Influenster Jolly VoxBox

   I recently signed up on Influenster; a website that is like a huge social network of product lovers.  Influenster is mostly known for their free boxes that they send out for people to review.  In order to receive one of their themed boxes people need to review products and participate so they are able to get an idea of boxes that would be a good fit for you.  People are not guaranteed a box so it is never good to go in with that intention.  I like to view Influenster as more of a resource of great product information.
   Now that we've covered what Influenster is, let's talk about what box I received.  I received the Jolly VoxBox.  To be completely honest, it seemed like a really random box.  This was the first box I have received so I don't know if every box is like this but this box just seemed weird to me.  I received a pack of Puff's tissues, Duck tape, Rimmel Show Off Lip Laquer, Skinny Cow Peanut Butter Chocolates, and NYC HD Color Trio.  
   Let's start with the makeup since that obviously is what I am most interested in!  The Rimmel Show Off Lip Laquer in the color Apollo is a liquid lipstick.  It is very pigmented and stays on quite well even though it doesn't claim to be long wearing.  The one big downfall of this product for me is that it has a horrible smell.  It smells like plastic or chemicals and the smell of it makes me feel like it is not a product that is meant to go on the lips.  I usually can get past smells of lip products but unfortunately this one I cannot. 
   The NYC HD Color Trio in Oh Soho Sweet was the thing in the box I was most excited about.  The colors are GORGEOUS!  They remind me of the Dior Rosy Tan Palette I have been eyeing.  The pigmentation is decent but they are powdery.  The colors are so pretty though that I will make them work despite the lackluster texture.  
   Now onto the non-makeup products.  The duck tape.....well I'm not really sure what to say about it.  It sticks?  The print on the duck tape was cute but I cannot even tell you the last time I used duck tape.  Next up are the Puff's tissues.  Random?  Yes, but I cannot tell you how many times I have wished I had a tissue when I am out running errands and they kids get something on them.  These little packs are extremely convenient when on the go, especially when you have kids.
   On to the last item.....the Skinny Cow Peanut Butter Chocolates.  These come in packages with three chocolates in each.  They definitely don't taste like what you would expect for a "skinny" chocolate.  They taste smooth and creamy.  I wasn't crazy about the peanut butter flavor but I have had these chocolates in the caramel flavor and those were very tasty.
   Overall I think Influenster is a great way to find out information about products, connect with other product lovers, and potentially try a box full of goodies.  The Jolly VoxBox was a random mish mash of goodies but the stand outs for me were the NYC HD Color Trio and Puff's Tissues.   If you love products and finding all you can about them, then you should think about joining the Influenster program. If you have any questions about the products or Influenster don't hesitate to ask and don't forget to subscribe!

I received these products from Influenster.  I never have and never will do a positive review in exchange for money.  These are my honest opinions!

Too Faced La Creme Color Drenched Lip Cream & Lip Insurance Primer Set

    I have been seeing reviews on the Too Faced La Creme Color Drenched Lip Creams for quite a while now but always talked myself out of buying them.  Let me start by saying that I am not the kind of girl that puts on lip liner or typically spends a lot of time putting on lipstick.  I like something quick, easy, and comfortable to wear.    

   I purchased this set on HSN for $28 plus free shipping.  Normally, the La Creme Lip Creams are $22 each and the Lip Insurance Primer is $19 so this set is a great deal.  I have a very difficult time finding lip colors that look good on me.  I have very pale lips and it seems that every color shows up a lot darker than it does on other people.  This set appealed to me because it was neutral colors and it also came with the Lip Insurance Primer which I have always wanted to try.  

Real Techniques: Miracle Complexion Sponge

    When Real Techniques came out with the Miracle Complexion Sponge, I was very skeptical.  I own the original Beauty Blender and always rave about it.  If you aren't familiar with the Beauty Blender, it is a pink teardrop shaped sponge that you dampen and apply foundation in a bouncing motion.  It makes my foundation look flawless and natural with almost any foundation I own.  There have been many companies that attempt to replicate the Beauty Blender but they usually are hard and do not perform in the same way.....until now. 
  The Miracle Complexion Sponge is a serious competitor for the Beauty Blender.  In fact, I actually think I prefer it over the Beauty Blender.  The Real Techniques sponge is unique in it's shape, which allows for more versatility than the Beauty Blender.  It has a flat edge on one side as well as two pointed ends.  I like the flat edge for stippling foundation as well as using a wiping motion under my eyes.  When dampened it expands and softens even more.  I usually hold it under water while squeezing it 3-4 times and then squeeze a towel around it to get any excess water out.  Dampening it prior to use will not only give more surface area to work with but it also prevents the sponge from soaking up to much of the foundation.  Let's face it, foundation can be expensive so I don't want any unnecessarily wasted!

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   The sponge is VERY soft which makes it more prone to tears.  When I first removed it from the package, it was already torn a little at the end where it must have gotten caught in the packaging.  I haven't been using it long enough to truly test the longevity of it but I would guess that it won't last as long as the Beauty Blender (which usually lasts me a few months).  I am definitely going to have to be very careful when washing it, even with my short nails.  Price: The Real Techniques sponge is $5.99 and the Beauty Blender is $19.95.  There is quite a price difference between the two.  If the Real Techniques sponge lasts as long as the Beauty Blender, it could be a big savings.  However, if I go through the Real Techniques ones quicker, it could wind up being similar because of the tearing potential.

Welcome to my New Blog!

      Welcome to JmeBeautyObsessed!  My name is Jaime and I am a beauty obsessed wife and mother of two.  I have went back and forth about starting a blog for quite awhile now.  I finally just decided there was no reason not to start one.  As my husband likes to say "You need to find someone to talk to about beauty things because you are obsessed!"  Yes...well I suppose I am obsessed :-).  I love to research everything makeup and beauty related.  
      My passion with makeup started about three years ago.  I saw an ad for a beauty subscription service on a website one day.  I then started researching what it was and what the boxes contained.   Before I knew it, I was watching YouTube videos, reading blogs, and researching every aspect about beauty related products.  
       Fast forward to three years later and I continue to be just as obsessed with makeup.  I love to share the information I learn about products with friends, family, or anyone who will listen (including my husband who is less than interested).  I am hoping this blog will allow me to share my passion with others.  I plan on doing product reviews, subscription box reviews, product alerts, and anything else beauty related.   I hope you will join me in my beauty obsession!