Maybelline SuperStay24 VoxBox

Hello, Sugarcritters I've returned once again, and this time with the Maybelline SuperStay24 lip color VoxBox in hand. I recently had the opportunity to try two of shades of this brand free of charge.

• Keep Up The Flame 025 - A bold red shade sure to make a statement.
• Constant Toast 136 - A pearl pink that dazzles on a night out.

As always there are some Pros and Cons to this beauty balm. I'd like to start out on the Cons and end on a positive note.

Cons:

• Patience needed, this isn't a swipe and go product. Read the directions, and allow the product to dry completely in order to get true staying power.
• The product feels a bit sticky until dry.
• You'll need to reapply the conditioning balm or your favorite balm.

Pros:

• Shades are true to color, and there are plenty to pick from.
• When applied correctly it has great staying power.
• Easy to find
• Reasonably priced

At the end of the day, it's always nice to have a smooch proof lipstick that you don't have to constantly fuss over. I look forward to adding a few more shades to my collection. I did realize quickly that the Keep Up The Flame shade was not my color. It didn't work well with my skin tone. Though I'm sure there are plenty of fair skinned lovelies who can pull off this bold color, I'm just not one of them sadly.

Do you have a favorite shade? Planning to grab them all up? Let me know what you think in a comment. Until next time, stay sweet, and shop on lovelies.

Mystical Magical Hiatus

Mystical Magical Hiatus 

Honestly my hiatus wasn't that mystical nor was it magical. It was however filled with life changes. I took a leap and pursued a career that I never thought would work out. Perhaps you know the sort I'm referring to. The sort you dream up as a child and think I'm doing that only to realize as an adult you either didn't prepare for it properly, they don't pay so well, or they're hard to fall into.

Either way I ran full steam ahead, bounced off a wall or ten, and found myself working in the gaming industry. Weird right? Maybe so, but I enjoy it none the less. Now I find myself seeking even more knowledge, and preparing for the future of this new career path. 

I did however find that there wasn't a proper balance in my life while away. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy and all. No play? You make video games... Surprising as it sounds it's an unbelievable amount of work. My schedule is anything but what I'd refer to as normal. I work my shift, and then some. Deadlines are the real schedule, and besides I can sleep when I'm dead right?

Not really...I started referring to myself as Seven of Nine while wondering if I had assimilated into the borg collective for good. I quickly realized I needed down time. A hobby, perhaps several hobbies. In the end I realized I needed my blog. I need to make wonderful fizzy things that turn my bath pink. I need to question why I'd try any Pin with copious amounts of glitter. I need a safe place to be opinionated about a product that I was curious enough to spend too much on. I need to share great deals with others looking for them. 

All in all perhaps somewhere behind the hours of staring at spreadsheets, and designing dungeons I lost a little of myself. I became one of many working on a project, and left no room for myself to stand out. I'm glad to return to my little corner of the internet. I hope this time around I'll find a way to really engage with those who read this blog. 

#IceCreamStockUp VoxBox

Hellow Sugar Critters, I recently received a coupon from Influsenster for a free box of Fruttare Ice Cream as part of the #IceCreamStockUp VoxBox. We loved the refreshing flavor of these pops so much that we took advantage of the buy 3 get 1 free deal at target. These treats come in a variety of flavors.

Dairy options are as follows:
Strawberry & Milk
Peach & Milk
Coconut & Milk
Banana & Milk
Strawberry & Milk + Berry & Milk

If you're like our household you might need a dairy free options, no worries they have you covered.

Non dairy options are as follows:
Mango
Strawberry
Lime
Black Cherry
Pineapple

We celebrated the last days of Summer enjoying some time outside, and a little chilled happiness.

I wanted to provide you with the skinny on the nutritional value of these bars as well though. The follow information will be the Nutrition Facts, Ingredients, and Quick Facts for the Strawberry Fruttare bars.

Water, Strawberry Juice (from Concentrate), Sugar, Strawberries, Strawberry Puree,Fructose, Corn Syrup, Maltodextrin, Contains 1% or Less of Each of the Following: Guar Gum, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Beet Juice Concentrate and Turmeric Oleoresin (for Color), Pectin, Locust Bean Gum, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Ascorbic Acid.

Granted a little added sugar is fine in moderation. However, I know some people prefer to steer far away from Corn Syrup.

I think that all in all this is a great product, and treat. If you decide you want to try them out be sure to check the freezer isle of your local Target. Stay sweet :)

If you'd like to follow the brands from the #IceCreamStockUp VoxBox on Social Media you can find them at:

Fruttare FaceBook
Fruttare Twitter
Magnum FaceBook
Magnum Twitter
Klondikebar FaceBook
Klondikebar Twitter

If you're interested in where to find Nutrition facts like the one pictured the link will follow.

Shopwell

If you're interested in joining Influenster comment below.

