Category Archives: Savvy Review

Purex Crystals Aromatherapy Review and Giveaway

Purex Crystals Aromatherapy 6

I’ll admit it, I’m not a huge fan of doing laundry but it’s one of those things that just has to be done. And since it’s a must, I’m always on the hunt for products (and tips) to help make the laundry process easier. Well, a few years back I discovered Purex Crystals and I fell completely in love with these laundry enhancers! I mean, who doesn’t love a fresh laundry scent, right? And just recently I tried the new Purex Crystals Aromatherapy in Well Being and it did not disappoint.

Purex Crystals Aromatherapy

Why I love Purex Crystals Aromatherapy:

  • It’s super easy to use! You just simply add it to your washing machine (top load, front load or HE) at the start of the wash cycle and that’s it!
  • It really eliminates laundry odors. I live in a house with the hubs and three sons, so I know a thing or two about odors…this in-wash scent booster really works! And it’s long-lasting, I can wash sheets and towels using the  Purex Crystals Aromatherapy, put them away for weeks at a time and when I pull them out they smell as fresh as the day I washed them.
  • It’s affordable and easy to find. I’m a very frugal shopper so trust me when I say that this product is affordable. And it can be found at most drugstores, mass retailers and grocery store chains.

Purex Crystals Aromatherapy

The new Purex Crystals Aromatherapy comes in three different scents: Well Being (which I’ve already tried and love), Energy, and Serenity. I’m so tempted to go out to buy them all and my mood (or mood I want to be in) will determine which one I use…lol, anything to help make the laundry process more enjoyable.

Purex Crystals Aromatherapy Giveaway

Like I said the Purex Crystals Aromatherapy can be found at most drug store stores, mass retailers and grocery stores, so next time you’re out grab a bottle. And you can try your luck at winning a bottle too! Thanks to Purex, I have two coupons for a FREE bottle of Purex Crystals Aromatherapy. So that means there will be…not one but two lucky winners!!!

Here’s how to enter…

  1. Follow The Savvy Housewife Blog via email or Bloglovin.
  2. Leave a comment below telling me which Purex Crystals Aromatherapy scent you want to try and a tip/trick you use to make the laundry process easier. *One comment per person*

The giveaway will end on Monday, November 17, 2014 at 11:59 pm and the winners will be randomly chosen.

Good luck!!!

Disclosure: I received the product mentioned in this review for free as a Purex Insider for review purposes only. As always all opinions stated in this review are my own and based on my personal experience with the product.

Signature 2

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Influenster Vox Box (#CSMTKO)

Woot! Woot!

Influenster Vox Box

Y’all know I love nail polish! So I was super excited when I received my Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Influenster Vox Box in the mail, especially since I’m on a “no-buy” diet until March. Check out the reveal here…

Sally Hansen Influenster 2

Have you tried the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure polishes yet? Which shade should I try out first from the Influenster Vox Box? Have you signed up for Influenster yet?

Disclaimer: Influenster sent these products to me for free in exchange for my review but as always ALL opinion stated are my own.

 

 

 

 

The November Pillow Box

I hope that y’all enjoyed your Thanksgiving! I know I did…I ate good and shopped until I dropped on Black Friday. I also had a chance to test out some of the goodies in the November Pillow Box. If you have been following this blog for a while then you have seen previous post about the My Shade of Brown Pillow Box here, here and here. If not then let me tell you a little bit about MSB and the Pillow Box; My Shade of Brown is a company centered around providing beauty products specifically targeted to women of color. And each month MSB selects 4-5 premium samples for their signature Pillow Box that is delivered right to your door step. I absolutely love the service! Check out what was in the November Pillow Box….

Ada Cosmetics Finishing Veil

Georgia Body Wash in Lemongrass Eucalyptus

Hair Rules Quench Ultra Rich Conditioner

The My Shade of Brown Pillow Box monthly subscription service is totally affordable; for just $10/month with the option to cancel anytime, you can have the Pillow Box delivered to your door too. And even better you can if you sign up now you can score your first month for half price by using the promo code MSBSavvyHW! So hurry over to My Shade of Brown and sign up today! Make sure to check out MSB on Facebook and Twitter too!

Promo Code MSBSavvyHW

 

Disclaimer: The products/services mentioned in this post were sent to me for free for review purposes. However and as always, all opinions expressed in this post are my own.

CouponChief.com

If any of you follow me on Facebook or Instagram then you know how much I love couponing…of any kind and CouponCheif.com is no exception. As a SAHM I don’t believe in paying full price for anything and I rarely do. And with Black Friday right around the corner and Christmas vastly approaching I’m all about finding deals so I score great gifts for my fam and friends…now don’t get me wrong I understand, appreciate and value the true meaning of Christmas but I love giving to the ones I love, especially when I can do it on a budget. And not to mention being able to shop from the comfort of my own home makes it even better…that’s why I love CouponChief.com!

