Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water and Clearly Brighter Moisturizer

I know my posts over the past few months have been pretty minimal (due to school, clinicals and work) but Im back and have a few exciting samplings over Christmas break to share!

The first sample opportunity couldn't have come up at a better time. I've had a girls christmas party with my friends from school planned out for over a month now and a week before the party I find out I got selected through Crowdtap to host a Garnier SkinActive Ladies Night. Crowdtap was quick to get the party supplies out and I already recieved my crowdkit last night/christmas eve, in plenty of time for my party (Tuesday)! I know my friends will be excited to get some extra goodies to try.

I wasn't sure how big all of the samples were going to be but Garnier was very generous and sent me full size products for myself and 9 friends (14 pound box of goodies!)

(Photo: Mine)

Overall they sent me (the following list is word for word from crowdtap):

11 samples of Garnier Clearly Brighter Brightening & Smoothing Daily Moisturizer SPF15

8 samples of Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water (Regular)

2 samples of Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water (Waterproof)

1 sample of Pack of cotton pads

11 samples of Product Information Card

1 sample of $10 Visa gift card for party items

(Photo: Mine)

You may have noticed that in total they sent only 10 bottles total of Micellar Cleansing Water while they sent 11 bottles of moisturizer. I'm not really sure why they didn't send the same number of both but it was the amount listed on the samples list, what I recieved and what I saw everyone else recieved so I'm not sure complety why they did it that way but in case you were wondering it wasn't an accident that I didn't get the same number of each.

They were awesome enough to include a whole sleeve of cotton pads (so I didn't have to go and buy my own before the party) and a $10 Visa gift card to use on some party supplies.

(Photo: Mine)

Now you may be asking, what the heck is Micellar Cleansing Water?

OK so how do you use it?

Now after trying this stuff last night I honestly feel like you don't have to use as many pads as they did in the video, you can get more from each pad by using the reverse side and getting use out of the Micellar Cleansing Water that soaked through to that side as well. It all just depends how much make up you wear.

Here's a few extra tips and tricks from Garnier for using Micellar Cleansing Water: Micellar Cleansing Water tips and tricks

After using the cotton balls I had at home (not wanting to break into the cotton pads Garnier sent me before the party) I will say that I do agree that the pads are a much better option, cotton balls will work but they aren't as easy to hold and don't have as much surface space to grab the make up, so I will definitly be purchasing more cotton pads. 

(Photo: Mine)

"Micellar Cleansing Water, discover a whole new way to cleanse

• Removes makeup, cleanses & refreshes in just one step
• Suprisingly powerful, yet gentle on even sensitive skin
• No rinsing or harsh rubbing

1. POUR: Saturate a cotton pad
2. PRESS: Press pad, activating Micelles to lift away makeup and impurities
3. PROOF: Wipe away and see the proof on the pad"

(Photo: Mine)

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water comes in 2 different kinds: Original (pink) and Waterproof (blue) (removes waterproof mascara) and they note "shake well!" For the waterproof version.

(Photo: Mine)

Both types are supposed to be good for all skim types, even sensitive skin and claim to have no oil, no alcohol and no fragrance. I smelled both versions and neither one had any sort of scent, it was like smelling a bottle of water.

(Photo's: Mine)

I only tried the original so far and it was not at all drying, I cleansed without rinsing and waited awhile before taking a shower and washing my face, I didn't feel any weird residue on my face and my skin wasn't dry at all. My skin felt clean, soft, smooth and moisturized, so I can believe so far that neither have fragrance and the original doesn't have alcohol or oil.

(Photo's Mine) 

Both are an "All-in-1" cleanser that "removes makeup + cleanses + refreshes"

"No rinse, no harsh rubbing" and they are both for your face, lips, and eyes so no more multiple bottles of makeup remover (specific for eye make up, foundation only and lips)

(Photo: Mine)

As you are hopefully able to see in the pictures above there is definitly a visual difference in the original vs the waterproof formula. The original looks very much like water but will bubble once you pick it up  and develop a small froth near the top. The waterproof formula separates near the top and doesnt bubble quite like the original formula. This separation is why they suggest you shake the bottle well before use. The waterproof formula visually reminds me of other waterproof make up removers and I'm afraid it may have a residue unlike the original that does not, I havent tried it yet so it will be interesting to see if it feels ant different on the skin.

