Reveal by Calvin Klein Fragrance for Men

Reveal by Calvin Klein Fragrance for Men

I recently had the opportunity to try out this fragrance on my husband.  This fragrance is described as being magnetic and sensual, salty oriental, a vibrant freshness wrapped in an addictive woody signature.

I am very sensitive to fragrances.  Some give me headaches and others make me sneeze.  This did neither.  It was perfectly comfortable to my senses.  In addition to the above description it has a bit of an underlying amber scent, which I like.  The fragrance is not overly strong and fades like a typical eau de toilette.  I would definitely describe it as masculine.  My husband was indifferent about the fragrance preferring spicier fragrances to this one.  I received a sample size complimentary from Influenster for testing and review purposes.

Frost VoxBox Review

I received the Influenster #FrostyVoxBox and love it!  All items were complimentary from Influester for testing and review purposes.


Sure there are some items I'm not too excited about.  For instance the Fruit Vines candy.  Can't eat wheat....blah.  Oh well.  I love love love the hairbrush, the tea, the eye makeup remover, and the lip color.  I haven't had time to try the facial serum, which unlike everything else was only a sample size,  and was really disappointed with the eye liner.  This was a treasure trove of items to review and I've had fun trying them out.  See below for individual reviews on the products I did try.







NYC Expert Last #SugarPlum Lip Color

My package insert informs me this is sold for $1.99.  It states, "Ready to take your lips to the next level?  Try our NEW Expert Last Lip Color in twenty tantalizing shades.  Get intense, amplified color and shine that lasts up to six hours!  Our moisturizing formula glides on easily for a silky, smooth, velvety finish for all day wear."  I'm loving this lip stick so far.  It smells like sugar plums and has a mildly sweet taste, probably also of sugar plums, but mostly I just taste sweet.  It feels like a lip balm and definitely is silky, smooth, and velvety.  It has a subtle color when applied, but not too subtle.

I put it on at 11 am and it lasted until 1 pm.  There was some transfer on my cup as I drank my tea.  This lip color has not made my lips feel dry after use like some lip balms and lip sticks do.  It has left my lips feeling as moisturized as if I had used Burt's Bees lip balm.

Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane, Decaf

I received this 2 bag sample along with a coupon.  In general I love Celestial Seasonings, their Sleepytime Tea is my favorite and I always make sure to have it in my tea drawer.  Overall this tea was enjoyable.  It smells great and tastes great too!  It contains Peppermint, decaffeinated green tea, orange peel, natural vanilla and mint flavors with other natural flavors, cinnamon, milk thistle, blackberry leaves, roasted carob, roasted chicory and vanilla bean.  The flavor is a bit off of candy cane, but very close and maybe spot on depending on the candy canes you usually have.  I enjoyed this during the day time, so I would have preferred it caffeinated seeing as it is green tea.  I will have to remember this next year, and when my tea drawer isn't stuffed.

Ecotools Sleek + Shine Finisher Hair brush

I don't often blow dry my hair as I prefer to let it air dry.  I usually get better results if I let it air dry, unless I want to straighten my hair.  I state this since the intention of this brush is probably more towards blow drying than regular brushing.  That being said using it as a regular hair brush I do notice an increased shine to my hair with this brush and it doesn't make my hair frizzy.  It has not made my hair have static however as I brush I do hear static occasionally.  I have long naturally wavy normal thickness hair.  This brush does not get down to the scalp but tends to stay on the surface of the hair.  It is comfortable to hold and has a nice light weight to it.  It feels sturdy, built to last.  This brush retails for $10.99.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner
My first impressions of this eyeliner were not good.  I had to press harder than I normally do with eyeliner to get it to even start marking and then it was very flaky.  It was a nice deep black color but other than that I am very unimpressed with this eyeliner.

I gave it a second chance and it was easier to get it to mark.  I didn't need to press and it acted as expected this time, however this is a thicker tip than I am accustomed to.  I rubbed a bit of it off, but I still felt it was it on too thick.  It still seems a little flaky, but maybe the new tip was dried out and this gets nicer with use.  This retails for $4.49.

Rimmel Eye Makeup Remover






Wow, either the stuff I usually use is aweful or this stuff is wonderful.  Normally I use presoaked eye makeup remover pads.  It takes 2-4 of them usually.  Then I can't see well because of all the oil getting in my eyes.  This stuff took the eye makeup off with one eye makeup remover round.  I used the Rimmel eyeliner above as well as my usual Clinique mascara.  It came right off.  No scrubbing and no blinking like crazy afterwards because I've got so much oil in my eyes.  I think I'm getting rid of the rest of my other eye makeup remover.  This retails for $7.49.











