Frizz-Ease® Sheer Solution™ Lightweight Frizz Control Review

Frizz-Ease^® Sheer Solution^™ Lightweight Frizz Control BzzKit

Product Overview:

You're well aware of the war on frizz. It's a battle you fight daily, and when humidity hits, it can feel like a losing one. Frizz-control products are either too heavy for your locks (hello, greasy hair!), or not effective enough to make a lasting impact. So why not try something that's specially formulated for your type of hair?
A breakthrough new product from the John Frieda^® Hair Care experts, Frizz-Ease^® Sheer Solution^™ Lightweight Frizz Control for Fine to Medium Hair tames frizz without weighing your tresses down, so you can easily achieve the style you want. The revolutionary Dual Formula – part lightweight serum, part smoothing elixir – works from the inside out to lock in moisture and block out frizz. Simply shake to activate!
Designed to spread throughout your hair for even coverage, Frizz-Ease^® Sheer Solution^™ Lightweight Frizz Control leaves your locks 100% flawless and frizz-free, as well as soft, light and manageable. Simplify your hair routine and start styling your tresses any way you want — straight, wavy, curly...and always frizz-free.


Once your hair is smooth and sleek and under control, people are inevitably going to start asking questions. Here are the key facts to share about NEW! Frizz-Ease^® Sheer Solution^™ Lightweight Frizz Control:

• Specially developed for fine- to medium-textured hair with a lightweight, non-greasy formula that leaves your locks light and manageable
• Fights frizz from the outside while penetrating hair to hydrate on the inside, thanks to the shake-to-activate Dual Formula
• Spreads easily for even coverage and flawless frizz control
• Makes styling your hair easier, whether you desire a straight, wavy or curly style
• Is a new frizz eliminator from the John Frieda^® Frizz-Ease^® Hair Care experts, makers of the award-winning frizz eliminators Extra Strength Formula Hair Serum and Original Formula Hair Serum, as well as Thermal Protection Formula Hair Serum
• Available at major retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $9.99

The secret's in the shake
The solution-driven team behind John Frieda^® Hair Care just gave you the means to achieve frizz-free hair — all they're asking for in return is a few shakes. Every bottle of Frizz-Ease^® Sheer Solution^™ Lightweight Frizz Control includes a lightweight serum and a smoothing elixir. Simply shake to activate the Dual Formula, and watch as its three distinct properties get to work transforming your hair:

• Instant Emulsification: Allows for easy application throughout hair
• Dispersed Silicone Phase: A lighter feeling, frizz-fighting delivery vehicle
• Penetrating Hydration Phase: Hydrates hair from the inside to leave hair soft and manageable

Here's my take:  First off, let me say that I received Frizz-Ease® Sheer Solution™ Lightweight Frizz Control for Fine to Medium Hair  for free as a word of mouth marketing agent for BzzAgent.com.  I have not been paid to review this item nor have I been influenced to give less than an honest review.  

I was excited to be invited to this Bzz Campaign.  I am all about my hair.  I like to keep it long and I try to keep it looking shiny and healthy, which generally speaking, is quite a task.  My hair is fine so it tangles easily.  My hair is also a bit oily at the roots and dry and frizzy at the ends.  I had been using another product and was very happy with it, so I was skeptical about switching brands.

I have been using Frizz-Ease® Sheer Solution™ Lightweight Frizz Control for about a week now and I have to say I am thrilled with the results.  I will be posting a before and after picture after I have my hair cut and dyed (sorry, you can't see my greys!!) next week so you can see the results for yourself.

The BzzKit came with a full-size of Frizz-Ease® Sheer Solution™ Lightweight Frizz Control for Fine to Medium hair as well as 8 samples to share with my friends and family.  The sample sizes were very generous and my friends and family will probably get quite a few uses out of them.  

I used this product as directed.  I washed my hair, towel dried it, shook up the solution and squeezed a little over 10 drops into my hand.  I rubbed my hands together and worked it through my damp hair.  I allowed it to dry and it felt very soft and is very shiny.  I expected this to feel dry/greasy like many other smoothing products I have used, but that has not been the case. It really smoothes things out and helps with the tangles I get in my fine hair.

