Secret Outlast® Completely Clean Clear Gel

Just tried the new Secret Outlast Completely Clean clear gel, and it's a winner! Like many people, I have a favorite deodorant/anti-perspirant I buy regularly. It's one product I don't switch up much. I try to find it on sale and stock up - I find that Revlon Lady Mitchum gel works well for me and is completely dependable - I mean, who wants to be surprised by a deodorant failure? It's not something I want to ever worry about, so I usually stick with the tried and true. Failure hasn't been on my radar for quite some time since I discovered Lady Mitch. That being said, I definitely have to wait for it to dry before getting dressed, and I have had the dreaded white marks appear on clothing if not careful. Small prices to pay, for sure, when compared to the effectiveness of my usual product. I am a pretty active person, biking and running all summer long.

That being said, the Secret product I got for free to try from Bzz Agent is a nice alternative. It has effective protection, especially important when exercising. (The disclaimer part of that statement is that it's winter, not summer, so while the exercising continues, it's not ninety degrees and humid too.) I found that the gel goes on as sparingly as you want to apply it, due to the smallish area of the top that has pretty modestly sized holes. This cuts down on the chance of an accidental blob or thick coating which would be unnecessary and wasteful. The lid itself covers and snaps into place, keeping the product sealed. Nice packaging, and mess free. It already lives up to the "Clean" part of it's name.

The Secret is billed as drying extremely fast - I find that it does seem to dry a bit faster than the Lady Mitchum, but perhaps not the instant dry I expected. There is still a bit of waiting, but I have not noticed any white marks after getting dressed. So overall, I am happy with the performance of this product. I will plan on putting it to the test next summer, too.

Cover Girl + Olay

I just LOVE reviewing beauty products! I was the happy recipient of a set of Cover Girl + Olay collaboration: Facelift Effect Firming Make-up and De-Puffer Concealer courtesy of Bzz Agent recently, so I am excited to be asked for my opinion.

First, let me just admit that my fantasy ideal make-up product is indeed something that would reduce eye puffiness. I make an effort to avoid excess sodium and sleep on my back, but I still have the occasional eye puffiness. It would be great to have an effective treatment that produces visible results in say, the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.

The Covergirl + Olay De-Puffer applicator has a metal tip, presumably for it's cooling effect. I have used other eye product applicators with a similar tip... it may contribute something to the overall de-puffing effect of the product, but on it's own, I don't think this feature would make a lot of difference. It's a nice cool feeling though, as it's gliding around the eye area.

The product that is dispensed goes on pretty thin and with a natural look. That is a good thing as far as I am concerned - I would rather have buildable coverage rather than a thick coating under my eyes that winds up looking cakey. The cool metal tip is not enough of a blender, however. A finger or make-up sponge is needed to smooth out the product and blend it into the skin. I liked this product a lot, even though I can't necessarily say it is the miracle I was looking for. It does help cool and cover, but I don't think it's going to hide the fact you watched a tear-jerker last night with a big bowl of salty popcorn.

I also tried the Covergirl + Olay Facelift Effect Firming Make-up. On its own, the make -up has great coverage and goes on with a mousse-like consistency. Not to say that it has a bubbly texture like mousse, but more like it has a thick consistency but light, not heavy feeling. I really liked the coverage results I got from this product and not a lot is needed for full coverage.

I will admit that had I seen this product on the shelf at the store I would not have tried it. I tend to dislike "pot" forms of products for the face. Whether it is make-up or moisturizer, I am always worried about introducing bacteria into the product container. Plus, this form of dispensing is always a little messy, and it is more difficult for me to control the amount of product used. Overall, though, the coverage is really nice and I felt like I was ready for a photo finish. Great products, both.

*A last note - being an animal lover, I tend to prefer to purchase products that are not tested on animals, but I have some confusion about which category these products are in. I belive Olay does test, but CoverGirl does not. I will update if/when I have a definitive answer.
 
#GotItFree #GetALift

L'Oreal Superior Preference Mousse Absolue

Anyone who colors their own hair most like yearns for a re-usable system of hair color delivery. Who hasn't colored their hair and then after the fact - sometimes the next day - noticed a spot of gray still peeking out, or a root that was missed? Oh, if only I had been able to save a little of the hair color solution to touch it up! I have never been brave enough to defy the package warning which admonishes you to throw out any unused mixture lest the container burst. The bottom line is if you miss a spot, you have to open a new package and mix a little color to fix it. But who buys multiple packages at a time? It's always been a bit of an issue.

Well, at last the dream of reusable hair color is a reality!

