Always & Tampax Always Radiant Collection

Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.

My last two VoxBox's included the Always & Tampax Radiant Collection, which is fabulous since I have been using these brands since I hit puberty. Even if I'm tight on money I never switch to anything else because this brand is that affordable. I have of course tried other brands when I've received samples or had that emergency and had to borrow from a friend, but I always go back to Always and Tampax. Sounds almost like a LTR huh?

This kit is so adorable and included 1 pad, 1 panty-liner, 2 tampons, 2 coupons, and a wristlet to carry your products in in for discreet travels.







I have tried the Radiant Collection previous to receiving it my latest VoxBox's but that's okay because I can always use extra for my stash. I have used the coupons and was thrilled because my local Giant Eagle doubled them wihout even asking!

If you have not tried the Radiant Collection before, I highly reccomend it! These pads and tampons are super reliable.



Pros:

• Affordable
• Comfortable
• Ease of use
• "CleanGrip" plastic applicator
• "LeakGuard" braid to stop leaks as they happen
• Features the "FormFit" protection that expands to fit one's own unique shape

Cons:
There aren't any! I am not saying that because Influenster sent these to me for a review, because if you know anything about the program, than you know they want honest feedback. As stated before, I have been a fan of Always and Tampax since puberty.

If you would like more information on this collection or other Always/Tampax products be sure to click the links below to check out their websites.

Always Website

Tampax Website

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen

Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster.

In case you haven't heard of this product before or have yet to try it, here are a few important details you should know:

• This moisturizing lotion is also a sunscreen! #winning!
• I received a 2 oz bottle with 30 SPF, however this lotion is available in 12, and 50!
• This sunscreen lotion provides a broad spectrum of UVA and UVB protection
• Provides 12 hour moisturization while your out catching some rays!
• Contains ultra-luxurious hydrating silk ribbons
• 6 oz bottle retails for about $8.99
• Can be purchased at almost any major retailer!

My experience:

I must first explain how bad I am regarding sun safety. I have used tanning beds a lot in the past. I have laid off of using them in past two months and I'm considering other tanning alternatives. I read so much about the hazards and the damaging effects from the sun, and quite frankly, I'm afraid of it! I am good about using facial products that contain sunscreen in them, which  is a big step considering I never worried about it before. So with that being said, I'm so happy to have received this item in my latest VoxBox from Influenster.

I've been using this lotion all over my chest, arms and legs. Those areas are always susceptible to the sun's harmful rays and I rarely ever protect them. I love using this lotion in the morning because it honestly lasts my entire school day, and some. It also reminds me of the tanning salon because its tropical smell. The plus side to this lotion is that it's also very light weight. It doesn't have that greasy feeling that some lotions leave behind. I highly recommend everyone giving this lotion a try. It will be great for winter because it will remind of the beach during those gloomy grey winter days.

Pros:

• Ease of use
• Affordable
• Easy to find and purchase (even in my small town)
• The smell is magnificent
• It's staying moisturizing power
• The Hawaiian Tropic product line has many products to choose from, including self-tanning lotions! Whoo-hoo!!

Cons:

• None! can honestly say I have absolutely no complaints about this lotion. I will be purchasing the full size of other products from the Hawaiian Tropic line.

Have you tried this lotion sunscreen yet? What are your thoughts?

If you're interested trying products like this as an Influenster click here.

Follow Influenster on Facebook and Twitter

Follow Hawaiian Tropic on Facebook 

Influenster Summer Beauty VoxBox

I have finally received the entire Spring Beauty VoxBox from Influenster. I received my partial VoxBox in Early July with only 3 items; The Quaker Banana Nut Bread Soft Baked Bar, and the Clear Scalp Shampoo and Conditioner. After emailing/tweeting Influenster about this whole mess, they replaced the missing items and explained that the issues were due to a new company shipping out our VoxBox's. Many bloggers I chat with had missing items as well, and I truly think Influenster has corrected this issue. So after all these problems I am happy to share the contents.

**I've noticed this time around, samples are much smaller than before. The only full sized product for this VoxBox is the nail polish. No complaints, but this is how many companies turn out; Enticing with larger samples, then slowly sending smaller samples. Interestingly enough, these samples are still bigger compared to samples I've received in services I pay for.

