hair looked so good I wanted to go out!

 

Verdict: 

As I used the products, I was expecting my first wash was as good as it gets.  Wrong.  My hair just got shinier and shinier and some people inquired if I got a new cut or was I using a new oil.  Nope.  The luster was amazing and when I was looking at our home security cameras to see if the sprinklers had come on that morning, I caught myself leaving the house that day.  I don’t usually give myself compliments but my goodness………,my hair rocks! The luster and the way it just moves makes you think I am getting a blow out once a week.  I was stunned at how beautiful my hair looked and how the individual highlights gleamed in the sun and realize I don’t dye my hair.  This is just natural highlights that I get during Summer.  I can’t wait for the Winter change where my hair gets a more deeper chocolate/auburn hue and how that will look.  I dumped my other regimen and have replaced it with the new Kenra Snail Anti-Aging line.  It costs less because I won’t be seeking deep treatments to restore my hair.  It is now part of my hair care routine.  I use the Kenra shaping spray if I desire a longer lasting style and some hold but not on a regular basis.  The spray is alcohol free and that means all the work the Kenra Snail Shampoo & Conditioner, plus CC Cream is not lost.  No worries of over drying because of styling.  You can also incorporate into your routine the Kenra Platinum Heat Block Spray.  This spray protects your hair up to 450 degrees and I used it once when I wanted to use my flat iron.  My hair’s remained the same like no hot iron ever met it but if you really want the best top 3 products, please splurge and treat your hair to the Kenra Platinum Snail Anti-Aging Shampoo and Conditioner, and the Kenra Platinum Snail CC Creme.  Your hair will thank you!

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZvYgUC_p2E&feature=youtu.be

 

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Kenra. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. I received no other compensation in exchange for my review. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

     

Connect with Kenra at:

 

• Kenra
• Instagram
  
• Facebook
  
• YouTube
  
• Twitter
  
• Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/Kenra
  
• Ulta
• #SprayResponsibly  #hair  #Kenra #beehot  #AntiAging  #KenraProfessional  #snailedit

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Xtava: ALLURE 2200W Tourmaline Ionic Ceramic Professional Hair Dryer #Review #HairDryer

 

 

Last week, I shared the Xtava Professional 5-in-1 Curling Iron and this week I’m sharing another one of Xtava’s products, the Allure Hair dryer. You will notice if you visit Xtava’s website, their hair dryer line is really what put the company on the map and this one is no different!

The Allure hair dryer is light in weight but powerful. You have 2200 watts that delivers air quickly in both heat and cold options. Power does not mean this blow dryer will not be kind or gentle to your hair either. The Allure hair dryer uses Tourmaline Ionic Ceramic technology, meaning you get even heat distribution and the ceramic is gentle on your hair’s cuticle. The negative ionic technology also prevents frizz to build-up, giving your final do’s that smooth and very desired shiny appearance. The above technology is also perfect with all the new hair oils hitting the market because you will achieve ultimate penetration meaning you will reap all the benefits quicker and better.

The Xtava Allure features:

• A Ultra Lightweight housing for better control
• Triple Baked Tourmaline Ionic Ceramic
• 2 Speeds with 3 Heat setting modes.
• A “Cold Burst” Button to aid with styling and setting
• Concentrator Nozzle is also included
• The “filter” easily removes on back for cleaning when needed
• 1 year manufacture warranty
• Card for up to 50% off (with code) to their site

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I tried the Xtava Allure hair dryer for 1 week to get an idea how well it performs. I was surprised how quickly the element delivered heat and the burst of air is that perfect flow where you can still control your hair while it’s drying. My hair’s length is at my waist and I have a lot of hair, which is fine to medium in texture but dense when it comes to amount. I was happy at the 5 minutes mark with the quickness in drying time and softness in feel. By 7 minutes, my hair was dry and ready for me to style. I did not experience any frizz or static from the dryer, which is a major plus for me because “dandelion head” is yet a look to catch on!  On the second use, I used my typical leave-in mix of oils (2 drops of Argan oil with a small dollop of Living Proof Perfect Hair Day).  I achieved great results and my hair was super smooth in feel and it had that natural gloss you get when you get that perfect blow out.  I was satisfied with the performance of Xtava’s Allure hair dryer!  The box comes with everything you need from the attachment…..you just need a hair brush and you are set.

