Olay Pro-X & Sweetheart VoxBox

This Valentine's day I was wowed by Influenster when they confirmed I would be a recipient of their 2013 Sweetheart VoxBox. I did not expect to be selected for the program because just last month they sent me the Palmolive Fresh Infusions VoxBox.

* A note about the Fresh Infusions dish soap: While using the lime scented one you will almost definitely start craving a margarita. The bottle is stylish game changing design better for storage than other brands.  I'm not a big dish soap enthusiast, but I will purchase Palmolive Fresh Infusions next time I need some.

If you've been included in one of Influenster's shipments you know that the VoxBoxes take the country by storm, hitting the East-side first and rippling over the course of about a week towards those of us on the West Coast. When Influenster announces a shipment, I start searching "(Program) VoxBox" on YouTube. Within a few days, the mystery is solved! By the time any VoxBox crosses the border into Washington state, I've long known it's contents. 

I've been watching some East Coaster's unboxings and I'm honestly a little freaked out by how well Influenster targets program recipients. I know now that we are receiving an Olay Fresh Effects Powered Contour Cleansing System. But before I knew that, on February 20th, I went online and ordered an Olay Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System.

This gives me the opportunity to do a great video comparing the Olay Pro-X with the Fresh Effects System! Until that's posted in early March, catch up on the other face washing systems I've tried:

Clean & Clear Morning Burst Surge ($15):

Manual Face Brush ($1): 

Nectresse Review

Good morning! It's time for coffee, the perfect moment to review the Nectresse sweetener from my Voxbox!

So I brew a fresh pot of coffee and add non-dairy creamer. For me, this is a blank slate for sweetener.

Here is the Nectresse packet:

A very thick, brightly colored paper package that plays off the Taco Bell tradition of sweet nothings written to consumers. In this case the messages inform us about the fruit which the product is derived from(Monk fruit).

I didn't know that!

My criteria for a calorie free sweetener is as follows:

Not overly sweet

No aftertaste

Cut the bitterness of coffee

Subtle flavor

Okay so let's add it to my cup,

 

Stir, and taste..

I added only one packet to the cup as per normal for me. When I first sipped the coffee my thought was that I needed to add more because I couldn't taste anything. Then, as I reached for the second packet, I became aware of a sweetness overtaking my mouth from the outside of my molars in, and from the back of my mouth forward. It is hard to explain how this works because the sweetener does not cut the coffee - the coffee goes down bitter and THEN this Diet Coke sweet flavor takes over. I need to add the second packet because at this point I do not want to drink this cup of coffee.

After dipping my finger into the pack to test the flavor of Nectresse on it's own, I pour the remainder into my cup.

The bitterness of my coffee is still there, the sweetness still comes after swallowing.

 

The flavor of Nectresse on it's own is very interesting. It comes in granules like sugar but when it hits your tongue it is almost fluffy in the way it rapidly breaks down from granules. In this, it is 'softer' than sugar if that makes sense. The sweet flavor would go well with fruit or possibly tea, but I cannot be sure because the two packets in this cup of coffee are all I have to base my opinion on.

Before giving my final opinion I want you to know that I was offered a sample of this product as a part of the Naturals Voxbox program via Influenster, in exchange for my honest consideration. I was not sent this product in exchange for a positive response.

My honest opinion is that this sweetener misses the mark on all but one of my expectations for a coffee sweetener.

Nectresse has a definite aftertaste, it does not cut the bitterness of my coffee, it does not blend in with the flavor of my coffee but rather stands alone making it seem like I'm chasing my sip of coffee with a shot of diet coke. The one criterion it does meet is that it's not overly sweet, in fact at the moment it is swallowed it's entirely undetectable.

I would drink coffee with Nectresse inside but I would not seek it out and certainly would not pay a premium price for it at the store. The last package of sweetener I purchased was Rite Aid brand Sucralose, 100 packets for $1. I sincerely doubt I will ever find Nectresse at that price point.

Kiss Nail Dress Final Review

Kiss Nail Dress Results + Review

Watch this short clip to show you how these nails turned out! Faboosh :D

I can do at least one more manicure and possibly a manicure and pedicure with the decals I have left over.

Truvía® Natural Sweetener Product Review

Good Morning! 

This is the earliest that I've ever created/uploaded a video, and the earliest I've ever posted a blog. After getting my boyfriend out the door, I sat down to give Truvía® a try. 

If you are on a low carb diet or are cutting back on sugar, I would suggest trying Truvía. 

A 40-packet box retails for ~3.99.

Watch my review below:

I was sent this product in a VoxBox for consideration by Influenster; in partnership with www.truvia.com

Venus & Olay Razor

Tonight I took the most fabulous shower! I turned on my shower LED light and tried out my new Venus & Olay Razor for the first time. This razor came with two of the biggest moisturizing strips I've ever seen on a razor and promised that it's strips of petrolatum and glycerin would replace shaving cream.

I trustingly started with my underarms, moved on to legs and then lady parts and was not at all disappointed! If you are a subscriber to my Youtube channel you may know that I have suggested only using electric razors on your lady parts; I stand corrected. This was the first time I used the razor so it is yet to be seen how long the moisture strips last, but in new-condition I wouldn't have any reservations about using the Venus & Olay Razor for the bikini line. The Olay moisture strips and flexible head make you feel at ease about using a 5-blade razor on any body part.

I was sent the Venus & Olay Razor for consideration and review in the Love VoxBox by Influenster, in partnership with www.gillettevenus.com

Makeover Monday

Today is Monday, but in my world it's Saturday. The sun is out after a weekend full of rain, snow and hail showers here in Washington. My nail polish is chipped, my legs need to be shaven, my skin needs exfoliating, and my feet need to be soaked. 

Lucky for me, I got a LoveVoxBox in the mail last week and I have a few products to try out. My hands will get a makeover this afternoon when I use the Kiss Nail Dress that I blogged about the other day, and my legs will feel super silky after I try out the new Venus + Olay razor. 

I've also got a couple new colors of Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro that I picked up at Walgreens yesterday, Steel Grey and Hard Metal. They were 50% off so I got two for less than $5. My toes are going to have the Steel Grey on them; if I can manage to get the Kiss Nail Dress on my big toe I will be so excited! 

Another item I picked up at Walgreens was Clairol Nice'n Easy foam hair color in 4RB (Dark Reddish Brown). I have been wanting to move away from Auburn hair and think this will be a great new tone for me. Later on this week I will make a video about the dye just like the one below where I reviewed L'Oreal Sublime Mousse:

So, this week is going to be full of video updates and product reviews. I am really excited to try out these items and share how I feel about them with you all.

Take some time and care for yourself today!

Kiss Nail Dress

I recently received this package of Kiss Nail Dress fashion polish for testing/review. I am obviously stoked to try them, I mean look at my chippy polish compared to the detailed designs of these fashion strips! The design I have is called Princess.

I discussed this product briefly in one of my recent Youtube videos, and mentioned that I will do a tutorial but this afternoon I went to Walgreens after work and found myself picking my jaw up off the floor when I passed the display. I was thisclose to buying a second pack of them ($6.99) because the designs were so amazing, but I refrained just until I'm able to give this set a try. The package includes 28 fashion strips which can be applied to fingers or toes and last up to ten days. You don't even need a top coat! If I go out for another pair of these I will be picking up the 'Sexy' design.

Monday is my Saturday so I plan to have a video tutorial posted for these (or at least filmed) by then.

For more information and to see designs, visit:

www.KissNailDress.com

Love Vox Box Opening!

I woke up this morning to Influenster's Love Vox Box sitting outside my bedroom door! As I mention in the beginning of the video, my voice is going away. Please excuse the raspy voice, wacky hair, lack of make up etc and just enjoy the show :)

Unboxing:

 Item Pricing:

 

If you would like to be considered for the next round of VoxBoxes, you can create an account at:

www.influenster.com