Review: Influenster VoxBox

Posted on May 24, 2013 by lea

I’ve really missed my Pop Sugar Must Have boxes. So when I got a chance to review the Spring Fever VoxBox, I jumped on it! Lucky me, it showed up last week. It’s definitely not as awesome as Pop Sugar but it was still great to try some new products. So here you go…

Broadway Nails Press-on Manicure: I haven’t worn press on nails since 1989 but I was curious to see how long these would last. The box says “up to a week” but one pinky bit the dust in less than 24 hours. I’m pretty hard on my nails (I do have two horses to work) so I only made it a little over two days. The nails were much longer than I’m used to and had an annoying plastic nub on the underside which led me to fiddle with them non-stop. I even did it at night! In the end, I’m not a press-on kind of girl. If these do last up to a week under normal wear and tear then their $5.99 – $7.99 price tag beats most manicures. See a glamor shot below.
Secret Outlast Clear Deodorant: I’m not entirely sure how to review deodorant. Did I sweat while using it – yes. Did I smell after sweating – yes. It doesn’t leave white residue which is nice so I’ll keep it around for tank top season and black dress occasions.
NYC Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm: Did it smell applelicious? Yes. It added a nice, subtle amount of color to lips and cheeks. I actually liked it better as blush than lip balm and have added it to my purse make up kit.
OSiS Dust it: I was most intrigued by this product and also a little confused. I wasn’t sure how to use the product. Its a “mattifying powder that adds incredible root lift, texture and control.” So I sprinkled some on the roots and some on the tips of my hair. I did add some volume without the stickiness of wax but didn’t offer much in the way of hold. I’m going to keep playing with it though.
Tastykake Kandy Bar Kakes: Notice that this is not included in the photo? That’s because my husband ate it. Since I’m gluten free it wasn’t something I could actually try. He’s not a huge marshmallow fan so the S’more flavor was only ho-hum to him. Sorry I can’t give you any more than that.

Interested in getting your own VoxBox? You can find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster. The opinions shared are all mine.

Outfit: eShakti Tux Front Dress

Posted on March 13, 2013 by lea

I was excited when eShakti contacted me about trying their product and customization service. They were not unknown to me but I hadn’t gotten around to taking the plunge and buying one of their dresses. I’d seen other bloggers raving about them so I really can’t be certain why I’d yet to buy from them. Right about this same time, I’d realized that although red is my favorite color, I didn’t own very many red clothing items. Enter this beauty! The fit is perfect and I decided to go with the knee length version and scoop neck.

Based on their size chart I selected a 4 and it fits perfectly. And how could I forget to tell you about the pockets! I absolutely love it when dresses/skirts have pockets. They have a variety of cuts that will flatter almost any body type. This dress has a bit of a vintage feel and could be worn for work, play, a daytime wedding or perhaps in the evening with a cute cardigan.

Trust me. I haven’t sold my soul here. It really is a great dress at a reasonable price ($59.95). Plus, now through March 20 you can receive 20% off your order by using HIGHHEELS at checkout. If you are a new customer you get $25 off your first order. Pretty hard to resist, isn’t it?

Details: Tux Front Poplin A-line Dress c/o eShakti (similar) / Enzo Angionlini heels from Nordstrom

Linking up with: Pleated Poppy, Random Wednesday, Style Sessions and Whatever Whenever Wednesday.

Happy New Year (and a Review)

Posted on December 31, 2012 by lea

Happy New Year’s Eve! I hope you have fun plans and that you’ll be safe. My husband and I have a little trip planned so hopefully I have some fun pictures to share with you. I’m excited to see what adventures will be had in 2013.

Now, on to my December Pop Sugar Must Have box review. It’s a little bit late but I get to blame the holidays, right? The November box was not one of my favorites but the December box was pretty sweet (sorry, it’s a little punny).

Bodum Bistro Mugs: These claim to keep your beverages warm longer and they won’t sweat with cold beverages. A unique double glass design make them functional and pretty. Now, that’s my kind of mug. This was the first item I opened and I must say they are good mugs. Considering most of the coffee mugs in my house are some sort of promotional mug or travel mugs, it’s nice to have something more presentable.

Tea Forte: I’ve had this brand previously and really enjoy their flavor combinations. The unique packaging is fun and the beauty of the actual tea bag is amazing. It’s always a shame to throw them away once you’ve brewed your team.

Jaboneria Marianella Soap: You may notice that this is not even in the picture above. That’s because I really don’t like scented soap bars and immediately got rid of it. I swear I had six other bars in the bathroom from miscellaneous gifts over the years. They have now officially migrated to a donation bag. Just not my thing.

