Review: Kiss Everlasting French Manicure

As part of my Influenster SpringVoxBox I received the Kiss Everlasting French Manicure for free!

I have tried one Kiss product before (the gradation polish set) and liked it so I was looking forward to testing these babies out. I was actually so excited to get started I forgot to take pictures, so I had to go back and re-create a few shots.

I prepared my nails as instructed, using a polish remover to clean them of any polish or oil. (I did not use an acetone remover as directed though. Just too harsh for my nails.) Then used the included file and manicure stick to file my nails and push back my cuticles.

Then came the fun part: sorting through all the nail sizes to find the best fit! I was lucky and found five sizes that fit my nails, but these can be filed down if you need to tweak the size. I was impressed by how many sizes (14, I think?) were included.

Once my sizes were picked out, I lined them up in the order I would be applying and got to work. Using the included pink gel, I applied a thin layer to both my natural nail and the Kiss nail. Holding the handy dandy tab on the Kiss nail, I lined the nail up with my cuticle and applied it to my natural nail. Then I held it firmly for about 30 seconds before wiping off any excess gel. Once applied, the tab is really easy to bend down and twist off. It leaves nothing behind but a beautiful French manicure. 

And the final look:

The final step is to apply a top coat for added shine and design protection. This is especially recommend if you filed down the Kiss nail at all. 

All-in-all, an easy and affordable way to have a salon quality look. I will definitely be trying more Kiss products in the future. What do you think of the Kiss Everlasting French manicure set? Has anyone else tried one?

Influenster: Spring Fling Vox Box

In April I joined influenster after seeing some posts about it on Instagram. The gist is I complete badges to share products on social media. Then a lucky few qualify for free items, such as the vox box. 

I unlocked a few badges, but since my overall impact score was fairly low I didn't think I would be chosen for any free goodies. Then lo and behold I received an email that the Spring Fling Vox Box was on its way. It arrived today.

Much like monthly subscription boxes an informational card was included.

Product details on the back:

And now for the goodies...

Rimmel London

Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara

$5.99

"The 60s are back in full swing with a thicker, fuller, wide-eyed look! Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara brings you a bold, wide-eyed look, fanned out volume, and no clumps for lashes that are up, out, and over the top! Ready to go retro? Show us your retro look using #ModMonday and visit RimmelModcasts.com, your source for everything retro!"

This is seriously the biggest mascara ever. I Iike the packaging and am looking forward to testing it out. My birthday is this weekend, so I may have to use it to create a fun retro glam look.

Kiss

Everlasting French Nails

$6.49

"The ultimate French manicure that never chips-guaranteed. Rich, white smile line looks like you just left the salon; file to any shape with no tip wear. Available in Flat and Regular nail arches with Flex-Fit Texhnology to ensure ultra-comfort and a perfect fit! Available at Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, Kmart, Rite-Aid, & Target"

I've tried one Kiss product before, the gradient nails, and liked it so I was excited to see this kit included in the box. I couldn't wait and immediately put them on my nails. The kit included a lot of different sizes, so it was easy to find five that fit my nails. I like the end result.

The instructions recommended using a top coat, but I skipped that. I think they look fine as is. 

Labor Day Movie

Peach Pie Air Freshener 

"Kate Winslet & Josh Brolin star in Labor Day from Academy Award-nominated director Jason Reitman. Enjoy this sweet treat from Paramount Pictures in honor of the home entertainment release of Labor Day, available now on Blu-ray, DVD & Digital HD for $19.99 (Average Retail Value: $39.99)."

I loved this movie, and think this was a cute tie in. The smell is strong, and since I am sensitive to scents I won't be hanging this in my car. If you haven't seen the film yet go check it out. Fantastic acting. 

Playtex

Sport Fresh Balance

$3.99 - $4.99

"Introducing NEW Playtex Sport Fresh Balance with Odor Shield Technology. It's designed to neutralize odors for ultimate freshness on and off the field. Combined with a 360 degree design for Sport Level Protection, you can go the distance. Play on."

I'm not one for sports, but it is always handy to have a stock of these types of products on hand.

NIVEA

Skin Firming Hydration Lotion

$2.49 for 2.5oz / $10.99 for 13.5oz

"Get your skin ready for warm weather with NIVEA Skin Firming Hydration Lotion. In as little as 2 weeks, you'll see firmer, more toned skin!"

I like the NIVEA brand, and am looking forward to testing this out. Who doesn't want firmer, toned skin?!

