Social Icons

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Vaseline® Spray and Go Moisturizer commercial (Dress)




@Vaseline  @Influenster #SprayandGo
 
(Disclaimer - Posting this video for an Influenster brand challenge for an opportunity to win a prize. I did receive a complimentary Spray & Go from Influenster.com)

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

EOS Shave Cream Review

When many people hear EOS, they think of the colorful, round EOS lip balm. Well, EOS does much more than make lip products. The company, which means Evolution of Smooth, also produces hand and body lotions and shaving cream.


I have to admit that shaving is not one of my favorite tasks because it’s tedious and uncomfortable. I’ve used many things to shave with, soap suds, shave gels and creams, olive oil, and baby oil. I like the way oils leave my skin soft, but they clog the razor. EOS Shave Cream leaves my skin just as soft, but the razor doesn’t get clogged and rinses off easily during shaving. The first time that I used it, I got the closest shave that I’d gotten in a long time. It has moisturizers that help the razor glide over skin and that help reduce razor bumps.

The shaving cream is creamy, and it doesn’t foam. It goes on skin with a lotion-like consistency. It is made with shea butter, aloe, and vitamins E and C. It leaves skin smooth and silky after use. It comes in three different scents — pomegranate raspberry, lavender jasmine, and vanilla bliss. There is also a fragrance-free formula for sensitive skin. I absolutely love the heavenly scent of the lavender jasmine.

EOS Shave Cream can be used wet or dry. The directions on the bottle say to use two or three pumps of product, and apply a thin layer to skin. I’ve found that for wet shaving less may be used, but for dry shaving  more may be required since this cream seems to give a closer shave, necessitating more lubrication.

So keep in mind that EOS lip balm isn’t the only product from EOS. They make several products to nourish and moisturize skin, as well as lips.

EOS Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream Lavender Jasmine -- 7 fl oz

Colgate Optic White Regimen Review


White teeth are important. After all, who wants stained teeth? Many people will go to great lengths to get sparkling, white teeth. There are lots of over-the-counter whitening treatments and expensive in-office procedures to get teeth whitened. Colgate’s solution for whitening stained teeth is OpticWhite.

The Colgate Optic White Regimen’s goal is to help you get white teeth without spending a ton of money on costly whitening treatments and extra time on treatments. This system incorporates whitening in with your regular brushing and rinsing.

Brush

The Colgate 360° Optic White Toothbrush is an innovative brush to help you teeth be whiter. It helps to clean teeth and gums, while whitening teeth with “whitening cups” and polishing bristles. The whitening cups are soft rubber cups that hold toothpaste better to remove surface stains.  It also has a tongue and cheek cleaner. The soft bristles effectively clean and aren’t too rough. The brush seems easy to reach in normally hard-to-reach places. It also has a good handle with gel pads.

Toothpaste

Colgate Optic White Toothpaste is not just any regular toothpaste. It claims to have the ability to whiten more than three shades (based on twice daily use for four weeks), with results starting in one week. It also has the usual makings of toothpaste with fluoride, anti-cavity protection, breath freshening, and it helps to reduce plaque with regular brushing.

 I drink lots of coffee, so I have a problem with keeping my teeth white. So this toothpaste piqued my interest. I’m also picky about my toothpaste. I like having clean feeling teeth without any fuzz left after brushing. Optic White does thoroughly clean my teeth, without leaving any trace of plaque residue.
I’m also paranoid about my enamel and gums, so I don’t like gritty toothpaste with sandy granules that feel like they are harsh. It does have silica, but it doesn’t feel too abrasive or gritty.
Optic White leaves my teeth feeling clean and makes them whiter over the course of about a week. It does have a strong flavor, which doesn’t bother me. I was impressed with the toothpaste’s performance. However, I will use the toothpaste in rotation with a couple of others that I like due to some tooth sensitivity. After about two weeks of use, I developed sensitivity in all my teeth and sore gums. In the past I have had sensitivity, but it was specific to one particular area. After I discontinued using it, my mouth felt much better. According to the Colgate Company, “When used as directed, Colgate Optic White has not been shown to increase sensitivity in consumers.”  So, coincidence?

Mouthwash

Colgate Optic White Mouthwash removes surface stains and has polyphosphates to prevent future stains. It has foaming action to reach hard-to-brush spots. It also freshens breath.
There is one drawback, for me. The mouth rinse has a very strong taste, and I was unable to hold it in my mouth to swish it around for the 60 seconds stated on the instructions. The taste is that of hydrogen peroxide and strong mint flavor that is very overpowering for me. I did figure out one trick — dip a cotton swab in it and paint my teeth with it. This did help me to get shiny, white teeth. This trick worked better, since I do want whiter teeth.
My favorite of the three is the toothbrush, followed by the toothpaste. For me the toothpaste was good for occasional use.


I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.



Saturday, April 6, 2013

Dickinson's Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes Review


Witch Hazel is an astringent that comes from the twigs and bark of the witch hazel tree or shrub. It is used to clean skin, unclog pores, and to soothe skin irritation. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel has been a top name in bottled witch hazel since the 1800s. Dickinson’s has a full line of skin care products that includes Pore Perfecting Toner, Gentle Skin Cleanser, Foaming Facial Wash, Oil Controlling Astringent, and Oil Controlling Towelettes.
Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes are one hundred percent natural. They remove oil, without any harsh or drying ingredients. Skin is left smooth and soft. They are good for all skin types — oily, dry, sensitive, and combination. The towelette itself is especially designed to trap dirt and oil, with spun lace fibers for deep cleaning pores. Along with witch hazel (containing natural grain alcohol 14% and witch hazel extract), they contain aloe and sodium benzoate. My skin felt clean, yet soft — not tight or dry like occurs after using some other alcohol based cleansers. 

