Walmart Beauty Box #Review of their Subscription Service #WalmartBeauty #WalmartHaul

To stay honest and fair, I rarely share on my blog items I paid for unless it’s like a super duper deal. These events are a rare occurrence and has to pair up with it being a deal. Pocket books should stay full and this subscription box will not cause a ding either.

Walmart has a beauty box service. I know, it’s news to me and it’s just 5 bucks. I have spent more in the clearance bins at stores and then I don’t even know why I brought half the stuff home to begin with. I seem to plan these great projects in the store and once I pay for my clearance bin deal, I get amnesia (aka- a case of the lazies). Let’s just say my crafting gets me in trouble but the best part, this is all beauty related and the stuff that comes with known names versus that questionable $1 bubble shower gel that smells good but makes my skin itchy! 🙂

• I signed up at: http://learn.walmart.com/beauty/
• Direct link- https://beautybox.walmart.com/?referral=http://learn.walmart.com/beauty . No referral used, just goes straight to the website.
• The small writing (terms and conditions): https://beautybox.walmart.com/terms-and-conditions/

Just $5 every 3 months and this is what the Fall box came with:

• (1) Olay Regenerist MicroSculpting Cream Moisturizer on 0.5 ounces
• (1) Loreal Revitalift Triple Power in 0.5 ounces
• (1) CoverGirl Continous Color lipstick in 425 Vintage Wine
• (1) Secret Clinical Strength in 1.6 ounces
• (1) Juicy Couture Perfume Sample in spray form .05 ounces
• (1) Clear sample packet of Shampoo and Conditioner

 

Yeah, all the above and just $5! No shipping and handling fees, just 5 bucks 😀 Sign-up and give it a try and hopefully the Fall box is still available and even the box itself is nice and thick, perfect for reusing and storing future sample and goodies that hopefully comes before we say goodbye to 2014.

Olay Total Effects 7 in One with SPF 15, fragrance free Moisturizer

I am always very enthusiastic to try new brands, new products, and love sharing them with you.  I tend to get a little more happier when I receive an Olay product because who doesn’t want more of the good stuff?  Olay is the good stuff!

After I shared one of my many reviews, Olay kindly sent me a little gift as a show of appreciation.  I was floored!  I seriously thought it would be a coupon and this girl never shrugs saving money and especially on brands I buy.  I waited and soon after a parcel arrives.  I open the parcel to find a beautiful black box with the Olay logo (you bet I kept it), a beautifully written card thanking me (kept it too), the Olay Total Effects 7-in-One item, and a manicure/pedicure kit.  I just have to EeeeeK……all over again.  I could not hold back my enthusiasm and was floating on cloud 9 for a bit there.  Now, that I have come down, I can do this review.

I have seen the commercials of the young bride that starts her life with marriage, work, then the kids and still looks like the day she got married after “X” amount of bottles.  Okay, the advertisement infected my mind and I wanted the bottle she uses.  I even told my husband that I bet I could make my bottle stretch longer than she did!  I know, I know, I have no shame and Hubby called me cheap!  I then started to see the same model in advertisements in the magazines I read and yup, I took that as I taunt :)!!  Taunt me no more and Olay must have read my brain, or maybe before I start assigning them mind reading capabilities…….just maybe they picked one of their most popular products to send now that Summer is nearing.  Nonetheless, I must know if I can turn back and slow down time so let’s attack the aging clock of doom again!!  I bet you did not know I have magical powers 🙂

The Olay Total Effects 7-in-One very clearly states it’s an anti-aging, fragrance free moisturizer with sunscreen.  These are the three things that any dermatologist states is needed to really take some power back against the hands of time.  You need a Broad Spectrum SPF and this one has it at a nice SPF 15.  You need to prevent future damage and the sunscreen is the first key to that, plus protecting against free radicals that are out there waiting to get us and sometimes associated with fragrances too.  This is a fragrance-free formula, and last but not least, you need properties that fight anti-aging.  I will get into that right now:

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Total Effects Fights 7 Signs of Aging

1. Fine Lines and wrinkles: reduces the appearance of both!

2. Age Spots: reduces brown spots!

3. Uneven Texture: smoothes and evens out skin’s texture!

4. Dryness: we always hear, “moisturize…moisturize”, and this moisturizer does that plus nourishes with vitamins and antioxidants!

5. Free Radical Damage: Remember what I stated above?  This product helps defend you against those pesky Aging Demons!

6. Dullness: everyone wants that healthy glow and this product delivers, giving your skin a healthy radiance!

7. Pores: my husband says having pores is part of having skin, but he also snacks on cheese and crackers and does not gain a pound!  I snack on them……well let’s not go there and just say minimization can be had with this moisturizer!

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Let’s do the math and that is seven exclamation marks and that looks like this !!!!!!!……so does it work?

