Friday, May 3, 2013

Influenster: Packing Prefrences Part 2

A few weeks ago I posted about my first ever Influenster VoxBox!  I have loved testing out products and thinking through my Sugar n' Spice VoxBox in terms of Disney Travel.  Today I'm bringing you my review on the Colgate Optic White Offerings, Dickinson's Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes, and Nectresse Sweetner.  Let's get going with the review!




Included in this VoxBox were three products from the Colgate Optic White Line.  My favorites were the 360 Degree Optic White Toothbrush, Optic White Toothpaste, and Optic White Mouthwash.  I am all about getting your pearly whites...well...white for all of those pictures you'll be taking in the parks.  I particularly LOVED the toothbrush, which literally left your teeth squeaky clean.  The toothpaste was a good size (perfect for a trip to Disney) and pretty much on par with toothpastes I've used in the past.  I don't feel like it would be my first option for whitening my teeth because I've had quicker results from some of the whitening strips.  However, I feel like this line would be the perfect whitening maintenance   I wasn't crazy about the Mouthwash, but I am a bit picky on mouthwashes.  It was a bit too much for me.  I actually stopped using it.




I'm all about a good cup of coffee in the morning.  When I'm at Disney, I got to great lengths to secure "real" coffee.   For me, that has even meant going so far as to BYOCM (bring your own coffee maker...well a Keurig).  Having single serving sugar is a good idea for Disney and for your random coffee sweetening
needs (for this southern girl, these little pockets of sweetness help boost the unsweetened tea served around the parks). I'm not much for sugar substitutes, so I have to say I'm probably not the best person to review this sweetener     Overall it's not bad, the taste is pretty close, and for me I find that when it is being used to sweeten coffee or tea, this product is "doable" for this real sugar lover.


Finally, I reviewed the Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Facial Towelettes.  I was not a fan.  I really, really, really disliked the witch hazel scent.  For me, this was a deal breaker.  While I found the towelettes felt great on my skin, I couldn't handle the smell.  I'm getting grossed out just thinking about it.  I ended up giving them away because they literally made me gag.  I really wish these towels hadn't been so strongly scented of witch hazel because I think I would have highly recommended these individually sealed facial towelettes for your park bag.  After a hot sweaty day in the parks, these potent towels would have been an amazing facial cleanser.  The clean feeling on the face and the cooling sensation would have been awesome.


I hope you'll consider trying out some of these great products   I think they would make the perfect addition to your park bag!  If you're interested in the VoxBox program, check out Influenster.com!

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Disney Jasmine Collection by Sephora

I'm a little late on posting this, since this line has been out for about a month or so.  But, today I am so, so, so delighted to bring you my take on the newest Disney Reigning Beauties collection, Disney Jasmine Collection by Sephora.  

You might remember my Disney Cinderella Collection by Sephora post from October.  Today I am bringing a similar post.  For this line, I only purchased the story book palette (although you can purchase multiple configurations for a fragrance called "A Whole New World", an eyeliner set called "Three Wishes", an eyeshadow quad called "Magic Carpet Ride", and the "Palace Jewel" compact mirror.  I'm going to give you loads of pictures and my take on the colors, quality, application, and finish of the shadows as well as the blush and bronzer that are included in this palette   I'll also be showcasing the lovely packaging with loads of photos!  Let's get going!  


Here are some pictures of the packaging.  This is an absolutely stunning palette!  They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so without further ado, here you go!  




























The Storybook Eyeshadow Palette contains 15 eyeshadows in mostly shimmer and glittery formulas and a few matte (more matte) finishes.  Here's a shot of the entire palette and then row by row, each followed by a swatch (first shot is with no primer and the second is with a primer, by the way I used Too Faced's Shadow Insurance).  Also, this palette contains a blush and a bronzer.  I swatched them both as well, the top is the color swatched straight from the pan with my finger and the bottom is the color applied with a blush/bronzer brush.  




