StarCat70: Reviews

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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Okay, So What Is This Influenster Anyway and Why Join?!

You may have seen my previous posts about the free VoxBoxes I've received from Influenster and wondered what it's all about. Maybe this post will help explain what it is and why I like it so much!

First, to get the in-depth scoop or to get yourself started right away in the Influenster community, go to Influenster.com .

Now, here's my take.

Influenster is a place for those of us who like to try out the latest products, and some of the oldies, too, and share with the world what we like or don't like about them. You know, influence people! So, if an influenster likes something or not, they're sure to let you know, either by word of mouth, on Facebook, Twitter, or on just about any other social network. Also, Influenster is a great place to see what others are thinking about products. It's a community of trendsetters!

Influenster is also just a fun place! I find I'm making new friends within the Influenster community, which is just one of the many bonuses of signing up. Some of the other fun things to do include unlocking what they call "badges" and possibly being selected to receive free samples to try, so that you can share the 411 about them with others.

For example, here's a pic of what was in the first "VoxBox" I received:

Influenster Mom VoxBox 2012

And the second!

Influenster Naturals VoxBox 2012

Pretty neat, huh?

I tried all these products out and shared with everyone I know personally (and in the online world) what I really truly thought about them. I blogged about it, tweeted it, made a video unboxings. Oh, when I really like something, I make videos about them individually! Here's an example:

Pretty much, when you join Influenster.com , in order to receive the free samples, you need to agree to share your opinions and fill out surveys. Sounds easy enough. For me, it's actually lots of fun!

Alright, I've not been part of Influenster for very long, but even in the short time I've been with the program, I've seen some positive changes they've made to the website. So, if you were ever thinking of joining before, and were maybe turned off by the way the site was set up previously, you may love the new stuff they've got going on.

First of all, the site's appearance is greatly improved! It has a cleaner look. Navigating through it makes more sense and is just easier. It's also much easier to edit your profile.

One of the other new features is the point system they've set up. Now, you can earn points in addition to earning the badges. So you can challenge yourself and test how influential you really are and have some competition with other members of the community. Who wouldn't want to get "Expert Badges" or attain a super high "Influenster Score"! A fun game, to be sure.

In addition to all of that, for those of us who like to blog, vlog or just socialize on social networks, joining Influenster gives you a chance to fine-tune all those skills. And it helps us stay-at-home moms to stay connected with the rest of the world! :o)

Here, I sample the Shea Moisture Baby Bar Soap
from the Naturals VoxBox. Good Stuff!

Okay, I'm sure there are some other features Influenster.com has to offer that I may have forgotten to mention. So, what are you waiting for? Go check it out and see for yourself! And more importantly, have fun! (^.^)/

Sunday, October 14, 2012

REVIEWS! Naturals VoxBox 2012

As mentioned in my previous post, I made a review video for the Naturals VoxBox 2012 that I received from Influenster.com!

I'll just put it here, for those who prefer the live action reviews. \(^.^)/
Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Once again, I should mention, I received the VoxBox absolutely free from Influenster in exchange for my sharing my opinions about the products contained in it. No one has paid me for my reviews. Visit Influenster.com for more information about the program.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

VoxBox Naturals 2012 Reviews!

It's review time, at last!

I've tried all the items in the VoxBox Naturals. I'm ready to let you all know what I thought of them. And, though I'm not super crazy about all the products, I do appreciate that they are natural and are all basically pretty good stuff!

So, let's get started... Oh, and by the way, I'll also be posting a review vid on these a little later.

CleanWell Individual Hand Sanitizer Wipes:
$29.99 for 50 pouches

The CleanWell Hand Sanitizer Wipes are said to kill germs without the use of alcohol, by using all natural ingredients. It is also supposed to moisturize, be gentle to the skin and be easy on the earth. While I believe these claims may be true, I was only given one sample packet, so it was difficult to put it to the test.

Cons:

When I used the product (I wiped it on my hands and across my neck) the first thing I noticed was the strong citrus scent. For quite some time after using the wipe, the strong scent seemed to linger. It was reminiscent of a bug spray. I really wanted to like the wipe, because it would be a great natural product to use on my children. However, the scent stayed for quite some time and, at least to me, was not at all pleasant enough for me to want to use it again.

Pros:

Still, the idea of a natural sanitizing wipe is fantastic. So, if the scent were improved a bit, I'd go for this product. It didn't dry my skin out at all. I felt as though it left my skin clean and moisturized. The bonus is that it sanitizes, too!

EBOOST:
$28 for box of 20 effervescent powders
$39 for box of 30 effervescent powders
$39 for box of 12 shots

EBOOST is a dietary supplement drink mix. It comes in four flavors; Orange, Pink Lemonade, Acai Pomegranate, Super Berry. You can get them in effervescent powders or in shot drinks. The product is supposed to boost immunity, mood and focus.

Cons:

First, I received only one packet, so I cannot say for certain if this product does what it claims. The problem I had with it is the flavor. I received the orange effervescent powder.

