Obsessed with Kat Von D’s Fragrances

November 2, 2013January 10, 2015 Coco

I absolutely love perfumes and colognes. I am not one of those connoisseurs who can tell you what notes there are or anything like that, in fact I am horrible at it. I simply enjoy perfumes, and that’s that.

My ALL TIME favorite scent is Sinner by Kat Von D and I happen to own her entire collection because of this.

My fascination started with Kat’s collection when I read a review about Adora as being sexy and mysterious… and that is exactly what I wanted to be. After much searching online and at Sephora, I was able to get the whole collection piece by piece – all on sale!

Here is my ranking of the collection:

1. Sinner (2009)

Sinner is my go to scent. I will wear it any time of day or season just because I love it so much. I suppose you could say it is my signature scent at the moment. It is absolutely intoxicating and beautiful. Huge plus? My boyfriend LOVES it!

Click here to see the notes in Sinner.

2. Saint (2009)

Saint ranks very close to Sinner for me, except that Saint is a little more feminine, while Sinner is edgier. It is unique and sweet.

Click here to see the notes in Saint.

3. Poetica (2011)

Poetica is the first scent I owned by Kat. It was my absolute favorite at the time. It is much softer compared to her other perfumes and very romantic, floral, and feminine. I always get compliments when I wear it.

Click here to see the notes in Poetica.

4. Adora (Summer 2010)

I wanted to love it so much but Adora just does not do it for me. In my opinion, it has a similar quality to Rebelle by Rihanna (a fragrance I am not too keen on) but Adora is stronger and in my opinion even less tolerable. According to Fragrantica, a note they share is Amber, so perhaps that is the reason.

Click here to see the notes in Adora.

I hope Kat Von D comes out with a new fragrance someday because I will definitely be adding it to my collection!

I’m on the list for the Violet VoxBox!

October 12, 2013 Coco

The Colgate SlimSoft VoxBox isn’t even over yet and I have been invited to participate in ANOTHER VoxBox… this time the Violet VoxBox. I took a pre-survey for the Varsity VoxBox but apparently didn’t qualify for it… which is fine by me (rumor it is all samples) because the Violet VoxBox sounds wayyyy cooler! And girlier, which is a total plus in my book.

Dark, moody florals are back in full-stride this fall, and the Violet VoxBox will be the envy of Beauty Queens across Influenster Nation – so you’re quite the lucky lady!

The description is pretty vague, so of course I am brimming with excitement to know what’s in the Violet VoxBox… stay tuned, I will update once it arrives!

I’m IN! Time for another Influenster VoxBox

September 13, 2013January 28, 2016 Coco

I received an email today… Alerting me to the fact that I am being shipping the latest Colgate Slimsoft VoxBox from Influenster!

Brushing your teeth: You do it every day, twice a day, maybe more! It’s a habit so ingrained that many of us think nothing of it. Which is why one tiny tweak can have a huge impact on your life.

Introducing the Colgate SlimSoft Toothbrush: Made with extra-fine bristles, the Colgate SlimSoft Toothbrush effortlessly cleans those hard-to-reach places without over-brushing your enamel or gumline!

Can’t wait to see those #SlimSoft smiles!

Because a happy mouth is a clean mouth.

Kind of funny timing because I just purchased an electric toothbrush and waterpik from Amazon, so I suppose I will hold off using it until I’ve reviewed the tooth brush included in the VoxBox.

I am so excited to see what else will be in the VoxBox! Thanks again, Influenster!

Poshmark… the new eBay for trendsetters?

March 10, 2013October 12, 2013 Coco

If you haven’t heard of Poshmark yet, then I apologize ahead of time for further addicting you to online shopping. I found Poshmark randomly one day a few months ago, and I have been addicted to it ever since!

So, what is Poshmark?

Poshmark is a simple and fun way to buy and sell fashion.
Shop the closets of women across America – and sell yours too!