Pinch Provisions Kit: What a fun (and practical) idea! You would not believe how many things fit in this tiny pouch. A perfect travel companion as it takes up very little room. Plus they have them in glitter colors!

Bogdon’s Peppermint Poles: Delicious. My husband and I are both enjoying these. Sometimes as a snack. Sometimes as an after dinner treat. Yep, we’re fancy like that.

GoSwype: Nothing too exciting about a lens cleaning cloth. I keep this in the junk drawer so it’s close to my phone which is convenient but I couldn’t tell anything special about it. It claims to remove bacteria so I’ll have to take their word on that.

Rent The Runway: I was first told of this site by a friend about a year ago. Such a great idea. Instead of spending money on occasion dresses that typically only get a single use, you can rent designer looks. I haven’t yet had a reason to try the service but I know people who swear by it. I’m hoping I’ll find a reason to use the $30 gift credit soon.

I’m still enjoying the Pop Sugar box which makes it a winner over Birch Box for me. I’m still using items from past boxes. Any items that I haven’t liked are good (and generally unique) hostess gifts or fab blog giveaway items (hint: there will be another Fab Five Giveaway soon).

November Pop Sugar Must Have Review

Posted on December 2, 2012 by lea

There were a lot of complaints about last month’s box but I thought it was pretty good. But I do have to admit that this month’s box fell a little short for me. Here goes:

Mor Lip Macarons: Honestly, I didn’t try this lip gloss. I’m not a fan of lip products that you apply with your finger. It smells nice but there is no color and I just couldn’t see me using this product.
Snow & Graham Thank You Notes: You can never have too many thank you notes. I’m a big fan of hand written notes. A dying art perhaps but I find it shows a level of caring that just can’t be replicated in an email. This Dogwood design is simple but elegant.
Gorjana Parker Bracelet: A cute Fall accessory but was just not my style. I included it in the Fab Five Giveway hoping someone who really wanted it would get to enjoy it.
LA Boite Spice Mixes: Since I am not much of a cook, this is another item in this month’s box that really wasn’t useful for me.
Stonewall Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Mix: Not gluten free so not something I can try. I think this may make a good re-gift or donation item.
Yogalosophy DVD, Stylemint credit, Canvaspop discount round out the box but were not particularly appealing to me.

Here’s to hoping the Dec box is a little more to my taste. They can’t all be winners, right? Get more info on this month’s items on the Pop Sugar Must Have page.

October Pop Sugar Must Have Review

Posted on November 6, 2012 by lea

This is my third month receiving the Pop Sugar Must Have box. I love the creative combination of items that are included. This month’s box was very heavy so I couldn’t wait to see what was inside. I’m pretty sure it took exactly 30 seconds from the time I saw the mailman dropping it off to the time I had it cracked open! So here goes:

Red Flower Petal Topped Candle: I was not previously familiar with the Red Flower brand. This candle has a nice scent that’s not overpowering and includes some dried petals. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if you were supposed to light the candle with the petals left on top of the candle but to avoid a possible fire hazard, I put them in a container on a bookshelf to keep the living room smelling nice.
The Casual Vacancy: The latest book from JK Rowling was on my reading list. How great that I now have it to read (and a real hardbound version at that). I’m a little more than halfway in to the book and I keep picking it up but I do find the characters a bit smarmy and haven’t found any that I actually like. I’m curious to see where the story is going and of course the writing is good (although I know I’m missing some meaning in the British slang) but I’m not sure that at the end, I’m going to consider this a book that I’m glad I read. Let me know if you want my final review once I’m done.
Crescent Moon Socks: These socks are recommended for yoga but could also be great for bar class. But since I have an aversion to anything that resembles exercise, I think I’ll just use them for padding around the house.
OPI Pink of Hearts Duo: I LOVE free nail polish. I don’t usually own too many girlie colors but I love the barely there ‘I Think In Pink’ for everyday wear. The ‘You Glitter Be Good To Me’ can be layered on top for a more adventurous look. It combines small light pink glitter with larger fuchsia pieces for added dimension. See the result below.
Dylan’s Candy Bar Gummy Bears: Unfortunately these are not gluten free but it is nice to share some of the Pop Sugar goodies with my husband. He couldn’t wait to open this bag of gummy goodness.
Pirate’s Booty: This on the other hand is gluten free. I’ve had this product before and it is a tasty snack.
Clear Scalp Shampoo and Conditioner: These FULL SIZE bottles came at a time when I was just getting ready to buy new shampoo and conditioner. It has a sweet, slightly floral smell that to me is reminiscent of Herbal Essence. It left my hair feeling soft but to be honest, my hair really isn’t that picky about shampoo and conditioner.

