Colgate Optic White Toothbrush and Built-In Whitening Pen

Colgate Optic White™ Toothbrush + Built-In Whitening Pen
Product compliments of Influenster, all opinions are my own.

The Product:

Colgate has introduced a new product on their Optic White line of whitening products. This toothbrush, similar to the Colgate 360 brush comes with a whitening gel pen that attaches to the bottom of the brush. Retail Price: $12.99 at Target.

The Promise:

When used as directed, this product is supposed to notably whiten teeth in just two days, but you should be able to see a slight difference after the first use.

The Process:

Using the Optic White brush that’s included, brush your teeth as you normally would and then rinse. Once you are done brushing your teeth, you detach the whitening pen from below the toothbrush and turn two clicks counterclockwise to release whitening product. Distribute product across entire row of teeth and repeat for the second row. This process needs to be done twice a day to obtain best results and should be continued until whitening product is finished. Use once a month to keep teeth looking white.

The Good:

Having used Optic White products before, I was really excited to see how this performed in comparison. I use the product as directed and I even used the Optic White toothpaste to ensure the best results. After just one week I began to notice whiter teeth, the only got whiter by week 2. Although I cannot expect to have blindly white teeth like on TV without professional grade products, I am pretty pleased with the results. Additionally, have both the pen and the toothbrush together made it a lot easier to follow through on whitening. Lastly, I think that for the price of the product (about half the cost of whitening strips) you are really getting a great product that is 2 in 1.

The Bad:

Although I really enjoyed using this product, and am thankful I had the opportunity to try for free, I don’t think I will be using it the future… at least not monthly as the packaging suggests. After using the product twice a day as directed, I began to notice my teeth became sensitive. I must say this did lessen as I switched over to using the product once a day but I only felt comfortable doing this after I had achieved noticeable results. I also had some trouble using the whitening pen because I felt that is wasn’t distributing the product even across my teeth. The solution? I began to use my CLEAN fingertip to place the gel on my teeth and that worked a lot better for me. My biggest problem with this product, however, is the instructions. They do a great job at explaining the easy way to APPLY the product but they neglect to tell you what to do afterward. Do I rinse? Do I spit the excess off? Can I close my mouth? Is it safe to swallow? How soon can I eat/drink?

The Verdict: A-

I definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for an inexpensive way to whiten their teeth a couple of shades but for permanent, considerable results, I would seek a professional. For more information about this product and to hear what others are saying, please click on the link below (Influenster product page).

http://www.influenster.com/review/colgate-optic-whitetm-toothbrush-built-in-whitening-pen

Olay Fresh Effects Shine, Shine Go Away! Review

This product was received complimentary from Influenster, all opinions are my own.

I received the Shine, Shine Go Away cleanser in this year’s Paradise VoxBox and although I already had a go-to cleanser I had used for months, I was still eager to try it out.

Pond’s Fresh Effects, contrary to the regular line of Pond’s products, caters to a younger generation on women facing everyday skin problems (this cleanser in particular targets shiny skin).



This cleanser worked exactly how I needed it to; it removed dirt and make-up making my face clean and glowing. When I poured the product on my hands, I could see that there was some shimmer to it, and that is how I felt my skin looked once I washed it with this cleanser.

TIPS:

1.       This is a cleanser, not a make-up remover; please do not use it to remove eye make-up because it will sting.

2.       Always wet face before applying product, this will allow for easy removal of the cleanser.

3.       Use warm water to wet face to open up pores and cold water to wash cleanser off to close them back up.

4.       This cleanser goes in deep in to the skin so make sure you use an oil-free moisturizer afterward or your face may feel dry.

Overall, I really liked using Shine, Shine Go Away cleanser; it worked just as good as the more expensive brand for half the price.

Check out their website for more information, complete line of products, and special offers:

http://www.olay.com/skin-care-products/fresh-effects

NYC Sparkle Eye Dust Review

NYC Sparkle Eye Dust Review

This Product was received complimentary from Influenster, all opinions are my own.

I received this product in this year’s Paradise VoxBox and the color I received was Smokey Topaz. I have never been a fan on the tube eye shadows because I have always thought them to be difficult to apply and messy. Furthermore, the ones that had an applicator were always creamy and creased really quickly. NYC thought of an idea to combine the pros in box tube shadows and creamy shadows with applicator to create NYC Eye Sparkle Dust. Although this product is not new it really has improved from its last version to make it easy to use without the mess.

http://newyorkcolor.com/products/eyes/eyeshadow/sparkle-eye-dust-0

For more product information, colors available, where to buy and beauty tips

The shadow itself doesn’t feel any different from the regular stuff and goes on the same way, with the exception of the soft tip applicator. This shadow is really pigmented so a little goes a long way, just make sure you take some on the excess shadow off the application (like on the rim of the tube) before applying it. Another thing that I found is that because a little does a lot with this product, some of it fell on the corners of my eye and above my cheeks when I applied it but it’s nothing that a moist wipe won’t take off. The color you see in the tube is exactly what you get when you put it on, like a mauve or lighter burgundy.  It will not crease and it is pretty soft and shimmery.

 

Because the applicator has a lot of the product on it, you really can’t blend well with it so my suggestion is to place the shadow with the wand and blend it in with another brush. Also, because it is so shimmery I would use the darker shades at night and buy a light champagne color to wear on the brow bone to really open up your eyes.

Overall, this product met my expectations and for only $2.99 a tube, it is definitely worth checking out!

Dr. Scholl’s For Her High Heel Insoles

I received this product complimentary from Influenster, all opinions are my own.

I received this product from Influenster’s Paradise VoxBox and I was really excited to try it out. I currently have another pair on Dr. Scholl’s For Her insoles; have had them for years, so it was time to try some new ones.

Right off the bat I could see noticeable differences between the two pairs (I think the pair I had was the old version of the high heel inserts), the new insoles were smaller and had a raised bump for arch support. Also, a new feature I liked is that they have the heel and toes clearly marked so you know you are putting them on your shoes the right way. The old pair of insoles that I had turned a dark brown from the shoes I had them in so I am hoping these new ones don’t turn color but I haven’t put them to the test.

http://www.drscholls.com/products/HighHeelInsoles

For additional product information, reviews, videos, and a $2 off coupon

The insoles are definitely comfortable, but you may have to play around with the positioning a little to make sure your feet are placed properly over them. Although they are thinner and more flexible than other insoles, you still need to make sure that there is enough room in your heels for them. Overall, a good buy worth trying out… if you are not completely satisfied they do have a money back guarantee.  

Nectresse Natural Sweetner

This product was received compliments of Influenster; all opinions in this post are my own.

To learn more about this product, please go to the Nectresse website and Influenster product page .

I must first admit that I am most certainly not a cooker or baker, although I probably enjoy baking WAY more but the extent of my cooking abilities goes as far as dialing for take out :)

For this reason, I wasn’t sure of how exactly to use Nectresse, besides of course pouring some on my cereal (which I did almost daily) and so I looked online for some help. Below you will see one of my favorite recipes to make because not only is it delicious but it is easy and quick to make. I made these for my son’s birthday and he loved them but best of all, by using Nectresse natural sweetener I knew I didn’t have to worry about added calories or artificial ingredients…enjoy!

Birthday Pancakes

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups flour
2/3 cup yellow cake mix
1 Tbs Nectresse or 3 packages
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups milk
3 Tbs sprinkles

• Mix everything together and portion your pancakes out (pour about half cup per pancake) on a hot griddle.  When finished cooking, top with whip cream and sprinkles. Homemade whip cream can be made by using 3 packets of Nectresse, 1 package of vanilla instant pudding, 1 tsp.  Vanilla extract and 8 oz. Heavy whipping cream (use more whipping cream for a thinner consistency).

Influenster Sugar N' Spice VoxBox

These products were received compliments of Influenster; all opinions in the review are my own.

To learn more about these products, please go to the Optic White, Nectresse, BelVita, Dickinsons and Vaseline Influenster product pages.

      

The promise

v  Optic White will clean, freshen and whiten your teeth in one week, with full results in four weeks.

v  Nectresse Natural No Calorie Sweeter is just that, a sweeter that is all-natural and has no calories.

v  BelVita Breakfast Biscuits are breakfast cookies that provide you will sustained energy.

v  Dickinsons Original Witch Hazel are oil-controlling towlettes that also remove dirt and impurities.

v  Vaseline Spray n’ Go Moisturizer is a continuous spray lotion that moisturizes deeply and absorbs in seconds.

  

The Product

v  Optic White – This line of products include a toothbrush with tongue cleaner, whitening toothpaste and mouthwash. I have been using the toothpaste for a while because I wanted to whiten my teeth without spending a whole and the toothpaste did just that. But when teamed up with the toothbrush and mouthwash, however, the paste worked a whole lot better.

v  Nectresse  - Although I have never been a huge fan of artificial sweeteners, I was excited to try this product out because it is all-natural and calorie free. I only used Nectresse on my cereal (since I’m not much of a coffee drinker) and it worked just fine. The taste was decent and, if it really is all-natural and calorie-free, I wouldn’t mind using it again.

v  BelVita – I am always dragging in the mornings, so this product really came in handy. The first time I tried the biscuits, I had them with coffee and I really did feel a burst of energy. After that, however, I didn’t feel more energized but they sure so taste good.

v  Dickinsons – Although I never got totally used to the smell, I did like how these towlettes worked, I used them to wipe off my makeup and my face not only looked clean but felt smooth.

v  Vaseline – I am obsessed with finding the perfect moisturizing lotion, so I knew that this lotion had to bring it if it was going to get my approval. Not only is it easy to apply but it moisturizes almost all day and does absorb rather quickly (although you can feel it on your hands).

The Verdict

v  Optic White – BUY, must you must use all three products and use as directed if you want the best results.

v  Nectresse – BUY, if you want to use a sweetener rather than real sugar.

v  BelVita – BUY, if you want a tasty snack or meal replacement (although it may not give you the energy it promises).

v  Dickinsons – BUY, but be aware of that funky “medicine” smell

v  Vaseline – BUY, unless you like the old fashioned way that includes using the pump’s straw to dig in to the bottle for the last of the lotion J

Palmolive Soft Touch Product Review

This product review will be for the Coconut Butter Palmolive Soft Touch. This product, along with the Vitamin E Palmolive Soft Touch, was received compliments of Influenster. All opinions in the review are my own.

To learn more about this product, please go to the Palmolive website and Influenster product page.


The Promise
The unique formula with a touch of Coconut Butter was designed to be mild on hands, with a silky, smooth feel,  while still leaving dishes sparkling clean. As always, Palmolive is Tough on Grease, Soft on Hands.

My First Thoughts
I first need to start off by stating that I do not enjoy doing the dishes, although I understand that they must be done. Secondly, I know that in my case the most logical solution would be to use the dishwasher but, being raised in a traditional Mexican family, the dishwasher is the devil and it will never leave dishes as clean as washing them by hand :) Lastly, I had been purchasing Dawn Hand Renewal for a while because I know the importance of taking care of your skin and I hate using those gloves that just leave your hands stinky and sweaty.

The Product
I was pleasantly surprised with the appearance of the product, looks more like something from Bath and Body Works than a dish soap. When using the product, I realized the lather is thicker and silkier, which for me was a good sign for both my dishes and my hands. The grease came right off and doing the dishes was a breeze. The true test came when I had to clean spaghetti off a plate, the grease stains came off and there was no greasy film afterwards as you sometimes get with "cheaper" products. Also, I must add, I have two children at home that love their milk so this product also worked well in cleaning the milk residue off the bottles.

Verdict
Overall, I must say that I am pretty happy with this product and can't wait to try other lines from Palmolive. Palmolive Soft Touch with Coconut Butter did exactly what it promised and worked as great as the more expensive Dawn Hand Renewal. If you follow the link to the Palmolive website listed above, you will find that Palmolive reinvented themselves with several new lines of products fit to meet specific needs (try out the Product Recommender to see what line of Palmolive product works best for you). Also, another great thing about Palmolive Soft Touch is that you can easily find all it's varieties (Vitamin E, Coconut Butter and Aloe) at a Walmart near you.