You can find me on:
FaceBook
Twitter

Covergirl #ISTAGLAM Collection Review Opportunity

EXPO wants to share an exciting opportunity for members to get their hands on products from TWO different COVERGIRL lines.To apply for your chance to snag a ton of products for free, just sign up for the EXPO community at expotv.com and hang tight! An invitation to apply will be headed your way. Once you've received your invitation, fill out the short survey to see if you qualify. If you're a fit, we'll be sending you an invitation to claim your spot and get a package sent right to your door step. It's that easy.
EXPO is a community of people that love sharing their opinion with brands and consumers in video. So to better your chances of getting these awesome products to try, create a video of any product you own. It's easy! Learn more and apply today!

Truvia Natural Sweetener Review

Truvia Sweetener

I recently received a sample of Truvia sweetener from Crowdtap to review. Until receiving it I hadn't tried Truvia. The follow is my honest opinion of the product.

For those of you who aren't familiar with what Truvia is I'll explain. It's a natural, zero-calorie  sweetener made from the leaf of the stevia plant. The stevia plant has been used for generations in South America as a sweetener.

I gave this little natural treasure a try in my coffee. It's not too sweet, and doesn't have that off putting chemical after taste that some sweeteners have. Id have to say that in addition to being natural, and zero-calorie is a winning trifecta of sweetness.

They come in convenient single serve packets. Now I can take it with me where ever I go. No more using sub par sweeteners at my favorite coffee shops. Truvia, is also Kosher, gluten free, and diabetic friendly. Stick that in your pie and bake it.

So just whats in this little white packet of wonder?

• Erythritol - a sugar alcohol found naturally in various fruits such as grapes and melons.
• Stevia Leaf
• Natural Flavors

The holidays are upon us, and Truvia carries many great products. If you'd like a little recipe inspiration click HERE. As always stay sweet sugar critters. 

BzzAgent Kashi Hummus Crisp Review

Kashi Olive Oil & Sea Salt Hummus Crisp Review

Hello sugar critters as always I've got a sweet treat for you. Or I should say savory treat. I recently received the Kashi Hummus Crisp BzzCampaign compliments of BzzAgent. Kashi has released three flavors of Hummus Crisp:Sea Salt & Olive Oil, Caramelized Onion, Sundried Tomato, Basil & Feta. In my kit I received the following items.#GotItFree

BzzKit Contents:
1 Bag of Sea Salt & Olive Oil Hummus Crisp
5 $1.00 Of Coupons
1 Bzz Info Card

Personally I think these little crisp are perfect for snacking. Just as the name implies they are crisp, and flavorful. The best part is they aren't made with partially hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, or artificial ingredients. The base of the chip comes from chickpeas, which makes sense being that they are after all called hummus chips. You can't whip up a great batch of hummus without them. These wonderful little beans are known for great fiber content. Since these crisp are packed full of hummus goodness you can expect at least 5g of whole grain, 3g of fiber,and 3g of protein in each serving.

Now lets chew the fat or the lack there of. Normally in a snack chip the nutrition panel can be hard to swallow. These little guys aren't so bad. Total fat comes out to about 3.5g. A serving size is about 27 crisp, averaging about 120 calories per serving. Not terrible when you consider the average snack chip has about 10g of fat, a serving size of about 15 chips, and 160 calories per serving. Not to mention partially hydrogenated oils. 

I give the Sea Salt & Olive Oil Hummus Crisps an A+ for taste, texture, and packaging. I look forward to trying all three flavors. 

Check out these Crisp for yourself, just click here.
Kashi's FaceBook Page
Find out more on Twitter using #KashiHummusCrisps 

Mad & Mac Bath Review

Mad & Mac Bath Review

Hello my lovely Sugar critters. I want to start this blog out with an apology to the generous Desharri Bell of Mad & Mac Bath. I received a package of samples from her wonderful Etsy show a few weeks ago. Due to a heavy work load at my new job, and personal illness I have failed to post my review until now. I am terribly sorry for the delay. 

So my cookie crumbles lets dive into this sweet find!

Founder/Owner: Desharri D. Bell

Shop name/link: Mad & Mac Bath

Package Contents

• Midnight Cowgirl Bath Bomb - 8 to 9 oz (1)
• Blue Eyed Girl Bubble Bar (1)
• Sugared Spiced Oatmeal Goat Milk Soap Bar (1)
• Throwin' In The Towel Bath Bomb (1 sample size)
• Ice Cream Social - Goat Milk Glycerin Soap Bar (1 sample size)

I was pleasantly surprised with my package. I appreciated the chance to try out two full size products from her shop. Below I will list a break down of each product, and pictures so you can see how lovely they are.

Midnight Cowgirl Bath Bomb

Rating:

Average Price: $5-$4 *Subject to change by Shop Owner*

Size: Approximately 8 to 9 oz

Appearance

The actual bath bomb itself is gorgeous. I would describe it as a dusk blue with gold and silver shimmering glitter. I adored the way the bomb made the bath water look. I'll link a video below so you can see the starry wave on the water. Don't worry this beauty may be packed with glitter, but it won't leave you looking like you just lost a crafting fight to Martha Stewart. 

