Influenster Sugar 'n Spice VoxBox {review}

I received my Influenster Sugar 'n Spice VoxBox recently. If you've never heard of Influenster, you need to get on that STAT. You don't have to be a blogger to receive one, but it does help to receive future VoxBoxes.

This VoxBox did not disappoint. Why was it called Sugar 'n Spice? Well, look at these goodies I got:

The first item I tried was the belVita breakfast biscuits. I received the Cinnamon Brown Sugar ones.  Oh. My. Word. These are DELICIOUS! And, they're also very filling and low in calories for how filling they were. And when I say they were filling...I mean I almost couldn't finish the single serving. They actually held me over to lunch. I can't say that about granola bars or even oatmeal. With 19g of WHOLE GRAINS per serving, these are DEFINITELY something you want to give your kids for breakfast. Nutrition without the gobs of sugar. YUM! A must-have in this household now. ($3.69 for a box of 5 packets of 4 biscuits.)

I also received a new product by the makers of Splenda. Nectresse is a NATURAL no-calorie sweetener. It is made from monk fruit. I'm not exactly sure what makes this no-calorie, however it is not the same as Splenda. The box indicated that the ingredients are: Erythritol (a sugar alcohol), Sugar (less than 1g), Monk Fruit Extract, and Molasses. It also states it is suitable for people with diabetes, and that it is a "free" food = up to 2 packets. 

One packet is one serving, and it equals the sweetness of 2 tsp of sugar. I needed about 3 packets of Nectresse to equal the 4 packets of Splenda with my normal coffee. I have always used Splenda since I learned of my family's history with diabetes, but I wasn't happy with the any of the artificial sweeteners on the market. Seeing as this product doesn't use artificial sweeteners, I am definitely making the switch to Nectresse. ($6.99 for a 5.9 oz. container, or $3.99 for a box of 40 packets.)

Dickinson's original witch hazel towelettes were by far my favorite item in this VoxBox. I am fast-approaching 30 and my skin is still oily. Really. I used this box of towelettes like there was no tomorrow. It was perfect for the travelling we did right after they came in. My husband didn't really like the smell, but it didn't bother me.

I can attest that this product WORKS. My skin isn't as oily now. With continued use, I can actually skip a day as my skin stays shine-free for two days. TWO DAYS! It has also helped to minimize my pores and it has reduced my breakouts. Witch hazel is a natural antiseptic, just like tea tree oil, but not as drying. I use it after I wash my face, and Dickinson's witch hazel continues to remove gunk from my skin. I'm amazed. So amazed, in fact, that when I ran out I went and bought a bottle of the Dickinson's oil-controlling astringent and will buy another box of the towelettes for travel. ($5.99 for a 20-count box).

Regretfully, I was not pleased by Colgate's additions to this VoxBox. I've used Colgate since childhood and was disappointed by this line. I actually purchased these products before receiving them from Influenster. The toothbrush was the best ($2.99), followed by the mouthwash ($2.99 for 8 oz. bottle), and the toothpaste ($2.99 for 4 oz. tube) left a lot to be desired. It didn't whiten my teeth as it claimed. The mouthwash was a little on the sweet side; completely unexpected. I've used it to help keep my mouth clean, but again, no noticeable whitening.

I had my teeth cleaned at the dentist shortly after receiving these items and my teeth appeared whiter from the professional cleaning. I have continued using these products but no noticeable whitening has happened. I've seen better results with Crest 3D White. Colgate, this isn't your best, but I will continue to buy the Sensitive toothpaste formula.

Vaseline Spray & Go has changed my life. Not trying to be dramatic here, but I HATE moisturizing. Mainly because I have oily acne-prone skin. And I hate that added step in the mornings. Squirt, slather, wait for the lotion to dry, blah, blah, blah. Not with this product. You, simply Spray & Go.

To clarify, there is some rubbing the product into your skin involved, but nothing like with lotion. You literally spray, spread it, and by the time your palm has spread it to another area, your skin has absorbed it. It's phenomenal. I will now moisturize every day because it's not a hassle. Vaseline, you hit a home run! ($7.99 for 6.5 oz. can.)

Linking up with Random Wednesday

Influenster Holiday VoxBox 2012 review

Have you heard of Influenster?  It's awesome!

