Dr. Scholl's For Her - High Heel Inserts

Just received my latest product testing kit from BzzAgent - Dr. Scholl's For Her High Heel Insoles. 

If you didn't read my earlier post about BzzAgent, let me fill you in.  Basically, you sign up for an account on their website, and then take several surveys about different subjects, mostly items you use or purchase.  Different companies will use BzzAgent to find people to test their products for free.  Those people are selected based on the company's chosen demographics and their "BzzScore", which measures a member's activity on the site (the most active/influential members with higher scores get more campaigns).  Your responsibilities once you receive a product are to use the product you are given, and then provide your honest feedback to others online and face-to-face, and report back to BzzAgent about your "Bzz".  It sounds more complicated than it is!  I have only been a member since around January, and this is my third product I've received to test, so it's pretty rewarding, in my opinion.  Once you complete all the initial surveys, there really aren't that many that you need to take (maybe one new one per week). 

Anyway!  Included in my kit for the Dr. Scholl's High Heel Insoles:  One pair of insoles (these are currently selling at walmart.com for $7.97), several coupons for $4.00 off (to share with friends), and an information packet on the Dr. Scholl's For Her line of products.

I haven't had a chance to actually test these out yet, but I took them out of the package.  My first impression is that they aren't as squishy as I expected them to be, with the exception of the center, where the ball of your foot goes - there is a lot of squishy support in that area.  I wish they had more thickness towards the toes, where it seems like all of your weight goes when you're walking in heels.  They are adhesive - I peeled back a section of the plastic and they don't seem to be all that sticky.  This could be good (maybe they can be switched in and out of different shoes) or bad (maybe they won't stay where they belong).  The package does say that they can be removed without damaging your shoes.  The claims are that the insoles prevent foot pain when you're wearing high heels, and remove the pressure from the ball of your foot, while being slim enough to not make your shoes feel tight. 

I'll be testing these out Friday night, and I'll let you know how my feet feel on Saturday!


EDIT - So I was medium impressed with these!  My feet did feel pretty comfortable even after walking to and from the club from the hotel, and dancing all night.  It was kind of an unfair test, since I already had wicked blisters on my feet from walking around in Vegas for a week (wish I had these babies sooner!).  I would buy them again IF I had an uncomfortable pair of shoes that I really loved... but probably not otherwise. 

Everyday Minerals

I can't post beauty product reviews and not mention Everday Minerals.  I really don't think they get the attention they deserve!

As I've mentioned, my skin is fair, sensitive, and extremely acne prone.  I started wearing makeup to cover my blemishes around 7th grade, and had since been part of a vicious cycle of wearing makeup to cover my acne, which was generally made worse by the makeup I was wearing.  I tried almost every over-the-counter acne treatment there was, and nothing helped.  I never thought mineral makeup would have the coverage that I needed, so I never tried it.  About 3 1/2 years ago, a friend discovered Everyday Minerals and recommended it to me.  I have been hooked ever since.  My skin looks better, and it is healthier because I'm not covering it with gross makeup.  And I was wrong - the foundation has great coverage!

My perception of mineral makeup has always been that it is too expensive to be practical.  I won't go into prices of other specific brands (Try-Me's and Starter Kits can run you anywhere from $30 to $70 or more), but that is not true with Everyday Minerals.  A 7-piece custom "Try Me" kit from Everyday Minerals costs... are you ready for this?... a penny.  You can add a kit to any order you place on their website.  First time user, and don't know which shade to buy?  Here's my recommendation:  Purchase one of their wonderfully soft makeup brushes ($13-$16) and add the sample kit to your cart.  You can try several different foundation shades and even if you hate the makeup (you won't!), you'll love the brush, and you just can't buy good brushes for that price.  Your sample kit can include different colors in different formulas, face powders, and blushes.  Regular shipping is around $4. 

I pay $12.99 for a container of foundation that lasts me about three to four weeks.  There's almost always a promo code for some type of "free with purchase" item on their website.  For example, this week you get a big-sized blush and a mini eyeshadow (these are actually huge), free with any $18 purchase.  They are always coming out with new colors of blushes and eyeshadows, and they also make lip balms, facial oils, and items like brush rolls to store your makeup brushes.  Best of all, their products are vegan, organic, natural, and eco-friendly - these things are not a "must" for me; I will use whatever I think works best, so that's just an added bonus.   (Read all about the company here).