Honestly speaking, I LOVE THIS STUFF.  I have been using this over the product I was using for this purpose.  My other product is now sitting in the back of my cabinet and I have decided that Frizz-Ease® Sheer Solution™ Lightweight Frizz Control is my new go-to solution for frizzy flyaway hair.  Thank you BzzAgent for introducing me to this wonderful product!  I never would have bought it on my own, so I am grateful to have the opportunity to try it through BzzAgent.

Definitely a winner - I highly recommend this product if you face similar hair woes.

June MyGlam Bag Review

June MyGlam Bag!

What was in June's Bag:

 

The bag itself -Woops!  I forgot to take a picture of the bag!  They sent us a little something different this month.  Usually the bags are the same zipper-style makeup bag.  This month, they sent us a bag around the same size, but the fastener is a fold-over snap instead of a zipper.  The color is a gold sparkle.  It's still a bit "cheap" feeling like the other bags, and I expect that only paying $10/month.  It could be used as a once in a while clutch purse for a hot night out for sure!  The glitter will probably fall off a little bit and it might not hold up to regular every day wear like a regular purse, but it can definitely double as a cute accessory!

NYX Round Lipstick in "Iced Honey"

NYX Round Lipstick Lipstick in "Iced Honey"  - Yet another nice lipstick that seems very creamy/smooth. The packaging is cute and it is a full-size product.  The color I got is Iced Honey which is a shimmery pale pink/gold color.  This color is MUCH more up my alley than the last lipstick they sent me.  I've worn it a few times and I really love it!  Definitely a keeper!  Value - $4.00

Philosophy "Take a Deep Breath" Energizing Oxygen Gel

Philosophy "take a deep breath" energizing oxygen gel sample - I've been switching up my moisturizer a lot because I've been getting so many samples of it through MyGlam and other sample sites.  The sample of this is a pretty good size, which is always exciting.  It boasts that it is oil-free, which is another big plus when moisturizing my face.  I have combination skin, so I don't want to break out from oily moisturizers.  I've used this for about a week and a half and my face feels very soft and the texture feels "even" - no more dry skin patches here and oily patches there.  The cream is light blue and on the watery side of creamy.  It has a slight smell, but nothing harsh. It is a bit pricey ($34 for a 2 oz. jar) so it is unlikely that I will purchase the full-size.  I am very happy with the sample though, I definitely feel like I got my money's worth through MyGlam. Value -Unknown (probably can get the same sample for free from Philosophy)

Marbella Waterproof Eyeliner Pen in Black

Marbella Waterproof Eyeliner Pen in Black - More eyeliner!  I'm big on eyeliner.  I especially love wearing cateye liner when I do my makeup.  I was very excited to receive this eyeliner pen from MyGlam this month because these types of pens take the guesswork out of doing cateye style liner!  I usually use liquid eyeliner with a brush, so this is a little bit different for me.  It really looks like a regular marker.  It has a soft, but chiseled felt tip that you can pull out and flip around when one side gets too soft.  The eyeliner is very black, but I wouldn't call it "true" black.  It has some blue tones in it and isn't BLACKEST black.  It claims to be waterproof, but it mostly isn't.  I still like it quite a bit though and will probably be using this on a regular basis.  They sent us a full-size and I have a full bottle of liquid eyeliner, so I am set for a while!  I probably would not purchase this because it is pretty pricey at $20/pop! You can order this through MyGlam's pop up shop or from https://diosacosmetics.3dcartstores.com/Marbella-24hr-Semi-Permanent-Eyeliner--Extreme-long-lasting_c_14.html  Value - $19.99

Living Proof frizz Nourishing styling cream- MyGlam was doing a contest for a while for Living Proof to show how people's hair changes after using the line of products.  I didn't participate because I didn't own any of the products, but they sent us the nourishing styling cream as a sample in our June bags.  I tried it for a few times and I have to say, I'm not a fan.  It smells decent and is creamy, but my hair felt quite dried out and greasy (much like it did with keracolor) after using this stuff.  I probably wouldn't purchase this again, but it was a wonderfully sized sample and the packaging is very nice. Value: Approximately $12.00 (4 oz size is $26, this sample was a 2 oz.)  You can purchase this at:  http://www.livingproof.com/buy/no-frizz-straight-cream

