Review of Colgate Optic White Toothbrush + Built-In Whitening Pen

I received these products to sample via Influenster and Influenster's Target Spring Preview.

I have been using teeth whitening products for some time and have varied from using supplies available only through the dentist to over the counter products available at mass merchandisers.

The neat thing about this product is that the whitening gel is in its own pen that fits conveniently into the handle of the toothbrush.  This makes it more likely that you'll whiten your teeth in my opinion.

I can't really think of any negatives of this product.  I like the fact that the whitening gel doesn't burn my gums like other whitening gels I have used in the past and that its readily available for purchase at mass merchandisers like Target.  Also I really like that the gel is easy to apply and you can make sure to apply it in between teeth too.  This can be challenging with whitening strips.  Colgate's Optic Whitening Pen does not require you to use trays over your teeth which is a helpful feature.   You're not stuck at home with strips or trays on for any duration of time where you are limited in talking with people or going out.  I think the consistency of the gel is perfect too; it doesn't get all over your mouth and seems to disintegrate after a few minutes.

Another feature I like is that the toothbrush is different than a traditional manual toothbrush.  There are rubber nubs in the center of where you would normally find bristles give a nice gum massage.

I give this product a firm thumbs up!  I've seen it for sale at Target recently for $12.99.

As I mentioned I received samples of this product to try via Influenster and Influenster's Target Spring Preview promotion for free but these opinions are my own.

Thanks for reading!

Review of L'Oréal Paris Magic BB Cream

Not sure if any of you have been trying the numerous BB Creams available as I have.  I've tried Dr. Jart, Skin79, Garnier, and Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream and have had mixed results.  

As far as I  understand, BB Creams in general are based on beauty balms in Korea made for post plastic surgery.  They are supposed to contain ingredients to soothe and heal skin as well as provide light coverage.  Most of the versions I've tried have a few shade variations but they have little microspheres that burst and oxidize into color on your skin, the actual cream is grey or white.  Most of them claim to be multi tasking products that contain moisturizers, primer and other ingredients. 

L'Oreal Paris Magic BB Cream is different than the other BB Creams I've tried in that it is a drier feeling formula and this is the only BB Cream that I feel I can use without a primer.  It provides a bit more coverage than a tinted foundation however I did feel the need to use concealer to cover some spots that needed more attention.  If you're looking for full coverage, try layering the BB Cream under powder mineral foundation.  I used Bare Minerals.

Also I would not necessarily recommend this BB Cream for dry skin as it can highlight dry spots.  Or I suppose you could use it after a solid moisturizing.  


I'm a big fan of this BB Cream in Medium and would likely purchase it again.  

I received a free sample from SheSpeaks to test for my honest opinions.

Salon Grafix Conditioning Cleanser

A few months ago I tried a sample of Wen Hair Care in Sweet Almond Mint. Wen is a sulfate free cleanser for hair that's advertised on infomercials.

 

I liked the results and the scent of Wen but was completely unwilling to commit to the price. I believe the introductory kit is about $30 and you can reorder for $49.50 per shipment, not for me.

 

I found a drugstore knockoff of Wen called Salon Grafix Conditioning Cleanser in Citrus Creme. I've purchased Salon Grafix Dry Shampoo in the past because they make a version for brunettes and have been satisfied with the brand in general. Their Conditioning Cleanser retails for $7.99 for 12 ounces at Walgreens. I have very long hair and it took me about 2 and a half weeks to go through this bottle.

You apply it like regular shampoo but need to use more than normal. Since its sulfate free, it won't get sudsy like shampoo. This is a positive, there are many who believe sulfates are bad for your hair, its color and texture and that they could cause you to need to wash your hair more often. I massage the product into my scalp as well as the length of my hair. I use a wide tooth comb in the shower to comb through my hair and help work the cleanser through it and get rid of any tangles. Rinse and style as usual.

 

I find my hair is soft and smooth after use and I can go every other day washing my hair without it feeling or looking dirty or greasy on day 2.

 

If you like or are interested in Wen, I highly recommend trying Salon Grafix Conditioning Cleanser, what a great value! Check it out here.

 

This review is my own opinion, I did not receive products to test or compensation.

 

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October 2012 NewBeauty Test Tube!

I'm a bit overdue with this blog entry but still need to share with you how happy I am with this quarter's NewBeauty Test Tube!

 

I look so forward to receiving this each quarter, as it is one of the best beauty values out there. I paid $29.95 plus $9 shipping and handling. Here's what was in the Test Tube:

• IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye concealer - deluxe sample size 0.11 oz, full size 0.28 oz for $24
• Moroccanoil Intense Hydration Mask - deluxe sample size 2.53 oz, full size 8.5 oz for $32.80
• Dr. Brandt dark circles away collagen eye serum - sample size 0.085 oz, full size 0.5 oz for $55
• CellCeuticals CellGenesis Eye Serum - full size 0.5 oz for $65
• philosophy hope in a jar - sample size 0.4 oz, full size 2 oz for $39
• Yon-Ka Anti-Age Masque No. 1 - full size 1.7 oz for $58
• Olay Professional Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment - full size 1 oz for $43.99
• Kneipp Pure Bliss Mineral Bath Salt Red Poppy Hemp - sample 2.1 oz, full size 17.6 oz for $19
• 😥 Kniepp Eucalyptus Herbal Bath - this was missing from my Test Tube. A sample was supposed to be included, full size is 3.4 oz for $20
• A copy of NewBeauty Magazine retails for $9.95
• Discount cards towards spalook.com

The Test Tube comes with a handy guide that tells you about each product.

 

 

 

 

So according to my calculations...I received over $200 worth of products for $40.