Ever wish you had a style-mate and could shop her closet? Now you can. Poshmark connects you to people whose style you adore, allowing you to shop their closets, anytime you’d like.
Have items in your closet that you love, but just don’t wear anymore? List it for sale on Poshmark in less than 60 seconds. Sell what you have in your closet so you can shop for what you really love today.

With Poshmark, you’ll fall in love with your closet… again.

Check out this page to learn more about how Poshmark works: https://poshmark.com/what_is_poshmark

I personally have already sold $40 worth of shoes in my closet I had never worn and were just collecting dust. I have spent over $200 with Poshmark collecting James Avery jewelry, boots, perfume, etc. at a much lower cost than it would have been if I had bought them new somewhere else. Poshmark is an amazing resource for the fashion forward girls who are also on a budget.

I use Poshmark on my iPhone, which is sooo dangerous because I can shop ANY TIME I want. But I believe you can also shop via their website on a desktop computer.

Poshmark is a very cool, new shopping experience. And I can’t wait to experience its evolution as its popularity increases! I urge you, start poshing!

Country Outfitter and Corral Boots!

March 10, 2013 Coco

Last time I talked to you all about cowboy boots it was in-relation to a cheap pair I bought at Ross… well, somehow I have even more so become a huge fan of boots, and recently won two Country Outfitter $150 giveaways (One at I Love Farm Weddings and the other at A Thrifty Diva)! I had already been drooling over the beautiful Corral Boots, so I already knew which two pairs I’d be purchasing!

After waiting patiently for my gift cards to arrive, I ordered my first pair of REAL cowboy boots! The first gift card I used to purchase these beauties, my new dancing boots:

Corral Desert Red Goat Leather Boot – R1952

My second pair came awhile after, as there was a little delay in getting the 2nd gift card, but soon enough, I had my FAVORITE pair of boots on my feet!!! These boots are so beautiful, it’s shocking. Every time I wear them I feel like a million bucks!

Corral Yellow/Red/Turquoise Butterfly Boot – A1928

I wholly recommend Country Outfitter for your cowboy boots needs! They are a wonderful company, and I was actually shocked how fast my boots arrived to me despite them being back-ordered or something like that.

I think I am forever a cowgirl now and these will not be the last boots I purchase… I see an addiction beginning!

Influenster SweetHeart VoxBox

March 10, 2013March 22, 2014 Coco

Hey everyone! It has been awhile since I have posted here, due to my busy schedule with college and work, but when Influenster offered me another chance to review a VoxBox I could not turn down the opportunity! It is always so much fun and exciting to get a VoxBox!

Introducing, The SweetHeart VoxBox!

Influenster Postcard (quick breakdown on each product)

Olay Fresh Effects {Va-Va-Vivid!} Powered Contour Cleansing System ($12.99) including:

One {Shine, Shine, Go Away!} Shine Minimizing Cleanser .68oz

One electric facial cleansing brush

Secret Clinical Strength Stress Response 1.6oz ($7.99-9.99)

Skinnygirl Daily On-The-Go Bars: Coco-nut w/ peanut butter (5-pack – $9.99)

Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray – 2oz (8oz – $6.00)

Here are my first impressions of each item!

Olay Fresh Effects {Va-Va-Vivid!} Powered Contour Cleansing System

I didn’t realize the brush was electric until I started writing this post! The cleanser smells very good. It comes out a pearly silver color, and rubs on very smooth. So far, I am very impressed. But now that I know the brush is electric, I need to give it another test!

Secret Clinical Strength Stress Response
I have never used a deodorant like this one before! I was a little confused at first, but once I did I can say it works very well. Just don’t use too much!! It is smooth and lotion-y unlike traditional solid deodorants, but without the sticky feeling that comes with gel deodorants. You really get the best of both worlds! But most of all I love the fresh citrus scent!

Skinnygirl Daily On-The-Go Bars: Coco-nut
I haven’t been a fan of the Skinnygirl line (due to me negative opinion after watching Real Housewives NY), but I have to admit the bar was DELICIOUS! Sweet, but not too sweet. Crunchy, yet soft. I have no complaints, and I could totally see myself purchasing these!

Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray
I do not think I have the hair for this spray (my hair is SUPER FLAT and NEVER holds!), but I am interested in trying it out. Wish me luck!

Reviews to come soon!

Disclaimer: I received these products to test for free through the Influenster VoxBox program.

Influenster Summer Beauty VoxBox

July 19, 2012October 12, 2013 Coco

It has been a little while since I have received an Influenster VoxBox so I was SUPER excited to be chosen once again to participate. I participated previously in the Cosmo, Holiday, and Love VoxBox’s and this time I am reviewing for the Summer Beauty VoxBox. I have been a member of Influenster for almost two years, and it is always a very enjoyable process. If you want to know more about Influenster, please check out my previous blog post by clicking here.

Introducing, The Summer Beauty VoxBox!

There are a bunch of diverse products, including nail products, food, sunscreen, hair care and even feminine products! The items included in my Summer Beauty VoxBox are listed below, along with a quick review and first look of the products!

Influenster Postcard (quick breakdown on each product)

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30 sample

Tampax and Always Radiant Collection sample pack

Quaker Soft Baked Bar in Banana Nut Bread

Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color in 908 Graphite Gravity

Sally Hansen Nails and Cuticles Hand Creme sample

Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy – Shampoo & Conditioner samples

Here’s a quick review/my opinion of each product.

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30

I went to the river yesterday and tested out the lotion. I love the fact that it is not only sunscreen, but ALSO a lotion. It is very hydrating, which is important when you are spending a long time in the sun. I love the smell, I do not know exactly what to describe it as… maybe coconut? Regardless, it is a very pleasant smell. By the end of our day at the river, I was not red at all, so the sunscreen also did the job!

Tampax and Always Radiant Collection

I already purchased this kit a few weeks prior to receiving my VoxBox, but I am happy to try them again. The kit comes with 1 scented pad, 3 unscented liners, two unscented tampons, and a cute purse to hold them all. I usually use tampons, and am already an avid user of Tampax Pearl, but unfortunately I did not care for the Radiant tampons.. they are definitely better than many other brands, but I prefer the Pearl ones. I did, however, love the pads and liners and have already purchased more.

Quaker Soft Baked Bar in Banana Nut Bread

I ate my bar almost immediately after opening my VoxBox. The bar is chewy, slightly crunchy and very moist with lots of crushed nuts. It was also very filling, and the bar seemed to be the perfect size for a snack.

Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color in 908 Graphite Gravity

This was my first time using a magnetic type of nail polish, so I was not sure what to expect. But the process is very simple: just apply two coats, and hold the magnet over the second coat directly after applying. I love the design it gives, it is very unique. I am not a big fan of dark nail colors, but this looked very cool with the 3d effect!

Sally Hansen Nails and Cuticles Hand Creme

I already have fairly soft hands, so hand creme is not a must for me. That being said, I really did like the product for what it is. My hands felt very smooth and moisturized. I love the scent of citrus and shea butter mixed together. It also seemed to last a long time after applying. Anyone who uses hand cremes will surely love this product!

Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy

I am not sure if I have heard of the Clear hair brand before, but the smell of the shampoo and conditioner smelled familiar. I don’t really have hair care issues, so I will have to see if it benefits me. Either way, I really like the presentation of the bottles. And having Heidi Klum as their spokesperson is pretty neat!

Disclaimer: I received these products to test for free through the Influenster VoxBox program.

Freeman Feeling Beautiful Peel-Off and Clay Facial Masks

July 1, 2012October 12, 2013 Coco

I stopped into Walgreens for a quick trip and spotted these Freeman facial masks near my usual brand for face masks. I was hesitant to switch, but the Freeman face masks were on sale (Buy One Get One Free) and only $3.99 each to begin with… way better priced then what I was buying before. It was a no-brainer, I grabbed one of each and checked out. I do not know much about the Freeman brand, but in my research I found they were founded in 1976 and based in the Beverly Hills area of Los Angeles in California. They are a subsidiary of pH Beauty Labs, Inc. The facial masks are a part of their Feeling Beautiful collection that have “all natural extracts from mother earth’s bounty of fruits, oats and botanicals… combined to make you look and feel your unique personal best.”