The Verdict:

June's MyGlam bag was RIGHT ON THE MONEY.  I mentioned that I was considering cancelling after this bag if it wasn't up to par, but it was, so I am sticking it out for another month.  They didn't send us brushes this month which I was happy about.  The bag itself was also different and cute - certainly a great idea to switch things up a bit.  The products were well thought out as well and all of them were satisfying sizes (either deluxe sized samples or full-size items).  I hope MyGlam keeps up this quality, because I won't be able to bring myself to cancel if they do!  They mentioned July's will be just as awesome, so I am looking forward to that BIG TIME.  Only a few more weeks until I have July's in my hot little hands.  In the meantime, I'll be enjoying these items. 

Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Insoles Review

Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Insoles Bzzkit

Product Overview:

Whether you're on your feet all day for work, or your feet are simply the innocent victims of a busy lifestyle, you have plenty of reasons to try Dr. Scholl's^® Massaging GelTM Insoles. For starters, these ingenious insoles:

• Double the comfort in your shoes (for people with foot discomfort)
• Feature a Dual Wave Design™ — soft blue gel cushions and provides superior shock absorption, while firmer purple gel offers added support
• Can be used in a variety of shoes
• Belong to a full line of Massaging GelTM foot care solutions
• Come in men's sizes 8–13 and women's sizes 6–10
• Sell for a suggested retail price of $12.99
• Can be found in the foot care aisle of most drugstores, grocery stores, and discount mass retailers
• Offer a money-back guarantee, so there's no risk in trying them!

Here's my take:  First off, let me say that I received Dr. Scholl's^® Massaging GelTM Insoles  for free as a word of mouth marketing agent for BzzAgent.com.  I have not been paid to review this item nor have I been influenced to give less than an honest review.  

I'm on my feet A LOT.  I hike regularly.  I walk 3+ miles per day at the gym.  I have 2 dogs I run around after all day.  I also have a husband to clean up after and cook for.  I use my tootsies quite a bit, so anything that will relieve some stress on them is a welcome product.

I was excited to try these because the insoles in my trailrunners are starting to flatten and wear out.  When I got my Bzzkit, I was excited to see they sent me a bunch of coupons to share!  I handed some out to friends and family ($5 off!) so they could try these insoles as well.

I opened the package for the insoles and trimmed them to size, which is really quite easy.  I inserted them into my shoes and it took a little bit of adjusting, but I finally got them in and fitted correctly.  Oh, and you must take out the insoles that are already in your shoes before you insert these insoles.  

I put my shoes on and walked around in them for a while.  The first thing I noticed is that they are gelly and squishy, which is comfortable.  I liked that feature of these insoles.  What I did not like was the lack of instep and arch support.  I felt like there was extra pressure on my instep and arch and sadly, I just can't have that with as much as I am on my feet.  They also slid around inside of my shoes which would become quite annoying and painful on a long walk or hike.  I would be interested in using one of the $5 coupons I got to try the sport style gel insoles instead of the regular ones.  I think these would be great for every day sneakers or just regular walking.  However, with the amount of serious cardio I do, these are not the right fit for me.  I would still recommend you try them if you're looking for a bit of extra cushion in your shoes, though!  They are really affordable compared to expensive orthodics and could be a great solution for some people.  All in all, I wouldn't buy these particular insoles, but I would try the other kinds in this line.  Dr. Scholl's makes some really wonderful and tried and true products that I do use on a regular basis, so I consider these insoles just a bad fit for me... not a fault of the brand or product.

Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Body Wash Review

Product Overview:

This daily body wash cleanses and moisturizes for visibly healthier skin every time you shower. Its breakthrough formula combines natural colloidal oatmeal - long known to soothe skin - with a unique blend of natural oils and emollients, to help replenish skin's natural moisture. The creamy body wash lathers gently and then rinses clean, resulting in softer, smoother, healthier-looking skin long after you shower. It's lightly fragranced, soap free, dye-free and hypoallergenic so it's gentle enough for sensitive skin.

HOW TO USE:
Squeeze on to wet washcloth or bath puff.  Work into lather and spread over skin.  Rinse off.

