Influenster: Sunkissed VoxBox

If you haven't heard about Influenster yet, I highly suggest you go click that link I just provided to learn more! 

In a nutshell, it's a site where you can actively participate in reviewing products you may have tried, earn badges by answering questions about things that interest you (pets, beauty, working out, etc.), all in hopes to be selected to receive free products from companies to test and review. It's all about being active and participating on the site in order to increase your score of "influence." I've been an Influenster for over a year now and some of my friends have joined as well. We have all been selected to receive different items at different times, depending on our interests.

I think it's an awesome concept if you like this sort of thing to begin with. If you are looking to just get free products all the time but not participate, then this isn't for you.

I'm not sure if Influenster is invite only still, but feel free to leave me a comment or message me with your email and I will be more than happy to send over an invite :)

One of my favorite things to be chosen for are their VoxBox's. They have different themes throughout the year and are filled will full-sized goodies to test out and try! I was recently sent their latest beauty related box, Sunkissed VoxBox, and made a quick YouTube video of the contents. I've also reviewed one of the products already which you can read about here. Hope you enjoy!

Olay: Fresh Effects BB Cream

I received Olay's Fresh Effects BB Cream complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster (post coming soon on Influenster if you don't know what I'm talking about). I was excited to receive this product because Olay is one of my favorite drugstore brands.

This BB cream retails for around $12.99 and comes in 2 shades: Fair/Light and Light/Medium. I'm about an NC35 and I can kind of get away with Light/Medium but I definitely think there should be darker shade options. This product has an SPF 15 which is nice but it's not water resistant so it's not meant to be used in place of a sunscreen for swimming or outdoor activities that may cause sweating.

*You can visit OlayFreshEffects.com or Amazon for purchase info*

It comes with 2.5 fl oz. of product which is a decent amount of product. According to the description sent to me, this product claims to provide:
"24-hr hydration and a splash of sheer color. This all-in-one skin perfecter, sunscreen, and tinted moisturizer evens skin tone and refreshes the dullness, for flawless looking skin."


In general, I'm not a big fan of BB creams because I personally need more coverage. I envy those who can get away with a little tinted moisturizer and be on their way.

Review: GlamGlow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment

Image from Sephora.com

Info from Sephora:

Price: $69.00

What it is:
A 10-minute professional-quality mud mask for men and women. 

What it is formulated to do:
This mud mask leaves skin noticeably radiant and glowing. It activates moisturizing collagen synthesis, provides gentle resurfacing exfoliation, and helps to leave skin smoother, brighter, and softer. While providing tighter skin texture and tighter pores, it provides a more youthful appearance and absorbs impurities without removing natural oils. 

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

I actually stumbled upon this product by accident when I was trying to use up some credit on the Birchbox website. I remembered seeing the brand GlamGlow on the Sephora website and decided to use my credit on a more "luxury" purchase since I couldn't justify spending $69 on a mud mask any other time. They only offered this particular mask on the Birchbox site and it wasn't until after I completed my purchase that I realized the mask I was actually wanting to try was their Super-Mud Clearing Treatment...whoops.

Quote of the Day

On a non-beauty related topic, I saw a quote the other day, I think on Instagram, and just wanted to share. I think it speaks volumes in terms of moving on and not holding on to a grudge or resentment...something that will always be a life learning process, but worth it in the end. Hopefully this speaks to you the way it did for me. Happy Friday!

xoxo,

Kristina

e.l.f. Studio Lip Exfoliator

There's something about finding a product that is super affordable and actually works that makes me all giddy inside! Case in point, e.l.f.'s Studio Lip Exfoliator!

Ages ago I was using The Body Shop's Lip Scuff but at that time I was so young, it was more of a luxury purchase than a necessity.  More recently I have tried DIY lip scrubs and more expensive ones, which I talk about in this review. I don't have terribly dry lips, but I still require the routine exfoliation, especially when taking close up photos for the blog.

I randomly came across e.l.f.'s Studio Lip Exfoliator a few months back at Target and thought I would give it a try since it was only $3. I loved that it was in a lipstick package, which is very reminiscent of The Body Shop's Lip Scuff that I had used literally over 12 years ago.

