Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Influenster: Frosty Vox Box

Hey ladies, I feel so bad that I've let this blog slip again! I've had such a hectic holiday season. I'm hoping that I will be able to get back into this more regularly now that the craziness of the holiday's are over.

Today I'm here to review my new Influenster Vox Box, The Frosty Vox Box.

Featured in this box are Boots No 7 Serum, NYC Expert Last lip color, Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Tea, Ecotools Hair Brush, Rimmel Scandaleyes line and eye makeup remover, McCormick Thyme, and Fruit Vine Bites.

Boots--
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BootsBeautyUSA
Twitter @bootsbeautyus

NYC--
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/newyorkcolorcosmetics
Twitter @nycnewyorkcolor

Celestial Seasonings--
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/celestialseasonings
Twitter @celestialtea

Ecotools--
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ecotools
twitter @ecotools

Rimmel--
facebook http://www.facebook.com/rimmellondonus
Twitter @rimmellondonus

McCormick
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/McCormickGourmet

Fruit Vines
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/fruitvines
Twitter @FruitVines

I was really rather unprepared when reviewing this box because I tried things before I took pictures or for example ate the Fruit Vine bites and drank the tea without photographing anything. So I am going to do a few quick product reviews and add a Rimmel video on the end I did for my Youtube channel! Hope you still enjoy these quick reviews.

Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Serum, this retails for $22.99 full sized. This serum claims to reduce fine lines and give skin a younger look in 2 weeks. I will say I did not see much improvement in my skin with this .1 oz size sample. I will say it did feel nice on my skin, light and comfortable. I don't know if i'd be really willing to shell out the $23 after this sample. I really think they missed the mark here as far as getting me to buy this product after testing. They did send a $2 off coupon, but I still don't see myself taking the $20 plunge.

NYC Expert Last Lipcolor in Sugar Plum, retails for $1.99. I really like this lipstick formula. The color is just ok, it has some cool toned shimmer and I am not a fan of that. I am really excited to buy a few more shades because this is a really comfortable and nice lasting lip product. I am wearing the color in this instagram photo! 
http://instagram.com/p/xkEgUSDhiO/?modal=true
Highly suggest you try these!!!

Celestial Seasoning Candy Cane Lane Tea, not sure on retail (varies each state).
This is a Decaf green tea, and MANNNNN I loveeeed this tea so much. It was such a delicious comforting drink, perfect for the snowy weather we are experiencing here in Ohio. I am picking up more flavors of there tea, as I believe this was a seasonal flavor. Soooo yummy with a spoonful of sugar and a splash of milk or cream. MMMMMM. 

Ecotools Hair brush, retails for $10.99. I was sent this style http://ecotools.com/hair/sleek-shine-finisher-hair-brush. I will say off the bat I am a Wet Brush user through and through. I have such fine hair that gets tangled very easily. This is the one product I was most skeptical about. This brush is OK for me personally. It is an amazing quality brush but it just does not fit my needs. I never blow dry my hair, I usually brush my hair once or twice right after washing and leave it alone because of my frizz. I do not recommend using this brush on clean hair, it just makes me more frizzy that way. It does give a nice shiny and sleek look, but I just am not loving it. I'm sure if you had a different hair type you would love this brush.

Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, retails for $7.49. I really have been loving this. I did a review on my rimmel products and forgot this. One thing I will say about it is, works great with the scandaleyes liners because those liners really last. I love that it is so gentle, and the scent is so light that it does't bother me. Finally I love that it does not leave any greasy residue or grime behind.
Rimmel Scandaleyes eyeliner in black, retails for $4.49
Video review here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ezt2DOdlUiM

McCormick Thyme, retails for $4.79. I was slightly confused about the reason why this was in here. It was about a half food box, half beauty. The spice seemed so out of place though. I don't have much to say, I have always loved mccormick spices, the thyme is no different. I will always continue to purchase mccormick spices whether or not they were in this box. 

Fruit Vine bites, retails for $1.79. I believe they are the bite counterpart of red vines? These were the strawberry flavor. I am a HUGE fan of red vines but I didn't love these. They were nothing like I was imagining. I will say my boyfriend really loved them though. I'll stick with my original red vines. 

Hope you guys enjoyed this quick look at the Frosty Vox Box!
xxoo
Abby



Monday, April 28, 2014

Influenster: Mary Kay Vox Box

I was once again selected to be a part of an Influenster Vox Box program! I've gone on and on about how much I love this program. I won't speak too much about Influenster, just get right to the good stuff. This Vox Box was sponsored by Mary Kay. Mary Kay is a company I am a little familiar with, more from years ago! I did some research about the company and its founder Mary Kay Ash, here are some great things I picked up from the site.