Retail Price Point: $34.00 via Amazon and $30 via Xtava’s website

 

The only Con I could Find:
The “cool shot/burst” button pinches when you use it or if your finger tends to slide up. It also caught my hair once but I knew enough to not pull, so I did not lose any strands or caused any damage. The button is really not a button or a rocker switch, it’s made from the plastic frame the dryer is made from. A button shape is molded but the movement is made from the cut-out in the plastic’s frame. My only worries is durability with this button due to the fact plastic can only bend back and forth so often before breaking and/or cracking. Not a biggie but worth mentioning because it does pinch your skin when you use it and especially soft skin that you get from just showering or bathing. I don’t use this option often, so for me it would be insignificant when thinking of overall use or performance.

Xtava Insert

Insert has directions, care instructions and more

Connect with Xtava’s Great Styling Products at:

• On-line
• Allure Hair Dryer Product Link
• Amazon
• Facebook
• #HairDryer
• #Xtava

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Xtava.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

 

Xtava: Professional 5-in-1 Curling Iron Model No. XA0041 Review #Curler5in1

With all the hair wands, curlers, rods, irons and so forth, I went from having my hair care items stored under the sink, then assigned a drawer to them, to later having a shelf in the closet dedicated to them. I’m about to move them into a box until Xtava’s 5-in-1 curling iron arrived!

Xtava was the answer to my needs and their 5-in-1 professional curling iron does it all and then some. The best part, everything attaches to a singular wand. Think of it like having a drill and you would not buy a drill to go with just one drill bit…..that would be silly even though that is exactly what I did with my styling tools.

Xtava’s 5-in-1 curling iron, Model #XA0041 Features:

• One wand
• 5 different ceramic barrels
• 1.25″/1.25″
• 1″/1″
• 0.7″/1″ (tapers down)
• 0.75″/0.75″
• 0.3″/0.75″ (tapers down)
• Ceramic Tourmaline Technology
• 360 degree Swivel cord, which is a comfortable 8 feet in length
• Shut-off safety function in case you get busy and forget
• Also a nice storage bag to keep everything again in one place and easy to grab

The 5 barrels vary in sizes from the larger one producing nice bouncy waves, to the one after giving you tighter curls. You then move on down to smaller circumferences, which allows you to add detail, volume, and nothings gets missed. You can style any length of hair and Xtava’s 5-in-1 curling iron can handle it all. This is perfect for me because I like to change how I wear my hair and that means my needs change by my hair-do. I was able to comfortably curl my hair quickly and safely, with ease and produce a style that I was absolutely delighted with. I don’t have to make excuses now on why I don’t have time and/or want to curl my hair, because Xtava’s 5-in-1 curling iron could handle my very long strands with care and what was best…..super quick and this was for a full hair down style. I was done in 10 minutes!

 

Retail Price Point: $39.99 via Xtava and also available on Amazon

The wands easily connect with a simple twist on and stay in place (locked) until you are finished. I found them easy to use and change while styling. The barrels of each attachment are smooth and flawless, so no hairs were pulled or yanked on while I used the product. The heat output is nice and has a maximum temperature of 410 degrees. The output seems to depend on the size of the attachment you use and the unit does not allow for heat temperature selection, so you go by “time curling” when styling. Once plugged in, you can begin styling in 2 minutes! Told you it was fast. Also, the unit comes with a 5-year warranty because Xtava stands by it’s products.

Instructions with promo card

Promo Card

Code included for up to 50% off

 

Final Verdict:
Probably one of my shortest verdict’s and to the point, I now have this one iron because it replaced and added more than what I had before. I just have a flat iron and my blow dryers, so back to the drawer where I can use them regularly they go! One very happy girl and this would make an perfect Valentine’s Day gift!