(Photo: Mine)

"Clearly Brighter, Brightening & Smoothing Daily Moisturizer SPF15 

• Clinically proven results* in just one week
• Antioxident complex with vitamin C, E and LHA
• Broad spectrum SPF15 sunscreen
• Reveals 2 key dimensions of brighter looking skin

1. Radiant, more even skin tone
2. Improve skin texture, even reduces wrinkles"

(Photo: Mine)

The only thing I don't like I about so many face lotions now is the main focus on SPF. I totally understand protecting skin from the sun but when I'm stuck inside most of the day  (especially in the winter) I'm more concerned with other aspects of the health of my skin (like preventing acne, age spots and wrinkles). I get frustrated because the front of the box and the card both appear like sunscreen is just an added bonus and other skin issues are the main focus but when you start reading the ingredients and the directions it appears the main purpose is sunscreen.

I'm probably just being overly picky, I mean we should all know how to apply lotion so they don't really need to explain basic moisturizer use to use so they probably felt they only needed to point out use if using specifically as sunscreen but when I only see sunscreen use directions I begin to think this is only used for sunscreen.

(Photo's Mine)

I think it's an adorable touch when brands right a little message on the tabs when you open up the box. Not sure why the coloring turned out the way it did on the picture below.

(Photo: Mine)

The actual bottle of lotion has a convient little pump on it instead of having to squirt it out.

(Photo's Mine)

Warning: scary close up pictures of my fave below

I hate doing this but I took a few pictures before, during and after using the Micellar Cleansing Water so you could get an idea of how well it takes the make up off. Also I'm hoping these pictures will be able to show you a starting point from first starting to use these products and after a few weeks of use. I've been having some issues with my skin, deep difficult acne on my chin (and sometimes my forehead although right now it's pretty clear) and some superficial acne on my cheeks and other areas causing uneven skin tone and texture. Really hoping these products make a big difference and you'll be able to see the change. 

(Photo: Mine)

Before using the Micellar Cleansing Water. My foundation looks really strange in these pictures, this was after a long day at work and then playing with my niece and nephew and I think some of my foundation got rubbed off in places.

(Photo: Mine)

After taking off half of my make up, from your view left side missing make up (my right) and right side with make up (my left)

(Photo: Mine)

After all the make up was taken off.

(Photo: Mine)

The cotton balls from taking off the first half face of make up. Sorry these are gross but as you may be able to tell from the mangled cotton balls it was a little tricky using them and like I said before it would probably be much easier to use cotton pads like they suggest instead.

(Photo: Mine)

I can't wait to share pictures and info from my party with you guys (only 4 more days!) And let you guys know what my friends think of the products as well as my opinions and experience with the products after I have a chance to continue trying them out for awhile. Keep an eye out for more posts about Garnier and some other products I'll be recieving in a Voxbox from Influenster soon!

Thank you Crowdtap and Garnier for all the awesome goodies and the opportunity to host a party!

*All photos are my own unless otherwise stated. I recieved these products free for testing purposes from Crowdtap. All opinions are my own.*

Kleenex Personalized Gesture of Care

I got to make a small gesture to a few strangers thanks to Kleenex!

(Photo: Mine)

Kleenex and Crowdtap sent me a few packs of tissues to pass out to strangers in need. The packages (pictured above) had adorable little phrases on them, my favorite was "Take all of these and call me in the morning".

These packs are so convent and easy to take with you in your pocket or purse so you have a tissue any time you, or the person sitting next to you on the bus is is need.

Here's me passing on some tissues on to my friend after a rough day of clinicals.

(Photo: Mine)

Thanks Kleenex and Crowdtap! :)

Neutrogena's New Healthy Skin Blends

I recently got the opportunity through crowdtap to try Neutrogena's new healthy skin blends and healthy skin blush.
I picked out shade number 30 "Flushed" for the healthy skin blush and shade number 30 "Sunkissed" for the healthy skin blends.

