Maybelline FitMe Foundation Review

Last month, I got an email from Influenster that said I had been pre-qualified for the Maybelline FitMe Foundation [Matte & Poreless] voxbox! I was so excited to get to try out the very foundation I was planning on buying for freeeee! However, I was curious to see what shade they would send since they didn't ask my skintone color. The box came in record time and I was pleasantly surprised with the shade they selected for me. Creamy Beige  (122). It was much deeper than I would have thought for myself, but it worked!! Though, I did compare it to my chest coloring and found it to be a tad bit too dark, all I needed to do was spend a day in the sun to even it out. ( Just went to the beach today, so I think I'm good to go!) That's what happens when you spend all winter indoors! *LOL*

Even with the first application of the Maybelline FitMe Matte & Poreless Foundation, I couild tell that it was extremely different than the other foundations I have tried. It's a good consistency, not too fluid or too thick. It seamlessly blends into the skin... I can't even tell it's there when I look up close. I would call it medium coverage. It evened out my redness and toned down my acne scars, but didn't completely cover the darker blemishes. It lasted all day long and didn't seem slide off or have a lot of shine-thru. Paired with the powder foundation in the same line, I felt confident my skin looked perfect all day.

I was overall very impressed with this product, the price and how high end it felt. I will definitely be buying the concealer as well!

A special thanks to Influenster for providing this complimentary product to me for testing and review purposes!

Ciao!
Nellers

For so long now, I have been struggling to find the right shade of foundation that isn't too drying, too dewy or $45. I have been researching, ahem...watching YouTube videos on the best drugstore foundation for my skin type and recently discovered Maybelline FitMe Foundations. I bought the powder compact in Porcelain and discovered it was much too light for me, but worked perfectly as a setting powder on top my BB cream or tinted moisturizer. I vowed when I was serious about buying a foundation, I would look into the FitMe liquid foundations but I was still worried about the shade and tone.

Inside the Jingle Voxbox!

Hello Lovlies,

Christmas came and went and just before New Years Influenster sent me this beautiful red package, the Jingle Voxbox! Its another one of those mutli-product voxboxes that are such fun to review. 

Let's just jump right in...


 



The first thing I tried was the Kiss True Volume Lashes and the Kiss Strip Lash Adhesive with Aloe Black. I was nervous to try falsies again, but armed with YouTube videos a plenty, I think I did a pretty good job applying them.    The black adhesive was slightly daunting for a newbie like me, but I really liked the finished look. the Kiss Lashes are really easy to apply, just as long as you are patient! Do not rush the glue... let it set and get tacky before you apply them to your lids. Then lightly press, wait for them to stick before trying to blend them into your natural lashes. You can apply mascara to these lashes once they are in place, or let them be. Beautiful either way. Removal was quite easy as well. Just let a makeup wipe do the work! 

 Next up, The NYC New York Color CityProof 24hr Eye Liner in dark brown. Smooth, pigmented and definitely a "stay put" formula, this liner will define your look  all day as well as the best of them. I love that NYC consistently puts out good, inexpensive make up products. I normally buy black liners, but I really like how it makes my brown eyes pop without making my eyes look too dark. 

Looking for an inexpensive, yet good quality, US made nail polish that's also free of toluene, formaldehyde and DBP?  Pure Ice nail polish has got you covered! For less than a dollar, Pure Ice delivers a fantastic formula that is shiny, durable and quick drying. The color selection is sure to please almost every one and the price point, well like I said, you can buy a handful of them for the price of one other brand.  

Cetaphil has been my favorite face wash brand for almost 10 years now and I feel silly that I haven't tried the moisturizer until now! The non greasy formula absorbs quickly and moisturizes any dry skin, anywhere. I am particularly happy with how it is helping my poor, dry knuckles! Because it is fragrance free, I am not bothered by some synthetic perfume and for that I am grateful. This will definitely become a staple.           
         