 

Connect with Xtava’s Great Styling Products at:

• On-line
• 5-in-1 Curling Iron Product Link
• Amazon
• Facebook
• #Curler5in1
• #Xtava

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Xtava.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Swaggable: Belegenza RoMANce Deep Conditioning Treatment #Review

 

I read up on Belegenza and their products on-line. Belengenza’s (bel-a-jen’-za) name is made up of two italian/latin words, where Bel meaning beauty and Gen for genesis. The company’s website was very informative and they make hair products that fit everyone’s needs. Their products are gentle but effective and very in tune with nature by using natural ingredients.

I used the shampoo and let’s see how the conditioner plays with my hair!

Belegenza RoMANce Deep Conditioning Treatment: A formula made to nourish your hair from tip to tip. Helps replenish moisture and also keep it there, but also encourages a healthier growth due to it being kind to your scalp. Referred as the “energizer” due to it’s combination of naturally derived ingredients, this deep treatment is perfect for fine to even coarsely textured hair. You have again the very welcoming Aloe Vera as a base and 3 different kinds of seaweeds to nourish your strands. It does not stop there, also Jojoba essence, Honey, Coconut extracts and oils from Olives and Lanolin. Don’t forget your vitamins, Belegenza also feeds your hair with a healthy dose of Vitamin B2, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin E. A powerful combination of ingredients and also free of fillers, sulfates, silicone, alcohol…..well, let’s say with the smoothie craze at an all time high, the above blend is surely going to feed your hair!

Ingredients as listed on their site: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hypnea Musciformis (Hawaiian Seaweed) Extract, Gelidiela Acerosa (Gulfweed Seaweed) Extract, Sargassum Filipendula (Red Mapleweed) Extract, Sorbitol, Stearalkonium Chloride, Behentrimonium Metosulphate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Honey, Cetyl Alcohol, Silk Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Secret Salon Ingredient, Acetyl Tyrosine (Amino Acid), Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Lanolin Oil, L-Cysteine (Amino Acid), Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Pyridoxine HCL-5-Phosphate (Vitamin B6), Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12), Panthenol, Oleyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Benzophenone-4, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Phthalate-free fragrance.

Performance: The treatment again smells so good when applied that it is seriously aromatherapy in the shower. I applied a small amount and it dispersed well through out my hair. A little goes a long way and I left the conditioner on for 5 minutes. Rinsed out nicely and you get instant softness and shine. I towel dried my hair and then proceeded to blow dry. You can feel moisture is locked-in but not the heaviness. My hair still had it’s natural body and lift, so it does deep condition without that flat and even greasy film some deep treatments leave behind. Belegenza had none of that! My hair was easy to style and I felt the treatment did help and especially with the stress my hair gets from heated elements like a flat-iron to blow drying. The RoMANce is definitely there because Belegenza loves my hair but forgives me for not always being the best gal to it.

Price Point: $36.00; Trial size bottle available for $17.00

Again very happy with the performance of the Belegenza products and how they left my hair feeling and looking healthy.

For more information on the above product or to view the full Belegenza line, please visit:

• On-line- https://belegenza.com/product/romance-deep-conditioning-treatment/
• Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/Belegenza
• Twitter- https://twitter.com/Belegenza
• YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/user/Belegenza

I received the above product free of charge from Swaggable and Belegenza.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Swaggable: Belegenza ILLustrious Shampoo & Cleanser #Review

 

I do not receive that many items when it comes to hair products, but so far the Belegenza line makes any room they are in smell so nice and clean. I have never heard of the brand but I always welcome anything new when it comes to hair care. I have very long hair that is a mixture of normal and fine in texture but not flat or thin…..it’s really just too much hair if you ask me. I pick-up static like a balloon would (frizz central) and the only two positives I can find is it does not break easily and so far no grays (yet) 🙂 You know how people have combination skin problems, well I have those too but also combination hair ones. At least I’m consistent!

I have been using Carol’s Daughter products and very happy but I’m always hunting for something different or better.