Below are my reviews of the two face masks I purchased:

Avocado & Oatmeal Facial Clay Mask

Directions: apply mask to face and neck, avoiding contact with eyes. Let dry and rinse with warm water. This amazing clay mask purges pores and draws out excess oils and dirt. Skin is left feeling clean and soft. Perfect for normal to oily skin.

The first thing I noticed was the smell: it was not that pleasant. Now I am not saying it was ‘bad,’ but it most certainly was not good either. I love Avocados but I am not sure I love them on my face so close to my nose! I am sure some people will like it, but I personally did not. You do get used to the smell, however, and it is not that noticeable. The formula is a light green and goes on very smooth and creamy. I did not notice any stinging or irritation, but there was a light tingle. I left it on about 20 minutes, and when finished it washed off very quickly and easily. I immediately noticed how smooth and fresh my skin felt and even the next morning it was still very supple. I have absolutely no complaints, other than the smell is not my first choice. I will definitely purchase again in another scent.

COURTNEY’S RATING: A
6.0 oz (Orig. $3.99) from FreemanBeauty.com

Cucumber Facial Peel-Off Mask

Directions: Apply evenly to face, avoiding eye area, Leave on 5-10 minutes or until dry. Gently peel off mask. Rinse with warm water. This ever so fun mask gently peels away impurities while Cucumber extract leaves skin silky smooth. Perfect for normal to combination skin.

This is my first experience with a Peel-Off Mask, and I was very intrigued by the process. The formula is a thick, sticky almost honey-like substance. It applies and dries clear, so it is somewhat hard to know if you have missed a spot. It is a little messier than the clay mask process, but overall not very difficult. I am not a huge fan of Cucumber smells, but I decided to give it a try anyway. Unfortunately, I still do not like Cucumber, which is not a fault of the product, just personal preference. It is not a very strong smell, so that is a plus and like the Avocado, you get used to it after awhile. The mask has a light cooling sensation in the beginning, and while it dries your skin feels very tight. You MUST let the mask dry completely (leaving no sticky spots) for removal. I was able to peel off the entire mask in about a minute in one piece going slowly. It felt like pulling off an extra layer of dead skin. The mask left my skin super clean and healthy looking, I am very pleasantly surprised. I definitely want to include peel-off masks into my routine.

COURTNEY’S RATING: B+
6.0 oz (Orig. $3.99) from FreemanBeauty.com

Overall, I love the bottles and the ability to choose how much I want to use. Some face masks come in single serving packets, which I thought was cool at first, but this is much more convenient and useful (but if you like the packets, they have those available for $1.99 each!). I would really love to try their other Clay Masks to find a smell more suited for me!

Proactiv Green Tea Moisturizer

April 1, 2012September 27, 2013 Coco

Intensely hydrating moisturizer addresses the dryness that is sometimes associated with acne medications.

I’ve been using my X Out acne treatment that I received from the Holiday VoxBox from Influenster for the last two months daily! Although I love the results, one issue I’ve found with X Out and Proactiv is that it tends to dry out my face! Luckily, for completing the Proactiv brand challenge during the Cosmo VoxBox, the special gift was Proactiv’s Green Tea Moisturizer (2.5oz) and it finally came in last month! I’ve been using it religiously after applying X Out every morning, and I have to say I am completely in love with it!

The green tea moisturizer immediately re-hydrates my face after an acne treatment, without making it greasy or sticky. The scent is wonderful and not under or overpowering. What I love the most is that it makes my skin feel so smooth and silky, and also is a wonderful base for makeup. Using the X Out or Proactiv to clear my face of dead skin and then recover moisture with the green tea moisturizer, I have never felt more comfortable in my own skin, and more often than not opt to go makeupless for the day, which is something I always hated in the past. But now I feel like my skin is beautiful.