If you've ever wanted to try mineral makeup but didn't, DO IT NOW.  I'm surprised you're not hearing more about them already.  I'm even more surprised that in the 3 1/2 years that I've been using this product, their popularity has increased but their prices have not.  Thanks, EDM! <3

JCPenney Clearance Haul

I went to the mall this evening to look for new shoes.  I didn't find any, and I was pretty bummed out.  I walked by JCPenney's on my way out, and I almost didn't even go in, because I was just in there the other night.  Butttt I had plenty of time so I decided to make a quick stop and check out their clearance racks. 

Boy, was I glad I did.

Here's what I got:

This dress was originally $80.  I got it for $4. 

______________

This dress was originally $70.  I got it for $4.

_____________

I couldn't find the skirt I bought on their website, but it looks exactly like this.  It was originally $70.  I paid $4.

________________

This slip, comes with removable straps, was originally $50.  I paid $13.

__________________

So I got $270 worth of clothes for around $26, including tax.  I am one happy girl tonight!

The prices I paid are even lower than the prices advertised on their website, so check your store and see what kind of deals you can find!

 

Palmolive Fresh Sponge

It's been two weeks since I started using my Palmolive Fresh Sponge, which I received complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.  I have to say, it lives up to its promises!

As I mentioned in the previous post, Palmolive's new dish soap, Fresh Sponge, gets rid of the residue normally left behind on your dish sponge, causing it to stink. 

While I can't comment on the "sparkling shine" it says it will leave your dishes (mine are stoneware and I have a bad habit of drinking from disposable cups), I am pleased with the way it really does keep my sponge from smelling bad.  Even better, if you can imagine, it actually smells GOOD. 

I don't keep a schedule for how long I use a sponge before I throw it out, but I feel like now is about the time I normally would switch it out for a new one.  Two weeks is probably longer than a damp, dirty sponge should hang around - especially if I'm going to use it to scrub my fork.  WebMD actually says the dirty dish sponge is the #1 source of germs in the whole house!  I don't bother disinfecting mine; I just toss it and grab a new one.  And while I'm pretty good about not using the same sponge for way too long, I do sometimes notice a faint odor on the sponge or sometimes even the dishes after I've been using it awhile.  Since I've been using the Fresh Sponge soap, there's been no odor at all!  What I'd love to know is whether the Palmolive Fresh Sponge does anything to decrease the actual bacterial population on the sponge.  I'm thinking that I might go ahead and microwave the sponge this time, and keep it around for longer.  This would make the Fresh Sponge a money-saver - less sponges to buy!

All in all, I am much more impressed than I expected to be with this product.  Although I have always been a fan of Dawn, I just might pick up another bottle of this when I run out.

To get your own free products to test and review, sign up for an account at www.influenster.com.  There's really no catch - just try what they send you and give your honest feedback. 

Garnier BB Cream

There's been a lot of hype about Garnier's new skin care product, Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream.  I didn't get in on the BzzAgent campaign to try it, but ultimately I couldn't resist and bought myself a tube.  I got it at WalMart, and if I remember right, it was around $12.95 for the 2.5 ounce tube. 

Garnier's claim is that the BB Cream addresses multiple skin concerns - discoloration, dullness, blotchiness, and dryness.  After using the cream, you should expect your skin to be more even, radiant, and smooth.  I can't find anything that states specifically, but I assume, that these results are only temporary and while you are actually wearing the cream.  It comes in two shades, Light/Medium and Medium/Deep.

There are lots of different BB creams from different brands (Sephora has 9, all of which are significantly more expensive than Garnier's).   

My skin is a pain.  I'm extremely fair and acne prone.  Right now, my routine for my face consists of scrubbing with St. Ives Blackhead and Blemish Control Apricot Scrub, applying Ole Henriksen Blemish Attack Daily Defense Gel, and moisturizing with Equate Oil Free Sensitive Skin Moisturizer.  This, for the most part, keeps my acne in check and prevents any dry spots.  I still get a little oily, but nothing major.  I am always afraid of trying anything new because it almost always causes my skin to break out.  Still, I couldn't resist.  I've been using the BB Cream for about 5 days - here are my thoughts:

2.5 ounces is really pretty huge.  A little bit of this cream goes a long way on your face.  I was a little bummed about spending the $13 on it, but it's going to last a long time.

It reminds me of a tinted moisturizer.  I won't show a before and after photo, but I will say that it definitely made a difference.  While it doesn't totally cover every blemish or  mark,  it does do a pretty good job of covering most imperfections and evening out my skin tone.  As promised, it leaves my skin "radiant", or with a hint of glow or dewiness.  If you like your skin to be matte, this probably isn't for you. 

