Review: Kidecals

Recently, Kidecals reached out and offered to send me a set of their labels to try out. I chose the Value Set Combo, which includes the following:

Value Set $36 = 84 labels

12 thin 3" x 1.5" labels
12 thin 2" x 1" labels 
24 thin 1" x .5" labels 
12 round 2" labels 
24 round 1" labels

The best part? The color possibilities are endless! You choose the background color, and the font color, and can even have different colors for the thin and round labels in the same set. Too cool! They also have sets with cute graphics, but since I have an older child, I did hers without.

They are waterproof, laundry, microwave, and dish washer safe, and BPA free. I love having multiple sizes in the same set!

Kidecals also offers free shipping on all orders, and is offering a code to use for 15% off- summersavings. 

Review: Reese's Spreads Peanut Butter Chocolate

I was so excited to be chosen by Influenster to get to try Reese's Spread Peanut Butter Chocolate! The main reason? It's gluten free! Since finding out I have Celiac Disease in 2013, I have been so glad that the regular Reese's Cups are safe because they have always been on my favorite candy bar list, but a bit disappointed that the holiday offerings like trees, hearts and eggs aren't safe since they are made in a facility that processes products with gluten.

But this spread? Totally on the safe list! And it's so yummy! My daughter said, "It's basically a Reese's Cup all smashed and blended together!" She is so right.

And there are so many serving options and pairings. Reese's Spread Peanut Butter Chocolate is yummy on salty things like pretzles and crackers, and equally good on healthier options like apples and strawberries.

But our fave? Served simply on a spoon. Yum!

Disclosure: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

COPPERTONE CLEARLYSheer

 

A few weeks ago BzzAgent scent me some free samples of a new sunscreen by Coppertone called CLEARLYSheer to try. As always, I like to try things out for a bit before I discuss them.

 

And luckily, I LOVE them!

 

There are two parts to the line, and one thing I love about both parts is the SCENT! Typically I find sunscreen scents to be bothersome, but these are really nice.
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CLEARLYSheer^™ For Sunny Days (SPF 30):

Clean and light formulas are ideal for everyday use under makeup with a fresh citrus scent that’s appropriate for routine daily activities. In addition to the lotion and spray pictured above, there is also a formula especially for face that I've been using under my makeup and it soaks right in. These as water resistant for 80 minutes.
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CLEARLYSheer^™ For Beach & Pool (SPF 50):

Delightfully light, refreshing formulas feel clean on skin, are water resistant for up to 80 minutes and have a subtle tropical fruit an flower fragrance.
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We're headed to our local water park today, and will be protecting our skin with COPPERTONE CLEARLYSheer!

Disclosure: I am a BzzAgent and received free product and coupons.

Dove Advanced Care Deodorant with Nutrium Moisture

Dove Advanced Care Deodorant with Nutrium Moisture

Influenster recently sent me Dove's newest deodorant offering, Dove Advanced Care Deodorant with Nutrium Moisture, to try. I've been using it for about 2 weeks and am happy to report that I love it! It works so well and smells nice too. 

When I read the product stats, it was interesting to see that 36% of what you remove when shaving is SKIN! Since I do share under my arms every day, that's quite a bit of skin I'm losing. And the idea of using a lotion under my arms is just not something I'd consider. But a deodorant that provides moisture benefits? I was glad to try that.

If you visit this link at Walmart.com, there's a $2 coupon to print.

Here's some additional product info:

Introducing the best care ever for the armpit. NEW Dove® Advanced Care is the only (Anti-Perspirant) Deodorant formulated with NutriumMoisture™. NutriumMoisture™ is comprised of ingredients that are known to moisturize and nourish the skin. 

• Armpit skin requires the same care and attention given to the rest of women’s skin
• 36% of what you remove when shaving is skin (64% is hair)
• As a result of the damage done by shaving, armpit skin loses 50% more moisture, which can lead to dryness and irritation
• The NEW Dove Advanced Care deodorant provides softer, smoother armpit skin in just 3 days

I'm Running Again! Review: THORLO Experia Crew sock

The kind folks at THORLO recently contacted me to see if I wanted to try out their newest product- The Experia Crew. Although I'm not known for being on-trend with style, I did note that they said their Experia Crew was taller than their other offerings- specifically made for fashion-forward trend setters now wearing lengthier sock products. And then, like when you learn a new word and immediately hear it in 5 conversations and TV shows, I noticed longer socks were all over- especially with the pre-teen boy set. Almost all of P's friends are wearing the taller socks with their shoes these days. (I was going to throw in a joke referencing the episode of Friends where Ross tells the pizza girl he *likes* 12 year old boys, but I thought it might fall flat.)

