REVIEW: Sole Patches shoe inserts

Hello everyone! Today I have a short and sweet review on Sole Patches shoe inserts.

Sole Patches are cushioned stickers that can be applied directly to the ball or the heel of your foot. Alternatively, they can be applied directly onto your shoe to avoid pain in your feet. I chose the latter, as I wanted to get more than just one use out of a pair of patches. If you apply them to your foot, they will only last for one use, but if you apply them into your shoe, they will stay permanently.

 


After trying these in a few pairs of shoes, including the flats below, I can confirm that the shock-absorbing properties of the high tech urethane PORON® (by Rogers Corporation) gave my feet extra padding and cushion with each step. I also love that this materials is antimicrobial, so I don't have to worry about the material getting gross in my shoes.

I was lucky enough to try these during the holiday party season, and these patches helped me avoid tired and sore feet. As Sole Patches' claims promised, I noticed that I could last a bit longer on the dance floor and I stayed a little longer at the party since my feet were more comfortable!



If you have shoes that you don't wear due to foot pain, I highly recommend trying #SoulPatches! They will allow you to wear any shoes you want without sacrificing comfort.

DERMA E: Same Great Formula with Fresh Packaging

Today, I have an exciting review for you. DERMA E has been producing high quality skincare products since 1984, with 100% vegan, cruelty-free formulas that do not contain parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates, petrolatum, mineral oil, artificial colors, gluten, soy or GMOs. I don't know about you, but that sounds like an all-around great line of products to me!

DERMA E came out with a new line of packaging in September 2016. By March 2017, the new packaging design will be in all of DERMA E's retail stores, including Whole Foods, Sprouts, Ulta Beauty and more, with 100% of their line in the new design. 

I was lucky enough to see the new packaging in person, on two of the products in their popular hydrating line: the Hydrating Day Creme in the old packaging and the Hydrating Night Cream in the new packaging. 

On the left is the old packaging, and on the right is the new packaging.

The best part about this packaging roll-out is that DERMA E is keeping the same formula I know, trust and love. DERMA E's eco-ethical formulas remain the same in their fresh new digs, which is a win-win in my book.

This new packaging look is such a fresh change, yet still keeps the DERMA E's unique touch as a brand, as well as the simple lotus design. I love the sophisticated, no-frills, neutral appearance of the new packaging; it looks beautiful on your bathroom counter or vanity. I also love that you can see through the frosted glass jar so you know how much you've used.

On the left is the old packaging, and on the right is the new packaging.

Not only has DERMA E switched up the look of their product packaging, they have also done an overarching rebranding based on the brand's heritage, mission and values. Check out their updated website, which beautifully complements the packaging rebranding.

I'm very impressed with DERMA E's decision to rebrand and the way it has been excuted. The simple, clean branding that DERMA E has adopted is gorgeous and eye-catching. Have you seen the new DERMA E packaging at stores near you? Let me know what you think!

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REVIEW: Valentia Night Revive Retinol Serum

As you know by reading Urban Mannequin, I am a huge fan of Valentia skincare. I recently got the opportunity to try the Night Revive Retinol Serum, one of the brand's newest products, which is a transformative retinol serum that works to prevent wrinkles, increase hydration, and rejuvenate your skin.

This serum is the perfect addition to my nightly skincare routine due to its anti-aging benefits and quality ingredients. My favorite features of this product are that it stimulates collagen, improves skin tone, and conditions your skin using the following key ingredients:

• Retinol (Vitamin A): This ingredient starts at the cellular level to fight winkles, control acne, and even out hyperpigmentation.
• Vitamin C: This anti-aging vitamin protects your skin against environmental elements to prevent premature wrinkles.
• Vitamin E: Another amazing vitamin that provides intense hydration to decrease the drying nature of retinol.
• Squalane: This hydrating ingredient is derived from olive oil to moisturize and condition sensitive skin.
  

I highly recommend this product if you are looking for a new serum for your nighttime skincare routine. It feels luxurious on the skin and I love the results! You can try out Valentia's Night Revive Retinol Serum by clicking here. You can also check them out on Facebook and on Instagram. 

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Beauty Box 5 - June 2014 Review

THE SCOOP:

Hey everyone! I'm back again with a Beauty Box 5 review. The June BB5 theme is "Summer Chic." With the first day of summer approaching quickly, this box is perfect for any beauty lover to prepare for the warmer months.

Beauty Box 5 is a subscription service that sends you 5 beauty products each month. The box is $12 a month for a month-to-month subscription, but you can save money if you buy a quarterly or yearly subscription. If you are a first-time subscriber, use the code "614FREE" for a free box.

Walgreens and Target Haul: Wet n Wild, Rimmel, and Ponds

Today I went shopping for some items that I have been coveting for awhile. Take a look at my haul!

