Review: Running Made Easier With PUMA Products

I have a confession to make: I love to run. Sometimes I run to clear my head.  Sometimes I run for the exercise. Sometimes I run just to run. When PUMA (through Crowdtap) offered running shoes, a top, endurance tights, and jacket, I was ecstatic.

My previous running shoes were New Balance, and I was on the lookout for a new option. They weren’t very comfortable, and I paid way too much attention to my shoes while on runs. I also felt like they kept me from going longer distances.

Enter the PUMA Mobium Elite Running Shoes. PUMA claims that these shoes adapt to you, and I had no idea what that meant until I tried them on for the first time. I felt like they designed the pair of shoes specifically for my feet. They felt light, comfortable, and just so natural. As I ran, I felt like I could go faster, longer, and I just had so much more energy.

These PUMA Mobium Elite Running Shoes are both attractive and comfortable.

I already looked forward to running, but PUMA Mobium Elite Running Shoes make running the highlight of my day.

I also received a PUMA Performance Top—a virtual pink v-neck training tee. The shirt is light and very comfortable during a workout. When I run, the shirt stays dry, even after an intense workout.

I love the color and feel of my new PUMA top.

 I wasn’t sure what to expect from the PUMA Perfomance Bodywear Tech ACTV Endurance Tights. I had never worn tights that already had athletic tape inside it, and I thought it might be uncomfortable. Putting them on for the first time takes some time to assure the tape is in the right place. However, once the pants are on, they don’t feel uncomfortable. I feel like I can move and run in them.  I can’t wait to wear them more often to maximize my workout.

My new PUMA pants make for a great workout!

The last item I received was the Pure NightCat Reflective Running Jacket. I absolutely love this jacket for running at night. It’s so comfortable, and the Scotchlite reflective material makes it easy for others to see me. The best part of this jacket is that it’s still cute. Sometimes the reflective material makes items look tacky, but this jacket looks great. It is also both wind resistant and water repellant and has a pocket for an MP3 player. This jacket is going to become a staple in my exercise wardrobe.

The entire workout outfit with the reflective jacket.

With the help of PUMA, my running gear has improved tremendously.  I can’t wait to buy more PUMA items in the future!

These items were provided to me by PUMA and Crowdtap for the purpose of review. I did not receive any other compensation. All opinions are my own. 

Review: Luster NOW! Instant Whitening Toothpaste

I was so excited when I received the Luster NOW! Instant Whitening Toothpaste from my Something Blue VoxBox. I enjoy trying various whitening toothpastes and was not familiar with the Luster NOW! brand.

Here is Influenster's product information about the toothpaste: When you don’t have time for a full whitening regiment, quickly give your mouth the optical illusion of whiter teeth with Luster NOW! Instant Whitening Toothpaste. After just one brushing, the proprietary Bluverite® formula gives the appearance of a whiter, brighter smile, with results that last for hours. Designed by dentists, NOW! Toothpaste is gentle on teeth, safe for dental restorations and won’t cause tooth sensitivity. With daily use it will even help remove surface stains. And, as the only oral care product awarded Allure Magazine’s Beauty Breakthrough Award, you know that top beauty editors have given it a major seal of approval.

I was a little skeptical that it said you could notice whiter teeth after one brushing, but it worked! I have tried several other whitening toothpastes, but this one is my favorite because it doesn't taste weird and it works faster than some of the other toothpastes. I am also always worried about trying new toothpastes because I have sensitive teeth, but this toothpaste did not affect them. I will definitely be purchasing more in the future.

For more information about Luster products, click here. 

I received this item for free from Influenster, but all opinions are my own.

Sample: Old Navy Activewear Collection

I recently got the opportunity to sample the Old Navy Activewear collection thanks to Old Navy and Crowdtap. I got to go to the store, try on different items and pick out an activewear top and bottom to take with me for free!

I had never tried on Old Navy workout clothes before, but I will definitely be going back in the future! I usually prefer more loose fitting clothes to work out in, but the tight compression capris were so comfortable. I was surprised with how easy it is to move in them, and I loved the pink mesh at the bottom for breathability. I love that they are both functional and cute!

My cute and comfortable new workout outfit from Old Navy!

I also liked that there is a hidden compartment on the back of the pants where I can put my keys. A lot of workout pants don't have pockets, and I never know what to do with my keys. The hidden compartment is a nice solution.

