2 for $20 Bath and Body Works 3-wick Candles!

I'm just writing a quick entry to let anyone that comes across this post that the 3-wick candles at Bath and Body Works (in stores and online) are 2 for $20 starting today through 11:59pm on Sept. 23, 2012.  Remember, if you have a survey coupon which comes on the bottom of a receipt, then use it for $10 off of $30, and you can get 3 3-wick candles for $20.  That is a great deal because the candles are normally $19.50 (some labels now say $20.00).  Some of my fall favorites are:

• Cider Lane (It is new this year, but smells kinda like Caramel Apple from years past)
• Pumpkin Caramel Latte (My son swears it smells like pancake syrup, not sure about that, but it is sweet smelling.)
• Leaves (I think both White Barn and Slatkin brand are supposed to be the same scent, but I prefer the White Barn brand for some reason.)
• Marshmallow Fireside (It smells like cooking a smore over a fire, but without the chocolate smell.  It is a very nice scent.)
• Mahogany Teakwood (It smells like a nice, men's cologne to me and my family.  My son thinks it smells like the Abercrombie & Fitch store.)

Go out and smell some, and let me know what you think.  And just for the record, if you can't get to a store for this sale, you can order over the phone.  The store will ship it to you for a $6 flat shipping fee.  That is an extra bonus that some people don't know about Bath and Body Works stores.

Also, call your local Bath and Body Works store to find out if they are participating in the in the Fall Festival in store party from 1pm - 5pm on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012.  They will be offering a free gift with any home fragrance purchase.  The gift is a 4oz Pumpkin Carvings candle that is exclusive to the party (although I have seen that some people were able to purchase a 3-wick in this scent at test stores) and a drawstring bag that it fits in.  Pumpkin Carvings is supposed to be the same scent as Pumpkin Patch (I don't know for sure though). Remember to get there early because stores have been known to run out of free gifts before the end of the party hours.

Influenster Broadway Nails Brand Challenge Winner Free Gift

I received my Influenster Broadway Nails - imPress Manicure brand challenge winner free gift today!  I had been waiting for it to come since I had seen other people post on the Influenster Facebook page that they received theirs.  I was beginning to think that maybe I wasn't going to receive it for whatever reason, but I was wrong.  And I am glad that I was.  I really enjoyed these press on nails the first time around when I received them in my Influenster Mom VoxBox back in June.  Please see my full review of this product at the following link:  http://thehouseofdiva.blogspot.com/2012/07/impress-press-on-manicure.html

The colors of the free gift are great.  I have been wanting to do my nails black, and I think that the little design layovers will also look really cute.  Thank you again Influenster and Broadway Nails for giving me the opportunity to try and review the imPress Manicure by Broadway Nails.  I really enjoyed doing the brand challenge, and I am thankful for being one of the winners to receive a free gift! I look forward to testing and reviewing more of your products in the future!   

Bath and Body Works - New Soaps, Oil Burner and Preview Lotion

I went to Bath and Body Works this past Monday and picked up a few items.  I really wanted to try their new hand soaps that are Triclosan free.  People have been asking for a non-antibacterial formula, and now they have one.  There are four new scents in this line:

 

Pear Chardonnay

Vanilla Maple Cream

Applewood Orchard

Sweet Plum Wine

I chose to purchase only two of them.  They are $9.50 each, and that is a little pricey for a hand soap, but they are definitely worth it.  The two that I chose are Pear Chardonnay and Vanilla Maple Cream. 

Pear Chardonnay is described on the Bath and Body Works website as follows:

Our lavish new-for-fall formula leaves hands lightly scented with a lush blend of crisp pears, sugared apple, sparkling tropical fruits, smooth caramel and vanilla extract.

• Made with moisturizing Aloe and nourishing Vitamin E
• Pear Chardonnay is a dramatic blend of crisp pears, sugared apple, sparkling tropical fruits, smooth caramel and vanilla extract.
• A luxurious collection inspired by all the unforgettable fragrances of fall, in round, elegant bottles

Vanilla Maple Cream is described as follows:

Our lavish new-for-fall formula leaves hands lightly scented with a decadent recipe of warm vanilla, fresh ground cinnamon and whipped buttercream with a maple syrup kiss.

• Made with moisturizing Aloe and nourishing Vitamin E
• Vanilla Maple Cream is a decadent recipe of warm vanilla, fresh ground cinnamon, whipped buttercream and a touch of maple syrup.
• A luxurious collection inspired by all the unforgettable fragrances of fall, in round, elegant bottles

I really like both scents.  The Pear Chardonnay is a very crisp, pear smelling scent.  The Vanilla Maple Cream is a very sweet, maple and vanilla scent.  Both fragrances are winners in my book.  The soaps are a gentle formula, and they didn't dry my hands out like some of the anti-bacterial hand soaps out there.  I would give these soaps two thumbs up!  They are fall fragrances, so I don't think they will be around forever, so go out and buy some!  Remember to use coupons to get more bang for your buck.  Check your receipts for the $10 off of $30 survey coupon.  It like buying two and getting one for free.  You have got to love free! 