A lot of what I receive in the Test Tube is new to me. They do a good job of mixing up cosmetics with skin and hair treatments mostly geared towards anti-aging. I keep wanting to subscribe to the QVC version as well but can't justify the $$$$. From what I've seen the QVC version includes more products from mally, philosophy and tarte. You can find out more about the QVC version by clicking here.

The magazine is a decent read, it's a heavy magazine that seems to be focused on anti-aging including cosmetic surgery. A section in the back of each issue is dedicated to profiling cosmetic surgeons in your region of the country. I like that the magazine gives suggestions on how to look younger with cosmetics, skin and hair treatments and not only cosmetic surgery. I prefer to think that if I take good care of myself I can avoid the cosmetic surgeon.

I highly recommend this....again! Find out more about the NewBeauty Test Tube by clicking here.

 

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Review of Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains

These are hands down my new favorite lip products. I haven't been in love with a new lip product in a while. I've removed all other lip glosses and lipsticks in my purse and replaced them with Revlon's new Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains. They are large crayon style lip balms that leave behind a stain on your lips so if you can't reapply or don't want to reapply, you still have color on your lips hours after the original application.

Although I don't own any, many people claim these are a more budget friendly version of Clinique Chubby Sticks $16 or Tarte LipSurgence $24 both at www.sephora.com.

They retail at major drugstores and mass merchandise stores for about $8.99 and there are 12 colors to choose from. I own five Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains.

Honey- a light pink that is a perfect nude color for me without making me look like a corpse. Honey leaves a slightly brighter pink stain on my lips than the color when freshly applied. My favorite so far.

Lovesick- hot pink. This one is a bit too bright for me even in the summer but mixes well nicely with Honey to mellow out.

Romantic- an orangey red that leaves a more red stain than freshly applied color. This is a great stain color for me.

Adore- this color is similar to Romantic but is more of a brown based red with some sparkle. Applies nicely as a sheer brownish red.

Crush- my second favorite, a deep berry pink. A typical color for me especially for fall.

 

The balm stain goes on much like a lighter, more sheer lipstick. I'm not sure if it is supposed to be a lip plumper but there is a minty ingredient that provides a bit of a tingle, but much less so than Buxom Big & Healthy or LipFusion. Although these balm stains generally leave behind a more intense color than when first applied, the stain color doesn't appear intense because there is no shine. All colors generally stay on as balm for about an hour and when the creamy shine wars off I'm left with a stain that lasts for up to 6 hours.

The balm stain is pointy when new and twists up to advance. It will become dull after use as you an see my much used Honey next to fairly new Adore. These aren't able to be sharpened but I don't see this as a problem.

 

 

I give Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains 4.5 of 5 stars, can't wait to try the rest of the colors!

 

This review is my own opinion. I did not receive payment or products to test.

 




 

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Review of Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy Total Care Shampoo & Conditioner

I received a full size shampoo and conditioner to sample from SheSpeaks www.shespeaks.com. and to provide my honest feedback.

I wasn't sure how I felt about this line before I tried it. I was getting a bit sick of the shelf display at Walgreen's because it was motion activated and a woman's voice would ask you to stop and learn more about it.  It startled me in the store more than once.I also thought it was a bit overpriced at $5.99 per 12.7 oz bottle.

I really like this shampoo and conditioner.  The shampoo and conditioner are both creamy and kind of a thick consistency and reminds me a bit of Pantene.  I don't have to use as much as other shampoo/conditioners and even though the formula is pretty thick, it rinses clean and doesn't weigh down my long hair.  I wasn't sure if I believed it at first, but my scalp really did feel cleaner than when I use other shampoo/conditioners.  The instructions tell you to apply the conditioner to the scalp as well, not something I usually do.  I washed my hair every other day this week with the Clear Scalp & Hair products and my hair/scalp was never greasy or stringy the second day which can be a concern with other products.

The scent was light and fresh and I'd definitely repurchase and recommend to friends.  For a drugstore shampoo, I'd rate Clear Scalp & Hair 4 out 5 stars.

Thank you to SheSpeaks for providing the samples for me to review.

Information about NewBeauty TestTube

I love a good subscription/sample box.  I don't even think this can be classified as a sample box because it is so good!

This box is from NewBeauty Magazine. It is a quarterly box that costs $29.95 + shipping and handling $8.95.  I've included a picture of the TestTube I received in April.

It usually contains 7-8 full size or deluxe sample sizes of high end products plus a copy of the latest NewBeauty Magazine.  They also share the code so you can read the magazine on your iPad or ereader.  Each TestTube also comes with a bunch of cards for SpaLook, they are good towards a purchase at SpaLook.com  (keep this in mind, they're not gift cards).

I love this subscription service.  It is well worth the money and isn't too frequent. Usually you can pick out one full sized product that more than pays for the whole tube.  I get so excited about receiving it each quarter. Some of the best things I've received in the TestTubes are

• full size MoroccanOil Frizz Control spray
• full size Mally High Shine Liquid Lipstick
• sample size Immunicologie treatment cream with VenoMAX
• full size Mally Evercolor Shadow Stick
• full size Memoire Liquide Amor Liquide.  

I just logged into my account and the Fall 2012 TestTubes are supposed to ship in early October!  

Check out this link to subscribe http://testtube.newbeauty.com/

Another thing, QVC also has a NewBeauty TestTube available on their site and on TV.  The QVC TestTube also includes a copy of NewBeauty Magazine but the products differ slightly.  I've considered subscribing to both but whenever I take a peek online to see what's in the QVC version, I see a lot of philosophy body care and scents and Mally products.  I like the NewBeauty version because I think it introduces me to more brands I haven't already tried.  

You can search for the TestTube at http://qvc.com