Spice Vox Box

December 24, 2015December 21, 2015 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood4 Comments

I love to give my opinion and I love free stuff. There is actually a place online that both of these things come together…Influenster.com

“Infuenster is a product discovery platform that lets opinionated, social media savvy consumers like you discover and share knowledge on products through sampling, reviews, and more!”

Spice Vox Box | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com — Spice Voxbox sent to me free from Influenster

It is easy to get started. You just need to login toInfluenster.com and complete your profile by sharing some general information about yourself so you can get matched with campaigns that you might be interested in.

Now that the Influenster commercial is finished… I was recently selected by Influenster to receive the Spice Vox Box. This box is great! There are so many awesome things inside!

Products Featured:

SoapBox Conditioner
SoapBox Shampoo I have seen this brand at Target, but have never purchased it for myself. I was happy to see that it was included in the spice voxbox. When reading about this brand I realized what an awesome company it is! I’m going to write a full review about it once I have used the product for a few weeks. So far I have only been using these for two days, but I am liking them so far.

Foot Petals “Killer Kushionz” I am not going to lie, I haven’t put these in my shoes yet. I am kinda confused as to what they are and what they actually do?…

Yogi Tea Sweet Tangerine Positive Energy I have a love hate relationship with Yogi teas. This one has a great flavor, but they are presweetened with stevia. I have a major sweet tooth, and something about stevia is just too sweet for me.

Yogi Tea Vanilla Spice Perfect Energy This one had a great flavor as well, and it didn’t seem too overly sweet, maybe because it is a bit spicier or bolder in flavor. I like this one better than the Tangerine one.

Not Your Mother’s Whip it Up Cream Styling Mousse I have already written an entire post dedicated to Not Your Mother’s Whip it up Styling Mousse which you can check out HERE. (spoiler alert: I love it!)

Boots Botanics Hydrating Day Cream I have been loving this cream! It has a nice light feel yet moisturizes at the same time! Since it is extremely lightweight, it makes ideal for wearing under makeup. The scent isn’t my favorite. It think it is described as rosehip. Not a huge fan. I really like the cream despite the scent, and the scent doesn’t really linger too long. This is available at Ulta for about $13.

Good Health Veggie Stix My family loved these! They have a great flavor and are a lot healthier than regular chips. Influenster worked on me because I have already bought a bag for myself from my local grocery store.

SinfulColors SinfulShine 2-Step Manicure If you have been around Looking Joli Good for any amount of time, you know how I feel about nail polish! My daughter was thrilled about it though. It is a bright smurf blue, and as of now, that is her favorite color. She’s had it on her nails for about a week and it is still hanging on. Nail polish doesn’t usually stay well on children’s nails because they have softer more “oily” nail beds.

influenster spice voxbox | lokingjoligood.wordpress.com — My daughter wearing a glitter tattoo and the sinful shine bright blue nail polish.

Foot Petals Give ‘Em the Boot (some received these I got the Killer Kushionz instead)

Have you tried any of these products? Did you get your own voxbox? Are you already a member of Influenster? Let me know in the comment section.

**While I received all of these items for free from Influenster in the Spice Voxbox, as always all these opinions are my own!**

Make up

My Christmas Wish List

December 24, 2015December 29, 2015 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodImageLeave a comment

I have been very good this year :-), so I am wishing for a lot of nice things!

Here are some of the things I am wishing for

Lorac Pro Palette

Naked 2 Palette

Mac Fix Plus prep and prime

Charlotte Tilbury Uptown Girl

Laura Geller baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator Guilded Honey

Make Up For Ever HD Foundation

Delicious Recipes

Caramel Popcorn

December 23, 2015December 19, 2015 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

A few weeks back my friends and I celebrated “Friendsgiving” One of my friends made some delicious homemade caramel popcorn. For me it was love at first bite! She gave me the recipe and I have been enjoying homemade caramel ever since! So simple and delicious. While I prefer to eat all of this homemade caramel popcorn myself, this recipe is perfect for giving away as gifts during the holiday season.

Homemade Caramel Popcorn | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Caramel Popcorn

Ingredients:

1/2 to 3/4 unpopped popcorn

(simple instructions below on how to pop kernels in the microwave using a brown paper lunch bag.)
2/3 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup white corn syrup

2 teaspoons vanilla

Optional: chopped nuts, sprinkles, chopped candy bars, M&M’s

Directions:

1. Pop popcorn and place in a large metal bowl.

2. Combine sugar, butter and corn syrup in heavy cooking pan.

3.Cook on medium heat; stir constantly.

