Product Review!: Adovia Dead Sea Salt!

Adovia Dead Sea Salt Review!

I really, truly love dead sea salt. I find it to be incredibly versatile addition to any beauty routine.

So, I jumped on the opportunity to try some! And, I was very impressed with Adovia's Dead Sea Salt.

First, Adovia sent me what looked like an industrial sized bag of sea salt -which was actually 1.75. No complaining here- do you know how much you can do with with 1.75 pounds of sea salt??

Look at that!!

I was able to fill two gorgeous apothecary style jars in my bathroom. Which looked gorgeous. 

What I really liked the most about Adovia's Dead Sea Salts was the grain size. It's fine grained juuuuuust enough for the bath soaks I like to make.

Currently, I have mixed some of my bath salts with some French lavender buds and peppermint essential oil for a bath soak. 

The salt absorbed the oils quite well without melting or clumping and the scent remained uniform and mixed evenly. 

The salt quickly and seamlessly absorbs in the bath (no gross grainy feelings) and really has been helping with my dry winter skin. I'm going through it like the Dead Sea evaporated!

If you're interested in trying Adovia's Dead Sea Salt, feel free to check it out on Amazon:

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Influenster VoxBox Calvin Klein #RevealMore Gift Set!

Influenster VoxBox 

Calvin Klein #RevealMore Gift Set 

Unboxing and Review!

After sooooooooooooooooo long and a lot of work on Influenster, I finally qualified for another VoxBox! And, of course it was something for my fiance lol.

So, let's hop into the review!

Here's my little Calvin Klein Reveal Envelope from Influenster:

What's Inside:

I received 2 items in this VoxBox:

1. A cologne sample of Calvin Klein's new Reveal cologne for Him:

2. A Calvin Klein cardholder:

I am trying with all my might not to complain about getting a tiny perfume sample as they are my pet peeve. However, this was a free set- so I'm not upset like I would be if I had paid for a beauty box and received a cologne sample. So we're good.

I do like the cologne. It reminds me of a bit muskier version of Cool Water. And, luckily my fiance (aka the pickiest man in the world) did try it and like it. He doesn't wear cologne often, mostly for special occasions- I'm glad that this smelled very nice on him and that we both like it. So, there's a win there- I would totally consider buying Reveal for him now.

In addition, I thought the card case was a great addition and my fiance is desperately in need (if not a whole NEW wallet) of something like that. So, it was a great little gift to give him. He was very appreciative!

I received this VoxBox around Valentines Day, so it was a cute extra gift for him once I was done with my pictures and videos lol. Though I really wish there was a bit more to this VoxBox to write about!

And, as usual, I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. So, thank you Influenster!

Product Review!: Teadora Nourishing Body Polish in Rainforest at Dusk!

Teadora Nourishing Body Polish:

Rainforest at Dusk 

Review!

Oh my! I was SOOOOOOOO happy for the opportunity to try Teadora's Nourishing Body Polish in Rainforest at Dusk!

I've heard a ton of good things about Teadora - but, haven't had the opportunity to try them yet by chance or via any beauty boxes. 

And now I finally had my chance! (Mwhahahahahaha)

What really appeals to me about Teadora is the fact that they use great natural and organic products from the Amazon, are cruelty free, support and contribute to sustainable farming and rainforest conservation.

I am 100% behind any company doing so much.

I was sent a 1.5 oz (normally $10.00) tube of the body polish:

First off, this smells AMAZING!

Teadora's Rainforest at Dusk Scent is described to contain notes of Rose Absolute, Orange, Coconut, Ylang, and Cedar Wood. It's a really interesting combination of hearty floral scents with the musky Cedar wood. It's pretty intense.

This body polish is THICK. I like it.

I guess the closest consistency comparison I can make is to Gulden's brown mustard, which is what this actually reminded me of when I first examined the scrub:

Containing coconut, aloe, white clay, sweet almond oil, bentonite, Brazil nut oil, pumice and oodles of other great ingredients- just a tiny bit of this body polish packs a punch.

What I liked most about this body polish though is the fact that it is super SUPER gentle. But, you can still feel and see results.

What I've primarily used this for is the little lumps on my arms and legs that I get during the dead of winter. My skin has felt amazingly smooth in comparison. Not summer smooth. But, for only using the polish for a short period of time- I have definitely seen a difference.

