July MyGlam Bag 2012

Well my bag finally made it here after being M.I.A for 11 days. It was so weird I received a confirmation as to when the bag was shipped UPS before being handed over to the USPS. Well for some reason on Friday the Thirteenth it was showing that it left Austin, TX and that it was transferred to my local post office it showed that information for 10 days.  With no updates. Until it was finally on the 11th day that it showed that it would be delivered. Wow. So on Monday the 23rd I finally got my bag.

This bag is great and almost one of the best bags I've received from them. I love the style of this make-up bag its so cute, fun and colorful. So in this months bag the theme was Greetings from MyGlam "The land of beauty". The card was a cute post card style. Inside were 5 items a choice of moisturizer and also a choice of lip product. All the other items were similar.

I got an Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion from Kiehl's in a convenient travel size. It says its perfect for normal to oily skin types. So this will be a treat to try . It has a very light scent of citrus it seems well at least to me. Not overpowering really nice. Sample Value $6.75

From NuMe a Hydro Punch Hydrating Conditioner it is for dry or coloured hair. It contains Seratin-K, Sage extract, Bamboo extract and Argan oil from Morocco. It has no parabens or parafins. Now as for me I didn't like the scent it is too overpowering. It gave me an instant headache. Sample Value is around $2.50

A Yes to Cucumbers On-The-Go Facial Towelettes which are soothing. It has cucumbers and aloe vera to cleanse, remove makeup, and nourish the skin...all in one swipe. This comes in a travel-sized pack of 10. Well let me tell you now I opened them to see how they smell. Ewww. Terrible I can't stand cucumbers let alone smell one. I can possibly take a slight scent that may wear off fast but, oh no not these. I will be giving them to my sister. Sample Value $2.99

The lip product I did get was from Josie Maran whom I've heard of but, never had the pleasure to try any of her product line. I got the Magic Marker Lip & Cheek Stain. Well for starters I got this in Quickstep which is a rich plum color. Now I wished I would have gotten Mambo which was a toasted beige color. I'm not too much into plum lips. Well I did try it to see how it would look. It was all right It reminded me of the Cover Girl lip stains and even had that sweet berry taste like them. Now I wouldn't pay full-price for something like this because you can find it cheaper and it will do the same thing. I tried it on my cheeks and no ma'am it wasn't for me. It was too streaky and blotchy. I may try applying it like Michelle Phan does in her July MyGlam how to video. Sample Value $19

Lastly is a Nail Polish from Circus by Andrea's Choice. Andrea is a MyGlam Guru and part of the group. She has apparently started a nail polish line. I guess jump on the wagon while its hot. I believe these are 3-Free. Not quite sure. Well I got the color Reverso which is just a plain white color. It applied very streaky in the first and second coats. I wasn't going to try for a third. It is alright I'm not sure because this is going to be part of a nail color set. She is launching in the fall. I believe there will be 5 colors. Sample Value $8?

So overall this bag was great minus the shipping problem. I also forgot to mention I did e-mail the girl's about my bag on Thursday and they did get back to me on Monday the same day the bag was said it would be delivered. They nicely said that they had looked into the issue and that the bag would be there that day. They were sorry for the shipping issue. I told them it was OK. I was just glad I got my bag. Also this is the first time it has ever been this late. This bags Value was $39.24.

If you have any questions or comments please feel free to comment below. Also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. Thanks.

The Original Dish Drying Mat

In my Influenster Mom VoxBox I received a great and handy item to have in my kitchen. What was this item? Well it was The Original Dish Drying Mat. This Original line is sold exclusively at Bed Bath and Beyond it retails for $4.99 the size I received was 16"X18". This is a great product it is the newest solution for drying hand-washed dishes, pots & pans, this super-absorbent microfiber dish drying mat protects the counter top & cushions delicate dishes and glassware. It is also fast drying and machine washable. Plus, did I mention it has a handy fabric loop to hang the mat while not in use and/or also can be used to air dry it.

It is made with a unique laminated design which combines a new, thicker layer of foam between two layers of high quality, super absorbent microfiber. This mat also holds more than 4 times its weigh in water. It folds and stores easily. It also has multiple uses you can use it underneath your dish drying rack in place of the drain board. You can place it underneath you appliances (mixer, blender, toaster, etc.) to protect your counter top from scratches and scuffs.

