Check Out My Violet Voxbox!

Influenster has delivered once again!  This time, I was lucky enough to receive the Violet Voxbox, a beauty-themed box based on the "moody florals" of fall.  I'm thrilled to be a part of this program, and I can't wait to test out all of the products!  Let's take a look at what's inside:

Sally Hansen Triple Shine Nail Polish in Red Snapper:  I've actually already tried this one out and have a blog post planned for the near future.  It covers evenly in one coat and dries with a beautiful shine.  I will definitely be looking into other shades in the range!

Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo:  Another one that I've already used and love!  It's great for anyone like me who doesn't wash their hair every day due to what I like to call "textural issues," but still wants to keep their hair looking fresh.  Also fabulous if you don't have time to shampoo right after a workout!


SOYJOY bar in Cranberry:  Yep, I already ate it.  And it was awesome.  It reminded me of a cranberry scone... Only healthier!  I can't wait to try all of the flavors.  I definitely recommend this one, even if you don't like soy products.  You can't even tell that it's supposed to be good for you!




Goody Athletique Reversible Quickdry Headband:  This is going to be one of those products that ends up being an absolute lifesaver during rehearsals and workouts.  It wicks sweat away to help keep it out of your eyes and eliminates the need to constantly wipe your forehead.  It's also very stylish, with several different colors available and a reversible design that lets you customize your look!


Montagne Jeunesse Clay Spas Mask:  I've used other Montagne Jeunesse masks before and loved them, but haven't ever gotten the chance to use one of the Clay Spas masks.  I'm so excited to pamper myself a little with this!

Keep checking back for more posts about these products, which I know are all going to be worthwhile! Have you used any of these products or did you get a Violet Voxbox?  Let me know in the comments!

A Look at the Studio Gear Cosmetics Holiday Smoky Eye Palette

**Get it here!  Use code SGHOLIDAY for 10% off!**

I was lucky enough to be chosen through BrandBacker to receive the new Studio Gear Cosmetics Holiday Smoky Eye Palette, just in time for the holiday season!  This palette is full of gorgeous shimmery shades to add a little sparkle to any holiday look.  

The first thing I noticed is that the packaging is lovely.  The outer sleeve is elegant and reminiscent of winter lights, and the actual product packaging is slim, sleek, and durable.  Beginners should also take note--this palette includes an instruction panel on the inside that teaches you how to achieve a perfect smoky eye for yourself!

The palette includes four eyeshadow shades and one blush shade.  The blush is a pretty and flattering peachy pink that will bring a natural flush of color to any face.  The four eyeshadow shades can be worn separately or combined together to create a stunning smoky look.  The palette’s frost shade is a sheer shimmery white (perfect for a snowy holiday look) that can be used all over the lid or as a highlighter.  The silver shade in the palette is the most pigmented, and probably my favorite of the bunch.  It is a sultry, shimmery shade that glides on effortlessly and will compliment every eye color.  The palette also includes a sheer gold shimmer that is beautiful as an accent color, and a smoky black with a hint of glitter for adding drama to the look.

Swatches of all palette colors without primer.  The Frost and Gold shades are pretty similar to my skin tone so they don't show up quite as well!

This is a quality palette that is versatile, easy to use, and perfect for the holidays!  With a major sale on the palette going on here (and with an additional 10% off with the code SGHOLIDAY), I see no reason to pick one up now as a gift for yourself or a friend!

Have you used this or other Studio Gear cosmetics before?  What do you think?  Let me know in the comments!

Note:  This post was sponsored by BrandBacker. The only compensation received was a free sample provided by Studio Gear Cosmetics.  

Review: BA STAR Holiday Red Lip Pencil

 

 OVERALL RATING:  9.5/10

PROS:  Incredibly easy to apply, beautiful bright red color, silky matte finish, EXTREMELY long-wearing, feels like nothing's there!

CONS:  Color will transfer slightly to other objects (e.g. cups, skin, clothing), but this will not reduce the color intensity on the lips themselves

WHERE TO BUY: BA STAR  (use code BBLIPS for a special 50% discount!)


Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to my new go-to red for the stage.

As an actor, there is almost nothing that can be more frustrating than stage makeup.  If you don't get it exactly right, it won't look good under the lights, will come off when you sweat, will break out your skin, etc.  Lip color is especially hard.  With so much talking onstage and water breaks backstage, I have never found a lip color that lasts.  I've been through drugstore brands, high end brands, and brands made specifically for the stage (I'm looking at you, Ben Nye), and no lip color has worked... Until now.

BA STAR is a brand that was created specifically for dancers, cheerleaders, and performers.  Their colors are bright and bold and sure to last, and this Holiday Red lip pencil is no exception!  It is a beautiful true red with slightly blue undertones, making it perfect for many skin tones.  The best thing about this lip pencil, though, is that it isn't just for the stage... It looks beautiful on, and you can guarantee that I'll be wearing it out!