Summary: I thought this was a good box of products. Some people also received a Softlips Cube, so I am bummed I wasn't one. The Kiss nails and Rimmel London mascara are my favorite items, and I love that Influenster teamed up with Paramount Pictures to feature Labor Day. I have completed more badge tasks, so fingers crossed for more complementary items to test and review in the future. 

Love with Food: May 2014

I signed up for Love with Food last month during a promotion: first box for $2. The monthly subscription price is $12. Today my first box arrived!

First look:

The theme of this box is Derby Days. I love the card artwork. So cute.

The backside has the list of food items. I was impressed so many items could fit in the box. 

Another info card promoted the new marketplace where one can purchase more yummy goodness. I like that the derby theme carried over to this card.

The back of the card has info on earning review points.

Finally, a third card had info on referring friends and family:

On to the food!

Revolution Tea

Southern Derby Sample Pack - Honeybush Caramel Herbal, Tropical Green, and Southern Mint Herbal teas

Sample size: 3 pouches

"These flavorful full-leaf teas are made with select herbs, real fruit pieces, essential oils and all natural flavors." 

Again, love the derby theme. I also love this brand, but haven't tried any of these flavors before. All are caffeine free, so I may keep them at home for evening tea drinking rather then taking them to work. 

Honeybush Caramel: The South African herb, Rooibos, provides more antioxidants than green tea and gives this blend its soothing properties. Enjoy Honeybush Caramel as a caffeine-free evening treat.

Tropical: Revolution Tea's Tropical Green is a natural blend of Dragonwell green tea, Young Hyson and pineapple flavoring. Rich in flavor, this award-winning tea will convert anyone to the wonders of green tea.

Southern Mint: Southern Mint is a delightful version if the traditional English mint tea. This herbal drink, made from Egyptian mint leaves, has soothing properties and can help combat headaches and aid in digestion.

An offer for BOGO was included. I will be taking full advantage of that!

Terre di Puglia

Tarallino Snack with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Sample size: 1.4 oz

"The Kentucky Derby was first raced in 1875, but Italian Tarelli has been around much longer; 6 simple ingredients add up to a snack that pairs great with any beverage."

These snacks are a product of Italy, and look mighty tasty. I will be enjoying these with my lunch on day this week.

Flavrz Organic

Drink Mix - Tropical Peach

Sample size: 1 fl oz

"Speaking of beverages, add a southern flair to your daily water intake with this peach water enhancer - it's organic, it's non-GMO, and it will change your outlook in hydration."

I usually don't go in for water enhancers because I love the refreshingness of just plain 'ol h2o. That said, I love peach. I'll also be bringing this item to work this week. Depending on the level of taste desired, the instructions recommend: 

-Sweet: mix with 12oz of water

-Light: mix with 16oz of water

-Flavored water: mix with 20oz of water

I might start sweet and add more water to test how each level tastes. I suspect I will prefer the "flavored water" level best. 

One Potato Two Potato

Sweet Potato Chips

Sample size: 2oz

"Packed with beta-carotene and vitamin A, these non-GMO sweet potato chips will have you cheering!"

I love the design. The potato guys are so cute! These also look delicious. I am seriously tempted to dig in and devour the bag right now. I will restrain myself and save them for lunch next week. 

Le Caramel

Sea Salt Caramel

Sample size: 3 caramels

"Whoa! Let these caramels slowly melt in your mouth to best savor the perfect combination of caramel and salt."

OMG these sound delicious. Again, I am practicing restraint. I am to save these for special moments when I need a sweet treat.

J&M

Key Lime Cookies

Sample size: 1.5 oz

"Made with only the best ingredients, these tea cookies strike the perfect balance between tart and sweet."

Key lime flavored desserts can be hit or miss for me, but I think these cookies will be a win. J&M also included an offer for 20% off online orders through June 30.

Thoughtful Food

Giddy Up & Go Granola

Sample size: 1.5 oz

"Start your day on the right hoof with this gluten-free granola...and you're off!"

This looks delicious and will make a fabulous breakfast mixed into some Greek yogurt. They also included a coupon for $0.75 off.

The Spice Lab

Hickory Smoked Sea Salt

Sample size: unknown 

"A true taste of the south, this sea salt has been smoked over premium hickory hard wood to add instant smoky BBQ flavor to any dish or snack."

The Spice Lab

Indian Black Truffle Sea Salt

Sample size: unknown

"Derby divas are known for their classy hats, now you can glass up your snacks with the singularly delicious taste of prized black truffles."

Both of these salts sound tasty, but I am not entirely sure what to do with them. I am not much of a salt user. The Spice Lab also included an offer for 15% off.

