Sparkle not Sweat: Dove Dryspray Deodorant Review

Here in New Jersey, once the month of May ends we all commence with three solid months of sweating.  I know it's natural to sweat and that it's the body's cooling system.  That doesn't mean I have to like it. Well, I hate it.  So, I've spent the better part of my adult life on the quest for the perfect deodorant.  I don't think I am asking too much. I need it to satisfy three criteria: 1. Prevent sweating (duh!); 2. Smell nice (obviously!); and 3. Not leave marks on my clothes.  Dove Dryspray comes pretty darn close to perfect.



I received some Dove Dryspray courtesy of Influenster a few weeks ago.  And I have been testing it out ever since.  Ok, I am still using it...so I guess it's not "testing" any more.  I have to admit, I was skeptical at first.  I was so surprised that Dove Dryspray is much more than just a body spray.  It actually prevents sweating and odor.



One of the reasons I stick with solid deodorants is because I don't like walking around the house with my arms above my head for 5 minutes waiting for a gel or spray deodorant to dry.  However, I also don't like changing clothes three times after I get deodorant smudges on them.  Dove Dryspray solves all of these problems.



Have you ever tried a spray deodorant?

Disclosure: I am provided this product free of charge for review purposes, but all opinions are 100% mine.

My Everyday Face with YSL Touche Eclat Neutralizer

 

Almost every lady has her "everyday face," that (even just a touch) of makeup that she never leaves home without.  Admittedly, my everyday face is a bit more complex than probably many, but I am a very complex person.  Some ladies go with just a slather of chapstick or gloss, or a sweep of blush, or a swipe of mascara.  I go with all three and then a little more.

  

Face: I rarely leave home without a slather of BB cream.  It's so much easier and quicker than foundation, but still provides coverage.  My BB of choice is Dr. Jart.  It's moisturizing and perfect for fair skin.

Undereye: I suffer from pretty horrendous undereye circles.  I think it may have something to do with the fair skin.  Lately, I have been swiping on a bit of YSL Touche Eclat Neutralizer in bisque.  It's the best for neutralizing the purple of dark circles.  It's super light, but provides full coverage.   Just check out the before and after below!  I also love the brush on pen applicator.  It makes for easy application on the go as well.  And here's a little secret, this stuff can be used all over your face to highlight: corners of the eyes, around the lips, apples of the cheeks....I am sure there are other places too!

Cheeks:  Nars Blush in Orgasm provides the perfect amount of shimmer in a color that is miraculously great on almost all skintones.  The little bit of shimmer really wakens up your face.

Eyes:  Some ladies prefer a little liner or shadow to make their eyes pop.  I rely on mascara.  My mascara of the moment is Covergirl Plumpify.

Lips:  I never leave the house without at least a little gloss.  I like a more pinkish natural shade when I am going simple with my makeup.  I love Urban Decay's Naked Gloss in Liar.

What's your everyday makeup must have?

Disclaimer: I was provided YSL touche eclat product free for review purposes, but all opinions are 100% mine,

Plumping and Glossing with CoverGirl

I am already a pretty big CoverGirl fan, but Influenster decided to test my allegiance to the brand and sent me some samples: the new oh Sugar! Lipstick and Plumpify Mascara.


I've been test driving the oh Sugar! lipstick in caramel for about a week now.  It's now firmly planted in my purse. I think "lipstick" is a misnomer for this product  It's more like a tinted balm.  I love the moisturizing texture, but it really does not have the pigment of a lipstick.  But, it's a great way to freshen up your lips on the go with a casual outfit.



As you can see, the Plumpify mascara does just what it's name says it does.  However, I think it gave me a bit of spider lashes.  Additionally, the brush is so large you can't really delicately apply it or fix a clumpy application.

So, the lipstick is a keeper, but the mascara is a bit of a dud for me.

Disclaimer: I was provided these products free of charge for review purposes via Influenster, but all opinions are 100% mine.

Pond's Wet Cleansing Towelette Review

 

Influenster recently sent me a packet of Pond's Wet Cleansing Towelettes.  This review is a little skewed because...well...I already use these wipes quite often.

