$200 Target Giveaway (+another $200 Target Giveaway linked to it!)- Good luck! Ends 9/10 – OPEN WORDWIDE!

Hey guys-

I pretty much took the summer off from blogging- BUT I have not forgotten about you guys!!!

If you remember, I did the $200 Free People Giveaway- and now I’m doing another one but this one is HUGE—- and there’s 2 CHANCES TO WIN!

I am C0-Hosting a $200 Target #giveaway with Oh My Gosh Beck!

It’s an Instagram giveaway- meaning you must have an IG account. Second, you must follow, like, and/or comment (depending on what level the blogger chose) for entries.

People that aren’t cohosts only need likes or comments. There are a few different ways to enter if you don’t want to follow a bunch of new people.

*****But if you already follow me on IG-    @budgetbeautysite_cstone412cs

—–you have one entry already! Every daily like and comment you make are more entries!

*Also, there was such a huge response of bloggers that wanted to participate in the giveaway, that she had to split us up into two groups so there are

2 chances to win $200 to Target!

Fill out/Take a look at the Rafflecopter that I provide you with and toward the end, there’s an entry option for “enter our other Target giveaway” and that will bring you to the next $200 giveaway! (and you get and entry for my giveaway just for entering the other giveaway, cool huh?)

Great right!?!  (I almost wish that I wasn’t part of it so I could enter LOL!)

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Prize: $200 Target Gift Card

Giveaway Starts ===> August 20th @  6 PM EST / 3 PM PST (SORRY- Posting a few hours late!)

Giveaway organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!

Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 9/10 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.

Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Good Luck!

Thanks for sticking around.

I will be having a Review and Giveaway of a BLASTZONE BOUNCY CASTLE within the next week…. So you may want to keep an eye out for that! I am hoping to have it posted by Sunday night. So I will have the giveaway for the bouncy castle posted hopefully Sunday! (it’s my first really, really big giveaway! it’s worth over $300!

What’s been shaking? Me and my Runtastic Orbit that’s what!

Now that the really hot weather has passed I’ve been wanting to start walking every day again. And, in theory, that will lead to jogging, cardio, weight training, etc. I know what I should be doing- getting up and doing it is my problem!

It’s not like I’m totally overweight but I’m enough overweight to be uncomfortable in my own skin. I can’t use the excuse “I just had a baby” anymore because my “baby” is a 16 month old toddler now! I’m actually heavier now than when I had her in may of 2013!

About a month ago I started wanting a wireless activity tracker to see how much (or little) I do everyday. At first I wanted a Fitbit (real bad). Then I did some research online… The top 3 I wanted were- a fitbit flex, garmin vivofit, a jawbone up24… I love swimming laps in the summer so waterproof was a big thing for me so that narrowed down my search a lot. I then came across the misfit shine which was super cool looking and water proof but then I read bad things so forget it… I had also come across the Runtastic Orbit. This was waterproof, tracked calories, distance, sleep, etc. It also was one of the first companies to offer fitness apps. and that was basically what they started doing before they offered actual fitness products. I read a lot of great things about them.

So I got a Runtastic Orbit. I was happy because it came with 2 sturdy bands (black, and a pretty bright blue) plus another little clip that can go on your pants, belt, bra, etc. They sell extra bands in 2 different batches of  colors for $29.99. I wish they just sold them separately because I like only 1-2 of the colors of each batch and I, not going to pay $60 for all of them. The Orbit is actually a little square/rectangle piece of ‘plastic’ comparable to a USB stick and you stick that into the actual bands. When you want to charge it (which has been every 3-4 days for me so far) you take it out of your band at attach it to the USB charger that it came with. The charger seemed kinda scary because it has two little “dots” (pegs) that stick into the Orbit. I say scary because if anything bumps them or messes with them I’ll be out a charger (I’m just assuming this and have not had any issues. So it is probably fine.)

Here are some of the highlights from the Runtastic site:

~24 hour tracking: Tracks your activities, fitness & sleep cycles

~Versatile usability: Wear it on your wrist, belt or a more discreet location

~See your Steps & Distance, Calories Burned, Sleep Duration & Cycles plus much more (ummm I only see duration I have nit yet figure out sleep cycles…)

~Set & reach personal goals, use vibration alarms & notifications & monitor your daily progress (I love the vibration alarms!)

