Clear Proof Acne System

I received the Clear Proof Acne System by Mary Kay free for testing and review purposes from Influenster. 

I received the following products in the box:

• Clear Proof Clarifying Cleansing Gel - apply this first to remove dirt, oil and complexion-dulling impurities.  

•  Clear Proof Blemish Control Toner - apply this next, this will help to tone the skin.

• Clear Proof Acne Treatment Gel - apply this after the toner.  This will help to prevent new pimples from forming.

•  Clear Proof Oil-Free Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin - the last step in the process.  Use this to complete the regimen, this lightweight moisturizer does not clog pores and feels soothing to irritated skin and helps improve the appearance of skin tone.

This was intended for my daughter but after talking to her dermatologist, I decided not to switch up the products she already use. Since I suffer from breakouts more now than when I was a teenager and no matter what I do I keep getting these nasty white heads on my nose, I decide to try it on myself.  I buy a lot of products to try to eliminate these issues.  The only thing that has really help has been the Aztec Clay mask, I try to do weekly.

I was a little hesitant about trying this at first because I didn't know how my skin would react.  My intentions were to try it on a Sunday so if I did have a bad reaction I would have a few days for it to clear up before having to go out.  However, my plans never turn out the way I want so I tried the system on a Wednesday afternoon.  I was pleasantly surprised by how gentle it was on my skin.  The next day, I decided that I would make this part of my nightly routine.  That way I know I am getting rid of all the environmentally impurities.

On the third day, the toner started to burn my skin.  When I woke up on the fourth day, my chin and nose looked like I had a chemical peel.  I was going to toss the system but decided to keep trying it out.  When I used it on the fourth night, the toner still burned.  After I applied the moisturizer, I decided to use my almond oil too.  On the sixth day my skin got used to the toner and only sightly burned.  Last night when I used it, I didn't have any problems.

I have only used the Clear Proof Acne System for a week yet I have notice a change in my skin.  The whitehead issue on my nose is slowly going away.  I don't have to use my blackhead/whitehead extractor everyday.  My chin area has not cleared up completely and you can see my eczema a little but it is starting to clear back up.

I will continue to use this system for the next few weeks (it says it takes at least 4 weeks to notice a change).  After the four weeks are up, I will post an update.

J'Adore VoxBox

When I received an invitation from Influenster to complete a survey to qualify for a voxbox I was super stoked.  I never hesitate to complete one of their surveys because I know if I qualify, I am in store for something good!

The box that I received was the J'Adore VoxBox.  In the box, I received the following items complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster:

 

Boots Botanics Ionic Clay Mask with Willowbark -  I have been focusing a lot on skin care lately and looking for natural ways to help improve my skin inside and out.  Lately, I've been using another clay mask on Sundays but when I received my voxbox on a Thursday I couldn't wait to try this mask.  I really liked the way it may my skin feel.  It is a great alternative to the other clay mask.  I've only used it once so far but I think I will rotate between the two.  

The boots botanics ionic clay mask retails for $9.39.

Frizz Ease 3-Day Straight Flat Iron Spray - As you all know I am a kinky chick :-) The first time I straighten my hair in over a year was last November.  I haven't had the desire to straighten since then.  So I wasn't able to try out this spray.  However, I may flat iron my hair for my sister-in-law's wedding.  If I do I will update you all on how this spray worked.  I did read some of the reviews online about this product and they were all pretty good. 

Hersey's Kisses Milk Chocolate - As soon as I saw this big family bag of kisses, I knew I had to take a few out for myself before my family devoured it.  Everyone is familiar with the Hersey brand so there really is no reason to review this.  Just go out and get you some KISSES!

Vaseline Men's Fast Absorbing Spray Moisturizer - I told my husband there was something in the box for him too but my son got to it first.  Now my son hates putting on lotion but he loves this spray.  He couldn't wait to go take a shower so he could spray on his lotion.  I don't think my husband even had a chance to use any of it.  The scent of the spray can be a little overbearing if you use to much but over all it works great.

On the card it says this spray retails for $7.99 but you can get it at Target for $5.99.

Red Rose Simply Indulgent Teas - I received 4 individual tea bags, one was lemon chiffon and the other three were creme caramel.  I am not a big fan of favored teas unless it's mint or ginger so I was a little hesitant to give these a try.  I have to admit, I still have not try the creme caramel favor yet but the lemon chiffon flavor is really good.  I would definitely purchase it in the future.

