Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+

The highlight of my Spring Fever Vox Box from Influenster was most certainly this OSiS+ Rough Rubber Paste.

I have short-er hair, it comes down to my chin at its longest point, and I'm quite the hair styling enthusiast. I like funky and fun statement hairstyles, which normally take some product to achieve. I've tried a multitude of different products to achieve these looks, and this one may now be in my top 3.

This rough rubber paste does have a strange consistency, which can be a little different to get used to. However, once you do get used to working with it, it's an excellent product to work with. The feeling of it is almost bouncy, like if you were to drop a penny onto the open container, it would jump right back up to you (I wouldn't recommend trying this, however, as I'm sure it does not work that way!).

The scent of the product is pleasant, and not overbearing; I found it to be a nice and clean scent. In my previous experiences with similar products, I would find myself almost annoyed by the overwhelming scent, so I was very pleased to find a product that didn't stink up my style.

To use this rubber paste, I used my pointer and middle fingers to scoop out a small amount from the jar, just enough to cover both fingertips. Then, I wiped my fingertips into the palm of my opposing hand, and rubbed my hands together to make sure I would get a nice even application. I worked the product from my palms into my hair starting with the under layers and working my way up; grabbing and pulling the product through each layer of my hair. After applying, I was able to "rough up" my layers to achieve a great textured look. Once I was finished, I set my style with a little hair spray, messed it up a bit, and was ready to go!

The only downside of this product that I've found is that it doesn't offer optimal hold, in my opinion. I often had to dip back into the pot to achieve a little more hold, but doing so too much would make my hair look greasy. Overall, I would recommend this product, however, as it really gives you a great look once you get the hang of using it.

This rough rubber paste is available at salons and specialty hair-care retailers and sells for about $20 per pot. To find out more about this great paste, check out Schwarzkopf's website at: http://www.schwarzkopf-professionalusa.com/ !


A huge thank you, as always, to Influenster for giving me the opportunity to try this product free!

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure

Through Influenster, I was recently lucky enough to try the new imPRESS Press-On Manicure included within my Spring Fever Vox Box. I'm not typically one for press on manicures, as I am fortunate enough to be able to easily grow healthy natural nails, but since this was provided to me at no cost...I was more than willing to give it the old college try!

I used these press-on nails before an evening out, and when I didn't particularly feel like giving myself a full manicure. These press-on nails gave me a great temporary solution to my manicure problem. These nails are quite temporary, though, and did not last very long at all on my nails. I would recommend these nails for situations which would only require one or two days from of a manicured look.

The adhesive used on these press-on nails was easy to remove and did not damage my natural nail. I usually worry about adhesives on my nails, as I have experienced damages from nail adhesives in the past, but with these imPRESS Press-On Nails, I had no need for concern!

What I was most impressed with regarding this product were the styles and patterns offered. The style deemed "Holla" (shown above) is what I received, and as you can see it is a really striking pink/black lace pattern. I loved the classiness of the style, as well as the edginess it provided to my manicure and overall look! The imPRESS line of press-on nails comes in a myriad of different styles, and you are bound to find something you will absolutely love!

Whether you are a regular user of press-on nails, or are more privy to manicuring your own natural nails, I would highly recommend these imPRESS Press-On Manicures. They're quick and convenient, making them perfect for those situations when you may not have the time available to give yourself a proper manicure, and they're gentle on the nail for those who use these types of products regularly. If you ever find yourself crunched for time before a night out, there is no way you could regret keeping a couple of sets of these along with your cosmetic items!

The imPRESS Press-On Manicure set is available at all major retailers, and for great affordable prices. At retail, these kits usually run about $5.99 for colors and $7.99 for patterns, making them as cost efficient as they are convenient!

Want to check out the imPRESS Press-On Manicures for yourself? Visit impressmanicure.com/ to find out more about this great product!

Secret Outlast Clear Gel

Through Influenster's coveted Spring Fever Vox Box, which I was so lucky to receive last month, I have been given the opportunity to try yet another great product!

I wear a lot of black; not that I'm gloomy, but what can go wrong with such a slimming, classic, and versatile clothing color choice? Oh, right, besides deodorant streaks. I am well versed in the art of avoiding deodorant streaks, but even the best are destined to fall from time to time. Before trying this clear gel from Secret, I really thought a truly clear deodorant was unattainable.

