Tag: Product Reviews

Influenster Vox Box Review

Published on by Kadi3 Comments

Hello Passionista,

Today, I have a special #curltreat to share with you. I received another Vox Box from Influenster,that is all about CURLS and treating yourself to healthy styles.

What’s in the box?

This Vox Box includes Garnier Fructis Curl Treat Leave- in stylers: Hydrating Butter and Defining Soothie.

Y’all know I love a good hair product and these styler came just in time for the holidays. I decided to do a flexi rod set using both the Hydrating butter and Defining smoothie. I normally don’t purchase Garnier Fructis products for my hair because honestly I didn’t think it was a brand for ethnic natural hair. Now that I’ve tried these curl treats I will be purchasing these products and exploring what other good styling products Garnier Fructis has to offer my thick natural curls.

Both the Hydrating Butter and Defining Soothie formulas are thick and feels very rich. You only need to apply a little bit to each section of hair.

When styling my hair with the flexi rods, I wet my hair with a spray bottle of warm water, them added the Hydrating Butter from root to ends. Before starting to roll each section of hair with the flexi rod, I used my finger to rub the Defining smoothie and a small amount of curl gel to the ends. Once my entire head was rolled and twisted in the flexi rod, I let it air dry over night then sat under the hair drier the next morning for 20 mins (just to make sure my roots were completely dry)

Natural Hair Tip: Make sure your hair is COMPLETELY dry when doing twist out, rod or roller set before untwist or unrolling. It makes a huge different in the final look and how long it will last.

I am amazed at the finished look of this flexi rod protective style. Like I said, I never thought Garnier Frutis products were for my type of hair. There advertisements always have white women with straight hair, I don’t fit that audience so I over look the brand. I would like to see more women of color with different types and styles of hair in their advertisements.

ENTIRE LOOK FOR THE EVENING

Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for review purposes.

For PR and brand partnership or sponsoring, please email passionlockedblog@gmail.com

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PinchMe Review

Published on by Kadi3 Comments

Hello Passionista,

So I’ve received yet another PINCHme Box. I think this may be my last PINCHMe box. Don’t get me wrong, I like getting free stuff to try and I love sharing my reviews with you guys. But ….. PINCHMe is too much. When I first joined PINCHMe, it was simple you complete surveys for points and you get free samples to review. Recently they’ve switched something up. You have to take more surveys to get a box now. For some reason, I don’t qualify for most of the surveys anymore. I’ll spend hours on the website filling out the same basic information just to get rejected from completing the entire survey and getting all my points. I don’t event get a box every month any more. When I do get a box it takes it forever to arrive and when it does the box is all beat up.

Sample #1: Native Deodorant

The sample size packaging is great for trial. I have it in my work bag, just in case I need a refresh during the day or if I need to freshen up after work to head straight to happy hour.

There is nothing special about this product to me. It’s just like any other deodorant minus the parabens, aluminum and phthalates. You put this deodorant on the same way you would any other deodorant. I’ve used this deodorant for the past week and had no issues of being musty. I don’t really do any hard labor activity throughout the day anyways. I think it’s slightly impressive that the formula still seems to work without the aluminum, parabens and phthalates. It makes me questions why those ingredients were ever added to hygiene and body care products in the first place. A question consumers will probably never know the truth about.

This deodorant is made without aluminum, parabens, phthalates, and talc. Honestly, I don’t know what none of these ingredients are. But I do know that “Free From” parabens and phthalates, etc. has become a industry trend for skincare and cosmetic products. Just about everything new to market have these “Free From” call outs on the packaging and all over social media.

I did find this product in Target. The regular size product is 2.65oz and costs $11.99. I don’t see myself purchasing deodorant for $11.99 when I’ve used to paying $3-$4. There is also a mini size 0.35oz for $2.99, which is the same size as the sample from PINCHme. I don’t know how long the 0.35oz will last but I like how compact it is for on the go purposes. I will continue to use my sample and I may purchase the mini in store, but I know I will not be purchasing the $11.99 product. Toms brand is not even that much.

Samples #2: Shea Moisture African Black Soap Clarifying Facial Wash & Scrub with Tamarind Extract & Tea Tree Oil

This sample came in the form of a packet for a one time use. But the regular in store product is a 1.5oz tube for $4.49 on sheamoisture.com. The sample contained enough product for a good one time use of the product.

The product is meant to be a smoothing exfoliator to help cleanses any impurities of the skin. I used a facial spatular to apply the product all over my face and neck. Then used my hands to massage in my skin in a circular and upward motion. The scent is very mild, but PLEASE do not get the product in your eye. I did and it was horrible.

I felt like my skin was softer and cleanser after use. I didn’t really need to do anything else to my face. So I used my Little Barn Coconut + Mint facial mist to set my face and start my day.

This is a product I see myself purchasing and using more that I have tried the sample. It reasonable priced and works well.

Sample #3 Sugru Moldable Glue

This is not really a product that I need or would see myself in need of. I honestly had to find something to use it on to write this review. For a handy person, this product will come in handy for around the house quick fixes. I have a white board that fell of the wall and cracked recently. I wasn’t going to throw it away but the way it broke, I could not rehang it on the wall without repairing it. I was going to just use my hot glue gun, but after I received this sample I decided to use this. The package states it take 48 hours to fully dry. I used half of the samples to repair this white board and the other half went to waist because it harden in the slightly opened samples package.

Disclaimer: I received this product from PINCHme for reviewing purposes. All of my reviews are my honest opinion whether I bought the product(s) to it was sent to me. 

For PR and brand collaborations opportunities, please email passionlockedblog@gmail.com. Be sure to follow me on instagram. 

BLOGMAS Day 22| Yes To Foaming Sheet Mask Review

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista,

I have been trying so hard to not miss a day of blogmas. And I missed a day of blogmas 🤦🏾‍♀️!!!!!! So disappointing, but I’ve been super busy this month. I’m not just being lazy and not blogging I just had an intense Friday. Maybe I’ll do a bonus blog, but for now BACK TO THE REGULAR SCHEDULED PROGRAM.

I love a good pamper day. Pampering myself is a important part of my self care. I enjoy doing a at home facial, a bath with salts and scrubs and body oil to nourish my skin.

I recently adding a new product to my at home pamper day routine. Instead of a clay mask, this time I used the Yes To Cucumbers Bubbling Paper Mask, purchased from Target. I’m not really sure I had any expectations before using this product. I was curious to see how it felt and if it really worked.

It really worked. I applied the sheet mask just like any other sheet mask. It was not foamy when I took it out of the packaging. The sheet mask was nicely soaked with the formula. I don’t even know how long it took the mask to foam up. I didn’t feel it foam up. After I applied the mask, I enjoyed my hot bath soak with bath salts and once I was out I looked in the mirror and the mask had foamed. I was concerned that maybe the foam formula pull leave my skin feeling dry after taking the mask off. To my surprise the mask felt my skin feeling really hydrated. I used my face water mist to set my face after the mask and went about the rest of my pampering.

Have you tried this Bubbling sheet mask yet?

BLOGMAS Day 20|SpaScriptions Clay Mask Review

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista

Surprisingly, I have managed to keep my skin hydrated and moisturized this winter. I haven’t had any breakouts (fingers crossed I keep this same energy). 

I was trying to define a consistent winter skincare routine for daily care, but I’ve gotten comfortable just trying a bunch of different products, as usual. SpaScriptions is a new brand I discovered in Big Lots. Owned by Global Beauty Care, SpaScriptions is meant to help repair and replenish your skin. This sample kit came with three 1.7oz size samples of masks was less than $10. 

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So far I have only used one of the mask- The Clay Mask! 

