Sally Hansen's Fanta-sea

In my Violet Vox Box from Influenster, I got this pretty nail polish.  It is the Sally Hansen Triple Shine nail polish in the color Fanta-Sea.  #tripleshine.

It has a good formula and the brush is VERY wide.  It worked well with the glitter.  I used three coats since I just used this polish on it's own.  I think 2 coats would look good over an opaque polish.  The glitter is small, but it sure is pretty and shimmery.  I cannot vouch for the 'shine' that this polish claims because it is glitter and it is already shiny on it's own.  I think with a non-glitter, the shine effect would be easier to see.  Overall, I'm happy to add this to my collection.   I might have to wear this for New Years Eve tonight!

Have you tried any polishes from this line?  What do you think?

-polish. impress. repeat.

Violet Vox Box

Well, it's been a little while since I've posted anything.  I've been busy doing other things this year, but this is a well worth reason to post again.  I received the Violet Vox Box courtesy of Influenster.  It looks like this box is geared more towards an active/healthy lifestyle, and I like that.  Here's all of what Influenster was so kind to send me for sampling:

 

 

 First is the Goody Athletique Headbands.  This is a cute little headband to keep your flyaways out of your face when working out and keep a little control on keeping less sweat from dripping down your face.

Next, is this fun sparkly Sally Hansen Triple Shine nail polish.  It is in the color Fanta-sea.  It is supposed to remain super shiny, even after activities like working out.

Next, is a Soyjoy bar in the flavor dark chocolate cherry.  I've tried a few of these and really liked them and I love the combination of cherry and chocolate, so I'm sure I'll love this.  It is made with soy, fruit, and other natural ingredients and is gluten and GMO free.

A few lucky influensters recieved some bonus items, and I got two!  Here is one of them.  It is is fabric clay mask from Montagne Jeunessse Clay Spas.  This is the Glacial Clay Spa mask.  I've never used one of these, so I'm interested to try it out!

Last. but not least, this is the Not Your Mother's Clean Freak dry shampoo.  I'm picky about dry shampoos, so we shall see if this one does the job well.  This is great for when you don't have time to wash your hair and just need a quick pick up.

Disclaimer:  All of these products were sent to me from Influenster for sampling. 

-polish. impress. repeat.

August 2013 Ipsy Bag

I am very delayed in posting this, but my bag also took like what seemed forever to get to me.  I am happy with this month's bag!  The theme is 'Glamour Academy' which is ironically very close to Birchbox's that was 'Finishing School'. 

I have decided I like Birchbox's cards better.  They tell you specifically what products you are getting, what they are, how to use them, and their prices.  Plus, they give a nice description and explanation to their theme.  Ipsy just gives you brands and their sales, but you don't receive the coupon codes until later in the month anyways.  Some of these brands, you don't even get in your bag.

They have teamed up with benefit to have Ipsy members host a Lash Bash party.  I entered a while ago, and that would be neat to win and invite friends over.

I am most excited about this product.  It is Michael Todd's Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub.  I have heard amazing things about Michael Todd products.  The other product you could have gotten was a pumpkin one and I LOOOOVE pumpkin, but I've always wanted to try a charcoal product too because they pull all that nasty stuff out of your skin.

 Next is shimmer powder in Bronze by Mica.  I have never heard of this brand before.  I don't really use loose powders, so I'll probably give this away.  I swatched it and it is pretty, but I have others that are similar that aren't loose.

 I haven't tried much of anything from this brand, but I know they sell it at Target.  This is the Lash Booster Mascara from Pixi in Blackest Black.  I always love to try new mascara's so we'll see how this one holds up.  I don't think it is waterproof, which makes me very sad.

This is a Multi-Mineral BB Cream from Pacifica.  Again, a brand I've never heard of before.  I wonder if this is one of the wannabe BB creams, or whether it is the real stuff.

Last is the Revolution Lipstick in Anarchy by Urban Decay.  I want to be really excited for this product, but I'm not.  I think when makeup is sent out, that it needs to be in colors that are more 'user friendly'/ neutral.  This is a super bright fuchsia color and after getting so many of these colors from Birchbox and never wearing them because they are too bold, I was sad to see yet another color I probably won't wear.  The little lipstick is so cute though!