I read up on Belegenza and their products on-line. Belengenza’s (bel-a-jen’-za) name is made up of two Italian/Latin words, where Bel meaning beauty and Gen for genesis. The company’s website was very informative and they make hair products that fit everyone’s needs. Their products are gentle but effective and very in tune with nature and using natural ingredients.

Belegenza ILLustrious Shampoo & Cleanser: The shampoo is uses natural extracts that are derived from fruit and vegetables. You have anti-aging extracts like Sugarcane, Apple, Green Tea, Nettle, Sage, Rosemary, Comfrey and Rhizome Root. You also have Castor Beans, 3 types of Seaweeds and Vitamin E and Vitamin B6. No wonder it smells so good but the scent remains welcoming, not over perfume-y. The shampoo is also color safe and free of salt and sulfates. Nothing really synthetic or at all damaging to your hair or scalp. So far I really liked their ingredients and they use an Aloe Vera base versus just selling you products that are just mostly water.

Ingredients as listed on their site:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate (Vegetable based) , Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (Coconut based), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Coconut based), Hypnea Musciformis (Hawaiian Seaweed) Extract, Gelidiela Acerosa (Gulfweed Seaweed) Extract, Sargassum Filipendula (Red Mapleweed) Extract, Sorbitol, PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate/Cocoate (Coconut based), Glycol Stearate (Vegetable based) , Honey, Secret Salon Ingredient, Silk Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey) Rhizome/Root Extract, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Pyridoxine HCL-5-Phosphate (Vitamin B6), Panthenol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Sorbic Acid (Rowanberry distillate), Polyquaternium-10 (Cellulose/thickener) , Phenoxyethanol, Tetrasodium EDTA(Mineral chelator), Citric Acid (Lemon), Phthalate-free fragrance.

Performance: The product lathers up really good and even though I do not have color or chemically treated hair, the shampoo worked wonders. My hair was left feeling clean but not stripped. Very calming scent while you shower and a clean welcoming natural fragrance is left when hair dries. I liked how my hair not only looked but felt. The frizz level was very low and my hair just looks healthier. I tried both a natural (air) drying and then the second time used a blow dryer, again happy with both results.

Price Point: $22.00

I was satisfied and happy with the shampoo and it actually made me curious as to how a more suited for me formula would perform from Belegenza’s line of hair care products.

For more information on the above product or to view the full Belegenza line, please visit:

• On-line- https://belegenza.com/product/illustrious-shampoo-cleanser/?add-to-cart=100
• Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/Belegenza
• Twitter- https://twitter.com/Belegenza
• YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/user/Belegenza

 

I received the above product free of charge from Swaggable and Belegenza.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Smiley Mission: Aveeno Active Naturals Nourish+ Dandruff Control

Being a Smiley member, I was able to participate in the Aveeno Active Naturals mission, featuring the Nourish+ Dandruff Control Shampoo and Conditioner. My experience in Summer is always getting an itchy and dry scalp caused by the pool’s water. The chlorine really tends to make me itch and even though I don’t get flakes, you scratch enough and you start mistreating your hair and scalp. I have a regimen where I will use a anti-dandruff shampoo every other time I shampoo my hair because shampoos of this kind….well they tend to not be so nice to my locks.

Smiley sent a coupon that covered the cost in full for each product. I noticed at the store, the supply was low on these two items and I always see that as a good sign. I tried the product for one week and even though I allow usually a full two weeks of use before reporting my results, I was happy and satisfied at the one week point of usage that I decided to blog early (the latter is a rarity for me 🙂 )

I first sniffed the bottles and like very much the scent they have and it stays true to Aveeno’s fragrances, natural and almost coconut like but not overpowering. My scalp after just one use did not itch at all and I like this because I usually had to use a deep conditioner for my hair that tended to leave residue. My scalp would not itch as bad with the former method I used but who wants greasy hair? I then would try to space out the dandruff shampoo use of my former brand, but then that meant every other time I used it, I had to welcome the frizz. The juggling act has been seized with just using these two simple products. Aveeno’s Nourish+ does control the itch but also helps my hair look it’s best. I don’t have to miss out or trade one benefit over another one. My hair is manageable, soft but still has life so my volume is not compromised. I also like that I am left with no frizz so I use less anti-frizz product, usually just on the ends of my hair as a way to protect them.  The product also contains  oat peptide and oat extract, which aids in producing an overall healthier scalp and hair.  Finally improvement when it comes to an anti-dandruff product!!