  

 

Everything pictured (plus more) goes on my face everyday.  It takes quite a bit of time, effort, and product to look like a put-together human woman everyday.  As an eye makeup addict, soap and water just doesn't cut it for me.  I was noticing remnants of black eyeliner every morning and having to really scrub around my eyes.  This is no good for my aging under eyes.  Rubbing tears the delicate under eye skin and leads to more wrinkles. I would like to delay this inevitable aging process.  So, I need a gentler method to remove my raccoon eyes.    

With 2 to 3 gentle swipes, my black eye makeup is removed without unnecessarily irritating my under eyes. The cloths are pretty soft and also create a bit of a soothing lather.

I highly recommend them for all eye makeup addicts!

Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Look What I Got: Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs

A more appropriate title for this post could be #palegirlproblems.  My legs (and feet for that matter) are ghostly white and vein-y.  I know, I am creating such a lovely picture.  The starkness of my legs becomes all the more obvious in the summer when I don bright colored dresses...and the entire population of New Jersey bronzes to perfection.  So, I typically fake it.  I've tried spray tans, self-tanners, pretty much any type of fake tan.  All have their flaws...fake orange tint, patchy fading, general messiness.

Recently, I tried out Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs lotion.  There were many many things I loved about this lotion.  It's super easy to apply.  Just put it on like you would any other lotion.  It's not super heavy coverage, so it didn't give me an unnatural color.  It was really easy to apply and didn't leave any weird patches.  It also didn't turn my hands orange and washed off my hands pretty easily.  However, that means it's not beach or sweat friendly. It was great for a night out, but I do not recommend it for a day where you'll be sweating a lot or near any water.  

So, my final verdict is that I will be using this stuff for nights out...but I am still searching for a daytime use product.

Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

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1. follow your hosts

Tara @ Penniless Socialite

Sharon @ The Tiny Heart

2. grab a button
Or link back to one of your hosts, and help us promote Look What I Got!

3. link up!
Link up your post on what you got (for cheap)!
(Please don't link up your entire blog or any posts that are not "Look What I Got"! )

We love having you link up and we will be reading all your posts! So, if you don't follow the rules and link back you'll be put in time out (i.e. we'll delete your link).

4. mix and mingle
Visit some other blogs and let them know you found them through the link up!

An InLinkz Link-up

Review: YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara

I have always been a drugstore mascara kinda gal.  But, a few weeks ago I received the YSL VoxBox from Influenster, and I have pretty much forsaken all other mascaras.  The Yves Saint Laurent MASCARA VOLUME EFFET FAUX CILS is a luxurious mascara with a false lash effect.  It's made with B5 Pro-Vitamin to strengthen and protect lashes, which also causes it not to clump.  I absolutely love it.

It's a little bit pricier than my usual drugstore mascara at $32, but it might be worth a splurge.  My lashes feel thick and healthy after using this stuff.  Seriously, even the gold tube is luxurious!

*I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Spring Fling Vox Box Review

1.   Nivea Skin Firming Hydration Body Lotion - I am a huge fan of Nivea lotions, so I am always willing to try out one of their new concoctions.  I am not a believer in skin firmers and wrinkle reducers, etc.  I just don't think there is a miracle cure out there.  However, this lotion is pretty great.  It moisturizes all day, but isn't greasy.  I highly recommend it and maybe you'll see some firming results.    
2.   Kiss Everlasting French Manicure - Who is still using press on nails?  Not me.  
3.   Rimmel ScandalEyes Mascara - I have a secret.  I only use drug store brand mascara.  I never pay more than $7 for mascara.  My favorites are always on sale at Target.  And Rimmel is no exception to my rule.  The hourglass shape of the brush fans out lashes without creating clumps.  It adds a lot of volume and length, so I don't think this is an everyday mascara.  It's fancy time mascara.
4.   Playtex Sport Fresh Balance Tampons - I've reached the pinnacle of my blogging career.  I get to talk about tampons.  I hope someone sends me a sample of stool softener to review soon.  Admittedly, I am a Playtex gal.  I actually use the Sport ones, not because I do any sort of physical activity, but because I think they provide better protection and are more comfortable.  I like these.  They have a light scent, but don't make you smell like a bathroom air freshener like some scented tampons.
5.   Blueberry Pie Air Freshener - Welp, it's an air freshener.  I think it was mostly in here to promote the movie Labor Day.  It smells nice, but I still will not see that movie.  I am not one for romantical style films.