I was familiar with THORLO from my college days spent working in a Athletes Foot store. They were always good sellers and I've worn the shorter Experia socks myself for running thru the years and always liked them.

And look! They sent me the PINK! I LOVE them! With cool weather finally here, I know I will put these to good use for my morning runs. I have worn them three times so far and they felt amazing. They wash well too- I washed with my normal loads and laid them out to dry. 

I wear a 6.5 in running shoes and was sent the size made for womens 5-6.5, and they fit perfect. It looks like there is one size smaller than that, sized for kids sizes 3-4.5, and all of the unisex sizes retail for approximately $17.

Experia is known for its aero-dynamic fit as well as its “protection without weight.” Because it’s made with a higher percentage of COOLMAX® than any other sock product, feet remain cool and comfortable, as moisture is wicked away from your skin.

The new product—“the Experia Crew” -- is a part of The Jet Black Collection, a set that includes 8 black crew padded socks, each differentiated by highlighted accents in your choice of pink, white, red, green, orange, turquoise, berry, and royal blue.

Dry Skin and Static-y Hair

We have "weird" skin in our family. Our derm even said so. 

Poor P- this time of year the tops of his hands and wrists get so red and almost raw, and almost any product we've tried stings. Even Cetaphil and Lubriderm.

In desperation, I pulled out a product from First Aid Beauty that I'd purchased in a value kit at Sephora- Ultra Repair Cream. 

It's a MIRACLE. It almost instantly soothes the skin, sinks in well and doesn't leave a greasy residue, and doesn't sting. It's a big pricey at $28, but the jar is huge (6 oz) and we use so little at a time, this should last us all winter and beyond. The kit I purchased included a large tube of their Face Cleanser and their Facial Radiance Pads and was a fabulous deal. The current kit includes a few different products and looks to be a great value as well.

Another problem that comes up this time of year is static in my hair- I've got baby-fine hair and if I even think about using a volumizing shampoo or conditioner, my hair absolutely stands on end. But I remembered using a product last year when we added some brown back into my hair that totally solved the static problem for me- L'Oreal EverPure Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner. These run about $5-6 each at Target or Walmart, and you can often find coupons for $2-3 off in the Sunday paper.

I do have hair that can get oily, so I was nervous about using a moisturizing product, but these are perfect- they leave my hair so manageable and shiny and NO STATIC. I'm sold!

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.... all products discussed were purchased by me and neither company knows who I am!

Review: Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips

Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips

I recently signed up with Influenster and was excited to get my first product to try- Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips. Discolored teeth have always been a bit of an issue for me- maybe that's because I'm a Coke drinker? I have bleached my teeth several times using the bleaching syringes and trays from the dentist and have been pleased with the results.

Since it had been a while since I had bleached my teeth, I was excited to get started with the Whitestrips. The box comes with 20 treatments, each individual package including a separate strip for your upper and lower teeth. I found them easy to remove from the package and pretty easy to apply- a few times my lower lip got in the way and an edge of a strip would stick to my lip, but was easy to remove without a problem.

Those suckers certainly stayed put! After I was done with each 30 minute treatment, which I did in the evenings, I use a Kleenex to help me pull them off. I did find that the treatments left my teeth a bit sensitive, which I remember is very common from when I bleached with trays. I found that if I waited a day in between treatment, the sensitivity was gone by the time I started my next treatment.

I'm halfway through my box and can already see a difference. I am so glad I got to try this product and will certainly be purchasing it myself a few times a year to freshen up my smile. 

Have you tried Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips? 

Q-tips

I am a long-time Q-tips user. One of the first things I do when I get out of the shower is use one to dry off all the crevices of my ears. I know it's a sensory thing- I just can stand my ears to feel wet!