These wipes are convenient and easy to take along for travel, camping, or trips to the gym. A box of towelettes comes with 20 moist wipes that are individually wrapped. Each wipe is five inches by seven inches. I find each wipe is plenty to clean my entire face, thoroughly removing traces makeup that get left behind after washing. They are also good for calming the irritation of mosquito bites.
my blemish free skin

I received a complimentary box from Influenster. Would I buy more? Absolutely — I did like these and think they did a great job. 



I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.



Vaseline Spray and Go Moisturizer Review



Vaseline Spray and Go is a novel idea — lotion that sprays on. The lotion comes out in a fine mist that is lightly moisturizes and absorbs quickly. It isn’t greasy or sticky, allowing for getting dressed quickly after use.

It comes in three varieties: Total Moisture — made with oat extract, Cocoa Radiant —infused with cocoa butter, and Aloe Fresh — infused with aloe.

To use Spray and Go hold the can about four to six inches from your skin and spray it on. Give it a few quick rubs.

My Opinion

At first I was wondered how is a spray container better? It can be a little messy with over spray. If it gets on the floor, it can be slippery or get on clothing that could be lying nearby. Make sure the area is clear and don’t hold the can more than four inches away from the target area. If you have non-stick grips in your shower, try standing in there to use

It left my skin light and silky. On days that I go to work I wear compression stockings that put on after bathing.With Spray and Go I don’t have to wait to get dressed. Normally I have to wait about 20 minutes before I can put get dressed because I have to wait for my other lotion to absorb and get less oily. It does smell really good, and it is simple to use.

It does give skin moisture and hydration, but if your skin is very dry and needs more moisturizing it could leave you wanting. It does lack thicker emollients. As I gear up for warmer weather, it will be useful because I normally lighten my moisturizing routine in the summer months.

The suggested retail for Vaseline Spray and Go Moisturizer is $7.99 for a 6.5oz can.



I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.


Thursday, April 4, 2013

Renaissance Lady Anne Costume Review



Dressing up is fun for me. I’ve loved costumes and fancy clothes for as long as I can remember. When I was younger I would dress up like Wonder Woman, Jeannie of I Dream of Jeannie, Lady Jaye or Scarlett from G.I. Joe. Now I go for things a little more sophisticated — like Renaissance clothing or other historical dress.

The latest addition to my wardrobe is the Lady Anne Costume from AnytimeCostumes.com. It is one of my favorites because it is gorgeous and well-made. While some costumes are sewn together haphazardly, this costume has finished edges in the seams that won’t unravel as easily. The fabrics are good quality. It is made with stretchy, reddish/burgundy velvet-like fabric and golden brocade.


It is one size that fits up to 14/16. I wear a size 10 dress, and it fits me just right. I’m also about 5’8, and the length falls a couple of inches above my ankles.  It is a full length dress with long, bell-shaped sleeves. One unique thing is the side pleats that help it to be more flowing, yet form fitting around the hip area. The style feels quite elegant. It’s great for costume parties, Halloween dress-up, plays, or any occasion that requires a historical element.

The dress comes with a golden fabric belt and a unique headpiece with a veil in back. Shoes and jewelry aren’t included. Care for it by hand washing it and allowing it to dry flat. 

This costume is based on Lady Anne Neville, who was the Princess of Whales during the late 1400s. She became Queen in 1483, when her husband Richard seized the thrown. Unfortunately she passed away less than two years later. However, this costume is great for depicting any upper-class woman from the Late Middle Ages and Renaissance time periods.  


*disclaimer — I did receive a complimentary costume for review purposes from Costume Reviewers.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Sugar 'n Spice VoxBox



I recently joined Influenster. Influenster is a community of “trendsetters” that provide reviews and opinions — through the influenster.com website, YouTube videos, and personal blogs. Members are active in Social Media. One of the benefits is occasional free items for testing and reviewing.

Last week I traveled across the country to attend my brother’s wedding. When I got home my VoxBox was waiting for me. 

 I don’t travel much, and didn’t pay much attention to my packing, as it relates to TSA rules. I inadvertently packed a half used 4oz tube of toothpaste. Consequently a TSA agent confiscated it, as I was going through the security checkpoint. The box contained some Colgate toothpaste, which was a very welcome sight, since I was now only living on an almost gone small tube of travel toothpaste that I gotten to replace the one that TSA took from me. 

I digress. More about the VoxBox:

What is VoxBox?
The VoxBox program from Influenster is a great program that brings great items to “Influensters” to try and review. Influensters are bloggers and vloggers who love to share their experiences and write reviews or make YouTube videos.  If you are interested visit the Influenster website or email me. I have a couple of invites available that I will gladly share on a first come basis.

Contents of the Sugar ‘n Spice VoxBox

The box contained the Colgate Optic White Regimen:  4oz tube of Colgate Optic White toothpaste, 8oz bottle of Optic White Mouthwash, and a 360° Optic White toothbrush.

Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Oil Control Towelettes - read my review here

Nectresse natural no calorie sweetener

Belvita Breakfast Biscuits

Vaseline Spray and Go Moisturizer - read my review here

I will write reviews for each of the mentioned products, which I will post soon.
Thanks to all of the sponsors and Influenster for providing all of the products.


 "I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes."