Influenster J'Adore Vox Box First Impressions

Hello my lovelies, I am so glad you stopped by my little corner of the internet today!  I recently receive a VoxBox from Influenster, and I can't wait to share my first impressions with you!  

Not familiar with Influenster?  Influenster is a product review site, where members can ask questions or review pretty much any product or service out there!  Influenster also works with brands and sends out products in VoxBoxes, for testing purposes to members, based on the member's survey answers and ranking, and a little random luck.  If you are interested in joining Influenster, you can go HERE and sign up. Membership is free, and so are the VoxBoxes of testing products, should you be lucky enough to score one!

Ok, on to the goodies now :) 

The VoxBox

I love seeing these boxes in my mailbox- mine typically arrive before the shipping email, so it's a complete surprise!  

First Peek

The box I qualified is the J'Adore Vox Box- a box full of favorite brands, for my family to test and put through the ringer!  J'Adore the J'Adore VoxBox!

The Insert Card

I love this cute insert card- it's all sparkly and girly.

The Brands

On the back of the card, Influenster lists the products included in this box, and their approximate retail costs and values.

Boots Botanics The Power of Plants Ionic Clay Mask Shine Away, full size (100g/3.5 oz0, retails for $9.39,available HERE.

I seriously love face masks, and am very excited to give the Boots brand a try!  My first thought about this mask is that is is quite wet, but was happy on how it dried on my skin.  The mask washed off very easily with a wet washcloth, and left my skin feeling very clean. 

Very green mask, on my face.  Aren't I beautiful?!

I have sensitive skin, and this did not cause me to experience any redness.  A little of this mask goes a long way, so I will get several uses out of this tube, making this a very nice value.  Plus who doesn't want to look like an alien/Monster High doll for a few minutes each week?

GRADE: 5/5

Hershey’s Kisses Bag (18.5 oz/524 g), retails for $5.29, available at grocery and drug everywhere.

Hershey's Kisses.  What is there to say about these classic gems that hasn't already been said?  Hershey's Kisses are an amazing treat, fun to craft with, and make pretty much everyone smile.  We've been enjoying these treats a little at a time- my favorite use is to melt one in my morning coffee.  Hey, don't knock it 'till you try it!  What an awesome treat to put in the J'Adore VoxBox- they sent a family sized bag, so we have plenty to share!  That doesn't seem to stop the kids from fighting over them, but I guess you can't blame Influenster for that. :)  I lived outside of Hershey for a while, while I was growing up, so I definitely have a soft spot for the brand, but Hershey's Kisses are an awesome treat in their own right- creamy and smooth chocolate, perfectly sized to melt in your mouth.

 GRADE: 5/5

Vaseline Men Spray Lotion, full size (6.5 oz/184 g), retails for $5.99, available HERE.

Not all recipients of the VoxBox received this product in their boxes, but both the Hubster and I are glad that we were chosen!   Vaseline Men Spray Lotion has a very masculine, musky scent, sprays on easily, and is not greasy.  My husband tried this lotion out, and was very impressed at how it brightened up his tattoos!  The scent of the lotion is a bit too masculine for me to use, so this one is all for him.  I love the way it smells, and so does the Hubster.

GRADE: 4/5

John Frieda Frizz Ease 3 Day Straight Flat Iron Spray, travel size (1 fl oz/29 ml), retails for $2.99; full size is 3.5 fl oz/103 ml and retails for $9.99, available HERE.

If you have read my blog or watched our daily vlogs, you know that I have crazy, kinky, frizzy hair.  I am very excited to give this flat iron spray a try- I rarely straighten my hair because of the hassle, and perhaps this spray will change that!  I gave this a try, and my hair remained straight for 4 days, with light touch ups each morning.  

"Before" picture

The most impressive thing I found with this spray is, that after washing out my straight hair, and returning to my natural curly state, my hair is silky soft and non-frizzy.  I seriously love this spray, and am SO thankful to have found this treatment!  I color my hair, and typically it is dry as straw, but not now!  I'm seriously in love!

 "After" Picture.  Each day looked basically like this, and just needed a 5 minute touch up with my flat iron.

To use this product, first wash your hair, and then towel dry.  While your hair is still damp, spritz the Flat Iron Spray onto your hair, and then blow dry.  After blow drying, straighten your hair using a flat iron.  I tried this procedure and had excellent results.  I had to use a bit more spray than the packaging suggested, but my hair absolutely was straight and mostly frizz-free after use.  I received so many compliments on my hair, I'm planning to do it again very soon!

GRADE: 4/5

Kiss Looks So Natural False Lashes in Shy, retails for $3.99, available in WalMart stores, HERE. 