Where to Buy

Available at most drug stores, grocery stores, and retailers near you!
Suggested retail price $5.99 - $8.99
Visit www.aveeno.com to check out all the great body, face, and hair care products by AVEENO® that help reveal your naturally beautiful skin and hair!

Here's my take:  First off, let me say that I received Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Body Wash  for free as a product tester for Influenster.  I have not been paid to review this item nor have I been influenced to give less than an honest review.  

I have very fussy skin.  I mean REALLY FUSSY.  It's dry, oily in some places, sensitive, itchy, and I also have psoriasis on my elbows.  My expectations of skincare items like soaps and lotions are quite high.  I used pretty generic stuff up until about a year or so ago when my mother-in-law introduced me to my current favorite brand.  I have used Aveeno products before, but not regularly (not because I disliked them or anything - just liked to switch it up) so I was excited to try this particular product.

The body wash smells very clean and a bit powdery, so it might not suit most men but as a woman, I liked the scent quite a bit. It lathers up nicely and feels smooth on my skin.  It rinses off cleanly and doesn't leave an icky residue.  It also did not dry out my skin, so that was great.  It even seemed to calm my itchy/dry patches which is quite a feat for a drugstore brand.  

I used every drop in the sample and wanted to wait until I finished the bottle until I gave it a fair review because I believe these types of products take time to show results.  All in all, I think it is a good product and also affordable.  I like that you can buy it in pretty much any general grocery or drug store and don't have to go hunting for it online.

I would definitely buy this again to switch up my skincare routine.  My only complaint?  I wish the bottle was bigger that we got!  But hey, I can't have it all, all the time, right? :)

Frizz-Ease® Sheer Solution™ Lightweight Frizz Control Bzz Campaign

I got invited to join the Frizz-Ease^® Sheer Solution^™ Lightweight Frizz Control Bzz Campaign!  I'm really excited to try this.  I have very long hair that gets greasy at the roots and very dry on the ends, so I hope Frizz-Ease will do the trick!  I know I can find it pretty much anywhere around here, so it won't be something I have to make a special trip to anywhere for.  Thanks BzzAgent!

Check out the video here:   Frizz-Ease^® Sheer Solution^™ Lightweight Frizz Control

Sheer Cover Review

Sheer Cover Duo Concealer - Light/Medium

Product Overview:
 

Sheer Cover® Concealer is perfect for all skin types and tones.  Our concealer is a customer favorite offering 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.

Here's my take:  First off, let me say that I received Sheer Cover Duo Concealer in Light/Medium shade for free as a product tester for Influenster.  I have not been paid to review this item nor have I been influenced to give less than an honest review.  
I've been sort of a makeup dunce for quite some time.  My mom never really showed me and my sisters how to use makeup, thus, everything I've been learning is stuff I pick up on my own.  This concealer came just in time.  I had a concealer of a drug store brand I was using, but it was all the wrong color for my skin.  I ended up with yellow raccoon eyes.  Not so sexy.  So, I was so excited to try Sheer Cover Duo Concealer!  I see all of the makeup gurus on YouTube painting their concealer on with a brush and I yearned to be in that club!  I am on a tight budget, however, so I haven't been able to purchase a new concealer for myself.  The Sheer Cover Duo was such a treat for this reason.  The MyGlam ladies got this same item in their January MyGlam bag (I missed it by a month) so I was a bit jealous and also interested in using it after reading the excellent feedback about it.  

I don't really have scarred or acne or redness prone skin, but I DO have very dark circles under my eyes due to keeping strange hours and having a less than balanced diet.  This concealer is a frickin' GODSEND.  I was skeptical at first, but the first time I used it, I blended the colors together to find my perfect shade and it matches so nicely.  It's easy to use and blend.  It goes on smoothly and sticks once you set it with your favorite powder.  it's really lovely.  If I had any complaint about it, it may be that the concealer feels a bit like grease paint, however, if grease paint is what is necessary to cover my dark circles, BRING IT ON!!  Here is a quick pic I took to show you the difference between using the Sheer Cover Duo and not using anything at all.  Please excuse my eyebrows and rest of my face - I didn't do a full makeup look for this picture.  I just wanted to show you the difference in how Sheer Cover Duo covers up my dark circles.  I think it's pretty darn impressive.