~Integrates with the Runtastic Me app & your Runtastic GPS app for running, biking & othe r fitness activities

(they also have extra apps like push-ups, situps, nutrition quiz)

~Waterproof up to 300 feet (awesome)

~Also, it has an ambient light sensor which if they want to add apps at some point for adding sunscreen or something else, what I’m not sure.

(The box with info, 2 bands, 1 clip and the actual Orbit piece)

A LED display shows the time, your latest step count, calories burned, and total time active. It’s all pretty common stats among the popular wearables and digital pedometers. But connecting to Runtastic Pro will show you your average pace, average speed, and maximum speed during runs, hikes and bike rides. It’s a nice to be able to see those stats and could win over some people when choosing between the Orbit and flashy or fancier alternatives.

It’s been 5.5 days since I got it. I only remembered to sync with the apps at the end if the day 3 times. I also forgot to put it into sleep mode once. I’m still figuring a couple things out (like the sleep cycle thing that I read about). I also noticed that if I talk with my hands a lot, it thinks I’m jogging! Lol (which is not good because I pick the baby up a lot and I think it’s is messing with my stats)

Here’s a screenshot if the Runtastic Me app-

 

I was thinking of doing a few posts about my nutrition and fitness journey- maybe it will help some people (maybe it will bore some) … Let me know what you think or if you have any questions.

This was just a little “quickie” post and I want to do a more structured overview of the Orbit and the 2 apps I’ve been using with it (Runtastic flagship app and Runtastic me, along with a post on the sit-ups, push-ups, nutrition quiz, pedometer, apps etc.) Let me know what you think or if you have an activity tracker and which one/what you think of it. (I’m kinda jealous of the fitbit still because I heard that you can track weight lost and stuff like that… but I could connect to the MyfitnessPal app and just do that there I think…).

Happy Friday! Have a great weekend!

Valleau Apparel Photos, Review, and a Giveaway for You!

As you know I have been trying to lose like 40 pounds through diet and exercise. I mostly power-walk with the stroller but there are days when I jog. I have 2 Fabletics outfits and I love the 2 pairs of pants that I have. But both bras that I got from them, well, sucked. One was padded (which I am really small chested so I love padded bras) but the cups were in an odd position for me so that got returned. The 2nd bra that goes with my black/red stripe pants that you see me in a lot is OK but lacks in support and makes me bounce when I am running. It is more of a low impact bra.

Anyway, if you’re looking for GREAT sports bras let me tell you about Valleau Apparel. They don’t just have bras, either, they have pants and tank tops and a few other things.  All the colors and designs are so cute and amazing too. There are many styles to choose from and I will show a few pics so you get the idea. All pictures that I provide that are not of me, are from the Valleau Apparel site with their permission.

Here are a few pics of their gorgeous bras-

The Mermaid (back view)

Firework (back view)

Cute Pants- Many colors to choose from

 

They just started a line of workout headbands as well!

First of all,  the company was founded by Katie Valleau- who’s that you say (or maybe you know)- she’s an NCAA gymnast. So she knows what it’s like to want her ‘girls’ in the right places at the right times and she knows that having the right support makes your workout (and life) so much easier!  She designs each bra with it’s own ‘story’ and uniqueness, probably making them the most unique bras on the market.  And wait till you see the backs on these babies! So gorgeous! The detail is amazing. Not only is the detail and design amazing but the fabric is awesome. I only walk and jog but I do get pretty sweaty and these felt like they help absorb a lot and keep me from dripping.

Me in the Valleau Apparel Starfish Bra

What a Model Looks Like In the Starfish 🙂

Speaking of fabric- I mentioned that I like cups in my bras. The only ‘downside’ currently of Valleau is that they don’t offer cups in their bras- Yet. I’m sure she is working on it! But the bras are double lined. And since they’re double lined, I don’t feel so ‘exposed’ and I feel it gives a little extra padding without the padding. Does that make any sense?  And since they are double lined it also definitely helps support the ‘girls’. I am usually a 36B (ish) and range from a medium to large depending on the brand. (I was a large in Fabletics). I was going to order a Medium but I was told that they run a little on the tight side so I got a large. The large fit pretty good but still gave me some armpit fat (but that’s not their fault. Once, I lose some weight I’m sure it will be fine!). I would say I would try an XL but I’m pretty sure it would be way to big and then not give me any support or cleavage.