I’m not sure if you can buy it directly through Proactiv without being a member or ordering it along with one of their sets (it’s a “free bonus”), but suggested price is about $14 to $18 online (not sure what size bottle that’s for). It can go as high as $30 on ebay, which leads me to believe it is somewhat hard to find without paying top dollar or becoming a Proactiv member. :/

But despite those issues, I would still rate it high based on the quality of the product. But when my bottle runs out, I don’t know if I will attempt to repurchase or just try to buy an easier to find product.

Courtney’s Rating: A

Disclaimer: I received these products to test for free through the Influenster VoxBox program.

Kiss Nail Dress in “Sexy”

March 16, 2012September 27, 2013 Coco

Introducing Kiss Nail Dress, ultimate nail fashion for tips and toes! Just peel, apply, and shape for a manicure that lasts up to 10 days. On in minutes, off in seconds without remover. Nail Dress is available in 18 different styles!

Included in my Influenster Love Voxbox was a package of Kiss Nail Dress “Fashion That Sticks” nail stickers in the style “Sexy”.

I have used nail stickers before, but those were tiny stickers as a fun addition to nail polish. So when I saw these FULL nail stickers, I was pretty hesitant. I figured they would look fake and totally not at all what I’d like or wear. BUT I was completely wrong!
The process was very meticulous and often frustrating. The difficult part was filing off the excess from the nail. I also found it difficult fitting the sticker onto the nail perfectly, there are gaps of nail showing where the nail dress didn’t cover properly on most of my nails. After a few tries, it gets easier, but still painstaking. When done, they are not perfect, but actually pretty cute. I am, ultimately, VERY happy with the results. And can’t stop looking at the pretty, flirty cheetah design. I can’t help but feel slightly more confident and wild with them on!

Here’s a quick video on how to apply imPRESS Press-on Manicure:

There’s also a video for applying on toes and cutting your own designs. I definitely reccommend if you have any questions to check out the FAQ on their website.

A few tips when applying the nail dress, do the thumbs LAST. It makes applying all of the others easier. It was easier applying the toes, but I didn’t particulary like the look of it applied to all of the toes. It might be my fault, because I didn’t follow their instruction to use the square side at the cuticle, so they didn’t entirely fit properly. But personally, I would prefer just doing my hand nails next time, and maybe only the big toe and matching the other toes with a similar color nail polish. (I’m not even going to bother with a foot picture, because I messed them up so bad, it wouldn’t do the product justice!)

The unedited picture, without any filters, to show the true color of “Sexy”

I am already into my seventh day wearing them (with daily showers/baths and my normal routine), and they still look good and none have fallen off! Although, by now they look a LITTLE grungy and chipped on a few of the tips. I will update how long they actually last. UPDATE They lasted well over a week until I decided to take them off. They last a little longer if you trim your nails after they’ve grown out a bit.

Overall, I really like Kiss’ Nail Dress stickers. In fact, I kinda love them. They don’t fall off like fake nails, and they look just as good as polish… and make designs I could NEVER do myself! I wore them out over the weekend to a few parties, and they were a big hit! I even met a girl who was wearing Kiss Nail Dress in the zebra design “Garter” (sadly, she didn’t get them from Influenster). I will, without a doubt, buy these again!

Nail Dress’ is available in all major drug chains and mass retailers like WalMart, CVS and Walgreens for about $6.99 a package.

Courtney’s Rating: A

Disclaimer: I received these products to test for free through the Influenster VoxBox program.

Influenster Love VoxBox

March 9, 2012September 27, 2013 Coco

A little late to enjoy for Valentine’s Day, but still awesome to receive another VoxBox from Influenster! And it’s SPRING BREAK! So I have plenty of time to review everything! This is my third VoxBox, and I’m always super excited when I am chosen– who doesn’t love trying new products??? Previously, I received the Cosmo and Holiday VoxBoxes, so I already feel like a part of the Influenster team. If you want to know more about Influenster, please check out my previous blog post by clicking here.

