Review: Palmolive® soft touch

I am signed up for a product review program called Influenster.  How it works is that you sign up on the website and review products that they have listed on the site.  You earn badges for the reviews and this will increase your Influenster badge score.  You can also link up your other social media contacts to increase your score also. Most of the products for review you probably have heard of and most likely have used.

Every so often companies will reach out to Influenster with new products that they want tested. You will fill out a pre-qualification survey and based on that information you may be selected to test the product. If you are picked, Influenster will send you an email to let you know that you have been selected and to keep your eye out for a package from them. Once you receive the package, you must review the product or else you will be disqualified from any further boxes.

Interestingly enough, I did not fill out a pre-qualification survey for the product that I received. I filled out a survey for another product, wasn't selected, and received an email letting me know that I was picked for this program. 

First look!

I received two bottles of Palmolive® soft touch dish soap.

Left: Vitamin E

Right: Aloe

 

You could receive two of three different formulas of this product, Vitamin E, Aloe and Coconut Butter.  I am happy with the two formulas that I received. Influenster  and Palmolive sent two full sized bottles - one for you to try and one to give to a friend to try. I'm planning on giving this to my sister when I see her next. They also sent a bunch of coupons for $1.00 off future purchases of this product - or to distribute to your friends. 

I tried out the Vitamin E bottle first - strictly based on the pink color. The scent was nice. It was light and fragrant. The product suds up well and seemed to remove the grease and food easily.  I really noticed that my hands were moisturized while washing the dishes. It was like my hands were coated in some kind of oil protecting my hands from drying out in the water. Despite this feeling, it didn't remain when you stopped washing the dishes and dried your hands. 

I have really dry skin and washing my hands or doing dishes dries my hands out really badly. This dish soap helped to stop my hands from drying out. I will definitely be repurchasing this product. I just saw that CVS has this on sale for $0.99 this week, so if I use the coupon that was provided I will just have to pay tax on the bottle. I will probably go pick up some more of these bottles and spread the love to all my friends.

**Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes

IPSY May 2013

I received my IPSY bag in the mail today. Keep reading to see what I got!

Price: $10.00 (free shipping)

Ships out: Every month.

Extras: Each month the products featured in the bag have special subscriber discounts.

This Month's theme is 'Spring Fever'

The bag this month was shades of orange and green - almost like a Missoni print. 

Each bag has discounts on the month's products, which included a coupon code for $110.00 off hair styling tools and hair extensions, plus a free thermal pouch at NuMe. 

FULL SIZE .33oz. Pacifica 'Island Vanilla' perfume roll on. Really warm,vanilla-y scent. It's described as "Tahitian vanilla, loved for its fruity and slightly floral aroma, is anchored with rich Bourbon vanilla notes." I think this would be nice to wear in the fall. It's a great size to throw in your purse. 

Approximate Value: $12.00

 .14fl. oz. Juice Beauty lipgloss in 'Pink' Nice color in the bottle. The gloss is really thin, I applied it and it felt very watery. Color wasn't very pigmented. It left a slight hint of color, and a good amount of shine on my lips. Don't think it lasted on my lips for even an hour.

Approximate Value: $7.50

Yaby Concealer refill in 'Buff' When I first took this out of the bag, I thought it was an eyeshadow. I tried to swatch the color and noticed that the product was creamy. It wasn't until I went to the website where I found out exactly what I got. Bonus - I think this color might work for me. Don't know if everyone got the same color or if it was personalized to a color that might fit my skin tone. This product would fit nicely in the Glam RX pallet that came in the March bag. Unfortunately I was still on the waiting list when this bag shipped, so I don't know what I'm going to do with this sample. 

Approximate Value: $4.85

FULL SIZE Zoya nail polish in 'Neely' It's a nice sea foam green color. I immediately painted my nails. The color is nice and the polish dries quickly. I would purchase from this brand again. I checked out the website and it says that this color was originally created for the runway show of designer Peter Som. 

Approximate Value: $8.00

10ml. NuMe Finishing Serum I have received a sample of another NuMe product from another sample box in the past and it worked really well. Like impressively well. But this brand is soooooo expensive. I have high hopes for this sample. 

Approximate Value: $20.34

Total Approximate Value: $52.69

I'm horrible at math, so I'm not confident that I did all the calculations correctly on the approximate values of these samples. However, if I did do them correctly - that's a really high value for this bag! In all there are a few products that I am excited to try out and overall this is a great bag.

Love with Food April 2013

If you happened to see a previous post, you know that I signed up for a six month subscription to Love with Food from FAB. I received my first box - the April box that was curated by Andrew Zimmern from Bizarre Foods on the Travel Channel.

The Price: $10.00 a month

Ships out: Once a month

The Extras: For each box purchased, Love with Food donates a meal to someone in need. 

This month's theme was Weird, Wild, Wonderful Foods.

Fennel Pollen from Pollen Ranch

Approximate Value: $0.54

Not quite sure what I'm going to do with this...

 5oz. Somersaults in Salty Pepper These were really good. I liked the taste, although it was really peppery - which make it slightly spicy. I will probably repurchase these.