You know you want in on this awesomeness so sign up!

September Pop Sugar Must Have Review

Posted on October 6, 2012 by lea

Like a giddy child, I rushed to open my September Pop Sugar Must Have box. They combine the most interesting things so I have no idea what I’m going to find inside. Once again, they didn’t disappoint. Now let’s get to the goodies:

Brokedown scarf: It’s a nice multi-tonal gray and the detail of the fringe is spectacular. It’s soft and a length that can be worn in many different ways. Perfect Fall accessory.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower book and tickets: I’ve been looking forward to seeing this movie so this will be a nice date night treat.
Rifle Paper Co’s Lined Notepad: You may not know what a geek I am about paper products but I just love notepads, pens, post-its, etc. This notepad is a very practical size and cute without being cutesy.
Benefit Cabana Glam: I’m always happy to get make-up samples. These colors are universally flattering and since it includes almost everything you need for a full face, it would be a good weekend trip companion.
Becky’s Blissful Bakery Caramels: Delicious. Simple flavor and a smooth texture. Mmmmm.
Pop-Up Pantry Dinners: Since I’m gluten free, I couldn’t try the provided sugar cookie but the idea of Pop-Up Pantry is very interesting. I’m a bit of a picky eater so I’m not sure that we’ll try this service.
Yes to Cucumbers Towelettes: This is a great travel size pack. They smell nice and left my face feeling refreshed.
Kitsch Hair Ties: With my short hair, I won’t be able to try these out. I received some similar ties to this in a Birchbox and plan to incorporate these into a giveaway – coming soon!
Tracie Martyn Skin Care discount: Unfortunately, these products are out of my price range even with the $25 gift certificate. So if you’re a fan, let me know and I’ll pass along the code.
Sweet Potato Chips: I am already a fan of these chips. Lightly salted with just a lit bit of sweetness and gluten free!
Must Have Pouch: Not so thrilled with this pouch. I couldn’t think of any uses, I’m not a fan of branded items and the quality is low. Perhaps my 12 year old self would’ve loved it but compared to the rest of the box, it was out of place.

Sad you missed out? It’s not too late to join – visit Pop Sugar Must Have today or enter for a chance to win 6 months free here.

Pop Sugar did not request this review. All opinions are mine all mine.

July Birchbox Review

Posted on July 21, 2012 by lea

Although this is my third Birchbox, I’ve just now decided to review it in detail on my blog. I guess partially because lots of people do it but also because I’ve been a little on the fence as to whether or not I’ll continue my subscription. Don’t get me wrong, my heart does a little dance when I see the box in the mail and their packing is so pretty but is that really enough? Not sure.

Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint: In June, I received the Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45+ in my Birchbox and ended up purchasing the product. By comparison, this product does not offer the same kind of coverage and isn’t as high of SPF.

Oscar de la Renta live in love: The Oscar de la Renta name is a classic but I assumed it would smell too ‘old lady like.’ Which it didn’t but it was a little too strong of a perfume for me. I put just a dab on and could still smell it several hours later. That would be a good thing if I liked the smell.

LÄRABAR® über: I was very excited that the food product in my Birchbox was gluten free. Otherwise, I would not have been able to try it. I received the Bananas Foster flavor. Texture of the product was fine but I did not enjoy the flavor. I might consider trying some of the other flavors.

Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner: Admittedly, I am no make-up artist. I am working on perfecting winged eyeliner. It is often a ego-crushing-near-tear-enducing experience. This eyeliner was easy to apply and really did last all day without smearing onto my lower lid (this always happens to me). The color is vibrant and would look great on next to a variety of eye colors.

earbuds: I can’t even begin to describe my ear issues. I DO NOT LIKE earbuds. Thinking about it makes my skin crawl (as does typing about it apprently). Sometimes, I am forced to wear them like when I travel or I’m on a long cell phone call. I imagine that some day the perfect pair will come along that doesn’t give me the heeby jeebies but these were not them. They’ve been added to my laptop bag for dire circumstances. Other than that, I can’t tell you if this is a good product or not.

boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens: Haven’t used these yet but I can’t image there is a large difference between one brand of blotting cloths and another. Can you?

Are you a Birchbox member?

High Heeled Style

Category Archives: Reviews