What I love about this type of packaging compared to the typical lip scrub in a jar is:
1. You don't have to stick your fingers in anything (hello...germ central)
2. It's less messy because you just apply it like lipstick instead of having the scrub going all over the      place when you apply it with your fingers
3. Super compact for travel

Stila up to 80% Off!

Just a heads up for those Stila lovers in the Los Angeles area this Saturday:

Image from Stila.com

Summer Ready Feet!

Today marks the first official day of Summer...wooooo!!!! Happy Summer Solstice!

Image from dukky.com

Summer marks the official start of living in flip flops, wedges, sandals, heck, even going barefoot! With all this foot exposure, not only is nail polish a must but so are some nice looking feet! No one wants to see crusty, flaking heels or dried skin around your toe nails..eww! Now I must say, I'm guilty of not taking caring of my feet as much as I should and I walk outside barefoot A LOT. Overtime, this has created some not so pretty feet...calluses and dried heels, gross.

Recently, my feet have done a 180 and it's thanks to 2 products that work amazing together! Separately, I think these products are blah but together they are almost miracle worthy as to how well they work together!

Review: Sinful Shine with Gel Tech

A few months back I noticed a new line of Sinful polishes at Walgreens. If you are unfamiliar with sinful polishes, they are an affordable nail polish line that offer a wide array of colors for only $1.99. I usually get mine at Rite Aid or Walgreens and sometimes they even go on sale which makes them a freakin' steal! The quality of the polish is quite good for the most part, and some colors I think rival more expensive polishes.

The new line which is exclusively at Walgreens, goes for $2.99 and claims to provide brilliant shine, 5x more glossy than a patent leather shoe in fact! Well, so says their website.

I picked up VIP, which is an awesome bubble gum pink color. If patent leather was in liquid form, the formula is just that. It is a mix between a cream and jelly polish which I really like. I found the formula to be a bit streaky for the first coat but would get opaque nails with 2 coats. Sometimes I would apply 3 coats on certain nails where the polish was not applying evenly.

Daiso Finds!

Oh Daiso, how I love thee....

If you're not familiar with Daiso, it's like a Japanese dollar store except everything is $1.50 unless otherwise marked. I love Daiso because there is just so much stuff from candy and stationary, to home goods and beauty products! I seriously could spend hours in that damn store and I don't know if you are already aware, but the Japanese think of everything! I love their clever little contraptions to make life easier and the cute packaging...ahhhh, heaven.

I'm not sure if Daiso is only in California which is just a shame if they are, but they do have a website to buy items in bulk: www.daisojapan.com. Not really sure how helpful that is but they do have lashes on there so that's worth checking out.

Everytime I go in, I have to stop myself from buying everything in sight...it's amazing how much I can convince myself I "need" something that I had no intention of buying or knowledge of it's existence! #shopaholicproblems

But I must say, this past time I went I didn't get too cray and found some fun things! Please excuse the photo quality...I took them on my phone, at night, on my wrinkled duvet cover because I'm lazy like that.

Review: Cover FX Natural Finish Oil Free Foundation

Before I get started with the review, here are my skin stats again:

Oily/Combo Skin
Acne prone skin
Acne scarring and discoloration
Large pores on cheeks
Yellow undertone
I'm an NC 35 at MAC

Wow, can we say perfect profile ad for a dating site?! Ha! Ok, so obviously I don't have perfect skin and I'm so glad foundation exists in this world! As far as what I look for in a foundation: full coverage, not cakey looking, does not emphasize pores or dry patches, covers majority of redness and any other face discoloration, and of course a yellow undertone to match my skintone.

Physicians Formula: Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin FakeOut Mascara

I realized this past month that although I have non-existent lashes and wear false lashes almost everytime I go out, I have this need within me to find/try mascaras in hopes I find that perfect one. I think it's a sickness really but I can't stop. I literally counted 12 different mascaras that I currently have open and semi using...someone call the mascara addicts line, I think I need an intervention.

But whatever, let's add #13 to the mix: Physicians Formula FakeOut Mascara! I wanted to try this because PF is having this promo where if you purchase the mascara with the special packaging that says "Try me for free" you can mail that packaging in with your receipt and they will reimburse you! (click here for the rebate form, ends 10/31/13). So yea, that's awesome but I could never find the special packaging so I just went ahead and purchased it. 