Kiss Looks So Natural Eye Lashes - I'm not a huge lashes fan but these really do look natural.  I haven't had an occasion to wear these yet but I can't wait to give them a try.  The lashes come in different styles, I received the Shy style.

I was in the mall recently and saw this young lady with a pair of fake lashes on, they were so full it looked like a fan.  I wanted to stop her and recommend this brand to her but in this day and age I didn't know how she would respond so I just kept it moving.  

Thank you again to Influenster for selecting me to review these items for free.  If you are interested in reviewing and sharing your opinion on various products from beauty to health sign up on Influenster's website, it's free to join.

Suave Family VoxBox

I received another voxbox from Influenster!  I get so excited when I get an email saying a pre-qualify for a box.  The last box I received was back in July.

The Suave Family voxbox contained three regular size suave products for each family member.  I received the following items:

Suave Professionals Moroccan Infusion Deep Conditioning Shine Mask - $3.49
Suave Kids Detangling Spray - $3.99
Suave Men Active Sport Body Wash - $2.00

As many of my readers know, I have natural hair and I try to watch what I use in my hair.  I stay away from products that contain sulfate, petroleum and mineral oil.  As I do more research I also try to avoid products with any (-)cones in it.  The Moroccan Infusions Deep Conditioning Shine Mask contains most of the ingredients I try to avoid in it.  However, I did try it and I must say I did like the product *runs and hides from the natural hair nazis*

The mask has a thick texture, which I like and it smells great.  Last week I used heat on my hair for the first time in 2 years.  The mask help with bringing moisture back to my ends that I thought may have been heat damaged.

Overall, this is a good product.  I would recommend it to those who don't really worry too much about the ingredients.  For myself, I will continue to use the mask until it runs out.  However, I most likely will not  purchase this particular Suave product.  I will stick with my Suave Natural Coconut Conditioner.

I had to test the Suave Kids Detangling Spray on my hair since my girls have locs.  The spray I received came in double dutch apple scent which smells amazing.  It did it's job in detangling my hair.  Only complaint is that it contains one of the -cones. 

My husband was not able to test the Suave Men Active Sport Body Wash as he stated suave body wash products break him out.  I used it on my 7 year old son with no problems.  We (my son and I) both like the smell of the body wash.


Thanks again to Influester for sending me these products complimentary for testing purposes.

Another box of chocolate!

I received another box of Ferrero Rocher chocolate from Influester last week.  Because of the green smoothie challenge I've been doing, I haven't eaten one.  But my sister-in-law and son have truly enjoyed this great gift.  I had to hide the last 4 just so I can make sure I can enjoy them after my challenge is over.

 

Thank you again Influenster!!!!!

Beauty Blogger VoxBox 2012

I received the the Beauty Blogger VoxBox on October 18th for free from Influenster to test out the products.

I was able to test each product except the Spin Pin, which I gave to my sister-in-law.  She loves the spin pin and said she was able to achieve the perfect bun with it.

I have used the NYC Individual Eyes Compact a few times.  I am still learning how to use eyeshadow and I like the fact that this compact had semi-instructions on how to use it.  I think I've been doing a pretty good job wearing eyeshadow.

The Not Your Mothers Smooth Moves was OK but did not work well on my hair type.  I would say it would be better on someone with fine hair.  I may have to passed this on to my sister-in-law too.

The KISS ever pro lashes, I like the length of the lashes.  The only negative I have about these is the glue, it doesn't work as well.  Or it could have been human error...ie I didn't know what I was doing lol.  I used another eyelash glue I had and were able to get the lashes on.

I put the Eboost natural energy powder in a bottle of cold water.  I took one sip and was not feeling it, I tried taking a couple of big gulps but I was not able to finish the bottle.  The taste was not to my liking.

I also received a mini candle from Bath and Body Works in a pumpkin cupcake scent.  I love love love this candle.  It was actually the first thing I tested out of the box.
s/n They also sent discount coupons for the candles.  



 

Ferrero Rocher gift

Great surprise to get a whole box of Ferrero Rocher chocolate in the mail yesterday for FREE from Influenster. 

Ferrero Rocher has some of the best chocolate!  A box of these do not last in my house. The wafer shell and the hazelnut pieces create the crunch and hazelnut cream enhances the flavor of the chocolate.

If you haven’t tried Ferrero Rocher chocolates before, you need to go out now and get some.  Go ahead it's okay to indulge once in a while. You will not regret it if you do!