I am a user of Aveeno’s lotion products that I have raved about before, from the 24 hour body moisturizers to the products for your face….let’s not forget the sunscreens that does not cause me to break out.   Again, Aveeno does not disappoint and I like the instant results and the positive change my hair reflected after just one wash. A girl only has so much patience and I like instant gratification when I can find it!

Aveeno has three different varieties in their Dandruff Control line:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• 2-in-1

I noticed the price point is about $7.99, so why not click this link &  save $3.00 with Smiley360?:

I received the above products from Smiley and Aveeno free of charge.  I am not obligated in providing a positive/favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the products, which may differ from yours.

Pantene Pro-V AgeDefy Collection for Hair

I gave these products a good 2 1/2 weeks and my hair thanks me for it. I shared a posting earlier about the beautiful kit I received from Kred (www.Kred.com) and again recommend giving Kred a try!  They reward you for being Y-O-U!  Kred has great rewards for the family and I say family because even my dog got her own water bottle (Kred & Purina perk)!

Pantene Pro-V Expert Collection AgeDefy Shampoo, Conditioner, and Treatment
As much as we all hate to admit it, we’re getting older. Somethings are losing their bounce, their luster, their shine. Like our hair. (Eyes up here, boys!) And some of us ladies are willing to throw big bucks at products that will reverse the signs of aging. Thankfully, I found something that helps turn back the hands of time without breaking the bank. Enter Pantene, partnered with Olay, and their Pro-V Expert Collection of hair care products.

Pantene Pro_V Expert Collection AgeDefy Shampoo is step one. It says it helps fight the “7 Signs of Aging”, like breakage, split ends, frizz, unruly grays, lackluster color, thinning and dryness. I like this product. Being a fan of Olay products, seeing their name on the label put the proverbial foot in the door for me. It’s gentle enough for every day use, as well as for color-treated hair. There is a nice, floral fragrance that holds strong for several days after washing. It lathers thickly, so a little bit goes a long way! No build-up that I have noticed and even my fly-aways seem more manageable, as I have very long, fine hair. But what’s a shampoo with out a conditioner? That’s like cookies without the milk, so on to…

 

Pantene Pro-V Expert collection AgeDefy Conditioner for Step 2. Olay and Pantene have pulled out all the stops here, and it shines through in shinier, fuller hair. Like I said before, I have fine hair that’s prone to build-up with heavy conditioners, but again this one is light enough for regular use. Great scent, too. It also kept my hair from breaking, so expect a few less hairs in the drain, ladies. We can all appreciate that! But wait! There’s more!

 

Pantene Pro-V Expert Collection AgeDefy Advanced Thickening Treatment, is step three, and for me this one misses the boat a bit.  For starters, you have to use quite a bit of it, and at nearly $16.00 a bottle, it’s more expensive than some of the salon treatments that treat a broad spectrum of hair issues.  While the results are satisfactory, rounding out the hair care treatment nicely, it is cost prohibitive for a lot of people to use regularly.  So while I like it and it works as advertised, you might think about a couple other brands more competitively priced to round out this routine.  A coupon may make the sting ache less, so that can also be an option when it comes to future purchases.

Back of treatment box (above)

 

(Back of card with haircare tips)

The kit also included a card with tips on haircare and it was suppose have a headband but mine was missing it.  My box was factory sealed so it just got overlooked but I have hairbands, so not a huge loss.  A ProX skin Analyzer and a $5.00 off coupon was also added.  The box also included a great Olay product for deep wrinkles, which I will be reviewing next week…..so stay tuned as I turn younger!