(Photo: Mine)

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends come in 3 different blends: Clean (Shade 10) is a translucent powder thar is supposed to help control oil and shine, Pure (Shade 20) is more of a blush that is supposed to provide and illuminating healthy color, and Sunkissed (Shade 30) is a bronzer that is supposed to give a natural bronzing radiance.

You can find out more about Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends Here. 

I picked Shade 30, Sunkissed which is the bronzer to try.

(Photos: Mine)

I already have a translucent oil absorbing powder that I love (Bare Minerals Mineral Viel) and the other sample I got was a blush so it was easy to pick the bronzer. I love a nice Sunkissed glow for my daily make up look and I'm always searching for a bronzer that's going to add a nice light glow and not an overbearing bronzer addict look (nothing worse then caked on bronzer). This bronzer came with 4 nude/bronze shades that blend together to create the perfect sun kissed color.

(Photo: Mine)

I use my Bare Minerals Full Coverage Kabookie to apply the bronzer under my cheek bones and to my forehead. I then slightly blend some of it out over the rest of my face. Then I take my Bare Minerals Powder foundation and apply it over top. I'm left with a beautiful healthy sun kissed glow. This product is easy to build to your desired shade. It also works perfectly with my current Bare Minerals Powder foundation and doesn't cause me to break out. At the end of the day my make up still looks as great as when I put it on, no creases. The compact stays together well and the powder doesn't get broken up even after throwing it in my make up bag day after day. It doesn't leave powder all over my counter or make up bag either.

Me wearing (and holding) my new favorite bronzer, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends in Shade 30, "Sunkissed".  

(Photo: Mine)

The other sample that I received was New Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blush. I chose Shade number 30, " Flushed".

(Photos: Mine)

Neutrogena's New Healthy Skin Blush comes in 5 different shades: Shade 10, "Rosy"; Shade 20, "Vibrant"; Shade 30, "Flushed"; Shade 40, "Bronzed"; and Shade 50, "Luminous". The Healthy Skin blushes are all enriched with Vitamin C and botanical conditioners. They are designed to easily blend and enhance skins  natural healthy glow. You can use these shades alone or even blend them together to create different looks. You can read more about all of their blush Here

I chose Shade 30, "Flushed".

(Photo: Mine)

This shade might be a bit bold for my light skin tone, I would recommend this more for darker complexions but it still ended up working great for me.

After applying my Bronzer and Foundation, I used my Bare Minerals Precision Eye and Cheek Brush (The cheek Side) to apply this to the apples of my cheeks and above my cheek bones. I then took a little bit of Bare Minerals Powder Foundation and ran over the area to calm the color down a little bit so it wasn't as bold.

Me holding wearing (and holding) my Healthy Skin Blush.

(Photo: Mine)

I really liked this product as well. It was easy to blend like the bronzer and you could build the color to be as subtle or as bold as you wanted it to be. I tended to accidently add a little too much and was easily able to tone it down by blending some foundation over top. it worked great with my Bare Minerals Powder Foundation and didn't cause me to break out at all. At the end of the day it still looked as great as when I put it on. Also like the Bronzer the compact stayed together very well and did not leave a mess anywhere even after throwing it in my make up bag day after day and accidently dropping it on the counter a few times.

Folgers Iced Cafe

I got new Folgers Iced Cafe, iced coffee concentrates from Folgers and Crowdtap recently to try. I was also lucky enough to get to test the Folgers Flavors a few months ago, these were slightly better then the Folgers Flavors, they didn't have as much of a chemical taste but unfortunately they used artifical sweetner again.


 I recieved Original Latte, Vanilla Latte, and 2 of the Hazelnut Lattes. They have carnal Macciato but I think I got an extra hazelnut instead of that. Each bottle has about 12 servings, 10 calories, Zero grams of Fat and sodium, 2g carbs and 1g of protein. It's made with concentrated coffee, water, ground coffee (no I didn't see any coffee ground when I poured it out) and sucralose (yuck). The flavored ones also have natural and artifical flavors in them.