But there are many many other uses for Q-tips, especially the Precision Tips Q-tips. I have found quite a few uses for them in my beauty routine.

This pic shows a Precision Tip Q-tip on the left, and a regular Q-tip on the right.

One of my favorite uses is to use Precision Tips Q-tips to apply my eyeshadow as an eyeliner. In this pic, I have gently rubbed the Q-tip against Stila Barefoot Contessa, one of my favorite crease shades. Using the Q-tip allows me to quickly and easily have coordinating eye liner.

I know you don't want to see pictures of my wrinkly under-eye, so here's what my lower eye liner looks like when I apply it using this method.

A few other ways I like to use Precision Tips Q-tips:

• Mascara Error Corrector: If I get a smudge of mascara on my eyelid or below my eyes when I am applying it, I wait until it is dried, then quickly roll a Q-tip over the smudge to remove it without damaging my makeup underneath.


• To Clean My Sonicare Toothbrush: Precision Tips Q-tips are perfect to clean out the inside crevices of my toothbrush.

And some ideas that Q-tips provided to me that I have found quite useful:

• Help Treat Blemishes: To help quickly heal blemishes, apply a small dollop of an acne spot treatment with salicylic acid to the end of a Q-tips® Precision Tips™ cotton swab. They will help you treat blemishes without adding additional oils from your fingers.


• Use Every Last Bit: Q-tips® Precision Tips™ cotton swabs are the perfect size to get the last bit of foundation out of your makeup bottle and off of the rim. The cotton tip also allows for easy transfer of the foundation.


• Keep Your Perfect Pout in Place: Keep lip color from bleeding by using Q-tips® Precision Tips™ cotton swabs to apply loose translucent powder along the outer edge of your lips.

You can visit the Q-tips Facebook page (Facebook.com/Qtips) and find a coupon for $1.00 off any purchase of two boxes of Q-tips® Cotton Swabs or Q-tips® Precision Tips™ Cotton Swabs, 170 count or larger. You can also follow Q-tips® Cotton Swabs on Twitter at @Qtips.

Disclosure: I was provided with Q-tips® Precision Tips™ cotton swabs, a $25 American Express gift card and information about the product by Rocket XL. All opinions are 100% my own.

And in this corner.... Clarisonic Mia vs. Olay Pro-X

I've been using a Clarisonic Mia on and off for a few years and really like it. I recently heard that Olay's Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System was a good budget alternative, so I ordered one and put it to the test to do a comparison.


On the left: Clarisonic Mia Skin Cleansing System ($99 at Sephora.com. In my state, sales tax is about 8%, so the total price is about $108.)

On the right: Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System(about $30 at Walmart, but can frequently be purchased from Amazon for cheaper: right now it's just $24 and eligible for Prime with no tax or shipping.)






Similarities:

1. Both claim to cleans skin/remove makeup 6 times better to basic cleansing. Both come with a small tube of cleanser.


2. Both claim to allow skincare products applied after use to absorb better.


3. Both are water-resistant and can be used in the shower.

Differences:

1. Olay's Pro-X has a smaller head and does not come with a brush cover.


2. Olay's Pro-X uses traditional AA batteries while the Clarisonic has an internal rechargeable battery. The Pro-X battery cover can be difficult to remove, but after reading reviews at Amazon, I didn't have a problem.


3. Olay's Pro-X simply spins the brush around in a circle at two choices of speed, while the Clarisonic uses sonic frequency to move the brush back and forth at more than 300 times per second, but at only one speed.


4. The Clarisonic has an auto-shutoff after one minute of use, while the Olay Pro-X does not.


5. There are five brush options for the Clarisonic such as Delicate and Deep, and they retail for about $40 for two. Only one type of Pro-X replacement brush is available, and it retails for $8.50 for two.

Bottom line: To me, there is not enough difference in cleansing to justify the price difference of $100. In fact, I believe the smaller brush head of the Olay Pro-X made it easier to use on small areas like my nose. If I were purchasing just one, I'd recommend the Olay Pro-X.

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon referral links.

Chuao Chocolatier

I was recently contacted by Chuao Chocolatier, a company that was new to me. However, considering my love of all things sweet, especially chocolate, I was eager to sample their products.