 

Influenster VoxBox Holiday 2012 Edition

I was a very good girl this year and the Influenster (@Influenster) Santa rewarded me with a Holiday VoxBox just in time to enjoy saying goodbye to 2012. I have mentioned before being thrilled with this program but they always find more ways to make me smile. Pretty soon I will need some anti-aging cream to get rid of these smile lines! http://www.facebook.com/influenster http://www.twitter.com/influenster  Let’s get to it:

The Holiday VoxBox 2012 contained seven dazzling items to make me look and feel my best!

We start with Quaker’s Real Medley’s Oatmeal in Cherry Pistachio. This product took oatmeal to that next level and shook the boring out of the oats. You will notice the “plus” (+) in the label and that is because this is a product that contains other grains. You start with Oatmeal plus whole cherries, roasted almonds, pistachios, and multigrains. The multi-grain blend is as follows, whole grain rolled Oats, rolled Barley, whole grain rolled Rye and whole grain rolled Wheat. You get a nice jolt of fiber to keep you full and satisfied and at 290 calories per cup (for this flavor), it helps start your new year with a smile. It gets better, no cooking required or even a pot or bowl to clean. You simply add H2O, give it a loving stir so everything gets wet, put cup in the microwave and in 45 seconds you take it out. You stir, let stand for a minute and enjoy. Yup, that is breakfast or even a snack in under two minutes! The taste is wonderful and I enjoyed the whole cherries very much. I have added dried fruit to my oatmeal in the past but never thought of cherries, it’s like a pie in the morning without the guilt! This cup will not hurt your New Year’s resolutions or your pocket book because it’s just $1.79 a cup. @Quaker / #RealMedleys

After I enjoy my Oatmeal, I must get my lips pretty and shiny so Influenster included the NYC New York Color Liquid shine. I was sent color no. 582 in Nude York City (get it! 🙂 ). This Nude color is perfect because it does not have those yellow tones that can cause hues that make you look more sickly than Natural. You get a nice dose of peach with a touch of pink….my perfect Nude tone! It goes perfectly with my skin and hair color and because it’s neutral, it goes with whatever eye color I wear. This is my third time getting this product and I love everything about it, from the price point at just $2.49 a tube to how this formula is not sticky but creamy. It floats nicely on your lips and when it wears down, you do not get those tint lines on your lips…it just wears away and you can easily re-apply. I have glosses I have shamefully paid $19 and up for one color, but NYC has 10 on-trend shades from natural nudes, to berries and even fuchsias. I’m a quality over quantity girl but because you do not skimp on quality with NYC New York Color lipshines, the math is simple- for the cost of about $25…you could own all 10! Yeah, you can’t beat that. @nycnewyorkcolor / #LiquidLipshine

Tired of waiting for nails to dry? Kiss that problem goodbye with Kiss Nail Dress! You can choose from 21 different styles and your no waiting to dry manicure lasts up to 10 days. Instant satisfaction for just $6.99 and that supplies you with 28 strip bands. You pretty much get 2 applications per box and these strips can also be applied to your toe nails, if you wish to match. I so do not miss those toe wedges and walking on my heels because for some reason it always seems my toe nails take longer to dry than the nails on my hands. I loved being able to do my nails on the same day I had a function (New Year’s Eve for me) and not fretting about it. It took my 30 minutes and when I was done with my little toe, I did not have to wait and was wearing heels the next minute. No quick-dry top coat can deliver these results! The great part is that you can skip on applying a top coat because the stickers have it built-in! Kiss thought of everything!  @KissProducts / #KissNailDress

I have not been as spiffy as I want to be since the holidays passed us and trying to de-Christmasify the house, plus everything that has to be done in the New Year….well I admit it (waves little white flag), I can’t hang like I use to. No worries because this is where Influenster must have heard my thoughts because they sent me EBOOST. I try to stay away from anything that has artificial stimulants because they give me pep for a few hours but then I feel worse than before I took the product. It’s like the worst regret you can feel and sometimes I even get a headache for what I refer to as, “trying to cheat my body and make it think it’s energized”. EBOOST does not do this! Yes, I can now cheat and get away with it, this what I wanted and needed! It clearly states on the package “Natural Energy” and I got to try the Natural Pink Lemonade flavor. Very yummy and not over sweetened at all. I actually felt it was better tasting than the other brands that come in package form (even in the same flavor). You get the full care package from EBOOST because it gives you energy and Immunity benefits. I like being taken care of and all I need to supply, is 12 fluid ounces of water! You don’t care for Pink Lemonade? EBOOST has super flavors like Orange, Acai Pomegranate and even Super Berry. I liked it and I did feel energized plus with the flu season always threatening to be worse than the last, I need shielding and an immunity boost wherever I can get it! You can purchase EBOOST for $28 and that supplies you with 20 packets or $39 for for box of 30. You also can opt for the box of 12 shots for $39. @EBOOST / #naturalenergy

I cut five inches off my hair and my hair is still long but looks so much healthier. To insure my locks stay beautiful, Influenster provided me with what I call a brush and towel all-in-one. They sent me the Goody QuickStyle Brush in the “paddle” form. The paddle styler has microfiber bristles, which remove 30% of water as you style. YES!!! This means less damage from heat when I use my blow-dryer! Healthy hair that dries quicker not only saves you time but your hair will thank you. I also noticed my hair was shinier after I used the brush and I feared having little blue fuzzies after use but not one and even had Hubby check. It passed the test so much that I retired (trashed it) my former brush. At $11.99 for either Paddle or Half Round styler, I’m worth it! @GoodyHair / #QuikStyle

This box is really a head to toe treatment. I not only have so far been fed, gotten my nails done, given energy when sluggish, but here comes the thing that every girl desires and doesn’t know why are so drawn to them, SHOES! Influenster and Sole Society teamed up and created a powerful offer that I can share with you. You want what pretty much equals to half off for certain styles of shoes? I do…I do… and here it goes: Visit http://www.SoleSociety.com and use code: INFLUENSTER25 at check-out to get $25.00 off your first purchase. I visited and bought a pair of black heals because shipping is FREE both ways. Yes, if the shoe does not work, no worries because you pay $0.00 to return it. I dislike being punished by an oopsie on size and because shoes vary how they feel and fit with so many styles, no punishment here. I love it!! I also love shoes and I was so hoping to not find a pair I liked because Santa gave me two pairs for Christmas but Sole Society had so many cuties, that it took me 3 days to settle on the pair I wanted to try. I will share when they arrive! They also have a buy-one-get-one free (BOGO) going so my closet will be colorful soon. With Spring and Summer coming….who am I fooling? I always find a reason to buy shoes! @solesociety / #PerfectPair

Based on demographics, some Influenster members received the Montagne Jeunesse Face Masks. These packs cost just under $2! I know, it’s just too great to believe and they have so many to choose from so you are not stuck with a huge jar when you need another variety. I received the Fruit Smoothie in Crushed Raspberry. This product is a deep pore cleaning masque and smells as delicious as it sounds. It has Mango too! I entered 2013 with a less than bright complexion but after just 15 minutes, I had baby soft skin that glowed like I did not stay up too late on New Year’s Eve. I quickly googled and saw that ULTA has these and I drove out the next day and picked up 6 masques. I love the clays they use and my skin did not breakout the following day because it does not over strip your skin. I will be using the Montagne brand from now on because I’m a true believer that there are many great companies that can make you beautiful without emptying your pocket book! @MontagneJeuness / #FaceMasque

Later in the week, after I received my VoxBox, I received an e-mail stating there is a bonus box coming and it’s a book. Yup, now even my brain is being cared for by Influenster. You have got to sign-up for this company and realize all my products above cost a whopping $0.00. I have invites, so feel free to ask me and I shall share!

The above article is based on my own opinions and none of the brand/companies require I provide a negative and/or positive review. My opinions are honest and based on trying the products at zero cost. My opinions may vary from yours and others.