4. When sauce turns medium caramel color, remove from heat and add vanilla.

**Warning: Be extra careful! The caramel is so super hot that if even a tiny bit gets on your skin it will burn soooooo bad! Also, don’t stand directly over the pan when you add the vanilla. It will bubble and steam when you add it to the hot mixture.**

5. Immediately pour over popcorn and stir with a long handled metal or wooden spoon.

6. Enjoy and try not to eat the whole thing yourself 😉

Paper Bag Popcorn Popping:

Measure 1/2 cup popcorn kernels into a lunch sized paper bag.
Loosely fold just the very top of the bag over so the kernels don’t spill out. Tape it shut (or you may end up with a microwave full of popcorn!)
Lay the bag in the microwave taped side down. Shake the kernels to spread them out evenly in the bag.
Microwave until there are no more than 3 seconds between popping sounds. (My microwave usually takes 2 min 30 seconds, but I stand by and listen very closely!)
Carefully remove the bag and open it carefully, the popcorn is hot! Enjoy!

Beauty Subscription · Make up · Review

Ipsy Glam Bag December 2015

December 21, 2015August 10, 2016 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood7 Comments

I can’t believe that another month has flown by and it is already time to receive another ipsy glam bag! If you don’t know what ipsy is you can check out my previous post all about it by clicking HERE

If you are thinking about trying out ipsy, here is my referral link https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=uqdkx

This month’s glam bag is a bright Christmas red. It has a patten leather feel to it. It is a half moon shape which makes it a bit smaller than usual. Not my favorite bag, but I do like that the zipper is on the top instead of across the side like several of the last few bags.

I actually received my bag last week and have already been using the products. So this will be a bit of a mini review as well.

Swissco Soft Touch Slant Tweezers

I am super picky when it comes to tweezers. I hate to have to say it but these just didn’t live up to my standards.They have a nice feel to them, but the tip is just too thick and blunt to really get ahold of those tough stubborn hairs.

Be A Bombshell Cosmetics Mechanical Eye Liner

This did not swatch too well, but I have to say that since I have been using it I have really enjoyed it. I got the color wild child which is kind of like an off black. I really like that it is a mechanical liner. I feel as if so much product gets wasted with the types that need to be sharpened.

LATHER honey moisture mask with propolis extract

I LOVE this mask! It has a great feel and my skin has been loving the extra moisture! I also love the honey scent! This is my favorite thing that I got in my glam bag this month.

A super-hydrating mask to relieve stressed skin that has been over-exposed to environmental pollutants and nature’s harsh elements. Specially blended with propolis extract, natural honey, nourishing minerals and vitamins, this mask revitalizes the skin’s texture with deep-penetrating nutrients. Paraben-free.

Pacifica Power Of Love Natural Lipstick
Not the perfect color for me, but still very pretty and it lives up to the product claims.

Amazingly creamy, highly-pigmented, and naturally moisturizing – this lipstick is packed with all the vitamins and antioxidants your lips crave. Made with coconut oil, shea butter, and vitamin E. 100% Vegan & Cruelty-Free.

FORMULA X Nail Polish in Revved Up

When they sent out the preview email, I saw all the awesome possibilities… and the nail polish. I thought to myself, with all these awesome possibilities, I REALLY hope I don’t get the nail polish ! You guys! You’ve got to me kidding me! I got ANOTHER nail polish!!! I hate nail polish! Why do I keep getting nail polish?! With washing my hands and wearing gloves all day at work, I can’t wear it, and I get my feet done at the salon. I am not going to lie, when I saw that I got yet another nail polish in my ipsy glam bag, I was so mad! I felt like a huge baby, but I was seriously so upset! I HATE nail polish! I talked to the ipsy customer service and while they are super nice and helpful, there really isn’t anything that they can do about it. I felt better that at least I was able to vent about it to someone at ipsy. Obviously this is my LEAST favorite thing that I got in my bag this month!

How about you? Did you get an ipsy’s glam bag? What did you get in yours? Were you happy with your samples? Do you get any other monthly subscription bags/boxes that are worth trying out? Let me know in the comments below.

If you don’t already subscribe and would like to try out ipsy you can use my referral link by clicking HERE! Also, if you are interested in seeing my other recent posts about ipsy click HERE

I would love for you to follow me on Instagram and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on both. I would also love to follow you as well, so let me know your user name in the comment section below!

