Neutrogena Naturals #WipeForWater

I was invited to review Neutrogena Naturals Makeup Removing Wipes. Of course, I was escstatic about the opportunity because who doesn't love a good makeup removing wipe?

Additionally, Neutrogena is challenging people to #WipeForWater:

This Earth Month, Neutrogena® Naturals is partnering with The Nature Conservancy to save water. Take the #WipeforWater challenge and pledge to clean your face without using water — and only using Neutrogena® Naturals Purifying Makeup Remover Cleansing Wipes — for 3 days!

My initial impressions? I really liked the wipes after using them for several days. They were easy to use, had a lovely smell, and did a good job removing my makeup.

After a week? I still liked using them for the convenience, but I realized that (for me) it's important to use a wash cloth, water, and cleanser. I think the wash cloth is especially important because it helps exfoliate. So I definitely liked the product but don't think I would use it every day.

Good for the environment? Well, that's what they say. There were a lot of details on the packaging about how they were made in an environment-conscious way. So that's good, although it's not always my primary consideration when purchasing a product. (Don't hate me!) 

This brand over another? I've used a similar product from Oil of Olay for years now when I travel. The Oil of Olay wipes are a little more "wet" which I prefer. Some of the Neutrogena wipes were almost too dry, which felt a little harsh on my skin at times. Also, I did a little price comparison at the store and found both products on the shelf. The Neutrogena wipes were $2 more and you get 5 fewer wipes. For that reason, I don't know that I would purchase them again unless I felt that some of the other aspects of the wipes (paraben free or something) was more important—or perhaps if I had a coupon.

#WipeForWater: I'd definitely encourage you to accept the challenge. If nothing else, it made me realize how long I leave the water running while I'm washing my face, which just isn't necessary. :) You can sign up here.

I received a free sample of this product for testing purposes from Influenster. This did not affect my thoughts as expressed here.

Brooke's Beautylicious Faves

From time to time I think to myself, "Self, you HAVE to share this awesome product with . . . well . . . everyone!" And for whatever reason, I never really feel like I have the right place to do that. I've decided that I'm going to start sharing these types of things in a feature called "Brooke's Faves"—maybe once a month or so. These will likely be themed posts (where all the featured items/tips/life hacks/whatevers fall into a similar category), so if the category doesn't interest you, feel free to skip it. These probably won't be things that I've been asked to promote in any way . . . just things that I'm really loving and want to let you know about! So with ALL that build up, here's the first edition of Brooke's Faves!

I certainly don't consider myself a beauty guru (not by ANY stretch of the imagination!), but in the past couple of years, I really think I've come into my own where makeup is concerned. I've found some products that I truly love and enjoy using on a daily basis. Here are six of my faves. Perhaps you'll find something new to try and fall in love as well?!

I was introduced to NYC Color HD Color Trio Eye Shadow through Influenster last year and have continued to use it. It stays on well and lasts all day. I've been using a more neutral color palette with browns and golds, but found a brown/plum palette last week (Central Park Plums). I'm loving it! Plus, it's around $3, which is a fantastic price for eye shadow!

Another Influenster find that I'm still using is Rimmel London's Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara. It gives a bolder look, which I'm a fan of. I personally like a dark, black lash, so this is pretty perfect for me. I assumed that it would be really expensive, but it was the same price as the Cover Girl mascara I as using before. I'd call that a win!

While we're talking eyes, I've been super displeased with my eye liner recently. I've used the same Cover Girl liner for YEARS, but recently it doesn't seem to be holding up as well—breaking and crumbling as I apply it. Oddly enough, my mom and aunt have had the same experience, so I've been hoping to find a solution. I think I've found it in the Cover Girl Liquiline Blast Eyeliner. It goes on SO smooth and I haven't had any issues with breaking or crumbling. I picked up a really pretty brown shade, and can get the perfect smudged look with the other end of the liner (or with a Q-tip).

A WHILE back, I found out just how much I love a good foundation brush. So imagine my delight when I received this awesome Mary Kay Brush Collection for Christmas a couple of years ago. I use ALL of these brushes and have absolutely loved them. It's easier to use these than those little applicators that come in the eye shadows, blushes, etc., and I think it looks better. This set is a little pricier than something I would buy for myself (currently $55), but it makes for a great gift!

One of my other Mary Kay favorites is the Foundation Primer. Y'all! If you're not using a foundation primer, would you just try this? I thought it was just bunk at first, but it really does smoothe everything out a bit and my foundation goes on smoother as a result. I tend to have fairly sensitive skin, and this hasn't caused any breakouts or other issues for me. It's very light. PLUS it has SPF 15 in it, so that's a huge plus for me. It's $16 and lasts forever. Seriously.

Okay. Let's talk lips. I WANT to be a lipstick girl. I am southern after all. ;) I just don't have much tolerance for the need to constantly reapply. Plus, my lips are ALWAYS dry, so finding a good balance there can be difficult. I'm really loving the NYC Color 8HR City Proof Extended Wear Lipgloss right now, though. The Gold With Me color is a really pretty neutral with a light shimmer and seriously gives a little color all day—yes, even after numerous bottles of water, meals, etc. And at around $3, it's a perfect price.

What about you? Any beauty faves you want to share?

Jolly VoxBox | Rimmel London Show Off Lip Lacquer

I received the Jolly VoxBox from Influenster a few weeks ago. (You can see my "unveiling" post here.) Over the next couple of weeks, I'm going to review each of the products I received. I'd love to hear your thoughts on these products too!

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About

The end of colour as you know it. New Rimmel London Show Off Lip Lacquer combines the intense colour of a lipstick with a smooth lacquer shine. The ground-breaking liquid formula is packed with pure colour pigments for rich colour, phenomenal shine and supreme comfort that last all day. Sweep on with the innovative applicator with a built-in micro-reservoir that holds the perfect amount of lacquer within the wand. You can view more products from Rimmel London here. (Suggested Retail Price: $5.49-$5.99)

My Thoughts
I'm always looking for a new lipstick. I don't always wear lipstick, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy finding a new color that I love!

Yep: I was really impressed with the Show Off Lip Lacquer. The sponge applicator absorbs the right amount to cover both lips. (Don't use more than that, though, or it gets a bit crazy looking!) The color lasts a long time ... even after eating and drinking. I LOVED that it wasn't sticky (at all!), and it seemed to be pretty moisturizing. I have dry lips all the time, and some lipsticks can make that worse.

Nope: The downside? The color I got to try out. I received Luna, which appears to be a lovely peach shade. However, it was pretty orange when I put it on, which was quite terrible for my fair skin.

The Verdict: However, at a suggested price of $5-6, I will more than likely try another color that better suits my skin tone. I think Nude Eclipse or Celestial look really pretty!

Overall Score: B+

I received this product free from Influenster for testing purposes. I was asked to give my fair and honest opinion, which I have done.

Have you tried the Rimmel London Show Off Lip Lacquer? Or any other products by Rimmel London? What did you think?

Jolly VoxBox | NYC New York Color HD Color Trio Eye Shadow

I received the Jolly VoxBox from Influenster a few weeks ago. (You can see my "unveiling" post here.) Over the next couple of weeks, I'm going to review each of the products I received. I'd love to hear your thoughts on these products too!

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About
HD Color Trio Eye Shadow delivers high intensity color with a silky soft texture. This lightweight formula blends effortlessly for the ultimate smoky eye look. Check out more products from NYC New York Color here. (Suggested Retail Price: $2.99)

My Thoughts
I have used the same eye shadow for about ten years. I try new brands or shades and inevitably go back to buying the same color as before. However, I think that's about to change.

Yep: The HD Color Trio Eye Shadow is a great, inexpensive eye shadow! I received the trio in the color "Long Beach Sands" ... a great trio of brown/taupe colors. It tells you on the packaging exactly where to put each color (crease, lid, etc.), so there's no guessing at what to do if you're in need of a little makeup instruction. The color looked great once I put it on and lasted a long time. (Note, I do use a makeup primer, so that probably helped.)

Nope: The only negative is that I did NOT like the applicator that came with it. It's really small! I had to work a little harder to get the colors smoothed in, since the small applicator initially made "stripes" of color on my eyelid. I generally use makeup brushes and thought the color went on much better when using those. If you don't already have a set of brushes, swiping an applicator from another shadow that you have on hand could be an option.

The Verdict: At only $2.99, the price is right for me, and I'll be buying other shades of this eye shadow so I'll have options when I'm getting ready!

Overall Score: A

I received this product free from Influenster for testing purposes. I was asked to give my fair and honest opinion, which I have done. 

Have you ever used the HD Color Trio Eye Shadow? Or any other products by NYC New York Color? What did you think?

Unveiling the Influenster Jolly VoxBox

I joined Influenster a while back and was excited to get a coveted VoxBox right before Christmas! I wanted to share a little bit about Influenster and show you what I got in the Jolly VoxBox! I'll be sharing my reviews of each of these products in a future post. Stay tuned!

From the Influenster website, here's a brief description about what Influenster is:

Influenster is a free-to-join community of trendsetters, social media masterminds, and educated consumers who live to give opinions of products and experiences.

The Influenster site is a hub where members meet to learn about new products from our favorite brands as well as review the products they already use in their day-to-day lives!

Influenster invites its most active members to participate in exclusive VoxBox programs where members receive complimentary products to test and review. In exchange, we ask our members to do what they already love to do: share their opinions with their friends & followers on social media!

You can join Influenster and share your opinions on tons of products too! Check it out here.

Okay ... now for the Jolly VoxBox. Here's what Influenster sent me to try out ...

Puffs Ultra Soft & Strong To Go Tissue Pack

Puffs Ultra Soft & Strong To Go is still our best non-lotion facial tissue to use in the car, for on-the-go, wherever you go! Read my review here.

NYC New York Color HD Color Trio Eye Shadow

HD Color Trio Eye Shadow delivers high intensity color with a silky soft texture. This lightweight formula blends effortlessly for the ultimate smoky eye look. Read my review here.

Rimmel London NEW Show Off Lip Lacquer

It's the end of colour as you know it! The intense rich colour of a lipstick combined with an invincibly smooth lacquer shine. Available in 14 shades. Read my review here.

Skinny Cow Candy

TA DA! Presenting almost too good to be true Skinny Cow Candy! Unbelievably chocolatey. Melt-in-your-mouth madness. Perfectly yummy portions. Skinny Cow's line of candy weighs in at 110 to 130 calories. So if you've been avoiding the candy aisle, welcome back. You're gonna feel like a kid in a candy store. Read my review here.

Ducklings Mini Rolls

Excellent for repair, crafting, and imaginative projects. High performance strength and adhesion characteristics. Tears easily by hand without curling and conforms to uneven surfaces. Ducklings are perfect for small repairs, trimming out projects or for when you just need a little tape! Read my review here.

Check back over the next couple of weeks, and I'll be posting my reviews of each of the products!

* Product descriptions provided by Influenster.