I sampled a small amount of each flavor (I didn't want to waste an entire glass of milk if I ended up not liking it)

(Photos: Mine)

The best way I can think to describe it is like adding Hersheys syrup to milk and making chocolate milk. Obviously it isn't chocolaty, each one tastes like it's flavor but they concentrate has that look and consistency and when it's all mixed it's a lot creamer like chocolate milk then ice coffee usually is. It's different but if you like sweetneed coffee and don't mind sucralose then you might like it. I don't know if I could drink a whole glass but it wasn't bad. It does have a slight chemical taste but not as bad as the Folgers Flavors had. The Original Latte is sweetened so if you don't like your coffee sweetened you won't want to get any of these ( I thought since it wasn't really flavored it might not be sweetened).

(Photo: Mine)

(Photo: Mine)

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Overall I thought they were ok, I would recommend giving them a try. They're a pretty good alternative if you have access to milk but can't brew any coffee or go to a coffee shop.

Thank you Crowdtap and Folgers for giving me the opportunity to try these!

*all photos are mine unless otherwise noted. I recieved these products free to try in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not rewarded for leaving a positive review*

The Campus Voxbox

I got another wonderful Voxbox filled with awesome products, the Campus Voxbox.

(Photo: Mine)

I forgot the candy in the full shot ( I had already eaten it lol, with my boyfriend and I the candy is always the first thing to go)

(Photo: Mine)

As you can see from above the treats in this Voxbox were from Sour Punch. I got a pack of the Sour Punch Rainbow Straws which run around $1.29-$1.59 for a pack. They come with 4 flavors inside: Strawberry, Green Apple, Blue Raspberry and Lemon. All the flavors are really good, my boyfriend tried taking one of each and eating them all at the same time and thought they even tasted great all together. They were a great soft, chewy and sour treat. A little description: "Sour Punch Rainboy Straws are soft, chewy, straw-shaped candy that delievers the perfect balance of delicious fruit flavor and our signature sour crystal coating that will make your mouth pucker with delight. Sour Punch Rainbow Straws is first to deliver an assortment of all your favorite sour flavors in one package: Strawberry, Green Apple, Blue Raspberry and our brand new lemon straws, only available in this new assorted pack!".

(Photos: Mine)

My boyfriend and I really enjoyed the mix of flavors (Even the lemon which we could usually do without, I enjoy lemon but not too many people are dying to have lemon candy, wed usually rather have other flavors). I really liked the varieties of flavors, and my boyfriend was excited for the Green Apple, his favorite candy flavor. I definitly see us buying these in the future.

The other Sour Punch candy I recieved was the Sour Punch Punchies. These run from about $0.89-$1.29 for a package. A little description: "The wacky Sour Punch Punchies characters have come to life in a sour, chewy, soft shell candy. Each Mouth watering bite-size piece packs the perfect punch of fruity-sweet and sour. Sour Punch Punchies come in five delicious flavors including Strawberry, Blue Raspberry, Green Apple, Lemon and Tangerine, and each piece has the iconic, wacky PUN-CHI face! Eat them one at a time, or mix them together for a fruitacular candy experience!".

(Photo: Mine)

I thought the little faces on these were absolutly adorable and made them extra fun. Honestly though the "shell" on these gave them a really odd texture. It was almost like a jelly bean but something about it was a little different. My boyfriend and I weren't sure we liked them at first but after the first couple of chews you really get the flavors which are amazing. My boyfriend suprisingly said he loved them, despite the odd texture, and would buy them in the future. I think they are definilty worth a try, the flavor is amazing if you dont mind the texture.

I've had a little trouble finding these candies so far, I've only looked at Meijer (sort of like a classier walmart for those who dont live around this part of America) and Kroger (Grochery store). I'm assuming I'll be able to find them in Walgreens or CVS.

The next product I got in my Campus Voxbox was Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse.

(Photo: Mine)

This sells for about $12.99. A little bit about the product: "Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse uniquely works with your skin tone to mimic results from the natural sun. This airy, moisturizing mousse allows for a percise, even application that dries in just 60 seconds, taking you on vacation in an instant. Welcome to the #goldenlife".