No PhotoShop here!

All in all, I LOVE this.  I think I may actually even purchase the whole kit when I run out of this.  If the concealer can do this, I can't wait to see how the rest of the line works for me.  I would HIGHLY recommend Sheer Cover makeup and skincare to anyone with stubborn imperfections on their skin. 

Sally Hansen Salon Effects

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips "Frock Star"

Product Overview:

Don't Get Stuck With a Sticker!

Nothing feels or wears like real nail polish. Now Sally makes it easy to get Salon Effects anytime, any place using real nail polish – with no dry time! Don’t settle for plastic imitations that peel off. We’re the real thing. Just peel, apply & file! Learn more at www.sallyhansen.com

• No dry time

• Lasts up to 10 days
• Removes easily with nail polish remover

• 40 must-have styles

Where to Buy

Available at chain drug stores, food stores and mass merchandisers nationally.

Suggested Retail Price: $9.99

Here's my take:  First off, let me say that I received Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips for free as a product tester for Influenster.  I have not been paid to review this item nor have I been influenced to give less than an honest review.  
These are too cool.  I've been drooling over them ever since they came out some time ago.  I'm generally VERY frugal and haven't had the guts to try this product due to the cost and fear of it being gimmicky.  These nail polish strips are far from gimmicky!  They work!  I am a big fan of glitter, so I was thrilled to get these in the color "frock star" which is sort of a bright, party glitter.  Honestly, they almost remind me of a festive July 4th nail polish.  I was wanting to save them, but since I would like to complete the brand challenges from Influenster, guess who is getting a full manicure with them tonight?  THIS GIRL!  I already did try these on my thumbs to see how they worked.  They were relatively easy to apply (READ AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS - I can't stress that enough), they lasted longer than my usual self-mani lasts, the strips don't stink up a room like nail polish does (the mister was loving that) and the patterns are so fabulous.  I think since I like these, I will avoid getting a full set of acrylics for a special occasion and instead, buy some of these.  Yes they are that cute!  My nails don't hold polish well for some reason.  I do everything I'm supposed to (smooth out the ridges, swipe some polish remover over the nail, etc) and my polish still peels off.  These really were no exception, but they did last about a day longer than my usual nail polish.  They were easy to remove as well once they started peeling off of my uncooperative nails.  I WILL buy these again.  I'm excited to look over all of the patterns in the store (not so excited to have to pick ONE out - I want them all)!  Thank you Sally Hansen and Influenster for giving me the opportunity to try a product I was too afraid to try before.  Now I know I love them!

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

Dr. Scholl's For Her Ball of Foot Cushions

Product Overview:

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.

• 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

Available in:

• One size fits all

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

Where to Buy:

You can find Dr.Scholl's For Her at most major department stores and pharmacies.

Suggest retail price of the Dr. Scholl's For Her Ball of Foot Cushions:  $5.00 - $7.00 ($2.00 off coupons available at their website!)

Here's my take:  First off, let me say that I received the Dr. Scholl's For Her Ball of Foot Cushions for free as a product tester for Influenster.  I have not been paid to review this item nor have I been influenced to give less than an honest review. 
Me and heels?  Yeah, we don't get along.  I was stoked to try these for that very reason.  I've searched high and low for years for a decent pair of heels that won't murder my feet.  I finally found a pair that works better than others I've tried, but my feet still slide down inside them a little, causing quite a bit of pressure on the balls of my feet.  
These were easy to install into my shoes (just peeled and stuck them into the shoes) and I was ready to wear them in no time.  I noticed they do help quite a bit with the sliding and keeping my feet in place inside of my shoes.  There is nice gel cushioning as well, so the pressure of my body on my feet is much more tolerable than it was before.  I like that Dr. Scholl's for her are really affordable (someone with an epic shoe collection will benefit from that!), easy to use, easy to find in the store and they work fairly well.  Are they perfect?  Not exactly, however, I am overweight and don't have a lot of experience wearing heels on a regular basis, so perhaps I am not completely qualified to make that judgment.  They do really help the pain in my legs and feet, so they most definitely work at least moderately for me.  I would be interested in trying the rest of this product line to see if perhaps the high heel insoles would be more appropriate for my needs.  I will say this, though, I bought 2 sets (one for ball of foot, one for ankle rub) of cheap stick on cushions at the shoe store I got my heels at and they don't even touch the quality of Dr. Scholl's.  They were more expensive, an ugly color, no gel inside and they were less than stellar.  Dr. Scholl's blew them out of the water.  I'd highly suggest purchasing the Dr. Scholl's for Her before trying any other cushions for your shoes.