I was really excited to try this new product for the above reasons. I don't often have a missed spot, but it does happen occasionally. The product container design looks like the color and developer are housed in separate areas within, and mixed when the sprayer is activated. It comes out of the can in mousse form, which is then massaged into the roots and hair with gloved fingers. It is an ingenious method of delivery, partly because it sidesteps the whole drip problem of some hair colors. The canister is shipped with a regular cap which is swapped out for the spray nozzle for dispensing and can be replaced for storage. It is nice since if you just want to touch up one area or roots, you can dispense only what you need and keep the rest on hand for later.

So how about the color performance? The store where I purchased my Mousse Absolue did not have as deep a color selection as other L'Oreal products, but I was able to find a shade a little darker than what I usually use. The color delivered the usual L'Oreal quality, and comes with a large tube of after color conditioner. There's a reason that L'Oreal dominates the world of hair color, and innovations like this one are one reason. The only complaint I have with this wonderful product is that it  retailed around $15 - pricey compared to the sale price you can find for my other long time standby - Revlon Colorsilk, which can be had for a s little as 2 for $6. I could always open two boxes for the price of one Mousse, but this new hair color has a lot of glamour and slick new appeal.

Playtex Sport Fresh Balance

Wow, so what can you say about this product?  Playtex has been a favorite for a long time - ease of use and security being number one attributes in this product category. This version seems to have a redesigned applicator and according to the Playtex website, new technology. As always, it's a great product. I was given a sample to try from Influenster as part of the Go Vox Box active lifestyle emphasis. I am a runner, a biker and a kayaker - and it's summer. This puppy delivers - enough said!

@PlaytexSportandGentleGlide  @Influenster

Influenster GoVoxBox

Influenster GoVoxBox

		I was recently the happy recipient of the Influenster "GoVoxBox" - a box filled with goodies to test and review for free. My box contained:
		Playtex Sport Fresh Balance Gentle Glide Vitamin Shoppe Next Step Fit N Full Protein Shake Blue Diamond Blueberry Flavored Almonds Profoot Triad Orthodic AND Profoot Pedi Rock Aqua Spa Body Creme Muller Yogurt Greek Corner coupon for a free product. I am excited to see how all these products fit into my active lifestyle. I am a runner, kayaker and biker. I think I was most thrilled to see the Aqua Spa Lavender Chamomile Creme and the Profoot Pedi Rock, because I love beauty products! I have already started reviewing some of the items individually. Check back for more!
		@Playtex_Sport #PlayOn @VitaminShoppe #NextStep @BlueDiamond #GetYourGoodGoing @Profoot_Inc #GoProFoot @AquaSpaBath #RelaxwithAquaSpa @MullerQuaker / #MullerQuaker

Profoot Pedi-Rock

Oh Pedi Rock, where have you been all my life? I have to share my excitement about this foot care product. I was given the avocado-looking Profoot Pedi-Rock in my Influenster GoVoxBox - a box full of active living items to try and test, and I love it.

At its core, a review should really answer a pretty simple question: Does the product work as advertised? The answer in this case is YES.

The Pedi Rock is recommended for gently removing rough skin and calluses from the feet and can be used wet or dry. The thing that really makes this product different is the texture and shape of it - it feels like a rough sponge. Soft and squishy, yet sand-papery.  I love the ergonomic, easy to hang on to shape - it has a smooth shape with curves and depressions that make it easy to maneuver and hold on to. As someone who has struggled with hard pumice stones, it is a welcome relief. It rinses off for quick clean-up after the “sanding”. It will be interesting to note how long the Pedi Rock keeps its unique surface. In the meantime, I am enjoying smooth feet just in time for sandal weather.

@Profoot_Inc   #GoProFoot #GoVoxBox @Influenster

Smooth Moves

Muller Greek Corner Yogurt

Just a quick review of Muller Greek Yogurt. I was the recipient of a coupon for a freebie from Influenster, so I bought it,  packed it up, went for a run, and sat next to the river to eat it and recover a bit later. (I am happy to note that the packaging survived the jostling it got) I often buy large tubs of plain Greek yogurt, which I sweeten with honey or fruit preserves, but this does the same thing in one convenient, portable package.

I tried the Greek Corner Blackberry & Raspberry flavor. The Greek yogurt part is separated from the berry compote by the packaging. It was thick and creamy and smooth - very satisfying. I liked the ability to control how much of the preserves I could add (or not) and that part was was sweetly delicious. Overall, a very tasty treat! I like to think that the protein shot got me back on my feet with a sugar energy burst to get me back on the road.

On to the nutritional content: 9g of protein vs. the 19g of sugar. Low sodium, only 75mg and 140 calories. Not too bad, although I wish the sugar content was lower. On the plus side, this product does not contain any high fructose corn syrup, which is a HUGE positive for me. Thanks, Influenster! I appreciate the introduction to this new tasty friend.

#MullerQuaker
@Influenster