This mousse comes out a little like foaming hand soap, not quite as moussey as I thought it would be. Its still nice and light and spreads on nice leaving a great looking tan, perfect for light skin. I recieved it in the darker of the 2 colors: Deep Bronze (the one I got) and I believe the other is called light bronze? This is pretty easy to find at CVS, Walgreens, I think Walmart and Meijer carry it as well. They have a primer scrub you can get and a special lotion thats supposed to help extend the tan. I just used regular scrub that I had before applying and I used my regular lotion (St. Ives) and it worked out great and lasted about a week. To hear more about what I thought you can see my full review Here

The next product from my Voxbox is St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub (Sitting next to my cleanser)

(Photo: Mine)

This sells for about $3.99-$4.79. A little bit about this product: "St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub contains 100% natural exfoliants to deeply clean pores and brighten dull skin. The scrub helps stop breakouts before they occur, containing salicylic acid, which is known to help prevent blemishes from forming".

I honestly really like this product and have used a knock off before (I actually like this one better then the knock off). It smells lovely, fresh and fruity. My family never really buys any apricots so I honestly have no idea what they smell like so I cant tell you how much this smells like one or not, but regardless it does smell very good. It also leaves me skin SUPER smooth, soft and clean feeling. I just apply some of my cleanser, wash my face, then apply some of this, gently rub it all over my face and then rinse clean. I started with just using it once a day and now I use it every time I wash my face (usually twice a day but sometimes if Im outside sweating or workout it turns out to be 3 times a day). I honestly truely love this product, I thought I would like it but I didnt think I would like it as much as I do. My skin just feels so good after using it that I dont think I can go back to not using it.

If you want to see more about what I thought you can check out my full review Here

Another product in my Voxbox is L'oreal Paris Advanced Straight System

(Photo: Mine)

I just got a little sample packet of the Shampoo, Pre-Conditioner and Conditioner. The Shampoo and

Conditioner (14.6 oz.) run around $4.99 each while the Treatments (Pre-conditioner) runs around $6.99. A little bit about the system: "Our first system with Kera-Tourmaline for up to 48 hours of long-lasting straight.* *Based on using complete system with heat styling tools".

I think any time you just get a one use sample it can be a little hard to really get an idea of how well it works. I thought the system smelled great (reminded me of summer for some reason which made me happy) and was pretty easy to use. Seemed to do a good job at relaxing my hair and keeping it straight all day long and all day the next day. I would definitly be interested in seeing how well this works using it over a period of time, its not that expensive so I might consider getting it and seeing (I dont really use heat on my hair, its super long and takes forever to dry and I just rarely take the time to do it because Im lazy lol).

Here's what my hair looked like at the end of the first day (I didn't do a great job at straightening it because I was short on time so it's not super straight)

(Photo: Mine from my Instagram: Auntie_M_25) 

The final product in my Campus Voxbox was one that I have tried before and love, Softlips Cube.

  

(Photo: Mine)

It runs for about $3.49. A little bit about the Softlips Cube: "Think outside the stick with Softlips Cube. Revolutionary 5-in-1 lip care combines an advanced formula with an innovative new cube-shaped package. Lips look radiant and feel softer, smoother and more hydrated. It is available in four delightful flavors: Pomegranate Blueberry, Fresh Mint, Vanilla Bean, and Strawberry".

I got the Pomegranate Blueberry, I think the Fresh Mint is what I got in my Deans List Voxbox. I havent gotten to try the Vanilla Bean or the Strawberry (Strawberry is the newest flavor, it was just coming out when I got my first Softlips Cube) yet. I really love my Softlips cube. Its adorable, doesnt roll of a table and keeps my lips super soft and smooth. The formula is nice and light and doesnt leave your lips feeling sticky or gunky.

You can read a full review, along with a comparession of the Softlips Cube vs. EOS Here

Thank you Influenster, Sour Punch, Jergens, St. Ives, L'oreal Paris and Softlips for letting me try all these amazing products :)

*I was given these products free for testing purposes. I was asked to give my honest opinions regardless of whether they are good or bad. I am rewarded for giving feedback but I am NOT rewarded more for good feedback over bad feedback. All photos in post are mine unless otherwise noted. All opinions are mine honest thoughts and feelings.*