This month's bag is not very cute.  I will not be using this. 

Overall, this month with Ipsy was good.  Aside from the ugly bag, the super long delivery wait, and the crazy lipstick color, I liked it.  What did you all think of your bags? 

-polish. impress. repeat.

Birchbox: August 2013 - Finishing School

I'm probably the last person on the planet to post their August Birchbox, but I've been preoccupied.  My deepest apologies.  This month's Birchbox theme is 'Finishing School'.  Not like the end of the year finishing, but the finishing school where girls used to go to learn how to be proper and elegant.  This box was a 6 on a scale of 10.  Let's jump in!

 The first thing on my card was Arangara "SHOWER GEL".  Notice this isn't shower gel, it is body lotion.  I'd prefer a body lotion anyways, so it wasn't a big deal to me.  I didn't know if they sent me the wrong item or if it was a typo.  Indeed it was a typo after confirmation from Birchbox's customer service.  Olive and rose are two scents I don't really enjoy, but if this lotion is amazing, I can deal with the scent.

Next is the Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation  by  Becca.  This is the most disappointing product I have received in a very long time.  This colors are wayyyy to dark for my skin color.  I can't even use ONE of them.  I'll be giving this away.  It seems great though; it is lightweight and it brightens, perfects, and soothes.

This is the Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner by Mally Beauty in the color Sailor.  This is the product I am most excited to use.  It is a pencil eyeliner which I love.  It is in a stunning dark blue AND it is waterproof!  Yay!  This will be a nice alternative to my staple black liner.

This is 100% Organic Argan Oil by Violet Oasis.  I always get disappointed when I get oils in these tiny samples, but they actually last quite a while.  A little goes a long way.  I am excited because I have never used pure Moroccan oil before.  This stuff is great for skin and hair to smooth and nourish.

Lastly, this was my "Beauty Extra".  I don't know why it is an 'extra' and not just part of the box...  Anyways, this is Creme de la Creme Conditioner by Miss Jessie's Original.  I'm assuming this was also a typo because it says on my card that I was to be getting Shampoo.  I can understand ONE typo, but two out of 5 products...  Anyways, I love a good conditioner, so I'm not too upset.


I haven't ever had this many errors with Birchbox, but they weren't HUGE errors.  I'm still a Birchbox lover and I think it is a great way to try out new products.  If you are interested in joining, it is $10 a month and you can click here to sign up.

If you are a subscriber, what are you liking most from your August box?

-polish. impress. repeat.

Essie - The Girls Are Out

Sorry again for the long hiatus.  I'm back with a few posts for you all.  This is "The Girls Are Out" from Essie's Naughty Nautical Summer 2013 collection.  It is a bright fuchsia with bits of tiny silver glitter.  It is gorgeous.  I used two coats here and the formula was good.

I will say that this collection was a nice summer alternative to my beloved neons.

Now that summer is ending, what has been your favorite summer polish?

-polish. impress. repeat.

Influenster Slim-Fast Strawberries ’N’ Cream Shake Box

I've been on vacation and so I haven't posted anything in a while.  While I was gone, I was selected to get another box from Influenster.  It is food and I know this isn't a food blog, but I thought I'd share this with you all anyways.

 In my box I got a bottle of Strawberries and Cream Slim Fast, drink recipe cards, and a plastic martini glass.  The recipe cards have mocktail recipes on one side and the alcoholic version of it on the reverse side.  Considering I only have the Strawberries and Cream flavor, I can't use all the other recipe cards that use the other flavors.

I've never done a Slim Fast diet, and I don't plan on starting one any time soon.  I'm doing well with exercise and eating healthier currently and I don't think I need to put Slim Fast in my diet.

I made my own version of their Strawberry Colada mocktail.  I use a little of the slim fast shake, some frozen strawberries, ice, and a pina colada mixer.  It was pretty good.

Have any of you ever tried Slim Fast?  What has your experience been like?

-polish. impress. repeat.


****This post was created in connection with my appointment as a SlimFast Ambassador.