In the Caboodle: J'Adore VoxBox Review

Another VoxBox arrived full of awesome products!  (See below if you have no idea what I am talking about).

• Boots Botanics Shine Away Iconic Clay Mask ($9.39 for full size): I don't usually swan around the house in my silk robe and face mask, but I decided to treat myself (and scare the crap out of the Scot).  First off, this stuff is a lot more watery than I anticipated.  I started off my leisurely trial by squirting brown clay goop all over the bathroom.  I guess I was expecting something thicker from a "clay mask."  So, after I cleaned up that mess, I sat for ten minutes as the clay mask dried on my face.  I will spare you the picture I took...I was even too embarrassed to post that on Instagram.  Using a little warm water and a towel, I removed the dried clay.  I was really surprised that my skin felt really smooth and my pores definitely looked smaller.  However, my skin felt a little dry.  I do not recommend this product for  people with dry skin.
• Hershey’s KISSES Milk Chocolates ($5.29): Do I really need to review Hershey's Kisses?  They are delicious little nuggets.  There, reviewed.
• Frizz Ease 3-Day Straight Flat Iron Spray ($9.99 for full size): The instructions say to spray 7-15 spritzes on damp hair and then dry and flat iron as normal.  It promises to leave your hair straight for three days. Unfortunately, the grease ball that sits on my head does not allow me to go more than 24 hours without rinsing it.  However, I can say that my hair stayed straight all day long...straighter than normal.  I didn't even get those annoying creases from putting my hair behind my ears.
• KISS Looks So Natural Lashes ($3.99): I do not wear fake eye lashes, nor will I ever.  Can all beauty sample boxes join hands and just promise to stop sending me these things?
• Red Rose Simple Indulgent Teas ($0.90 for sample received): Somehow I think Influenster is spying on me at night.  My pre-bed routine starts with a cup of tea and a single Hershey's Kiss.  Seriously, this is how I have lived everyday for the last several years (excluding times I have gone on a super diet and cut out the Hershey's Kiss...I no longer even try to diet).

What the heck is Influenster?

Influenster is a free-to-join community of trendsetters, social media masterminds, and educated consumers who live to give opinions of products and experiences.  Influenster invites its most active members to participate in exclusive VoxBox programs where members receive complimentary products to test and review. In exchange, Influenster asks members to do what they already love to do: share their opinions with their friends & followers on social media!

Full Disclosure: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Linking up with Noor's Place and Glossy Blonde

Meaningful Beauty Creme de Serum (Review)

I've never been a believer in anti-aging products.  I just don't think there is a miracle cure for aging.  But when I received Cindy Crawford's Meaningful Beauty Crème de Serum, I thought..."If it's good enough for Cindy, I might as well give it a try."  After using this product for about 2 weeks; I don't think I look "younger," but I do feel like my skin feels softer and has a nice glow when I wear the serum.  I've been wearing it without makeup and it highlights really nicely.  I guess that's all you can really ask for from a "miracle skin serum."  So, I don't look like Cindy Crawford after using this serum, but I think my complexion looks pretty darn dewy. 

And don't forget to enter my giveaway to win a Rain Caper!

Disclosure: I was provided this product free of charge by Influenster in exchange for my review.  All opinions are 100% mine.
Linking up with Noor's Place and Glossy Blonde

In the Caboodle: Spring Fever Vox Box

I am always excited when Influenster sends me a box of beauty samples.  Well, I am excited when any one sends me a box of beauty samples.  I won't lie.  I love trying new beauty products...especially when they are free.  This box was chock full of goodies.

imPress Broadway Press on Nails:  I am not a fan of press on nails.  They make me think of my mom in the 80's.  However, since this is a review, I decided to try them out.  Well, I put one on my pinky nail.  It's basically a thick plastic nail shaped sticker.  It felt weird on my nail, so a few minutes later I tried to take it off.  And I ripped the top layer of my nail off.  It appears as though press on nail technology has not improved.

