REVIEW | L'OCCITANE Shea Butter Comforting Cream

*I received this item from Influenster for testing purposes.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

I started using the L'OCCITANE Shea Butter Comforting Cream when I received it in my Influenster RefreshVoxBox and few days ago.  I go through with my normal routine of cleansing my face with my Clinique and/or Clarisonic (check out my older blogs for my facial routine).  I use this after I use the 3-Step Clinique process and the cream is smooth, light, and refreshing on my face.  

I am hoping possibly that it will smooth my face out more from my acne and post-acne scarring that I have occurred.  The product boasts that it will keep your face feeling soft, supple and comfortable all day long.  I like to use it at night before bed so I can have the moisture soaking in my face over night as I sleep.

So far so good.  I will give an update later in the future!  #ineedshea

Peace & Happiness~

~Erika B.

New Influenster Box! #RefreshVoxBox

*I received these products complimentary for testing purposes.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Today, after MUCH anticipation I received my new Influenster #RefreshVoxBox!  I know that I always say I love the boxes I receive but this one I REALLY love!  I know that everything will get used (minus the foundation due to color not matching) but I plan on using it someway or giving it to one of my sisters.  

First things first, the Beanitos Chips (Retails $3.49).  These chips were made by two brothers, Doug and Dave and they are free of so many things it makes NO sense!  This is a snack I would grab all the time because they are:  corn free, all natural, no trans fats, no preservatives, gluten-free, no MSG, certified kosher, vegan, certified low glycemic, high fiber (6g in a 1.5 oz bag), lightly salted, and cholesterol free.  HOLY MOLLY!  I have never found snack free of all of these things AND taste good!  I received two bags, Restaurant Style White Bean with Salt and Nacho Cheese White Bean.  There are also only a limited number of ingredients:  whole navy beans, whole grain rice, pure sunflower and/or safflower oil, guar bean gum, and sea salt.  THAT. IS. IT!  I ate them without dip or anything and after a while you can taste the bean taste.  If you don't like beans then you may not want to try them, but I would love to try to them with a dip free of all these things too.

Next, is the L'OCCITANE Shea Butter Light Comforting Cream (Retail $5 (8ml)/ $28 (50ml))  This is a new product formulated with 5% shea butter that is good for those with normal to combination skin.  I am excited to try this as I have combination skin and I hope it will leave my face feel nice and supple.  Also I know that L'OCCITANE is a GREAT product and I am happy I have the opportunity to try their products.  It came in a small jar with a tin lid and was sealed with foil under the cap.  Nice packaging.  The smell is good, reminds me of a Ponds cream product.  Its light to the touch but creamy at the same time.  Definitely can't wait to try!

I also received the CoverGirl UltraSmooth Foundation (Retails $12.99-16.99).  Off top I'm going to say its NOT worth the price for a drugstore product and I haven't even tried it yet.  I only say that based on other drugstore foundations and I don't think it's worth the price.  The foundation includes an applicator and the purpose of this product is to minimize the look of flaws and fine facial hair.  The applicator is used with the foundation and you use it in the direction that your fine hair grows so you won't see the hairs on your face.  Unfortunately, there aren't too many shades to choose from.  I received color 860 Classic Tan, which according to the website is the darkest shade they have.  I'm waaaayyyy darker than that so I may use it as a highlighter or give it to one of my sisters (I think the sisters would be happy with it).  The product also contains Olay serum.

Another product I am interested in trying is the Montagne Jeunesse Face Masque (Retails $1.49).  I have the Black Seaweed Peel Off Masque.  I like the part that says peel off because I have been wanting to try a peel off masque for a while now.  My only concern is that when I try new facial products they tend to break me out.  I am hoping that this doesn't happen; I'm willing to try.  