McCormick Thyme

I tried it in this new dish http://www.mccormick.com/Gourmet/Recipes/Main-Dishes/Roasted-Paprika-Chicken.  It was super easy to make!  The flavor of the Thyme really stood out and was wonderfully delicious.  Tomorrow I plan to make it in a Shephard's Pie that I make quite often.  This retails for $4.79.

Look what I found in my #SurfsUpVoxBox!

I recently received the Surfs Up VoxBox from Influenster filled with lots of fun in the sun goodies and make up.  



You can view my unboxing and first impressions on youtube here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYoXVNCJ2aM.  

I also created two fun pinterest boards for this mission.  You can find the products and some fun summer stuff here: http://www.pinterest.com/Mammakh3/surfsupvoxbox/ and some fund vacation destinations to #EscapeWithHT here http://www.pinterest.com/Mammakh3/dream-vacation-getaways/.

I received a coupon for a free Jamba At Home Smoothie.  I went to my local grocery store and pick up the Green Fusion. Regularly priced 3.99.  

I used my Blendtec blender to make it mostly as the package stated.  I forgot to read the instructions while at the store so I didn't know I needed juice to make it so I improvised with some water.  I found it very tasty. To be honest though I think it would probably be less expensive to purchase a bag of frozen fruit and some fresh greens and measure it out instead of buying these portion sized bags.  I did buy a bag of frozen fruit at costco on my next trip and then a small bag of kale, chard, and spinach from the grocery store, along with some orange juice and it's really good too.  I have yet to do a price per ounce comparison.  

Covergirl's new bombshell mascara is easy to put on but very messy. It clumps and gets on my eyelids easily before drying and then doesn't remove without an oil based cleanser from the eyelids. Usually when I put on waterproof mascara I can still remove it from my eyelids before I'm done applying it. When you are ready to take it off, it takes a lot of work with an oil based cleanser. I used three pads of remover for each eye before it was completely off. It also made my eyelashes feel very heavy which I'd never experienced before with mascara. It did however make my eyelashes very dark and very long. If you are an expert mascara applier, want heavy super long eyelashes, and don't mind taking 15 minutes to clean just your eyelashes, this might be a great product...

I also received Eva So Smart Sinful Colors nail polish.  The color isn't one of my favorites but the polish was easy to apply, dried fast, and was easy to remove without drying or discoloration of my nails.

There are at least three displays of Sinful Colors nail polish at my local Walgreens.  That makes for a vary large range of colors to choose from.  I have noticed this brand at other local drug stores and I believe I've seen this brand at Walmart and Target as well so you should be able to find it almost anywhere.

Another item I received to try out was Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Lotion.  I just happened to spend that weekend doing yard work and my arms had a little bit of a burn on them.  Here is my arm before Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Lotion. 

Here is my arm after Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Lotion. I found this to reduce redness, cool, sooth, and moisturize my slight sun burn.  The only draw back is the strong typical sun tan lotion scent of which I am not a fan.  You know that coconut cabana type scent....  I also didn't find this at all greasy and it absorbed into the skin nicely.  Overall, if it weren't for the scent I would probably make sure I had this for future sun burns.

The last thing I received was First Aid Shot Therapy (F.A.S.T.).  This is a drinkable pain reliever in a one dose "shot".  It contains choline salicylate (NSAID) and caffeine as it's main ingredients and it's berry flavored.  I however have not had a need to use this so I can't talk about how well it works.  I can tell you that it's MSRP is $2.99.  It is advertised to work for headaches/migraines, sore muscles, back pain, and hangovers and to work fast.  http://firstaidshottherapy.com/products/pain  I am more interested in natural remedies for pain relief when I do have pain or using Ibuprofin proucts for severe pain which I know works for me when I have to use NSAIDS.  Also, based on others reviews of the taste, I really have no interest in trying this.



The last item was Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Shampoo and Conditioner.  Only some influensters received this product and others, like me, received the Covergirl Bombshell Mascara.  The shampoo and conditioner is advertised to cleanse, hydrate, and add texture to your hair and it is infused with coconut oil and sea kelp extract.