The formula is soft and thick, it easily spreads across your face. I love that the kit came with this facial spatular for application. This is a plus because I can use it for just about all of my masks. 

I appreciate the fact that the clay mask remaining soft after sitting on my face for 20 minutes. It did not harden or flake. I was able to wash the mask off with no issues and leaving no mess in the sink.

    I would love to work with this brand on a skincare or beauty campaign because I really enjoyed their product. I could see myself adding SpaScription to my lists of favorites and use their products more often. It would even be nice to explore more of the brands line to create a speciality skincare routine, since I can seem to nail a seasonal or morning / night routine.

    BLOGMAS Day 11| CVS Make Up Remover Wipes Product Review

    Published on by KadiLeave a comment

    Hello Passionista, 

    So I was in CVS the other day ranting about the price of make up remover wipes. Honestly, brand mark up cost are outrageous and I’m over it. I like Neutrogena, but I’m also tired of Neutrogena’s price point. 

    I opted to tried a cheaper store brand version of make up remover wipes. This is a new  CVS private label brand make up remover wipe, retailed at $2.99. To my luck, when I got to the register this item was actually on sale- buy one, get one 50% off. Of course I purchased 2 packs. I will always need facial wipes. I use them everyday, multiple times a day. 

    CVS Brand Cucumber & Aloe Soothing Facial Wipes – clarifies and refreshes skin

    CVS Brand Fragrance Free Moisturizing Facial Wipes- alcohol and fragrance free

    First Impressions: 

    The packaging is cute… but for a teenager. The price is what drew my interest to purchase this project. Not the packaging! The wipe it self is thick and soft, if feels to be some good quality. It’s not a Neutrogena wipe but no complaints. The formula gentle remove make up perfectly. I used one wipe to remover a full face of make up without the towel drying out. I had no issue wiping away my eye make up either. Other than the packaging I like these wipes a lot. I;m not saying I will never buy expensive Neutrogena make up remover wipes again, but for now the CVS private brand is a great alternative. 

    The reseal label will honestly determine if I re-purchase these wipes again. My biggest pet peeve with make up remover wipes is that after a while the reseal label stops sticking or curls up and my wipes start drying out before I can finish all the wipes. I hope this product doesn’t do that. follow me on social media for updated on this review as I continue to used these wipes. 

    BLOGMAS DAY 6 |Product Review | Living Room Decor

    Published on by KadiLeave a comment

    Hello Passionista, 

    I’ve been in of the spirit of re-decorating my place. I desire a creative open environment that fell  warm and cozy yet cute with a touch on my unique personality. I spent tons of time scrolling through Pinterest for inspiration and ideas. Recently, wall tapestries have sparked my interest. I am currently renting, so painting accent walls and having to re paint the wall back before I move doesn’t tickle my fancy. A wall tapestry is a great alternative and better than a colored accent wall. There are all types of styles and designs and portraits to choose from. 

    My vision is to create a hippie- chic living room decor. The color scheme inspiration for this room is midnight blue and (shades of) pink with gold accent. I purchased this gold and white Indian Mandala wall art from Amazon. I thought the design would really pop on the wall behind my midnight blue sofa styled with pink decor pillows. I want different shades of pink so I plan to add more pink pillows to the sofa. 

    The wall tapestry measures to be 85 inches by 55 inches and hits the sofa background perfectly. I love how this is coming together. I still have several pieces I want to add to this space before it is complete. I plan to order more tapestries for the bedrooms. 

    Mandala Wall Tapestry Wall Hanging Ombre Tapestry Tapestry Ombre Bedding, Mandala Tapestry, Multi Color Indian Mandala Wall Art Hippie Wall Hanging (White and Gold Flower, Twin 85×55 Inch)

    This post contains affiliate links & I may receive commission for the purchase o bookings made through think link at on cost you. 

    Top 5 Faves | Skincare

    Published on by KadiLeave a comment

    Hello Passionista

    Thought I’d share some of my latest favorites, what you crushin on? 

    Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel

    img_0607First things first … I love that is product is 100% all natural. I’m not really natural crazy when it come to products but this is a product I put on my face. And daily! Also I love that is product is fragrance free. Although it has that witch hazel scent, there is no perfumes added to alter the natural scent. I wish I could buy this in bulk (larger than 16oz) with like a little refill bottle or something. But the formula is great. I have been using this product for a little over a year, just to cleanse my face after every shower. I use cotton pads from the dollar tree to wipe my face, then I proceed to a mask or scrub.

    Yes To Coconut Ultra Hydrating Paper Mask

    img_0603I have a sweet thing for sheet mask. I must say I enjoy them more than spread a masks across my face and standing over a sink to wash it off. Yeah, I’m a little lazy. But that’s why someone started marketing sheet mask. I use them at  least 2 times a week. Yes To sheet masks are always so soft. There literally made of cotton, which cause me to leave it on until it dries. Sometime! Yes To has the coolest packaging graphics. Yes To Coconut products really hydrates my skin and enhance my glow.

    Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with SPF 15

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    This has been my life line since summer. Every morning after washing my face, I moisturize with this. I did not understand how much a little SPF helps. Honey! My skin tone has been even all year… I never happens. This product is my best friend. I love the the tap is bigger enough for the tube to stand up on the counter and small enough to carry around. But it was kind expensive so I hope this bottle last me a while.

    Aveeno Active Naturals Smart Essentials Daily Detoxifying Scrub

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    I have had this product for at least a year. Theres’s no expiration date on the product so I hope thats okay. Basically I use this product the few days before and after getting a wax. Its a gentle exfoilator that feels good. Time to go buy another!

    Lush Bath Bomb- Butterball

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    My absolutely favorite. An colleauge put me on to Lush and it changed my life. The butterball has been my favorite from the every beginning.  I nice hot soak not bubbles, just hot water and oils. Such amazing self care.

    Lipstick of the Week

    Published on by KadiLeave a comment

    Hello Passionista

    Fall is here baby!

    This liquid lipstick in the color wannabe by Tarte is one of my favorites for fall. Wannabe is the perfect universal dark nude for just about every type of outfit. It’s something about breezy and cold weather with a cardigan and dark lip stick that makes me feel fancy. I love how long it liquid formula lasts. I only had to apply once for the entire work day.

    When using a lip pencil, I recommend matching Mac lip pencil in the color plum.

    Lipstick of the Week: MAC matte lipstick

    Published on by KadiLeave a comment

    Hello Passionista!

    This week has been awesome. On Sunday, I met up with friends to spend some chill time in the park. The weather was nice, sun was shinning, and we needed some girl chat.

    I love a good park picnic set up. So on short notice I gathered my blanket, cards games, snacks and wine for our little park adventure. The weather was not too hot or too cold, allowing us to enjoy the park for about five hours out in the sun. (Well under a tree really)

    Since this was a outside event and I sweat so easily, I made it a fresh face SUNDAY. But you know I can’t go without lipstick.

    This week I have fallen in love with the MAC Matte Lipstick in the color whirl, all over again. I purchased this lipstick last fall and with the seasons changing and getting new lipsticks it has just been siting on my lipstick rack. But look at it on me. It is time I bring this whirl color out of retirement and start rocking it again.

    Pictures from the Park:

    Lipstick of the Week

    Published on by KadiLeave a comment

    Hello Passionista

    It’s Friday!!! We’ve almost made it through this week. It has been a long one for me and I can’t wait to relax for the weekend.

    Even though it’s been a rough week, I’m always determined not to look like what I feel like. Today I’m enjoying the GA sunshine with my Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick in the color Spice.

    Purchased from ULTA on sale for buy 1 get one week during National Lipstick Day. I love this color, so I have to have it. It will definitely be a favorite in my fall makeup essentials.

    Blooper: