12 Jul 2016
by linettefm
in Beauty, Fashion, Health and Beauty, Influenster, Product Samples, Product testing, Review
Tags: #VividMatte, 2016 beauty trends, Alumina, Aluminum Hydroxide, Amazon, beauty, bht, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Caprylyl Glycol, CI 15850 / Red 7, CI 15985 / Yellow 6 Lake, CI 19140 / Yellow 5 Lake, CI 42090 / Blue 1 Lake, CI 45380 / Red 22 Lake, CI 45410 / Red 28 Lake, CI 75470 / Carmine., CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 / Iron Oxides, CI 77891 / Titanium Dioxide, Color Sensational, Cosmetics, Diisostearyl Malate, DIMETHICONE, dimethicone crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glides on smooth and hydrates, HDI / Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Influenster, Influenster: Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid™ VoxBox #Review #VividMatte, isostearyl isostearate, Kaolin, Kylie Cosmetics, Kylie Dupes, Kylie Jenner, limonene, Linalool, lip gloss, lipstick, make up, Matte, matte finish, Matte lips, Matte Trends in Beauty, Maybelline, Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid™, Maybelline NY, Medium Coverage, Nude Flush, Nylon-12, Parfum / Fragrance. May Contain: Mica, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Pentylene Glycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyethylene, pure pigments for high-impact color, Rebel Red, Review, silica, synthetic fluorphlogopite, Target, Tin Oxide, Tocopherol, trends, Ulta, Vinyl Dimethicone / Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Vivid, VoxBox

I have been a member of Influenster for several years and love the VoxBoxes they share. I was beginning to think I was stuck with Virtual Vox Boxes for life when my dashboard had 4 going and no real products. I then received that Influenster e-mail, which makes you smile. I was getting a Maybelline VoxBox featuring the Vivid Matte collection. Hooray! I have come back to the VoxBox arena.

Maybelline’s Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid has been spreading like wild fire and especially when some people shared it was a great copy cat to the Kylie Cosmetics’ line. Am I curious about the line? Yes. The price? No. Hey, I have other things I have my eye on and one thing I have plenty of is lip glosses, lip crayons, lip palettes, oh and the old fashion lip sticks (remember those 🙂 ). So, I keep buying because colors change, seasons change and it really is the one item that I don’t mind splurging a $10 here and there to see what the buzz is about. Copy cats can be colors and not always formulations and so far the two colors I received, #10 Nude Flush and #35 Rebel Red are vivid indeed. The collection features 10 colors in total and retails for $7.99 a piece. A pretty fair bargain!


Verdict:
First, I was a bit puzzled by the formula. I blamed the plastic tube for the semi-gloss like finish the colors seemed to cast. I then open the first tube, the Rebel Red and the pigments are vibrant and just saturated with color, but not like any matte finish I have ever seen. I’m into paints from artistic to just plain old house paints and deciding on finishes is where I get stuck sometimes, because some rooms shed a different amount of light from our windows. The Vivid Matte collection would cancel all that, it would not matter what light or amount of it, from real to just coming from a bulb…..these beauties are not Matte. I don’t stop there because so what it’s not a real matte? I did feel they were still pretty. I open the tube and you do get a fragrance from the formula. It’s not faint and noticeable where the Nude hue is more like a sweet floral scent and the Red hue closer to a perfume/cosmetic scent. So far, okay. I apply the Rebel Red. Everything I have been rebelling against just went out the door. The consistency of the product is thick and opaque with a gloss finish. Not a translucent gloss by any stretch and a little goes a long way with at least this color. It’s a night color for me or at the very least a color I can mix with another if I feel daring in the AM hours. The product has a nice moist finish and not goopy like I was afraid it would feel like.
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Next, comes the Nude that has more of a purple note to it versus a pink or pale beige. There are no yellows or oranges in this nude color, it seriously owns purple! The less I apply, the more I feel it appears light enough to be called a nude like product but I mean this is me getting the wand out and using the tip to apply 2 dots at the top portion of my lip, and two on the bottom. There is no wand application going on here. Again, moist and the scent is more welcoming off this product than the former color. I prefer the Nude Flush over Rebel Red because maybe my full head on rebel days are over or I just need a slighter tan to not look so pale in this red. It’s starting to look more like Corvette Red on me. I do like the formulas though and found that application via a lip brush allows the product to flow better against the lip and you get an even finish. Again, these are opaque and not matte in finish, with the red having a more semi-gloss to it but the colors are vivid all the way!
Connect with Maybelline and view their Collections at:
I received the above product(s) free of charge from Influenster and Maybelline. 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.
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25 Jan 2016
by linettefm
in Exercise, Food, Health and Beauty, Influenster, Living, Nutrition, Product Samples, Product testing, Review, Samples, Subscription Boxes, Uncategorized
Tags: #ItsYourThing, 4 pk, Acai Fruit Powder, Almonds, Ascorbic Acid, ASIN: B016ZG0PGG, ASIN: B016ZG0PKC, biotin, Brown Rice Syrup, Buttermilk, Calcium Caseinate, calcium pantothenate, calcium phosphate, Canola Oil, Carrageenan, Cellulose Gel, Cholecalciferol, Chromium Chloride, Cinnamon Powder, Citric Acid, Coating: Sugar, Cocoa Powder (Processed with Alkali), Crisps: Wheat Flour, Cyanocobalamin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut, Dieting, Diets, dl-Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate, Dried Cane Sugar, FD&C Yellow 5, FD&C Yellow 6, Ferric Orthophosphate, fitness, folic acid, Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil, Glycerine, Green Tea Leaf Extract, healthy eating, Holiday Weight, Honey, Influenster, Inulin, Isomalto-Oligosaccharide, lattice acid] and sunflower oil., Losing Weight, Maltodextrin, Managing Weight, manganese sulfate, Milk Protein Concentrate, Mono and Diglycerides, Natural and Artificial Flavor, NATURAL FLAVOR, Natural Flavors, Niacinamide, non fat dry milk, Nonfat Milk Powder, Oats, Onion Powder, Palm Kernel Oil, Parsley, Pea Fiber, pea protein isolate, pea proteinisolate, Peanuts, Per package: crisps (dehydrated potato, Phylloquinone, Phytonadione, potassium chloride, Potassium Citrate, Potassium Iodide, Potassium Phosphate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin, rice flower, Rice Starch, Salt, salt) Seasoning [whey, Sea Salt, Skim Dry Milk Solids, Slim Fast, Slim Fast Bars, Slim Fast Bars Review, Slim Fast Crisp Review, Slim Fast Crisps, Slim Fast Products, Slim Fast Shake Review, Slim Fast Shakes, SlimFast Advanced Nutrition 10g Protein Meal Replacement Bar, SlimFast® Advanced Nutrition 100 Calorie Snacks Drizzled Crisps in Cinnamon Bun Swirl flavor, SlimFast® Advanced Nutrition 100 Calorie Snacks in Sour Cream & Onion Baked Crisps flavor, SlimFast® Advanced Nutrition Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Meal Replacement Bars, SlimFast® Advanced Ready to Drink Shake, SlimFast® Advanced Ready to Drink Shake in Creamy Chocolate flavor, SlimFast® Advanced Ready to Drink Shake in Vanilla flavor, Sodium Ascorbate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Molybdate, sodium selenite, Soluble corn fiber, sour cream (cultured cream non fat milk), Soy Lecithin, Soy Protein Isolate, Sucralose, sugar, Tapioca Starch, Tapioca Syrup, thiamine mononitrate, UPC: 008346802029, Vanilla Creme, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin and Mineral Blend: Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E Acetate, Vitamins and Minerals: Magnesium Phosphate, VoxBox, Water, weight control, YEAST EXTRACT, Zinc Gluconate

Being part of the Influenster network, allows members to qualify for VoxBoxes. My latest one arrived in late December, which featured an array of Slim Fast branded products. Being the new year we all want to lose weight or at the very least get rid of that holiday poundage brought on by cookies and treats. I gained 6 pounds in the last week of December because I behaved from Thanksgiving to Christmas but once Santa came, he brought treats, candy, chocolates (I’m surprised I did not consume the stocking) and it seems I ate them all between Christmas and New Year’s Eve!

I’m pretty good at restricting myself and believe with all the advancements in food today, that leaving food as it is, meaning less to zero processing allows us to eat pretty much anything (with portion control) and not suffer the consequences. I eat my weight in salads and I’m not even a fan of most dressings, as I think they tend to drown the freshness out of the produce as it is. I love avocados and find them to be nature’s dressing. They are creamy and never ruin a salad like a fake creamy dressing can. I have those days though where I am in a snacking mood or just running short on time, so I pick the brands I trust carefully. I look for meal replacement or snack products that are not full of fake sweeteners or loaded with sodium. Finding real ingredients is “my thing”, so let’s see how the Slim Fast VoxBox did.
The Slim Fast VoxBox included:
- SlimFast® Advanced Ready to Drink Shake in Vanilla flavor
- SlimFast® Advanced Nutrition 100 Calorie Snacks in Sour Cream & Onion Baked Crisps flavor
- SlimFast® Advanced Nutrition Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Meal Replacement Bars
- SlimFast® Advanced Nutrition 100 Calorie Snacks Drizzled Crisps in Cinnamon Bun Swirl flavor

First, I tried the items that were easy to munch on and that was the Sour Cream and Onion Baked Crisps to satisfy the salty urges and for the sweet cravings, I tried the Drizzled Crisps in Cinnamon Bun Swirl. First thing I noticed with both bagged products, was the large amount of “dustings” in the bag. I call that the powdery and broken up bits in a bag that barely resemble the whole product you see pictured in the front of the bag. Like the posters for drive-thru burgers, my product did not resemble the picture on the bag. The Sour Cream and Onion crisps had the higher amount of “dustings” that I wondered if I should just use the contents as a batter coating! I taste a pinch-full of what these crisps use to be and the flavor and texture resemble closely to those chips that come in a canister….but more broken up. The odd part was when you ate the product, it tasted good enough to satisfy a chip craving but when you drank water, you had an odd aftertaste that lingered. The taste was not like potato or the sour cream and onion coating, think more milk solids or dry milk and it was what it tasted closely too. Each bag is 100 calories and states it comes with 18 to 20 crisps. I am not kidding when if I say I got 4 whole ones and that is counting the ones that were 3/4 whole. The breakage takes away from the enjoyment and if you get past that, the aftertaste did me in. I did not finish the bag but I figured that means I consumed less calories!

Next, came the Cinnamon Bun Swirl crisps. These were a little more in one piece but the drizzle on top was mostly on the bottom of the bag. The sweetness is not overwhelming and the cinnamon had a nice balance to it. Again, the odd aftertaste was present but you could overlook this one more. The crisps had a pleasant crunch and like some products on the market, these did not leave you with a cotton mouth after you ate them. I could actually see myself picking up a bag if a sweet craving hits me that is overwhelming because a bag is just 100 calories for 20 to 22 crisps. These were also 30% whole in the bag!

SlimFast’s Ready to drink shake that comes in an easy to go bottle. The bottle idea I like because sometimes messing with powder and a scoop can be a pain, but I usually take a bottle water (or almond milk) and just scoop into a shaker bottle when I am on the go. I then combine the ingredients (wet/dry) when I am ready to consume them, so this way I don’t end up with chocolate powder that found it’s way out of a plastic baggy and went poof in my purse! I made sure to try the drink cold from the fridge and upon opening the bottle, the Vanilla scent is not very Vanilla like. I take a sip and the drink is about 4 out of ten when it comes to overall taste and flavor. I have had much better and this drink had an odd thickness to it. I made sure to shake it just in case and the thickness left a film in my mouth that was not very vanilla or real milk tasting, or even a nut milk flavor! It took away from the enjoyment and even with time, I could not get use to it. Being able to get 20 grams of protein on the go is a plus, but when I priced it out, weighed in the flavor/texture and the ingredients, I would still opt for a premium powder mix that is usually higher in protein. I did fix the flavor by adding part of a scoop of powdered Peanut Butter and Chocolate, and that is when I noticed that my PB and Chocolate powder had a better quality of chocolate and real flavor than what the Slim Fast drink. I then felt I wasted a scoop of the “good stuff” on trying to make the not so good stuff better! I also noticed there is natural and artificial flavors but no where but the title of the drink says Vanilla. It’s called Vanilla Creme but nowhere is Vanilla listed! I then stopped looking at the ingredients because they made my tummy rumble more. 😦

Last but not least, the bar in Dark Chocolate and Sea salt. This is a meal replacement bar and has 10 grams of protein and 200 calories. Ninety of those calories come from fat and the protein derives from Soy, not Whey. I look at the list and there are so many other bars on the market with better core ingredients and even protein impact, and with less fat! This bar is super sweet and off in taste, plus costs more than the better bars. The Dark Chocolate has a waxy texture and is of poor quality. I did not go past the one bite because my calories and fat matters. The bar is filled with syrups derived from everything from brown rice, tapioca and simple cane. They added Inulin as a source of fiber, plus Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil to hold it all together. Let me add the above comes before the Cocoa itself and Oats was still listed before the chocolate! They might as well called the flavored Sweet Oats-y. The only positive is that it has Almonds as a first ingredients but I felt they were ruined by the rest!

Final Verdict:
I love the VoxBoxes and Influenster! I am not so in love with Slim Fast. I think back and they are a company that his been around a long time but I feel they are always playing catch up and still stuck in the motto of “portion control baggies”. Most people that are serious about losing weight and/or managing their weight, can portion out an individual serving. They sell containers to baggies to help you out that serve as a carrying vessel and probably keep the products in more decent shape. You can use a scale or like I do, I still use a scale but I test myself first to see if I can visually guess-estimate on my own and then verify with the scale. I notice I usually serve myself a little under the 1 serving a packaging lists. I can do math, so I don’t need someone doing it for me. Next, the ingredients used are “old school” but not in a good way. Cheap sugars, bad oils, artificial flavors and dyes, and poor protein sources is not what I call healthy eating. Yes, you get less calories but that is barely the entire picture when eating well. You need good fats, a good source of protein and more to stay energized. Yes, the Slim Fast products come with vitamins and minerals but again a multi-vitamin can do that for you if that is what you desire! I looked at the products as a whole and asked myself is this a balanced diet? Slim Fast does not state just eat our food solely but the 1 meal or 2 real meals you add in a day should not make-up for everything you did not get. I want energy and I’m not even asking for a boost of it from products, just keep me going in the day. If I started with a shake, ate a bar for lunch (maybe 1 or 2 crisp snacks) and then ate dinner…..well, when my body is suppose to be winding down is when my body got the better fuel. Yeah, that did not sit well with me! Then I saw the price points because convenience comes at a price and Slim Fast was more expensive than the “golden dietary products” on the market. Um, I’m paying more to eat less better is what entered my head. Yeah, I prefer paying the bills Santa brought and managing my weight with other products than paying for products that are sub-par both in how they were made and how they came out of a bag!
I received the above product(s) free of charge from Slim Fast and Influenster. 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.
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28 Sep 2015
by linettefm
in Beauty, Grooming, Health and Beauty, Influenster, Product Samples, Product testing, Review, Styling, Uncategorized
Tags: #FiestaVoxBox, #NYMBeachBabe, #NYMBeachBabe #Influenster #FiestaVoxBox, Amazon Beauty, ASIN: B00OACP5IG, Beach Babe Collection, Beach Babe Moisturizing Conditioner 8oz, Beach Babe Moisturizing Shampoo 8oz, Beach Babe Waves, beauty, Coconut Oil, gluten free, hair, hair products, Influenster, Influenster Fiesta VoxBox, Moisturizing Conditioner, Moisturizing Shampoo, Not Your Mother's, Not Your Mother's Beach Babe, Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Collection, NYM Brands, NYM Brands Shampoo, NYM Conditioner, NYM Shampoo, Sea Kelp, Styling, UPC: 725410752195, windswept hair
I’m always game in trying out a new products for my hair because the more I tend to try, means I usually find something better than what I am currently using. I am not faithful to any brand but I will stick it out if my hair improves or I notice significant changes in how my hair feels. Having really long hair means I need to make sure what I use leaves no build-up and/or damages my hair because I’m already pretty good about how much heat from hair styling devices I expose it to.

NYM Brands, known as Not Your Mother’s hair care products, offers high quality products with the idea that they remain affordable. They want consumers to experience “on trend” products to everyday cleansers and conditioners, but again at a fair price point. I can respect that because price tag does not always equate performance.
I was sent two bottles from the NYM Beach Babe collection, a conditioner and a shampoo to try out.
Retail Price Point: $7.00 for each, so if you purchase the duo, it’s $14.00. Pretty fair price point! You can also find the duo on Amazon for $16.85 shipped free with Prime membership
Verdict:
What makes it a beach babe was my first inquiry? The duo features ingredients like sea kelp and coconut oil, two products I am familiar with and currently use. The shampoo and conditioner is suppose to allow the user to achieve a beach tousled waves look but without depleting the hair from nutrients. Many volume adding products dry out your hair, so you may have gorgeous waves that are swept beautifully by the breeze, however your hair is left starving. The more you use the volumizer product, the more the hair dries out. Not with NYM and this is because this Beach Babe collection offers moisturizers. Your hair actually improves the more you use this product, do to the softening agents (oils) in the formula. Coconut oil is something I already use on my hair, eyebrows and lashes and I am very familiar with the benefits. I love them! It goes beyond the scent but what I love about this oil, is it cleanses out causing no build-up when washed and a little goes a long way when it comes to seeing results.
The Shampoo– Easy to achieve a lather and you just wash like with any shampoo, making sure to clean the scalp and being softer as you reach the end of your hair. After rinsing, my hair felt clean but remained soft to the touch. I love the scent and it was both welcoming to my hair and a little aromatherapy (because it made me smile) why I washed my hair.
The Conditioner– You leave the product on your hair for 2 to 3 minutes to achieve the best results. Again the more you use the products, the better the results with time. After I rinsed my hair from the conditioner, which comes out easily, my hair now feels ultra-soft.
I was kind when drying and I use a micro-towel to absorb the wetness out and I use a soft squeezing method, never rubbing hair strands against hair strand. I then allowed my hair to air dry a little before using a hair dryer for 5 minutes. My hair was soft and zero frizz due to the wonderfully balanced moisturizers in NYM’s products. I love them and love the price tag too.
Connect with NYM (Not Your Mother’s) on-line and find the collection that fits you best at:
I received the above product(s) free of charge from NYM via Influenster. 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.
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25 Sep 2015
by linettefm
in Exercise, Food, Health and Beauty, Influenster, Living, Nutrition, Product Samples, Product testing, Review, Sports, Uncategorized
Tags: #FiestaVoxBox, #PremierSelfie, 30 grams of protein, caramel color, Contains 2% or less of the following: Tapioca Starch, control appetite, control cravings, diet, Dieting, Energy bars, Fiesta VoxBox, fitness, Glycerin, gym, healthy eating, Hydrolyzed Gelatin, Influenster, Influenster Fiesta VoxBox, Inulin, Natural & Artificial Flavors, Nonfat Dry Milk, Palm Kernel Oil, Partially Defatted Peanut Flour, Peanut Butter (Dry Roasted Peanuts), Peanut Extract, Premier protein Bars, Premier Protein Bars: Yogurt Peanut Crunch, Premier Protein Review, Premier Protein® Bar Protein Blend (Soy Protein Isolate, Protein bars, Salt, Soy Lecithin (an emulsifier), Sucralose, sugar, Water, Whey Protein Concentrate), Whey Protein Hydrolysate, Working Out, Yogurt Powder
Most protein bars that are geared towards females have great flavors but low protein numbers. I want energy just like everyone else and if I want less, I prefer just eating half a bar and holding the other half for later.

Retail Price Point: $1.99 per bar with 30 grams of protein
Ingredients (as listed on their website)-
Premier Protein® Bar Protein Blend (Soy Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Hydrolysate, Whey Protein Concentrate), Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Gelatin, Sugar, Partially Defatted Peanut Flour, Water, Peanut Butter (Dry Roasted Peanuts), Palm Kernel Oil, Inulin, Contains 2% or less of the following: Tapioca Starch, Natural & Artificial Flavors, Salt, Yogurt Powder, Soy Lecithin (an emulsifier), Nonfat Dry Milk, Peanut Extract, Caramel Color, Sucralose.
Verdict:
As I mentioned, flavor matters and the Premier Protein bars come in an array of flavors from White Fudge Raspberry to the Yogurt Peanut Crunch I was sent to try out. Each bar provides 30 grams of protein and are decent in size, so you nip that craving or hunger when it hits. The bar is gluten free and no funny stuff like fillers or trans fats, corn syrup, plus they are a great source of not just protein but fiber too. Each bar is 290 calories, so again a pretty decent exchange when it comes to the what makes the bar.
The flavor of the yogurt coating resembles white chocolate and it’s almost described like eating a peanut butter rice crisp treat that has been dipped in it. Very different and no nasty aftertaste, plus I did get enough energy to finish grocery shopping and my groceries resembled the list I went out to get. Many times my cravings tend to influence what I am buying and I then come home with more snack foods than I planned too. So, I not only save my waistline but also when it comes to my checkbook!

Connect with Premier Protein and check-out their products at:
I received the above product(s) free of charge from Premier Protein via Influenster. 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.
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25 Sep 2015
by linettefm
in Beauty, Health and Beauty, Influenster, Product testing, Review
Tags: #FiestaVoxBox, #NycSmoothSkin, 0.33 oz (9.4 g), 074170186086, A blend of micronized pigments and emollients, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, ASIN: B004ZDTRE8, Blush & bronzer, Brightens skin tone for a natural, bronzers, Bronzers and Highlighters, Bronzing, CI 77492, CI 77499), Cosmetics, Dermatologist tested, Face Make-up, Fiesta VoxBox, Highlighters, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Influenster, Influenster Box, Influenster Fiesta VoxBox, Ingredients: Talc, Item model number: 27333262720, make up, Natural mineral powders, New York Color Bronzers, NYC, NYC Bronzer Review, NYC New York Color, NYC Smooth Skin Face Powder, Provides a bronzing effect, silica, silica to minimize pores and lines, smooth application Kaolin, SMOOTH SKIN BRONZING POWDER, sun-kissed complexion, Sunny 720A, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)]., Ultra sheer effect, UPC: 074170279160, Zinc Stearate, [May Contain/Peut Contenir/+/: Iron Oxides (CI 77491

Beauty does not always need to cost so much and New York Color is proof of that. You can pick-up a lip stick to a bronzing powder for a fair price that will still yield positive results, so in the act to save a buck……really just saves you a buck and you still look fabulous!
Retail Price Point- $2.99 for one compact and you find the product at mass retailers like Target and Walmart.
Ingredients (as listed on the website):
Talc, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Kaolin, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, [May Contain/Peut Contenir/+/: Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)].
Verdict:
I don’t use blush often because it tends to make me look over colored due to my fair skin. I have tried all colors and ways of application but because I tend to sometimes get a flush over my face, what may have looked good 2 hours ago, looks kind of clownish later. I then found bronzers and at first I thought they were going to look as bad as a fake tan would but when you find one with the right highlights and tones, I found that I could get that tint of color that played nice with me no matter how pink or pale I get. My favorite one I was using before this one is by NYC and to give you an idea, the NYC performed better than a $40 one I had purchased and later returned. The colors just seem to play nicer with my skin’s tone and when it came to lasting, the formulas behaved identical and actually I give the NYC an edge because the highlights did not glitter-fy like the $40 formula. Hard to really argue when you see the results and walk out the door spending under $3!
Find affordable beauty products at NYC:
I received the above product(s) free of charge from NYC via Influenster. 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.
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25 Sep 2015
by linettefm
in Beauty, Health and Beauty, Influenster, Product Samples, Product testing, Review, Uncategorized
Tags: #FiestaVoxBox, #No7BeautifulSkin, Alcohol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Aqua (Water), Ascorbyl Glucoside, Boots, Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Night Cream Normal/Oily - 1.69 oz, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, cream, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, DIMETHICONE, Dipropylene Glycol, Ethylparaben, face cream, Glycerin, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Distillate, Hypoallergenic, Influenster, Isononyl Isononanoate, lotion, Magnesium PCA, Manganese PCA, Methylparaben, Moisturizers, Moisturizes, Night Creams, No 7, No7, Online Item #: 14227718, Parfum (Fragrance), Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Potassium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, silica, Simethicone, skin care, Skincare Regimen, Sodium PCA, Store Item Number (DPCI): 052-12-1016, T-Butyl Alcohol, Target, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Zinc PCA

When it comes to beauty creams, sometimes you want just a simple moisturizer and I tend to add one after using serums and lighter textured formulas. My skin is temperamental and can’t make up it’s mind, so some days my T-zone will be oily and other days normal. I tend to always purchase products that will satisfy both because I am not buying a cream just for my T-zone that may or may not be used ever day.
Ingredients (as listed on the website)-
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Methylparaben, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium PCA, Zinc PCA, Xanthan Gum, Ethylparaben, Alcohol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Tetrasodium EDTA, Magnesium PCA, T-Butyl Alcohol, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Distillate, Dimethicone, Potassium Hydroxide, Dipropylene Glycol, Manganese PCA, Simethicone, Potassium Sorbate.
Retail Price Point- $14,24 for a 1.69 ounce jar via Target

Verdict:
I am a fan of Boots products and No 7 is part of that family brand. I received a sample of the No 7 Beautiful Skin care line, which offers night creams for all types of skin (i.e. oily, dry, normal, ect.) and is also hypoallergenic. This is a simple cream that is lightweight in texture but provides enough moisture for the (hopefully) 8 hours you will be sleeping. The moisturizer helps rebalance oil production while you rest, so you don’t wake up an oily mess and at the same time nourishes. Oily skin is not fought by depleting it because then your pores will kick in on over drive, and produce more of the stuff you don’t desire (oil!). Skin is funny that way. The Boots No 7 skin night cream I found to be the perfect simple moisturizer that does not have anti-aging properties but addresses my everyday needs like a too shiny chin!
Connect with Boots No7 and find the products that fit your Skin’s needs at:
I received the above product(s) free of charge from Boots No 7 via Influenster. 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.
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25 Sep 2015
by linettefm
in Beauty, Health and Beauty, Influenster, Product Samples, Product testing, Review, Uncategorized
Tags: #BeautyByMe, #FiestaVoxBox, 883155335438, 883834272535, Affordable Beauty, ASIN: B001T8QK92, Bath, beauty, body care, Body Lotions, Cocoa Butter, Dry Skin, Fiesta VoxBox, IMPROVES SKIN TEXTURE, Influenster, Influenster Box, Influenster Vox Box, Item model number: U-BB-1458, Lotion for legs, Moisturizers, Relieves dry skin, shea, skin health, Skincare, Smoothing with Cocoa Butter & Shea Body Lotion, softens skin, Suave, Suave lotion, Suave Skin Solutions: Smoothing with Cocoa Butter and Shea, Suave Smoothing Lotion Review, UPC: 045893072482, With natural moisturizers

I was able to score a VoxBox from Influenster and part of the Fiesta VoxBox included a Suave Smoothing lotion bottle. The scent was so intense, that it permeated the box and it’s content. This would be a bad thing but this lotion smells divine, so it turned into a good thing. As much as I love scents, many perfumes and the such tend to aggravate my skin but so far all Suave branded products have been kind to me from hair to lotions, and even the leave-in serums.
Retail Price Point: $2.29 for a generous 10 ounce bottle
Verdict:
We established the scent factor is strong with this one but so is the moisture the lotion provides. The formula is very silky and smooth, so it tends to distribute a good barrier that is both nourishing to your skin and you notice a visual change immediately. I was concerned about feeling like their was an oily film and thankfully my skin seemed to welcome the lotion so much, which it absorbed every last drop but still left me with a soft touch when felt. I applied it after shaving and experienced zero issues when it came to things like clogged pores and/or irritation. The price for the amount of product is also fair and with Fall being here, that means I need to start preparing my skin in case we have a very cold Winter season. I will not only love how my skin feels, but that scent is just intoxicating…….but in good way!
Connect with Suave at:
I received the above product(s) free of charge from Suave via the Influenster Fiesta VoxBox. 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.
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29 Apr 2015
by linettefm
in Clothing, Health and Beauty, Influenster, Product Samples, Product testing, Review, Uncategorized
Tags: #FreshIsFierce, Acti-Fresh, Bath, bathroom needs, Carefree, Carefree Coupon, Carefree Review, Coupons, female products, Influenster, Influenster Box, Influenster: Carefree Acti-Fresh Pantiliners #Review #FreshIsFierce, liners, pads, Pantiliners, Personal Care, personal care products, Personal Hygiene, Review, Savings, Target, Vox Box, VoxBox

Not a subject that is usually approached, however finding a personal hygiene product that is effective and comfortable, is not always easy.

Carefree’s thin pantiliners are comfortable but also absorbing. The liner uses “Acti-Fresh” technology to stay fresh for up to 8 hours of wear. Designed to fit most panties and also shaped to conform with your body’s shape. I have always loved how thin the product is and I can easily carry one when needed. Carefree also provides different products that can fit anyone’s needs, so you can feel confident when using their products.
- Retail Price Point:$2.99 for a pack of 54 of the Regular (to-go) at Target.
- Coupon: You can also save $0.50 by using this link and printing out a coupon.

Connect with Carefree and find the product that suits your needs at:
I received the above product(s) free of charge from Influenster and Carefree. 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.
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06 Feb 2015
by linettefm
in Beauty, Fashion, Health and Beauty, Influenster, Product Samples, Product testing, Review, Styling, Uncategorized
Tags: #FrostyVoxBox, affordable beauty products, beauty, Beauty Looks, Cosmetics, Eye Make-up, eyeliner, eyeliners, eyelining, Eyes, Frosty Vox Box, Influenster, Kohl Kajal, liners, make up, Rimmel, Rimmel London, Rimmel London Beauty, Scandal Eyes, ScandalEyes, Vox Box, VoxBox, waterproof make-up

Rimmel was kind enough to indulge us with two of their products via Influenster’s Frosty Vox Box. The first one is the part of the ScandalEyes collection, the waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner. I usually use a brush to outline my eyes with eye shadows, but it can take an extra 5 minutes I do not always have to spare. My eye shadows are also not waterproof, so this is why sometimes I may skip on eyeliner as a whole. Not no more! This beauty just glides smoothly and has staying power. It not only remains where you leave it but the color’s intensity and application does not budge. Waterproof and stay proof indeed! You then think about the colors to choose from and the price-point, this is a must for any beauty box! I suffer from seasonal allergies, which means whatever is in the air is going to irritate me all year round and I can say that even though this Rimmel product is tough against humidity, sweat, weather and any moisture, it was very kind to my eyes. Definitely will be picking up more and can’t wait for the beautiful looks I will be creating this next season because waterproof make-up and bikinis are just a pair made in heaven. Get yours today and this is an affordable and very appreciated gift anytime of the year!
Retail Price Point: $4.49

Connect with Rimmel London at:
I received the above product(s) free of charge from Influenster and Rimmel London. 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.
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06 Feb 2015
by linettefm
in Family, Food, Fruits and Veggies, Influenster, Nutrition, Uncategorized
Tags: #FrostyVoxBox, #SweetSide, ARTIFICAL COLOR (RED #40, ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, BLUE #1)., candy, Cherry, Cherry flavor, Corn Syrup, Frosty Vox Box, Fruit Vine Bites, Fruit Vines, Fruit Vines Bites, Glycerin, GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE, Influenster, Licorice, low fat, Malic Acid, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, No Preservatives, PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN OIL, Red Vines, Salt, snacks, sugar, Sunflower Lecithin, treats, Valentine's Day, Vox Box, Wheat Flour, YELLOW #5

As part of my Frosty Vox Box via Influenster, they included the new Fruit Vine’s Bites in cherry flavor. Why fight a licorice straw when you can just munch away one bite at a time? Keeps your hands free while you snack! I’m a huge licorice fan and liked the bite size twist, however I noticed the flavor was lacking. The fruit was not intense in taste and especially from a product called Fruit Vines. Once I turned the package over and read the ingredients, I noticed there is no fruit. Not even a percentage that is low in cherry just none but artificial flavors and the kind of things that I dislike, like artificial colors and sugars galore. I so wanted to love this sweet treat but when I see cherry…….I sort of expect even 1% to be there!
Retail Price Point: $1.28 to $1.79, prices vary by package size
Connect with Fruit Vines Bites at:
I received the above product(s) free of charge from Influenster and Fruit Vines Bites. 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.
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