Bath & Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist

Bath & Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist "Paris Amour"

Product Overview:

NEW Fine Fragrance Mist Collection!

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.

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®

Where to Buy:

You can find Bath and Body Works products at a registered retail store near you!

Suggest retail price of the Fine Fragrance Mists:  $14.00
You can also purchase this via Bath and Body Works website (they have so many wonderful deals throughout the year!) http://www.bathandbodyworks.com

Here's my take:  First off, let me say that I received this Fine Fragrance Mist for free as a product tester for Influenster.  I have not been paid to review this item nor have I been influenced to give less than an honest review.  With that said, I have always loved Bath and Body Works fragrances.  Sadly, I can no longer use their lotions and other yummy goodies due to very fussy skin (psoriasis, yay!) but I can still use their fragrances, which is awesome.  I was thrilled to receive this fine fragrance mist in the "Paris Amour" scent because I have never smelled it before (hey, don't judge me -  I haven't been to a mall in a while).  My first impression upon spraying myself with it was the scent is light, girly and "pink" smelling like many pricey, high-end, pink-themed designer perfumes that have been hitting the market lately.  The scent is inspired by white tulips and pink champagne.  YUMMY!  It's so girly, sweet-smelling and a little musky.  My hubby even approves of the scent!  It feels silky on my skin and dries quickly.  The scent lingers and stays for quite a while.  Usually, I stop smelling fragrance on my skin after a couple of hours, but this lasted all day.  I couldn't stop sniffing myself!  This is a scent I will most definitely be keeping in my arsenal for myself.  I think the other ladies in my life (like my sisters) would love it as a gift, too.  It's reasonably priced, easy to find (online and in BBW retail stores), lasts a long time, and is a great value for the retail price of $14.00.  BBW usually has sales throughout the year, so odds are, you could get this fragrance for even less than what it retails for much of the time.  This one is definitely a winner.  Thank you Bath and Bod Works and Influenster for giving me the opportunity to try this lovely fragrance!

Weighing In - A bittersweet moment.

I don't do a lot of personal posts on here, but I am "every day" girl and if anyone IS out there reading, I'd like to share that I weighed in today at the doctor's and I'm over halfway to my 100 pound weight loss goal!  That's still 45 pounds to go, but it seems so much less daunting than ONE HUNDRED.

If I can do it, anyone can do it with enough attention to diet, exercise and lifestyle changes.  The road hasn't been easy and I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed that the number on the scale wasn't less than I hoped, but still, I'm 55 frickin' pounds down from my heaviest weight ever.  Bittersweet.

Spring Beauty VoxBox - May 2012

A bit about Influenster:

(Taken from Influenster's Facebook Page) Exclusive community of trendsetters using their influential power to qualify for complimentary product shipments, rewards and deals fit for their lifestyles.

Company Overview:

Influenster is the go-to destination for trendsetters who want to be rewarded for their influence. Qualified members gain access to the latest products, share their expert opinions and spread the word on their favorite discoveries.

Here's my take:  If you are into social influencing using outlets like blogs, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other sites, Influenster is right up your alley.  They send VoxBoxes out to people, matching their demographic with the products.  Unlike other beauty subscription services, Influenster is free.  However, there is a catch.  You are NOT guaranteed a box if you do not meet the qualifications for the box they are sending out.  To qualify, your demographics, including age, location, interests, lifestyle and other factors will come into play.  You are not even guaranteed a box if you DO meet the qualifications.  They ship out VoxBoxes for different lifestyles.  This one is a beauty box!  The next upcoming campaign is for moms, so I will be sitting that one out.  Most of the products I received are full-size and very generous.  The other catch is, you have to review these products on the Influenster site as well as other places and also promote these products, if you enjoy them, on your favorite social networking outlets.  Please note, I was not paid to review these items and I received them complimentary from Influenster.  I'm not obligated to give a good review for any of these, just honest opinions.  I haven't tried everything yet, but when I do, I will report back and blog about each of these products!