When I was notified that I qualified for the Holiday VoxBox 2012 I almost spit out my wine (almost,  people).  I swiftly took the survey and waited for Influenster to decide if I'd get one or not.  Well, I made the cut and I was beyond thrilled!  Unfortunately, this little box of goodies arrived when I was away for the holidays so it took me a while to get around to trying all its contents.

"Feel Great, Do More" Never before has a tag line been more accurate.  Unlike other energy drinks, EBOOST Natural Energy is one that I was not afraid to try.  I read fine print (as should you).  I looked at the breakdown of all the vitamins just like any other supplement.  The vitamin dosages seemed safe to me, especially since ( nerd alert) I knew that these were water-soluble vitamins, meaning that anything extra your body didn't need, it would flush out.  It's the fat-soluble vitamins (like Vitamin A and Vitamin E) that you have to be careful with!

As sick as I've been this past week, why didn't I try this before?   It's just what the doctor ordered. After mixing it with water my initial reaction was "it looks cloudy."  But then I realized it needed 12 oz of water instead of 8 oz.  (I need those extra 4 oz. anyway).  It didn't really fizz much.  Whatevs.

It was DELICIOUS!  No weird taste whatsoever! By the time I sipped to halfway down the Barbie letters I felt a LOT more alert.  I also actually felt less sick.  This feeling lasted for about 2 hours, then I felt icky again.  (I blame this on my nasty cold).
Verdict:  I'm buying this by the CASE! (available for $28 for a box of 20 effervescent packets).

OMG did I love this!  I received the KISS Nail Dress in Babydoll.  I was a little dubious that the  little enclosed nail file would trim off the excess sticker but it did (using the pink side).  It does not snag on clothing.  I took a shower not too long after applying it (AND did dishes) and the little design did NOT budge.  Hopefully it lasts the full 10 days.

The design I received was a tad too loud for my personal taste, so I only did one nail on each hand.  I will definitely use the rest in the same manner.  (In case you were wondering, the ones with the thinner strip of beading did in fact have that lovely background as part of the sticker).

I would LOVE to try the leopard print (KDS10) and the peacock print (KDS21).  They're so realistic looking that they look hand painted!  

Verdict: Go stock up now before your local store runs out! ($6.99 in stores).

Do you like oatmeal?  I do, and I was happy that this was in there!  At only 250 calories, Quaker Real Medleys Oatmeal+ is something I probably will stock our pantry with.  I received the Cherry Pistachio blend.  The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the 19g of sugar.  Quaker, will you come out with these cute and portable cups for the Weight Control blends?  My weight loss goals will be forever in your debt!
Verdict: Where were these when I was a teacher?  Definitely recommend! ($1.79/cup)

Influenster also included a Goody QuikStyle Paddle Brush.  I liked this brush.  I generally don't use brushes.  I only use a wide-toothed plastic comb (also from Goody) for detangling my hair after a shower.  Well, this brush did that AND soaked up water.  I will always be a fan of anything that lets me kill two birds with one stone! 

Verdict: It's a keeper! (available for $11.99 at select stores)

Sole Society enclosed a deal for $25 off your first purchase.  They had some really cute leopard print shoes, but unfortunately I have no further information on that.  Their site required me to sign in either by creating an account, or through Facebook.  I opted to sign in through Facebook, but then I was further required to enter my e-mail address and some other information.  Normally this isn't a deterrent for me, but since I have so many problems finding a good fit even in person, I had to pass. However, if you don't have a problem with shoes, use the promo code INFLUENSTER25 for $25 off any shoe.  They also have a BOGO winter sale going on so click clack on over there!

Last, but certainly not least, came this delectable delight!  Ohemgee...I LOVE it! Wait...

 love!

This NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine came in the sexy Nude York City shade. It felt slightly sticky at first, but after a few lip smacks it was as smooth as butter!  It had the perfect balance of color and sheerness, and it was the purrrrfect shade!  It is even infused with Vitamin E for shine and moisture.  It's as if NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine made it for just for me!

Verdict: Why did you even wait for the verdict? GO get one! They come in 10 fabulous shades and are only $2.49 a pucker!

Disclosure: I received these complimentary products for testing purposes from Influenster.  All opinions are my own.