So what have we covered- cups, support, fabric, details- oh and all the colors are so cute and amazing too. And their are a lot of styles to choose from and I will show a few pics so you get the idea. All pictures that I provide that are not of me, are from the Valleau Apparel site with their permission.

Speaking of pictures- I chose to finally take the TERRIFYING plunge and actually take a picture of me in the Valleau bra and post it on the blog! EEEEK. Sorry, if it hurts your eyes but I wanted to show you guys that I did wear the bra and how it fit. Unfortunately, I did not have anyone around to help me take a pic of the gorgeous back of the bra  but I will also provide that pic from their site.

Me in Starfish Bra

Model showing gorgeous back of Starfish Bra

I chose to get the black and teal “Starfish” bra. I wear A LOT of black and teal is my FAVORITE color EVER. So that was a given. Although, I did have to think twice because they do have the same bra in the ‘color of the year- Radiant Orchid’. But I knew the black would match with more.

Radiant Orchid- Starfish Bra

Not only do they have the ‘regular’ bra collection, they have a “Sexy” collection as well. Sexy collection meaning it’s more low cut in the front. I did want to try this but since I am 30 and a Mommy I wanted to keep it casual. Maybe next time though!

This is the Sexy Starfish that is low cut in front

I am very happy that I got to try out this bra and I highly, highly recommend checking them out and maybe even taking the plunge and trying something.

In fact- Right now they are having their “Spring Sale” and you can get some bras for $32! as well as pants for $45 instead of their normal $55 price.

I really want to grab this top while it’s available on sale- it is $40 though… So I will have to check the budget.

Their website is- http://www.valleauapparel.com

Their Pinterest is- http://www.pinterest.com/valleauapparel/

Their Facebook is- https://www.facebook.com/ValleauApparel

Their Instagram is- http://instagram.com/valleauapparel#

They are also on Tumblr- http://valleauapparel.tumblr.com/

Definitely scoop up a bra while you can at that price! But for those of you who don’t have the extra money or just feel lucky we are hosting a giveaway!

Valleau Apparel will giveaway one bra of the winner’s choice! Great right? I wish I could enter and I’d get the radiant orchid one or the Sexy Starfish!

Rafflecopter to be posted on the FB page

http://www.facebook.com/BudgetBeauty

Here is the link to the Rafflecopter entry-

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Budget Beauties Check Out Caralase for Your Summer Wardrobe! Item Review and Reader Giveaway!

As you know I am a SAHM.  My Fiance is the only source of income besides me selling things on Ebay. It’s fun but it barely takes care of my shopping obsession and doesn’t go toward bills at all. I have very limited funds for clothing so I need to make sure I am getting the most for my money. I search (I like the term ‘scour’) the web and other fashion/beauty blogs for deals and sites and boutiques that are affordable yet good quality *usually that’s an oxymoron.  When I find one I really love I always share it with you–Well I found one!

http://www.caralase.com

Their Facebook is

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Caralase/417322198414179

They have tops, tunics, short dresses, maxi dresses, leggings- everything that we need! They even carry accessories. And not only is the stuff feminine and cute but it’s so affordable (the most expensive dress is $30).  I have found that affordable clothes don’t last as long as others. Well that doesn’t seem to be the case with their clothing. I have worn my dress three times now and can’t even tell that it’s been worn once. The material is holding up great and so is the shape.