Here's what makes this lip product so unique.  The application is precise and easy due to its pencil shape, and you can line and fill in your lips with the same product.  The real treat, however, comes in this lip pencil's sheer staying power.  While wearing this product, I ate, drank, took a nap, talked on the phone, and more.  The color didn't budge during any of these activities.  It was still just as bright and vibrant after having dinner and a glass of water as it was when I put it on.   The lip color is also tasteless, unlike some of those other icky lipsticks that taste waxy or fake.  I k
now this because in an attempt to prove that NO lip color could possibly last this long, I licked my lips furiously.  The results:  no taste, no reduction in color.  This stuff has some serious staying power.  Plus, it has a nice matte finish that you can shine up easily with a little lip gloss if you'd like, or leave as is.  You can't even feel it on your lips and will forget it's there... But other people certainly won't!

The BA STAR pencil is incredible, and I highly recommend it if you are an actor, dancer, cheerleader, other type of performer, or just someone who is sick of lip color that doesn't last.   You can usually buy this pencil for $8.75 at bastar.com, but BA STAR is giving out a special discount for beauty bloggers and their readers for 50% off!  Use the code BBLIPS to get your lip pencil today!  This one's a MUST HAVE!

Have any of you ever used BA STAR cosmetics before?  Do you plan to?  Let me know in the comments!

Note:  This post was powered by BrandBacker.  For more information, go to www.brandbacker.com

Review/GIVEAWAY: New POND's BB+ Cream

OVERALL RATING:  9.5/10

PROS:  Great coverage, blends in seamlessly with skin, moisturizing, evens skin tone, contains SPF 15, reduces dark spots over time, non-greasy, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, combines several products into one, smooth matte finish, great price

CONS:  Slightly strong scent which fades throughout the day

**Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win your own full-size POND's BB+ Cream in Medium!**

**Please take a second to vote for my video testimonial of this product here to help me win a chance to appear in an ad campaign or on Entertainment Tonight!**

Before I got my hands on the new Pond's BB+ cream, I had a very distinct image of Pond's as a brand.  For me, Pond's was synonymous with the creams and skincare products used by the adult women in my life; my grandmother, my aunts, and my mom.  Pond's was an "old lady" brand to me, so when I heard about their new BB+ Cream, I sort of shrugged it off... That is, until I got my hands on some.

I got this product for free to test out from Influenster and Pond's.  Upon opening the package, I was surprised by how cute and fun the product packaging was.  It looked sweet but still simple, and it definitely caught my attention.  I headed to my makeup station to try it out, and IMMEDIATELY fell in love.  In fact, I am so sold on this BB+ Cream that I am planning on totally ditching my $45 Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer in favor of this magic little $10 bottle!

As you can see, the BB+ Cream has some incredible color correcting power!  My skin has a tendency to get a little pink sometimes, and this evened it right out!  It also makes my pores appear smaller, and gives my skin a very subtle radiance while still looking totally natural.  One thing that I really love about it is that it doesn't conceal my freckles--it just makes them
blend in a little better!  The product smooths on perfectly and then seems to just disappear into your skin.  I've also noticed that my skin feels softer at the end of the day after using this BB+ Cream!  Another thing that I love about it is that the BB+ Cream will work with both warm and cool undertones because the pigment actually adjusts to match your skin.  It's so hard for me to find reasonably priced products for very fair skin with cool undertones, so this is a huge bonus!  I also love that this BB+ Cream can double as my foundation and moisturizer in one, so I don't have to spend as much time putting things all over my face!

Here's what POND's wants you to know about their brand new product:

• Visibly reduces the appearance of dark spots to even skin tone in two weeks
• Superior* coverage of imperfections
• Superior* visible dark spot reduction
• Superior* non-greasy feel with a matte finish
• Tone Perfecting Complex formulated with:
  • Vitamin E Acetate – an antioxidant known to protect and repair skin
  • Glycerin – helps increase hydration
• Brightens and hydrates with lightweight moisture
• SPF 15 protects against harmful UVA/UVB rays
• Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
• Reduces the number of beauty and skin care products required during a daily beauty regimen

 *POND’s® Light Shade BB+ vs. the top-selling BB Cream.

So far for me, all of this has been absolutely true!  I couldn't be more impressed with this product... And I'd like to give you a chance to try it for yourself!  Enter to win below by following the PMR Twitter and Facebook page, or earn more entries by liking my POND's BB+ video contest entry here (I'm Thespianna)!  You can enter to win starting on July 19th at midnight, and can enter every day until August 16th!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Now I think know why the older (and wiser) women in my life use POND's products and are so loyal to them.  POND's has created a fantastic BB Cream for an outstanding price, and they have certainly earned my loyalty!