Don't Waste your $$$: Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Lip Color

As much as there are great beauty products on the market, there are also the fair share of shit not so good products. Whenever I try a product and think, "WTF, ewww, not cool, I'm returning this shit, where's my receipt?!" I know that I have a crappy enough product that I want to let others know about so they don't waste their money. I know that what doesn't work for me, may work for you, but I will include pics when I can so you can judge for yourself and realize I'm probably right maybe save yourself some moolah!

So the first product to make it into this category is Wet n Wild's Megalast Liquid Lip Color.

MTTO: Moisture Lite

Part 8 of 8 of my MTTO line review!!! For my original post and links to all the product reviews, click here.

Now onto the final review!

Moisture Lite Non-Oily Hydrating Lotion

Info taken from website:

Price: $29 for 2.4 fl oz.

Product Description: A soothing hydrating lotion formulated for individuals with normal to oily and combination skin types for whom regular moisturizers are not suitable. Non-greasy. Absorbs completely without clogging pores. Soothes and moisturizes where skin is dry while controlling oil and shine.

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Juice, Cocos Nucifera (Organic Coconut) Oil, Emulsifying Wax, Palm Stearic Acid, Vegetable Glycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape Seed) Oil, Persea Americana (Avocado) Oil, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum (Polysaccharide Gum), Salix Nigra (Black Willow Bark) Extract, Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Oil, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai Fruit) Pulp Powder, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Oleoresin, Essential Oils, Sodium Benzoate, Glucolactone, Licorice Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Extract, Spinacia Oleracea (Spinach) Extract, Matricaria Chamomilla (Chamomile) Extract, Citric Acid.

I really enjoyed this moisturizer from the first time I used it. I think it's great for those with acne prone and oily skin. It provides just enough hydration without feeling greasy. I do have combo skin so on the days where my skin is more on the normal to dry side, I do prefer to use a thicker moisturizer and I definitely don't think this would provide enough moisture for anyone with dry skin (plus it's not marketed too so duh). If you are looking for a new moisturizer that won't break you out or make your skin feel and look greasy, then definitely try this one!

MTTO: Kaolin Clay Mask

Part 7 of 8 of my MTTO line review...almost done! You can find the original post with all the review links here.

Kaolin Clay Mask

Out of the 8 products I have tried this was probably my least favorite of the bunch. I love a good mask so I was very excited to try this, but as a mask I really didn't like this. Let me explain.

So let's see, I guess I should start from the beginning... 

As with any night I decide to use a mask, I wash my face, lightly pat dry with a towel, and begin to apply the mask with my fingers. First off, this has a pump which you think would be convenient but out of all the products from this line with a pump, this was the defective one. I was pumping like no one's business for a good minute until all of a sudden, a random burst of orange/brick colored substance shoots out, landing on my shirt and mirror. We were not off to a good start.

MTTO: Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser

Part 6 of 8 of my MTTO line review! To read the original post with all the product review links, you can go here.

Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser

This is going to be a short post because there's not too much I have to say on this product except that I think this a great cleanser, especially if you have acne prone skin! 

Smell: Herbal scent which I'm not usually drawn too but I didn't mind it all.

Texture: Black gel that turns clear once you start applying it to your skin.

Performance: I've read and heard claims that this product is great at taking off all your make up. I don't know if I wear more make up than the average bear, but I didn't find that to be completely true. I always do the "toner test" to see how well a cleanser takes off make up (which is just me using a toner after I wash my face and see if any make up is still on the cotton pad). When I use this alone to take off make up, I will still have some make up residue (not a lot but some). I actually like to use this cleanser with my Clarisonic, but before I do that, I will use a cleansing water or make up wipe to take off the "initial" layer of make up. I find that I get a better and deeper clean this way and when I use my toner, no traces of make up! I love that you don't need a lot of product to cleanse your entire face, as this product creates a really nice lather on the face. I find that one pump is more than enough to clean my face. I also love that this cleanser makes my skin clean but not that tight squeaky clean or dry feeling. I highly recommend this cleanser!

Info taken from website:

Price: $24 for 7 fl oz.

Product Description: This detoxifying facial cleanser is particularly effective in caring for blemished and oily skin types as well as combination and normal skin. The creamy vegan cleanser is infused with Activated Charcoal to deeply clean pores of toxins and bacteria for smoother clearer skin. Activated Charcoal is an amazingly absorbent substance, widely known for its ability to effectively cleanse the skin, unclog pores, and remove deeper impurities and dead skin cells. Sulfate FREE "no tears" formula does not irritate eyes.

