#GotItFree: A review of the Hydrating Bubble Mask from Influenster's #elfVoxBox

As an Influenster member, I occasionally receive products for free to test and review.  I was lucky to receive the e.l.f. Cosmetics voxbox featuring skincare items I've been wanting to try for months, including the new bubble mask released this year.

And I really like it!  There are, however, a few things to know that may help you decide whether this product is for you.  Read on for my experience with this product.

INSTRUCTIONS 


The mask itself is a gel, and is packaged in a glass jar with a push-top.  You're meant to push the top, and the product will ooze out of the hole in the top.

This product is meant to be applied to damp skin, and then the bubbles will activate within 15-20 seconds of the gel hitting the skin. When the bubbles start to dissipate, you massage the product into your skin and then wash your face with warm water. 






INGREDIENTS

MY REVIEW


I have oily skin, and I don't find this to be overly drying.  The first time I used it, however, I didn't immediately follow with moisturizer, and my skin was left feeling pretty tight and stripped. 


I do not think people with sensitive skin will like this- it caused slight redness on me, which typically means a potential reaction for people with skin conditions or sensitivities.  But for people with oily skin, I think this type of mask will help manage that issue and purify pores. 

I don't find this mask to be hydrating AT ALL.  For me, it's more like a purifying mask that resets oil production and allows the following products to penetrate better.  I think of it as a second-step cleanser; after washing my face or removing makeup thoroughly, I follow with this mask and then finish with a serum, moisturizer, and occasionally, a sheet mask. 


The packaging suggests that it takes 5-10 minutes for the bubbles to start to dissipate, but that hasn't been my experience.  Typically the bubbles last from 3-5 minutes, max. 
 

MY RATING


Used as I do, I give this a 3.75/5.  The packaging doesn't consistently dispense product (although the pump-top is very hygienic), and I think this should be marketed as a purifying (versus hydrating) product to more accurately set expectations. Overall, I'm happy and I definitely will repurchase this!




Have you tried the e.l.f. Hydrating Bubble Mask?  What do you think of it?

#GotItFree: A review of the #ChooseToSmooth Vox Box from Influenster

So happy that I was given the opportunity to review the Gillette  Venus Swirl!  I received this razor in a voxbox from Influenster at no cost to review. 

Cost


The Gillette Venus Swirl starter pack (handle plus two heads) retails for about $10.  This is a refillable product, which is a bit more green, but a box of four heads goes for twenty to FORTY bucks!  Whew.  This thing better be good!

Packaging


First off, this was VERY easy to get into, as there's a perforated little pop-top deal that doesn't require 8 hatchets and a flamethrower to open.  I have long-ish natural nails.  This little detail is important.  :)

Once open, the razor is in a little tray that slides right out of the plastic packaging.  Included in the kit are two heads - one to use now, as well as a backup.  These identical heads have five razors protected on either side by a moisture strip and comfort shield (some kind of plastic-y rubber).

The handle has a "flexi-ball" that is intended to help the razor contour to the user's shape... and it does!  It was super simple to snap the head right onto the handle and I even practiced popping it off.  The flexi-ball really does help the had bend gracefully with just a bit of pressure!  Look, I buy all my razors at the Dollar Tree, so I'm not used to this kind of technology!  :D  And speaking of Dollar Tree...




Comparison

Here's a look at the Gillette Venus Swirl versus my trusty Dollar Tree go-to-, the Noxzema Triple Blade razor (which is a two-for-$1 disposable).

As you can see, there's a lot more built in protection with the Venus Swirl, so that you can fool-proof your shaving experience and blood-proof your leg (Yes, I have literally hacked away at my skin while shaving, but- thankfully- not for years).




Results


Finally, here's a look at a before and after, using the Gillette Venus Swirl on the left, and the Noxzema Triple Blade on the right. 

 

In both cases, I used my patented (no, it's not patented) blend of shea butter and black soap, which froths up beautifully but is still moisturizing and you really need to try it and that's all I'm sayin'.

Bottom line:  Duh, the Gillette was waaayy better.  Effortlessly glided across my skin and removed hairs without causing any irritation.  And the flexi-ball really works! 

I really have no complaints, but just one teensy caution: I don't know what's in the moisturizing/lubricating strip.  So, vegan?  I dunno.  Dye-free? Not sure.  Good for sensitive skin? No idea.  See what I'm saying?  Still, these are the same kind of issues other razors have, so... I'll definitely repurchase!

c.Booth Egyptian Argan Oil Body Butter

c.Booth Egyptian Argan Oil Body Butter
An Influenster Review



I was recently given the opportunity to review a c.Booth product of my choice at no cost, thanks to Influenster.  While Influenster tends to send out VoxBoxes full of products to review, they occassionally offer coupons for products and I was lucky enough to receive a coupon for a free full-size product of my choice!

c.Booth has a variety of bath and body products - bath oils, body butters, and more- that are typically sold in drugstores for around $10.  After doing some research online, I decided I was most interested in the Egyptian Argan Oil Body Butter, which is offered in an 8 ounce tub.





Egyptian Argan Oil Body Butter at Ulta.com

The package pictured above is exactly what you get.  Inside the tub, there's a seal that can be easily lifted and removed.  The product itself is creamy and moisturizing, but not at all greasy.