Info Cards:

(Click to Enlarge)

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion (Sunscreen w/SPF 30)

This bottle retails for $8.99 for the 6 oz bottle. Influensters received a 2oz which is still generous. This lotion smells amazing, and reminds me of the beach. I enjoy sunscreen with a fragrance because many sunscreens have that not so desirable sunscreen smell.

Tampax and Always Radiant Collection:

 

Prices Vary per box. This box came with 4 samples. All products in which I am familiar with and currently use. The best part about this item being included in this VoxBox is that it came with the cutest bag, perfect for discretion.

Quaker Soft Baked Bar:

Came in the Flavor Banana Nut Bread and retails at $3.29 for a package of bars. This bar is light and super soft. the taste is absolutely divine and honestly tastes as if my grandma made it! These are a great snack for my school days!

Sally Hansen Magnetic Color:

Came in 908 Graphite Gravity and Retails at $9.99 per bottle. This item is the item I am most excited about. I am just starting my polish collection and this will be a great addition.

Sally Hansen Nails and Cuticle Hand Creme:

This handcream retails at a super affordable $5.99 per 3.4 oz bottle. Influensters received a nice sized 1 oz bottle, perfect for testing purposes. This lotion is made with shea butter and has a great citrus smell.

Clear Scalp and Hair Beauty Therapy:

These shampoos and conditioners are a brand new product everywhere! They retail between $4.99-$5.99 for 12 oz bottles. Select Influensters received 3 fluid oz bottles which is fantastic for a sample size. Most shampoo/conditioner samples are foil packets. I really enjoy the smell and look forward to using this product.

After receiving the entire VoxBox, I rate it 10/10. Everything is great and will be fun to try! With that being said, I cannot wait to receive my next VoxBox; The Latina VoxBox!

Influenster Summer Beauty VoxBox

Today I received my Influenster Summer Beauty VoxBox and I have to say I am quite disappointed with it. I was so excited to receive this VoxBox because the original email from the Influenster Team stated that only a special selection of Influenster's would receive this one.

As soon as I saw the mail walking up to my door, I noticed the white box. I made sure to step outside and and get it as soon as I could. I grabbed it from my door step immediately and opened it as soon I got inside. I noticed there were only 3 items. The box had no seal and came open easily. There was no sign of tape or a seal ever being on the box. 

The cards included list each item that was to be provided for testing purposes:

(Click to Enlarge)

My Contents:

As you can see, this box almost empty :(

Quaker Soft Baked Bar in Banana Nut Bread - $3.29 for a package of bars.
I received 1 full sized bar.

Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy - $4.99-$5.99 for 12.7 oz & 12.9 oz bottles.
Each bottle included is 3 fl oz.

The Shampoo and Conditioner seem to be the only products based on demographics, so I know that I was eligible for the other products.

I am even more disapointed because after I checked in my voxbox I immediately received an email reminding me of the "special selection" and how to tag Influenster and the brands for twitter. I unfortunately I cannot participate in all the brand challenges unless I receive these items. 

I posted this picture on twitter and had quite a few responses from other ladies who had been missing items as well, or who had past VoxBox's never show, which leads me to believe that this is some sort of error on Influenster's behalf.

 Within a half hour of the conversation Influenster tweeted back saying items must have been stolen along the way and they are having USPS investigate this issue. They also asked me to send an email including my address and the items that were missing.

After tweeting with other Influensters, one informed me that Influenster replied to her email saying they cannot replace these items but it will not affect her score. I know Influenster plans on having our accounts on some sort of scoring scale where our influence can go up and down based on our social sharing.

I made sure to email Influenster with full details of my experience and I am waiting for a reply. I can understand how they cannot send these items out because of fraud issues, but again, if this happened to many others, I am thinking it is not an issue with USPS.  I don't understand this situation.