Disney Consumer Products listed the following descriptions of each color:
Shades include: 
Blue Oasis - Jasmine's outfit (light turquoise) 
Trust Me - Jafar's staff (coppery pink shimmer) 
Abu - Abu's skin (light shimmery brown) 
Ali Ababwa - Prince Ali's cloak (neutral nude) 
Sultana - The Sultana's skin (shimmery pinky-tan) 
Friend Like Me - The Genie (blue shimmer) 
Master - Jafar's headpiece in the night light (plum satin) 
Cosmic - When the palace reappears (pale copper shimmer) 
Cave of Wonders - Inside the Cave of Wonders (golden yellow) 
Sand in the Glass - The desert sand (light shimmering sand) 
Lapis - Jasmine's jewel on her tiara (rich blue) 
Mystical Wonder - Magic Carpet in the cave light (vibrant purple) 
Raja - The tiger's fur (burnt orange) 
Arabian Sunset - The sunset over the palace (shimmering coral) 
Bazaar - The marketplace in the daylight (chocolate shimmer) 
Thrilling Chase - Jasmine playing coy in the moonlight (blush) 
Golden Sands - Desert sands at night (bronzer)


















 


























 This really is a beautiful palette that is well worth the money (that is if you can get your hands on it, Sephora lists this product as "out of stock").  The shadow colors are rich, go on smoothly, and blend beautifully.  I would say that this palette is (oh so appropriately) shining, shimmering  splendid! 

The colors are whimsical and sure to show you the World!  There are a few...outrageous...for lack of better words colors (including the blush and bronzer) that can be made wearable for every day if you apply them correctly...blend, blend, blend!!!  So, what are you waiting for?  Do you trust me...





Sunday, March 24, 2013

Influenster VoxBox: Sugar 'n Spice = Packing Perfection For Your Disney Trip

I am so excited to share with you all what I just go in the mail!  A few weeks ago I heard about a program called Influenster, where trendsetters are invited to give their opinions on products and experiences.  I applied and got an invitation to join and set to task uncovering badges and tasks.  A few weeks ago I got an email stating that I was selected to receive the Sugar 'n Spice VoxBox!  On Thursday afternoon I saw that beautiful box sitting on my front porch!  It is seriously packed with loads of great things!  How exciting! 



As you know, this is a Disney site, created to provided tips, reviews, and information all about the most magical place on Earth!  So how does this all relate?  Today I hope to share with you the awesome products I received in my VoxBox and tell you how I would incorporate them in my Disney tripping!  If you are interested in the Influenster program, you should totally check them out!




Included in this box:
-Vaseline Spray and Go Moisturizer 6.5 oz
-Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes 20 pack
-Splenda Nectresse 40 Packets 
-Colgate Optic White Mouth Wash 8.0 oz
-Colgate Optic White Toothpaste 4.0 oz
-Colgate Optic White 360 degree tooth brush
-BelVita Cinnamon Brown Sugar Breakfast Biscuit 4 pack

I've only had my VoxBox for a few days, so I haven't had the chance to try everything out just yet.  So far I've tried out the Spray and Go lotion and the BelVita breakfast biscuits.   Here are two quick reviews for those products!


 Vaseline Spray & Go!

Okay, let me just say that I was SO excited to see this in my VoxBox.  I've had my eye on this at the store, but I haven't made a purchase yet.  This product is awesome!  It is hard for me to believe that this hasn't been invented yet!  This product applies just like spray SPF.  With  just a quick spray and you rub it in and go!  I was worried that the lotion would be greasy or sticky, but I was pleasantly surprised that the formula quickly sinks into your skin, leaving it as smooth as a baby's bottom!  I keep touching my arm where I applied the lotion...it is velvety smooth!  The scent is a light floral that isn't overpowering.  This is perfect for young and old!  I think this would be the perfect addition to your Disney packing, for it's convenience and price, (retails $7.99) this lotion is worth a try! 



BelVita Cinnamon Sugar Breakfast Biscuits

I'll admit I was not excited about this little package.  I wasn't sure what I would think about these little biscuits, but my cutie little nephew spotted them and asked me to open them up.  I tried a bite and they were delicious!  These crisp cookies remind me of a heartier, more flavorful graham cracker.  My nephew ate them up!  I think these would make the perfect snack to stash in your park bag.  

Check back soon for more updates and reviews for the rest of the products in the VoxBox!