"Mary Kay Ash was an original. As an entrepreneur and a philanthropist, she started her business from a tiny store in Dallas, Texas, with five products and one big dream. That dream was to inspire women to transform their lives, and in doing so, help other women transform their lives – because One Woman Can™.
One Woman Can™ transform her life, become her most beautiful success and touch other lives.
Today, with more than 3 million Independent Beauty Consultants, Mary Kay offers more than 200 premium products in more than 35 countries around the world. Through all the milestones, one constant has remained: innovation. For 50 years, Mary Kay has led the way in giving women what they crave: advanced skin care that delivers results; modern makeup in on-trend colors and advanced formulations; and fresh, unforgettable fragrances. Believing in the power and importance of social responsibility, Mary Kay has led the way in showing that beauty can enrich women’s lives – one woman at a time." (all information directly from http://goo.gl/BWp7uU)
Along with giving back these items are held at the utmost standards of quality too. Mary Kay frequently consults with dermatologists and other medical experts to help build an amazing quality product. Each year they conduct over 300,000 tests to ensure the highest standards of quality, safety and performance are met in each product.
As well you can host parties to earn free product, and become a consultant to add a little extra income to your family! If you are interested in hosting a party, start your search here http://goo.gl/vEfPoL.
Now onto the products I was sent to try, I've given each of these items a few days of testing and wear to see how they work and I can give you some information on each product. As well check out my Youtube to see my unboxing video and a first impression/Get ready with me using these products! http://goo.gl/MH1u8o

Mary Kay Powder Brush $16 & Cream Eye Color/Concealer Brush $10

 I love the way these brushes are made! The handles and ferrels are amazing quality. I have a split opinion on them though. While the powder brush is rather scratchy and has some shedding, that concealer/eyeshadow brush is amazing! Soft, just enough density to get a nice wash of color. I've been really picking it up to apply eyeshadow, creams, and concealer. That brush is a must for me, skip the powder brush though.

Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara in I <3 Black $15


Mary Kay describes this as a defining and "defending" (confused on that word being used) mascara that gives 4x volume. Can I just say I LOVE THIS MASCARA! It takes a bit of patience to get the perfect application, but it is WELL worth it for me! I didn't see massive amounts of volume, but I felt like it looked amazing. Nice, plush, defined lashes. This might be one of my stand out favorites of all these items. 

Mary Kay Cream Eye color in Apricot Twist $14


I love all cream eyeshadows, seriously, I'm obsessed with them. I really did enjoy this color, it is a nice golden with a touch of pink. The formula of this is REALLY creamy, I was very afraid it would mean crease city, but it was not the case. This cream holds up really well alone, or paired with a powder shadow as well. My one negative about it is that the color can sort of blend away when you are trying to apply, it takes a careful touch to get maximum color payoff. I am really interested in the other colors in the range. It comes in 9 shades!!!

Mary Kay Cream Eyeliner in Jet Black $18
Stellar Cream liner, I'm not usually one that wears black liner. I think it looks way to stark for my personal taste, but I've worn this everyday since I got it in the mail! It glides on easily and stays put. It comes with an expandable brush, but that is the one thing I didn't like about the product. The brush didn't apply it evenly and the brush tip didn't keep it's shape. I don't know if I would repurchase this product because I don't wear lots of black liner, but If I did I would really repurchase it. I hope they start making it in other shades!!!!

Mary Kay Mineral Cheek Color in Shy Blush $12
This is the formula I wish Nars Orgasm was. This blush is stunning in person, such a beautiful radiant coral with a beautiful golden sheen. This goes on amazing and gives just enough radiance to make you look alive. The shimmer is very subdued, so it's not a disco ball on the cheeks. This blush comes in the shown refill pan, and you have a few options as far as customization goes. As for me, its going right into a Z-Palette, which I really like because my blush drawer is getting pretty full (a make-up hoarders daily struggle). Comes in 10 shades, and I am really wanting to try some others out! Blush OBSESSSSEDDDDDD!!! 

Mary Kay Bronzing Powder in Light/Medium $18 

This bronzer is much like the previously mentioned blush, comes in a standard refill pan form. Can we also mention that this is a good size bronzer for the $18 price tag. This is a bronzer I see myself grabbing for when the weather gets warmer and I start getting some sun. It has a nice sheen too it, again not too much glitter or shine. Just enough! I am usually a matte bronzer fan, but this is a great color to give the skin a nice sunkissed glow. Available in Light/Medium, or Medium/Dark.

Mary Kay Translucent Loose Powder $16

 I honestly don't have much to say about this product sadly. I am not usually someone who uses this type of powder, other than for setting undereye concealer. I'm more dry, so I don't need the oil absorbing aspect, and it doesn't do much for my skin. While it does feel nice over foundation, I'm more of a "little color" powder wearer. I can say though, I LOVE THE PACKAGING. You are able to open and close the little poring holes so the product doesn't go all over. My one gripe about any loose powder (especially after working at Sephora) is that powder transfers in the top portion and makes a mess, and makes it harder to use. Don't count this powder out though, $16 for .39 oz is a good price!