My thoughts/theories on this issue:

• This VoxBox came looking very normal. There doesn't appear to have ever been any tape on it. (Usually you will see marks where you've opened it, or where tape has been ripped off) Opening the box was ridiculously easy. I'm thinking maybe it was not taped to being with when packaging was taking place, potentially allowing thieves to steal these items from their warehouse, or employees of USPS while in transit.
• Along with the details of the last description, I hate to say it, but perhaps this was all staged. Why wouldn't these packages be sealed? Maybe they ran out of products and after promising so many Influensters this VoxBox, they had to come up with some way to make us believe that this could not be an internal error.
• The fact that this happened to many others leads me to believe again, this is not a USPS issue but rather an Influenster issue. 
• These items could not have been stolen right from my doorstep, because I ran out of the door when I saw the mail man walking up my street. I saw him place the box on the porch. I came out and grabbed it right away.
• The reason Influenster gave to an unnamed twitter/blogger friend of mine is understandable, and only backs up my second bullet-ed theory. Influenster said they had no more products to send out for missing items.

All in all, these VoxBox's are free of charge, even from shipping. I understand how simple errors can take place, but this is not so simple. This happened to many people that I've talked to. If Influenster replies to my email saying they can replace my items, that would be great!

Enough with the negatives! I enjoyed every VoxBox thus far and do look forwards to future events. I appreciate that Influenster has contacted me in the first place to try and fix this issue. I will keep everyone updated as the news comes in and I really hope this dopes not change anyone's mind to be part of this social influence,


**************UPDATE************

Influenster replied the same day via twitter asking for me to email them with my address so the items can be replaced. I still have not received them, but I am still hoping for them to come. I emailed today and they replied back with a generic email about the Brand Challenges.

I'll keep ya posted!

Influenster Summer Beauty VoxBox (Pre-Selected)

Check out this email from the Influenster Team about the upcoming Summer Beauty Voxbox!

About an hour ago I received this oh so lovely email from the Influenster Team about the Summer Beauty VoxBox. This is a great news because I am just thrilled with everything that Influenster does for us ladies, and soon enough for the guys. I knew this was coming because the last email I received from them about  the Gillette and Olay team loving my blog and statement about their razor, hinted about a June/July VoxBox. You can view that HERE

I immediately filled out the survey and it asked questions about feminine hygiene products and brands I use as well as sun care products and brands I use. Those will be great items to test and review because they are products I know that will be useful.

This is always a great thing to see when you log into your Influenster account!

June is almost over, so this is a great surprise to have coming so quickly. Let's just hope when they make their final decisions, that I can be one of the considerations for the program! Finger crossed ladies!! <3

What do you think about the Summer Beauty VoxBox? Did you get you're email yet??

Sheer Cover Review

Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary to test through Influenster’s VoxBox program.

What is Sheer Cover Duo Concealer?

Sheer Cover® Concealer is perfect for all skin types and tones.  Sheer Cover Duo Concealer offers a custom blend for the various shades on your face and covers up imperfections.  It not only covers up the look of dark circles, blemishes, redness and age spots, it also moisturizes with Jojoba and Allantoin. 

It instantly conceals blemishes, dark spots, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone – we’ve got life’s little imperfections covered!

KEY BENEFITS:

Instantly covers skin imperfections for a flawless, natural look

Variable coverage – sheer and creamy perfect for under eye circles or more opaque for blemishes, dark spots and hyperpigmentation

Easy application  – glides on, won’t pull or tug at fragile skin

Enriched with natural, moisturizing Jojoba to help nourish and restore the skins’ natural moisture balance

Allantoin helps calm and soothe sensitive, irritated skin

Provides antioxidant protection from free-radical scavengers

Dermatologist-tested

HOW TO USE:

Using fingertips, concealer brush or a cosmetic sponge dab a small amount of concealer on area to be covered. Blend well. Start sheer, adding layers to increase coverage. Wear alone, under or over makeup. Let dry before applying makeup.

WHERE TO BUY:

Customers can visit www.SheerCover.com or call 1-877-489-2035 to purchase Sheer Cover. 

$29.95 for the concealer (non-member price) and $29.95 for the introductory system, which also includes the Duo Concealer.

My Experience with the Sheer Cover Duo Concealer:

I have used a few different concealers in the past ranging from drugstore brands to department store brands. I have even used the ELF Eyelid Primer as a concealer when I’ve ran out because it brightens my under area so well without looking unnatural. When I do use concealer I do prefer the “double ended” kind because blending is an option to give your face that natural look.

Before trying the Sheer Cover Duo Concealer I was using the Physician’s Formula Concealer Twins in Yellow Light. I have been using the Concealer twins for about 2-3 years because I can find it under $10 and it works well for me. It’s easy to blend and lasts. I never really thought about changing because I am so comfortable with the price and the quality. 

I recently tried the Sheer Cover Duo Concealer because it was included in the many wonderful items in the Spring Beauty VoxBox. 

I received the shade “Medium/Tan” and the actual size of the concealer is 0.05 oz.

Swatches:

Bottom: Darker Shade

Middle: Lighter Shade

Top: Both Shades blended

As you can see both shades blended nicely when first playing around. I used a concealer brush when applying to my face, but I found using my ring finger was much easier . I like using my index finger because I read from a Burt’s Bee’s product that this finger is the softest finger and best for applying serums because of it’s softness. 

I have used this concealer under tinted moisturizer, alone when wearing no tinted moisturizer and over eye shadow primer. I tried these ways because I really wanted to experiment with this concealer and discover the best possible way to maximize the length of wear time. 

I found that I do not need to have the eye shadow primer underneath because it does not crack or fade when wearing alone. It is not oily, talc free, and scent free. 

I was able to implement the Sheer Cover Duo Concealer into my beauty routine because it blends so well, brightening my under eye area giving it a flawless, natural look without making my eyes look too awake. 

I like that this concealer has two shades for blending because it can be used any season of the year. I live in PA and experience all four seasons and that is another reason I prefer the double endeded/duo concealers over one shade.

All in all, I would recommend this concealer because there is no false advertisement here. It’s affordable and easy to use.

Visit Sheer Cover at http://www.sheercover.com

Visit the Sheer Cover Facebook fan Page at https://www.facebook.com/sheercover

Twitter handle:  @sheercover /  Twitter hashtag: #imsheercovered

How to tag Influenster on Facebook and Twitter:  @influenster

Check out my other posts regarding Inlfuenster:

Sally Hansen Salon Effects

 Dr. Scholl’s For Her Ball Of Cushion Review

Bath & Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist

Spring Beauty VoxBox

Special Invite from Influenster

Thanks for reading!

Dr. Scholl's For Her Ball of Foot Cushions Review

Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster. This product was included in the Spring Beauty VoxBox. 

Dr. Scholl's^® For HerBall of Foot Cushions

"Created uniquely for women's shoes, the slim design of Dr. Scholl's^®For Her Ball of Foot Cushions prevents your feet from sliding forward, so you avoid “toe scrunch”. Plus, they fit comfortably and discreetly in both open- and closed-toe shoes"

 

Basic Product Information:

• Helps prevent ball of foot pain
• Immediate Massaging Gel™ comfort for the ball of your foot
• Only ball of foot product made with unique FabuSTEP^®gel
• Prevents toe scrunch
• Stays firmly in place
• Removable without damage to your shoes
• Discreetly fits all women's shoes
• One size fits all

How It Works

• Designed to fit All women's shoes
• Made with FabuSTEP^® gel to prevent feet from sliding forward
• Gel waves cushion the sensitive ball-of-foot area
• Massages your foot with every step
• Small design prevents toe scrunch

How to use:

• Place on top of your current insole
• No trimming required
• Replace every 6 months or at first signs of wear

Perks Of using ANY Dr. Scholl's Product:

• Their website ALWAYS has coupons to print for future purchases
• Dr. Scholl's ALWAYS has a Money Back Guarantee. Simply send in your original receipts with the UPC code and you will be refunded or exchanged, no questions asked.
• The Website provides a Product Consultation
• Dr. Scholl's provides products for not only foot pain, but skin conditions, lower body pain,  nail products, etc.
• These products Actually work!

My Experience with the  Dr. Scholl's For Her Ball of Foot Cushions:


I suffer from foot pain because of my job. I work in restaurant and stand on my feet anywhere from 8-9.5 hours a day, 5 days a week. Because of this, my feet always feel sore and tired. 


The Ball of Foot Cushions can be used not only for heels but for sneakers also. I rarely get to wear heels unless it's my day off and I'm wearing heels out of the blue. Yes, I hate that aspect but a girl's gotta work where she can. 


I've been wearing the Ball Of Foot Cushion for almost a month now and I cannot have it any other way. It did take about a week to wear it comfortably but that's expected. I paid a hefty price for non-slip sneaker through my employer and the cushion that came in my shoes wore away in about a month. I was upset because the employers shoes are much more expensive and highly recommended.  Now that I have these cushions along with my heel cushions I am set to go!


My feet are thankful to have received these because I did not know these existed. Also, since these are advertised for heels, I'm not so sure I would have purchased them myself.

To find out more about Dr. Scholl's and everything they offer visit:

 http://www.drscholls.com 

or follow the conversation on twitter with the Hashtag: #walkingonair

Don't forget about Influenster: http:s//www.influenster.com @Influenster #BeautyVoxBox

Bath & Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist

DISCLAIMER: I received this product complimentary to test through Influenster’s VoxBox program

As you can  see, this Fine Fragrance Mist was included in my current Beauty VoxBox from Influenster. I was really hoping for the Japanese Cherry Blossom because that is my absolute favorite scent from Bath & Body Works. However, I am quite pleased I that I received Sweat Pea because it has sentimental value. 

 My girlfriends and I  LOVED this scent. I can remember us all in our 8th grade gym class using this after class ended. We would "freshen" up with Sweet Pea, touch up our make up and hair for the rest of our school day. I can remember us carrying the Sweet Pea bottle in our bags everywhere we went. We used to go to each others houses on Fridays to get ready for our night at the Skating Rink, and you better believe we used our Sweet Pea for that too. My sister and I had the same group of friends and this reminds me of her as well. Especially because she no longer lives in the same town as we do.

Until I received Sweet Pea in my Beauty VoxBox, I forgot about those memories. Wearing this scent again makes me remember our fun times together, our laughs, our sad times, our FRIENDSHIP. Although that group of friends no longer communicates because we are older and doing life now, it's bitter sweet to remember. I enjoy the nostalgia connected with Sweet Pea. 

There are a few differences from the Sweet Pea I used then and the one I received from Influenster. The bottle is now shaped a bit differently but still contains 8 fl oz of the fragrance. 

Here you can see the differences of the bottle packaging. The old style (left) was more rounded. The newer style (right) is a longer tube like round with a large square cap. The old caps fit right of the Squirter. The newer style is more modern and I enjoy the look of it.

Also, the collection from Bath & Body Works is now classified as a NEW Fine Fragrance Mist. The collection consists of the following:

The Fine Fragrance Mist Collection:     

   
Be Enchanted™
White Citrus
Cherry Blossom
Coconut Lime Breeze
Into The Wild™
Dark Kiss™
Black Amethyst™
Sensual Amber™
Midnight Pomegranate®
Carried Away™
Forever Sunshine™
Secret Wonderland™
Black Raspberry Vanilla
Pink Chiffon
Paris Amour
Twilight Woods™
Sweet Pea®
Moonlight Path®
Japanese Cherry Blossom
Country Chic™
Warm Vanilla Sugar®
Sea Island Cotton®

The collections is now advertised as:

"Fine fragrance in a mist as light as air. Discover a better, more delicate fragrance experience in over 20 Signature fragrances. It’s love at first mist! Exclusively at Bath & Body Works."

If you are interested in purchasing any of the NEW Fine Fragrance Mist you can do so at registered retail store near you, for the price of $14.00. Surprisingly that price has not changed! (Two thumbs up for that alone!)

If you are looking for more information, you can visit the Bath and Body Works website --> http://www.bathandbodyworks.com

Be sure to follow Bath & Body Works via twitter using their handle:

 @LUVBBW and/or the hastags #LUVFragrance #bathandbodyworks

Influenster can be found on twitter also! @Influenster 

So what do you think of the BBW New Fine Fragrance Mist Collection? Do you own any? If you are an Influenster what scent did you receive?

Sally Hansen Salon Effects

Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster. The following is indeed my true and honest opinion of this product.

