PREVIEW: Influenster Sunkissed 2013 Voxbox

What a perfect way to celebrate the first day of Summer. I had almost forgot about it, so today, I was pleasantly surprised to find my Influenster Sunkissed VoxBox waiting for me.  This is my 5th or 6th VoxBox I've received and they always have at least 1 or 2 products that I am really excited to try. This box did not disappoint. If you are not familiar with Influenster, I will have a link to a previous blog post listed at the close that will better explain and also explain how you too can join.

Now on to the contents of this Sunkissed VoxBox. As with every VoxBox, it came with a note card explaining each product enclosed along with the full-size retail price.

The first product is the Dr. Scholl's For Her High Heel Insoles. They retail $10.99 and are available where ever Dr. Scholl's products are sold. Every Sunday while in church, I've noticed that heels are reaching for the sky, so if these insoles deliver what they promise, there should be a lot of less sore feet. I will definitely have to give them a try.

Next is Olay Fresh Effect {BB Cream!} Skin Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15.  It retails for $12.99.  Just this morning I reminded myself that I needed to use a moisturizer with SPF. While the shade of the product I received is not close to my skin tone  I can still use it as a primer.  It currently only comes in two shades: fair/light and light/medium; I hope they will eventually release a greater range of colors.

Of course I would be excited about this next product. Also included was this SinfulShine with Gel Tech. It retails $2.99 a bottle and is exclusive to Walgreens.  I've seen the SinfulShine display, but hadn't purchased any yet. So here is my chance to give them a try.  I received a Yours Truly, a soft pink. This line come in 32 shades. Until receiving this SunKissed VoxBox and the included knowledge, I didn't realize that the line was a limited edition.

Lastly, is a product I was just looking at last week. Also included was a pack of the Goody Ouchless Ribbon Elastics. They retail $3.99-$4.99.  I was in Walgreens recently and was looking at these. I'm glad I held off. Now I can try them free. Especially during warmer months I tend to bun my hair more often. And I love the color, they are very business friendly. These will definitely be put to good use.

I am really happy with the contents of the Influenster Sunkissed 2013 Voxbox and can't wait to give these products a try.  Now if you are not familiar with Influenster, click HERE for more details.

If you aren't already enrolled in Influenster, you should really look into requesting an invite. Each member is initially given 5 invites to give out to friends and family.  I have 3 more invites available. And the first three requests I receive, I will freely give an invite.  Just send me a request and provide your email address. #SunVoxBox #Ouchless #SinfulShine #DrSchollsStrut @GoodyHair @FreshEffects @SinfulColors_NP 

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

DISCLOSURE: I received these products as part of my Influenster VoxBox.  I was under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company.

PR: Do you ever allow your nails "breathe"?

 INGLOT Launches 16 New Shades of O2M Nail Enamel

Whether you have followed me through my blog, Twitter, Facebook, or on Instagram, for any period of time, you know that I am a long time polish wearer. Over the years, I have often heard people talk about "allowing their nails to breathe".  That has never been a part of my nail regimen.  I have, however, often wondered if the nutrients in my nail care products were absorbing into my nails through the nail polish.

Well now it would seem that INGLOT has come up with a possible solution. The O2M’s unique formulation is revolutionizing nail beauty through its breathable formula.  The breathable nail enamel allows oxygen and water to pass through the enamel to the nails surface.  The oxygenation ensures better health care for nails whilst enhancing their beauty.  

O2M Nail Enamels do not include toluene, formaldehyde, DBP, or camphor. Use with INGLOT’s O2M Breathable Base and O2M Breathable Top Coat.

INGLOT O2M Nail Enamel ($14.00) is now available on INGLOTUSA.com and INGLOT Boutique Locations: NYC, Las Vegas, Miami, Newport Beach, New Jersey and select Macy’s Department Stores.  For additional information and store locations, visit inglotcosmetics.com. 

This sounds like an interesting formulation. And like something I will have to look into.  Do you take time to "allow your nails to breathe"?  

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

SWEEPSTAKES: June Barielle Sweepstakes including 2 Summer Collections

Due to the great success of their May Sweepstakes, Barielle has decided to hold another one in June and possibly July as well. The June Sweepstakes will start on June 10th and end on June 30th. There will be 10 Barielle prize packs given out and one Grand Prize which will include a DKNY Blue Leather Handbag and the prize pack, (RSP of $175)

The Barielle Prize Pack will consist of: 

• Two of the Summer Collections 5 Packs (Brilliant Colors and Summer Brights) - $50
• One Nail Rebuilding Protein Base Coat - $17.50
• One No Chip Speed Dry Top Coat - $12.50
• One Nail Strengthener Cream - $17.00

Total value of $97.00

The Grand Prize will include the fashion accessory plus the Barielle Kit.  So mark your calendar, starting Monday, June 10, 2013, you can enter the Barielle Sweepstakes by clicking on the Sweepstake tab on the Barielle Facebook page, HERE.

Don't miss this great opportunity to win some great products.

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

*Shades of Beauty, Inc is in no way affiliated with this Sweepstakes. I am just sharing the information.

The Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser Challenge Results and Giveaway Winners

Last week I posted that I was given the opportunity to participate in the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser Challenge.  I went into this challenge looking for a drugstore facial cleanser that would parallel or surpass my current facial cleanser, Philosophy Purity.  As I mentioned previously, I had been using Purity for many years and used it as my gold standard when trying other cleansers. I have tried other products that promised to remove my make-up, leave my skin moisturized and hydrated, all the while being gentle to my skin.  They have all fallen short of my expectations and resulted in my returning to Purity. Neutrogena is a brand well known for its many skin care products; and I will admit, I have tried some Neutrogena products that I liked and some I did not like. So I went into this challenge with no definite expectations.

Neutrogena Claims:

• to remove 99 percent of excess oil, dirt and even makeup,
• preserving the skin’s delicate moisture barrier,
• easily rinses away, leaving behind no residue, for skin that always feels refreshed, never tight or dry,
• perfect prep step for anti-aging and acne treatments,
• Soap-Free, Dye-Free, Hypoallergenic, won't clog pores,
• developed to cleanse sensitive skin,
• no added soaps, dyes, sulphates, and parabens.

 My experience:

• As with all my cleansers, I used the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser with my Clarisonic.
• First impression, the scent is clean and non-offensive.
• I appreciated the clear formulation. I equate this with the non-existence of irritating dyes and other chemicals.
• For a true comparison to my Purity, for my first use of the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser, I used it with a full face a make-up. It matched the results I achieved with Purity, the only short-fall was that unlike the Purity, if the Neutrogena got into my eyes, it stung. But I can live with that by keeping my eyes closed.  
• After rinsing my face, there was a little of the waterproof eye make-up left but not a lot. 
• My skin felt clean, soft and hydrated. There were a couple of occasions that my skin felt so hydrated that while applying my make-up I actually forgot to apply my moisturizer.  None of that "skin too tight" feeling. 
• So after a week of using Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser, my opinion is I very well may have found the product I was looking for. Remember, I was looking for a drugstore product to replace my higher priced department store cleanser. 
• I will continue to use it for an extended usage review. 
• Also, ounce for ounce, the Neutrogena is the better priced item. 

Now on to the giveaway...Neutrogena was gracious enough to provide for three individuals a full-sized bottle of Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser.  They will each receive a bottle so that they can do their own Challenge and take the Challenge Assessment.  Even if you didn't win, you can still participate in the Challenge. Simply click HERE to get started.  Thanks to everyone that entered. If you didn't win this time, no worries, I look forward to future giveaways.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

* These products were provided by the representing PR firm. These however are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by this company.