Influenster Spring Beauty VoxBox Contents May 2012

What was in May's VoxBox:

The box itself - Nothing terribly special here!  Just a white box with some packing peanuts.  I noticed they smelled like popcorn and my dorky self was seriously dorky enough to see if they were some kind of organic, popcorn packing peanuts.  I do not recommend trying to eat them.  They are not popcorn.  The box came with a card explaining about which products I would find in the box.  It also came with an information pamphlet for Sally Hansen's Salon Effects Nail Strips showing all of the available colors and patterns.  Very helpful!  Everything was packed carefully and nothing was broken.

Dr. Scholl's For Her - Ball of Foot Cushions (high heel)

Dr. Scholl's For Her - Ball of Foot (High Heels) Cushions - SO excited to try these.  My feet and high heels do not play well together.  It doesn't matter how well the shoe fits, I'm still hobbling like an injured animal by the end of an hour or two with heels on my feet.  What can I say?  I'm a sneakers kind of girl. My biggest complaint?  THE BALLS OF MY FEET.  These were made for me to try.  I'll be sticking them in my Fergalicious platforms to really give them a spin.  I haven't tried them YET, but I will be trying them within the next week!  

What Dr. Scholl's says:

• Helps prevent foot pain caused by high heels
• Proven to improve the way you feel in heels
• Unique ultra-soft FabuSTEP^® gel arch shifts pressure off your ball of foot
• Immediate and all day comfort
• Stays firmly in place
• Removable without damage to shoes
• Slim design won't make shoes feel tight
• Practically invisible, even in strappy heels

Available in:

• Women's (sizes 6-10)

Designed to fit:

• All high heels, 2″ and higher

• Uniquely designed ultra-soft gel arch shifts pressure off the ball of your foot
• FabuSTEP^® gel provides added cushioning
• Unique adhesive keeps insole in place
• ¾ length design won't crowd toes

How to use:

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

 Value - $11.99/ $9.99 w/coupon ($2 off coupon available on Dr. Scholl's website!)

ChapStick Lip SHIELD 365

ChapStick LipShield 365 - I'm also very excited to try this.  I live in the Mojave desert and I'm active outdoors, so the sun wreaks havoc on my lips on a regular basis.  Honestly, nothing has really helped my lips until I tried Dermstore's Lip Quench, but now I have something new and more "sporty" to try!  I feel bad using the Lip Quench because it's preetttttyyy and shimmers and I want to save it as an over-gloss.  Chapstick's Lip SHIELD 365 will be the perfect thing to keep in my day pack for when my lips get super dried out and parched.  I wear SPF 70 on my skin (yes, they make it that high) so ChapStick's Lip SHIELD 365 with SPF 50 is really perfect for my lips.  I'm heading out to Death Valley this weekend, so it WILL be put to the test!

What ChapStick says:

This new product offers all season protection & moisturization for year-round exposure to the sun (that's me!), wind & cold.  With SPF 50+, it helps to protect from the sun's damaging UVA/UVB rays.

Value - $1.89 - $2.39

Bath & Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist "Paris Amour"

Bath and Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist "Paris Amour" fragrance - I've always been a fan of Bath and Body Works fragrances.  Sadly, I can no longer use the lotions or body washes due to very fussy, dry, psoriasis-prone skin.  But good news!  I can still use the body sprays!  I've always preferred the sweet-smelling food/fruit fragrances and I've never smelled "Paris Amour" before, but I was pleasantly surprised.  It's sweet-smelling and "pink" to me.  I'm not really a master of fragrance notes, but this smells lovely and even the hubby approves.  The B&BW website says "white tulips and pink champagne."  I will definitely be using this one and I will be telling my friends about this particular scent.  I'll also be keeping it in the back of my mind as a gift for someone!  It seems Bath and Body Works have revamped their branding with the Fragrance Mists and are looking to get the word out.  If it's been a while since you've tried Bath and Body Works, give these new mists a try, they're gorgeous (even the bottle is sexy)!  Also, as a sidenote, Bath and Body Works does not test on animals.  Even more of a reason to spend your cash there!