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I use my magic skills again and I speed up time to 2 weeks and I can say that “!!!!!!!” should really be times 8,9,10…..!  Not only did the moisturizer deliver on it’s claims but I experienced zero issues with acne, blemishes, clogged pores, whatever makes my skin bump. The only bumps I want on my skin are goose bumps because they last a few seconds and I usually get rosy cheeks right after (sort of a healthy glow).  I purchase sunscreen but my application is poor.  I always use a quarter size, rub it into my hands and then lightly pat up and down my face for what I call even coverage.  So, it’s my way of saying, “yeah, I use sunscreen everyday”, but won’t admit that I dislike what it does to my face so I pretend to sort of apply it.  Then comes that whole argument about being indoors most of the time anyways but you know in the end my skin loses.  I can finally cut back on all the layers of “stuff” because it is not proper to state what my husband calls my beauty regimen.  I have to wait while everything dries and then top it off with make-up.  With Summer approaching, I never look forward to it.

My new beauty regimen is now Olay Total Effects 7-in-One moisturizer with sunscreen (only 1 pump needed), eye cream……ummmm make-up.  Yeah, I just shocked myself.  No more fanning myself with my hands or standing under the ceiling fan with my face tilted up.  I wonder what the dog thinks of that one!  Now, to simplify my night regimen.

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Oh, in case you think I forgot, now when the Total Effects commercial comes on…..yeah, I tell her I have my own bottle too 😛

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 The Olay Total Effects 7-in-One product comes in 1.7 FL. OZ for about $18.99.  Please do not forget to look for coupons when purchasing and don’t forget about the Procter & Gamble rebate programs!

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I received this product free of charge from Olay, as a gift.  I had no obligation in reviewing it but after having such positive results, I wanted to share.  My review is based on my experience and usage,  which may differ from yours.

Vocalpoint and Olay bring you Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Eye Cream & Lash Serum duo

They always say that age can be told by your eyes, so of course I carpet-bomb them in an attempt to fool everyone.  Being on the not so glamorous part in my 30’s, I see those fine lines come and go and wanting to set in.  I am a huge believer after losing some bank, that what you spend on a product does not equate results.  I love Olay!  I need to get that out there because they taught me from use and experience, that I can keep some dough in my wallet and still fight the signs of celebrating birthdays.  Hey, worrying about spending too much on anti-aging products can be counterproductive!

What does the duo bring to the table:

Eye Cream- Let’s start on ingredients because just like a cake, it all is about what went into it whether it will work for you or not.  I use products from the Regenerist line because they always have the right balance of peptide-B3, provitamin B5 and Hyaluronic acid.  This means you get moisture to the skin and also aid in renewing your skin cells.  You have vitamin E and this is an oldie but goodie in beauty products, so I do believe if you can keep it simple, why not?  Vitamin E helps keep your skin soft and supple, plus you get antioxidants from the Green Tea extracts too.  Not a bad cream and I have noticed from using this cream before and also in this product, that my skin is softer and more supple.  I do not have any sagging but I have seen back into my gene pool, and unfortunately my family can be jowly 🙂 .  I have not seen mine change so I give Olay credit for that.  The product helps with tone and texture too!  I also like seeing aloe make the list because this is another great and simple ingredient that does not irritate but again soothes your skin.  To make it short, the Niacinamide along with the antioxidants are the ingredients that make this product have W-O-W power!

Lash Serum-  I tried finding what the serum contains chemical wise that would improve, change, or even alter the lashes.  I don’t wear contacts but my eyes are always showing the signs of allergies, so they tend to be more sensitive.  I watch closely what I put in them to around them because eye health is important for me too.  I also want to make sure my fine lines and wrinkles are leaving, not just that my eye sight is and that is why I think I look younger!  I found glycerin as an ingredient and they paired it with alcohol, which I assume is to keep things sterile.  Not bad, I like clean!  Other than these two ingredients, I did not find anything more that was positive or negative about the serum portion.

Directions: Very easy!  You just apply once in the day and once at night to see results.  The eye cream you just dab on and I was able to use small dots, so this tube will yield many applications.  Make sure to target the problem areas like crows-feet and wait for the product to fully absorb before proceeding with your beauty regimen.  Many eye creams do not want application on the lids and this is not one of them.  You can treat your eye lids, so this is a real eye cream in my opinion!  The lash serum has a nice soft brush and you apply a light coat onto lashes.  I tend to use two “swapping” motions to get the inside of my lashes and also the end ones.