Mary Kay NouriShine Plus Gloss in Mango Tango $14





This gloss is a cool hybrid gloss. It's a nourishing product, paired with long wearing, vivid color. Then bam, HIGH GLOSS FINISH! It's a really great one product to apply and go. It has a slight tacky finish, not MAC or Nars sticky, but more sticky than Buxom. This color is insane! I was so scared of it at first, but mixed with my natural lip color it takes on this pretty vibrant coral. IN LOVE! This is a nice Vanilla sccent and its a cute little tube. It is actually more product than a Buxom gloss at .15 oz. This comes in 14 shades

To finish this post off I want to show you my simple look I did the first day I wore the products!



 Hope everyone enjoyed this review and overview of these Mary Kay products! If you want to see a tutorial or any other things just leave it in the comment bar below!

Check out Influenster!
http://www.influenster.com

Find more information on Mary Kay on their website:
http://www.marykay.com
Follow them
Twitter: @MaryKay
Instagram: @MaryKayUS
Facebook: MaryKay

Stay Beautiful
XOXO
Abby




Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Color Focus: Radiant Orchid Shopping Suggestions

I started a new series on my YouTube Channel (here http://goo.gl/HzFD1x) focusing on COLOR! My first color choice was really a no brainer for me. I decided on Radiant Orchid. Which is Pantone's color of the year for 2014. I have really fallen in love with this color over the past month or so. Seeing Sephora's new Pantone collection really fueled it as well! (Take a look at the entire collection here http://goo.gl/4QGzO2




I included my top picks on my YouTube Channel, also a tutorial will be live tomorrow afternoon, and I will do a Shopping suggestions post here on my blog for each color I feature! Please be sure to include your favorite picks, and check out my Youtube. Any color suggestions for next video leave in the comments!!! Without further ado, here are my Radiant Orchid shopping suggestion!

Sephora + Pantone Radiant Femme Artistry Set $75
This set includes a really great sampling of products to choice from (all full size!). Nail polish in Orchid Chrome, Matte Lipstick, Face-eye-body luminizer (think Lorac 3d Lustre), Liquid Liner, Cream blush, and a cute little make-up bag. My top two items in this set are the Luminizer and that blush!!!! They are gorgeous and amazing quality! The set is really worth it just for those two products. Get it here http://goo.gl/Q3Fkic

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil in Woodstock $20 
Urban Decay Liners are some of my favorite eyeliners ever, and this color really fits the trend. Great used as a color base or a little pop of color on the lower lashline. Great way to bring a little Radiant Orchid to your daily routine! Get it here http://goo.gl/Tg2I4D

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Liptar in Hoochie $18


First off, I love Liptars! Black Dahlia is one of my all time favorite lipcolors ever. I have been trying different purple ones out. Hoochie is my favorite purple!!! It's just the right amount of purple and pink to make a beautiful, really true Radiant Orchid! They also just came out with a coordinating lip pencil that I love to pair with this! A great pick for a more bold person wanting to rock the trend to the fullest! You can find this beauty here http://goo.gl/IQ6aIQ

Benefit Lollitint $30 


Last, but not least is this beauty! I have always had a love/hate relationship with these Benefit Cheek/Lip tints, but I find I love this one! It goes on fabulously and it really give a beautiful purply, pink tint to the lips. Another great choice for someone less daring that wants to give this trend a try. I recommend placing this on a duofiber brush and applying it from there. If you dot it on, it stains very quickly. Buy this here http://goo.gl/gnSbuh
A couple other spotlight favs 
Sephora Formula X The Electrics in At Your Own Risk $10.50 http://goo.gl/JMbDlE
Sephora Colorful Eyeshadow in N29 Midnight Kiss $13 http://goo.gl/HPt47i

Hope you guys enjoyed my first Color Focus on Radiant Orchid! 

Stay Beautiful
xxoo
Abby

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Influenster: Dove Deodorant

I promise this is my last Influenster post of the day (hahaha). Honestly though, one other reason I appreciate Influenster as a blogger is that I constantly have content to talk about.

Lets talk about the new DOVE DEODORANT! This is Dove Advanced Care deodorant. I will just say right now that this is one of my favorite products I've ever received from Influenster. I've been someone who's suffered from dry, itchy, irritated underarms. With the new Dove deodorant it's so special because it actually heals and prevents underarm irritation from shaving and such. I was a little skeptical at first, but man this stuff works.



