Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color in “Graphite Gravity”

August 21, 2012October 12, 2013 Coco

3-D Nail Art in Seconds! Revolutionary formula infused with metallic particles that move when exposed to the specially designed magnet to create an extraordinary effect.

Included in my Influenster Summer Beauty Voxbox was the new Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color in “Graphite Gravity”. The Magnetic Nail Color line currently comes in a total of 8 beautiful colors.

I have yet to try any of the cool, fancy nail polishes that have been cropping up in stores lately. I always thought the crackle nail polish effect was neat, but this is definitely a step up! I feel so futuristic wearing this smokey grey color.

I was a little hesitant at first, worried that it would not work right, but it is actually a very simply process; after applying a base coat (or none at all):

STEP 1: Shake Magnetic Nail Color to activate. Remove overcap with magnet and set aside. Apply 1 coat of Magnetic Nail Color to all 10 nails and let dry.

STEP 2: Apply a thick second coat of color to 1 nail and immediately hold the built-in magnet over the nail. Rest the guide just below the cuticle without touching the wet nail polish. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat for all 10 nails and let dry.

Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color — “Graphite Gravity”

Once you are done, you will have a beautiful 3D design! I topped mine off with a good top coat to keep the nail polish long lasting.

I am fairly horrible at doing my nails, so a design like this is something I would never be able to accomplish on my own! It is so convenient to have the magnet on the lid of the polish, and removable, too. The polish is very easy to use and the whole concept it very convenient. It really is a one of a kind look, and incredibly cool! I can’t wait to buy more colors!!

Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color is available at many chain drug stores, food stores and mass merchandisers nationally. Suggested Retail Price: $9.99 per bottle.

Courtney’s Rating: A

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

Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy

August 14, 2012October 12, 2013 Coco

The search for strong, beautiful hair is finally over. Formulated with Nutrium 10™, an advanced moisture complex of vitamins and nutrients, Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy nourishes the scalp, and creates the right foundation for strong, beautiful hair from root to tip in just 7 days.

Included in my Influenster Summer Beauty Voxbox was a sample size of Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy Total Care shampoo and conditioner.

I am not sure if I have heard of the Clear hair brand before, but the smell of the shampoo and conditioner was very familiar to me. I could swear I have smelled it before, either at a salon or possibly someone I knew used it before. Either way, I was very pleased to receive this product to test out. The thing is though – I don’t have hair care problems. Sure my hair gets tangled up sometimes, but overall… I have pretty perfect hair, other than the fact that it is straight 24/7 and does not have much body, my hair is very soft and healthy – my only problems being that it occasionally gets knotted easily. Because of this, I do not think that this hair therapy is the right fit for me, per se.

Anyways, I used the shampoo and conditioner a few times but I just did not see or experience anything that sets Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy apart from other shampoo and conditioner products. My favorite part of the product – the smell – did not last long once in the hair, or at least it was a lot more mild than what I personally prefer. Those who prefer the more mild scent will love this!

As a shampoo and conditioner set, it is a solid competitor to other similarly priced brands. But, as a hair therapy product, I cannot say for sure if it makes a difference. Anyone with scalp and hair issues would need to try and see if it works for themselves. I read on amazon reviews multiple times that there were issues with hair falling out, and that is definitely concerning. Everyone reacts differently to different products, so while it may work perfectly for one, it may not work at all or negatively for another.

For me, Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy was simply average. But for someone with hair issues, I would definitely recommend them to try the product!

Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy products are available at mass retailers, select drugstores and supermarkets nationwide. Suggested retail price: $4.99 – $5.99 per bottle.

Courtney’s Rating: B

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

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen

August 3, 2012October 12, 2013 Coco

With its ultra-luxurious hydrating silk ribbons, Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration™ lotion sunscreen nourishes and pampers skin while providing broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection and 12-hour moisturization when out in the sun.

Included in my Influenster Summer Beauty Voxbox was a sample size of Hawaiian Tropic’s Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen with SPF 30.

My skin has always been very sensitive when it came to being in the sun for an extended amount of time, and because of this, I have always needed some kind of sunscreen to protect my skin from burning. My biggest complaint has always been that most sunscreens were, to be perfectly honest, gross! What I absolutely love about Hawaiian Tropic’s new Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreens is that they are a sunscreen AND a lotion. The sunscreen applies more like a lotion, and less like a sticky or greasy sunscreen. The smell is also very pleasing with a hint of coconut and something else.

The Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen is very hydrating and keeps your skin moisturized during outside activities. I have used it on three separate occasions at the river; the lotion and the sunscreen did their job on every outing. Overall, I definitely could see myself continuing to use this product. It kills two birds with one stone by moisturizing while giving adequate sun protection.

You can find Hawaiian Tropic products at most major retailers. Suggested retail price: $8.99 for a 6oz bottle. Also available in SPF 12, 30, 50!

Courtney’s Rating: A

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.

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.

Truvía® natural sweetener

March 14, 2012September 27, 2013 Coco

Truvía® natural sweetener is the first natural, great-tasting, zero-calorie sweetener born from the leaves of the stevia plant. Truvia is refreshingly uncomplicated. Sprinkle it on your grapefruit. Spoon it in your coffee. It won’t end up on your conscience or your thighs.

Included in my Influenster Love Voxbox were samples of the natural sweetener Truvia. Check out Truvia’s website for more information on natural sweetener!

Truvia natural sweetener is made from Truvia stevia leaf extract, the best tasting part of the stevia leaf, erythritol and natural flavors. Learn more about Truvia from their FAQ page. When learning about Truvia, the main question on my mind is, is it healthy? Well, I don’t know and I can’t answer that question. But there is plenty of information on the internet asking the same question. Two that stood out to me were Mark’s Daily Apple and Food Renegade‘s article and is definitely an interesting unbiased opinion.

Evil kitty Bella was curious what I was doing!

For my taste test of Truvia sweetener, I made my favorite Iced Coffee. But instead of sugar, I used 5 packets of Truvia, which is still less real sugar than I usually use. I definitely think Truvia is sweeter than real sugar and my taste buds would be correct because Truvia says that one packet (3.5g) is equal to the same sweetness as two teaspoons (9.5g) of real sugar. For someone who doesn’t like VERY sweet drinks. It didn’t taste bad, but I probably should have only used 2 or 3 packets. Very sweet!

Overall, I think Truvia is a great sugar substitute for those who don’t want to consume real sugar, but I am a little too hesitant. I really only use sugar to sweeten my once a week or less Iced Coffee, so it’s not something I need in my lifestyle. However, I do think it is a lot healthier than other sweetener’s on the market, and would probably recommend to those who do use sweeteners.

Courtney’s Rating: B+

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

Gillette Venus & Olay Razor

March 13, 2012September 27, 2013 Coco

Designed with a love for smooth legs and a passion for skin care, the Venus & Olay razor is a match made in skin heaven. Olay Moisture Bars release skin conditioners to help lock in moisture and boost your shave* while 5 blades get Venus close.

Included in my Influenster Love Voxbox was the Venus Olay Razor from Gillette. Check out Gillette’s website for more information on the razor!

I previously reviewed the ProSkin MoistureRich Razor from Gillette, and was very impressed with the results. Again, it is positive results for Gillette razors. Unlike other razors, this one has FIVE blades and a pivoting head, which definitely made a difference, and made shaving a breeze! My legs felt so soft and smooth afterward!

The difference between that razor and this one is the Olay moisture bars. “Olay Moisture Bars contain skin-enhancing elements found in Olay products: Petrolatum helps lock in skin’s moisture for less dryness and Glycerin helps offer that goddess glow! Just wet the razor to release a light lather – no separate shave cream required.” And I definitely noticed a difference after I stepped out of the shower; usually I immediately have to moisturize because shaving leaves my legs dry and prone to bumps, but the moisture bars worked their magic and I didn’t have to do a thing afterward.

The razor stays on my bathroom
mirror to keep it safe from water!

Only one negative I found was that I am, unfortunately, not a big fan of the smell. It’s a little too sickeningly sweet, but it’s not a detractor from the product, and I know a lot of people who like the smell. Just personally not my favorite.

Overall, this is a wonderful shaving option. As someone who prefers to shave my legs over any of the other options, I am definitely a big fan of these razors. I don’t think I can ever go back to shavers without the soap bars attached. My legs have never been so smooth since switching over to Gillette Venus!

A refillable Venus & Olay with one replacement cartridge sells for approximately $8.99-$10.99; three replacement cartridges for about $14.99 – $19.49. Venus & Olay will be available starting March 15, 2012 at food, drug, convenience and mass merchandise stores throughout the United States.

