It's Not Me

Ok, y'all, I got another product review for ya.  I know I've mentioned Influenster before, so I won't get too much into it now.  Basically, for those of you not in the 'know', it's a company that gives out free product samples from various places in exchange for you reviewing them on social media.  If you are active online and like free stuff, I highly recommend checking them out.

This most recent Vox Box was the It's Not Me Gillette Venus Sensitive box.  I got myself a free Gillette Sensitive razor and so far I really do like it.  I usually use whatever razors I have a coupon for, so I've used quite a variety.  Gillette is one of my go-to brands already, so I was already pretty familiar with the Venus razor.  The sensitive one is a Venus, but obviously it's geared toward those of us with sensitive skin.  If you're like me, shaving usually results in ingrowns, razor burn, or itchiness...and that's even when I use shaving cream/gel/lotion/whatever.  Nothing really seems to prevent that...and I've tried it all.  

I tried this razor both with and without shaving cream and it seems to do a pretty decent job either way.  I definitely prefer the feel of the shave itself with the cream, but if you're in a pinch, it's not bad without as it has moisturizer built right into the razor (which has 5 blades by the way).  

I will say, I didn't have a rash this time when I shaved, so it must work.  I'd definitely be willing to buy it again at around $12.99 for the initial pack and $16.99 for refills, I'll be waiting for a coupon.

Stop and Smell the Roses

Time to stop and smell the roses!  Or at least review them...the Rose Vox Box, that is!  That's right, Influenster gave me another box of free goodies to review and share with all of you!  This box came with a pretty awesome assortment of stuff!

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara
$5.99
The 60s are back in full swing with a thicker, fuller, wide-eyed look!  Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara brings you a bold, wide-eyed look, fanned out volume, and no clumps for lashes that are up, out, and over the top!



Dr. Scholl's For Her Cozy Cushions
$12.49
Dr. Scholl's For Her Cozy Cushions help keep feet warm and dry while providing all-day comfort.  Their multi-layer design helps insulate the foot while two plush layers provide extra cushioning.  Cozy Cushions help keep feet dry by absorbing perspiration and offer superior support on hard surfaces.



belVita crunchy Breakfast Biscuits
$3.69 for a box of 5 packets of 4 biscuits
belVita crunchy Breakfast Biscuits are made with delicious ingredients and carefully baked to release steady energy that lasts all morning.  They're a good source of fiber and B-vitamins, contain no high fructose corn syrup, have 18-20 grams of whole grain per serving and taste great - perfect for on-the-go.



Kiss Gradation Polishes
$6.99
Give yourself a trendy gradation manicure in no time with Kiss Gradation Polishes.  Quick and easy to apply in three easy steps, you will end up with a mani filled with glitter and shine in no time.  Available at Walgreens.



Lindt LINDOR Milk Chocolate Truffles
$3.99 for a 5.1 oz. bag
Smooth, Melting, Luscious.  When you break the shell of a LINDOR truffle, the irresistible smooth filling starts to melt and so will you.  Available in 10 smooth, melting flavors.

Mommy on the Go Beauty Routine

I know many of you out there are busy moms like me.  I know when I had my son I felt really overwhelmed with the new job.  There's so much pressure to be super mom...lose the baby weight, breastfeed/all organic/homemade baby food, have a spotless house, and do it all with a smile.  Honestly, once I got the hang of the baby thing and realized that everything didn't have to be perfect ALL the time, it got easier.  But then I looked in the mirror...whoa!  Amid all the diaper changing, night feedings, and cleaning, I realized I had quit wearing makeup entirely.  Why would I?  The only time I left the house was for the grocery store or the doctor's office.

So anyway...I finally decided that I needed to give myself a little attention too.  I wanted to start wearing makeup again, but I needed to cut my routine down dramatically.  I no longer have time for a full face, so I needed to maximize what little makeup I did use.  Over the last year and a half, I've gotten my routine down to 5 minutes...not bad, right?  It's a good thing because my son does NOT like waiting for me!

My must-haves are these:  BB cream, lip balm, mascara.  That's IT.  It's simple, fresh, and natural.  The BB cream combines SPF, tint, and moisture.  SPF is a MUST...as in non-negotiable!  Lip balm is awesome because what I use is both moisturizing and tinted.  Any product that does more than one thing is a big yes in my book!  Last, but not least, mascara...I have small eyes so it really helps them to 'pop.'

So as you know, I got a new BB cream that I've been trying out.  The Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream is what Influenster sent me and I have to say, I do like it.  I used to use the Garnier BB Cream and I like Olay's better.  In my opinion, it's less greasy and is lighter than the Garnier.  Garnier is good when I'm having serious  skin issues because it's more opaque.  The Olay formula is much more sheer and allows for my naturally rosy cheeks to shine through.  With all BB Creams, if you have blemishes, you'll still need to use concealer, but I like to only use that when I really need it.

The lip balm I use is Maybelline's Baby Lips.  Is super easy to apply and moisturizes my lips (for up to 8 hours!).  They come in a limited amount of colors, but they just added a neon line for you girls who like to make a statement!

My mascara is the Ulta brand BountiFULL Lashes Mascara.  It's supposed to fortify my lashes and promote growth, but to be totally honest...I haven't noticed any extra growth.  I do, however, like the color and the smooth application.