Between the smell, the ingredients, the gentleness, and great results- Teadora's Body Polish definitely has a new fan in me and I really hope to see them in more locations and in more beauty boxes. 100% Rainarella seal of approval. I'm so glad I got to try this!!

If you're interested in learning more about Teadora, please check out their website: http://www.teadorabeauty.com/

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

My Starlooks Starbox February 2015: Dynamic Unboxing Youtube Video is Live!

Please stop by and give a happy little thumbs up!

Unboxing: Starlook's Starbox February 2015: Dynamic

What it is: Starlook's is an online cosmetics company that releases a new Starbox of makeup every month.

Where to get it: starbox.starlooks.com

How much is it?: $15.00 monthly + tax
Types of Products: High end, cruelty free cosmetics
What are the Perks?!: Starlooks.com just recently rolled out a points program where every $ spent on the site equals 1 point used towards discounts on their site.

Starlook's Starbox February 2015: Dynamic

Unboxing and Review

Squeeeeeeeeeeeee. I am IN LOVE with my Starbox this month!

Let's hop right in!

The Menu:

The Haul!:

1. Tender Gloss in Cherub:

Listed at $16.00

I was SO worried about this gloss. It looked so incredibly similar to my January 2015 Starbox Gisele lipstick - which was a BEAUTIFUL color. But, looked terrible on me. It would have been such a let down to get such beautiful lip colors that I was dying to try 2 months in a row that I couldn't wear.

Welp, I was in luck! This gloss is FANTASTIC. I love it. It looks wonderful on me. And, my fiance loves it too. He did mention that it was a bit darker than most of my lip colors but it still looked great on me. 

I am SO happy this turn out well. I'm just disappointed that I couldn't get a very good swatch for my blog here because of the crap lighting in my apartment. 

2. Gem Eye Pencil in Myth:

Listed at $16.00

This was a literal Holy Shit moment for me. Other than my Pixi Black Gel liner from December Target Beauty Box for Her, I have never fallen in love with an eyeliner so hard and so fast. This liner is insane and I'm totally sold. It is a super soft, ultra pigmented smoky gray liner with silver sparkle. PERFECT for a smoky eye look. I'm swooning over this liner. It is seriously one of my favorite items I have EVER received in a beauty box. My pictures seriously don't do this liner justice and I finally know what I'm cashing in my Starlooks Rewards for!! I just can't pick which liners I want!

3. Duet Fan Brush:

Listed at $20.00

Icing on the cake. I LOVE fan brushes. I feel so bourgeois using them. Oh so fancy. This one is super soft and light. And the handle is super long for easy application. 

Bonus Item:

 Although I really like the new bonus items that Starlook's Starbox has been including. I was in LOVE with the make up cleaner last month. I think it's a nice little extra. However, I received a $40 refund coupon for datenitebox.com. Which I would love to use- if the basic plan wasn't $150 a month. I live in Manhattan. If my fiance and I can't figure out a date night for under $150 a month- I'm doing the East Village wrong. But, it was a cute extra for Valentines Day.

The Final Verdict!

Box Value: Approx $52.00

 Box Score: 10/10

Final Thoughts: Honestly, I am so hardcore in love with everything I received in my Starbox this month- I'm over the moon. They've been ON BALL the past few months. Starbox is in heavy competition with Glossybox for my favorite sub right now. I am incredibly happy right now and have some eyeliner I need to stock up on...

PSA! Birchbox March 2015: Creativity Sneak Peek #1

Holy Crap! It's already times for March Sneak Peeks!

Where is 2015 going??

Let's take a look at what Birchbox has in store for us this month!

Birchbox's March 2015 Theme is Creativity. I can totally dig that theme. But, I wonder about the execution...

Sample Choices:

1. Beauty Protector Protect and Oil

2. Amika Bombshell Blow Out Spray:

3. It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In Product:

I think I'm going to go with the Beauty Protector this month to give it a shot.

BirchBox Curated Box: Beauty Solutions:

Birchbox Plus Items:

1. Mine Design Chalkboard Candle in Belgium Berry Scent:

$20.00

2. Triple C Smart Budz Earbuds:

$20.00

There's never a Birchbox Plus item I want :(

After having an awesome Birchbox February 2015, I am really looking forward to March!

Anything you're particularly excited about?

Not a Birchbox Subscriber? Check out my Birchbox 101 Page for all the info you need: http://totallyobliviousbeauty.blogspot.com/p/fyi-birchbox-monthly-101.html

Product Review!: Evergreen Nature Hair, Skin, and Nails Vitamin!

Evergreen Nature's Hair, Skin, and Nails Vitamin Review!

This has been a very, very rough winter for a lot of people. And, I know that I have been complaining about the damage my poor skin and hair has gone through being exposed to the elements. 

 I have literally run the gamut of trying new products from Vitamin C serums, to Argan Oils, to Moisturizers, to Hair Masks - you name it. But, with the job I have traveling outdoors and my incredibly dry apartment in this awful winter, the battle against my hair and skin has been Sisyphean at best.

If my external routine wasn't going to cut it, I felt it was time to take things to an internal level. 

So, I literally JUMPED on the chance to try Evergreen Nature's Hair, Skin, and Nails dietary supplements. What have I got to lose right? 

The bottle contains 90 tablets with instructions to take 3 tablets a day. Now, my stomach gets a little funky sometimes with certain vitamins- so I started out with just taking 2 in the morning. I haven't had any contraindications at all so far. So, that's a TOTAL plus with these supplements and I'm ready to start taking all three.

The pills are a bit large. But, nothing insane:

Amazing, there are 28 ingredients in those little guys including Vitamins A, C, D, E, B 1 and 2, folic acid, biotin, calcium, riboflavin, the list goes on. And, honestly- I could totally use a few more of these supplements in my life to begin with. 

Do they work?

At this moment- I feel like it's a bit early to comment on how my hair is being affected by the vitamin. To be honest- my hair has been looking and feeling amazing. But, I have also just switched up my shampoo and conditioner routine (I will be posting about that shortly). Ergo, my baseline may be off.

But after taking the supplement for nearly 2 weeks, I am finally starting to see a difference in my skin since November. Specifically in regards to my general winter redness. Although I have a while to go to my ideal skin perfection; my facial skin has just seemed so much calmer and more manageable. While my skin in general has been significantly less irritated. 

I should have started taking these a LONG time ago. I finally feel I am taming my winter mess. 

If you are interested in trying Evergreen Nature's Hair, Skin, and Nails Vitamins, check them out on Amazon:

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Product Review: Seed of Love Greeting Cards

Seeds of Love Greeting Cards Review!

When it comes to product reviews, I find myself to be incredibly liberal. I am generally pretty impressed and really like all the products I opt to try. I'm not exaggerating or pandering when I write my reviews- I just really like trying cool stuff and like to write about it. I use all the products I try and many I share with my sister, mother, and fiance as well. 

That being said, I know that I'm not going to be impressed 100% of the time when I review products that I opt into review or are sent to me.

This appears to be one of those very rare cases.

I had the opportunity to try Seeds of Love Greeting Cards. And honestly, I felt a bit let down.

Let's start out with the fact that I was REALLY interested in trying these cards. First off, I think the concept is really cool. Secondly, I was specifically looking to add seed packets of some sort to either my favors or thank you cards for my upcoming wedding.

So, when this opportunity came up- I thought "Great! I can totally do an awesome product review and wedding planning post all at once." Not so much in this case.

Let's delve into Seeds of Love Greeting Cards. 

First off, I was completely aware that this was going to be a collection of different greeting cards instead of just thank you cards. But, if I did like them, I was hoping to contact the company directly in regards to just getting Thank You cards if I really liked the product. Plus, the concept just seemed really cute and right on my level.

The packing was really cute. But I was a little confused upon opening the box.

It just seemed like random packets with seeds.

Here's the Thank You card that I was looking forward to inspecting:

So, I thought maybe I was confused. 

Thus, I decided maybe once you are ready to write out the "card" that you take off the perforated top and open up the card to a nice seed pack to write a note.

Nope.

This is what the packet looks like inside:

I had to rip the packet open and there was just a random plastic baggie with seeds in it floating around. 

I was TOTALLY disappointed. I really don't think I could use these for my wedding in any facet. 

Honestly, I thought the concept was really cool. I love the idea of seed cards- it just seems so cool. But, the delivery really left me in a lurch. 

These aren't greeting cards. That's cool. The external packaging would lead one to think that they would be a really cool addition to tie onto a ribbon for a gift. However, the random loose plastic seed baggy inside is a bit haphazard and just didn't appeal to me.

Oh well- I guess I can't win them all!

If you're interested in checking out Seeds of Love Greeting Cards for yourself, they are available on Amazon:

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

My Ipsy February 2015 #IpsyLove Unboxing Youtube Video is LIVE!

Please stop by and take a look! 

Product Review!: InstaNatural Product Line!

InstaNaturals Product Line Review!

Ok! I just had the awesome opportunity to try 3 different products from InstaNaturals and I really like all 3!

Look at these guys!:

It was like a full spa all in one!

Let's take a look at all 3!

1. InstaNatural's Dead Sea Mud Mask:

I am such a mud mask lady. I LOVE them. So, I was thrilled to give this mask a shot. Being 100% natural, ingredients include dead sea mud, shea butter, sunflower oil, aloe, jojoba oil, hickory bark, and calendula oil.

This mask is THICK and the 16 oz jar is full to the brim! Look at this stuff!

I actually had a lot of fun putting it on!

That being said, besides the fun I had with applying the mask and sending my fiance funny pictures- my face felt SO awesome after using this mask and I can't wait to use it again. This gets 100% Rainarella Seal of Approval!

2. InstaNatural's Age-Defying Retinol Serum with Supercharged Antioxidants:

And Oh. My. God. After applying this mask, I also got to try this awesome Retinol Serum.

This serum smells absolutely AMAZING! Like when you peel a rind of a fresh orange or grapefruit. It is super light but not too watery.

It feels great using right after the mud mask and made my face feel extra awesome. This is by FAR my favorite serum I have reviewed on my blog!

2. InstaNatural's Advanced Action Retinol Moisturizer:

Finally, I got to layer some of InstaNatural's Retinol Moisturizer on for the full at home spa experience. This lotion is super light and fluffy but remains nice and creamy as well. I just want to layer this all over my face. It feels great and was the perfect icing on the cake of all 3 products I have been trying out.

Honestly, I was super impressed with all three products that I received from InstaNaturals. If you would like to hear more about all three of these, feel free to check out my Vlog on them!

If you would like to check out these products and other InstaNaturals Products, check out their website: http://instanatural.com/

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Uboxing: Ipsy February 2015: Ipsy Love!

What it is: Ipsy Glam Bag
Where to get it: Ipsy.com
How much is it?: $10.00 monthly + tax
Types of Products: Skin, hair, body, and beauty products and make up.
What are the Perks?!: By reviewing items and sharing Ipsy info on Facebook, rack up Ipsy points to redeem for free beauty products.

Ipsy February 2015: IpsyLove

Unboxing and Review!

Jumping right into my Ipsy February 2015 unboxing, let's have a look:

Upon Opening:

I was able to cash in some Ipsy Points for some Eva NYC stuff and the bag is really cute.

Let's take a look:

The Haul

1. Cargo Cosmetics Mini Lip Gloss in Anguilla:

The sample sized is .45 ml (Approx $2.80). Full sized listed at 2.5 ml for $16.00

Meh, I guess this is cute color, but it doesn't impressed me a whole lot. It will be fun to try though. It just seems really innocuous and kind of dull.

2. Demeter Fragrance Roll On in First Love:

FULL SIZED! Listed at $10.00

Ok, Demeter was cool when I was like 13. Which was 100 years ago. And, this smells like a funeral home. Not into it.

3. Mitchell and Peach Floral No.1 Fine Radiance Face Oil:

Sample Sized at 10 ml (Approx $17.00). Full Sized listed at 20 ml for 30 Euro

This is actually something I'm intrigued to try. And, it does have a nice value. But, it is still face oil - which I am wary about if it isn't a natural product.

4. Model Co Blush Cheek Powder in Cosmopolitan:

Sample Sized at 3.6 g (Approx. $10.00). Full sized listed at 8 g for $22.00

I don't understand Ipsy's obsession with sending me pink blush. It needs to stop.

5. Pencil Me In Eye Liner in Amethyst:

Full Sized! Listed at .04 oz for $6.99

As much as I love purple eyeliner- I'm not nuts on this one. I think it's pretty cool that the sharpener is on the cap. But, I'm unimpressed with the color, pigmentation, and feel of the liner on the whole. It just looks and feels cheap.

The Final Verdict!

Box Value: Approx $47.00

 Box Score: 4/10

Final Thoughts: Although the value of the box was on par this month, I just found my particular items to be boring and unappealing to me. It wasn't a terrible bag. But, it didn't floor me either. Meh. There just seemed to be so many more items from the product list this month that I would have much preferred.