This clear gel really does stay clear; I am yet to find a single white mark on any article of clothing that I have worn since receiving it. The gel goes on smooth and dries to your skin quickly, although even when I've been rushed and forced to dress immediately after application, the deodorant has yet to make any type of appearance on my clothes. I really think that gone may be the days of trying the "lava pits" dance while shimmying on my shirts!

With the 90+ degree weather we've been having in Pennsylvania, it also does its staying dry job quite well, too. It smells nice and fresh without being overpowering, and it really does keep you dry. The only discrepancy I have found with this product is its 48 hour claim. As gross as it may sound, I happily tested out this claim, but was not overly pleased with the results. I could smell no traces of the deodorant after about 24 hours, and it needed to be reapplied the next day. That being said, however, if my only problem is being forced to put on deodorant every day...I'd say I'm in pretty good shape!

Thanks to Influenster for allowing me the chance to try this excellent product for free!

Old Navy's 2013 Activewear Line!

Through Crowdtap, I was lucky enough to try a sampling of the new 2013 Activewear line by Old Navy! I received two coupons, one for me and one for a girlfriend, for 1 free Activewear top and bottom; so we decided to make a day of it! One of my best girlfriends and I went this afternoon set out to browse this new impressive Activewear line. The first thing I noticed about the line is it is truly fashionable, gone are the days of sacrificing fashion for function in great activewear. We both found an incredible amount of adorable pieces, and it was hard to choose just one of each (I foresee another trip in our near future!)

Firstly and functionally, no corner was cut in the fabric quality. The fabrics are sturdy, moisture wicking, and well sewn; these pieces are going to work as hard as you do. The compression pieces have great stretch and allow really comfortable movement, which is imperative in a good piece of workout clothing. Also, I loved how all sizes were equally represented, as we're both pretty small girls. It's difficult to find XS pants in stock, which always seems to be a problem for us both, but we had PLENTY to choose from with this Old Navy line. From what I noticed, no matter the size, there was something cute on the rack for you!

Now for the fun part, the fashion! I found the fits to be flattering, the colors are bright and varied, and the styles are plentiful. I chose a black pair of fold-over Yoga Capri pants and a very pretty light blue compression top, while my girlfriend went with compression capris and the matching compression top both in a dark heather grey. Color-blocking was very prominent within the line, which I found to be quite trendy and fun, but all color preferences were thoroughly represented.

Noticing the prices, quite a few products were on sale, and those that weren't were far from overpriced. When compared to other activewear lines, Old Navy is not only set out to satisfy your preferences, but also your budget. I didn't see an unreasonably priced item!


A HUGE thank you to Crowdtap for giving the opportunity to try this line out for FREE! Interested in a little tappin'? Check out Crowdtap for yourself at: www.crowdtap.com

Old Navy's Activewear Collection is also available to buy and browse online, and it's worth a peek!
Check it out here:  Old Navy Activewear

Tastykake® Kandy Bar Kakes

I was recently lucky enough to be chosen for one of Influenster's coveted VoxBoxes, and I was thrilled to see it included one of these new delectable little treats! Being a lifelong resident of the Philadelphia area, I am no stranger to Tastykake; it has been a snack staple in my family for as long as I can remember. These new Kandy Bar Kakes are an awesome addition to the Tastykake line of treats, and one I was glad to try out, nobody was twisting my arm to down one of these puppies!

As a peanut butter fanatic, I was more than happy to try out the Reese's variety, and it totally lived up to the hype. I had it as a between breakfast and lunch snack with a cup of coffee, and it really hit the spot. It's a rich little chocolate covered cake bar with a perfectly savory-yet-sweet peanut butter cream center. I do not use the word rich lightly, might I add, and one little cake bar was surprisingly filling. The ONLY thing I would change or suggest regarding these cake bars is the size, they come in the form of one large Kandy Bar Kake. Personally, with how rich and filling I found one bar to be, I thought it would be optimal if they were broken in half and made into two smaller Kandy Bar Kakes per package, so I could easily eat one and save one for later!

Either way, I would highly recommend these little gems for your snacking pleasure. I've only tried the Peanut Butter variety so far, but I did see the entire line in my local WaWa. I think my next victim should be the S'mores variety (I'm a sucker for some S'mores!), and I plan to devour it with a cold glass of milk!

These retail from about $1.69 for a single to $4.49 for a family pack, making them as affordable as they are delicious!

Thanks again to Influenster for allowing me the opportunity to try this product for FREE!