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf Juice, Coco Glucoside (Palm Kernel), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Gaultheria Procumbens (Wintergreen) Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C) , Beta-Carotene (Pro Vitamin A), Panthenol (Vitamin B-5), Activated Charcoal, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Phospholipids, Dehydroacetic Acid, Disodium Edta, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide.

MTTO: Antiox Serum

Part 5 of 8 of my MTTO line review! To read the original post with all the product links, you can go here.

Antiox Serum

After I had finished up the Antioxidant Carrot Multivitamin Serum, I wanted to see if there were any other serums from the MTTO line that looked appealing to try. I liked the antioxidant carrot multivitamin serum but it wasn't holy grail and as a product junkie, I was ready for something new. I also wanted to see if all the MTTO serums had the lotion texture which I mentioned in my latest review of the carrot serum. If you read that post then you know I solved that mystery after ordering the Antiox Serum. 

I was intrigued by the Antiox Serum because the description had mentioned that it was targeted for combo/oily skin and it would help to reduce the appearance of large pores. Now I know that we cannot change our pore size as they are hereditary, but we can make an effort to keep them clean and not enlarge them any more than need be. Break outs and enlarged pores are my arched nemeses, and I will try just about anything to win those battles.

So how did the product fare?

MTTO: Antioxidant Carrot Multivitamin Serum

Part 4 of 8 of my MTTO line review! I discussed this product back in my January favorites which you can read about here. Unfortunately, I've already thrown away the packaging but it's the same packaging as the next review I'll be putting up which is on the Antiox Serum.

This is one of the very first products I tried from the line and I really loved how much of an improvement I saw in my skin. I used up the entire bottle which took me about 3 months to finish. I used it day and night after my toner. I didn't notice immediate results but within a few weeks, I could tell that my skin was breaking out less, my skin was softer, and some of my scars had lightened.

The only thing I want to clear up from my last post about this product would be the texture of the product. I described this product as having more of lotion texture than a thin serum which was true at the time but have since realized that had to do with weather conditions at the time I was using this. Basically, in colder conditions this product can change it's consistency...similar to how olive oil can get cloudy in cold weather. This past winter I was on a heater strike (aka broke and tired of paying for high energy & gas bills) so it was quite cold in my house. I remember using this product and thinking the consistency was so weird for a serum, but after ordering another serum from the line, mystery solved.

My only real complaint about the serum would be the packaging. I find it really bulky and unnecessary but I'll go over that in my next post. Other than that, this is a great product!

Deets from the website:

Price: $37 for 1 fl oz.

Product Description: An organic approach to nourishing, protecting and maintaining proper moisture. Contains carrot oil to sooth irritated skin, provide hydration and even skin tone. Rooibos tea and vitamins provide antioxidant protection. Blended with Alpha Lipoic Acid and DMAE reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and help skin regenerate improving the tone and texture of the skin. Gives skin a vibrant, healthy looking glow.

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Juice, Simmondsia Chinensis (Organic Jojoba) Oil, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Aspalathus Linearis (Organic Rooibos Tea) Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), Emulsifying Wax, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Extract, Vegetable Glycerin, Daucus Carota (Carrot) Oil, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Thioctic Acid (Alpha Lipoic Acid), Essential Oils, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C Ester), Palm Stearic Acid, Malic Acid, Xanthan Gum (Polysaccharide Gum).

MTTO: Blue Green Algae Toner

Part 3 of 8 from my MTTO line review! This is will be another short post like my last one on the Organic Lemon Toner. In hindsight, I probably should have combined both reviews...oh well.

Blue Green Algae Toner

Info taken from website.

Price: $18 for 7.8 fl oz.

Product Description: Rich in vital nutrients, trace elements and amino acids, organic blue green algae and kelp in combination with Hyaluronic Acid penetrate deeply into the skin to speed the elimination of toxins, promote cellular renewal, naturally nourish and remineralize the skin. Highly moisturizing and moisture balancing, with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Cleans and maintains the skin’s proper pH without the drying effects of alcohol. Aids in the treatment of acne prone and problem skin. Prepares skin for serums and moisturizers. Contains black willow tree extract recognized for thousands of years for its healing power and fresh, warm, spicy tea tree oil a powerful immune stimulant to help fight infections and promote clear skin.