Chuao Chocolatier sent two items for me to try.

Potato Chips in Chocolate bar
Premium milk chocolate with kettle cooked, lightly salted potato chips

and a darling package containing two bonbons.



On the left: the Love Child bonbon (an aphrodisiac blend of a port wine drenched dried strawberry in a chocolate ganache)

On the right: the Firecracker bonbon (guaranteed to blow your mind with chipotle caramel fudge, popping candy and sea salt in dark chocolate)



I cut both open to have a look. On Firecracker bonbon on the left, you can see popping candy and sea salt on the edges. When I cut the Love Child bonbon on the right open, you could see the wine drenched strawberry and the ganache looked so thick.


P grabbed a portion of the Love Child bonbon and before I could stop him, he ate it. He was not a fan, which is fabulous because he is just 8 and should not yet have a taste for alcohol! But I ate the other half and it was divine.... so rich and the strawberry and ganache together were perfect.

WC grabbed part of the Firecracker bonbon, and said "It's popping in my mouth! Cool!" And it was... and the sea salt paired with the chocolate was so so good.



Mr. Sasha and I split the Potato Chips in Chocolate bar and it was divine. Salty and sweet go so well together. This reminded us of a product we used to get for a local candy maker- chocolate covered Pringles.




Chuao Chocolatier is offering a giveaway to win a trip for two to San Diego! Between now and February 14, click the banner above for a chance to spend two nights at the glamorous La Jolla Shores Hotel, enjoy dinner at the beachfront THE SHORES restaurant, and attend a private wine and chocolate pairing event with Master Chef Michael Antonorsi of Chuao Chocolatier. You will also have a chance to win one of 14 Limited Edition Sweetheart Boxes filled with 22 signature Chuao Chocolatier bonbons featuring delectable, aphrodisiac ingredients.

You can also use the code "BLOGGER" and receive 20% off your entire purchase at their website between now and February 14, 2012.

Disclosure: The chocolate products pictured above were provided to me for review purposes.

Review: Dr. LeWinn by Kinerase

In March I posted about the launch of Dr. LeWinn by Kinerase...... a drugstore version of one of my favorite high-end lines, Kinerase. The Dr. LeWinn line is carried at Walmart and Walgreens.
(Note that the prices at Walmart appear to be a bit better.)


Here's why I was (and still am) so excited about this new line... the Dr. LeWinn by Kinerase products are budget-friendly versions of the very-very-very expensive products in original Kinerase line. I even did a little comparison for you.
I was recently invited by BzzAgent to join in a campaign for this line, and I jumped at the chance. I have faithfully been using the Under Eye Recovery since I purchased it in March and I still love it. I've been wearing contacts for over 25 years, so my eyes can be a bit sensitive to eye creams. This eye cream doesn't irritate me in the least, yet still seems to be effective.

Dr. LeWinn by Kinerase Under Eye Recovery

$25 for .5 oz

A few weeks ago I was visiting my mom and dad and my mom mentioned needing some eye cream. Luckily I had one of the $5 coupons that BzzAgent provided me to pass on to friends with me, so we went to Walgreen's and picked up a tube for her. I asked her last week what she thought, and she reported that she really liked the cream and would definitely be re-purchasing it because it was working well for her.

For you locals, I still have four coupon booklets available, and they have a sample of two other products in them: Instant Dermal Wrinkle Filler, and Lift & Resculpt Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream. If you would like one, just holler at me and I'll pass one on to you!

Disclosure: BzzAgent provided me a full-size product for review and word-of-mouth purposes.

Drugstore Find: Powder Brush

A few weeks ago I went north a bit to another town to check out their Super Walmart's beauty department. I had heard that Walmart was going to be stocking Essie polish, but for some reason my 2 local Walmarts weren't part of the roll out. A quick online search told me that the town next to us had them so I headed up there.

And I did find the Essies.

But..... I also found some brushes I had been hearing about, that again my local Walmart did not carry. I should tell you that I'm in a pretty big college town, and it's amazing that our does not carry these two things.

At any rate, here's a pic of the brush. It's super soft and I use it to apply my finishing powder.

The line is called High Definition, and although I can't seem to put my hands on my receipt, I do know the brush was less than $10.