There was also a random offer for Pork Clouds. I will be passing on this offer...

Summary: I think this box is a lot of fun and packed a good value. I will be trying next month's box too!

My referral link, should you wish to sign up and give me points: http://lovewithfood.com/invite?m=r&ref=Jog

Birchbox vs ipsy: May 2014

Time again for another birchbox vs ipsy match-up!

What came in my birchbox?

CōTZ sunscreen, LAQA & Co. lip pencil, Number 4 Hair Care shampoo and conditioner, Whish shave cream, and SmartyPants gummy vitamins.

What did my ipsy bag contain?

Hang Ten sunscreen, pūr-lisse moisturizer, Avène thermal water, Nailtini nail polish, and Pacific eyeshadow.

The winner: ipsy.

My ipsy bag had a problem this month: smashed Pacifica eyeshadow. I'm not holding that against them as things happen in the mail. Plus, customer service is sending me a new one. The reason I picked ipsy was for the moisturizer and the thermal water. Two products I am really excited to try. Plus, I love nail polish and look forward to trying the Pacifica product.

My birchbox was close but it didn't win because there wasn't any sample that I am really excited about. It was just a bit ho hum.

Birchbox: 1, ipsy: 4

My referral links are below, should you like to sign up and give me free points:

Birchbox:

https://www.birchbox.com/invite/hv6ks

ipsy: http://www.ipsy.com/r/4xwr

Birchbox: May 2014

This month's birchbox seemed so, so slow in comparison to last month - but it has arrived!! The packaging was switched up in honor of Kate Spade Saturday.

The exclusive offer is $25 off a purchase of $75 or more. I'll have to see if anything strikes my fancy before July 1 when the offer expires.

The theme of this month's box is: Freewheeling. 

The flip side has the info on the products in the box.

Also included was an info card on a Supergoop! giveaway. Pass.

 

Now on to the samples!

CōTZ

Face Natural Skin Tone SPF 40

Sample size: 2g (Full size: $20)

"Oil-free, mineral sunscreen that blends in sheer for a matte finish. Fifteen minutes before stepping outside, smooth a nickle-sized amount over face and neck."

Sunscreens are becoming my new BB/CC creams. I don't want, thanks. This sample is tiny too.

This is off to the swap shop.

LAQA & Co.

Sheer Lip Tube Pencil - Purple

Sample size: unknown (Full size: $18)

"Perfect for spring, this high-gloss, semi-sheer lip color glides on buttery-smooth. Swipe onto lips, and build for more pigment. Bonus: It smells minty fresh!"

Wow, it really does smell like mint. Reminds me of freshly brushed teeth. The color is bright, and wouldn't have been my first choice. I'm willing to step outside my comfort zone and give it a whirl though.

Number 4 High Performance Hair Care

Volumizing Shampoo

Sample size: 1 fl oz (Full size: $34)

"This sulfate-free, botanical-rich cleanser creates bouncy, bodacious hair. Dispense into hands and work into a lather before massaging into scalp. Rinse away."

Bonus! 

Volumizing Condition

Sample size: 0.25 fl oz (Full size: $36)

I like that birchbox threw in the conditioner sample with the shampoo one. I haven't liked any of the No. 4 products I've sampled thus far, but I am keeping an open mind about these items. I have a business trip this week, so these samples will be handy for travel. 

Whish

Shave Crave Shaving Cream - Açaí Grapefruit

Sample size: 0.75 fl oz (Full size: $20)

"A Shea butter-packed shaving cream in a fresh new scent. Apply to legs, armpits, or bikini line before you shave."

I'm excited to try this shaving cream. The scent is nice, and the timing is perfect since Seattle has been experiencing a lot of sunny days lately.

SmartyPants

All-in-One Gummy Vitamins for Adults

Sample size: 2 gummies (Full size: 30-day supply, $29.95)

"These delicious gummies provide essential nutrients without artificial flavors. Chew six vitamins for a daily dose if goodness - including omega-3 and vitamin D."

This sample is included as the lifestyle extra. I'm a bit leery of trying this product as I had a bad chewable vitamin reaction as a kid. (Sadly for my seven year old self, the Flintstone vitamins landed me in the hospital. I loved those things too.) 

Summary: I'm feeling ambivalent about this month's box. I don't love anything, but I do not really hate anything either. Except for the sunscreen, I plan to keep all the samples. That's a win, no?

Birchbox:

https://www.birchbox.com/invite/hv6ks

My referral link should you like to subscribe and give me free points.