But without further ado, I present to you THE LOVE VOXBOX!

I may have gone a little crazy with Instagram, hehe! I displayed the products from the Love VoxBox in my heart shaped bowl I bought awhile back, and blogged about as well. And of course, added a few pink items sitting around my room. Fitting, no?

This month’s VoxBox might not be as grand as previous VoxBoxes, but I am still pretty excited to test them out! Influenster touts these items as “a few to get you date-ready, and some you can share with your sweetie!” Too cute!

Influenster Postcard (quick breakdown on each product)

Gillette Venus & Olay Razor

Kiss Nail Dress – Fashion That Sticks in “Sexy” (Cheetah Print)

Stash Tea – Herbal Tea Sampler

Ghirardelli Gourmet Milk – Creamy Devotion Bar + $1 off coupon on any 2 bars

Truvia Natural Sweetener Samples + 75 cent off Coupon

Here’s a quick review/my opinion of each product.

Gillette Venus & Olay Razor

I LOVED the Venus ProSkin MoistureRich razor I received in the Cosmo VoxBox, so I can’t wait to try out this one, too! I love the packaging for this one, it’s yellow and, though you can’t see in the picture, VERY sparkly and glitters in the light… kinda like Twilight vampires LOL

Kiss Nail Dress in “Sexy”

In the Holiday VoxBox, there was a package of press-on fake nails, and I really loved them. I’m not sure I like the idea of a “nail dress” because my nails tend to crack when they get too long and I don’t look forward to having to apply stickers to my stubby nails, but the design is very pretty and I LOVE the cheetah print! I will try to be open-minded about them!

Stash Tea – Herbal Tea Sampler

I’ve actually tried Stash tea before, and I still have some Stash green tea around here somewhere when I was having a tea kick and trying to do something healthy for a change. I am not a huge fan of tea bags, especially after trying the amazing loose leaf teas from Teavana, but I have been wanting to try the other flavors from Stash. I am most excited about Chamomile!

Ghirardelli Gourmet Milk – Creamy Devotion Bar

This is a HUGE bar! I am shocked! I am not sure, but I think I have had this chocolate before, but it was caramel inside. That’s as much as I know about this product, but it looks delicious, and I’m not exactly sure how long I will be able to last before I rip open the package and devour the chocolate inside. XD

Truvia Natural Sweetener Samples

When I need to sweeten my drink or food, I use REAL sugar, because I am very hesitant when it comes to using an artificial sweetener. But Truvia claims to be natural and no-calorie, so I am definitely interested and will have to try it out in my next homemade iced coffee!

Disclaimer: I received these products to test for free through the Influenster VoxBox program.

Philosophy Eternal Grace Firming Body Emulsion

March 3, 2012September 27, 2013 Coco

Infused with the youthful, uplifting scent of Philosophy’s Eternal Grace fragrance, this firming body emulsion is designed to leave you feeling forever young.

I received a sample bag from Sephora and it sat in my room for a few months before I finally took the time to go through it. Usually I don’t like the small samples they give out, so I wasn’t expecting much… until I found Philosophy’s Eternal Grace Firming Body Emulsion! Since then, I’ve been using it for the past year or so about once a week and I can honestly say that it is my favorite lotion, although mainly because I love the fragrance so much.

Whether or not my skin is firmer from use? I don’t know. But the lotion makes my skin super smooth, and of course, smells amazing ALL DAY. The scent lasts a very long time, which is definitely a big deal in my book. The lotion is rich, creamy and non-greasy.

The only downfall is that Philosophy products are generally a tad pricy. A 16 oz bottle of Philosophy Eternal Grace Firming Body Emulsion is $34 at Sephora or from Philosophy directly. If you love the fragrance as much as me, you might be interested in the companion Perfume, Rollerball and/or Shampoo, Bath & Shower Gel in the Eternal Grace scent that are also available from those sources.