For full descriptions of each new hand soap, please visit the Bath and Body Works website.

I also picked up two of their new preview lotions in Cashmere Glow.  This scent has a musky tone and I don't think it is best for me.  It states that it has a peach note, but I don't smell peach in it at all.  I know that everyone has a different nose, so go out and try it.  The Previews are only $1.  I do not believe that I will be purchasing the full ritual when it comes out because I like more fruity/sweet scents.  I think this one is too deep for me.  **UPDATE as of 9/20/12 - I was in a store and the previews are NOW $2 each!**

Here is the description of Cashmere Glow from the Bath and Body Works website: 

Every girl deserves cashmere! Fragrance skin with a warm blend of golden peach and shimmering vanilla wrapped in cashmere musk. Our exclusive hydrating formula contains skin-softening shea butter, Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E for all-day fragrance and moisture, making it the perfect everyday lotion.

• Shea butter, fast absorbing Jojoba oil and protective Vitamin E deliver all-day moisture and fragrance.
• Our exclusive Cashmere Glow fragrance is a warm blend of golden peach and shimmering vanilla with a heart of soft cashmere musk.
• Key Fragrance Notes: Peach, Vanilla, Musk 

If you go to the Facebook Bath and Body Works page, click on highlights on the drop down at the top of the page, then they have an offer this weekend only for a FREE preview of Cashmere Glow.

The last item that I purchased was a ceramic Owl oil burner to burn the Home Fragrance Oils (HFOs) that I purchase at Bath and Body Works.  I thought it was so cute, and I just had to have it!  Owls seem to be very popular this Fall.  I've seen them all over the place.  Anyway, I already have a couple of burners, but the ceramic ones that Bath and Body Works sells are pretty good and always put out enough heat to release the HFOs scent so that the whole house smells great!  Just as a side note, my favorite Fall HFOs are Cider Lane, Leaves and Marshmallow Fireside!  I actually really like most of the ones that they have out right now.  If you have not given them a try, then you should.  I think you will be very happy with your purchase! 



Always Radiant Infinity

  

Always Radiant Infinity Pads

I received the Always Radiant Infinity Pads in the Latina 2012 VoxBox that was sent to me by Influenster (www.Influenster.com). The product was complimentary to test and review. The product information information/review page on the Influenster website states that Always Radiant Infinity pads feature a unique technology that conforms to each individual shape, delivering premium protection. Always Radiant Infinity pads are part of the Radiant Collection, a new complete offering of premium tampons, pads, liners and wipes that meets all of a woman’s feminine care needs. The new Collection stands out on shelves and features packaging and wrappers that compliment any girl’s unique style, making these products must-have accessories any time of the month.

I was able to try the Always Radiant Infinity pads during this testing period.  The first thing I noticed was that these pads was that they had a light fresh scent.  I have never worn scented pads.  It was different, but it did make me feel a bit more fresh.  I also noticed that these pads are really thin and absorbant.  Normally, I would buy another brand that I have used for years and years, but I was willing to test this new product out.  During the time I tested these pads, I could almost just forget about what time of the month it was.  No leaks occurred.  They stayed in place even though I live an active lifestyle.  Compared to some other brands, these did a better job of absorbing and protecting my clothes from leaks.  Maybe, it has to do with the new technology that has gone into making these pads.  The unique material called Incinicel forms to your body while still absorbing up to 60% more liquid as stated on the Always website. The wider back and flexible wings provides increased coverage wher you need it the most according to the product description, and I would have to agree.  I really liked the way that these pads performed while doing the everyday activities that I would normally do. These pads definitley conform and move with your body.  I would also like to mention that the packaging for these new pads is very eye catching and pretty.  They definitely caught my eye.  Since these Always Radiant Infinity pads performed so well, I will definitely be buything them and using them in the future.  I will also recommend them to my friends and family.  Hopefully, they will have the positive experience that I did. 

The Always Radiant line is available at retailers nationwide such as Walmart, Target, HEB, etc. For more details and a full list of products please visit www.always.com.  Suggested retail price: $3.99 - $5.49 (16 pads), $7.49 - $9.49 (32 pads)

Always Tampax Radiant Collection

As part of the testing for the Radiant Collection, I also received the Always & Tampax Radiant Collection (sampler) in the Latina 2012 VoxBox that was sent to me by Influenster (www.Influenster.com). The products in the sampler were complimentary to test and review. I was to share this portion of the testing products with a friend or family member.  The product information information/review page on the Influenster website states the following:  There’s a new, stylish collection out in stores this season, designed to help girls stand out and keep their periods invisible. For the first time ever, Procter & Gamble’s leading feminine protection brands Tampax® and Always® have come together to premiere the all-new Radiant Collection, a complete offering of premium tampons, pads, liners and wipes that meets all of a woman’s feminine care needs. The new Collection stands out on shelves and features packaging and wrappers that compliment any girl’s unique style, making these products must-have accessories any time of the month.

The Tampax website has the following to say about the new Tampax Radiant tampons:

New Tampax Radiant tampons give you an ultimate protection experience like never before!  The Radiant tamon features FormFit™ protection that gently expands to fit your unique shape, a LeakGuard™ braid to help stop leaks before they happen, a CleanSeal™ wrapper - the first ever resealable wrapper for worry-free disposal - and a CleanGrip™ applicator designed for incredible comfort.  To get more product information on the Tampax Radiant collection, then please visit the website www.Tampax.com.  Also, to get more information on the panty liners included, please visit the Always website at www.Always.com. Since I reviewed the pads in one of the above paragraphs, I will not write about them again in this section, but just let it be known that if you get this sampler, there is an Always Radiant Infinity pad included.

Since I shared this with my friend, I did not test the tampons myself, but needless to say, my friend was extremely happy with the results of the new Tampax Radiant tampons.  She really liked the idea of a resealable wrapper.  According to her, these tampons did their job and provided her with the necessary protection.  She did not experience any problems and mentioned that they were comfortable no matter what day of her period it was.  She said that she would recommend them to others and will purchase them in the future.  There was also a really cute wristlet that came in the sampler to store the tampons, panty liners and pads.  All of these products could be easily and discretely be stored in the wristlet. I liked this sampler so much that I had to get my hands on another one for myself.    

The Tampax & Always Radiant Collection is available at retailers nationwide. Please check out the websites for more product information and to gain knowledge of all of the products that Tampax and Always have to offer.   
Suggested retail price: Varies depending on product and product size.

Thank you once again to Influenster for letting me and my friend test wonderful products! 

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration™

I received the Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen in the Latina 2012 VoxBox that was sent to me by Influenster (www.Influenster.com). The product was complimentary to test and review. This product is very easy to use and is inexpensive. The product information/review page on the Influenster website states that the sunscreen is available in SPF 12, 30 and 50.  I received it in SPF 30.  the product review page also says that with its ultra-luxurious hydrating silk ribbons, Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration™ lotion sunscreen nourishes and pampers skin while providing broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, and 12-hour moisturization when out in the sun. The label on the bottle says that it has a light, tropical scent and it is marketed to be water resistant for up to 80 minutes. 

The Hawaiian Tropic website states several features and benefits of this new Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen.  They are as follows:

•  Lightweight, luxurious hydrating ribbons infused with silk protein pamperand protect skin when in the sun, providing 12-hour moisturization
• Safe and effective broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection
• Nourishing antioxidants
• Exotic botanicals
• Warm tropical fragrance
• Lightweight feel

I used this sunscreen lotion several times already with great results.  My family enjoys being out in the sun whether it is out at the lake or in the swimming pool so this was the perfect product for me to test.  The lotion is not runny like some other brands.  I found it to be light, but it held up for most of the day.  My husband and my son tend to get burned when out in the sun without sunscreen, but using this product prevented that from happening.  The product has a kind of tropical/sweet smell, and I really enjoyed the scent.  I thought it was quite pleasant.  Some men/boys may find it to be a little on the feminine side, but my guys thought it smelled just fine.  This lotion suncreen is also very moisturizing.  On a couple of days, I used this as my lotion when I got out of the shower just to test it moisturizing ability and the scent.  The results of the test were great!  It went on easily and left my skin smooth.  I will be recommending this to all of my friends and family.  My immediate family has already purchased full sized bottles.   

You can buy the NEW Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen and other Hawaiian Tropic products at most major retailers. For a full list of products, please visit www.hawaiiantropic.com . The suggested retail price is $8.99 for a 6 oz. bottle. 

Here, you can see the ultra-luxurious hydrating silk ribbons.

 

Here, you can see the consistency of the sunscreen lotion.

 

And here, you can see the absorption after rubbing into the skin.

It is not greasy at all. 

 

 

Bath and Body Works Haul

Hello everyone!  I know that part of this post will not be about beauty products, but they are products from one of my favorite stores:  Bath and Body Works!  I just wanted to share with you what I bought yesterday at Bath and Body Works!  They are having a big Labor Day sale weekend.  Currently, their 3 wick candles are 2 for $20 (if you have a survey coupon that sometimes come on the bottom of receipts, then you can get 3 for $20)!  The 3-wick candles are normally $19.50 each.  They have recently released new fall scents, so I definitely wanted to get some of those.  Some of the ones I wanted have not been put out at the store nearest me, so I will have to return to get some of those once the store has them.  I also bought my favorite Paris themed candle because once they sale out of them, they are gone (no restocking). 