Make up · Review · Weekly Product Highlight

Weekly Product Highlight: Maybelline COLOSSAL VOLUM’ EXPRESS® WATERPROOF MASCARA IN GLAM BLACK

December 19, 2015May 9, 2022 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood1 Comment

Mascara is my jam! Lol! I love to have beautiful eyelashes.

While I do have longish lashes, they are super straight and droopy. They remind me of Snuffleupagus’ eyelashes from Sesame Street. I have to curl them or they stick straight down. They cannot handle regular mascara, I have to use waterproof mascara if I have any prayer of keeping a curl.

I am so jealous of all you girls that never have to use an eyelash curler! My sister has naturally dark curled lashes, so not fair!

All that being said, I am super particular about mascaras! I expect A LOT from my mascara. I want a beautiful natural yet volumized, lengthened, not clumpy look with no flaking and an all day hold. That isn’t too much to ask for is it?!

I have gone through a lot of trial and error with mascaras. Unfortunately, it took me a while to figure out that I needed to be wearing a waterproof mascara. I have a whole graveyard of mascaras that did not work for me! After doing some research and trying so many different mascaras, I have finally found my all time favorite waterproof mascara.

I love the Maybelline VOLUM’ EXPRESS® THE COLOSSAL WATERPROOF MASCARA IN GLAM BLACK. It gives me a a beautiful natural yet volumized lengthening not clumpy look with no flaking and an all day hold. That is exactly what I am looking for 😉

What does the Maybelline website have to say about it…

COLOSSAL LASHES IN JUST ONE COAT!
CREATES 7X THE VOLUME, instantly
WATERPROOF COLLAGEN FORMULA + MEGA BRUSH

Why You’ll Love It

For the lushest, most gorgeous smudge-proof lashes.
• Waterproof collagen-enriched plumping formula and exclusive Mega Brush build 7X volume with one quick sweep
• Contact lens safe and ophthalmologist-tested
• Waterproof, also available in Washable formula

For Best Results

Sweep brush from root to tip to plump lashes and achieve dramatic volume. Do not let dry between coats. Removes easily with soap and water or Expert Eyes® Moisturizing Eye Makeup Remover.

The Maybelline website claims that you can easily remove this mascara with soap and water… um no! You definitely need an oil based waterproof makeup remover! I personally recommend that you make your own using my simply DIY makeup remover.

What about you? Have you tried any of the many Maybelline mascaras? Have you tried the Colossal Volum’ Express Waterproof Mascara? What has your experience been? Did you love it? Hate it? Holy grail? Just ok? Did you have any clumping or flaking? Have you noticed anything different from what I found? Let me know in the comment section below.

*Some of the above links are affiliate links

I would love for you to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Flab to FAB · Health/ Fitness · Jillian Michaels Body Revolution

Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Workout 3 Review

December 18, 2015June 3, 2023 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

**Please see update below

Phase 1 Workout 3 for Weeks 3 and 4

What will you need? exercise mat and free weights (3, 5 or 8 lbs depending on your strength level) Get ready to squat! Regular squats, sumo squats, chair squats, and step out step in squats.

Just like workout 1, workout 3 is focused on the front of the body. It incorporates some yoga moves as well as strength training. Right away you will notice that the workout is more intense than 1+2, but you will also notice how much stronger you already are. Where can you expect to be sore the next day?

Chest
Shoulders,
Abs,
Triceps
Quads

The workout is broken down into 4 circuits; each of which are repeated once with one minute of cardio in between the circuit repetition. Some of these things are harder to name/explain.

Here is a breakdown of phase one workout one

Warm-up

Jumping Jacks
Cat Cow Stretch
High Kicks
Lateral Leg Swings R/L
Jumping Jacks

Circuit 1:

Push-ups
Down Dog with ankle grab R/L
Alternating Backwards Lunges-advanced modification-add weights
Plank walks outs

Cardio -1 minute Jumprope

Circuit 2:

Sumo Squats with tricep extension-advanced modification- add heavier weights
Camel yoga pose with ankle stretch (looks a lot easier than it is.)
Squat press -advanced modification-add heavier weights
Cable press with static lunge

Cardio -1 minute Punches with half squat-repeat circuit 2

Circuit 3:

