Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen

I received a sample sachet of Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen and I was impressed and disappointed. Granted it could have done without the lavender, but the flavor was generally bad. It wasn’t very strong, though, so I could do it again.

It contains incredible benefits for one 8oz glass including good bacteria, collagen, and no sugar. I wish I would have had this while pregnant, but I am glad I found it postnatal. It is on the pricey side for me considering a capsule would be cheaper, but overall it combines a potent blend that is hard to come by in a singular form. I suggest it if you’re looking for that boost in your hair, skin, and nails, or while pregnant when you need extra amounts of these benefits and the probiotics to curb nausea.

L’Oréal Pure Sugar Scrub Nourish and Soften

Sweet treat for your face!

I received L’Oreal Pure Sugar Scrub complimentary through Influenster. My review is honest. I liked this scrub for the most part, it felt very natural and almost edible by the brown sugary scent. It scrubbed my face and softened it, but it’s moisturizer was a bit cakey to me and didn’t fully rinse the way I’d have felt most comfortable with. If you want to try a sugar scrub, this is a good, affordable one to start with.

 

https://www.influenster.com/reviews/loreal-pure-sugar-scrub-nourish-soften

Breezy VoxBox

I received complimentary samples in the Breezy VoxBox through Influenster, a free sample program, to facilitate my honest review.

I received the following products and gave my impression accordingly:

• Head & Shoulders® Volume Boost Anti Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner – I never thought I would find a shampoo that adds volume and alleviates my dry scalp symptoms, but leave it to Head & Shoulders to give me my dreams! I love this shampoo, hands down, it’s not drying and it leaves hair and scalp happy and gorgeous. I use this about 2-3 times a week currently as I wash my hair everyday (I know!), but I can only stand up to a day without washing. I’ve used in combination with my other shampoos and still yield great results that last. My hair is volumized, my scalp no longer flakes, and my whole head is grateful. As much as I adore the shampoo, the conditioner was a bit disappointing, but I’m not sure what I expected. I love the fragrance of this line, firstly. It’s extremely appealing. The conditioner has .5% less of the pyrithione zinc and you can somewhat tell. It doesn’t really moisturize the hair as it probably helps the scalp. It complements the shampoo well and I wouldn’t use it with any other shampoo unless necessary. I currently use it in tandem with the shampoo.. It helps to volumize my hair, remove flakiness from my scalp, and add to my whole head’s health. I’d highly suggest for anyone struggling with dry scalp and finding a shampoo/conditioner that gives your hair a little something, too.

• Nair Hair Remover Wax Ready Strips – Big thumbs down! I have used many wax removers and these just don’t cut it. I have no idea what adhesive they used, but it’s incredibly gooey! You keep most of it on your face and will be lucky if you remove any hair from face or bikini area. They don’t hold well no matter how perfectly you apply them and forget using it more than 2 times because they don’t stick after that. I will not be purchasing this as the price is not comparable to other drug mart wax strips that are more effective.

 

• Origins Perfect World SPF 40 Age-Defense Moisturizer with White Tea – I don’t understand how this is a moisturizer. It reeks like sunscreen, sheens like it, and lasts like it. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a good facial sunscreen, which this is close to had it not oiled up my T-Zone unlike some sheer facial sunscreens. This is thick, absorbs mediocrely, but protects very well. I wouldn’t buy this unless I was going to be outside in the sun with no makeup, but I wear makeup with sunscreen and this doesn’t moisturize well for application. 
  • Origins Perfect World Age-Defense Eye Cream with SPF 20 – What a difference this eye cream is compared to the moisturizer! I really enjoyed it because it’s light like white tea and protects with SPF 20! It doesn’t sheen, it softens and felt like it lasted all day by blocking the sun from my blue eyes better than sunglasses! This is thin and water-like and absorbs quickly.

 

• ProFoot Heel Rescue Foot Cream – I wasn’t sure about this cream as I have used many in the past and hate how they lingered and rubbed off on everything. ProFoot is different, but it’s imperative you wash your feet with warm water prior to application to real the full absorption and softening benefits.