Once it's washed off, I haven't noticed any lasting effects.  I have not developed any breakouts since using it, though!  That excites me, a lot.  I was positive I would not be able to wear it on a regular basis, and so far it seems like I can.

My only complaint is that the Light/Medium is a bit too dark for my skin.  If I apply it as heavily as I'd like to, I look a little orangey.  A lighter application is okay, but I don't see all of the benefits when I use it sparingly.  Maybe this will be better in the summer once I've gotten some sun, but I really wish they'd also made a "Fair/Light" shade. 

I think it will be perfect for summer, if I'm going to the pool or somewhere I don't want to wear makeup because I don't like to go completely bare-faced. 

I'm glad I bought it and I would consider buying it again, especially if there was a lighter shade.  I give it an A- !

Tone Fruit Peel

Alright...  I don't mean to keep on about this subject, but I have a little bit of a rant. 

Do you read the label on your body wash before you buy it?   

I didn't think so.

I don't either.

I am always grabbing the newest fruity scent from whatever brand I like...  and Tone is always coming out with fun new body washes.  So when I spotted their new "Fruit Peel" daily exfoliating body wash, I just picked it up, opened the lid to smell it, and threw it in the cart.  So I'm in the shower the other day and for whatever reason, I flip the bottle over, and start looking at the back:

Sunburn Alert:  This product contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn.

Really?!

Let's refer back to those statistics from The Skin Cancer Foundation: 

• Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for young people 15-29 years old.
• The incidence of many common cancers is falling, but the incidence of melanoma continues to rise at a rate faster than that of any of the seven most common cancers.  Between 1992 and 2004, melanoma incidence increased 45 percent.
• About 65 percent of melanoma cases can be attributed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
• The survival rate for patients whose melanoma is detected early, before the tumor has penetrated the skin, is about 99 percent.  The survival rate falls to 15 percent for those with advanced disease.

Just to be clear on that last one... that means 85 out of every 100 people who don't get that bad mole checked out in time, do NOT survive.

According to the FDA's website, products containing AHAs are marketed for a variety of purposes, such as smoothing fine lines and surface wrinkles, improving skin texture and tone, unblocking and cleansing pores, and improving skin condition in general.  We're talking skin peels, or products to try to correct a certain issue, like wrinkles.  Tone's Fruit Peel is just a body wash... something that we all use, and probably for more reasons than just vanity. 

I'll give them credit where credit is due.  According to the FDA's website, they recommend (not "require") that the labeling of a cosmetic product that contains an AHA as an ingredient and that is topically applied to the skin have a warning label such as the one stated here.  And I understand that this company can make whatever it wants to, and no one is twisting my arm and forcing me to buy it.  I also know that lots of products contain AHA's.  But shame on a company that creates a product marketed to a certain demographic that has the potential to make that consumer more susceptible to that group's most common and very deadly form of cancer.  Shame on them for putting a warning label on the back, with the ingredients, in a font as small and unnoticeable as possible, where most people will never see it.  Shame on them for launching this new product in the spring, just before we're really out there being exposed to the sun.  Our beauty products should be promoting womens' health, not tricking women into purchasing products that can help destroy it. 

I've been trying so hard to remember to wear sunscreen.  I have sworn never to lay in a tanning bed again.  And then I wind up buying this stupid body wash.  So I've been steamed about this for a few days, and just needed to put this out there. 

Sally Hansen Gem Crush / Seche Vite Topcoat

I ran across Sally Hansen's Gem Crush at Wal Mart the other day.  This is no ordinary glitter nail polish!  This stuff is GLITTERY!

According to their website, it comes in 8 different colors.  I bought "Big Money"; this is 2 coats without topcoat (I took this after acetone and before lotion - please ignore my dry cuticles!):

Because of all the glitter in the polish, the surface of your nails will be really rough after using it, so you will need a couple coats of a good topcoat.  My very favorite is Seche Vite Dry Fast Topcoat.  If you paint your own nails, you should own this.  If you haven't heard of it, go read some reviews - this stuff is the best there is.  It goes on a little thick, and has more shine than any other topcoat I've tried.  It also dries FAST, and when I say fast, I mean you can paint your nails five minutes before you go to bed and not mess them up. 

Two coats of this stuff, and my "high impact bling" was even more stunning.  I love it!