Do you know goes great with coffee? Europeans do... it's Biscoff! I SO enjoyed trying these Biscoff cookies. Light, crunchy and a hint of cinnamon, they make the perfect compliment to any cup of coffee, tea or cocoa. They taste incredible by themselves as well, but on Pinterest it seems there are a ton of recipes using the cookies. I think I might have to investigate this matter... for my taste buds sake. :)

When I was pregnant with both of my boys, I could really only keep down carbs. I craved and lived off of tater tots. Ore-Ida has made amazing potato products since 1952, so I think they know a thing or two! I made my go to tater tot favorite recipe: 

scrambled eggs, seasoned black beans, sharp cheddar, salsa on top Ore-Ida mini tots. Its like a miracle in your mouth. :) If you want to turn your "totchos" into a breakfast burrito, all you need to do is add a tortilla.
Perfectly crispy and seasoned, Ore-Ida tots are excellent on their own as well as in a recipe. The instructions are easy to follow so you are sure to never have a soggy tot. :)

Last, but never least comes this adorable little fella from itty bittys and Hallmark. This cute little Spiderman is a plush stuffy on the top, but stands on his own thanks to his bean bag type bottom. Perfect size for little hands or as decoration to your desk or work area.
So that's everything in the Jingle VoxBox -- full of really useful, afforable products. Check out my unboxing on YouTube as well! :)
I am so glad to have been given the opportunity to try out these wonderful products. Thanks Influenster!

Ciao, Nelle



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

Balancing Health

Being pregnant and sick for half of each with both boys, then nursing for 3 years and counting...my body is feeling drained. Also, I'll be 27 years old this summer...how did that happen? The past 5 years have disappeared.
My skin is showing its displeasure, my weight is taking its sweet time coming off... My motivation is stuck. So what am I doing about it? Because you know I don't like staying stuck...
I searched for the best prenatal in my budget on Vitacost.com. I started taking Evening Primrose oil, Cod Liver oil, calcium, extra Vitamin C and a good fiber supplement. I have been oil pulling. I am trying to drink as much water as I can... I don't drink coffee very often and I'm cutting back on my tea.
I know I need to start drinking a green drink in the morning or for lunch... I think I will have to start making up bags of smoothie ingredients so I won't have the excuse of "its too much trouble".
I have an addiction to sugar... As most Americans do. Its in everything, so it's hard to weed it out completely. But I'm working on it.
I wanted to get a double jogging stroller so I could start taking walks in the morning with the boys, but I cannot find one that will fit N that is also in my budget. So, praying about that... I guess I'll just use my elliptical for now. I have been doing some yoga and core work...really focusing on strengthening my whole body.
Trying to find my motivation thru my friends on Facebook and staying accountable thru myfitnesspal. It's encouraging to see the scale slowly go down, but I don't see a change in my body because I haven't been able to do much toning. But each day is another chance to do the right thing.
I want to be strong and healthy for my boys, for my family... To glorify God with what he has given me.
For me weight loss, healthy living...it's all very connected to my spiritual life. I feel that since God is the creator of my body, I can pray and ask him to help me in my endeavors to be healthier. Strengthening me both physically and spiritually. Its a testimony to how weak we are as humans and how much we need God in our lives. How much we need to rely on God... Trusting him with our health, our life, our souls.

Ciao,
nellers

#LovePureSilk

In my latest Influenster Voxbox, I got reacquainted with an old stand by, Pure Silk Shave Cream, raspberry mist. I used to buy this because it was less expensive than the other brands, but still a great quality shave cream.
Thick, luscious and easy to dispense, It makes for a really good shave. I won't go so far to say that it's moisturizing, but I didn't get any nicks!
Now with the  hotter weather I will be shaving more, so I will have to pick up another can when I finish the sample one. I love how confident a close shave makes me feel when I'm wearing shorts.  A great reason to #LovePureSilk .

Ciao!

Nellers

*Pure Silk was sent to me compliments of Influenster for testing purposes. *

Feeling fresh with the Fresca Voxbox!

Spring brings many things... Birds singing, flowers blooming, bees buzzing and allergies. For me it also brought a Influenster Voxbox. 

Influenster sends out boxes of free samples and sometimes full sized goodies for testing and review. As always, I strive to give fair and honest opinion!

I was so excited to receive this box. There were so many great products and I had fun time trying them all out. 

My favorite thing was the Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Purifying Shampoo and Conditioner - [$7] It actually wasn't a hit for my scalp, but still think it's a great s&c combo. Its free of the harsh chemicals generally found in hair products, such as sulfate, silicone, paraben and dyes.   It smells amazing, so fresh and clean and it lingers in your hair just enough. The shampoo and conditioner worked well together, taming my wild mane. If you were using this daily, I would recommend adding a deep conditioning mask every couple of weeks.

The second thing in the box was my old standby shaving cream from Pure Silk [$2.19]. I have been using this stuff since I first started shaving. In the past year or two, I have just been using cheap conditioner or lathered up soap. Using the Pure Silk Moisturizing Shave Cream this past week, I am reminded why I loved this stuff once before. A smooth, close shave that leaves my legs looking fantastic!

The Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs [$13.99] paired very well with the shave cream and made my legs look even better! It wasn't what I expected... Its basically makeup for your legs. Read the directions before using and definitely shave before hand to achieve a flawless look! I will be using this for times I wear a shorter skirt at church but don't want to wear hose.

After trying the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Boosters Daily Cleanser [$7.99] for over a week, I feel there is a big improvement in my skin. No more new breakouts and the ones I had are healing. The scent is pleasant but not overwhelming and a little bit goes a long way. I was sad to see that there was parabens and fragrance in the face wash. It does says it has white tea and vitamin e, but for me there are better options that are less toxic. It did improve my skin but I don't think I'd buy a full size. 

I stepped way out of my comfort zone with the NYC Expert Last Lip Lacquer in Rockaway Ruby [$3.99]. Such a vibrant, pigmented shade of red with pink undertones. The application was really easy, but care should be taken to be sure you don't end up with it all over your face. It lasted a good 4-5 hours, drinking water and eating lunch included. A little bit goes a long way! To use this for a more muted look, combine with lip balm and only dot the lip lacquer on the bottom lip.

Last but not least, the JAFRA Blends [$22]! They sent three sample size vials and one full sized Blackberry Juniper Magnolia (1oz). To start off, the Blackberry blend smells amazing. So fresh and sweet... Good for any occasion. JAFRA Blends are meant to be layered together or of course you could where them alone. They are made with essential oils and seem to linger for quite a while. The sample sized scent were Violet Pomegranate and Sea Salt Rose Petals. I LOVE the violet blend...it is so sweet and fruity. It layers well with the Sea Salt Rose Petal, which is a soft rosey scent.

That is everything in my Fresca Voxbox from Influenster...whew! Such awesome products! I am so glad I got the opportunity to try new things. I always end up finding things I love that I never would have normally tried. Thanks Influenster!

*Nellers*

A Balancing Act

Ok so I love to blog, journal, whatever you want to call it. I loved hearing the clickty clack the keys as I let my thoughts run thru my finger tips. And when I was. 15-20 years old. I had plenty of time. Now I am a mom of two busy boys and find myself constantly battling between what I should do, what I need to do, what I want to do and oh look I got distracted...
I think I kind of rocked being a FTM. One kid? Easy peasy. I mean, n was not and is not an "easy" child but far as I am concerned the past three years have been pretty fantastic. Now though... With two kids I feel like I am constantly struggling with balance. I don't feel like "I got this" a lot of the time. Baby J is 8 months old and I am just now getting back on my feet, so to speak and really trying to find our balance, our groove. I struggled with PPD this time quite a bit. But I have to say that I have been so blessed. Baby J is an angel baby. He almost never cries for me...for S is another story. N is growing into a headstrong, yet sweet imaginative little boy. We clash wills daily, but he is such a great big brother.
Anyway, I say all that to say this.... I miss blogging! But I don't seem to have time for it like I used to. And man, blogging/vlogging is so popular these days. And vloggers get all this free stuff "for your consideration". I want free stuff......

So yeah... I am going to try and blog more. Actually I have a post about my NEWEST Influenster vox box that I got coming up. So stay tuned for that.

Have a Disney , y'all.
Nellers

Reese's Spread

I am a huge fan of chocolate and peanut butter, so I was pretty stoked when I got the email from Influenster saying I was going to get the Reese's Spread Voxbox.
On a dreary, cold day, a lovely orange box was sitting in my mailbox. N and I grabbed a spoon and an apple for the initial taste test. Now being a fan of Nutella, I was expecting something like that... it was not, however. It literally tastes like a smooshed up Reese Cup!  The texture was slightly grainy, but the taste was terrific.
Now, this is not a healthy snack... its a very indulgent snack, requiring much will power to NOT eat the whole container in one setting. The calories are 190 per 2 tbsp and 19 grams of sugar. I try not to make snacks like these a habit, but every once in a while its nice to have around.
So far I have tried it on graham crackers, pretzels, toast, a spoon, my fingers, apples, a banana and swirled in a Wacky Cake. I am a pretty big fan of the saltiness that stands out when paired with pretzels, but it is truly decedent in the Wacky Cake.

Valued at a little over $3,  I'm not sure this would be something I purchase just to have in the house. If  I was planning on making a dessert with it, like the Wacky Cake, then I might.
I did really enjoy trying the Reese's Spread, so Thanks Influenster for the opportunity!

Til next time,
Nellers <3

Sorry for no pictures, the Blogger App is being a beast and I don't have any pictures on my computer. >.<