Plank to Crescent pose back to plank
Crab position with dip
Side Crunches R/L

Cardio -1 minute- Plie Hops-repeat circuit 3

Circuit 4:

Tree pose with Lateral raises-use liter weights – right
Plank ups (these are so hard, but I love them)
Tree pose with Lateral raises-use liter weights – left
Inchworm crunches

Cardio -1 minute-Skiers-repeat circuit 4 Cool Down/Stretches I have finished the first two weeks of phase one and the first week of the second half of phase 1-workouts 3 and 4. I was super sore from the workouts the first two days, (I woke up in the middle of the night in pain because I rolled over and my muscles were so sore from the workout!) but thankfully, after that not much at all. Maybe take some motrin before going to bed. 🙂 I will write a detailed review of Workout 4 soon. If you are interested in my review of Workouts 1+2 and Cardio 1 click HERE. Follow along with me as I journey from Flab to FAB! I hope this was helpful if you are trying to decide if Jillian Michaels Body Revolution is right for you! Here is one of my very favorite Jillian Micheals quotes:

“You have no idea the strength you have within you!”

“

I would love for you to follow me on Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all three.

Update:

Initially, I found Jillian Michaels’ approach to exercise and dieting highly motivational. Her intense workouts and strict dietary guidelines pushed me to achieve remarkable physical results, which fueled my motivation and determination. I embraced her no-nonsense attitude and believed that pushing my body to its limits was the only way to achieve success. However, as time went on, I began to realize that this approach was taking a toll on my mental health. The relentless pursuit of physical perfection and the constant pressure I placed on myself led to feelings of anxiety, guilt, and a distorted body image. It was then that I decided to change my perspective and adopt a more balanced and loving approach to my body. By prioritizing self-compassion, listening to my body’s needs, and embracing acceptance, I discovered a newfound sense of mental well-being. This shift in thinking allowed me to find joy in movement, cultivate a positive relationship with my body, and ultimately, achieve a healthier and more sustainable approach to overall well-being.

Make up · Photography

Mirrors and Lighting

December 17, 2015 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

I am in desperate need of some new jeans! I had today off of work and decided to go shopping.
If I were the owner of a clothing store, I would make the lighting and mirrors in the dressing rooms as absolutely flattering as possible. Make it so that we look like we are in a real life Instagram filter. Why is it that instead, all the dressing rooms are set up to induce suicide?
No luck today, I still need the jeans! Maybe I will order some online and try them on in my own mirror and lighting!

Beauty Subscription · Review · Weekly Product Highlight

Not Your Mother’s Whip it up Styling Mousse

December 15, 2015 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

Weekly Product Highlight~Hair Mousse~

Fortunately for me, I have a great hair cut that without much fuss falls into place on its own. Unfortunately for me, I am not without hair issues, I have very straight somewhat fine hair that doesn’t have much volume.

I have used all different types of volume inducing products and mousses in the past. Overall I am usually pretty wary of them, mostly because they can end up sticky and heavy. Not so with this Not Your Mother’s Whip it up Styling Mousse. It isn’t like that at all. It is lightweight, so easy to apply, and gives my hair extra lift at the roots. I was surprised how much volume it put into my hair without weighing it down.

Another awesome thing about this mousse is that a lot goes a long way! It is smooth, thick, and creamy. It doesn’t leave my hands feeling sticky. I absolutely hate it when through out the day if I run my hands through my hair and they end up with a sticky feeling. That doesn’t happen at all with this mousse! Yay!

If all that isn’t already good enough, it smells absolutely delicious! It has a sweet vanilla cupcake frosting scent! I love products that smell great and work awesome!

If you want to check out the Not Your Mother’s brand here are links to their Instagram and Facebook pages

What does the Not Your Mother’s website have to say?

Does dreaming of vanilla bean crème brûlée leave you weak in the knees? Then Whip It Up will definitely have you believing in sugar plum fairies. This delicious vanilla cupcake scented mousse is rich in moisturizers to tame those frizzies as well body building volumizers for big hair dreams. It may smell sugary sweet, but this salon formula styling mousse won’t leave your fingers (or your hair) sticky!

Shake the can well. Turn can upside and dispense a small amount into the hand. Work evenly through hair, concentrating at the root to create volume and hold for any big style you crave. Proceed with styling.

