MEMEBOX - Cacao

I received my first memebox last week and am loving it.  I ordered the memebox Special #11 Cacao Cosmetics.  First let me just say that I was amazed by the quick shipping time.  It shipped on the 18th (the same day as my Boxycharm) and arrived 6 days later (my Boxycharm which ships from Florida just arrived yesterday).  Everything in it smells amazing, especially the face mask which smells like hot fudge.  I like the surprise element of memebox as well as the value of the boxes.  I also appreciate not being tied down to a subscription and the ease of trying out new Korean beauty products as I am already a huge fan of the BB creams from Missha and Etude House.  I cannot wait for my next memebox to ship.

Review of Secret Outlast Clear Gel

I was glad to receive the Secret Outlast Clear Gel in the Spring Fever VoxBox from Influenster.  I haven't used this product it quite a few years since I tend to stick to solids and clinical strength deodorants.  I had forgotten what a good product it is.  I love not having to worry about white marks on my clothes, especially when I decide to change shirts after already putting on deodorant or when I decide to wear a sleeveless top. This Secret product works great for me on cooler days.  I did notice that it did work as well for me on hotter days (I had to reapply it) but for cooler spring, fall and winter days it is perfect.  Even on the hotter days when it didn't completely protect me from wetness from sweat it still did it's job as odor protection.  This SecretDeodorant YouTube video is highly amusing.  I would definitely recommend this product from Secret.

Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ Rough Rubber Review

     I received this product in my very first Influenster VoxBox and must admit I was skeptical about this product having any effect on my longish (well past my shoulders now) and fine/thin hair.  I've been using this product everyday for the past week and I'm loving it.
     It's quick and easy to style your hair with this texturizing product.  My go to use for it is to work it through my hair (except the roots) after drying it and simply scrunch it.  Using it in this way adds great texture to my hair, giving it a beachy look/emphasizing my layers.  I've also found it to be a good way to add some waves as well.  I work it through my hair and then either braid sections or twist it and pin it up for a short while (doing my makeup and finishing my morning routine).  The smell is pleasant while using it and fades away so there isn't any lingering smell.  I would definitely recommend this product to others.
     This Schwarzkopf Professional Osis+ product works for me.
Influenster's website provides the following product information:

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

Benefits: 

• Innovative rubber consistency provides you with outstanding texturizing effects
• Versatile, moldable texture
• Separates, defines and shapes as you wish
• No shine, subtle matte effect
• Strong style control for thick hair, but not overburdening for fine hair 

Ingredients: 

Innovative microsponge technology to keep the hair moldable at any time 

Application:

• Take a small amount and rub it between the palm of your hands
• Apply it on dry or damp hair and work it throughout the hair
• Roughen up your style as you wish 
• Control Level 3/1.69 fl.oz 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure

I received a set of Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure in my first Influenster VoxBox.  Although easy to use these nails are not for everyone.  They seem to run on the smaller side and probably will not fit if you have larger nail beds.  Since they didn't fit my nails I decided to try them out on my younger sister.  They fit her nails nicely, unfortunately I cannot comment on how long lasting they are as she had picked them off within a day.  The nails are a quick, easy way to get a manicure as long as they fit and once you've figured out which nails will fit you.

The product information provided by Influenster states:

About This Product

Introducing imPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails, the revolutionary way to apply polish! Featuring advanced nail technology, you can get a salon-perfect manicure in seconds – simply peel off, press on, and you're done. There's no drying, a killer shine and a manicure that lasts up to a week! And, imPRESS is so easy to remove, you can change it up to match your mood as often as you want. Check out all colors and patterns, including trendy brights, classic darks and animal prints. With imPRESS, your nails will always be your best accessory.

imPress Manicure retails for $5.99 for colors and $7.99 for patterns, and is available at CVS, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, KMart, Walgreens, Walmart and more. For a full list of online and in-store retailers, visitimPressManicure.com, where you can download an exclusive coupon and virtually try on all the colors and patterns!

"Tastykake® Kandy Bar Kakes"

I received the S'mores flavor of the TastyKake in the Spring Fever VoxBox from Influenster. The product information provided by Influenster states:

About This Product

Kandy Bar Kakes are the best of both worlds. Light and fluffy chocolate enrobed cakes come in a unique kandy bar shape with a delicious créme filling made with your favorite candy flavors. Available in S'mores, Peppermint, and Peanut Butter flavor.

Available at grocery and convenience stores across America. 

It is a good size cake and wasn't damaged at all in shipping and looked quite nice.  However, it did not taste anything like s'mores and in all honesty I did not like the taste at all.  My little sister thought it tasted fine and actually ate most of the cake, but my mom tried it as well and thought it had a funny aftertaste.  I think that the concept of these cakes is great, but be aware that they will not appeal to everyone.

Influenster Spring Fever VoxBox

I received my Spring Fever VoxBox yesterday.  Looking forward to trying out all the products.  I'll probably end up using the Broadway Nails ImPress manicure on my mom or sister since none of the nails will fit right on me. I'll post individual reviews of the products as I try them out.

Monday morning makeup

I'm rocking a mani with Zoya Pixie Dust this morning.  I'm on day 4 of wear with no chips in sight (except for the gouge I managed to get when painting them since I never manage to wait until they're fully dry before doing something else.)  My other current makeup obsession is my BB Cream from Missha.  The color is a perfect match and it does a great job blurring the issues I have with my skin (primarily large pores and acne/acne marks).  It doesn't fully cover my acne but I tend to have a hard time fully covering it anyway.  The Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream  in shade #21 is a great match for my skin tone, it has good coverage and a pleasant texture and smell.

Subscription boxes

I've been subscribed to ipsy since December and while there have been a few products that I'm not happy with it is still an amazing service.  You can't beat the value of $10/month (plus tax in some states, including NY) and I convinced a friend to try it out as well, sadly before they implemented their referral program ( ipsy referral link).  ipsy is currently my favorite subscription service.

I recently signed up for Birchbox as well.  I received my second box this month, but I'm still not sure how long I will stick with it.  One thing that I really like about Birchbox is that you can earn points both by referring friends and by reviewing products.  The points add up very quickly.  In 2 months I've earned 100 points which gives me $10 to spend on Birchbox. ( Birchbox referral link )

I've also decided to give Glossybox a try.  I was actually subscribed to Glossybox for a few months last year while I was studying in Wales and was disappointed with many of the products I received.  Looking back through previous US boxes I decided that I'd give it a chance.  If I don't like it I can always cancel.  I haven't received my first box yet, but once I do I'll post my thoughts on it. (Glossybox referral link )

I love the concept of monthly subscription services.  I like the chance to try products that I have never tried and/or never heard of before receiving them.  It's a great value and helps to stop me from spending more money on makeup products that I don't actually need every month.

Ipsy May Glam Bag (Spring Fling)

I received my glam bag today.  It's an awesome month of products.  The only disappointment for me right now is the St. Tropez Instant Glow Body Lotion.  I don't tan...ever.  I've never been interested in self-tanning products.  I'm excited to try the Zoya nail polish, the shade I received is Jacqueline.  I've been wanting to try this brand for awhile now.  The lip gloss from Juice Beauty smells divine.  Hopefully it is not a gloss that smells yummy but tastes disgusting on your lips.

First Post!!

I've come late to the makeup game.  It's only been in the last few years that I've started to get comfortable wearing makeup regularly and experimenting with products and looks.  This blog will document my impressions of different products I've tried, and it will also focus on my other interests: baking, linguistics and my fandom geekiness.