It's absolutely amazing and as soon as I can get up there again I'll be picking up some more brushes from the line.

Review: L'Oreal Paris Youth Code Skincare

L'Oreal Youth Code Skincare

I wanted to like this, I really did. But I have tried it twice (with a few weeks separating the trials) and have gotten terrible, painful breakouts both times- in strange places, like my cheeks. So it's a no-go for me.

I purchased a kit containing three of the products (Day/Night cream, Day Lotion, and Eye cream) for about $25 at Walgreen's.

I suspect it was the Day Lotion that broke me out. But I also found the Eye cream to be absolutely useless- the cream was not moisturizing at all, and actually settled in my lines under my eye and dried white without soaking in. I actually had to wipe off the dried product with a tissue.

I am back to my beloved Avon Rejuvenate line- I just don't think there is anything better for those of us in our 30s.

Bargain Eyeshadow

Revlon CustomEyes Shadow and Liner in Naturally Glamorous

Picked this up at the Walmarts the other day for $7.48 and I'm in love!

I left the pic big so you can enlarge it and see the fabulous texture on each shade- so cool! The four shades on the right are the shadows, and the one on the far left is the liner. I actually used one end of the foam applicator (the pointed end) to apply the liner and I loved the look.

For those of us who have trouble knowing where to put each color, there's a helpful diagram on the back.

This palette was definitely the most neutral of the bunch, but it looks like there are about 5 other choices with some very pretty shades.

I'd definitely recommend this product if you are in the market for some new eye shadows- this is a can't-go-wrong purchase.

Review: Physicians Formula Happy Booster Powder and Blush

I have been scouring the town for the past 2 weeks, looking high and low for the new Physicians Formula Happy Booster products. I finally scored on Sunday at my local Super Walmart.

Happy Booster Face Powder in Translucent ($12.67 at Walmart)

Happy Booster Blush in Rose ($10.63 at Walmart)

These are just darling! So glad I purchased them.

Both products have a slight Violet scent that disappears when you apply them. You know how sensitive I am to smells, and it did not bother me at all.

The powder has a very slight shimmer to it, and I'm using it as more of a highlighter than an all-over finishing powder.

The blush is just gorgeous, but is very very pigmented, so I have a brush application recommendation for you.

I first tried it with a normal, slanted, rather dense blush brush, shown above. This applied it way too heavily and I had to tone it down quite a bit with another lighter product before I was satisfied with the look.


The next day I tried my Sonia Kaskuk skunk brush from Target and the application was much much better. This type of brush picks up less product, and is perfect with a highly pigmented product.

Part of my love for these products may be directly related to the cuteness factor, but hell, they are just darling I'm not ashamed to love them.

By the way, I am doing fab on my resolution to purchase absolutely no new lip products in 2011!

Editor's Choice Awards: Haircare

Welcome to the Sasha Says Editor's Choice Awards! We'll be sharing with you our favorite products in many different categories, beginning with Haircare.

(Please know that this is very tongue-in-cheek. "We" is just me, and it's actually just a list of *my* favorite products. There's no nomination process, voting, or scoring. Just a simple list of things I like and use every day.)

L'Oreal EverPure Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner

I've been gradually taking my haircolor darker and darker, trying to get a little closer to my natural color (note that I'm not sure exactly what that is, but it's definitely darker than the bleach blonde I'd been sporting for years).

My stylist recommended I use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to preserve the color. I found this L'Oreal product line (each is about $6, but there are frequently $2 off coupons in the Sunday paper) that fit the bill and settled on the Moisture formula. I absolutely love it.

John Frieda Root Awakening Strength Boosting Leave In Spray

(that's a mouthful, huh?)

My hair is pretty fine, and it gets very tangly in the shower. This spray helps gets all those wet tangles out without any breakage and smells nice too. I also use this in WC if she gets tangles, since her hair texture is a lot like mine. It's about $6, although there are frequently coupons for $1 or so off that you can find.

Right after I get out of the shower I spray a liberal amount of this in my hair (about 10 sprays) and comb it out with a wide-toothed comb. Then I wrap my hair in a towel for a few minutes to get some of the moisture out while I apply my eye cream and facial SPF moisturizer.