Two things that will be my best friends in my purse are the Listerine Pocketpaks (Retails $1.40) and DenTek Comfort Clean Floss Picks (Retails $1.39).  I also received a small pack of DenTek Fun Flossers (Retails $2.19-$3.39).  I ALWAYS need a toothpick or dental floss after I eat because food always gets stuck in my teeth.  It can be from apples to chicken caught in my uppers or down in my crown.  I can't even chew gum without it getting stuck between my crown.  I have used DenTek before so I know that this will only add to the DenTek family brands.  The Listerine Pocketpaks are going to be great to freshen by breath after a meal or just in general.  I haven't tried these out since they were released so I am looking forward to see if there are any changes.

I received a Skinnygirl Tasty Nutrition bar in the flavor Chocolate Peanut Butter with Sea Salt (Retails 5 for $5; on sale at Target through February 26th).  170 Calories, 6g protein, 5g of fiber, gluten free and kosher.  All the ingredients I need especially carrying twins!  I'm looking forward to trying this bar and running to Target to get them on sale as well!

Last but not least, I received a coupon for an Orgain Certified Organic Nutritional shake.  The couple is for a free shake (max value $3.99; retails $3-$4 each).  Again being pregnant, I need all the protein I can get and having this to-go is a double plus for me as I don't have time to eat healthy on the go often.

Overall, I love this box.  I love the nutrition and health benefits of this box.  I'm really ready to refresh now!

Peace & Happiness!
~Erika B.

Facial Regimen featuring Banish Acne Skin Derma roller!

Back in December, I contacted Banish Acne Skin (http://banishacnescars.com) requesting a derma roller to use on my face since I had a lot of acne scarring from over the past months.  I was going through some hard times and it was starting to show on my face since I started breaking out.  And I am a pimple, popping fein so that didn't make the situation any better.  Needless to say, I was left with this...

 As you can see the picking was NOT helping the situation at all because it left back scars and scabs.  But when you've been doing it SO long its hard to get a grasp on it especially as it becomes a coping mechanism.  I was inspired to start looking up derma rollers at that point when I was watching a video by my friend +Jasmine Rose (via YouTube).  I remembered also seeing +Destiny Godley doing a review for derma rollers as well.  Although they did not use the same brand I went with, the concept is still the same.

I contacted Banish Acne Skin for review purposes and they were able to send me a .025mm derma roller in a case, a container to sanitize the roller, as well as small bottle of their Vitamin C serum, which is vital to your skin and is an antioxidant as well.

So far I have used the derma roller twice since receiving it.  You are only supposed to use it either once a week or less (depending the size of the needles).  Since I have the .025mm roller I could use it more often but I chose to wait to see how my skin would react after the first few rolls.  Now you are reading this and probably thinking needles!?!  Derma roller!?!?  What!?!?  Are you lost and confused?  Here are some steps and info to what a derma roller and what derma rolling is.

You can click this link to find out all the ends and outs of what Banish Acne does.  It is very informative and gives the cell break down of how your skin loses cells and produces collagen in the face.  My synopsis on it is this:  the derma roller is named after your skin cells, derma, like going to the dermatologist.  The roller has small needles that prick your face (it does NOT hurt, but if you have sensitive skin you want to get the smallest needle available) and gets rid of old cells so that your body can produce new cells.  With the old cells out of the way, your skin can start producing new cells that will repair the damaged cells.  Leaving you with a new start to new skin.  The Vitamin C serum (sold separately or in a set) will allow you to not only put moisture back in your face but will be the antioxidant you need to fight damage against your skin.  This seems like a WIN-WIN to me.

Of course this all has to be done on a clean face.  I started using Clinique's Acne Solutions Clear Skin System Starter Kit which is $37 from Sephora (click link).  The first step is an Acne Solutions Clearing foam which contains salicylic acid, second step is an Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion (more of a toner which also contains salicylic acid, you have to shake to dissolve the lotion inside) and the last step is an Acne Solutions All Over Clearing treatment, which contains benzoyl peroxide.  I didn't want to make this purchase because it was a little pricey, but I kept looking at the reviews and thought I was getting three products for one price so why the hell not.  I am SO glad that I took the risk of purchasing this because I have noticed that my acne scaring is fading on top of using the derma roller.