I also got a light blue padded cami. It was both cool and comfortable. Sometimes the tops are too tight to work out in, but I didn't have that problem with this one. I am going to go back and buy it in more colors!

Can't wait to wear this to work out!

My Old Navy Activewear sampling experience was great! I loved all of the bright colors and comfortable clothes. I will definitely be buying more in the future.

Note: I received an Old Navy Activewear top and bottom for free in exchange for feedback. 

BzzAgent Review: Nail Care with Neutrogena

I recently received a great BzzAgent campaign for Neutrogena Norwegian Formula^® Hand Cream. This hand cream is great for hands, elbows, lips, and does wonders for a manicure! While using the hand cream, my manicure looked better and stayed on much longer. 

Lately, I have been using metallic colors on my nails. I think it's a fun way to transition from the holiday season to the start of the new year. I am also eager to try some mint and coral colors when it gets closer to spring! 

I love the Neutrogena Norwegian Formula^® Hand Cream because it is so versatile! I have very dry skin, especially in the winter, and the hand cream has been a lifesaver. I also love how it can be used on the lips, and how it makes nails look great!

Disclaimer: I received the Norwegian Formula^® Hand Cream for free as part of the BzzAgent program, but all opinions are my own.

Review: Kiss Nail Dress

I received the Kiss Nail Dress in my Influenster Holiday VoxBox 2012. I had never tried stick on nails before, and I was eager to see how they work. I was also interested in this nail dress because it had three-dimensional jewel designs. 

I decided to use the Kiss Nail Dress on just my thumb to make it stand out. This is just after I put it on, before I finished the filing.

Here is the product information on Kiss Nail Dress provided by Influenster:

Introducing Kiss® Nail Dress™, ultimate nail fashion for tips and toes! Just peel, apply, and shape for a manicure that lasts up to a week. On in minutes, off in seconds without remover. Nail Dress is available in 21 different styles, many of them featuring 3-dimensional jeweled designs. Check out Peplum, a deep silver with multi-colored gems for a pop of color, or Babydoll, for a golden and glamorous jeweled look. Skip the topcoat, Nail Dress has it built in.

With 28 strips in each package, you can cut up your extras to create designs that can be used on top of polished or artificial nails. Add some pizzazz and use with imPRESS® Press-On Manicure™ by Broadway Nails for the ultimate DIY manicure. Nail Dress doesn’t dry out the way other polish strips can, so you can save them to use on your next mani. A nail design booklet is included in each package, just in case you need a little inspiration.

And don’t forget about your feet! Nail Dress looks awesome on toes, too – just use the square side of the sticker for a perfect fit.

Kiss Nail Dress’ suggested retail is $6.99 and is available in all major drug chains and mass retailers like WalMart, CVS and Walgreens. Visit KissNailDress.com to learn more!

I received the Kiss Nail Dress in the Teddy design. I really liked the design, but since I don't like to wear black nail polish, I decided to use it only on my thumbs with gold nail polish on my other nails. I thought it was easy to stick on, but I did have some trouble with filing the excess off. It did last for 10 days. It was extremely easy to take off. My only complaint is  that the nail dress smelled very bad when I took it out of the package. However, I did not notice the smell once I put the nails on.

For more information, visit the Kiss site here and the Kiss Nail Dress review page here.

Disclaimer: I received this product for free from Influenster, but all opinions are my own.

Review: Goody QuikStyle Half Round Styler

I love beauty products that save you time, and the Goody QuikStyle Half Round Styler really cuts down on my morning routine. 

According to its product page: The GOODY® QUIKSTYLE™ Half Round brush works like a towel and brush in one. The super absorbent microfiber (and antimicrobial) removes 30 percent of water from wet hair to help speed your drying time! You can effortlessly detangle right out of the shower and continue using it while you blow dry and style! The unique Half-Round Shape is great for adding body to your blowout.

My verdict: I have long, thick, and straight hair, and I thought the brush did a great job with both drying and detangling. I have been using the brush over the last few weeks, and I noticed that my hair has felt much silkier. 

I think the description is accurate when it says that it removes 30 percent of water from the hair. After using the brush, my hair dried much faster and reduced my morning routine. I also love the microfiber bristles. They feel very soft and are very easy to clean. All you have to do is use a wide tooth comb to remove excess hair and wash the bristles with warm water and shampoo. 

The Goody QuikStyle Half Round Styler is quickly becoming my favorite brush. I would definitely recommend it.