Secret Outlast Clear Gel Deodorant: I'm already a Secret deodorant user, so I was pretty confident I would love this product.  And I do.  It lasts all day, just like my regular old white chalk deodorant, but I didn't have to take a mid-morning bathroom break to clean all the hidden deodorant marks on my clothes.  Yes, I am incapable of putting on clothes without getting the white deodorant streaks all over them.

Schwarzkopf Professional Osis+ Dust It Texture Powder: This is the second time I have gotten a texture and volume powder in a sample box...and I just don't see it making any difference in my hair.  

Tastykake Kandy Bar Kakes in Reese's: Ok, it's not a beauty product and it did not go in the Caboodle.  It went into my belly...immediately.  And the best part of it is that the Scot hates peanut butter, so I got this all to myself.  

NYC Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm: I really really liked this balm.  Once I got over the fact that it did not smell or taste like apples, I was able to evaluate it.  (But seriously, it's called Applelicious, it should freakin' taste or smell like the name implies).  Any way, it's really smooth and moisturizing and I really liked the subtle red color.  It's nice for a casual look because it gives a relatively natural color and doesn't have any sparkle or glitter in it.

Linking up with Anything and Everything Blog Hop, The Collective Blog Hop, Friend Connect Blog Hop

Disclosure: I was provided this box of products free of charge in exchange for my review.  All opinions are 100% mine.

This month's Supreme Whopper Sponsor is:

Influenster Vox Box Review and Link Up Announced

Don't forget to enter my October sponsor giveaway!  Earrings, makeup and a custom blog header are up for grabs!

When I got the email that I was chosen to receive Influenster's Beauty Blogger Vox Box, I may have squealed a little bit.  I love beauty products and I love free crap.  

1.   Vitabath Fragrance Mist in Dreamy Cake Frosting - The scent is a little sweet for use during the work week.  However, it's prefect for weekends and spritzing on after a shower.
2.   NYC IndividualEyes Custom Compact (for brown eyes) - I actually have hazel eyes, but I don't want to split hairs.  I love the idea of this compact.  It has primer, highlighter and all the necessary colors in one little near compact.  And the pigmentation is pretty darn good.  Unfortunately, mine broke in transit.

3. Goody Spin Pins - These seem to be pretty cool, but I have short hair.  So, I can't really provide a review.

4.   Kiss Ever Pro Lashes Starter Kit - I'm not a fake lashes gal, but I can try them out.  I wear contacts and have sensitive eyes, so I am hoping the latex-free glue won't irritate my eyes.

5.   Bath & Body Works Candle (in Black Pepper Bergamont) - I love B&B Works candles and I love the size of this candle.  It fits perfectly on the windowsill.  However, I hate the scent.  It smells like old man cologne.

6.   EBOOST - I'm not a believer in these drinks and orange flavored stuff like this usually tastes like gross medicine.

7.   Not your Mothers Kinky Moves Curl Defining Cream - I don't have curly hair, but it can be pretty wavy.  This stuff smells great and gives me nice waves without weighing down my hair like gel or hair spray.

And now for a big announcement!  I'm starting a brand new link up with the help of my buddy Sharon over at The Tiny Heart.  The link up is called LOOK WHAT I GOT!  and will celebrate great deals and cheap finds of the fashion and beauty world.  So, it's simple:
1. Write a post about a great fashion or beauty deal you've found.  It can be a $5 dress from the clearance rack at Target, some great coupon deals that you got on beauty products, a sale haul, a cheap alternative to a pricey designer item or even just an outfit post featuring some thrifty deals.  Some posts I think would be a good fit can be found here and here.

2. Come back here on Thursday, November 1st and link up!

3. Grab a Button and tell your friends! (the button will be linked to the first post of this link up and, right now, the page doesn't exist yet, so the button is not fully functional)

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*Disclaimer - Influenster sent me this box of samples to try FOR FREE.  However, I was not compensated for my opinion and all opinions are my own.