POND's BB+ Cream will hit major retailers and drugstores in mid-July, and will retail for about $9.99.  Be sure you pick some up and tell me about your experience in the comments!

Video: NEW POND's BB+ Cream!

Here's a sneak peek at an awesome product I just got from Influenster... the brand new POND's BB+ Cream!  I'll be posting a full written review soon, but in the meantime be sure to watch this and get excited for this product to hit store shelves!

Also, if you like this video, please take a second to vote for me on the POND's Facebook page at http://facebook.com/PONDS!

Video Review: Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara

Today's Nails: Kiss Nail Dress in "Babydoll"

For my previous review of Kiss Nail Dress, click here!

I got this beautiful Kiss Nail Dress design in my Holiday Voxbox from Influenster, and I'm so obsessed!  They're a perfect mix of classy and funky, and I think they could go with just about anything.  Mine are a little wrinkled around the edges because I applied them hurriedly, but this wouldn't be a problem if you took your time.  They look perfect from a distance!  Check out all of the fantastic designs at the Kiss website here, and check out the reviews of other Influensters here!

Have you used Kiss Nail Dress?  What's your favorite design?  Let me know in the comments!

Review: Goody QuikStyle Paddle Brush

When I opened my Holiday Voxbox from Influenster, the Goody Quikstyle Paddle Brush was the first thing I saw... And I have to admit, I laughed!  When you first lay eyes on this nifty little brush, the design can look somewhat silly.  Trust me, though, I stopped laughing when I realized how well this brush works!

The whole point of the Goody QuikStyle line is to make going from wet hair to great style as painless and quick as possible.  As someone with a lot of hair, I know how much water it can hold after a shower.  I, personally, like to air dry my hair most of the time, which can take forever when it's as long as mine.  I have found that using this brush has not only cut down on the time it takes me to use a hairdryer, but has also made the air-drying process much faster.

Let's take a look at what makes this brush special:

The QuikStyle brush functions just like a regular brush would, but with several key differences.  First of all, those funky-looking blue things are actually tiny microfiber towels that automatically dry hair as you brush.  Neat, huh?  It's like towel-drying, but without all of the messiness and tangling you can do to your hair in the process.  Second, the brush itself is actually hollow, allowing the microfiber bristles to dry quickly and allowing for maximum ventilation when you're using a blowdryer.  Finally, I have to say that I have never used a brush that is this light before.  You know how your arm tends to get tired while you're drying your hair?  Not with this brush!  Its light design makes it easy to handle and surprisingly comfortable to use.

Goody claims that this brush removes an average of 30% of water from hair.  While I can't attest to that exact number, I can definitely tell you that it removes plenty of water from my immediately post-shower hair, making it so much easier and less time-consuming to dry!  I also love that the microfiber bristles are antimicrobial--it makes me much more at ease about sharing this brush with my friends, and I know the brush will stay fresh!

Me with my new favorite brush!

Some people may be concerned about how to clean hair that collects between the bristles out of the brush.  Goody provides easy instructions:  Just take a wide-toothed comb and run it between the bristles.  Not much of a hassle at all for the quality of the product!

Overall, I give this brush a big thumbs up. Although it may look silly, it has some serious drying power!

Check out other reviews of the Goody QuikStyle Paddle Brush from Influenster members here.  Also be sure to check out Goody's webpage here for more information about the QuikStyle line and their other innovative products.    I received this brush for free through Influenster's VoxBox program, but you can get your own for about $12.99 at most major drugstores and chain retailers in the United States!

Have you used the Goody QuikStyle Paddle Brush or any other Goody products that you've just loved?  Let me know in the comments!

Today's Nails: "Toad-Ally Amazing" from Spoiled by Wet n Wild

Hopefully you'll be able to look past my dry hands and stumpy nails to get a glimpse of this color.  It's one of my new favorites, and it's only a $2 polish!  I reviewed the texture and consistency of the Spoiled line here, so be sure to check that out as well.  "Toad-Ally Amazing" is a light teal with a hint of shimmer.  I personally think that it is more blue-toned than green, which I like, but it's definitely a true teal!  The shimmer is just barely noticeable, but gives the polish a nice, dynamic look.  I also happen to love how it almost matches my blog theme!  I'm obviously a lover of teal, and this polish is perfect for me.

Have you tried "Toad-Ally Amazing" or other polishes from the Spoiled collection?  Let me know in the comments!

My Holiday Haul

This year Santa sure delivered in a big way! I got many of the beauty items on my wish list for Christmas and have been absolutely loving them.  I wanted to give you all a preview of some of the new products that you can expect to see reviews of soon.  With the holiday madness, I've had no time to post, but I'll be getting back into the swing of things soon with some reviews of these awesome products!

What did you get as gifts this holiday season?  Any favorites?  Let me know in the comments!