I received another voxbox from Influenster and this time I was able to try out Maybelline's Superstay Better Skin foundation for free to review :)
Photo: Target's website
I was asked to complete the #21DayChallenge; however, I did stop using it for two days because my skin broke out and I wanted to make sure it wasn't caused by the foundation. I think it might have been due to working out a lot more than normal and being sweaty :/
I broke out some on my forehead
After two weeks and my skin is looking good!
Helped even out my skin tone
So it's been three weeks and I'm still enjoying my Maybelline Superstay Better Skin Foundation. Smooth application, full coverage, and it lasts most of the day. My skin can be oily so I did have to blot my t zone, but overall I really liked the foundation. I might have needed the next shade darker. I received the Ivory shade because I have fair skin. I think it worked out okay because I have been pale this summer.
A little goes a long way with this product, for sure. I highly recommend using a primer before putting on foundation to even out your skin and allow the foundation to last longer!
Clear Proof Regimen: Clear Proof® Clarifying Cleansing Gel Clear Proof® Blemish Control Toner Clear Proof® Acne Treatment Gel Clear Proof® Oil-Free Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin
Here's another product review thanks to Influenster! They sent me the Clear Proof line from Mary Kay. It includes four products: 1st step - the Clarifying Cleansing Gel, 2nd step - the Blemish Control Toner, 3rd step - the Acne Treatment Gel and the 4th step - Oil-Free Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin I was very excited to receive this product, especially because it was free (for testing purposes)! Now I do not have bad acne, really, but I did want something that could help keep new blemishes at bay and decrease the appearance of my acne scars. When I first used the product, there was no burning or tingling feeling. My face was left feeling fresh, not oily. I have combination skin and it is pretty sensitive. At day two, however, my skin felt very different when applying these products. There was burning when I put on the toner but the moisturizer helped cool down my face. My skin started to dry out especially near my mouth. I started by applying some of the product to my cheeks, but after this two day reaction, I only applied each product (except the moisturizer) onto my forehead, nose, and around my mouth and chin. Since the moisturizer was so cooling I just put it all over my face. The dryness got so bad (and embarrassing) that I had to use some of my Yu-Be Moisturizing cream, which is pretty strong stuff. In addition to the redness, my skin was starting to get rough, which the moisturizer helped with as well. Its a similar allergic reaction that I get when I use permanent hair dye. I was going to stop using these products if this reaction did not clear up in a week. I mean the company does PROMISE clearer skin in 7 days! Thankfully, it did! It still burned for a little, but that went away eventually. Sometimes the smell of the product was strong for me, but like I said, I'm pretty sensitive. My skin also feels smoother. I've still gotten blemishes while using the products, but they haven't been as often. My acne scars are lightening and I'm a happy camper. Like I said, my acne is extremely mild. Other people might have much better results due to the severity of their acne. I was just thankful to Influenster for giving me this product complimentary to test!
"Clears up blemishes without irritation and helps maintain a clear complexion.
Unclogs pores, removes excess oil and leaves skin feeling healthier.
Fades the look of lingering acne spots.
Attacks multiple factors that can contribute to acne breakouts.
1st step - the Clarifying Cleansing Gel
Cleanses skin to clear pores and remove dirt, oil, and impurities
2nd step - the Blemish Control Toner
Tones skin and controls shine
3rd step - the Acne Treatment Gel
Helps clear up pimples quickly and prevents new ones
4th step - Oil-Free Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin
Keeps skin moisturized and doesn't leave an oily residue
Key Ingredients: "Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are both recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. dermatologists as effective acne-fighting ingredients. Salicylic acid acts like an exfoliant to promote the easy removal of dead skin cells. As such, it helps keep pores unclogged and reduce the buildup of P. acnes bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide (BPO), on the other hand, is an oxygen-releasing ingredient that kills bacteria. P. acnes bacteria flourish when there’s a lack of oxygen, like in a clogged pore. By creating an oxygen-rich environment, BPO can help reduce the number of P. acnes bacteria that can cause lesions to form. It also can help in dissolving the buildup of dead skin cells. The combination of these ingredients attacks acne in multiple ways to not only help clear up existing acne but also help keep future acne from forming in the first place." (Mary Kay Site) Another plus is that the products are not very expensive!
Prior to using Clear Proof
After 2 days: Redness
After 2 weeks: I did get a new pimple but it faded away quickly
I received my Glam Bag from IPSY in the mail today and was pretty excited for my goodies. I already sneaked a peak at my Glam Room so I already knew what I was getting.