It’s highly suggested for other rough areas, too, like elbows, knees, and hands. I couldn’t believe how well it worked on the first application. My callouses were moisturized and my feet felt happier immediately. I tried it on dry feet and the oils couldn’t absorb as well so you may get agitated if you try to walk with it on there. It’s incredibly affordable with unlimited uses that will continue to work on the toughest skin you have!

• Sour Punch Bites Ragin’ Reds – YUM! My boyfriend and I loved these! We took them to the Jack Johnson concert and passed them around to the delight of the crowd around us. I don’t like the tubular shape compared to the straw texture, but the flavor is completely there. Watermelon was my favorite.

 

• Sour Punch Straws Pineapple Mango Chili – Disgusting…  Neither one of us liked these. The pineapple was extremely fake, mango anything is usually gross, and the chili was not methodically put in. You bite into it and it’s citrusy and then pure heat without any savory-ness that I believed this would provide. Do not even bother buying these.

This box was awesome for summer and we found some new things we loved, especially the Sour Punch Ragin’ Red Bites! Check out Influenster for yourself 🙂

Target Beauty Box April 2017

I bought a Target Beauty Box on target.com with my Target Red (Debit) card, free shipping, 5% discount with the card, for just about $7.50 packed with wonderful samples and full products. These used to be so difficult to nab every few months, but they seem to realize the demand and started stocking heavily and monthly!

April’s box included:

1. $3 off $15 coupon that expires at the end of the month (I missed my deadline as I bought it later in the month and went on vacation… ugh).
2. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser (0.5 oz)

Daily cleanser with ceramide-3 and prebiotic Thermal Water gently cleanses without leaving pore-clogging residue. Smelled like prebiotics, left my face so oily the next day and was generally unappealing for me to use regularly if at all.

3. Sally Hansen Double-Duty Base & Top Coat

2-in-1 strengthening formula preps and protects with nylon & pro-vitamin B5 for long-lasting, chip-resistant nails. This didn’t disappoint! It held up for a good 3 days and protected my nails well.

4. HASK Argan Oil Repairing Deep Conditioner (1.57 oz packet)

Hydrating argan oil works to restore and soften dry, damaged, chemically treated or over-processed hair. It does everything it says. I left it on for 10 minutes and could feel how it went to work on my dry, brittle hair. It brought it back to life from my AZ trip. It didn’t kill my scalp either, which is a real issue for me since I have high sensitivity. It moisturized and softened my hair along with giving it a radiance I haven’t seen in a while. I’d highly suggest for anyone looking for a mask to repair their hair, especially dry split ends, it’s going in my regular routine for once every two weeks or so.

5. Dr. Teals Lavender Foaming Bath (3 oz sample)

Unwind with essential oils that help soothe the senses, relax tense muscles and provide relief from stress. I haven’t been able to use it as my bathtub is a nightmare, but it smells heavenly and I cannot wait to borrow a tub soon!

6. eb5 Facial Cleanser (0.35 oz)

Soap-free, non-foaming formula exfoliates with lactic acid and nourishes with oat protein and vitamins E & B5. I couldn’t believe I liked this. It wasn’t soap, but it cleansed my skin amazingly well with heavy makeup. My skin felt nourished, moisturized, cleansed, and complete after using this one time. I would highly suggest it.

7. Rimmel Colour Precise White Eyeliner

White-colored liquid liner with a super-precise applicator for flawless, highly pigmented lines—bold or fine. I haven’t used this one as I have been utilizing less makeup for the summer months. I am not sure I’ll like it as I typically use the white under my eye in the corner.

8. Banana Boat Dry Balance SPF 30 (1 oz)

Soak up the vitamin D with this matte finish sunscreen that’s pleasant to use. SPF 30 with a dry finish that makes for smart sun care without shine and oily residue! I took this on vacation to Arizona and was so surprised at how well it protected me and how I couldn’t feel it whatsoever. It was easy to tote and apply when needed without having to wash my hands or feel gross. It maybe my favorite sunscreen I’ve ever used because of the dry feel.

