Ever Pure Influenster VoxBox

Hi guys!

I'm super excited to show you what I recently received in my latest VoxBox, courtesy of Influenster! It's the Ever Pure VoxBox, featuring a sulfate-free and volumizing shampoo and conditioner by L'oreal, specially formulated for color treated hair.

Check out my unboxing video below!

Remember to have a positive day! :)

Hugs,

Lauren

*This box of goodies was sent courtesy of Influenster for review purposes*

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Product Review: St. Ives Oatmeal Scrub + Mask

Hey there!

Today I'm going to reviewing the St. Ives Oatmeal Scrub + Mask courtesy of the recent St. Ives VoxBox I received from Influenster.

I've always been a big fan of the St. Ives scrubs. The apricot scrub is a tried and true favorite for many people - although I like to use it on my entire body every now and then for a spa-like experience. I wouldn't recommend that scrub in particular for your face, as it's too rough but thankfully this oatmeal scrub is the perfect formula for a face scrub.

This scrub/mask comes in two sizes - 6 oz. for $3.89 and 9 oz. for $4.99 at Target. Other drugstores may vary slightly in price. I received the 6 oz. size in my voxbox, which is honestly plenty since I like to use scrubs and masks only 1-2 times a week, so it doesn't dry out my skin or make my face have a negative reaction.

I'm going to be honest and say I've only used this as a scrub, not a mask. The texture is very creamy and milky and seems like a great scrub to me, not so much a mask. They claim you can use it as both by applying it and massaging off for a scrub effect, while you apply to your face and leave it for 5-7 minutes before rinsing off for a mask effect.

I can safely say I love this as a scrub, though. It has hands down turned into one of my favorites, for sure. I enjoy using it 1-2 times a week while I'm in the shower after a long day of work or wearing makeup. It refreshed my skin, moisturizes like no other (probably the oatmeal formula) and makes my skin look and feel softer and more radiant. It's just so good.

It claims to soften skin and smooth away dryness and I can say that there's no way it doesn't live up to those claims. It has a gentle exfoliation, so it's a great first scrub to try, especially good for sensitive skin types. It's also formulated without paragons, hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, and non-comedogenic. Talk about the good stuff.

I feel like you just can't go wrong with this scrub. It doesn't have terrible ingredients. It's easily accessible and affordable. It makes your skin look and feel super smooth and clean. It's just all around awesome.

Screenshot of product from Target.com

I hope this review was helpful to you whether you're a long time St. Ives lover or here to discover a new product fave! Thanks so much for stopping by!!

Remember to have a positive day! :)

Hugs,
Lauren

Product Review: Dessange Oleo Miracle Collection

Hey guys!

Today I'll be reviewing the Dessange hair care system I was lucky enough to receive in my latest VoxBox thanks to Influenster!

I received 3 different items in this box:

• Dessange Replenishing Shampoo
• Dessange Replenishing Conditioner
• Dessange Replenishing Oil

Here's a breakdown of the pros & cons, as usual:

PROS

• After using consistently, my hair feels and looks noticeably smoother, softer, and shinier.
• Feels clean after each use.
• I can go longer than usual in between washes, which I found interesting.
• Doesn't weigh down hair from moisture.
• Hair feels moisturized after using.

CONS

• Has a noticeable "mature" smell - meaning, I think of my Great Aunt when I smell these products.
• Higher price tag for being a product found at the drugstore. (I'll break this down below)

The shampoo and conditioner retail for $9.99 while the oil retails for $11.99. These prices are based on target.com. Like I said, the prices for these individual products are a bit steeper compared to other drugstore shampoos, conditioners, and oils. However, I believe it's justified since these are much better quality than said brands.

One thing I wanted to mention was the shampoo is 8.5oz while the conditioner is 6.7oz. I tend to use more shampoo than conditioner in an attempt to clean my hair thoroughly and avoid weighing it down from too much conditioner. Although the conditioner doesn't weigh my hair down in this system, I still like to wash my hair the same way. Therefore, I feel the products will run out at the same time which is convenient.

Another thing I wanted to mention is the colors of the actual products. The shampoo is an oily feeling orange while the conditioner is a moisturizing feeling off-white color. The oil however, is clear. I just found it interesting that the shampoo and oil have the same type of feel but completely different colors.

In a typical week, I wash my hair every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Sundays are my day to deep condition my hair as well. On the days I don't wash my hair in the shower, I keep it up and in a hair cap to keep dry then follow the shower by using dry shampoo to keep oil from building up. I find this system helps my hair maintain moisture, softness, and smoothness longer. I use the shampoo and conditioner once in the shower, then follow by using 1-2 pumps of the oil all throughout my hair after the shower.