If you aren't familiar with Ipsy, it's a beauty subscription services, where you get 4-5 beauty products every month delivered to your door, for just $10. Michelle Phan curates the bags! Check it out here: http://www.ipsy.com/r/bvpt
Here's a picture of what I got along with a random beauty tip:
Here's a video of what I got:
Note: Due to a large number of pictures on my phone I was having difficulty with videos so I get cut off at the end.
All I was saying at the end was my left cheek had the peach color coastal scent's blush and my right had the bright pink. Also I ended by getting closer to my lashes to show the mascara coverage, but on my refuse-to-curl lashes, I really couldn't tell the difference than with other urban decay mascaras I use.
List of products: - Information about the product from Ipsy.com 1. Absolute Lip Balm: "Treat your lips with this ultra-moisturizing lip balm from Absolute New York. This lightly tinted, creamy, conditioning formula softens, smooths, and protects lips for a seriously kissable pout. Discover this must-have balm for sensationally soft and luscious lips! Ipsy subscribers who receive this product will receive either Grape or Green Apple. Weight: 12g" *Again I'm so glad I got green apple. It is so smooth and my lips feel soft! I have pretty dry lips because I need to drink more water throughout the day, so this stuff helps! It doesn't have that weird chapstick after taste either, which is a huge plus for me. 2. Dr. Brandt: Pores No More Pore Refiner
"A cult favorite, Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer is Dr. Brandt’s quick fix for flawless, photo-ready skin. It is the miracle base to create the perfect skin canvas for long-lasting makeup and well-preserved skin. This velvety formula absorbs excess oil, minimizes pores, blurs fine lines and is resistant to sweat and humidity. Prime, touch-up and treat while perfecting your makeup. Weight: .25 oz
Key Benefits: - Minimizes the appearance of pores by diffusing light - Blurs imperfections & lines - Erases shine & mattifies skin - Absorbs oil, reduces shine and helps regulate sebum production - Antibacterial action for a healthy skin - Acts as a shield to prevent make-up from clogging pores"
*Even though I don't have large pores, this primer helps with the extra shine I typically get by midday. I also love that it helps keep my makeup from clogging my pores..because that's awesome and important!
3. Urban Decay:Perversion Mascara
"Bigger. Blacker. Badder.Urban Decay's ultra-creamy, lengthening and volumizing mascara features triple-black pigments and a deeply nourishing ingredient blend. Perversion Mascara gets you sexy in one stroke, yet it won’t quit until you say when.Weight: .1 fl oz"
*This mascara has a nice sized wand for full coverage and applied smoothly. I attempted at curling my lashes prior to putting it on, but they didn't stay curled for long. It does go on thick for my liking so I only applied one layer.
4. Coastal Scents: Forever Blush Sample Duo
"Coastal Scents Forever Blush boasts 18 perfectly pigmented, powder blushes with a long-lasting rush of color. Complete with a mirror, these color-packed compacts go a long way. Weight: 2.5g/ 0.09 oz. Ipsters who sample Coastal Scents blush duo will receive the shades Fresh (Left) and Elegant (Right)."
*I thought the "Elegant" shade (in the video I say dark peachy color) applied much easier than the "Fresh" (sparkly pink) shade. I liked both, but would wear the Elegant shade on a daily basis. The only thing I dislike about getting these individual shades, is that I don't have a palette to put them into. I liked the magnetic empty palette we received in an older glam bag, but I don't think the back of these blushes are magnetic. I'd have to check that out.
5. Lord & Berry: Silk Kajal Kohl Eye Pencil
"Sensual and exotic, that's the effect that Silk Kajal Kohl Eye Pencil delivers. Just like the traditional Kohl, but with the modern ease and control of a pencil. Giving a semi-matte finish that is also smudgeable, Silk Kajal Kohl's soft tip is ophthalmologically-tested and gentle enough to be used on the inner eye. Also available in Nudo and White. Weight: 0.02 oz"
*The sample size is really small, which is a downside...just merely for application. I have small hands but I like having a longer pencil to hold. Also, I don't really do pencil eyeliner because I don't have a sharpener that works, so I only use it until it dulls and then it sits around. As far as application, it went on smoothly. Its very black, which is nice. When they say its "smudgeable" it really is...and not in the good way, when you purposefully want to smudge your eyeliner. Maybe I put it on too thick? I'm not sure. But after about an hour I had smudge marks under my eye (did a cat eye, with no liner on the bottom lash). I fixed it and about another hour later, there were more smudge marks. Ugh...! Anyway, here's a look I created. Its later in the day after the video was shot.