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

You'll Find Just About Everything at Target, Including Health and Beauty Products Like Crest Pro-Health Mouth Rinse

I received a complimentary bottle of Crest Pro-Health Mouth Rinse for testing purposes from Target and Influenster.  After two weeks of use I can say that it does leave my mouth feeling cleaner, but when I use it just before bed I wake up with my mouth feeling all fuzzy.  That could be my seasonal allergies though.  The taste is much like that of their toothpaste so if you like that you should like this.  I do, so it works for me.  I also like that this doesn't burn like Lysterine (which you can also find at Target).  It foams quite a bit so you may not want to gargle with this unless you like feeling like Mount Vesuvius.  It would be lovely if this came with a pump or measuring cap so I didn't waste any trying to poor the right amount into a cup.  You really don't want to use more than recommended or the foam will make it impossible to keep swishing.



So what else can you find at Target?  Well check out my Pinterest page: http://www.pinterest.com/momto2boys1girl/finditattarget/ or go directly to www.target.com.

Additionally, you can find groceries at most Target stores these days.  Maybe it's all Target stores, I know it is around where I live.

Target has:
Clothes (including maternity),

Linens,
Furniture,
Toys,
Baby gear,

Sporting goods,
Automotive,
Starbucks,
Small appliances like Keurig,

Purses,
Jewelry,
Shoes,
Electronics,
Toiletries,
Makeup, etc.



There isn't much you can't find at Target.  They are a one stop shop.  #FindItAtTarget

Influenster #JollyVoxBox Unboxing and Reviews

I was excited to learn that I have been picked to receive my first ever VoxBox from Influenster.  I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.  I received a box of Skinny Cow Divine Filled Chocolates Peanut Butter Cream, NYC New York Color HD Trio Eye Shadow Long Beach Sands, Puffs Plus Lotion travel pack, Rimmel London Show Off Lip Lacquer in Aurora, and a roll of MiniDucklings duck tape.

Check out my youtube video of the unboxing here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IREA-3OqknU

I've pinned links to the products here:
http://www.pinterest.com/momto2boys1girl/holly-jolly-holiday/

The Rimmel London Lip Lacquer is nice enough.  I think the color suits me.  It comes with one of those foam applicators that make it very easy to put on.  It feels nice on the lips and doesn't seem drying at all.  I don't typically blot lip color, but this lip lacquer probably needs blotting.  It does go on a bit thick and will get on your beverage as you drink but it's not as bad as some other lip colors I've tried.  It lasts about as long as any regular lip stick having to be reapplied multiple times per day to maintain color.  It is a little sticky at first but that sensation quickly disappears.

Here's a video of me putting on the lip lacquer.
http://instagram.com/p/icRnLrNAgn/

The Puffs Plus Lotion to go pack is really nice for a travel tissue. I usually use Kleenex ultra soft, but regular Kleenex for travel packs. This tissue is as nice as the Kleenex ultra soft and doesn't feel rough on the nose. The lotion on the tissue doesn't leave you feeling like you just put a glob of lotion on your nose like other lotion containing tissues.  I always carry a travel pack of tissues in my diaper bag. Puffs Tissues are soft enough for my little one's nose and strong enough for mine.

The Mini Ducklings duck tape is fun.  It tears like regular duck tape and appears as sticky and thick, but comes in cute/fun colors and is a skinnier strip of tape.  I look forward to decorating and creating with this when I come up with a project to use it for.

The Skinny Cow Divine Filled Chocolates Peanut Cream sounds yummy, but I'm allergic to dairy so I'm giving this to my husband to try.  I'll update with his thoughts later. UPDATE: My husband gave this a try and he reported he didn't really like them much.  He was expecting a more Recces Peanut Butter Cup flavor, but this was creamier and way more peanut buttery.  He said he really didn't like them enough to finish the box.  I've heard some good things about these, so I think it's really a preference sort of thing.  If you want to indulge with low calorie chocolates give these a try, you may like them even though my husband didn't.  :) 

I'm not a big eye shadow person so I'm going to hold off on reviewing this for now.  Maybe I'll put some one for a special date night after the new year.  Influenster sent me some very nice neutral colors which is definitely the way I go when I do dare to put on eye shadow.  :)

Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Miracle Dry Oil

So here's my first blog about a product I tried out as a Bzzagent.  I received this product for free for review purposes.

First here is what I reported to BzzAgent.com about the product I received. 