This is currently my face after using the derma roller approximately seven days ago and using the Clinique Acne Solutions systems for about the last three weeks. 

I feel that my face is starting to get rid of the scaring that I have, however, as you can see I still have breakouts.  It's going to take some time for me to get my face back the way that I was liking it.  Plus my hormones are thrown off being that I am pregnant.  But I am willing to take this over the darker scaring that I had in the previous pictures.  Plus my makeup applies better so I don't have to apply so much to cover the scars.

Hope you enjoyed my initial update on my facial regimen!  I will update this post when I upload my video via YouTube on how I use the derma roller.

Peace & Happiness!
~Erika B.

Another Influenster Box! The Vitality Box

*I received this box from Influenster for free for testing purposes.*

I received my Influenster Vitality Box about two weeks ago and I can say that I always enjoy what Influenster has to offer. Unexpected items that I have seen, thought about trying or have never heard of before.  This box included various items such as:

• First Degree Advanced Burn Cream (Retails $5.97-$8.99)
• Playtex Sport Fresh Balance tampons (Retail $3.99)
• Elizabeth Arden FLAWLESS FUTURE Powered by Ceramide Caplet Serum (Retail $60 for 1.0 fl oz)
• Pure Leaf Iced Tea
• Softlips Cube (Retail $3.49)
• Bikini Ready Energy Gummies (Retail $14.99; select Influenster members received this item).

Overall, I can say that I am completely satisfied with the box.  I have to start using the Elizabeth Arden more, but from the time that I did use it, it was smooth, soft, and gentle on the skin.  I just turned 28 almost two weeks ago so it is time that I started being more thorough with my skin care regimen.  The Bikini Ready Energy gummies were really good.  I only had a sample of two but I could see that going into my dietary regimen (once I begin a good one again lol).  One item that I really love is the Softlips Cube.  I currently have been using the EOS lip balm and I can say that the Softcube is giving EOS a run for their money!  It has shea butter in it and it glides on much smoother than the EOS lip balm.  I tweeted that it felt like butter on my lips and it really does!  I would definitely go to the store to make that purchase once I have used all of it up.  (Shameless plug follow me on Twitter and Instagram @ebanx15) :)

The Pure Leaf tea was very good.  I think I have tried it before but what drew me more to it this time was that I actually read the label and it is fresh brewed tea with no preservatives so its natural.  That let me know that this would be the tea I reached for if I was in the grocery or convenience store.  I haven't had the chance to try the First Degree Burn cream but I did swatch it and its a typical cream that glides on well and absorbs into the skin.  Also I haven't tried the Playtex Sport tampons and I am looking forward to that as I have always been a Tampax girl.  I'm not as active as I was before but I'm looking for the coverage to see if it would be good to use when I am active.  I do work retail so I spend much time walking around and on my feet so that would test the protection as well.  

As always Influenster has YET to let me down!  I enjoy the program very much and I hope I get to continue to receive boxes.  Testing these items becomes the highlight of my day! ^_^

Until next time...

Peace & Happiness :)

~Erika

Updated Influnster VowVoxBox!

I have had the #VowVoxBox now for over three weeks and I can say that I am quite satisfied!  All of the items have been put to use with the exception of the discount code to Riley & Grey (I don't plan on having a wedding ceremony or traditional wedding anymore).  My number one item from the box would have to be the Olay Regenerist Luminious Tone Perfecting Cream Moisturizer.  This stuff is the BIZ-NESS!  I actually did a review on Facebook and tagged Olay.  I discussed how I did not like the white cast and/or how it was showing on my face and Olay tagged me to let me know that I was using too much product.  Kudos to Olay!  My next favorite product was the Sally Hansen Salon Manicure polish in Barracuda.  The color is blue and it is so cool and cute!  Click here to see a picture on my Instagram page!  I have gotten plenty of compliments from others.  I haven't had to use my Tide to Go pen but as I stated it is MUCH better than the Tide to Go wipes that I happened to pick up from Target on clearance.  Lastly, the EcoTools Pure Complexion Sponge has changed the way that I wash my face.  I still use it in between using my Clairsonic and I think that it has also aided in helping my complexion when tag teaming with the Olay Regenerist cream.

Overall I would rate all of these items a MUST have to keep at home or with you on the go.  Again I want to thank +Influenster for allowing me to try these products as well as +olay +EcoTools Tide +SallyHansenTV and Riley and Grey.  

Until next time...

Peace & Happiness :)

~Erika

I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster

Influnseter VowVoxBox!

I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.   

I received my Vow Vox Box in the mail last week and I can say that I am quite pleased so far.  What I was most excited about was receiving the Olay Regnerist Luminious Tone Perfecting cream.  I had seen this in the store a few times and wanted to try it out, I just wasn't willing to pay the price.  Since I pick with my face a lot (bad habit I am learning to break) I wanted to see if what they claimed would work (dark spots will fade within eight weeks).  It's good so far I just have to make sure that I am consistent with it.

My next favorite item is the EcoTools Pure Complexion sponge.  I have NEVER seen it before it stores so it really caught my eye when I unboxed it.  I have tried it about three times and I like it so far.  The pro is that I feel it gets a deeper clean than using my hands and works well on by off day when I am not using my Clairsonic.  The con is that I feel that it sucks up much of the product that I use to clean my face.  I found that if I use the product on my face first then work it with the sponge I get a much better clean.  I am still playing around with that.

I haven't did a full review on Riley & Gray, but I am ready to use the 50% off discount code that I have.  Hopefully tomorrow I will be giving the Sally Hansen Salon Manicure nail polish in Barracuda (pictures to come soon :))  Also, I am going to be using the Pure Silk Moisturizing shaving cream tomorrow as well.  A Vine post will be dedicated to that :)

My last item is the Tide to Go pen.  I can say that I am pretty satisfied with that since I was eating BBQ sauce and dropped some on my nice white tank!  I grabbed it and tested it out and it worked.  You can tell something happened but its barely there.  I would give the Tide to Go pen two thumbs up over the Tide to Go wipes that I tried.  They SUCKED!  Two thumbs down for that.

As always I will give a more detailed final review when I have used the products over four weeks or longer.  I would recommend trying the EcoTools Pure Complexion sponge, Olay,  and the Tide to Go pen.  Until next time...

~Erika

Ulta 1/26-2/1

Ulta has a 20% off coupon in the Sunday (1/26) paper that you can use on products that will be listed below!  If you prefer to shop online, the coupon code is 101891; enter the coupon code in the space provided in your shopping basket and click "apply."

bareMinerals is having a sale on their kits!

• One Hot Mama (6 pc kit; $98 Value) $39
• Kiss Me, It's My Birthday (4 pc kit; $54 Value) $25
• Beauty Obsessed (4 pc kit; $50 Value) $25 *This kit also includes a 20% OFF card for your next bareMinerals foundation purchase!*
• Red Carpet Train Case ($99.99 without coupon, with coupon $79.99!) Includes a complete Pro 45 Starter Kit plus a full size French nail tip packet, nail jewel packet, nail applique packet, 20 foil wraps, 20 lint free wipes, accessory kit & how to DVD.
• Buy 2, Get 2 FREE, PLUS 20% OFF with COUPON! Ulta Cosmetics, Beauty Tools, Implements, Brushes, Professional Primers & Nails, Bath, Smoothies, Anti-Bacterials, Skincare & Haircare (Reg $3-$25)
• Buy 1, Get 1 50% OFF Loreal & Maybelline Mix & Match Cosmetics (Reg 3.49-15.99). Also included:  Loreal & Garnier Skincare & Suncare (Reg. 4.99-24.99)