I mentioned this before, I was one of the 5,000 members on the Influenster website to be chosen to receive and try the products featured in the 2012 Cosmo Voxbox. Influenster, for those of you who don't know, is an invite only site that allows it's most qualified members to do tasks, surveys and challenges in order to qualify to receive products to continue to review! It's a wonderful opportunity, and it's definitely a decent resource to look into if you blog, or just love trying new things and talking about them!
At first I was a little sad when I received my box, as most of the products included don't really have a place on a beauty and makeup blog. On the other hand, these are products that women, and some of the men that I know would be interested in, so I'm not letting that spoil my blogging fun!
"There's nothing like autumn in the city, and we're celebrating the changing seasons with the Fall Cosmo VoxBox! Inside this box you'll find the products that a modern gal like yourself needs." states the card enclosed. I was as interested as you probably are to see what Influenster thought a girl in the city would need this fall.
Pilot FrixIon erasable gel pens
I was delighted when I received purple as one of my colors to try! The pens write very smoothly, and don't smudge. The eraser is great too. I'd sort of ignored the existence of erasable pens, due to always losing the cap (which usually held the eraser.) Pilot has completely eliminated that in this slick little number! The eraser is on the bottom of the pen, so it doesn't matter if you lose the cap! Another feature I liked was the little clip on the cap. I've clipped this pen to the edge of several things, books, notebooks, my bag pockets, and my pants pockets, and it has not budged. It grips well, and seems like a hard pen to lose. These pens would be great for anyone, especially if they jot down a lot of notes, or want to show off their wild side with the tattoo inspired graphics!
I used these pens for my Christmas shopping lists, as well as in my planner. I think they're a great product, and am pleased that gel pens, as well as erasable pens have come this far.
Ghirardelli Sea Salt Escape
Yum. I'd never tried sea salt in chocolate before, and am not a huge fan of salty foods. I do, however, like chocolate covered preset, so that was my comparison basis going in to trying this bar. I'd say that this particular bar on average is less salty than your average chocolate covered pretzel. The almonds add a nutty savory crunch to the sea-salt, and the creamy sweet milk chocolate balances it out. This chocolate bar is perfect. I've bought two since trying the one provided for sampling. I will continue to buy more, as it retails for around $3.00, is big enough to share with a friend, and is worth every penny.
Bath and Bodyworks Forever Red Perfume.
I understand that Bath and Bodyworks spent the most they've ever spent on a fragrance on "Forever Red." From the amazing ad campaign that doubles as straight up art, to the ingredients. The fragrance was cloaked in mystery, and has been promoted everywhere the eye can see. But was it all worth it?
Bath and Body Works has described their first premium scent as
"Our most luxurious longest lasting fragrance blends opulent notes of fiery red pomegranate and delicate peche de vigne, a rare and fleeting French peach. Soft petals of red osmanthus give way to notes of addictive velvety marshmallow and a surprising finale of rich vanilla rum that leaves an unforgettable impression."
Bath and Body Works has described their first premium scent as
"Our most luxurious longest lasting fragrance blends opulent notes of fiery red pomegranate and delicate peche de vigne, a rare and fleeting French peach. Soft petals of red osmanthus give way to notes of addictive velvety marshmallow and a surprising finale of rich vanilla rum that leaves an unforgettable impression."
My first thought was that it does not smell like what I'd call the smell of "Red." My second thought was..."Candy apple?"
I definitely got notes of fruits, sugar, and light floral with a nice dry fruit finish. I didn't receive any comments on this fragrance when I wore it, but I did catch myself sniffing my wrists, so I suppose they got the addictive part right. I was dissapointed by the absence of the most interesting of scents they claimed it had, the vanilla rum.
.The fragrance does have good staying power, but it really is a smidge on the too sweet and confused side to me. I think that Bath and Body works could have spend the money on something else, and I personally wouldn't have noticed the difference. I don't think I'll be buying this again, but I do still have the little trial size, so who knows.
Gillette Venus with Olay Razor
I tend to be a bit on the lazy side with razors. I'm one of those "I'll buy whatever is on sale" girls, when it comes to a razor. I should say WAS. Oh. My. God. The grip on the razor handle is perfect for a woman's hand, providing comfort, as well as control. I haven't tried out the initial set of blades that came with the razor, I was more interested in seeing what this Venus with Olay blade would do for my incredibly dry winter skin.
After trying the Venus with Olay razor, my legs felt smooth, and the skin definitely felt less dry. I actually used it without any sort of shave cream, or lotion, because I'd read that the moisture bars can get goopy. (They can.) This razor would be the perfect travel companion, or a good razor for someone on the go who doesn't have the time to pack, or deal with shaving cream. I can also happily report that I experienced no nicks, or cuts while using this 5 blade razor.
I'll most definitely be using the included two dollar off coupon included in the box, and look forward to trying the entire line this year!
Over all, this was a fun experience, and I enjoyed receiving the VoxBox. I hope that I'll get chosen to do more and more of these reviews, and hope that my opinions are helping companies and consumers alike.
**I received the products reviewed in this post complementary from Influenster to provide my 100% honest, unbiased opinions on!**