Dove Frizz Control Therapy Taming Cream

(sadly, Dove's website is crap and although I managed to find a pic of this product in a newer white bottle on their website, it's not possible to link to it or get more info about it, because the "get more info" link just leads you to the general product page, where you are in an endless loop of trying to find the product....)

After I unwrap my hair from the towel, I squirt some of this in my hair and spread it through before I blow dry. I have slightly frizzy hair and this really helps keep it smooth and straight. It's around $5-6 dollars, and again, you can usually find a coupon for $1 or so off in the coupon inserts.

Mascara: Giving One Another Chance

Last month I purchased L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes.

Because Eva Longoria (not Parker) told me to. And at $9, it seemed like a good bargain beauty product to try.

I tried it one morning and promptly decided I didn't like it. It didn't seem to do much, and it definitely didn't give me a million voluminous lashes.

But this week I decided to give is just one more try before I trashed it.

And all of the sudden it's fabulous!

I have this memory of my mom leaving her new tubes of Great Lash open on the counter for a few hours, telling me that letting it dry out a bit made it better...... so maybe using it last month and letting some time pass let it thicken up a bit?

At any rate, it's one of my new faves and now in the rotation. Moral of the story: Don't let your first experience with a makeup product decide its fate... give it another shot!

What mascara are you using right now?

Makeup Bags

You've seen how many lippies I have, right? Rest assured that I also own quite a bit of other cosmetics as well- blushers, eye shadows, mascaras..... I definitely have lots of makeup and always need something to keep it all in!


So when I got the opportunity to review a new monogrammed makeup bag, I was so excited!


Simply Bags sent me this bag and monogrammed it for me and I think it's just adorable.

I thought they did an excellent job with the monogram- pink is my favorite color and I just love it.

The bag retails for $17.99 and comes with a second bag in a slightly smaller size. The large makeup bag measures 12”W x 7”H x 3”, and the medium makeup bag measures 10”W x 6”H. The exterior is cotton duck cloth, and the inside is satin fuchsia easy-clean interior with zipper closure.

Pixi Nude Shade Wardrobe

I recently had the opportunity to try out a fabulous product from Petra Strand's line Pixi, carried at Target. Petra is a makeup artist and mom, and she created the line of multipurpose products "to help busy women look like themselves, only more gorgeous."

Who can argue with that?

I tried the Nude Shade Wardrobe, and it is actually the second Pixi product I have tried, and both times I have been impressed with both the quality and value. Even though at first glace this product might seem expensive at $26 (currently on sale online for $22), once you realize that the left side can be used as a blusher, and the right side is 9 individual eye shadows, it's actually quite a good value and great for travel.

The nude shades worked perfectly for me to do a day-time eye for work, and I found the blusher to be very flattering for my somewhat pale skin.

In this photo I took, you can also see the embossing on several of the color blocks- it adds a fancy touch.

In this video, Petra shares some tips and shows how she uses the product.

Target Beauty - Pixi Holiday 2010 from LaForce Stevens on Vimeo.

Disclosure: This product was provided to me for review purposes.

Raindrops on Roses

and whiskers on kittens..... these are a few of my favorite things.

Right now I am loving Maybelline's Eye Studio™ Lasting Drama™ Gel Eyeliner in brown. This product was my first try in gel/brush eyeliner, and it's fabulous. Seriously, super-easy and very affordable. It even comes with a brush that's perfect for applying it. It's available at mass-market retailers like Target and Walmart, and I think I paid around $8 for it.

This Olay Regenerist Anti Aging Eye Roller is my newest skincare find, and I am singing it's praises from the rooftop. I got this last week at CVS for $18.99 and it's amazing. You click the end and roll it over your undereye area, and it dispenses and massages in a fabulous gel that really does "banish puffiness and soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles". Right now there is an Olay rebate for $20 back when you purchase $50 in Olay products. Such a great deal if you are taking advantage of my Amazon Regenerist deal in the post below.

I think we've discussed my problem with fragrance before, haven't we? I am so sensitive to smells that I have a hard time finding something that doesn't make me feel sick to my stomach. The new Celebrate fragrance from Mark is so light and pretty and I have no problems wearing it. It's available online from Avon and retails for $25.

Disclosure: All items in this post were purchased by me.