Approximate Value: $0.33

2oz. Buffl Lo Dip in Creamy Buffalo Ranch

Approximate Value: $0.64

1.1oz Oloves  in Lemony Lover

Approximate Value: $1.59

2.50z. The Good Bean all natural chickpea snack in Smoky Chili and Lime These were okay. It has the texture and crunch of nuts. I liked the flavor, but didn't love it. It was a little spicy, I can handle most of my spice, and this one had a little kick to it. 

Approximate Value: $4.59

1oz. Mini Pops Air Popped Sorghum Grain in Itty Bitty Butter This tastes like unsalted, unbuttered mini popcorn.  I didn't really like the flavor because it tasted like there was no flavor. Because the grains were so small it's really clumsy to eat. You either have to pour a bunch of this in your hand and smash it into your mouth or grab a bunch of these grains in your fingers and put everything in your mouth. Messy with each technique. Plus lots of fallout because it's so small. This stuff got everywhere. I only got through a third of the bag. I think I might experiment with flavors with the rest of the bag. 

Approximate Value: $1.21

2 Cocomels Coconut Milk Caramels (1 in Sea Salt, 1 in Original)

Approximate Value: $0.98

Total estimated value: $9.88

I think the value for this box is a little low, but it's at least higher than the price that I paid using the FAB deal. Without the credits that I had the 6 month subscription deal comes out to $7.77 a box. 

Ipsy April 2013

This is my first IPSY bag. If you don't know what IPSY is, check out their website

Price: $10.00 (free shipping)

Ships out: Every month.

Extras: Each month the products featured in the bag have special subscriber discounts.

This month's theme was Pretty in Pink.

First look

The goods

.07 oz Big Sexy Hair 'Powder Play Volumizing and Texturizing Powder' I attempted to use this. Wasn't impressed. Might have to make a good attempt at this power and see if it was me or the powder that wasn't working.
          Estimated value: $2.00

FULL SIZE 0.035 oz Two Cosmetics duo eyeshadow in 'Heartache' This wasn't very pigmented. When I applied it it made me look like I was sick. Most pink eyeshadows will do that though.
          Estimated value: $6.99

FULL SIZE .50 oz Sation Nail Lacquer in 'Of Corset I'll Call You' Sheer pink color.
          Estimated value: $5.00

FULL SIZE 17 oz Be a Bombshell Cosmetics blush in 'Sweet Cheeks' Nice color, very pigmented. I had to use a light haNd to apply this blush.  I like a more natural blush look, so if you like a bolder cheek the color payoff might be great for you.
          Estimated value: $16.00

White Cosmetic bag with a pink zipper. What is the point of a white cosmetics bag anyways? Makeup is a messy task, makeup is messy. This will be a kaleidoscope of colors soon.

Total Estimated Value: $29.99

Not too bad for my first IPSY bag. I think I will be continuing to subscribe to this sample "box" hopefully it will continue to be a good monthly treat.

Birchbox April 2013

Birchbox

Price: $10.00  (includes shipping)

Ships out: Every month.

Extras: Point system that adds up and converts into discounts on products in the Birchbox Shop. Earn points by reviewing products and referring friends.

This month's box was curated by Women's Health

First Look!

All the products I received.

(2) 0.23 fl. oz. foil packs of Oribe 'Shampoo and Conditioner for Beautiful Color'
          Estimated value: $11.14

0.15 oz Mirenesse Glossy Kiss in 'Starlet' - I checked out the website for this brand and couldn't find how big the full size of this product was. Based on the pictures that are shown of this product for sale, this is not full sized. While I was checking out this lipstick I took a closer look at the sample. The sample is in the shape of a skinny Clinique Chubby stick and it looks like you should be able to twist the bottom for more product, but IT'S A LIEEEEEEE!!!!! The only useable product is the tip of the stick. Nothing to twist; can't sharpen plastic. The tips all you get. This kinda pisses me off. #1 because of the false advertizing, even more so because of the extent of lying they were knowingly putting out there. They did that whole stick to pretend that the sample was bigger. #2 because this sample is an egregious waste of material and the green part of me hates that.
          Estimated value: $ ? The stick that I received states that it's 4g. Online the product states that the full sized Glossy Kiss is 3g. How is the sample larger in weight than the full sized product?! There is so much about this company that is shady! You can also get "free" samples of their products on the website, but they charge exorbitant amounts for shipping. I will be staying away from this company.

2 packs of Kusmi Tea in 'Euphoria' and 'Sweet Love'.  Euphoria is described as "roasted Mate chocolate and orange" and Sweet Love is "exquisite spicy blend"  Both of the teas smell really good, the names and descriptions of the teas don't make me excited to try them though.
          Estimated value: $1.55

Free year of Women's Health Magazine
          Estimated value: $9.99

2 fl oz Skin&Co 'Sicilian Body Gel'
          Estimated value: $ ? Something else that has questionable sizing/prices.

2 ml Supergoop 'Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Cream' I couldn't find this on the Supergoop site, but the Birchbox Shop sells it there.
          Estimated value: $ ? Don't know the conversion of ml and fl oz. Math is hard...