If you are unfamiliar with the Sally Hansen Salon Nail Effects, then this post will give you basic knowledge about the product. I have tried Jamberry Nails, Kiss Nail Dress, and Incoco strips in the past, but not Sally Hansen. There isn't any particular reason as to why I have not tried this before, other than the fact that I just haven't had the impulse to buy them. Luckily, I received this kit in my Influenster Spring Beauty VoxBox.

This Kit Included:

16 Nail Polish Strips in 320 Kitty, Kitty, 

Cuticle Stick

Mini File and Buffer

Detailed Instructions

Quick Facts about the Sally Hansen Salon Effects:

No dry time
Lasts up to 10 days
Removes easily with nail polish remover
40 styles to choose from
Retails for about 9.99 at chain drug stores, food stores and mass merchandisers nationally. (I'm pretty sure I've seen it cheaper at WalMart)

Application:

Application is fairly easy, especially since I have experience with nail strips. If you follow the directions and take your time, you will achieve a fairly quick and inexpensive mani. 


I did notice that there was a tip that sated: "If possible, for a uniform look, avoid over-stretching patterns." It is easy to over-stretch the strip so be light and gentle when applying. Also, it can be easy to have ripples and bubbles, but like I said, if your patient, it really will turn out for the best. 

Here are the instructions included in the kit:

And the finished product:

I did not add a top coat because I wanted to test the strips out alone. They did very well seeing as I got about 5 days of wear before chipping occurred. For the price that these retail, I will be purchasing more. 

After testing this product I rate it 10/10 because the price, application, and total length of wear seems to uphold my expectations.

Be sure to follow the Sally Hansen brand on Social Media Sites:

 @salllyhansen with #saloneffects for the hashtag

http://www.facebook.com/SallyHansen

And don't forget about Influenster:

@Influenster #BeautyVoxBox

http://www.facebook.com/Influenster

So, have you tried any nail strips before? What are your thoughts? I love reading your comments so comment away!

xoxo,

mattabellx3

Special Invite from Influenster

Today I woke up to an awesome email from Influenster on behalf of the Gillette Venus & Olay team. I've been chosen to be quoted in their media ads because the team LOVED my blog post about their razor.  This is an exciting opportunity for me. Read below for the great details!

I of course, accepted and replied immediately. 

I am not one to boast or brag but who wouldn't share this exciting news?! Are you an Influenster? What is your experience with them?

I'd love to hear everyone's feedback so be sure to comment!!

xoxo

mattabellax3

Influenster Spring Beauty VoxBox

Once again, Influenster has sent me another complimentary VoxBox for testing purposes.

As you can see above, this is the Spring Beauty VoxBox. This is now my 3rd VoxBox from Influenster, and I think so far this is my favorite! They really outdid themselves here!

Onto the contents:

Here is the Card provided with descriptions and prices for full size items. The only item in the box not full size was the Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash. Oddly enough, The Dr. Scholls For Her Inserts were not listed. Bonus Item? 

SheerCover Duo Concealer: Medium/Tan (0.05 oz)

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash (2 oz)

ChapStick Lip Shield 365 (0.15 oz)

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips: 320 Kitty, Kitty(16 strips)

Bath & Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist:Sweet Pea (8 oz).

SoyJoy Bar: Strawberry (1.05 oz)

Dr. Scholls For Her Ball of Foot Cushions (one pair)

So after I totaled the price for each item in this VoxBox, at the lowest price given, this box is worth $63.81. At the highest cost for each item this box is worth $66.61. This does not include the Dr. Scholl's Inserts  because it was not listed on the card. After Googling, the price it seems to average around $6. That boosts the cost of this VoxBox to $69.81 (at the lowest prices) - $72.61 (highest prices)

After receiving this VoxBox, I rate it 10/10. Everything is great and will be fun to try! The only item I've tried before was Sweet Pea and I adore that scent. It reminds me of gym in 8th grade! With that being said, I cannot wait to receive my next VoxBox

Did you get a VoxBox? Regardless, what are opinions? What's your favorite item?

Hope to hear from you guys soon!

xoxo mattabellax3