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.

Montagne Jeunesse Face Mask “Strawberry Souffle”

December 19, 2011September 18, 2013 Coco

Cleanse your skin with our Strawberry Souffle face mask for a purified, toned smooth complexion. Loaded with natural goodness which leaves skin hydrated and refreshed; allow your skin to breathe with soothing Aloe Vera & calming Vanilla. Experience the sensation of sheer Strawberry delight and enjoy deep cleansed, healthier skin.

I just popped out of the bath when I thought, what better time to try out Montagne Jeunesse’s Face Mask? Included in my Influenster Holiday Voxbox was a Montagne Jeunesse Face Mask called Strawberry Souffle.

First Impression:

I was sent a trial size of Montagne Jeunesse’s Strawberry Souffle Face Mask, which is 0.17 fl oz. At first I was a little apprehensive that there would be enough to do a review, but the trial size was a great amount for one face mask, although I would have appreciated a little more product, as I did have to apply it slightly thin to cover my entire face. The packaging designs are very quirky, and slightly creepy, but I love the concept and the packaging is super fun. And many will be happy to know that their products are gluten free and no added parabens!

Application:

The face mask applies super creamy and you’re immediately hit with the strong smell of fresh strawberries whipped cream. It’s almost too good not to taste. It has a very smooth texture, but also small beads that look and feel like strawberry seeds. It feels like I’ve simply smeared strawberry icing on my face! But unlike icing, the face mask is light and is very comfortable. As the mask dries, there is a nice cooling sensation.

After about 10-15 minutes, it’s time to rinse off with warm water. The removal was super easy, and there was no mess (unlike my experience with the chocolate mask… but that’s another story). Once removed, my skin feels super silky and smooth. The face mask also leaves behind a light shimmer, although I only noticed it on my hands and not much on my face, which looks very pretty.

Bottom Line:

I am very happy with the outcome of Montagne Jeunesse’s face mask! The smell was not overwelming and the mask is very easy to apply and take off. The face masks come in varying prices, about $1.99 for one 0.3 fl oz package, or 2 packages for $3.00 online, which is very affordable! I definitely recommend Montagne Jeunesse, and I can’t wait to try their other flavors!

Available at ULTA Beauty, Walgreen’s, Claire’s, Walmart, Kroger, CVS Pharmacies and other retailers across the US, these masques are available in a variety of succulent flavours. Visit www.montagnejeunesse.com for more information.

Courtney’s Rating: A

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

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure “Tweetheart”

December 17, 2011September 18, 2013 Coco

Introducing imPress Press-On Manicure, the revolutionary way to apply polish! Featuring advanced nail technology, you can get a salon-perfect manicure in seconds – simply peel off, press on, and you’re done. With imPress, your nails will always be your best accessory.

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure

Included in my Influenster Holiday VoxBox was Broadway Nails new imPress Press-on Manicure. They currently come in 36 different colors and patterns, including trendy brights, classic darks and animal prints, but for this review I received #240 Tweetheart, a deep red color.

First Impression:

The imPRESS press-on manicure comes inside of a cute look-a-like nail polish bottle, that also acts as storage for your extra nails. Inside are 24 nails in 12 different sizes. As the “Press-on” name makes aware, these false nails do not need any glue to apply and are supposed to last for up to a week! I’ve never been a fan of gluing on fake nails be they from a drug store or salon, but the idea of a easy to remove press-on nail is very appealing to me. When I had my nails done at a salon, I absolutely loved having perfect long nails, because my real nails become to brittle as they grow out. But after a month, my nails grew out and the salon nails didn’t look so perfect anymore. I didn’t want to pay the steep salon prices again, and removed them myself, which was a pretty brutal process. The imPRESS Press-on Manicure sounds like a great alternative for those who want beautiful nails without the price or pain.

Before we get started, here’s a quick video on how to apply imPRESS Press-on Manicure:

Application:

It took me about 10 minutes total applying the nails, most of that time was spent picking out the nail sizes. I apparently have very large thumbnails and very small pinky nails, because there were only one set for each of those nails, so here’s hoping neither the thumbs nor the pinkies fall off first, because I wont be able to replace them! It was very simple pressing the nails on, the only difficult part was removing the tab, which took a lot of pressure. I recommend starting with the pinkys and leaving both thumbs off until last, because you’ll need them to remove the tabs on the other hand. I put on every nail flawless, so even a nail newbie like myself can put these nails on! They look fabulous, and are at the perfect length, not too long which is very classy, unlike a lot of fake nails.