Total estimated value: $22.68+++

Don't forget to sign up for Birchbox with my referral link.

New Beauty Test Tube Spring "Box"

New Beauty Test Tube

Price: $29.99 + shipping

Ships out: According to the website it says six times a year, when I signed up it was quarterly (4 times a year) Don't know if they changed the program. I have not received any information about this change. If it did really change, I would think that they would notify their current subscribers to inform them of this change and that they will be charged two extra times this year for the tube. If I don't receive notification of this I will probably unsubscribe. Customer service is an important part of the subscription service that I expect. That's why I unsubed from GlossyBox (great box - horrendous customer service).

The Claim: $150.00 value in each tube

Extras: Ships out with the current issue of New Beauty magazine. Honestly I do not read this magazine. The mag is filled with plastic surgery information.  If you are looking for plastic surgery info this magazine might be great for you. I"m not interested in plastic surgery, so it's not for me.

What I received in this test tube.

.02 oz. Paula Dorf 'Baby Eyes Enhancer' Instructions on how to use this product from the booklet says that you can use this pencil on the inner rims of your eyes to fake the illusion of bigger eyes. I tried lining my waterline, but because the pencil isn't very creamy I was not able to get any of the product on my waterline. 

          Estimated value: $10.00

1 fl. oz. John Frieda 'Fine to Full Blow-Out Spray'

          Estimated value: $1.50

(2)1.7 fl. oz. Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy 'Nourishing Shampoo and Nourishing Daily Shampoo' I was initially excited to try this, but it's not color safe, so I will be giving this to my sister.

     Estimated value: $0.52 - $0.92

1.77 fl. oz. Phyto 'Phytomist' Leave in Conditioner for Color Treated Hair

          Estimated value: $11.20

1.6 fl. oz. June Jacobs 'Purifying Enzyme Masque' The mask is  clear so it's hard to apply on your face because you can't see where it was applied and not. After I rinsed it off I did not feel or see any difference in my face.

          Estimated value: $31.00

(2) FULL SIZE Forever Young 'Face Wraps' I didn't really see or feel a difference on my face with this mask. 

          Estimated value: $10.00 (for two)

1 fl. oz. Suki 'Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser'

          Estimated value: $8.24

Spa Look coupons These are included in every Test Tube. 

Total Estimated Value: $72.66 Definitely not the $150.00 retail value that they claimed to be in every tube. So far this is the third New Beauty Test Tube that I have received. The first two were great, season's tube is a disappointment for me. There was only one full sized product and the tube had two different masks. I hope this was just a miss month and the next one will be better. If not I might have to unsubscribe.  With the tubes coming out six times a year, it won't be financially feasible for me to keep purchasing disappointing tubes.

There is a QVC version of New Beauty Test Tube. If I keep getting bad tubes, I might have to try that version out. 

What did you think about your tube?

Little Black Bag March 2013

Little Black Bag


Price: Varies according to 1st pick purchase you choose

Ships out: You have until the 5th of the month to skip that month. Once you pick your 1st pick you have seven days to trade with other Little Black Bag members. This is where it gets addictive. If you bundle you receive your 1st pick, plus two "stylist picks" You have the seven days to offer or accept trades from others to receive what you want. I originally picked one bag and received two necklaces, a pair of earrings and a hairspray as my stylist picks. They were having a deal so I received the two extra stylist picks.  I was able to trade away everything but the original bag I picked and received another bag.

Extras: Little Black Bag usually has a deal going on at all times, if they don't currently have one, they probably will soon. Just wait to get that deal.

This was my original first pick. The Nila Anthony Lace Structured Satchel. Retail value: $76.00. When I received this in the mail, I was slightly disappointed with the bag.  It wasn't really what I had expected. The lace is glued on the bag so that it looks like it was etched into the leather. I wish the lace was thicker so that it actually looked like the lace was overlaid on the bag. I thought about returning this item, but ended up deciding to keep it. There are so many pockets on/in this bag. I'm an organization freak so I like having all the different pockets for different things. 

 This is the item that I traded for, the Olivia and Joy Knick Knack Satchel. I really needed a new purse, because my go to purses are falling apart on me. I was not going to have my box ship out without at least two purses. I put out a trade offer on this bag, not expecting anyone to actually accept it, but someone did! The retail value of this bag was $92.00.  After I accepted this bag I started looking at it and was scared that the bag was smaller than what I wanted, so I went on a mission of attempting to trade this bag away for something larger. I trolled the chat rooms seeing if anyone would trade with me and thought that I might have some offers because the bag has a high retail value, but I didn't have any takers. After actually getting this bag I'm so glad that no one wanted to trade with me! I actually like this bag better than the 1st pick bag. This bag has a lot of pockets also. I'm currently using this bag as my everyday bag. 
I have gotten so many compliments on this bag! At least once a week someone will tell me they like it!

I skipped the month of April because I'm trying to save my money for a trip that I'm planning on taking.  I will probably be purchasing from this site again.  The trading to so addicting and fun.  I love that you can skip a month. If you don't skip by the 5th of the month you will receive credits for future use.

Do a girl a favor and use my referral link.