Here is The Original Dish Drying Mat in action. I use it daily to dry several glasses used daily and also to quick dry my cat's food bowls. Also my cats think that sometimes this is a comfy place to rest.

I  received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster.

The Many Uses of Ivory

I was given a bar of Ivory soap to try out in my Influenster Mom VoxBox. I used this soap to clean all my make-up brushes. Well from what I can tell you it did a heck of a job. It left my brushes so clean and no residue at all. I'm a believer. What I liked about Ivory soap was that it smells great and is very inexpensive. A 10 pack of bath bar-sized soaps retails for about $4.49 and can be found at most major retailers and at Walmart and Target.

This soap is also free of dyes & heavy perfumes. Ivory soap is simple and effective for use by the entire family. Ivory is so pure it floats 99.44% pure to be exact. It also can be used for a multiple of tasks. As a gentle facial cleanser, a laundry soap (using chip soap flakes in the washer) as well as a spot stain remover for your clothes. You can even use it to carve anything you want from it too.

 I'm really happy to have received this product complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster and Ivory as a participant in the Mom VoxBox campaign.

The Summer BBQ Cravebox 2012

Nothing says summer like being outdoors and cooking on the grill and having an ice cold drink. So this month Cravebox had a Summer BBQ themed box. It came with 5 products to use while having a blast this summer soaking up the sun and having fun.

True Lemon Original Lemonade this refreshing drink mix is created from fresh lemons from the grove that are cold-pressed and crystallized to lock in their flavor. 100% Natural, 100% Delicious, 100% Convenient. 10 pk Sample Value $3.99

Bic FlameDisk this is a conveinent charcoal alternative. It is a great product for all grilling occasions. It's so portable that you can take it just about anywhere the beach, picnics, or in the backyard. This FlameDisk heats up in minutes and grills with a steady flame for about 45 minutes for fast and conveinent no-mess cooking. Sample Value $4.99

Bic Multi-Purpose Lighter is durable, child-resistant and essential to any outdoor grilling event. It's a high-performing lighter that conveniently lights barbecues and anything else inside or outside. Sample Value $5.99

Mighty Leaf Tea Sunburst Green Iced Tea. A cool and vibrant fresh brewed iced green tea with a light emerald hue. This tea has a crisp taste of sun ripened oranges and sweet citrus that brighten mountain-grown Chinese green tea leaves. Sample Value $1.67

Mozaik Appetizer Ware these are stylish, durable, perfect for outdoor entertaining. These are very special plates  & utensils which are affordable and disposable. They come in many different sizes and shapes and utensils as well. Sample Value for this 48 PC set is $9.98

July Birchbox 2012 with Glamour Magazine

I was thrilled and excited to find out last month that Birchbox had teamed up with Glamour Magazine to do a box. It was titled the 5 senses which were smell it, touch it, taste it, hear it, and see it. So of course I couldn't wait to see what was inside my box. Well I didn't have to wait any longer because it came earlier than expected and for that I was grateful.

Now as for what was in my box I was not to jazzed about this month. I do think that this was way better than the Gossip Girl box that was given out in May. All though I still was not as happy to get what I got. I really was hoping for the Eyeko eyeliner (I had heard great things about it) and some of the other items that they had previewed in their video. I normally get most of the items they feature.

Alterna Bamboo UV+ Color Protection Fade-Proof Fluide. This finishing gloss prevents UV rays from fading color while organic bamboo extracts keep hair strong and soft. Sample Value $2.40

Dr. Jart + Water fuse BB Cream. This lightweight moisturizer, serum, sunscreen, and skin-perfecting tint is the a must have for this summer in your beauty lineup. Sample Value $6.40

Here is what the color looks like and the after effect with coverage.

Stila Lip Glaze in Tropica Punch. This tropical shade from the Tiki Lip Glaze Trio combines sheer color with mega-watt shine. While this is okay and you would think I would be grateful well I don't care for this color. PS I also have like 6 of these lip shines and never once used them. So I really didn't need another. Well how would they have known right. Sample Value $4

Suki Nourishing Kit set of 5 products. With a fresh botanical scent, this all-in-one set uses natural ingredients to hydrate and brighten skin. While doing a little research on this I came to find out that this 5 PC foil sample set is sold at on the Dermstore's website. So they are selling the exact same set except with 7 samples instead of 5. The sample set consists of the same sized foil packets for $17.95. Which is crazy in my opinion. The Birchbox set for $50 are larger samples in actual bottles. They are still pricey though. Sample Value $2.56 each packet total for set $12.83.