I mixed the powder with water, as directed, and added a little ice. It became fizzy. The flavor reminded me of a very dry, unsweet sort of Perrier water with a hint of orange. Or, an orange chewable vitamin. Maybe it is what Alka Seltzer tastes like? This may not be a horrible flavor to some, but for me it was a negative.

Pros:

Were I able to get past the taste, I think this product may have done some good for me. It is loaded with vitamins and natural ingredients and comes in convenient packaging.

GEODEO:
$5.99 for 2.3oz stick

GeoDeo is a 97% natural 24 hour deodorant. It's ingredients are to help detoxify and help clear out impurities in the skin in a gentle effective way. It contains volcanic minerals, Icelandic algae, enzymes, bamboo, aloe and vitamin E. These ingredients do the job of moisturizing and healing the skin while detoxifying and neutralizing odors.

Cons:

Although I essentially like this product, the odor neutralizing properties didn't seem to last an entire 24 hours. By the end of a day, I could smell a slight musky scent, though it wasn't horrible. I did put GeoDeo through a rigorous trial, which might explain the end result.

Throughout the days I had used this product, the air conditioning was not working in our house and the air was pretty hot and humid. I also had completed a workout or two, rode my bike a few miles and took a couple of walks/jogs.

Pros:

GeoDeo is very gentle and non-staining. It has a very nice light and clean scent in the package, though the scent seems to dissipate after the product is applied. I like that although it is intended as a deodorant, it also seems to help with wetness. Despite the workouts and my hot house, I felt pretty fresh most of the day.

This is a product I would likely purchase in the future for those times when I just want to feel clean, without the sticky and thick antiperspirant I normally use. I suspect this product may work better over time with repeated use, though it isn't mentioned in the product description.

The Original Dish Drying Mat:
$4.99

The Original Dish Drying Mat is for putting those hand-washed dishes on to dry. It absorbs 4 times its weight in water. It has a foam core sandwiched between absorbent microfiber.

Cons:
Well, this product pretty much does what it says. It isn't fancy, which may be it's only drawback, and a minor one at that. The only thing I could come up with to spruce it up a bit was to add colors or maybe a pretty pattern. Otherwise, there really aren't any cons. :o)

Pros:

I like that the mat is super absorbent and cushy. I can put glasses on it without worry they will slip off. And, there's no mess of water traveling across the countertop. Also, this guy is machine washable. It has a loop on it for hanging, too, which can help dry it out or store it until next time.

LypSyl Intense Protection LypMoisturizer:
$2.87 to $2.99

LypSyl Intense Protection LypMoisturizer contains Swedish beeswax, organic shea butter, and vitamins A and E, to moisturize, soften and protect lips. It comes in a cute package!

Cons:

None

Pros:
I use LypSyl every day. It goes on smooth and soft and keeps my lips soft for most of the day. It protects my lips from the wind and seems to give them slight refreshing tingle. The packaging is easy to use and cute; it has a little bee for a slider. :o)

NECTRESSE:
$3.99 for 40 servings
$6.99 for 140 servings

NECTRESSE is a natural sweetener from the makers of Splenda. It has a blend of monk fruit, sugar, molasses and other natural sweeteners. This sweetener has no calories!

Cons:

From what I can tell so far, there are no cons. My only curiosity is with the ingredient erythritol. This is considered a natural ingredient and my understanding is that it is safe.

Pros:

I like this product because it looks just like sugar and tastes like it, too!

I first put it on my finger to taste it and found the texture and flavor pleasing. I can imagine putting this on strawberries to sweeten them and enjoying it. I did use Nectresse in a glass of iced tea. It tasted just like tea sweetened with sugar. Nice product! I would have liked to have received a few more packets to test, but I suppose I'll just have to go out and buy my own. :o)

SheaMoisture Raw Shea, Chamomile & Argan Baby Bar Soap:
$4.99 for a 5oz bar

SheaMoisture Raw Shea, Chamomile & Argan Baby Bar Soap contains no sulfates and is gentle for babies and children (and adults, too!). It calms eczema with its natural ingredients of shea butter, argan oil, chamomile extract, frankincense and myrrh.

Cons:

No serious cons to mention, really. I thought the scent was a little masculine, but it does dissipate quickly after use. My young daughter loves the scent!

Pros:

SheaMoisture Baby Bar Soap is one of my favorites products from the VoxBox. I love how moisturizing it is and look forward to trying it out during the winter, when our skin is driest.

I used this on my kids and found it to be soft and gentle but effective in cleansing. I also used the soap on my face. My skin was not tight and dry after use. Instead, I found my skin to feel nourished and clean. The bar seems as though it will last a long time and it lathers well. Nice!

So, there you have it!

It was loads of fun receiving and sampling these products in the Naturals VoxBox from influenster.com. Which, by the way, I received completely free, in exchange for my sharing what I thought about them.

I hope you found these product reviews useful! :o)