Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Influenster Report: J’adore VoxBox

A couple of months ago, Ruth of Captain America and His English Rose and Shecki of Greatly Blessed encouraged their fellow West Coast Christian Bloggers to sign up for Influenster, an online community that features a gaggle of consumer product reviews. I decided to check it out, and recently received a pink J’adore VoxBox filled with Valentine’s Day goodies – a tad bit late – to critique. Below you’ll find my initial thoughts, uninfluenced by the fact that I received the products for free. Note: The pictures are from and linked to Amazon.com

Boots Botanics Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask
On a “girl’s night in,” one of my sisters and I covered our faces in this suspiciously-colored face mask. I dried my face after cleansing it, so the mask hardened while I was still spreading it on. My sister, the more experienced face mask user, left hers wet, so the mask spread on easily. Liked the results: Both of us felt that our faces seemed tighter (in a good way) immediately and also the next morning! Planning on using again soon.
Check it out: Influenster, Boots, Target

Hershey’s Kisses Milk Chocolates
Can you believe it? A free bag of one of my favorite childhood candies! Tasted pretty much the same as I remembered. The red, pink, and silver wrappers were all emptied within 48 hours. Wonder if the next box contains a diet supplement…
Check it out: Amazon, Influenster, Hershey’s

Frizz Ease 3-Day Straight Flat Iron Spray
Had to time a couple of test runs with my hair maintenance schedule. I’m not used to spraying anything on my hair, so my aim was off, and I got a bit in my eyes a few times. (Probably ruined my contacts!) I was pleasantly surprised, however, when my flat-ironed hair withstood getting caught in some light rain the next day, and no sign of frizz later on despite the high humidity. Unfortunately, another test run failed a week later during a Spring Break stay at a beach-side Monterey resort. On the fence.
Check it out: Influenster, John Frieda, Target

Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes
Fake eyelashes? You’ve got to be kidding me. Influenster made me complete at least three beauty survey questions about my preferences on this, and I thought I made it clear that I don’t wear them and won’t wear them. So much for tailoring the boxes to the consumer. At least Google search results suggest that this is a quality brand. The box says that it’s the “tapered end lash” gives the pair a softer, more natural look. So if Bambi eyes is something you’re after, consider giving Looks So Natural a try.
Check it out: Amazon, Influenster, Kiss, BeautyOnlineSupply.com (25% off discount code KISSLSN until 3/31/14)




Red Rose Simply Indulgent Teas
For a warmer winter experience, Influenster packed up four bags of Red Rose Simply Indulgent Teas in Crème Caramel and Lemon Chiffon. Red Rose also offers Cinnamon Streusel and Peach Cobbler. I’m not a fan of these dessert-flavored teas because my taste buds expect them to taste just like they smell: like dessert. However, my tea-loving husband and sister really liked them, so I’ll put the six coupons included to good use.
Check it out: Amazon (Crème Caramel, Lemon Chiffon, Cinnamon Streusel), Influenster, Red Rose




Vaseline Men Spray Lotion Fast Absorbing
Influenster sent me a “for men only” product, which my husband and brother-in-law graciously tried out and gave me their opinions on. The product has a nice masculine smell reminiscent of Axe deodorant. Surprise: The spray can made a cool – “laser” was the word used – sound when activated. Downsides: The spray-on is supposed to be more convenient, but it still has to be rubbed in. Also the labeling was generic (i.e., boring). Worth the tryout for guys who prefer to use lotion, but probably won’t convert those who don’t care to lather it on.
Check it out: Amazon, Influenster, Vaseline, Target

Want an Influenster box of your own? Join here. Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.