Rimmel Stay Matte Primer, $2.49: I am excited to try it with my Rimmel Stay Matte foundation. 

Wet n Wild Walking the Red Carpet limited edition palette, $4.11: My first WnW 8-pan palette! I've been searching for this and I'm so excited to use it. 

Wet n Wild lipstick in Bare it All, $0.64

Wet n Wild "bronzer" in Reserve Your Cabana $2.21: I've been wanting to try this as a highlight/setting powder for awhile now. 

Wet n Wild coverall stick in Fair, $0.64

Wet n Wild MegaLast nail polishes in Valet Tag and Champagne Toast, $0.49 each

Pond's BB cream in Light: free!

Wet n Wild was 25% off at Walgreens, and Rimmel was half-off. I had 5 $1 off Wet n Wild coupons, 1 $1 off Rimmel coupon, and 1 free Pond's product coupon, so my grand total came to be about $13! I am pretty proud of this haul.

Beauty Box 5 - March 2014 Review

Hey everyone! I'm here with a review on the March 2014 Beauty Box 5.

Beauty Box 5 is a monthly subscription service that sends you 5 beauty products each month. The box is $12 a month for a month-to-month subscription, but you can save money if you buy a quarterly or yearly subscription.

This month's theme was Spring Cleaning, which is very fitting for a March beauty box.



I really enjoy Beauty Box 5's packaging. The box is very compact, but the products are packed nicely and the outside of the box is cute, too!

THE CONTENTS:



Bellapierre Cosmetics Makeup Base: .25 oz, $18



This is the product that was used as a spoiler for March boxes! I am so happy to receive this. According to Bellapierre's website, this base can be used as an eyeshadow base/primer, a concealer, or an all-over face primer. I have tried it as an eyeshadow base and as a concealer. It's not quite creamy enough for a concealer, but it covers well. I love using it as an eyeshadow base. It turns shimmery shadows into a matte finish. It's really useful for any shadows that are too shimmery on their own. You can also use this on days where you are not wearing eyeshadow to even out the skin of your eyelids.

Tree Hut Shea Body Butter in Coconut Lime: 2 oz, $2.50

I'm so excited to receive this product because I don't own any body butters! This has a delicious coconut lime smell. I am saving it for the summer months because I think this cream has the perfect summer scent! It feels extremely moisturizing.

H2O Plus Hand & Nail Cream: 1 oz, $2.50
I'm so excited to receive H2O products in this box. I think they make great quality products. This hand and nail cream has a nice, clean smell and feels very luxurious and moisturizing. I love keeping it in my purse!

Swissco Dual-Sided Facial Pad: $2
This is a two-sided facial exfoliator. One side is more rough (the one that is shown), and the other side feels more like terry cloth. I have used this several times, and I think I prefer it on my body rather than my face. It is really useful for the summer time when you're self-tanning and shaving more often.

Jane’s Pick All Natural Soap: $2
I am very happy to sample an all-natural soap! This is a beautiful handmade soap that smells delicious. The scent is called Patience, and it is described as having black spruce, fir needle, and rosewood notes.

Overall, I really enjoyed this box. It has a value of about $27, which is a great deal for the price of the subscription. I have subscribed to other beauty boxes, and oftentimes, the products won't be very useful. However, I will use each item from this box, and I am really looking forward to next month!
What do you think? Are you going to subscribe to Beauty Box 5?

Disclaimer: I am a contributor to Beauty Box 5's review team. I received this box for review purposes. The opinions are my own.

NYC Badge Prize for Varsity VoxBox from Influenster

Last month, I received the brand prize from NYC that I received for completing activites based off of the Big Bold Gloss that was in the Varsity VoxBox. As a reward for completing these activites, NYC and Influenster sent me a prize package.

I love NYC makeup! It's fairly cheap at the drugstore, but it's still fun to try.

NYC Color Wheel Mosaic Face Powder in Pink Cheek Glow 723A

I really enjoy this "face powder"... though I consider it a blush. It's too pink to be just a highlighter, but I would consider it a highlighting blush. It's very pretty!

NYC Applelicious Lip Balm in Pink Lady 353

This lip balm has a delicious apple smell and a soft pink color. It's a lightly tinted lip balm. I love the cute apple design in the center!

NYC HD Color Eyeshadow Trio in Streets Paved in Gold 792

This is my favorite item in the box! I received a trio from NYC in the Jolly VoxBox in a different color combination. I didn't like that one because it lacked pigmentation... but I LOVE these shadows! The golden tones look great with my brown eyes. I even use the golden highlight color on my cheekbones.

Thank you to Influenster and NYC! I love getting these goodies to try out.

Ipsy February 2014 Review

Hi everyone! I'm so sorry how long it has been since I posted last. I just wanted to share a recent subscription box that really impressed me.