 

 

International Delight® One Touch Latte™

I received International Delight® One Touch Latte™ free through Crowdtap to facilitate my review. My review is 100% honest.

I thoroughly enjoyed this new creamer. I found mine at Target along with the other creamers as you can see above. International Delight One Touch Latte froths your coffee through something like aerosol. I had to solicit feedback to use it properly and ID reached out to my Instagram directly to give instruction. You have to press firmly and forcibly on the white tip for it to rapidly shoot into your coffee to actively “froth” it before your eyes. I sampled the caramel, which was pleasantly natural tasting and sweet.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BT1YlJuh6IX/?taken-by=big_cat_love

The downside is that to get full flavor, you’d need to pump quite a bit and it only claims to hold 7 uses, which isn’t exactly worth it to me since it’s not real milk, it’s cold, and you will likely only get 5 with the amount required to give your coffee full flavor. It’s more for the frothing effect which is fun to sip through and taste in your coffee.

I would like to try the vanilla next, I’m not sure the mocha would have a very good flavor, especially frothed as that’s not a frothed beverage to begin with (and don’t tell me “mocha latte,” that’s a sham of a drink.) Overall, it was a very fun concept and totally worth it if you’re looking to lighten up your mornings with something fun and easy at a fraction of the cost of a real latte from a coffee shop.

Revlon PhotoReady

I received free samples of Revlon PhotoReady Primer and Highlight/Blush Duo to facilitate my review. My review is 100% honest.

I have always loved Revlon PhotoReady Perfecting Primer. It is unmatched to me in terms of discount drug store primers. It has impeccable coverage that allows you to wear this alone and still mask imperfections and large pores handedly. It’s a thick primer that is somewhat tough to apply with just your fingers. The bottle is interesting as it pumps out, but I don’t see a reason for it to pump out, it could have come in a tube. I haven’t diluted it as I really like what the product does in totality after I finally get it blended.

Primer alone blurs & smooths.

Primer with makeup is PhotoReady!

I let it set and then applied my foundation. I use my fingers and found it difficult to apply and blend over this primer. The primer actively collects the foundation to hold it on your face immediately, so you need to work quickly and keep motion on your face until you cover it completely, then do clean up, which is unlike any other primer I have used. However, this primer goes the distance and longer in terms of holding my look together for an an entire night and beyond. Everyone thought I had just applied it for how fresh it stayed throughout my long night. The only pitfall is that it isn’t moisturizing. My foundation is moisturizing and can’t seem to penetrate the primer to help my skin glow as much as it should. I would like to see a version of this that helps to moisturize or works with your foundation a bit more to get the most out of them both. Other than that, it’s truly astounding and powerful as a primer. I may end up diluting myself with an oil free moisturizer to see if I can rig it to be even better.

Blush?

I was incredibly disappointed by the Insta-Blush stick. I am a heavy blush user, so I am persnickety when it comes to it. This was a rouge highlighter. I received 300 Rose Gold Kiss and it’s exactly as described. Golden highlighting speckles throughout it, so when you apply, it’s a hint of very light pink rose doused in golden specks. It was difficult for me to use with the primer and after my setting powder, which other blushes are not, I am not sure if I want to apply it under my setting powder because it offers minimal rouging as is. Blending it doesn’t work as it just comes off onto your fingers. I found it best to use as a blush primer. I applied lightly in the areas I was going to put my powder blush and it help my blush on so much longer than I’m used to, so it wasn’t completely useless to me. I may always get it to keep as a blush primer and pops of highlight as I’ve been searching for a blush that is light and stays on for a long period of time to no avail. Together, my new blush regimen is a real rouge enhancer that gives me great, natural color for an entire night!