Scent

I was very pleased with the scent. It was soft, and relaxing much like the lovely color of the product.

Skin Rating: 

I'm happy to say that I had no issues with skin irritation with this product. I have sensitive skin so it's important to me to add this rating.

Blue Eyed Girl Bubble Bar

Rating:

Average Price: $5 *Subject to change by Shop Owner*

Size: Approximately 4oz

Appearance

This was my favorite item in the package. It was so adorable I hated to use it. It is a mixture of blues, and purple. Each color complimented each other nicely, and gave the bath water a beautiful blue hue. There were little purple rock candy decorations on top that really just made it pop. 

Scent

This product had a very unique feminine smell. My husband later asked me if I changed my perfume. He was impressed that it was the scent of the bubble bar. So I'd say this one ranks on the lists of must haves for cuddle time. 

Bubbles

Rating: 

I gave this a five due to the fact that it worked very well in my garden tub. Please keep in mind every tub is different. I used the entire bar....mainly because I'm a child trapped in a grown woman's body and wanted to build a darn bubble fort. Don't judge me everyone needs to be childish now and then. If you don't want a massive explosion of amazing bubbles I believe half of the bar would work very well. As I said before every ones tub is different. I have a large garden tub with very good water pressure. I found that as long as the water jet was on high it produced an amazing amount of bubbles. So if you have good water pressure, or jets I would expect more bubbles. Then again I could be completely wrong. I mean you are taking advice from a woman who gave herself a bubble beard, and listened to kpop while reviewing this product. 

Skin Rating: 

I wouldn't lie I thought this product was going to be the one to irritate my skin due to the different colors, and scent. I'm very happy to say I was incorrect. It didn't leave me itchy, or feeling like a slick baby seal that would never get rinsed clean again. It did leave my skin feeling fairly soft though, and that's always a plus.

Sugared Spiced Oatmeal Goat Milk Soap Bar
Rating 
Average Price: $5.00 *Subject to change by Shop Owner*
Size: Approximately 4 oz

Overall I give this product four and one half star. It has a lovely fragrance very similar to sticky buns, and very fall favorable in my opinion. Again this product was ascetically pleasing, the oat stacked top being a lovely touch. This bar left my skin soft, and smelling lovely.

Lather Rating: 
The only issue I ran into was the lather. It wasn't that there was a lack there of, but that it was thin. I did however find that if I used my exfoliating gloves I was able to work up a much nicer lather.

Skin Rating: 
My skin was in no way ill effected by this bar which is extremely pleasing.

Throwin' In The Towel Bath Bomb
Rating 
Average Price: $4.00 *Subject to change by Shop Owner*
Size: Approximately 8 to 9 oz

I found this bath bomb rather surprising to be honest. I did not have high hopes for it upon opening the packaging. Not because of looks or size, but rather smell. Which was deceiving until I immersed it in the bath. Up until which time I found it to be too strong of a scent. Once in the bath I was surprised at how the scent transformed. It was a lovely herb, eucalyptus laced scent. Not only did it boost my mood, but it helped open my tired achy sinuses. The only thing I was not truly found of in the end was getting out of the bath. I do however suggest that if you are not found of things such as: herbs/flowers/small bits floating in your tub that you consider one of the following suggestions rather that forgo buying bombs containing such items.

1) Place the bath bomb in a knee high or trimmed stocking and hang from your tubs water spout. This will allow the bomb to dissolve, but contain the small items.

2) The more patient route would be to use a strainer with very fine mesh. You may either crush the bath bomb in said strainer or leave it whole. Hold under running water, but do not allow to over flow. This will contain the small items while allowing the bomb to dissolve.

Skin Rating: 
Very happy to report that this bath bomb left my skin soft, and free of injury.

Ice Cream Social - Goat Milk Glycerin Soap Bar
Rating 
Average Price: $5.00 *Subject to change by Shop Owner*
Size: Approximately 6 oz

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream soap!? That's right not only is it named after a wonderful dairy treat, but it lives up to being just as sweet. The scent is soft, and dreamy of citrus and cream. It left my skin feeling very clean as well. Not to mention it's just darn cute!

Lather Rating: 
This soap had a wonderful rich, and smooth lather. Easily workable, and clean rinsing.

Skin Rating: 
Once again I'm pleased to say I found no signs of irritation after using this product.

Notes *
Please note that these are my honest opinions of these products. I was not paid for my opinion or review. I would also like to note that my skin ratings were based on healthy non injured skin. If you find that you have skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis, or other dermatitis you may want to ask the shop owner if products contain irritants that you know conflict with your skin. Be responsible and check the ingredients listing on most Etsy shops items. Also don't forget to check in regularly to see if her shop has updated.

As always my sweet candy people chase those sweet deals. Until the next sweet treat may your dreams be sweet.