The candles I bought are as follows:
Top Row - 3 Cafe Au Lait 
Second Row - 2 Cider Lane, Cinnamon Nut Bread
Third Row - White Barn No. 1 Nutmeg and Spice, Leaves, Mahogany Teakwood
Fourth Row - 3 Marshmallow Fireside
Please visit the website Bath and Body Works for full note descriptions of the candles.  

I absolutely love all of these candles!  From what I hear, they are not supposed to have another 2 for $20 sale on the 3-wick candles until around November (but who knows because things at Bath and Body Works change by the day).  Just in case there isn't going to be another sale, I wanted to stock up on a few because I do not buy them at regular price unless I absolutely have to do so.  That does not happen very often.  When purchasing these, I did four separate transactions using the $10 off of $30 survey coupons.  So, what would normally cost $240, only cost around $80.  I swear by Bath and Body Works coupons and promotions.  There is not reason to walk out of there paying full price!

While there, I also picked up some other items.  I did 2 separate transactions with survey coupons for the following :



The aromatherapy body washes are $5 through Labor Day (regularly $13).  Since they were such a good price, I bought 7 of them.  I got 2 Boost Tangelo Woods, 2 Sleep Lavender Vanilla, 2 Energy Lemon Zest and 1 Eucalyptus Spearmint.  I also got Home Fragrance Oils (HFOs) in Cider Lane and White Barn No. 1 Nutmeg and Spice, and Concentrated Room Sprays in the same two scents.  I really wanted an Owl oil burned that I saw previously, but I guess I waited too long because they were sold out.  Instead, the sales associate (SA) brought out a new mini candle holder that just came out, so I decided to purchase it instead.  The last item in the picture is the small little bottle with the red label.  That is a special invitation sample of a new perfume (and other products) that will be launching in October.  It is called Forever Red.  The manager of the store wanted to give it to me because I frequent their store and they know that I will spread the word of something fabulous to come.  Each store has received 15 samples.  The manager and some of the employees got one, and they are supposed to give the remainder to their most influential customers.  I was so excited that they gave it to me.  I had seen some of my other online friends post about it, and I was hoping that the next time I went in the store, I would get one!  Thank you so much Bath and Body Works!  You are awesome!

For those of you on Facebook, you should go and "Like" the Bath and Body Works page.  You can gain some great information about upcoming sales, events and products!  They also have a lot of contests where you can win fan prizes.  I myself have received a gift from them through the mail before just for being a fan!  They are an awesome company!       

NYC New York Color

NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine

I received the NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine in the 2012 Latina VoxBox that was sent to me by Influenster (www.Influenster.com) earlier in August. The product was complimentary to test and review. The product information/review page on the Influenster website states the following about the NYC New York Color (the brand) and the Liquid Lipshine:   NYC New York Color offers products with uptown style at down-to-earth prices, from $.99 - $4.99. The energy, style and color of New York City shines through the wide range of shades, textures and innovative products. NYC always delivers the most on-trend products & shades hot off the runway!  It has pure pigments that created a 3-D gloss effect. Vitamin E provides shine and a moisturizing feel. The formula is non-sticky, super shiny & soft. Available in 10 on-trend shades from neutral nudes, to berries & fuchsias.

You can find the whole color pallete on the NYC New York Color website.  The available shades are as follows: 

To use the Liquid Lip Shine, take the tip of the applicator to line and define lips.  Once you have done that, fill your lips in with the color.  It is a very easy to use product.  I personally liked the applicator since it is a wand.  The Liquid Lip Shine is not goopy and sticky like some others I have used.  It goes on very nicely leaving your lips very soft and with plenty of shine.  I used this all alone and on top of a colored lipstick with great results.  In my experience, it lasted for a long time, and I didn't have to keep reapplying it over and over.  The shade that I received was Nude York City (582).  This color was very neutral and went great with my skin tone.  The only thing I would have made me like it even more is if it was flavored. I absolutely love flavored and scented glosses.      

The package that I received contained one 0.24 fl oz Liquid Lip Shine and it had a great price point.  The suggested retail price is $2.49.  You can't beat a great Liquid Lip Shine Lip Gloss for under $2.50.  I wish more drugstore type of brands were on point with their prices.  I thank NYC New York Color for thinking about those that are on a budget or those that simply do not want to pay over $10 for a lipgloss.

You can start shopping for NYC at these stores nearest you:  Walmart, Target, Rite Aid, CVS, Family Dollar, Duane Reade, Kmart, HEB and others.  Please visit www.newyorkcolor.com to check out all of the products from New York Color!