Overall, I really enjoy these products. I'm really considering buying them again, despite the steeper price tag because of the great benefits they give to my hair. I haven't had as good of hair days as I have using this system in a long time! It's truly is a miracle when I can say this system alone has single-handedly dramatically improved my frizzy hair.

I hope you guys enjoyed this review and found it helpful! Make sure to watch the video below to check out my unboxing of the collection!

Remember to have a positive day! :)

Hugs,
Lauren

*Products featured in this review were sent to me for review purposes from Influenster*

Influenster Frosty VoxBox Review

Hey guys!

Today I'm going to be sharing my thoughts of the items I received recently in the Frosty VoxBox from Influenster! Let's take a closer look at what I received:

• Red Vines Fruit Vines Bites in flavor "Strawberry": I'm not big on chewy candies like these, so I ended up giving these to my family to enjoy.
• McCormick Gormet All Natural Thyme Seasoning: I have yet to find a recipe I wanted to make that included Thyme in it, but I'm working on it since I love trying new recipes and flavors!
• EcoTools Styler & Smoother Hair Brush: This hair brush couldn't have come at a better time. I was just saying how I needed a new brush since mine had been on it's way out. I love how this one doesn't pull at tangled hair and glides smoothly through, leaving my hair feel soft and smooth.
• Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane Green Tea: I actually ended up giving this to a friend of mine since I'm not big on mint flavors.
• Rimmel Just Let It Go Gentle Eye Makeup Remover: This makeup remover is a good one for being from the drugstore.
• NYC Expert Last Lip Color in "Sugar Plum": I love how this red/plum lip color looks on me. It's not too intense for my pale complexion and I'm a fan of the "shiny" look it gives. However, this lipstick has the most awful "cheap" taste to it that makes it a big turn-off for me. Knowing me, I'll probably suck it up now and then just because I love how it looks!
• Rimmel Scandleyes Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in "Black": This eyeliner is as great as I had hoped it would be! Super smooth and super black and it stays on all day!
• No. 7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum: The tricky thing with serums and skincare products that come with a one time use sample are that you get to see what it feels like on your skin, but not much else happens since most skincare products need to be used for a good month to see a difference. So all I got out of this sample was that it felt slimy like any other serum.

I hope you guys found these little on-the-spot reviews helpful and if you're interested in seeing what everything looks like and my first impressions, be sure to check out my unboxing video below! :)

Check out the video above for an unboxing of this box!

Pssst: If you'd like to see some other blog posts about my previous Influenster VoxBoxes or thoughts about their website in general, take a peek at all the beautiful links below:

• Influenster Dean's List VoxBox Review!
• Influenster Jolly VoxBox Review!
• Makeup Review: NYC Big Bold Lip Gloss
• Product Review: Goody Ouchless Ribbon Elastics
• First Impression: Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream
• Influenster Review

Remember to have a positive day! :)

Hugs,
Lauren

*Items were sent to me for review purposes courtesy of Influenster*

Influenster Dean's List VoxBox Review!

Hey guys!

Today I have a different post for you guys - it's all about what I've been enjoying from the Dean's List VoxBox that I received from Influenster! This is my FIFTH box I've received from the company and I couldn't be happier! I feel it was a good assortment of cosmetics, stationary, feminine products, and a little something to snack on - perfect for the everyday college student!

Here's a quick breakdown of what I received in the box and my thoughts on each item:

• CoverGirl Ready, Set, GORGEOUS Foundation in #110: This foundation is just a little bit orange for me, but with proper blending and highlighting, I can make it work!
• Sinful Colors Nail Lacquer in "NO TEXT RED": This is a BRIGHT red nail polish that's perfect for the upcoming holiday season! Also love, love, LOVE the campaign idea! Please remember the people that love you and PUT THE PHONE DOWN WHILE DRIVING!
• Pilot Frixon Clicker Pens in Black & Blue: These pens rule! These pens don't smear easily, erase when you want them to, and write nicely.
• Playtex Sport Tampons, 16 pack: They do what a tampon is supposed to do! Haha
• Softlips Cube Lip Balm in "Pomegranate Blueberry":  I actually learned to really love this product, even though I originally would have preferred the sweeter scent. It has a slight minty tingle to it, but it doesn't burn - it's more refreshing than anything. Love how it looks and love how it works!
• KISS Look So Natural False Eyelashes: These looked BEAUTIFUL on one of my bridal clients!
• Airheads Bites Fruit Flavored Candy: These are essentially a waste for anyone to give to me since I don't enjoy fruit flavored candy or Airheads in general, but my family and friends enjoy these so at least they don't go to waste!

