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.

Ferrero Rocher Review: A Beautiful Golden Box for the Holidays

Some of my favorite moments in life have occurred around Ferrero Rocher chocolates. With their individually wrapped golden foil, I loved how Ferrero Rocher made any moment feel fancy. I would receive them for birthdays, anniversaries, and right before I left to study abroad in Europe. Ferrero Rocher chocolates are my father's favorite candy, and I remember us sneaking chocolates from my mom's candy dish when I was a child, then counting to see who snuck the most. 

I was so excited when Influenster sent me a complimentary golden box of Ferrero Rocher for the holidays. The Ferrero Rocher chocolates came in a beautiful golden box perfect for the holiday season. The box looks like a present complete with a bow so you don't have to wrap it before giving it to your family and friends! 

This golden box of Ferrero Rochers makes a great holiday gift!

Although I have had many Golden Gifting moments and Ferrero Rocher chocolates are associated with many memories of my childhood, one of my favorite moments is when I gave my husband his first box of Ferrero Rocher. He wasn't sure if he would like them, but the next thing I knew, he had eaten most of the box! I made sure that he saved at least one for me. :) 

According to the company "Ferrero Rocher® is a unique and delicious chocolate experience made by Italian chocolatier Ferrero, since 1982. The chocolates are a tempting combination of smooth chocolaty cream surrounding a whole hazelnut; within a delicate, crisp wafer. . . all enveloped in milk chocolate and finely chopped hazelnuts. The chocolates are individually wrapped in gold foil."

I describe them to friends as creamy chocolate goodness wrapped around a delicious hazelnut. Ferrero Rocher chocolates have been a delicious part of my life, and I can't wait to bite into another one! 

The box of Ferrero Rocher makes a beautiful present underneath a tree!

For more information, visit the Ferrero Rocher website at http://www.ferrerorocherusa.com/

Disclaimer: Although I received a complimentary box of Ferrero Rocher chocolates from Ferrero Rocher and Influenster, all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

VoxBox Review:Boots No. 7 Beautiful Skin Night Cream and Cleansing Balm

I received the Boots No. 7 Beautiful Skin Night Cream and Cleansing Balm in Dry/Very Dry to test in my Beauty Blogger VoxBox. I was so excited to receive a night cream because my skin gets extremely dry in the winter.

Photo by Boots No.7

Here is the information that Boots No. 7 provides about its night creams and cleansing balms:

No7 appreciates that busy lifestyles mean you don't always have time for a lengthy skincare regimen. That's why we've created Beautiful Skin. Discover radiant skin in 14 days with two simple steps:

Step 1: Cleanse

The first step to beautiful skin is clean skin. All Beautiful Skin cleansers quickly and gently remove all traces of dirt and impurities, leaving you with perfectly clean, healthy skin. Skin is so effectively cleansed that there is no need for a separate toner.

Step 2: Moisturize

Once cleansed, hydrate your skin with our nourishing day and night creams. All our day creams deliver SPF 15 and Broad Spectrum UV Protection, while our night creams work to promote optimum hydration while you sleep.

This night cream was one of the best that I have tried. It is not too heavy and does not feel greasy, two problems that I have had with other creams.  It left my skin feeling soft and very moisturized, and it felt even better in the morning. The light smell it left was also great.

My favorite part of the cleanser and night cream is that it is just a two-step process. It is great for people who don’t have time for a long skincare routine. I also love that it only takes a little cream to have a big effect. After a few weeks, my skin looked noticeably healthier.

Visit http://www.shopbootsusa.com/ for more information.

Disclaimer: I received this product for free in my Influenster Beauty VoxBox, but all of the opinions are my own. 

Review: All About Influenster

As y'all may have noticed, I have recently been posting about Influenster. This program has recently had a relaunch, and I have been asked to write a review about it.

Although I was not around for the old Influenster, I think the new changes are exciting and fun. Influenster introduced badges, where you can show your expertise in various areas with blog posts, reviews and social media.