Check out Tastykake's entire line here: http://www.tastykake.com/

Garnier Fructis Miracle Dry Oil: Why it Works!

To delve more in depth into just how the Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Miracle Dry Oil works for your hair, face, and body, you first have to look at some of the amazingly beneficial components that make up the stuff. Being a truly innovative product, and the first of it's kind made available to mass retailers, it is made up of three different oils that each provide their own unique benefit to actually improving and making a difference in your hair and skin. 

Olive Oil

• Olive oil is well known to improve the strength and elasticity in hair. It does so by moisturizing the hair from the scalp to the ends of each strand.
• It is also rich in vitamins A, D, K, and E, as well as Polyphenols. These protect both the hair and skin from free radicals, and studies have shown they also postpone signs of aging and aid in cell repair.
• Olive oil also helps to reduce the build-up caused by the use of hair styling products; allowing you a fresh clean style every time.

Shea Oil

• High in vitamins A, E, and F, Shea Oil moisturizes the scalp and gives your hair an unbeatable shine. 
• Shea Oil is hypoallergenic and perfect for those with allergies to other moisturizers. It also does not clog pores.
• It firms skin and prevents signs of aging. 
• Shea Oil has been proven to be effective in several different types of dry skin problems. This includes, but is not limited to, cracking, rashes, and psoriasis. 
• It is also believed to cause the fading of scar tissue when used regularly in early scarring; particularly for stretch marks or acne scars.

Avocado Oil

• Avocado Oil is high in vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, as well as well as protein, lecithin and mono-unsaturated fatty acids. These components are not only second-to-none in their antioxidant properties, but also are excellent for revitalizing dry and dull skin, as well as hair, back to it's natural healthy glow.
• Avocado Oil forms a protective layer over the skin and hair, locking in moisture and keeping out damaging free radicals.
• It also helps to protect your hair and skin from the damage of UV rays. The protective barrier it creates helps to absorb some of the rays before they reach your hair and skin, protecting it from sun damage.

With these invaluable assets ready to fight off dryness, aging, toxins, cell damage, scarring, and UV rays, this dry oil IS truly miraculous. Especially with Summer right around the corner, there are no reasons to NOT have this product on hand!

Again, all of these benefits are yours with this Garnier Fructis Miracle Dry Oil, along with the convenience of being made available where you already shop!

Thanks again to Bzz Agent for allowing me the opportunity to try this product free!

#GotItFree #BzzAgent #ImABzzAgent #GarnierUSA

The Miraculous New Miracle Oil by Garnier Fructis

 

An innovative new product, and the first of it's kind to be made available to mass retailers, is the new Triple Nutrition Miracle Dry Oil by Garnier Fructis. What makes this product so different, or "miraculous" if you will, is the fact that it's fit for use on the skin of your face and body, as well as your hair. Armed with the oils of avocado, shea, and olive, the oil really does go on dry and leaves your skin and hair with a noticeably healthy glow.

After using this product for a bit over a month now, I can verify these claims. For hair, I've noticed, a TINY amount goes a loooong way! Remember, this is an oil, so don't overdo it! I have chin-length medium textured hair, which tends to fall to the limp side, and 1 pump of the spray bottle into my palm was plenty on my damp hair. The product can be used on dry hair as well, but I preferred to use it damp. After blow-drying I noticed my hair was extremely soft and incredibly shiny, although the softness did make it difficult to style normally. For skin, I preferred the texture and feel of this product to any lotions or creams I've used, and with my dry skin, I'm something of a lotion connoisseur. The greasy after-feel of a lotion wasn't there, instead I had unspeakably soft skin that really seemed to give off an incredible healthy glow. 

I did, however, notice a small downside to this product. With prolonged regular use, although it claims to be an everyday product, my skin began to have a reaction. I used the product on my legs two to three times a week for about a month and I began to get a reaction of small irritation bumps along my shins which ceased shortly after taking a break from the oil. Although, my skin can be admittedly quite sensitive and fickle, so this could very well be an isolated incident! If you have somewhat sensitive skin as well, I may suggest easing you skin into regular use of this product.

The product retails for an affordable $5.99, is available at all major retailers, and is certainly worth a try!

Big thanks to Buzz Agent for allowing me the opportunity to try this product free! Interested in becoming a Buzz Agent? Head on over to BzzAgent

Want more info on the Miracle Oil and other great Garnier products? Take a visit to Garnier USA

#GotItFree #BzzAgent #ImABzzAgent #GarnierUSA