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

I applied the nails on Monday night, and didn’t have any issues until Thursday morning when the nail on the pointer finger of my left hand came off! I noticed it was already getting loose because my hair was getting caught under the back of the nail. I applied one of the extra nails (I decided to carry the little bottle around in my purse just in case), but that one also came off later in the day, and again on Saturday. My only guess is that I didn’t properly cleanse it after the first one fell off. I have had no issues with the other nails, and other than that one finger, the nails have stayed on for about 5 days and they still look very nice. I can tell they’re getting to their breaking point, because my right thumb nail feels like it’s ready to go! If the nails make it through the night, I’m probably going to remove them sometime tomorrow night.

5 days into wearing imPRESS Press-on Manicure

One negative is that some tasks, ex. trying to open anything slightly difficult, are nearly impossible, because either the nail isn’t strong enough or the glue isn’t strong enough to hold the nail. Which isn’t necessarily a big deal, but you might have to ask other for help. Also, after a few days of use, the tops of the nails begin to look grungy, and require a light scrub down of rubbing alcohol.

Update: I decided to take them off on the 6th day after the thumb nail finally fell off. The rest were still fully attached, and actually slightly hard to get off, so I suspect they would have stayed on a few more days. Use a little nail polish remover to help get them off, otherwise it will hurt a little if they’re not somewhat loose.

Bottom Line:

As far as glue-on/press-on nails go, these are by far the easiest and best on the market that I know of. They’re kind of pricey considering they only last a week tops, so that could be the determining factor for how often I actually wear them. They’re beautiful when on, and the addiction to having gorgeous nails will be hard to resist, but even for their cheapest at $5.99, it’s not totally worth it. The quality is there for an A rating, but the price drags the product down to a B.

imPress Manicure retails for $5.99 for colors and $7.99 for patterns, and is available at CVS, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, KMart, Walgreens, Walmart and more. For a full list of online and in-store retailers, visit imPressManicure.com, where you can download an exclusive coupon and virtually try on all the colors and patterns!

Courtney’s Rating: B

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

NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine “Nude York City”

December 16, 2011September 18, 2013 Coco

Have you heard the gossip? There’s a new gloss in town! NYC New York Color Liquid Lip Shine is getting headlines with seriously high-drama color at a seriously low price. Pure pigments give a 3-D effect that’s off-the-charts glossy. Tons of hot new shades, from preppy nudes to bold statement hues – all for less than your weekly fashion magazine.

Included in my Influenster Holiday Voxbox was NYC’s new Liquid Lipshine in #582 Nude York City! Currently in 10 beautiful shades, check out New York Color’s website for more information on Liquid Lipshine!

First Impression:

We all know NYC, it’s one of the cheapest priced makeup brands in the drugstore, and most usually write it off as cheap quality as well. I generally agreed with the assumption, but after using NYC’s new Liquid Lipshine for the last few days, the rumors are completely false. It may not be the best lip gloss on the market, but at its price point of $2.49, it is, in my opinion, the best lip gloss in its range.

Application:

One thing I noticed right off the bat was that the applicator was a little longer than most lip gloss applicator tips (at least from what I’ve noticed) and it bent fluidly with your lip rather than being stiff, which for me, made it easy to apply without a mirror. The lip color of Nude York City is a glossy nude with a lot of shine, pictured below, in certain lights you see soft hints of a fleshy pink underneath. The gloss smells wonderful, I believe of vanilla, coconut and a hint of chocolate, which really makes for a great combination. The formula is non-sticky (it’s more thick than sticky), and it glides on perfectly and feels very smooth on the lips. Amazingly, it lasts quite a lot longer than most glosses I’ve used.

New York Color (NYC) Liquid Lip Shine in 582 Nude York City

Bottom Line:

I am a big fan of this lip gloss for many reasons, but mainly because the quality is great and it’s easy to apply during a hectic day. And for $2.49, you can’t beat that price! Get it!

Start shopping for NYC at these stores nearest you: Walmart, Target, Rite Aid, CVS, Family Dollar, Duane Reade, Kmart, HEB, and others. Visit newyorkcolor.com to check out all shades and fun products from New York Color!

Courtney’s Rating: A

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