So what is CouponChief.com, you ask? Well it’s a site for online coupon codes and its super easy to use. Simply visit CouponChief.com, enter the name of the store you wish to shop in the search field and viola! A list of the most recent and available online coupon codes for that particular retailer appear. Then all you have to do is copy the code, shop and save…that’s it! I searched a few of my favs like ASOS, Forever 21 and Target and all I can say is I’m ready to shop! CouponChief.com is so user-friendly.

CouponChief.com

In addition, to finding great coupon codes on CouponChief.com you can also make a little cash for yourself too by signing up for their Pay-2-Share program. The Pay-2-Share program is easy-peasy too! All you have to do is upload coupon codes and every time the coupon code is used you earn 2% commission. So remember caring is sharing, so if you come across a great coupon code head over to CouponChief.com and share the savings!

For more information on how you can save while shopping online this holiday season check out CouponChief.com, like them on Facebook and follow the on Twitter and Google+.

Have you ever used CouponChief.com?

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by CouponChief.com; however, as always all the opinions stated in this review are my own and are not influenced in any way by compensation.

Alaffia Skin Care

Akaffia Skin Care

I had a chance to sample the Alaffia Skin Care Recovery Face Set thanks to the MSB October Pillow Box I posted about here. This was my first time seeing this product line so I decided to do a little reseach…and as we all know Google is your friend lol. Well I was impressed to say the least! Alaffia Skin Care is an amazing company that is doing amazing things. Not only do the offer premium skin care products but they are also “advancing gender equality  and alleviating poverty through the fair trade of hand crafted shea butter.” Now I know that is a mouth full but the Alaffia website provides some awesome information that is definitely worth the read. Now on the Alaffia Skin Care review…

MSB provided 1oz samples of the Alaffia Skin Care Recovery Face Set which consisted of the Recovery Cleanser, Toner and Face Cream. This particular set is designed for individuals with ultra-dry or acne prone skin, which is great for me. I suffer from dry skin and just recently I have been having severe breakouts, so needless to say this set was right on time.

Alaffia Skin Recovery Cleanser – Made with neem and black soap. The African Black Soap “provides a lathering deep yet gentle cleanse without over-drying your skin.” Retails for $13 on My Shade of Brown.

Neem & Black Soap Skin Recovery Facial Cleanser

Facial Cleanser up close.

Alaffia Skin Recovery Facial Toner – made with neem and shea leaf. The facial toner is a “soothing oil-balancing toner that provides immediate moisture.” Retails for $13 on My Shade of Brown.

Neem & Shea Leaf Facial Toner

Alaffia Skin Recovery Face Cream – made with neem and shea. The face cream is recommended for those with “skin needing intensive treatment.” Retails for $16 on My Shade of Brown.

Neem & Shea Face Cream

Facial Cream up close.

Final Verdict: I must say that I was somewhat impressed with the Alaffia Skin Care products however the scent left something to be desired. I will say though, I absolutely love the facial cleanser and would definitely consider keeping it a part of my daily skin care regimen. After I washed my face with the cleanser my face was left feeling moisturized and clean. Not tight and dry like with most other facial cleansers. I would have to say my least favorite of the set would have to be the face cream, I just couldn’t get past the scent. I only used the face cream at night and the scent remained in my bedroom all night and well into the following day. However my face did feel moisturized in the morning but like I said the scent just lingered too long for me. So the question is would I purchase the whole Alaffia Skin Care Recovery Set in the future? I would have to say no to the whole set but like I said I love the facial cleanser and I definitely would like to keep it in rotation.

If you would like more information about the Alaffia Skin Care products that were included in the October Pillow Box check out My Shade of Brown. And don’t forget that you can score the November Pillow Box for half price by using the code MSBSavvyHW…that way you can try some of these goodies for yourself!

What’s your favorite skin care product? Have you ever heard of or used Alaffia Skin Care?

 

Disclaimer: The products/services mentioned in this post were sent to me for free for review purposes. However and as always, all opinions expressed in this post are my own.

CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™ Review

 Hey y’all!

I have really enjoyed testing out the products included in the Influenster Summer Beauty Vox Box. I was really excited to try out the Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Total Care shampoo and conditioner because I had seen so many ads and commercials. Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy is “a new line that will change the way women care for their hair.” Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy believes that “99% of hair’s natural strength and beauty comes from the scalp. And for years women have been treating the ends of their hair, rather than the source – the scalp.” Check out my review below…  

Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner

Product Claims/Details: Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy shampoos and conditioners:

  • Are infused with Nutrum 10TM technology, a rich blend of vitamins and nutrients.
  • Nourish the scalp and create the right foundation for strong, beautiful hair from root to tip.
  • And give women stronger, more beautiful hair in 7 days.

For more product details and information please visit Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy online.