In Influenster's words, Influenster is "a free-to-join community of invited trendsetters who live to give opinions of products and experiences. Influenster creates links between brands and members to reward participation and influence future products." 

I love it because you get to test new products and talk about products that you have already tried. They have fun incentives and challenges to make it more interesting to give your opinions.  I think this is a great program to join!

The best part of Influenster is that it is free! Why not join? Go to www.influenster.com to request an invite! 

VoxBox Review: NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Eyeshadow Palette Custom Compact in Dark Shadows

As I mentioned in my previous post, I recently received the Fall 2012 Beauty Blogger VoxBox, full of great inexpensive products.

One of the products I received was the NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compact Eyeshadow Palette in Dark Shadows. I have never used NYC eye shadow before so I was eager to see what it was like.

Here is what Influenster says about the eye shadow: "NYC New York Color's all-in-one compact gives you everything you need for a complete eye look: primer, illuminator, applicator and complementing shadows. With four vibrant colors designed for your eye color, you can create a look as individual as you are!"

I have a confession to make: I mostly stick with purples and browns when it comes to eye shadow. When I opened the NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Eyeshadow Palette in Dark Shadows, I wasn’t sure if I would like the look.

I didn’t like it…I loved it! The blacks and grays looked great! They can be used lightly for a fun daytime look and can be easily transitioned to night with a heavier application. You can also use this palette to make a nice smokey eye.  For those who are just getting into eye makeup, the palette provides a label on the back that tells you where to apply the different colors.

I went for a subtle look here and really liked how it turned out!

The best part of this product is that is incredibly well pigmented for the price! I was surprised that a $4.99 eye shadow would have so much pigment.

The eye shadows are a bit powdery, but I think it is a good quality for the price. I also loved that the palette came with primer and illuminator, though I thought that the primer was a bit too oily.

Overall, I think this is a good eye shadow for this price point. I would recommend it for anyone looking for an affordable option! 

For more information about NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compacts and other products, visit http://newyorkcolor.com/.

Influenster Beauty Blogger VoxBox Fall 2012

Hello friends,

It has been a while. I took a break from blogging to focus on a new job! I have had an idea for a new blog for months, and I am preparing to launch it either late this year or early next year. Just need to work a little more on the design! 

Recently, I was sent some great free beauty samples from Influenster.  Influenster is a free program for people who like to give opinion on products and experiences. There are many categories to choose from to earn badges and qualify for coupons, discounts and free VoxBoxes. I would highly recommend joining this program.

The best part of the Beauty Blogger VoxBox is that every item in it is extremely affordable. Sometimes I receive samples that are fun to try, but I know that I couldn't afford the product so it is great to try items that I could buy in the future!

Here are the contents of my Beauty Blogger VoxBox:

• NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Eyeshadow Palette in Dark Shadows ($4.99) Shadow is one of my favorite products to try out so look for a review of this product soon!
• Kiss Ever Pro Lashes Starter Kit ($5.99)- These lashes looked more appropriate for a costume than everyday wear, but they might prove me wrong!
• Eboost Daily Health Booster ($28 for box of 20 powders)- Energy boosters are great for long days at work!
• Not Your Mother’s Kinky Moves Curl Defining Cream- Can't wait to see if this cream works!
• Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin ($7.29)- I have been wanting to try one of these pins and am excited to see if it works!
• Bath and Body Works White Barn Mini Candle in Mahogany Teakwood ($3.50)- This candle smells amazing. I can't wait to light it.
• Boots No. 7 Beautiful Skin Night Cream and Cleansing Balm- My skin gets incredibly dry in the winter so I'm looking forward to seeing if this product is worth it. 

For a short description of each product by Influenster, click here. 

Look out in the next few days for more in-depth reviews on several of these products. If you are interested, head to the Influenster site and request an invite. It is a great service and lots of fun!