Overall, I was very pleased with this box. I have had boxes in the past that I didn't enjoy as much, and the fact that I received so many beauty items in one box was definitely a huge plus!

Thanks so much for stopping by to read about my Influenster Dean's List VoxBox - make sure you check out my other Influenster related blog posts before you go:

• Influenster Jolly VoxBox Review!
• Makeup Review: NYC Big Bold Lip Gloss
• Product Review: Goody Ouchless Ribbon Elastics
• First Impression: Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream
• Influenster Review

Click above to watch my UNBOXING video!

Remember to have a positive day! :)

Hugs,
Lauren

*This box was sent to me for free by Influenster for review purposes*

Influenster Jolly VoxBox Review!

Hey everyone!

Today I'm going to be reviewing the Jolly VoxBox I received from Influenster as a whole. I will break down each item I received and give you my thoughts on how the product performed.

I will also give each product an overall grade to indicate how I enjoyed it and if it performed well or not.

I hope this is helpful and enjoy! :)

Photo Source: My Instagram

• Skinny Cow Divine Filled Chocolates w/ Peanut Butter Creme ($3.99/box): Let's break this down - you get 6 packs of 3 chocolates each that total 130 calories. The price seems average for these kind of "low calorie" snacks, but I must say...YUM! These are super creamy and taste like exquisite Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. I give these an A+!
• Puffs Ultra Soft & Strong To Go Tissue Pack ($0.49/single pack): I'm obsessed with Puffs Plus Lotion during the winter when my skin is dry and I'm sneezing every five minutes. Now they're in a to go pack?! Definitely give these an A+!
• Rimmel London Lip Lacquer in "Luna" ($5.49-5.99): This was such a disappointment. The color is impressive. It glides on like a liquid lipstick. It's very opaque and stays on for a good amount of time. But the scent resembles something like burnt plastic and is very overwhelming. So for that reason, I'm giving this lip lacquer a C. Right in the middle because it has both strong and low points.

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  Photo Source: My Instagram

• NYC New York Color HD Color Trio Eyeshadow in "Long Beach Sands" ($2.99): These eyeshadows are pretty pigmented and easy to blend. What throws me off is the darkest shade is for the overall eyelid color while the crease shade is a medium shade. Nevertheless, I applied it this way anyway and really liked the outcome. It felt odd to me with how I was taught to apply eyeshadow shades, but it ended up looking like a very natural, polished look. The eyeshadows were NOT flakey, like some people state. I give this palette a solid A grade.
• Ducklings Mini Rolls Duct Tape ($2-3): This was really interesting. I didn't even know they made duct tape this small! But essentially, it's like decorative tape you'd use in your scrapbooks or photo albums, but it's more durable. I made my iPhone charger look awesome and unique and for that reason, I give it a solid A. The only downside is it can be a bit difficult to cut with scissors since it is more durable, but I don't mind. :)

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  Photo Source: My Instagram

Check out this video for a more in-depth view at what I received in this box!

Remember to have a positive day! :)

Hugs,
Lauren

P.S. Stay tuned to my Instagram for more pics of the items from this box! :)

Makeup Review: NYC Big Bold Lip Gloss

Hey everybody!

As some of you may know, I recently got my third Influenster VoxBox. It was called the "Varsity VoxBox" and I absolutely loved it!! If you're interested in seeing an in depth video on it, click HERE.

Or maybe you're interested in learning more about Influenster...if so, click HERE!

Now onto the reason for this post. One of the items I received in the box was the NYC Big Bold Lip Gloss in "Pleasantly Plump Pink". I enjoy writing some makeup reviews on my blog so here ya go!

Product Facts:

• Retails for approximately $3.99.
• 12 shades available.
• Contains Vitamin E.
• Paraben free.

Claims:

• Long wearing, up to 5 hours.
•  Lightweight.
• Not sticky.
• Add up to 50% more volume to your lips.

Quick run down of what I think of this product:

• It has a sweet smell. Not minty, not sour, but generally sweet.
• It does not sting or burn on your lips! YAY!
•  It blends out to a thin lip gloss - in other words, it's not opaque.
• This product has shimmer in it, but nothing like chunky glitter. It's comfortable.

 Did it live up to the claims?!:

• I didn't notice the plumping effect. My lips looked exactly the same. (meh.)
• This definitely DID NOT last up to 5 hours. It was a good day if it lasted 1 hour on my lips. And that's without eating or drinking!!
• The bright side - it is definitely not sticky and definitely has a lightweight feel! (yay!)
  

 Tip: You only need as much as the applicator has on it for both lips - that how big the applicator is and how much product comes out!

 Now that you have the facts and opinions, it's time for pretty pictures!

Don't mind the pimple on my chin in the second picture...I had no makeup on besides this lip gloss when these photos were taken. I have no shame. ;)

Just to give you an idea of how HUGE the applicator is!

Isn't my owl in the background adorable? Hehe - anyways, this is the pink color I received. Right up my alley!

Kissy lips! :*

It's a nice pinky-natural lip color with a beautiful shine. :)

I hope you guys enjoyed this review! Thanks so much for stopping by and have a wonderful day! <3

Remember to have a positive day! :)

Hugs,
Lauren

Product Review: Goody Ouchless Ribbon Elastics

Greetings!

Today I felt like writing something else on another product I received complimentary for review consideration from Influenster. *always gotta get that out of the way*

They're called "Ouchless Ribbon Elastics" by Goody. I've used different products from the Goody brand before, such as other hair elastics, hair brushes, and clips. I've always been satisfied with the quality and price.

I received a 5 pack of the elastics and it retails for about $4-5, which isn't a bad price considering each one cost you about $1 or less. The elastics are definitely good quality - they're able to stretch but don't become too stretched out to use after just a few uses, like some other, cheap quality hair elastics I've used before.

They tend to look a little odd when they're tied up in my hair because the little bulge that ties the "ribbon" together just goes where it pleases in the end. So it's always in a different place everyday and just seems a little odd, like people would wonder why it's even there.

I have to tie these ties around my hair three times to get it tight enough to hold but not too tight. I'll always get those few hairs that pull uncomfortably that I have to adjust after putting up my hair. That happens with every single elastic I've ever used - these are no different. However, I do prefer the texture of the band itself and how it's flat and smooth versus a traditional round one. It may not seem like a big difference, but it performs well and feels comfortable all day long.

Now that you know my general thoughts about the product, time to see it!

Here it is in my hair. (as if that wasn't obvious - LOL) *Image courtesy of my Instagram*

My 5 pack included the following colors: Purple, Light Gray, Dark Gray, Black, and Hot Pink. You saw the purple one in my hair in the above picture, and the picture below features the light gray one...

Here's a shot of how it looks on the wrist, as many women, including myself, like to do to always keep one handy. As you see, it's a little more distracting and bulky than a traditional one, but it's easy to move out of the way.

So that's about it. All in all, I do enjoy these hair elastics more than I originally did when I received a different brand with this style elastic in a birchbox last year. I'm glad I was able to give them another try and I definitely recommend them to someone looking for a different type of hair elastic that's affordable and versatile.

Remember to have a positive day! :)

Hugs,
Lauren

First Impression: Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream

Hey girls and guys!

Today I thought I would try something different. As you may know, I'm trying my best to keep up with my blog more than I have lately since it's summertime. I'm also trying to incorporate my love for beauty over here, too, instead of just on my YouTube channel.

Therefore, I'm going to post my first impression thoughts on the Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream in the shade "Fair/Light". And just a heads up - I did receive this item complimentary from Influenster for review consideration. Just getting that out of the way, but if you'd like to learn more about Influenster and how you could qualify for free products, click here.

Here's a quick run down of the pros and cons of this product:

PROS

• Lightweight
• Evens skin tone
• Moisturizes
• Provides SPF

 CONS

• Feels greasy when first applied
• Smells heavily of SPF
• Watery consistency - be careful when squeezing this out of the tube! (almost ruined my shirt)

As you can tell, there are definitely more pros than cons to this product. Please keep in mind that this is only a first impression blog post, not a full length review. I will probably post an in-depth review on my YouTube channel once I've been able to test out the product more.

Here are some super awesome photos for your viewing pleasure:

I didn't realize the before picture was more yellow-tinted and the after picture was more pink-tinted. But there's only a slight difference, anyway. The sun protection is there, it gives very light coverage, and evens the skin tone.

Here's a nifty picture of the tube. Oooh, ahhh.

Here's a look at what the color looks like in the "Fair/Light" shade.

I hope this first impression blog post was helpful to some of you! Keep the look out for the in-depth video review coming soon!

xoxo

Remember to have a positive day! :)

Hugs,

Lauren