**While I did receive this product from Influenster to test and review, as always, all the opinions are my own.**

If you are interested in trying out Influenster for yourself, use my referral link to check it out! www.influenster.com/r/1049268

Flab to FAB · Health/ Fitness · Jillian Michaels Body Revolution

Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Cardio 1 Review

December 11, 2015June 3, 2023 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood2 Comments

**Please see update below

Phase 1 Cardio 1 for Weeks 1 through 4

What will you need? Good supportive athletic shoes, that’s it.

While this phase is meant to be low impact you will still be sore when you first start out.

No warm up for this workout, it starts right up with the circuit. Each of the eight parts is done for one minute and repeated through twice for a total of three times.

Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Cardio 1 Review | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Workout:
1. March in place
2. Hot/fast feet
3. Punch it out in a half squat position
4. Jog in place
5. Running Man (I HATE this one)
6. Speed bags (doing this for 1 minute is a lot harder than you might think it would be.)
7. Kick outs with arm circles (Jillian also calls them mummy kicks)
8. Suicides

Repeat twice.

Cool Down/Stretches

I have finished the first two weeks of phase one and now moved on to the second half of phase 1-workouts 3 and 4. I was super sore from the workouts the first two days, but after that not much at all.

Follow along with me as I journey from Flab to FAB!

I hope this was helpful if you are trying to decide if Jillian Michaels Body Revolution is right for you!

Here is one of my very favorite Jillian Micheals quotes:

“This is where it matters the most. This is where lives are made, in these moments when you can choose whether or not to say ‘I cant’ or ‘I can.’ It is a choice that will either make or break you for life.”

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram Lookingjoligood and on Facebook Lookin Joli Good

**Update:

Review

This or That: Yes to grapefruit daily facial scrub and Garnier Clean + Balancing Daily Exfoliator

December 10, 2015January 15, 2016 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood3 Comments

I am going to be starting a new series called this or that comparing two similar products.

For my first This or That I am going to compare:

Yes to grapefruit daily facial scrub
and
Garnier Clean + Balancing Daily Exfoliator for Combination Skin

I have normal to combination skin. I live in the North East where the weather has gotten colder.

Let’s see what the products claim…

“Yes to Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub

Yes to Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub is a gentle daily exfoliator to help slough away dead skin cells and restore your skin’s natural radiance. It is formulated with Lemon Balm to help calm and repair damaged skin and Grapefruit, which naturally evens skin tone and enhances luminosity, leaving skin soft, smooth, and naturally hydrated.

MAKES SKIN BRIGHTER, CLEARER, AND MORE RADIANT!

99% Natural
Petroleum, SLS, & Paraben Free
Cruelty-free”

“Garnier Clean + Balancing Daily Exfoliator for Combination Skin

Combination skin has specific cleansing needs. To look and feel its best, it needs the right clean and specific care. Go beyond clean…

Customized Cleansing: Daily gel exfoliator targets T-Zone to deeply cleanse away oil and impurities.

Skin Type Specific Care: Formula, infused with antioxidants, Grapefruit and Pomegranate softens dry areas to balance skin.

Results:

In 1 use: Excess oil is removed and skin is smoothed.

After 1 week: Skin’s texture is refined and complexion balanced.”

My Findings

Yes to Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub
$10 for 4 oz
99% Natural
Great natural real grapefruit scent
Does not lather
After daily use for a month my skin looked more radiant and felt smooth

Garnier Clean + Balancing Daily Exfoliator for Combination Skin
$8 for 5oz can often get it on sale and use coupons
Finer grain of exfoliant
Lathers
Pleasant perfume grapefruit scent, not a natural grapefruit scent
After daily use for a month my skin was dryer with less oil

Which to I prefer…Drum roll please!

Yes to Grapefruit Correct & Repair Daily Facial Scrub | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com — Yes to Grapefruit Correct & Repair Daily Facial Scrub

I have used the entire bottle of Yes to grapefruit daily facial scrub. I love the scent of it and the way it makes my skin look and feel. With daily consistent use, I feel like it did make a difference on my skin’s appearance and feel.

I would repurchase the Garnier Clean + Balancing Daily Exfoliator for Combination Skin. I have enjoyed using it these last few weeks. I feel like it is just not the right choice for my skin at this time of year. I will try it again in the summer months and see if my skin reacts to it in a different way.

Let me know what other types of products you would like to see compared.

Looking Joli Good

Kindness is beautiful!

Tag: beautiful

Spice Vox Box

My Christmas Wish List

Caramel Popcorn

Caramel Popcorn

Ipsy Glam Bag December 2015