Results:

I found after 3.5 weeks of use, the eye cream to be easy to apply and supporting the claims made.  My eye area improved and that means every fine line and wrinkle I have been fighting has not shown their face!  It’s a war and so far I consider this battle won!  I experienced no irritation and because the product is fragrance free, no free radicals darting towards me.  My skin does feel silky and because the formula dries matte or pretty much the same shine as my skin, no oily slick left behind that not only feels like it weighs you down through out the day but tends to accentuate what you are trying to cover up or get rid of.  I am very happy with this eye cream because it is really a formula that Olay has had in the past but it works and much better now with no fragrances.  Improving….improving and keeping this luxury affordable.  Thank you Olay!

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Now, the lash serum I noticed not much happening to my lashes.  Nothing positive to note or negative.  I can say the product separates my lashes and dries quickly but that was pretty much it.  I even at times had to apply mascara over the serum and it did not interfere with it but it was easier when my lashes were sort of “set” and “separated” by the applicator.  Now, the applicator is rubbery and very easy to use.  It actually applies the perfect amount of serum and no odd gummy or sticky feeling.  If the lash serum was sold separately, I would not seek it out exclusively but because it is there, I used it kind of thing.  Now, my eye lash health was normal before but maybe the serum would nourish lashes that may need the extra moisture.  Washing agents in face washes can dehydrate your lashes because they over strip but I must share that once in a while I sleep with Olive Oil on my lashes.  That so makes up for what my face scrubs/washes, to water-proof mascara can do to them.  Sodium peg-7 olive oil carboxylate, is an ingredient found in this duo so maybe I am on to something :).  Nonetheless, if I did not do my Olive Oil treatment, then this may have shown results for me.

This product retails for $22.59 at Target and $19.41 on Amazon.  Look for coupons before you purchase and don’t forget that Procter & Gamble also has rebates if you spend a certain amount on selective brands.

I received this product free of charge from VocalPoint.  I am not obligated to provide a positive/favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience and usage, which may differ from yours.

Olay ProX Deep Wrinkle Treatment

I saved reviewing this for last because I wanted to know if I could notice a difference, and I have! I have a plethora of anti-aging creams that go hand in hand with the broken promises. I always go back to my RoC because for the price point and results, you can’t beat it. The last few years I have been using RoC Multi-Correxion night treatment and I have been happy. I use it in the day with sunscreen because the cream has no idea it’s daytime and the lack of SPF is what makes it a night cream.

I know there is no genie that will be granting me wishes or a magic potion, but I just want to slow it down (okay, trying to slam on the brakes here) when it comes to those lines that are starting to linger. I have been happy to report that so far the line I have in middle of my eyebrows (that tells on me when I dislike something or worse, someone) has lightened. I have very fine lines around the eyes that mostly come from laughing and because I have dimples, I tend to have come into this world already with creases. I think for a non-surgical option, ProX surpassed my expectations! I did not expect in 3 weeks to notice anything and I have noticed what they advertise, diminishing of wrinkles. I wish they made a magic eraser for faces but until they come up with one, ProX is as close as you can get without visiting a doctor’s office. I like that it dries to a matte finish so it does not interfere with my make-up or for the days I go make-up free. The last thing you want is a greasy mark that highlights the things you are trying to hide. Not one pimple or clogged pore has emerged in the areas I have used the deep wrinkle cream and like I stated, I am going on a little over three weeks here. I have sensitive skin in certain areas and they tend to peel even on the days that are just windy. No peeling and I have noticed that it has taken away problems that I did not even think I needed solutions for, like evening the skin tone. I thought I was even but after using ProX, I obviously needed improvement. You use small dabs and gently treat the areas you are unhappy with. Product comes in a tube so nasty jar collecting germs. I don’t think I even use a pea sized worth, so I also like how a little goes a long way. The best way I can describe what is occurring, is almost like the lines/wrinkles are being flattened out slowly. I know now that I will be using this ProX and it has made my arsenal list of things I throw at my face and actually work!

I have stated before (just scroll down) on why you should join Kred (www.Kred.com) and now they are even keeping me looking younger! It does not cost to join and they have wonderful rewards!

I received the above product free of charge and I have zero obligation in providing a positive/favorable review. My honest opinion is based on my experiences that 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!

 

KRED Perk: Ageless Beauty Collection by Pantene and Olay

Being a member of Kred is rewarding, literally. You get Perks in topics you are influential in and usually that means subjects you are interested in. My latest and oh, so wonderful Perk is this Pantene Collection! You will note the Olay ProX deep wrinkle treatment and like Pantene, they are part of Procter & Gamble (P&G) family. This is the ultimate anti-aging kit that focuses around hair and face. This gorgeous packet included a Headband, Beauty Coupon booklet to save while I fight the signs of aging and a Stylist Tip card. It also has the Shampoo, Conditioner and the Thickening Treatment.  Look out 2013, I may look like 2003 since this can turn back the clock up to 10 years!

I highly recommend becoming a member of Kred. Google KRED and you may see they are like Klout but I find Kred to be more on a “person to person” level, versus Klout you are a bit detached. I get tweets from the great people that work the Kred machine and personal e-mails. I do not feel lost in the crowd at Kred and this is why I love them! Beth and Sara are the sweetest people here and very approachable. Check out @Kred and @KredRewards to get an idea of the Perks they supply their members. Have a concern or question, contact @KredSara or @KredBeth. They can also be contacted via FaceBook. They recently acquired Swaylo so they are growing and even have a Perk for qualifying members from GoComics! Everything for Everyone can be met at Kred! I will be reviewing the products above soon and sharing my results!

VocalPoint RSVP Orgullosa Event

I hosted another wonderful event for VocalPoint’s RSVP division and like always, they were very generous with samples for my guests. I invited 12 people and 11 attended my event. They send products for about 8 to 9 guests but because I invite mostly couples, this always works out great for us. Unfortunately, one friend showed up without her partner because he was ill.

The party was focused around Traditions and the Holidays. I made wonderful desserts because it’s a great way to keep my guests fed and happy. The sugar helps keep them motivated too!

At this event, we received 9 re-usable shopping bags with the Orgullosa logo, black in color, and I used these to give guests their samples. Now, here comes the goodies list that guests received:

• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (Original)
• Puffs Ultra Soft and Strong tissue packs
• Tide Pods
• Downy Unstoppables in-wash scent booster in Shimmer (pink)
• Gain in Original scent
• Money Saving coupons

Items I was able to share and feature also included:

• Swiffer Sweeper 2-in-1 Sweeping & Mopping Starter Kit
• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Original with Sponge (has a blue sponge-like backing)
• Olay’s Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo (Medium to Coarse Hair)

I made a wonderful Cranberry-Apple Crisp that is a family tradition in our home but also made a basic pecan pie. I figured the best part of traditions are about making new ones, so I also got adventurous and made a bittersweet chocolate and pecan pie that ended up being the favorite. I included recipes for everyone so they can share with their families. My event was held on the 17th of November, so I brought a little touch of Thanksgiving and made mini cookies for guests to munch on. Having themed cookie cutters are always a nice way to add that holiday touch but an easy way to make a pie look more festive!

The hit of the party was the product all the girls had seen in store but had not tried, the Olay Facial Hair remover. The duo comes from having a “pre-treatment” that is applied and this safeguards your skin from irritation. The box treats up to 12 applications, so a little goes a long way. You apply the pre-treatment that comes almost in a lip balm shape (you even twist it up and apply). You rub in the balm for about 20 seconds and to make sure your skin is protected. Don’t over apply to hair you want removed because it will counter the removal. You then simply apply the treatment that smells less toxic than any other Hair removal cream I have used. You do not rub the second product in, you just gently apply and we found it was best to pat on. You leave it on for 6 to 8 minutes, with 10 minutes being the maximum. The results were mixed since I did have 4 guests use it and we even got one guy to try it on very fine back hair (just small patches). The skin guarding balm works excellent and this is something we all 100% agreed with but maybe it works too well. If you maybe get a little more balm by the root of the hair you want removed, it tends to stop the removal process right there and leaves you a stubble like hair at the end. I think practice will make the process better but even though most used it on fine hair, the medium to coarse hair formula did not remove that well. I would state after surveying the guests that tried it, 75% were happy with the results and the one male that we influenced to try was 100% happy because it worked perfectly on his back. This lead me to believe that because the face (upper lip) is curved, the balm needs to be applied well, meaning make sure to rub it in so you do not get build-up. At least I got a male fan now, though!

The second Proctor and Gamble product to get great reviews, the Downy Unstoppables. I kindly asked that my guests text me, e-mail, or call me just let me know quickly if you like it or not. Everyone loved them! These little add-ins leave your towels and sheets smelling fresher longer. I had two guests purchase the product but in the Lavender colored scent called Lush, and three others in the Teal colored scent called Fresh. I was so happy with the Unstoppables that I purchased one scent for the towels and a second scent for the sheets. What I like best, you control how much or little of a scent boost you want and the product works like described. A little goes a long way so that is always a major plus for me when it comes to Household products.

The Third winner was the Magic Erasers (both original and the duo one with the sponge). We all love them from cleaning the bathroom, to even the build up (scale) I get by the water dispenser in the fridge. There is really nothing these little guys do not brighten and even made a white colored Christmas decoration look like new after I used an eraser on it. It even removed the yellowing from years of displaying. I shared my tip on how I use a razor to cut the eraser to customize the size I need. This avoids any waste and helps me get to places where a full sized eraser would be awkward. Great to use on the door rails for the shower because you can cut to fit! Makes my erasers last longer too!

I love having these parties and VocalPoint even provides you with conversation cards. These parties are never dull and my guests love getting new items to try out. The coupons are generous as well, so it’s a win-win for everyone. Thank you again VocalPoint for another great event!