This is probably the second time I’ve used highlighter as I am not that skilled with it and haven’t felt the need for it with my fair tone. However, this is a gem that took my makeup to the next level and I’m incredibly grateful as my facial skin is starting to show signs of aging in my mid-20s! This is like ambrosia for skin, the extra sweetness it craved delivered by gods of makeup. I received 200 Pink Light and it comes out like a cream color and pure highlight. Easily blends which was huge as it’s a strong highlighter. I had given up on highlighters because of the strength, inability to use them properly, blend them, and tone them correctly… this stick did it all in one with a quick swipe and blend with my fingertips. They give incredibly instructions on the Duo pack and you can also quickly Google any other tips as it’s incredibly malleable and easy to work with. I applied it over my setting powder and blush as instructed and it was still easy to blend and didn’t mess up my look, simply enhanced it! I love it and was showered with compliments after using it. I’m never going back, it makes me more confident and forgives/blurs exhaustion and fine lines. It’s a must in your daily makeup bag and your glam bag.

Dunkin’ Donuts Vanilla Creamer

I received a free sample of Dunkin’ Donuts Vanilla Creamer through Crowdtap to facilitate my review. My review is 100% honest and my own words.

I always drink my coffee black, so I was surprised I was chosen to try Dunkin’ Donuts “extra creamy” creamers. I decided I’d give it a go and bought teas to make indulgent drinks if it was as sweet as their coffee shops’ syrups and creamers. I was right, but happily shocked to find that I enjoyed it!

 I found that it was extra creamy, better than half and half or milk. It’s also made with real sugar, not high fructose corn syrup or oils, which is a huge bonus in my book for creamers.

It sweetened my drinks with a real vanilla taste as well. It didn’t taste at all generic or processed. I have happily been adding it to my coffees, chai teas, herbal teas, and finding other uses in between like sweetening my oats in the morning with a splash. It’s a versatile sugar creamer that really goes the distance for giving your drinks extra creamy goodness. I would highly suggest as it comes in many variations.

I found mine at Walgreens as it’s not sold in conventional grocery stores, I discovered. Check out the product finder on the website as it’s difficult to find any flavors outside of vanilla, regular, and extra creamy around me, unfortunately.

New way to start my days! 

Walmart Beauty Box Spring 2017

I received this Walmart Beauty Box for free, I only paid for shipping $5. My review is honest.

Spring brought more fun items to incorporate into my routine. I was happy it was less hair care this time around.

This Trendsetter box included:

• Sinful Colors – RADiant by Kandee Johnson – I received a pinkish polish that claimed to have a Demi Matte finish. I haven’t had a good experience with Kandee Johnson Sinful Colors yet. They chip so easily and never look like what they are in the bottle. This looked like a bright, “radiant” pink, but it came out like a pastel infused magenta. The brush is thick and gloppy, which would be nice if this polish had a bit more solidity to it, but it’s so goopy that it makes a mess. After applying one coat, it was horribly light and proceeded to chip the same day I put it on. You will most definitely need to apply at least 2-3 coats of this polish to show and then apply a great top coat (eliminating the demi matte supposed finish) and hope for the best.

• Bioré® Baking Soda Acne Scrub – I can’t sing the praises of Bioré® products high enough. I love them. I have been anticipating trying this scrub for a while, but was hesitant because of the salicylic acid. I usually dry up incredibly and find no benefit from them; however, I gave this a go because it was free and I haven’t been disappointed by them yet.
  

  Clean small pores for once!

  It specifically stated it was “great for combination skin.” I used after my regular wash to get my make up and start with a cleaner face. I applied about a dime size to my hand and went to lathering. At first, you notice the smell is intoxicatingly good, it’s a citrus blend that isn’t overpowering. Next, you see that it’s unlike any other salicylic scrub because it lathers so well! I felt it go to work and I enjoyed using it. It claims to clear up, control, and prevent acne blemishes by penetrating the pores. When I got out of the shower, I immediately checked my nose to see if it did anything and was shocked to see that my pores actually shrank on the first use. My skin didn’t try out, it actually felt softened and my oil was controlled. I enjoyed this scrub and wouldn’t suggest for anyone battling acne or blemishes associated.