Goody Ribbon Elastics Review

I'm sure you all remember my post on the Sunkissed Vox Box and one of the awesome products I got was a set of Goody Ribbon Elastics.  I was very excited to get these because I've been seeing ribbon elastics around recently including some DIY ones on Pinterest.  I have to say, Goody did not let me down!  These are my new favorite hair accessory.

First of all, they hold just as well as their regular elastics, which for me is a big deal.  I hate it when my hair falls out...it's just irritating and really inconvenient.  When I'm juggling a toddler, diaper bag, car keys and groceries, the last thing I want is my hair in my face.  So the hold-factor is a big deal.

Secondly, they look really cute!  It's summer so I want some fun and color when it comes to my wardrobe.  Yeah, normally, I don't look to my hair accessories for those things, but hey...this is an easy switch.  Trust me, these are cute without being cutesy.  I'm 26 so there's a fine line between cute-but-age-appropriate hair accessory and I'm-clinging-to-my-youth-with-an-iron-fist hair accessory.  These fall under the former.

Did I mention they don't damage your hair?  That's also a plus.  Oh and if you're like me and always have a hair tie around your wrist...you know, just in case...then these are also for you.  They lie flat, so there's no dent on your wrist. And again, they're pretty enough that they don't look bad on your wrist either.  

**I feel I must tell you that I did get these elastics for free from Influenster with the understanding that I would write a review.  HOWEVER, I am nothing but honest about anything I review...if I didn't like them, I'd tell you.  

Sunkissed Vox Box

Happy Summer, All!  Today, I got my second Vox Box from this awesome company called Influenster.  If you enjoy trying new stuff for free and telling everyone you know about it, definitely check them out!  The first box they sent me had Crest 3D Whitestrips.  I told y'all about them a while back but forgot to follow up...sorry, my white teeth were busy planning a wedding and it just slipped my mind!  But in case you were curious of the results...I had beautifully white teeth for my wedding day!  I definitely recommend these strips to anyone who wants to get white teeth at home.  They're super easy and don't take very long at all.  Check them out!

Annnyyyywaaaayyy..... back to my Sunkissed Vox Box!  It was chock full of goodies that are essential for summer fun!  I am so excited to give all these items a try!  Here's everything it contained:

Dr. Scholl's For Her High Heel Insoles

"Clinically proven to help prevent foot pain caused by wearing high heels 2" or higher.  They offer immediate, long-lasting comfort and an ultra-soft gel arch to shift pressure off the ball of your foot."

My initial impression of these insoles is great.  They're clear and are sized so that I can wear them with strappy heels without them being seen.  I slipped them into a pair of pumps I just bought and I can definitely feel the difference.  The gel arch is uncomfortable at first, but once I walked around for a few minutes, I got used to the feeling of something pushing on my arch and the ball of my foot definitely didn't feel as sore.  I will have to give these a really good test when I have to wear heels all day.  Can't wait!  I only wish I could have worn these to a wedding I was at recently...I might have been able to keep my shoes on for dancing!

SinfulShine with Gel Tech

SinfulShine with Gel Tech, In The Limelight

"SinfulShine with Gel Tech technology provides opulent rich color and superb shine."

Ok, so I've already got this nail polish on my nails as I'm typing it...I couldn't wait.  Gel is all the rage right now, but I'm sorry...I'm just not that interested in spending a lot of cash on my nails or that much time to get them to set.  The polish I've got on is really nice.  I did just two coats and it's so shiny it almost looks wet.  I didn't even add a topcoat because it looks great as-is.  I'll admit, I'm not a fan of the color they sent me, but I will most definitely be headed to Walgreens to purchase SinfulShine in one of their other 32 shades.

Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream in Fair to Light

Olay Fresh Effects {BB Cream!} Skin Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15:
"24-hour hydration and a splash of sheer color.  This all-in-one skin perfecter, sunscreen, and tinted moisturizer evens tone and refreshes dullness, for flawless looking skin."

I'd like to start off my saying that I LOVE bb creams!  I used to wear a lot of makeup when I was younger but when I had my son I really struggled to do a full face of makeup and still be out of the house at a reasonable hour with baby in tow.  So I switched to a bb creams from regular moisturizer and foundation and I've never looked back.  This particular bb cream seems great so far.  It has a really nice feel without being greasy and smells really good.  It has a nice light coverage, so it looks really natural...it lets my naturally rosy cheeks come through so I don't need blush.  I do need to add concealer to my blemishes, but that's to be expected with any bb cream.  I'll give you guys an update in a couple weeks to see how it has improved my skin overall.  So excited!

Last but not least...

Goody Ouchless Ribbon Elastics:
"The embodiment of fashion and comfort from America's #1 elastics brand, the new Ouchless Ribbon Elastics are the pretty solution to hot summer hair days."

As a mom and resident of the Sunshine State, I have my hair in a ponytail a LOT.  Seriously...not a day goes by that I don't throw my hair up in a pony.  I usually use Goody's regular elastics (the thick ones without metal) and they do an awesome job so I have no doubt that I'll love these.  They're really cute and since they're flat, they don't leave a dent on my wrist (because I always have an elastic on my wrist...always!).  These elastics will be put to the test this Sunday when the fam and I head to Aquatica!  I'll let you know how they hold up (pun intended!).

So that's it!  Some really awesome stuff and I'm so excited to use it all!  I'll keep you posted on what I think and I promise nothing but the truth!  If anyone else out there has tried these products, please comment with your opinions!