Pros: It absorbs quickly into the skin and makes skin silky soft and healthy looking. I mostly used it on my arms, hands, and legs and liked the results. I have super dry skin especially in the winter. 

Cons: This product has an overwhelming scent to it when first applied. I have fine to medium hair. I have tried using this both before I dry my hair and after. Either way my hair ends up weighed down and clumpy, like I haven't washed it in a week. I have yet to try spraying the stuff on my hands first then lightly touching my hair with it as this might work, but spraying from 6-8 inches away as suggested still leaves my hair weighed down by too much getting on my hair. Also, don't use this product before using a hair straightener otherwise the oil will cause the straightener to smoke.

I did try spraying it on my hands first before applying to my hair and this was much much better, but my hair still had that haven't washed in a week greasy look to it. 

What I really like about this product is it contains olive, avocado, and Shea oils.  These oils have wonderful healing properties for the skin and apparently for hair as well.  I suspect my hair has enough moisture in it that adding this oil to my hair was not a positive thing.  (Maybe it's my wonderful new shampoo and conditioner from Happy Hausfrau Soap Company, hhsoap.com, review later.)  My skin however gets so dry in the winter time.  I am constantly in search of things that will keep it moisturized.  This stuff seems like it would be helpful, but honestly the scent makes this an undesirable product for me.  I'm not sure what the scent is, maybe they add fragrance (the bottle is upstairs right now), because I've smelled those oils before and they don't smell like this stuff.  I think this would be an excellent product if they did not add any fragrance to it.  I'll probably still use this bottle on my legs until it is gone.  

If you like heavy fragrance the price is awesome, only $5.99 for a bottle that will last a very long time even if you use it on your entire body.  A little goes a long way even on my dry skin.

My Review of BzzAgent.

BzzAgent is connected with Mypoints, which I will review separately as it's a whole different thing.  However that being said, you earn point for mypoints.com with some of the surveys and with some of the review functions on this site. 

BzzAgent asks you to connect to Facebook, Twitter, a blog, and MyPoints.  I don't recall if any of these are mandatory, but I do know you don't have to have all of them.  I have a dummy (well any twitter account I would have would be a dummy account, what's the point of tweeting when you can blog or better yet post something on facebook?) Twitter account I use for these posts and there are a couple of real people I know connected to it as well as a few bloggers that I allowed to follow my twitter account when they were doing big giveaways one Christmas so I don't mind endless posts about products I've tried.  Maybe that's the point of twitter anyway???  The blog is definitely not mandatory.  I've just started this blog after reviewing 6 items without it.

The next thing they have you do is answer a bunch of survey questions.  These are related to their product review choices.  They periodically have new ones for you and some of them give you 3 points for your MyPoints account. 

Then they have products they ask you if you want to review.  Should you say you want it they will send it to you within a few weeks, generally 2-4 weeks.  According to my records on bzzagent they send it out within a week of my request to join the "bzzcampaign".  This always includes a full size item to review (or a coupon for free full size item) and sometimes includes samples sizes and coupons to share.

Then you post on Facebook, Twitter, blog about it, post a photo and/or video, review the item on their site, and tell them how things went talking face to face about it and to how many people.  You earn points for MyPoints and rating to your Bzzscore.  Your bzzscore is one way they decide if you are offered a specific campaign or not.  The MyPoints amounts vary, I think from 10 points to 50 depending on how they score your action.  I personally have only done the Facebook, Twitter, review, and face to face posts in the past, but I hope to now do the blog one and maybe I'll start doing the photo one too.  I just don't like spending so much time taking a photo, getting the photos from my camera to my computer, and then having to upload them too. 

So far I have reviewed for them:

Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Miracle Dry Oil
Kellogg’s Crunchy Nut
G(R) Collection from Gold Toe
Burt's Bees(R) Intense Hydration
Glade Expressions(R) Collection
Frizz-Ease(R) Sheer Solution(TM) Lightweight Frizz Control

Ok so would I recommend this site?  YES!  I find it super easy and I don't feel that it makes me spam my friends with repeated posts about the same thing.  I love getting free stuff and the stuff isn't junk.  I've even turned down a couple of bzzcampaign offers because I didn't think I would use the product, like hair color or food that wasn't gluten free and my husband wouldn't eat it and review it for me.  Plus I earn points for MyPoints which I've been a member of for years (since 2000.)    MyPoints.com