So excited that I got a FREE Angel by Victoria's Secret Sport Bra from Influenster this month! It also came with a sweet pack of Victoria's Secret Sport Socks, a total value of about $80 bucks (49.99 for the bra + 29.99 for the socks).
Before I begin the review, I just want to mention that I told Influenster my bra size before getting the bra and it fit well. I did not have to go into the store to get another size. The box also came with a certificate for 25% off another sports bra, but it expired June 9th, the day I got the bra, so I didn't have a chance to get in that day.
Review:
First, I love the color. Second, I love how comfortable it is. Third, I love that I got it for free because it's pretty expensive for a sports bra (but I can be cheap). Although, I can't be too cheap since I only by my regular bras from VS, because I've always gotten good quality products from them. I suppose this bra is worth paying extra for.
As a #VSSportTester I have had the privilege of trying this sport bra out at my gym, Anytime Fitness, for a couple of weeks. I have even worn this to work so I didn't have to change into it before I went to the gym. It does have under-wire, which some people did not like, but it does not bother me. I didn't feel uncomfortable or even notice the wire while working out.
The only con to this bra is there are no adjustable straps, which is common in many sport bras. The straps cross in the back and were a little tight, but nothing too constricting, I just noticed some lines after removing the bra. Even with this slight con, I can confidently say that I have said "Good-bye!" to my old sport bra #SportBraBreakup
I also love this bra for another, more conceited reason. It does not squish my chest down and is breathable, unlike other sport bras I've had in the past! I hated other sport bras because they were so constricting to keep my bosoms from moving around that they made them appear smaller, which is not the case with this new Angel by Victoria's Secret Sport Bra.
Go and check it out for yourselves! The semi-annual sale is going on until June 23rd! There are several different designs as well.
I also do really like the VS Sport Socks, from the VS Sport line, which were very breathable and were in cute neon colors (sometimes I'm girly). I also like that they are ankle cut which are perfect for working out, in my opinion!
This is a sponsored blog post. Influenster provided me with complimentary Victoria's Secret products to test and review as part of a contest. This post also contains a personal invite link to Influenster should you like to join the program.
I know you're now like "where can I sign up for this amazing program??!" You can click my personal invite LINK to sign up for the program. Its completely free and all you have to do is review amazing products! Sounds great, right?
Having a steady paycheck again feels great and I've missed IPSY so much. I can start doing my reviews again as well :)
Here's a link if you haven't heard about IPSY (previously MY GLAM) http://www.ipsy.com/r/bvpt . You get a special gift from them if you join using my link. They've also started a point system now where you can add more products to your monthly bag.
They send 5-7 beauty products a month for only $10. Its a great deal, especially if you just want to try a certain product but don't want to pay full price for it.
Influenster sent me the new Colgate Optic White toothbrush and paste
Its been almost two weeks since Influenster sent me some new products to try. Its pretty easy: you just brush, whiten, and go [just like the logo says]. I was weary using a teeth whitener, because I don't know the long term affects. I think the tooth paste also helped a lot. I have some before and after photos. I still have more of the whitener left in the brush that seems like it will last awhile. I just use one click per brushing.
At first it was really weird feeling and I didn't want to swallow because I was worried about ingesting the whitener. After the 3rd or 4th time I forgot about it. Hopefully I'll continue to see more results over time.
Just writing a review on the Dr. Scholl's Active Series Insoles I got complimentary in my Influenster Active Series VoxBox! I love Influenster :) They let you review products for free!
These are my running shoes with the inserts in them. They are very easy to fit into your own pair of tennis shoes. You just line up the insoles to your shoes with the the active series insoles and cut to make them match.
If my feet could smile they would! The gel is so comfy and really helped my knees feel better when I walk in these. I would definitely recommend these. The Dr. Scholl's site describes these insoles really accurately: "During athletic activity, the foot is subject to the shock from impact of 2-3 times your body weight with every step. Dr. Scholl's® Active Series® Insoles reduce shock by 40% and, for those with shin splints, runner's knee and plantar fasciitis, helps relieve and prevent the pain." Again I got these complimentary from Influenster! This post contains link to both Influenster and Dr. Scholl's websites.