What Bath and Body Works says:

Discover a better, more delicate fragrance experience with the NEW Fragrance Mist Collection.  With over 50 Signature fragrances to choose from, it's love at first mist!

Value:  $14.00

Sally Hansen Salon Effects "Frock Star"

Sally Hansen Salon Effects - Frock Star - Nail Strips seem to be all the rage these days.  I tried them for the first time a week ago and they are FUN!  I'm thrilled to try the "popular" brand of these because I see them in the store all the time.  I'm very frugal with my money, so I haven't tried them for myself yet because I wasn't sure if they would be a gimmick or "too good to be true."  They are a little on the pricey side for me, but if I like them, I will still fork out the cash.  I haven't tried these yet, but I will be very soon.  The color I got was "Frock Star" and this is a menagerie of glitter!  I LOVE GLITTER.  I also can't keep a manicure for more than a day with my natural nails, so I'm really curious and excited to see how these hold up.

What Sally Hansen says:

Real Nail Polish Strips!  This product wears like nail polish because it IS nail polish (with no drying time).  Apply and you're ready to go!

Value: $9.99

SOYJOY Bar - Strawberry

SOYJOY Bar Strawberry - Can you say YUMMY?  These things are really good.  I saw a spoiler for this VoxBox before a majority of us got it and I saw the SOYJOY bar.  I made a point to buy one the next day in Blueberry Flavor.  Both flavors are so good!  They aren't overly sweet or filling.  The fruit tastes like real dried fruit and not chemicals. It contains real fruit, real soy, is gluten free (SCORE!!), and 0 trans fats.  The ingredients mostly read like an ingredient list for grandma's cookies - not many long, chemical names here. It's definitely nice to have an option other than that well-known energy/snack bar.  I can truly say I enjoyed these (and CRAVE them now) and they will be a regular purchase in my household.  Even if I eat 5 in one sitting.  

What SOYJOY says:

Enjoy SOYJOY with all-natural real ingredients like real fruit and whole soy!  Simply baked in their Southern California bakery into SOYJOY bars for REAL energy-sustaining deliciousness.

Value:  $0.99 - $1.29

Sheer Cover Duo Concealer

Sheer Cover Duo Concealer - I am so thrilled to be able to test this product out.  I have AWFUL dark circles under my eyes from keeping weird hours and doing some crazy dieting.  The current concealer I've been using is a horrible, off shade and turns my skin yellow.  I haven't had the cash to replace it with a more appropriate concealer, so when I learned this was coming, I was stoked.  I missed this by a month from MyGlam, but I'm getting my chance to try it now.  I've heard GREAT things about it and the pictures people have posted don't lie.  I haven't tried this yet, but it's one of my top priorities with this VoxBox.  

What Sheer Cover says:

Ideal for hiding blemishes, age spots, redness, scars, and other imperfection without heavy, cakey coverage.  Duo shades can be blended to perfectly match your skin tone.

Sold in one-month supply kit of 6 products + 3 Bonus Products (Sheer Cover & Influenster - YOU TEASES!) - $29.95

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash - I use Aveeno Lotions at night (thanks for the Christmas gift, mom!) but I haven't tried their body wash yet.  I'm generally satisfied with their products (they don't irritate my skin like some other brands do) and they are reasonably priced and easy to find.  I have psoriasis on my elbows, so I'm looking forward to seeing if using this body wash helps to calm my itchy skin down.  This came as a sample size, but it's a generous sample and will probably get at least a week or two of use out of it.

What Aveeno says:

This body wash cleanses & moisturizes for visibly healthier skin every time you shower.  It's lightly fragranced, soap free, dye-free & hypoallergenic so it's gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Value:  $6.99 - $8.99 for full-size bottle

The Verdict:

Seriously?  It's like Influenster went inside of my brain, saw every beauty concern of mine and sent me a box to rescue me.  I really love everything.  Influenster was very generous with us Beauty testers this month and I am looking forward to trying every single one of these products and giving them a more in-depth review.  This was WAy above and beyond what I expected when I signed up for Influenster.  I'm happy I did!  Sign up too at:  http://www.influenster.com