I got to pick an item from Caralase to review. That was a task! It took me a good two hours or more to decide on one because I would buy the whole place!  I ended up getting the Strap Belted Maxi- on their site it goes for $25.  It goes on similar sites for $49.  I don’t know about you but I’d rather get two dresses with my $50.  (If you are in my blogging group on Facebook you probably saw my post the other day when I was freaking out about how to take pictures of a dress without actually being in the picture…. It was about this particular maxi dress.) The dress itself if awesome- great quality, fits great, feels great. The problem is me and my post baby body. I’m sure there’s really nothing wrong with the pictures but I hate how some of my fashion pictures come out. I just feel flabby still.  I decided, for now, to use Caralase’s pictures from their site. (Sorry to disappoint some of you ladies from my group! I had to have the post up and my Hubby hasn’t been home to help me take the pictures. I do plan on taking some of me for another post.)

Styled with Cardigan

I styled the dress two ways (spring and summer)- Spring- I use a darker wash jean jacket and cork wedge sandals (could also use ballet flats if you don’t want heels). When it gets warmer I will not wear the jacket, I’ll just wear some type of summery shoe and throw on a necklace. I could also throw on a drapey cardigan or one of those new drapey sleeveless vests.

One thing I LOVE about this maxi is that the belt comes with the dress! One of the reasons I have trouble putting together fashion posts is because I have trouble putting outfits together from start to finish with the accessories, shoes, etc. This makes it easy for you- it comes with the accessory.  Now all I have to do is add the shoes, which I have plenty of! (My real issue isn’t styling dresses. It’s styling ‘outfits’ like the top, pants, etc. That’s why I usually just throw on a dress in the summer!)

I really love so many of their tunics and maxi’s. I will definitely be buying a few. I love the printed maxi- that is the one that is the most expensive at $30. Isn’t it gorgeous? It comes in this hot pink and a teal.

If you’re like me then you want something that can be worn in the spring, transition to summer and hopefully even transition into other seasons. Their clothing can do just that. They have everything from tees and tops that you can wear everyday to the dresses that you saw here that can be dressed up or worn daily.

They have sizes small to XL in most items. I was a large in the particular dress. The girl said this one ran a little smaller than  most.

So are you ready for your challenge?  Caralase said they are willing to give one of my readers any one item of their choice! Isn’t that fabulous? Now you can have your very own new Spring and Summer piece (that can be used well into fall even).

Follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter and come back daily for extra entries!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

****All images in this post are taken from http://www.caralase.com

Nike Air Relentless 3 Review

Nike Air Relentless3 from Dick’s Sporting Goods

Overall Grade- D

Price- $59.99

Relentless is right- Relentless Pain!

Overall feeling- BIG Disappointed! Very sad!

If you’ve been reading or on Facebook you know that I am on a diet and have been exercising. I had old sneakers that were an emergency buy from Walmart. I couldn’t thnk of anything else that I wanted for my recent bday so I wanted a nice looking and functional shoe. I though a sweet looking pair of Nikes or similar brand would be awesome. I wanted them for walking around the track, park or neighborhood and I wanted to look cute doing it. I also needed the same pair to be able to be worn after exercising to run errands and stuff.

I saw these black ones with all my favorite colors included. Obviously I had to have them!

I loved the color scheme because they’d basically match everything and they’re adorable!

Being cute is pretty much all they’re good for!

After wearing them for about 20 minutes or less the first time, and second, I got sharp pains in the ball of my foot and my toes went numb and felt like a cramping sensation. They felt nice around the middle of my foot. But the tip of my foot, from the ball to toes was in awful pain even for a while after taking off!

If you’re thinking to buy them just for style and not a lot of walking, go for it. But if you’re buying for exercise or walking or anything like that- I don’t recommend.
Also, black part (not the mesh, the hard black stuff like the ‘suede’ type feel) got dirty/sandy looking very easily, it cleaned ok with a wet paper towel though. The blue part also got dirty but didn’t clean well.
I’m so sad because I saw these and had to have them. They were my bday gift to myself. We are a one paycheck household (as you know is the point of this blog) so I can’t see keeping them just for fashion and buying another pair for my exercising. (I’d love to but it’s not going to happen!)
I’m hoping to try to return them since worn twice and switch for another cute but functional pair. I doubt I will find one as nice looking as these! So sad!

Get Fresh Bath, Body and Spa Products- Review and Giveaway and Discount!