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I LOVE false lashes.  Mother Nature did not choose to bless me with the long luscious lashes of my dreams, so I need a little a lot of help.  I was very excited to try these lashes out because they look very natural and light. 

Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes in Shy, on my baby blues

I tried these out, and was very happy.  One thing that sets these lashes apart, is that the ends of the lashes are tapered.  This creates a more natural look.  The adhesive that came with the lashes didn't perform well for me, so I used the tube I had picked up at the Dollar Tree (which works amazing, by the way, and I'm pretty sure it's latex free).  These lashes lasted a full 14 hours on my eyes, with no lifting or discomfort.  I honestly forgot that I was wearing the lashes- that's how comfortable they are.  I've since scoped out my local Rite Aid, and they carry this specific style, and I plan on stocking up very, very soon.

GRADE: 5/5

Red Rose Simply Indulgent tea bags, sample size (4 tea bags), retail value $0.90; full size (20 bags) retails for $4.49, available in grocery stores everywhere.

I'm a tea drinker, when I want to be.  I much prefer hot coffee and cold sweet tea, but upon occasion, I find myself craving a nice hot cup of tea.  I'm excited to try Red Rose Simply Indulgent tea out- I was sent 3 Creme Caramel teabags and 1 lemon chiffon.  

Tea used to be in this cup.  Really.  I promise.

My friend Jen (read her blog- it's awesome) and I tested out both flavors, and we both liked both teas.  The Lemon Chiffon flavor was decaffinated, Creme Caramel was regular; Jen preferred the Lemon Chiffon and I preferred the Creme Caramel (seriously, is anyone surprised at that?).  I think the Caramel tasted like regular tea, but drunk while wearing caramel flavored lip gloss. Overall I think the tea tastes like regular tea, but with a hint of additional flavor.  It was nice, but I'm not sure I would plan a purchase for them, without a coupon.  All of you die hard tea drinkers out there, please don't send me hate mail.  
GRADE: 3/5

J'Adore VoxBox

The total retail value of my box is $28.55, and I've definitely found some new favorites.

So, tell my my friends- what product would you like to try the most?  Are any of these items that you adore?  Leave a comment, and let me know!



Until next time, my lovelies- stay Average!

Disclaimer: I received these items compliments of Influenster, for review purposes.  All links in this post are NOT referral links (except the clearly marked one at the end of the post).  I strive for honesty.

Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer Review: Influenster Sugar & Spice VoxBox Review

Hello, My name is OnlyAverageMom, and I have very dry skin.  At least when it's NOT summer; because then I have oily skin.  I was raised in a very dry and cold area of Northern New York, and once I became a "real" grown up, I did the sensible thing and moved to the beach.  It's still cold here in the winter, and we do have all four seasons, but the winters aren't nearly as extreme as they are in the awesome place I grew up.  Why am I telling you all of this, you ask?  Well, I wanted to give you a little history of my crazy skin before I begin telling you all about a new lotion that I have tried.  I am by no means a skin expert, but I DO know dry, itchy, winter skin; mostly because I live in it.

Influenster sent me an awesome box a couple weeks ago, full of amazing things for me to try. I posted a very quick overview of what I received and my initial thoughts, but now I want to take the time and do the job properly and tell you exactly what I think, after several uses.

In my Sugar & Spice VoxBox, I received a bottle of Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer- a lightly scented lotion with a continuous spray nozzle.

Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer lotion, 6.5 oz bottle

I've used this type of spray bottle before- sunscreen is my BFF, and the gentle mist is the best for my family, to protect us from the sun- especially on a sandy beach.  When I saw the bottle I was all excited, and said to myself, hey, that's a neat idea for lotion!

My girls and I have used the lotion several times now: all you do is slide the spray head to line up with the hole, press the top, and a continuous spray of lotion comes out!  This is perfect for my kids- just a quick spray, and then a quick massage-in, and they are good to go!  Even my 3 year old can spray the lotion on and then rub it in (she's quite the independent one!), and the lotion is very lightly scented.

I love this lotion for ME as well; just a quick spritz and I am good to go after my shower, and when winter itch gets the best of me, I can just spray quickly on, and the NON GREASY formula is awesome and absorbs right in, banishing my dry skin for a respectable amount of time. I know many of us keep searching for the "perfect" lotion, and this one here is pretty close!

If you would like to try this for yourself, head over to your local Walmart- this lotion is reasonably priced at around $5.94.


I took a Vine video of my oldest using the lotion, and while I can't figure out how to post the video here, I DO have a  link for you, if you would like to see it :)  Vaseline Spray & Go in Action

Well, that's it for my thoughts on the Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer: I give it a final grade of 5/5: awesome price, not greasy, easy to use, and doesn't trigger my allergies- what more could I possibly ask for?!  I hope all you lovely average people are having an above average day!  See you all next time!