• Schwarzkopf Gliss Hair Repair Ultra Moisture Conditioner – I was nervous to try this conditioner because it contains liquid keratin. I’m so happy I did! It is a liquidy conditioner that applies easily through the hair and goes to work softening and restoring. I used after my regular clarifying shampoo and LOVED the fragrance first and foremost. I then enjoyed using it as it didn’t make me shed profusely like most repair shampoos do. Lastly, it rinsed easily and thoroughly. I let it air dry, I first noticed that it didn’t weigh my hair down whatsoever. I had less frizz and it didn’t bother my scalp, which is the most prominent win for this conditioner. My hair stayed clean, manageable, and beautiful all day.  I would highly suggest for anyone looking for a reparative conditioner.

• Colgate Optic White Beauty Radiant – Super foamy for a whitening paste! It surprised me that I would only need a tiny pea sized amount to cover my teeth. I had been using Arm & Hammer’s Truly Radiant, but the baking soda or something in it dried my lips and I had to keep switching pastes to alleviate the dryness. I didn’t experience any drying with this paste, I was comfortable and I think I want to switch to this product overall because it whitens incredibly without any sensitivity for me. It combatted my tough coffee stains in only 3 days!

• Aveeno Positively Radiant 60 Second In-Shower Facial – I thought it would yield greater results, but maybe it needs more than one use? I really enjoyed that this one had small exfoliants in it as I massaged and it actually clung to my face unlike many in-shower masks I’ve used. It stayed on for the whole 60 seconds until I rinsed it manually, which was purposeful. I think it could use more of an herb to make it tingle and scrub away at dead skin, but this was an extremely basic facial mask. It helped to remove the dry spots I had on my nose gently. I also noticed that my skin did soften somewhat, but that happens with any mask I’ve used in the shower.

• Aveeno Positively Radiant Overnight Hydrating Facial – It’s worth the hype! When opened, it’s luminous and shiny, then applied it’s smooth and as if you’re applying a drop of water across your entire face. No oil whatsoever and felt like a lightweight filmy facial. I woke up and it was absorbed without any residue or my natural oils pulling through *AWESOME*. It helped to brighten my face and the red spots I had disappeared. My skin was soft and supple with all the benefits of the radiance. I want this in my skin care repertoire ASAP. 
  

  Day after using both Aveeno facials.

  • Side note: make sure you apply this right before bed, I applied it one night about an hour or two before and didn’t get the same productive results.

•  Rimmel Stay Matte Lightweight Foundation – This sample came with a $1 off any Rimmel facial makeup coupon. I am pumped because I’ve wanted to try their primer for a while now! They had sent me a Soft Beige tone which isn’t for me, so I wasn’t able to try this one out. From the reviews, it sounded decent, but didn’t address pore minimization which is critical for me in a foundation now. If you’ve tried it out and had a different experience, let me know!

• Dove Advanced Care Cool Essentials – Fresh is the only word I have for this deodorant. It feels like I’m applying lotion that acts as an antiperspirant when I put this on. It has a bright cucumber-y scent that lasts throughout the day. I believe it could easily last for 48 hours, but I felt it didn’t factor in heavy workouts. I did Zumba and spinning and this seemed to mask my odor rather than prevent it. It’s truly invisible and didn’t get on my clothing at all, which was an unexpected bonus.

Grab your free box here! 

Folgers Coffeehouse

I received a free sample canister of Folgers Coffeehouse through Folgers Coffee Sippers Club to facilitate my review. My review is honest in my own words.

I never thought I’d try Folgers again, but this roast is a game changer. It’s mellow, dark, sultry, and inviting. It’s my new favorite winter roast to always have on hand. You can easily dress this roast up or leave it black and be pleased with the results. It’s versatile and I’d like to use this one in baking. It doesn’t leave a bitter residue on your tongue either because it’s a light body. The AromaSeal ensures that this is as fresh when you get it as it was when it was ground at the factory.

A nice touch was the the new container, too, because it keeps coffee fresher longer. I saw the storing tips said to put it in the fridge, which is a huge no-no for coffee that deteriorates the roast. I’ve left mine in the container on the counter in a cool, dry spot. A must try for anyone looking for an affordable coffee to always have a on hand.

It says you can cold brew or French press it, and the grind is coarse enough that this could work. I have yet to try it cold brewed which is on my list as the roast is inviting enough to be steeped in this way. It’s on my to-do list as I thoroughly indulged in this Folgers roast.

The Nightingale

I received a copy of The Nightingale free through SheSpeaks. It will be released on April 25th via paperback, check it out here at Barnes & Noble.

Bear with me, I’m finally starting something I’ve wanted to do for a while and that’s launch a section dedicated to reviewing the books I’ve read. I have read around 30 since the end of 2016 and I’m going to pick up with my most recent ones and maybe venture back to cover my most beloved ones. I know I need to cover a beloved author who got me back into books to begin with as well: Christopher Moore, but that’s for another time…

I was skeptical of Kristin Hannah, the lawyer turned author, but I happily gave this book a read and wasn’t disappointed! Wow, it’s a book that simulates itself as a ride. Slow start and then takes off and doesn’t stop until the last page. The Nightingale is an incredible novel with characters that you can recognize and feel with every emotion humans have to to offer. Hannah did an amazing job writing this and offering strong femininity along the way. The story focuses on enduring female characters (sisters) who persevere through WWII-occupied France. It defines their lives through struggles, heroics, family, death, love, and so much more.

The book starts in the year 1995 with an unknown character narrating who is quickly described as an older woman, a mother, who is battling her third bout of cancer. It then escalates into into her background of how she got to Oregon from France in the 1930s. The sisters are introduced, Vianne and Isabelle Rossignol, and they have an age gap that portrays itself evidently in the first few pages as they are dropped off to a foster mother after their mother suddenly dies and their father takes on an absent role. Vianne is submissive, naive, and flippant initially as she coped with her mother’s loss and father’s abandonment through rapid release. She is in denial that France will be invaded and brought into the war even after his husband is drafted and then taken as a prisoner of war. Isabelle, meanwhile, is the polar opposite being dominant, longing, and independent. She defies everywhere she is placed after boarding schools and her abusive upbringing with Mother Doom. She leaves her last boarding school to fight her way into helping free France from German rule.

The realities of the war are hinted throughout the story with how France becomes occupied under the direction of the WWI hero Philippe Pétain. The majority of France believes in Pétain while he establishes a “Free Zone.” Meanwhile, Isabelle listens to the up-and-coming General Charles de Gaulle who wants to liberate France and directs ideas to revolt against their oppressors. Through my own research, I found out that Pétain was tried and convicted of treason after the war, which made sense through even this fictitious story.

A house full of history buffs here. 

The sisters clash many times within the story and real facts of the brutality are weaved within the pages. Vianne’s best friend is a Jewish woman, Rachel, who ultimately is deported to Auschwitz and Vianne decides to harbor her then “illegitimate” son while boarding with a German captain, Beck. Isabelle falls in love with her first savior, Gaeten, and their story unfolds tragically as they were both orphaned, resistant to loss, and being rejected. It was fascinating to see the sisters handle life under German rule so differently, with one defying from the start (Isabelle) and then the other trying to cohabitate in order to protect her way of life she diligently carved out with her daughter (Vianne).

Ultimately, both stick to their French roots with Vianne hiding and saving numerous Jewish children and Isabelle crossing the Pyrenees mountains with downed Ally airmen to return and aid Allies with intelligence. After Captain Beck’s demise, Vianne is sexually assaulted and raped by her next billet, Von Richter. Isabelle is taken to Ravensbruck concentration camp where she contracts typhus and pneumonia. The entire story culminates into a surprising twist and ties together at the very last chapter. I sobbed several times through story at the loss of those who fought to Free France, the Jews  and other minorities who were brutalized, and the struggle the sisters face at reconciling their relationship with themselves and their alcoholic father.

Overall, the story was deep. I read on Amazon that Isabelle’s character was taken from another Belgium story by Andree de Jongh, which was oddly what I expected while reading. It seemed to tie two established characters on top of a further fabricated story to play on emotions. It’s highly emotional and achieved a decent look at how the women resisted and fought through WWII, which was fantastic in itself, though.