Lifestyle Extras were from Lara Bar the Uber bar. The latest addition to their snack drawer, these healthy and satisfying bars are packed with dried fruits and nuts. Sample Value $1.75

The Birchbox exclusive was Ear buds designed for us in cute neon colors. I'm really happy to get these I can always use a spare pair for my purse while on the go. Sample Value $5

So that was my box all 5 senses. Touch It was the Alterna Bamboo UV+ Spray. See It was the Dr, Jart + BB Cream and the Stila Lip Glaze. Smell It was the Suki Nourishing Kit. Taste It was the Lara bar and of course Hear It was the Ear buds. So overall all it was an alright box. At least I didn't get a perfume sample like so many others did for Smell It. This box was valued at $32.38

If you are interested in joining Birchbox please click this link  https://www.birchbox.com?raf=4h5l0







June Favorites 2012

So June came and went and so goes another month. Here are the products that I had been using the most for the month.

Nail Life Nail Revitalizer Treatment Formaldehyde Free 1fl. oz. This product is great and has been a lifesaver for my nails. This treatment is for problem nails which are weak, split, cracked, thin, soft or peeling. Which believe it or not mine were. I have tried everything I could to stop this from products to vitamins nothing worked. Till I tried this. It has been a miracle for my nails and is my new HG product. I purchased this at Sally's Beauty it was $7.99 well worth it for a bottle so big. I have been using it daily and followed the instructions on the back the first week for the 7 day program. Well my nails have stayed healthy and strong without splitting or peeling which was a big deal with my nails they peeled and nothing would work to stop it. Well I can say this has. There is also an Original version which contains formaldehyde which reviewed better than the version I own. I'm allergic to formaldehyde so I can't use it so this formula still works well for me. If  you have problem nails its worth a shot to try out.

A moisturizer I have been loving and repurchased as a full-sized after trying a sample from My Glam Bag was from Philosophy Take a deep breath. This is a great moisturizer for the summer if you have oily skin. It is a lightweight gel formula and is oil-free. It lets your skin breathe and also has a light fresh scent and feels cooling to the touch. It also absorbs quickly and will not sweat off like some other moisturizers when it gets to hot. It also helps my foundation glide on more smoothly and it still keeps my skin well hydrated without making it look or feel any oilier. Like I said, I had loved the sample so much when I finished it I went out and bought it. It retails for $34 and can be purchased at Macy's, Sephora or Ulta.

Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting primer. I got this as a sample in a kit I purchased and I really like this primer and the way it feels and keeps my foundation and face feeling all day. This stuff really works and I have tried many primers through the years to keep my oily skin in check. Well this works so well that when I run out I will buy the full-sized in this which is $35.

I have tried lots of facial cleansing cloths and so far I keep coming back to these ones. They are the Up & Up from Target and don't cost that much more than some of the brands. I know that these wipes can be sold for over $7.99 depending on the brand. Well there isn't much to say except that they do the job they take off all my makeup. Plus they keep their moisture and have a slight texture to them in a good way. The size of them are also great they are not to big nor too small. I would highly recommend these. A pack of 30 are $3.79 which isn't bad at all.

As for face washes I have lots to try and this was the latest one I tried for over a month and it has been working really well and helps control my oil during this hot summer. It is from Origins The Checks and Balances Frothy Face wash for combination skin. I really love the creamy texture and the peppermint scent it's refreshing and nice. I also love the way my face feels after washing with it. It really does a great job of cleansing my face. So I give this a thumbs up. I really like it and will keep this on hand for the hot and humid summers. Full-sized is $19.50 for a 5  fl.oz. I have the 1.7 fl.oz. which is $11.00 and can be purchased at any Origins counter or store.

*Still having a problem with the pictures not cropping. I just don't know what's wrong. *

July Beauty Bar Sample Society with Allure box 2012

This months box for the Beauty Bar Sample Society was a really nice box. It contained 5 deluxe-sized products and one full-sized. Which was very nice.

Jouer luminizing moisture tint SPF 20 - oil free in Bronzed 0.17 fl.oz. I had already had a sample of this from Birchbox. This sample is way bigger than the Birchbox one which is the sample on the bottom which was in the color Pearl. Sample Value $3.80

Borghese Tono Body Creme in a nice deluxe sized tube 1fl.oz. This brand I used to use a few years ago so this creme is great and will do well. Sample Value $6.79

 Vbeaute Eye Never Nourishing Repair Eye Cream 0.033 fl.oz. This was a tiny sample which is alright by me except that once again the tube was empty. There was no product inside. I will contact the company on this. They were so nice to respond and send out a replacement for last months eye cream that was empty as well. Sample Value $5.67

Sisley Paris Hydra-Global Intense Anti-Age Hydration. Now this was a nice surprise since a bottle of this runs $250. So this is 1/10th of a full-sized. Sample Value $25

Vincent Longo Duo Lip Pencil which is strange because the inside booklet says it should be an eye pencil. Well for starters the pencil is in the color Sangria and the other side is a white glimmer. Now I don't see putting white liner on. So maybe you could use it for the eyes. I found out from another blogger that this particular pencil duo was discontinued. So if this is true then that's not right because what if I liked it. Then that would mean I couldn't purchase it. Sample Value $26

So closing thoughts I'm very happy with the items in this months box with the exception of the pencil and the non-existent eye cream. This box was valued at $67.26 not bad since I paid $15. If your interested in subscribing to this box or want more information visit www.beautybar.com


**Side note so sorry for the pictures. I had them cropped and for some reason they didn't save a such nor did my watermarks how weird.

Quaker Soft Baked Oatmeal Cookies

This is a short review on a new product that I received from Influenster and Quaker. It is the Quaker soft baked oatmeal cookie. This was in the flavor raisin. It is made with whole grain Quaker oats.

This cookie was super soft and delicious. It tasted as it was baked homemade and right out the oven. I have never liked cookies with raisins in them but, my husband does so he was the official taste tester of this cookie. He gave me his truthful opinion on this cookie. We will be purchasing more. I will look to see if there is another flavor in this soft baked line for me to try. He liked the taste and texture as of this cookie. See my husband rarely eats and likes any soft cookies. He likes the traditional hard cookies. So both he and I were surprised when he liked this soft cookie. It was a winner.

These cookies come as a box of 6 for a suggested retail of $2.69. They are available at most major retailers. The cookies are made with wholesome Quaker oats and delicious raisins. You will never tell they came from a box. These provide a great source of fiber and contain 6 grams of fat per total serving. I received this product complimentary for testing and review from Influenster. If you would like to know more about Influenster please visit www.influenster.com

ImPress Press on Manicure

I haven't used press on nails since I was like 17. I liked the way they made me feel and that they didn't damage my natural nails. Well when I was given the chance to try these out in my Influenster Mom VoxBox I was a little apprehensive to try them. I had a friend who tried some press on nails back in May for her birthday. Well while the nails were cute and the pattern was awesome. The nails didn't stay on through dinner. So she had to pop them off. That was a waste.

Well these aren't those kind nails. These are so much better than the ones my friend used. Way better. I put these nails on Saturday and they have held up and then some. It is now day 3 and they are still on. These have gone through cooking, cleaning, typing, showering, hair washing, and multiple other domestic chores. Especially lots of hand washing. These have not budged at all and all 10 are still on.

These nails come in a pack of 24 nail covers in 12 sizes so the odds of finding a size that fits the nail bed are better. This manicure took me all of 10 minutes which included finding the right size for each nail and applying. Which is very simple you have to just make sure you nails are dry and clean with no polish on. Then you use the supplied prep pad to clean your nails just to make sure there is no oil or any other stuff on them. Its that easy then peel off the tab making sure the tabbed part goes facing your nail bed. Then just lightly press and boom they are on and here to stay. I started with my pinkies then did my thumbs last. The nails also have small numbers on the bottom of the nail tip so that way you can remember which nail goes on which finger. These nails keep their shine and with no drying time your off and ready to go out. I wore these to a dinner on Sunday and on Monday as well. They also last up to a week and are easy to remove when the time comes with no damage to your natural nails unlike acrylics.

The only drawback was that some of the nails didn't cover the whole sides of my nail. That was alright because no one would really notice. The color I got was 060 Stiletto which at first looked like to dark of a color for me but, in the end it was a great color. There is a choice of 36 colors and patterns. These nails can be found at you local Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Rite Aid, and Kmart's. These retail for $5.99-$7.99. If you want more information and a coupon please visit www.impressmanicure.com . I received this product complimentary to test from ImPress and Influenster for the Mom VoxBox.