On the days where I feel like I have been pulled in every direction and I just need to relax a nice smelling bath is just what I need. I recently go to try a few products from a company called Get Fresh. They smell amazing and the products don’t have harsh chemicals.

“Combining natural botanicals with the power of advanced body care technology, Get Fresh Spa offers a complete line of luxurious and aromatic spa-strength body products that target dry and aging skin. Our Spa products are formulated without parabens, synthetic dyes, or sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates.”

They are donating a some money from the sales of products in their Warrior Princess line that goes toward helping men and woman from the US Military that sustained injuries whether physical or physcological. The Warrior Princess line smells like Blackberry Vanilla. Out of all the scents I got to try it was by far my favorite! The minerals in the soak supposedly pull out impurities from the body’s surface- sounds cool but I wonder if it really does! I felt soft after. That’s all I know!

I also got to try the Grapefruit and Black Currant Hand Cremes and they left my hands feeling super moisturized. I even gave one to my Fiance to take to work because his hands are always dried out dealing with the cardboard boxes. His hands are a lot better than they were!

The product/products that I am dying to try from them is the Look Better Naked kit that contains body scrub, body mask and body creme. I already got to try the body creme and loved it so I really want to try the scrub and the mask! The mask also supposedly pulls out toxins and impurities so that intrigues me! I love sugar scrubs/body scrubs so I am dying to try theirs!

A couple months ago I tried a dry body oil for the first time. I really didn’t think I was going to like it because I hate feeling oily. Honestly, I used it once and forgot about it! I decided to try the body oil from Get Fresh since summer is coming and it’s nice to use after a day of tanning. I got the Starfruit Dry Oil Body Spray. It absorbed right away and didn’t leave me feeling oil or sticky! I liked the Starfruit scent a lot although it was more on the light scent side. So if you want a lighter scent than go for that one. (The giveaway will be for one of these body oils but in the scent of your choosing!) The Starfruit scent reminded me of fruit salad or a melon-y scent. Get Fresh describes it as “playful, lively, delightful”.

I also got to try the Black Currant Rich Body Creme which I loved! If you don’t know what Black Currant smells like it’s like a combo of plum with a little grape that is how I describe it anyway! Get Fresh describes Black Currant as “exotic, sensual, and enticing” which it definitely is. I fell in love with the scent of black currant back when I worked at Pier 1 Imports. It was the best candle ever so I had to see what this lotion smelled like! The body creme was really moisturizing! And it wasn’t sticky or oily. I used it on my legs, knees, and elbows and it took care of the dry Massachusetts skin! It came with a cap and a pump.

If you’re dying to check out their stuff the website is

http://www.getfresh.net

or

http://www.facebook.com/getfreshnet

Get Fresh is offering my readers a 20% off discount side wide! Code BUDGET

If you’re interested in trying the dry body oil leave a comment here with what scent you’d like to try and fill out the Rafflecopter form.
Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Studio Gear Hydrating CC Cream Review- Facebook Blogger Group Info- Etc.

I feel like I am the last of MANY to write my review! So if you have read a bunch and want to skip it go right ahead! But before you start skipping- I just want to say sorry I have been MIA for the last week! My 10 month old has serious issues! We childproofed but she still manages to get into anything and everything she shouldn’t! I should be back at the beginning of next week with a great review on Spa products and a giveaway!

Onto the Studio Gear review-

I got to try Studio Gear’s Hydrating CC Cream in Natural thanks to BrandBacker and Studio Gear Cosmetics! I do wish that I had gotten Linen because the color was a little off for my fair skin.  I will probably wear it more with summer coming. I will use it for the SPF 20 and once I get some color it probably won’t be off in color.

I have two slight complaints with this CC cream BUT keep in mind that I have seriously BITCHY skin! If you’ve been a reader of mine for a little while, you know pretty much anything new makes me break out! I rarely wear foundations, sunscreen or moisturizer, etc. because I just break out from it. So if you’re not one to break out easily you should be fine! My first ‘complaint’ is the CC cream made my skin, as with any face products, break out in little bumps on my chin and forehead. It starts the day after I use the product and it starts with little bumps that I can feel and then see. Then if I continue using the product they turn to whiteheads or blackheads and then full fledged pimples. I hate pimples so I usually just stop using whatever product made me start! The second ‘complaint’ I have is that I don’t really need moisturizer… and this is a ‘hydrating’ product but it made my skin feel greasy or sticky- very unnatural feeling. With the greasy feeling came a nice ‘glow’ look though!

Since I do breakout so easily I can’t say that I have tried many CC creams. This is probably the 2nd or 3rd. I do like it though! I like it enough to wear it once a week! Sometimes I wear it alone with just lip gloss or sometimes I put on my It Cosmetics powder over some areas and then do a full face of makeup. If you follow me on Instagram my cat eye pictures and a few others were taken wearing this product. (If you want to look for me on Instagram my username is Cstone412cs but there should be a follow link allllll the way at the bottom of my blog.)

The Hydrating CC Cream is said to transform and enhance your complexion in an incredibly light, smooth formula. This foundation simultaneously fights aging, retains moisture, and covers and treats blemishes with a non-oily, perfectly radiant finish.

Key Benefits:

-Prevents fine lines and wrinkles with collagen-building ingredients

-Restores skin elasticity by promoting moisture retention

-Brightens and illuminates skin with a non-oily, complete coverage application.

-Offered in 3 colors- Linen, Natural, and Wheat.

I kinda disagree that it’s a light, non-oily formula. It’s definitely a heavier feel at least on my skin. And I’m not sure how it ‘treats’ blemishes but my blemishes (zits?) get worse. But I do use it once a week so I must like it enough! Basically it’s not the ‘best’ but it’s good enough for now or until something better comes. That’s how I feel about it to be honest!

Also- If you’re interested in trying Studio Gear here is a discount code for my readers:

Reader Discount: 10% Off
Reader Discount Code: bloggercc

 

Did you try it? If you’re in my blogging group on Facebook I have probably read your review!

If you’re a blogger who would like to join a group on Facebook of wonderfully nice and talented bloggers (mostly if not all ladies) I will leave the link. You may have to ask to be added but just say Budget Beauty sent you and you should be all set!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/beautyfashioncommunity/

You don’t have to be a beauty or fashion blogger (or at least you didn’t used to have to. just be a nice blogger!)

I’m so tired! If I sound LoOPy I apologize! Baby hasn’t slept in like a week! She sleeps maybe from 4am til 6am beside that 2-3 hours she is up which means I am up every hour all night.

Take care all!

My 30th Bday is Saturday! If I don’t post before then have a great weekend! I can’t believe I’m 3-0! Ick.

 

The Joys of Influenster- #JadoreVoxbox and More

A few weeks ago I got my 2nd Influenster Voxbox. The first one ingot was around October called the violet voxbox. This one was called the J’adore voxbox and was Amazing! I liked the first one but this one was seriously picked just for me! It was the best valentine I got!

The box contained in order of awesomeness: Hershey’s Kisses family bag, John Frieda 3 day straight, Boots Botanics Clay Mask, and Kiss Lashes. I loved the whole box. I blogged separately about the lashes and the mask. I did enjoy the mask even though it made me break out on my chin. I haven’t gotten to use it again but I am going to try. I break out in that spot a lot anyway But this breakout was deep and hurt badly.

The Hershey’s was my favorite because I’m a piggy and who can’t resist those kisses? I even ate pretty much the whole bag by myself in like two to three days tops! Whoops!

The John Frieda was awesome but I have yet to use it on myself, yes, I did use it but it wasn’t on my hair. I am a Mommy to a VERY active 10 month old that was crawling at five months and is almost walking now. So it’s sometimes hard for me to even shower nevermind blow out my hair! I don’t get much help from the Hubs because he is the one who works and it’s an odd shift…. Back the the product info-  It’s actually a spray and worked pretty well. It’s going to be great for my hair because it didn’t seem too thick. I have super fine curly/wavy hair. most straighter gels are too sticky and thick for me but not this one.

Other Influensters had gotten a Vaseline spray lotion for men. At least I’m pretty sure that’s what it was. I had really wanted that for my Hubs and even for me to try. Oh well, better luck next time!

I have completed all but 2 tasks for the badges that go with the box. And I have even completed all the secondary brand badges! I got an email saying that I will be getting a special kit from Kiss with lashes and I think polish And eyelash glue.

Speaking of prizes… I got my mail today and holy cow was I surprised! There was a bright pink Influenster box and it was big. Too big to be my Kiss prize I thought.

It was a Sally Hansen salon gel polish kit with led light,it also came with three extra polishes- Xtreme wear in teal, Insta-dry in a reddish pink, and a salon manicure in hot pink. Plus, a salon effects polish strips in French manicure. Plus, an extra color for the led kit!that color is grieve and looks awesome! The question is why the heck did I get it? I had gotten a Sally Hansen quick dry polish in the Violet Voxbox so I must’ve won a top bade holder prizes! But I never got any notifications… Oh well! I’m psyched! I wanted to try this type of kit for a while but didn’t have the money to do it. So thanks Influenster!!

My new Sally Hansen Kit and extras!

I’m in the top like 10% for finishing my badges so hopefully my next box will be soon! I’ll keep you updated with any prizes that I get.

Are you an Influenster? I have two invites left. I love it. I see so many people complain that they don’t get a box and blah blah. But you do have to work for it usually. Do the reviews. Connect your social media. Then you will probably get chosen if you stay active.

Have a great weekend! And the Giveaway for the NeoCell should be up tonight but hopefully at least by the morning/tomorrow early afternoon! It will be up by Saturday night!

 

Beauty Starts From The Inside Out- Neocell Review

~NeoCell Beauty Builder, $20 at GNC~

I had seen a couple bloggers blog about NeoCell. NeoCell makes collagen supplements. Collagen supplements help with everything from loss of elasticity in the skin (fine lines, wrinkles), to thinning hair to nail growth. Basically as we age, our body doesn’t make enough collagen. So take some supplements from NeoCell and you should be all set. Right? That’s what I wanted to know.

I am going to be thirty this year… Yah. Actually, I’m going to be the big 3-0 next month. BOO. I’m also a smoker. Another BOo. I also used to worship the sun and tanning beds like they were going out of style and grew up on a lake in the sun daily. I have had a wrinkle on my forehead since my early twenties. It started as a fine line, obviously, and now is a full fledged wrinkle. And it brought it’s friends. Not only do I have fine lines but I have thinning hair. Oh the joys. My nails actually weren’t a problem until I accidentally used acetone nail polish remover but they are getting better slowly. Another joy of getting older is the pain in my knees and ankles and pretty much everywhere from my hips down.  So I wanted to try NeoCell as a last resort before I start saving for Botox and knee replacement (just kidding about the second one, for now).
I have been taking the pills for four days. I am not sure if it’s a ‘placebo effect’ but after the 2nd day of taking it the pain in my legs was half as bad and almost gone at some points. Am I crazy or is this for real?  It didn’t say anything about bones and pain on the Beauty Builder box. I had a momentary brain lapse and I looked it up- collagen and cartilage. Not only are collagen pills used for fine lines and wrinkles but now they think that they can actually help with arthritis!

(Source- http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-191224/How-collagen-pill-beat-arthritis.html)

The pills weren’t too big but big enough to take one at a time.

   NeoCell sent me the Collagen Beauty Builder and Hydra and H.A. Serum for review. If you check their site they sell sports recovery supplements, collagen plus C supplements, as well as Hyaluronic Acid supplements and more.  All of them contain a good amount of collagen to help with a good amount of issues. If you’re interested in their story or product line up:

http://www.neocell.com/

  I can’t say that the beauty builder is working on my wrinkles, yet, but it definitely did something to my pain.  The only ‘bad’ thing that I’ve noticed about the Beauty Builder is that it’s 3 pills twice a day and they’re fairly large. I actually don’t mind taking pills but for those of you who do, it may be a problem. But they have chews for you guys! I heard they taste ok but I don’t know. Maybe I’ll try those when I run out of the pills. Out of the 4 days I’ve been taking the pills, two of the days I forgot to take them the 2nd time. Other than them being a little large and remembering to take them, I have had no issues.

 

NeoCell Advance Hydra and H.A. Serum, $25-33 online

Like I had said, they also sent me a serum. I just learned about H.A. (Hyaluronic Acid) the other day. It’s key for moisture and cell turnover. Also, as we age our body seems to not have as much (like collagen). The first night I used it, right away, I felt such a difference! I’ve been using a new Konjac sponge and I am in love with that *that’s another post, but now I was ‘wowed’. It felt so soft. It was a lightweight feeling serum, not sticky and not greasy. It also absorbed fairly fast and after it left my skin baby soft. It also seemed to work pretty well on the wrinkles right away. Now was it going to make me break out was the issue. I have also used this for 4 nights now. I have not broken out! I’m amazed. My wrinkles aren’t gone but they do look a good amount better.

 

Here is what the serum looks like….

The NeoCell Serum absorbs very quickly and makes skin baby smooth. I don’t know if you can see the difference… I can see it on my forehead not sure about my hand.

I will do a follow up post in about thirty days. The Beauty Builder comes with 150 tablets at three pills, three times a day, that’s a little under a month. It’s like 25 days. I’ll check back in then and let you know how things are going. But my first impression is- A+ I’m amazed! And I really mean it, not just because it’s a sponsored review.

Mirenesse VIP Membership and Box Info

It was in a padded envelop and then a plastic bag like this.

  In January I had posted about Mirenesse having an awesome sale and they also had a ‘free’ trial for their VIP membership. I paid $1 and it was for 30 days of the membership. I did it because I wanted the free shipping and the huge discounts on the products on the site. And it was $1… so why not.

So I apparently forgot to cancel the darn thing… which I didn’t even realize I had to do and my credit card ended up getting charged the equivalent to Australian $25 (it was like $23.50 ish). I was pissed because I am so broke right now and really do NOT need more makeup! So I wrote to them saying I had no idea the $1 would lead to the charge and please stop it etc. They refused. I was not happy.

The only reason I guess this worked out in some small way was because when you are a VIP, every other month they send out a VIP ‘box’ with new makeup in it and it’s value at $150. I was not as mad anymore because now I can show you what they give. Also, you don’t lose your money it goes into your account.

The only downside to it is instead of just being about to use it toward anything you have to use it that month and you have to use it on a purchase of $60 or more! That’s kind of bad for me because I don’t have another $45 to spend just to get my $23 back!

They also have Monthly boxes that you can order that are $25.99 Australian. You can pick your box for skin care, makeup, or mixed.

The items were packed separately like this.

What I got:

(All prices in Australian currency)

Glossy Kiss- Perfect Kiss- $26.96/$21.56/on sale for $11 currently

Touch on Concealer- Golden Cream-$26.55/$12.24

BB Pore Powder- $35/$28

Cheeky Blush- 2. Russian Rose- $26.96/$21.57

I got $115.97 for a total and that’s not on sale.

They told me it was going to be worth up to $160… and after I count the sale prices it goes down even more.

I am actually really happy with the products I got- everything but the color of lipstick. If I get one more RED lip crayon I’m going to scream!!! I do not look good in red or certain pinks… why do I keep getting the wrong colors! AUGH.

On a happier note- the BB pore perfecting powder I wanted to buy anyway but couldn’t because I was broke and I got it in this so I was happy. However there was another powder that I wanted to try more but now if I get extra money I can just buy that one. The one I got is Studio Magic BB Pore Powder 5.5g- it’s on their site for $35/$28 for VIPs (keep in mind I am listing Australian money, ours is less money). The one I wanted a little more was the Studio Magic Face Blur Powder 5.5g- which is said to leave skin looking airbrushed. I really can’t tell a difference between the two on the site… They both kind of do the same thing but the one I got also gets rid of redness and seals makeup.

I also got blush and a SWEET concealer! Again, I wanted to try the concealer and was ‘this close’ to buying it when it went dirt cheap on sale but hesitated. Again, I”m glad I did. I tried the concealer and liked it a lot. I had some killer dark circles today and it really lightened them up! I don’t think it’s the exact right color for me but it still worked well and it’s close enough.

What do you think? I’m glad but not at the same time. I am glad I got to share it with you…