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf Juice, Ascophyllum Nodosum (Organic Kelp) Extract, Aphanizomenon Flos Aquae (Organic Blue Green Algae) Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Salix Nigra (Black Willowbark) Extract, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai Fruit) Pulp Powder, Sodium Chloride (Dead Sea Salt), Polysorbate, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Essential Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Glucolactone, Citric Acid, Lavendula Angustifolia (Certifed Organic) Hydrosol.

MTTO: Organic Lemon Toner

Part 2 of 8 featuring products from the MTTO line! You can see my original post here.

So this post is going to be pretty short as I don't have too much to say about this product but here are the deets!

Organic Lemon Toner

Info taken from website:

Price: $18.00 for 7.8 fl oz.

Product Description: Clears away excess oil and lingering impurities while working to maintain the skin's ideal moisture levels. Also helps to firm, lift and tighten and ease away the appearance of fine lines and discolorations for a more even-toned complexion.

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf Juice, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Vaccinium Myrtillus (Organic Bilberry) Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Organic Sugar Cane) Extract, Acer Saccharinum (Organic Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus Auranium Dulcis (Organic Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Organic Lemon) Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Organic Cranberry) Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Malic Acid, Citric Acid, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai Fruit) Pulp Powder, Tartaric Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), Vegetable Glycerin, Polysorbate, Essential Oils, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Essential Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Glucolactone, Salix Nigra (Black Willowbark) Extract.

Smell: Fresh Lemons. This is one of the nicest lemon scented products I have ever smelled! Not too artificial or sweet, absolutely divine!

Usage: I used this with a cotton pad and applied it after washing my face but before any serums or moisturizer. I used it day and night everyday.

Final Thoughts: This toner is marketed towards normal to oily and problem skin and I would definitely consider my skin in the latter of those groups. What I really love about this toner is how refreshing it feels on the skin without making my skin feel tight or dry. The smell is absolutely amazing and I think this is a great everyday toner for anyone. During use, I did notice that some of my acne scarring began to lighten but this was a gradual process. One bottle lasted me almost 3 months using it 2 times daily. If you are looking for a toner with more natural ingredients, this is a great one to try!

MTTO: KNU Anti-Aging Face Lift

As I mentioned last week in my skincare rave post, I have been loving the MTTO line (Michael Todd True Organics.) This week I'll be posting reviews on each of the products I have tried. First up:

KNU Anti-Aging Face Lift

Info taken from website:

Price: $150 for 1.7 oz. (3 month supply)

Product Claim:
Lifts, Tightens and Rejuvenates

Aids in Treatment of Acne, Scarring and Rosacea

Product Description:

A fast-acting anti-aging cream containing MICHAEL TODD true organics’ advanced proprietary blend of peptides, plant stem cells and snail serum complex for immediate and long lasting anti-aging benefits.

The Good Stuff in a nutshell:

70% organic ingredients and no added water, dyes, artificial fragrance, parabens, sulfates or other harsh chemicals.

Ingredients:

Aloe barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Juice, Aloe barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Butter, Prunus armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Emulsifying Wax, Palm Stearic Acid, Vegetable Glycerin, Fucus vesiculosis (Organic Seaweed) Extract, Camellia sinensis (Organic Green Tea) Extract, Vaccinium myrtillus (Organic Bilberry) Extract, Saccharum officinarum (Organic Sugar Cane) Extract, Acer saccharinum (Organic Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus auranium dulcis (Organic Orange) Extract, Citrus medica limonum (Organic Lemon) Extract, Vaccinium macrocarpon (Organic Cranberry) Extract, Camellia sinensis (White Tea) Extract, Spirulina maxima (Blue Green Algae) Extract, Euterpe oleracea (Acai Fruit) Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Phenoxyethanol, Hyaluronic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl, Tetrapeptide-7,GHK-Cu Tripeptide (Copper Peptide), Betaglucan, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Epidermal Growth Factor, Glycolic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Malic Acid, Mangifera indica (Mango) Butter, Shea Butter (Naturally Refined), Xanthan Gum (Polysaccharide Gum), Salix nigra (Black Willow Bark) Extract, Azadirachta indica (Neem) Oil, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Oleoresin, Sodium Benzoate, Glucolactone, Citric Acid.