A little more info on the deodorant itself. You can find this at any mass retailer or drugstore. It retails for $4.88 at Walmart stores, and higher at other retailers. You can find more info and what retailers carry it in your area through the Dove website. http://goo.gl/LFxxEO
I do have a special offer for you though, if you watch a short ad on Walmart.com you can get $2 off making it just $2.88 (AMAZINGG! I already have my coupon ready!) bit.ly/raiseyourarms

Ladies, just give it a try for yourself! This is my new #holygrail deodorant, and i'm so glad I finally found it! #Raiseyourarms with pride!!!!
No redness, no discoloration, no dry skin! I can finally be confident with my underarms! It's crazy to think it's such a big deal!

Let me know if you've tried this before, or your thoughts down below! Be sure to follow Dove:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DoveUS?brand_redir=1
Instagram: http://instagram.com/dove
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dove

Stay Beautiful
Abby
xxoo


J'Adore Vox Box

I don't know if you guys have heard of Influenster, but I am in love with there program. They offer special review opportunities for bloggers who are active on social media. The products they feature range from food items, to random items, to beauty/health products. I have been a part of the influenster community for a year or better. I am constantly surprised on how every one gets better. My most recent Vox box (their terms for the current programs) is the J'Adore. All items with theme of romance or love. 


The items are as follows, 
Red Rose Teas $4.49 for 20 bags- facebook.com/redrosetea
Hershey Kisses (prices vary)- facebook.com/hersheykisses
Boots Botanics Shine Away Mask $9.39- facebook.com/booksbeautyusa
Frizz Ease 3 day straight $9.99- facebook.com/johnfriedaUS

KISS Looks so Natural Lashes $3.99- facebook.com/kissnails

This is included in every box with details about each product. I really appreciate how they take the time to do these little things!




I love how they coordinate the items according to the themes. 
Lets start with the Tea, I LOVE this stuff. It's so yummy. When I first saw Creme Caramel, I was a little unsure, but that touch of sweetness really makes the tea out of this world! I am really going to be hunting this tea down. It came with a $2 off coupon, so I am all for some inexpensive, tasty tea!

I used the Boots Botanical mask the other night and am equally in love. Working for Sephora, I lust for the Glam Glow Mask for a great, deep, detoxifying mask. I love the way that it makes my skin feel refreshed, but not stripped of moisture. It's a great alternative at just $10. 

I am not going to take too much time about the other products because I've either not fully tested, or know I love them! Um, hershey's kisses are a no brainer. Yummy! I've used John Frieda for years and I'm really excited to test out the 3 day straight. I have to get a blow dryer though because you have to blow dry the product for it to work. Lastly, those Kiss lashes just look beautiful! I am going to be wearing them tomorrow, so expect a video and full review to follow. I've used numerous Kiss brand items and have never been let down. 

I hope you guys enjoyed this little peek at the Influenster J'Adore Vox Box! Make sure you check out influenster.com and follow on twitter +Influenster 

Stay beautiful,
Abby
xxoo


Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Welcome Back!

Hello beauties out there! I've been slacking hardcore on all of my social media outlets in the last year or more. I've had a blog previously but I am looking to majorly revamp it within the coming months! Take this post as an apology for my absence and me making a commitment to making this page more!

I guess lets catch up. Since I've last blogged lots have changed for me in my life. I am now 27, still engaged to the most amazing man in the entire world (no real plans on getting married, life goes on). My beautiful daughter is now 7 years old!!!! She's still the light of my, most days, dull life. She is an amazing little girl. Mackenzie is smart (straight A's), an amazing swimmer (Go Vermillion Torpedos), and she has this amazing, loving, kind, funny personality. SHE IS AWESOME! If you've followed my Youtube channel since the start you may remember my little baby doing karaoke, seems like so long ago! Here's my beautiful family.
In September, I was blessed with a job offer from Sephora inside JCPenney in a local mall. The store had not been opened yet so I've been on board with my coworkers from the beginning of the store. I went through Science of Sephora training, we merchandised our store, and are very proud of our store. I've become a family with all these girls, and I love going to work each and everyday. I am currently a Part Time Product consultant, but I'd love to one day grow in the Sephora company. My love of makeup and utter passion has really helped me in my job, and my life is so enriched now that I am doing what I love. I am beyond blessed with this job! Sephora has also only fueled my need for beauty/skincare/fragrance knowledge. I hope I can bring some refreshing and new material to this page in the future. Here's a photo of me when we first opened, and my Halloween Makeup look.
Thanks for stopping by, please feel free to leave suggestions, requests, anything! I have a couple post coming up about my recent Influenster reviews, but after that I want to do some reviews and other fun stuff! 
Make sure to follow me on my social media...
Twitter: @abbymarielove16
instagram: @abbymarielove
Facebook.com/abbymarielove
Youtube.com/abbywinningham

Stay beautiful,
Abby
xxoo