 Have YOU tried this lotion?  Love it? Hate it?  Leave a comment and let me know- I always like to try new things, and if there is something out there I SHOULD know about, tell me!

Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.  Even though the product was free, my thoughts and review are my own true opinions- no amount of freebies will ever change that!

Don't know about Influenster?  They are an awesome company, where members leave reviews for pretty much any product, company or service, and send out awesome stuff to have their members review.  I joined in January, and was lucky enough to be selected to receive February's box.  Did I mention that it's all totally FREE??!!  Want an invite to join? Email me and I'll send you one!

PS- Did you know I have a facebook page now??!!  Go HERE to like Only Average Mom on the 'book, and I'll let you know all about everything that is going on here, plus other little updates, things too small to post.  Thank you! 

Sugar & Spice VoxBox First Look- February 2013 Box

 Oh my gosh, you guys, I am super excited about today's post!  I joined a program in January, called Influenster.  Influenster, for those of you who were living under the same rock I was, is a company that gives surveys and collects reviews of pretty much any product or organization under the sun.  Every once in a while, you are offered to take a special survey to see if you qualify to receive a VoxBox- a box of goodies, to test out and give a review for.  Influenster is totally free; both to join, and to receive the samples (if they choose you).  It's an awesome program for those who are trying to get noticed in the blogging world, or in the youtube community.  While Influenster is free, you do need a personal invite from a current member in order to join.  If you would like an invite, email me here and I would be happy to send you one!

Sometime in February, I was sent a survey to see if I qualify for their February VoxBox (box o sample goodies), and I logged in and took the survey. To my great surprise, a couple weeks later, I heard back from Influenster, that I was slated to receive the February box, titled Sugar & Spice.  Seriously, I could not contain myself and let out a little SQUEE!  

I am going to review these items a bit differently.  In addition to writing this review about what i received and my initial reactions to them, I will also write individual posts about each item individually, so that my family and I can thoroughly test the items.  I think that's the most fair way to evaluate everything, AND keep you all in the loop.  Sounds good??  Okay great!



Ok, enough rambling about my excitement, and on to the awesomeness in my box.

Love the box- I knew it was coming but was unsure WHEN it would get get here!

This awesome box arrived at my house, and I seriously can't wait to see what's in it!

Sugar & Spice VoxBox February 2013

Looks like SEVEN awesome items, for free to try?!  Alright! 

The awesome Influenster card

Back of the card, with brands, sizes and pricing.  I wish all companies did this!!

I absolutely LOVE the little cards that come in my monthly subscription boxes, and was THRILLED that Influenster sends one with their VoxBoxes.  The best part? On the back of the card, there is a list and description of everything in the box, along with the suggested retail price.  I LOVE this, and it makes it SO much easier to calculate the value of the box. Best idea ever!  You listening, Influenster?  Keep up the great work!

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes, box of 20 individually wrapped wipes, and 5 $2 off coupons

The first item I pulled out of my box is the Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes.  This 20 pack of individually wrapped wipes also came with 5 coupons for $2 off any Dickinson's product. Score!  I promise, I will share the love (want one?  email me and I'll give you my address for a SASE)  From the card: "the soothing of Witch Hazel and aloe on these facial wipes rejuvenates your skin by gently lifting the dirt, oil and impurities from your pores while nourishing even the most sensitive skin."  My skin is sometimes oily, sometimes dry, and always sensitive.  I can't wait to open the box and give these a try!

My first impression is that it is awesome that these wipes come individually wrapped- with summer coming (oil season for me!), I can just toss these in my purse and go!  The wipes are a great size, and just right for one time use (reusing a facial wipe?  ew.). The insert card says that this 20 pack retails for $5.99; but you can get them HERE for $5.74 if you want to try these out with me.

Nectresse No calorie sweetener, box of 40 packets and a recipe book

Next up, is a new artificial sweetener from the makers of Splenda, called Nectresse.  This sweetener is 100% natural, is made from monk fruit, and has NO calories.  My husband uses Splenda in his coffee (and I bake with it occasionally), so I was very excited to see this in my box!  My husband will review it and give me an honest and real opinion; I can't wait for him to try it!  Okay, I'll try it too, but his opinion will be more valuable- he uses artificial sweetener regularly, whereas, I do not.

I think the packets are super cute!

Monk fruit, by the way, is a fruit in the gourd family, that is native to China and Thailand.  It's extract is nearly 300 times sweeter than sugar and has been used to treat diabetes and obesity.  Don't look impressed- that's totally from Wikipedia, after I googled it.  But google was awesome- I found a link for free samples!  Click HERE for a free sample of Nectresse, so you can try it yourself- for free! The true awesome thing is that not only did I receive a box of 40 packets of sweetener, but also a recipe book!  If my husband likes the sweetener, I will totally test out some recipes!  I looked around online for this product, and found it HERE: $6.96 for TWO 40-pack boxes or $5.48 for a 5.9 oz canister.  According to the card, the retail price for the Nectresse is $3.99 for the 40 packet box and $6.99 for the 5.9 oz canister; looks like Walmart is priced pretty competitively!

Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer Total Moisture lotion, 6.5 oz can

I seriously SQUEEed when I saw this next item, y'all.  It's a spray on lotion by Vaseline.  I know you all have joined me in the quest for the ultimate lotion: moisturizing but not greasy, long lasting, pleasant smelling, and works on winter skin.  Because I am familiar with this quest, I am always excited to try out new lotions- especially when they are free!  I've used spray on sunscreen before, and this works basically the same way: you turn the head of the sprayer to line up, and press the button.  Once the lotion comes out, you rub it in.  Easy peasy!  I am super excited to try this out, and i think it will be PERFECT on my sad and dry winter skin!  If you would like to try this out, it is available HERE for $5.94 (but out of stock online when I wrote this); according to the insert card, the regular retail price is $7.99 for the 6.5 oz can.

belVita Breakfast Biscuits, pack of 4 biscuits

 I am a total foodie, so when I saw this item in my box, I was excited!  This is a belVita Breakfast Biscuits pack, with four biscuits in it.  Without opening up the package, I am going to guess that these are similar to rice cakes. Okay, I can hear you groaning all the way over here.  I don't know why, though, I really LIKE rice cakes! What makes these breakfast biscuits awesome is that they are specifically formulated to "release steady energy that lasts all morning," according to the insert card.  Sounds good to me- I always need energy in the morning! These biscuits are also chock full of fiber, B-vitimins, whole grains and NO high fructose corn syrup.  Score!  If you want to give these biscuits a test run, they are available at Walmart stores (but not online!), you can purchase them online HERE, $3.69 for a box of 5 packs.  According to the insert card, these retail for $3.69 for five packets; that makes my sample here worth $0.74.

The final thing I received in my box is the Colgate Optic White Regimen: toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash.  This collections advertises a whiter smile in just five days, versus using regular toothpaste alone.  Love it!

Colgate Optic White toothbrush with whitening cups

The first item in the Optic White collection is the Toothbrush with whitening cups and polishing bristles.  I'm not exactly sure what whitening cups do, but I'm going to find out!  I like the look of the toothbrush, and have used the Colgate brand in the past, so I'm looking forward to giving this a try!  It's time for me to swap out brushes anyway, so this is super convenient for me!  If you want to give this brush a spin, you can purchase a two-pack HERE for $5.74. According to the insert card, these brushes have a retail value of $2.99 each.

Colgate Optic White toothpaste, 4 oz tube

  Having a toothbrush without toothpaste is pretty useless, right?  Well, have no fear because Influenster thought the same thing, and sent me a full size tube of the Colgate Optic White toothpaste!  This paste used hydrogen peroxide to remove stains, and promises to deliver whiter teeth in one week.  I want whiter teeth!  I can't wait to give this a go!  I'm a huge believe in using hydrogen peroxide for basically everything, so I'm super excited to try this out!  If you want a tube of this for your very own, you can purchase a two pack HERE, for $5.92 (but it's out of stock right this second).  According to the insert card, the 4 oz tubes have a suggested retail of $2.99.

Colgate Optic White mouthwash, 8 oz bottle

The last item in this set (and in my VoxBox) is a whitening mouthwash from Colgate.  The mouthwash isn't quite like my family's go-to mouthwash (Listerine).  The Optic White mouthwash has hydrogen peroxide in it- so this will be a fizzy, bubbly fun rinse.  I can't wait to give this a try!  I will be sure to take "before" and "after" smile pictures, so that we can compare the results.  If you would like to give the mouthwash a try yourself, it is available HERE, a 16 oz bottle (double the size I received) is $4.96.  According to the insert card, my 8 oz bottle has a retail value of $2.99.

I also tried to make a VIDEO of my first impressions to this box: enjoy the craziness that is trying to make a video at my home :)

 

Well, there is my February VoxBox First Look!  The total retail value of everything I received (taken from the insert card!) is $27.68- SO awesome!  I am really excited to give everything a test spin, and will post results as soon as I can.  One thing I really love is that everything I received can be found at my local 'Mart, or any other retailer.  It's nice that I don't have to chase around looking for these things, if I really love them, and it makes it easier for you guys to find them too!  


Until next time, my lovelies- stay beautiful!




Disclaimer: "I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes."  Although I have received these products at NO charge to me, my thoughts and opinions (as always) are my own, and a true and honest review of the products.  No amount of freebies or money would ever change that!  None of the links in this post are referral links.