This month's Ipsy bag was titled "The Look of Love." The bag is bright pink with a white zipper, and the lining is pink cheetah print! I love it, and the slightly different shape than usual.

I received my bag slightly later than normal, but still at a reasonable time during the month.

Ipsy is $10/month. Sign up here!

The Contents:

City Color Be Matte Blush in Fresh Melon

I am thrilled with this blush. On camera, it appears very orange, but in real life, it is a bright, watermelon pink. I love the matte finish and the pigmentation.

Eyetini Eye Base in Ambrosia

This is a cream eyeshadow base. I adore the color! It is a brown with flecks of pink and purple. It doesn't crease and blends really easily. A new favorite of mine!

IPKN BB Cream in Light

I tried to use this, and it squirted all over my hand! It's such a small sample, so that wasted a lot... but it's orange on me anyway. This is not light.

Zoya Nail Polish in Dot

I really wanted Odette, the purple shade, but I do love light pink nails! Zoya has fantastic polish that dries quickly. I am quite happy with this!

POP Beauty Pouty Plump in Peony Petal

This lip gloss is wonderful! The pigmentation, the texture - I love it! It gets a slightly grainy texture during wear, but it's such a pretty, pigmented gloss.

Overall, I give this bag an 8/10! I am really happy with 4/5 items, and that means this bag is a winner in my eyes.

*Contains my personal Ipsy referral link

Influenster's Jolly VoxBox 2013 Review

Hurray! My second Influenster VoxBox has arrived, and I got a chance to check out each of the products before I wrote this review. I am very pleased with this box, especially considering it's my second box of freebies in two months! I previously received the Varsity VoxBox, which contained NYC lipgloss, Airheads Extreme Bites, Tide PODS, Clearasil face wash, and Kiss nail stickers.

This box was supposed to have a "Naughty and Nice" theme... I'm not sure I quite get that theme, but I am happy with these products nevertheless. 

And on to the contents...

Here's a closer look:

First up is duck tape from the Duck brand. This is a mini roll in a blue and white floral print. I used it to give my phone charger a makeover. I will also use it for packages and other craft projects.

Retail: $3

This single pack of Puffs tissues is a great addition to my purse. I always find myself in need of a tissue while I'm out, yet I don't have one on me. These will be great because they have lotion in the tissues themselves, so my nose won't get irritated.

Retail: $0.49

Next up is the Rimmel Show Off Lip Lacquer. This is basically a liquid lipstick. The color payoff is amazing and opaque. The color I received is Luna, and it is a beautiful peach color. I will definitely use this up. My only complaint is the weird cucumber smell and strange applicator.

Retail: $5.49

This is the NYC HD Color Trio eyeshadow in Long Beach Sands.This is one of those products that has instructions for where to use each shade, whether it's on the brow bone, crease, or lid. I already have so much neutral eyeshadow, but I really like the colors.

Retail: $2.99

Finally, my sweet tooth had something to be excited about! These Skinny Cow chocolates filled with peanut butter cream are delicious. I have tried the caramel version before, and these are just as good. The peanut butter is a bit salty for me, but I love them otherwise. This box contains 6 packs of 3 candies each. I've already eaten 3 packs... oops.

Retail: $3.99

Overall, the Jolly VoxBox was a great box, and I am very happy that I received it. I look forward to continuing to use these products and review them on my blog and other social networks.

Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary of Influenster. The opinions are my own.

Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer

I recently receieved this sample of Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer in the mail. I had completely forgotten that I even requested this sample.

I honestly don't even remember where I ordered it from... either Target or directly from Simple.

I was thrilled when I opened the box. This is a great sample size (1.9 oz.) and will last me at least a month.

When I first felt this moisturizer on my hand, it seemed light and not "rich" at all. However, once I applied it to my face, I could feel how moisturizing it really is. My skin feels so refreshed after using this.

This is my new favorite nighttime moisturizer. After my sample runs out, I will definitely think about purchasing it.

NYC New York Color Big Bold Gloss Review

In my Varisty VoxBox from Influenster, I received this NYC Big Bold Gloss in Pleasantly Plump Pink.

As you can see, the gloss is a true pink color. 

The Good:

This lip gloss is not sticky at all. It goes on smoothly and feels nice on the lips. It does not have an unpleasant scent.

The Bad:

The wand is abnormally large, and I would prefer it to be smaller. The color doesn't show up on my lips very well becuase my lips are more pigmented than the gloss. It doesn't show any sign of plumping my lips.

Overally, this is a nice lip gloss that I will use up. I believe it retails for $3.99, so it's fairly cheap, but because of the huge wand, I think I would rather try a different gloss next time.

Disclaimer: I received this product complementary from Influenster.