Click here to visit the Goody website and here to visit the product page.

Disclaimer: I received this item to test from Influenster as part as the Influenster Holiday VoxBox 2012, but all opinions are my own.

Review: NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine

I am a huge fan of lipgloss and was excited when I saw NYC New York Color Lipshine in Nude York City in my Influenster Holiday VoxBox 2012. I was even more excited when I found out that this lipgloss retails for only $2.49!

NYC New York Color Lipshine in Nude York City

The Verdict: I think this is the best lipgloss at this price point. When I put it on, it didn't feel sticky, it smelled great, and the color looked nice. I have been using it for the past few days over my favorite lipstick. Nude York City is a nude color with a lot of shine so it looks nice over another color. I thought the applicator was nice, and the lipgloss felt very smooth. Surprisingly, it lasted longer than some of my more expensive lipgloss. 

NYC New York Color's description of the product: Have you heard the gossip? There’s a new gloss in town! NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine is getting headlines with seriously high-drama color at a seriously low price. Pure pigments give a 3-D effect that’s off-the-charts glossy. Tons of hot new shades, from preppy nudes to bold statement hues – all for less than your weekly fashion magazine.

For more information, visit the NYC New York Color website here and the lipshine product page here.

Overall, I would say this lipgloss is a great value! I would definitely recommend it.

Disclaimer: I received this product for free from Influenster, but all opinions are my own. 

Review: Quaker Real Medleys Oatmeal+

Confession: I like to sleep. a lot. Because of this love for sleep, I sometimes don't wake up early enough to have breakfast at home before work and just grab something to eat at the office. Enter Quaker Real Medleys Oatmeal+, a great, healthy option if you need breakfast on the go. 

Quaker Real Medleys Oatmeal+ is great oatmeal for on the go!

You can prepare and eat the oatmeal straight out of the cup by adding hot water and microwaving. The whole process is quick and easy. It took me just three minutes to prepare. Not only is the oatmeal delicious, it is packed with wholesome multigrains and chunks of real fruits or nuts. It is currently available in four flavors: Apple Walnut, Cherry Pistachio, Peach Almond and Summer Berry. 

Influenster sent me the Cherry Pistachio Oatmeal+ to try. I love pistachios and thought it had great flavor. It tasted sweeter than other oatmeal and the cherries in it were delicious.I could tell that the fruit in it was real fruit. I definitely ate it all and still wanted more! I haven't tried all of the flavors yet, but I think my favorite will be Summer Berry. I am a huge fan of anything with raspberries in it!

It was delicious!

Click here to go to the Influenster Quaker Real Medleys Oatmeal + product page!

For more information, visit the Quaker Real Medleys product page here.

Disclaimer: I received Quaker Real Medleys Oatmeal+ for free from Influenster, but all opinions are my own. 

Influenster Holiday VoxBox 2012

Happy New Year everyone! Wishing you many blessings in the new year.

When I got home from Christmas, the Influenster Holiday VoxBox 2012 was waiting for me in the mail, full of fun goodies to try out! I will write individual reviews on some of the products, but I wanted to share my initial reactions.

Influenster Holiday VoxBox 2012

Here are the contents of my VoxBox:

• Quaker Real Medleys Oatmeal (Cherry Pistachio Oatmeal +) $1.79 per cup: I am so excited to try this oatmeal. It looks like a great item to bring to work on days when I don't have time to eat breakfast at home.
• NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine (in Nude York City) $2.49 : I live by the philosophy that one can never have enough lipgloss and this looks like a nice neutral color. I have never tried New York Color lipgloss before and am interested to see if it works well since it is a great price!
• Kiss Nail Dress (in Teddy) $6.99: I have never used stick on nail art before, but the Teddy pattern looks great for a special event. I'm interested to give it a try!
• EBOOST (in Pink Lemonade) $28 for a box of 20 effervescent powders: I have had a cold lately so I'm going to give this a try and see if it will give me a boost.
• Goody QuikStyle Brush (Half Round Styler) $11.99: This brush removes up to 30 percent of water as you style! I used it for the first time the other day and was surprised by how much water it absorbed!
• Sole Society: An interesting online shoe society. Use the code INFLUENSTER25 to get $25 off your first purchase!
• Montagne Jeunesse Face Mask under $2: I can't wait to use this mask on a day that I need some relaxation. 

Disclaimer: These items were sent to me for free by Influenster, but all opinions are my own.