#cheerphil with Cetaphil

Best way to beat rough, dry winter skin?
Cetaphil Mousturizer!  Thanks to Cetaphil and Influenster my hands are silky smooth this winter.

The Jingle Voxbox

This December (2015) I was lucky enough to get another holiday Voxbox (2014 = Frosty Voxbox). This year's voxbox is the Jingle Voxbox.
There are plenty of beauty, skincare, gift worthy and yummy products inside to try.
The products included:

• Cetaphil Mousturizing Cream
• Biscoff Cookies
• Ore-Ida Tater Tots 
• Hallmark itty bittys
• NYC City Proof 24HR Waterproof Eyeliner
• KISS True Volume Lashes
• KISS Strip Lash Adhesive with Aloe or Kiss Strip Lash Adhesive
• Pure Ice Nail Polish 

1. Cetaphil Mousturizing Cream $8.99- $15.99

I got an adorable little 1oz (28g) jar of Cetaphil to try. I have used Cetaphil in the past, it's a great brand that has many products that are: "non-comedogenic/ fragrance free/ dermatologist recommended" as stated on the jar. It's unscented formula is perfect for sensitive skin, it isn't greasy, it absorbs quickly and helps with even severely dry skin. I loved keeping this little jar in my purse or back pack. It was the perfect size and I used it a ton for school and work to help relieve my dry cracked winter skin. I wash my hands a lot and forget to put lotion on throughout the day (I usually just use lotion after my shower). This helped because it worked well and I didn't have to put it on a million times a day, I could use it once or twice and be fine.

"Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is a rich, quickly absorbing, non-greasy cream that provides long-lasting relief for even severely dry skin. This unique formula attracts water to skin and helps prevent moisture loss" -Voxbox insert

2. Biscoff Cookies 250g $2.99

I got 3 little packages containing 2 cookies each which was really nice because it allowed me to try them more then once and they were always super fresh since they were packaged separately. I believe in the store you can buy these in the bigger 250g package and I think they also have a spread. These were the perfect little treat to go with my morning coffee. I drink my coffee black so it's nice to pair it with something sweet every once in awhile. These cookies were nice and crunchy and had a slight cinnamon flavor in my opinion. They weren't my favorite cookies ever but I could see getting these every once in awhile to enjoy with my coffee or have on hands for guests. 

"Since 1932 Lotus Biscoff Speculoos have been Europe's favorite cookie with coffee. Delectablely crunchy with a unique taste and flavor, Biscoff is perfect for taking the timeout that you deserve" -Voxbox insert

3. Ore-Ida Tater Tots $3.99

I'm suprisingly not big on the Tots but my boyfriend loves them so he definitly enjoyed this bag. I will say if I'm going to eat any Tots I definitly prefer Ore-Ida to competitor's. They're nice and soft with a slightly crunchy golden crust. We used some of the bag to try out a quick easy totcho treat. We're a little more on the picky side so we didn't come up with any extravagant recipe but our super easy to make snack came out tasting amazing. We just took some Tater Tots and baked per instructions then pulled them out and quickly placed them on a dish and then sprinkled some shredded cheese (4 Cheese Mexican Blend) all over them (the cheese should melt a little if it gets put on while they're still hot or you can pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to melt it more) and then sprinkled some real bacon bits all over. My boyfriend loved it and said it tasted like breakfast.
"Ore-Ida, the inventor of the one-and-only Tater to, is looking for you to be part of the next big Tater craze. Show us your creativity and be a part of the #OreidaTotchos movement!" -Voxbox insert

4. Hallmark itty bittys, starting at $6.95
These itty bittys are super adorable and come in so many different characters! I believe all the small sizes like what I was sent are $6.95 then you can get them in sets (like the manger scene) or you can get larger versions for more. I went into Hallmark tonight and they had so many in the store I couldnt believe the selection. They had all kinds of display cases and even giant itty bittys that hold tiny itty bittys. From your favorite movie/TV show characters to holiday or even superheros there is one for everyone, you can check them out Here. I got my Voxbox after Christmas (some were lucky enough to get them before) but I had seen what was inside them so when my mom needed one more small thing to add to my nieces stocking I knew an itty bitty would be the perfect thing so i ran out and got her an elsa (from Frozen) one. She really liked it and thought it was cute. The only thing she was a little freaked out about was that it didn't have legs, I'm really not sure why this crossed her mind Christmas morning but after explaining the legs were hiding under elsa's dress she seemed to get over it. These are perfect stocking stuffers or a small thing to add to a gift. A lot of people will even collect these. They are super soft, detailed and perfect for little hands.
"Hallmark itty bittys give then a little something to love. New characters in time for the holiday season include Star Wars, Barbie, DC Comics, Inside Out, Rainbow Brite and many more. Collect them all. These make great stocking stuffers! Available at Hallmark Gold Crown stores and Hallmark.Com" -Voxbox insert

5. NYC City Proof 24HR Waterproof Eyeliner $3.99 

6. KISS True Volume Lashes $3.99

7. KISS Strip Lash Adhesive with Aloe or KISS Strip Lash Adhesive, both $3.99 each

8. Pure Ice Nail Polish $1.97 only at Walmart

My New Favorite Product: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Recently I got to sample a few Garnier Skincare products from their SkinActive line (and even pass out a few products to my friends at a hosted party).
If you want to read more about my sampling, the kit and first impression's you can find that post here
I was sent free samples of Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water  (in both regular and Waterproof) as we all their Clearly Brighter Moisturizer for me and my friends to try and review. I know normally when I hear sample I think a tint little bottle or packet so I feel I have to say these were full size products.


A huge box full of product!

(Photo: Mine)


Full size bottles of Micellar Cleansing Water

 (Photo: Mine)


Full size boxes of the Clearly Brighter Moisturizer

 (Photo: Mine)


Full size moisturizer

While the moisturizer was nice, I felt like it did smooth out the tone of my skin, didn't make me break out and was fairly moisturizing while still being light and non-greasy, it wasn't anything super special to me. To be fair I think its hard to impress with moisturizers


But the Micellar Cleansing Water was a whole nother story! This stuff takes off ALL of your make up. I have a mascara that NOTHING will remove, I've tried all kinds of make up removers, and even coconut oil (which will start to take some of it off but leave a ton behind, and that stuff takes just about any make up off) The waterproof version of this has been the ONLY product to remove  this difficulty mascara, and it removes it completely! I don't wake up with smudge mascara residue all around my eyes, no more morning raccoon eyes. In case your wondering the mascara is Covergirl Full Lash Bloom in waterproof (I love the non waterproof version but it comes off with the smallest bit of water, the waterproof does not budge).


I also love that this product doesn't leave any residue, I was shocked to find that even with the waterproof version (which has the usual oil looking layer at the top and requires shaking before use) my skin felt clean and fresh, it didn't feel like I needed to wash it after at all. It also wasn't drying at all, this would be an amazing product to take camping or somewhere where you wont have the ability to wash your face but want something to help cleanse and refresh your skin (you don't have to have make up on to use it).


Recap of reasons why I LOVE Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
1. Takes off even the toughest to remove makeup
2. Leaves my skin feeling clean and fresh without any residue (no need to wash after!)
3. Not drying
4. Easy to use

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)

(Photo: Mine)

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*