Pricing/Availability: Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy is available in a range of six shampoos and five conditioners to meet different scalp and hair needs. And can be purchased at mass retailers, select drugstores and grocery stores nationwide. The suggested retail price  is $4.99 – $5.99. (Tip: Since this is a new product be on the look out for coupons!)

Here is my hair after using the Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Total Care.

Final Verdict: I used both the Clear Scalp & Hir Therapy Total Care shampoo and conditioner twice. I just simply worked them into my normal regimen. Overall, I was satisfied (but not blown away) with the results. I have been braiding, bunning and pretty much wearing my hair is protective styles lately due to that heat, so I can’t honestly say whether or not the shampoo and conditioner made my hair “more beautiful” or stronger. I’m also not sure if I would purchase this particular formula again just because I prefer shampoos and conditioners that specifically treat dry hair. However, I have tried the Ultra Shea formula from the Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy line and I love it.

Have you tried any of the Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy products yet?

 

*Disclaimer: Although I received this product for free from Influenster all opinions stated in this review are my own and are based off of my personal experiences. Like always, please research any/all products before purchasing and using.

Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color Review

Hey y’all!

I just wanted to share another Summer Beauty Vox Box goodie that I received from Influenster….the Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color in Red-y Response. I was really excited about this particular nail polish because I had seen tons of reviews, ads and blog post about it. And I was dying to see how it worked! The Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color “allows you to create a gorgeous 3-D nail art effect in just seconds. This unique formula has been specially developed with metallic particles – just hold the built-in magnet over wet polish to reveal a unique design on the nail, Seal with a topcoat for extra shine and you are done!” Check it out…

Step 1: After applying a base coat, shake Magnetic Nail Color to activate. Then apply 1 coat of Magnetic Nail Color to all 10 nails and let dry.

Step 2: Apply a thick second coat of color to 1 nail and immediately hold the built-in magnet over the nail. Rest the guide just below the cuticle without touching the wet nail polish. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat for all 10 nails and let dry. Finish with top coat.

Quick tip: Make sure to shake the nail polish again before applying the second coat. And don’t be afraid to lay the polish on thick the second time around…trust me, you will get better results!

Up close look of the 3-D design.

Overall, I would have to say that I was quite fascinated with how this nail polish worked. The design that the magnet creates is pretty funky (in a good way). I plan on playing around with this polish and see if I can create some other designs/looks. I definitely would recommend this to anyone looking for something easy, fun and affordable for your nails. You can purchase the Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color from all major drug stores, grocery stores and mass retailers for $9.99 (suggested retail price). (Quick tip: And be sure to check around for coupons before you purchase it, I’m always coming across Sally Hansen coupons online.) To find out more info about the Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color check out  www.sallyhansen.com.

Do you like the Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color?

*Disclaimer: Although I received this product for free from Influenster all opinions stated in this review are my own and are based off of my personal experiences. Like always, please research any/all products before purchasing and using.

Always & Tampax Always Radiant Collection Review

Hey y’all!

I know that all of y’all have heard, seen and even used the feminine products by Always and Tampax. Well, “for the first time ever, Procter & Gamble’s leading feminine protection brands have come together to premiere the all-new Radiant Collection, a complete offering of premium tampons, pads, liners and wipes that meets all of a woman’s feminine care needs. The new Collection stands out on shelves and features packaging and wrappers that compliment any girl’s unique style, making these products must-have accessories any time of the month.” I received the Always & Tampax Always Radiant Collection sample set in the Summer Beauty Vox Box from Influenster that I posted about here. And it is true the packaging is definitely eye-catching.  The Always & Tampax Always Radiant Collection sample set included one scented pad, three unscented liners and two unscented tampons that came inside this cute little hot pink purse.

I won’t go into great detail about these products, only because I believe in keeping some things personal. But I will say this…I love both brands and I will definitely be purchasing the Radiant Collection from now on. For more information and product details check out Always & Tampax online.

Have you tried any of the new Always & Tampax Radiant Collection products?

*Disclaimer: Although I received this product for free from Influenster/Proctor & Gamble all opinions stated in this review are my own and are based off of my personal experiences. Like always, please research any/all products before purchasing and using.

“imPRESS Press On Manicure” Review

Hey y’all,

imPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails

I recently tried the imPRESS Press on Manicure by Broadway Nails from the Influenster Mom Vox Box mentioned here. Initially I was excited when I saw them included in the Mom Vox Box. But then I was reminded of the press on nails I used to beg my mom for back when I was kid…they sucked and I thought that these would be no different. I figured they would only last me a few hours or a day tops. And I haven’t worn artificial nails of any kind in years so I wasn’t sure what to expect with that. But despite all of the hesitation I decided to give them a go, I mean what could I loose, they were free! Check out my review below…

Product Claims/Details: The imPRESS Press on Manicure features advanced nail technology, you can get a salon-perfect manicure in seconds – simply peel off, press on, and you’re done. There’s no drying, a killer shine and a manicure that lasts up to a week. There are 36 colors and patterns, including trendy brights, classic darks and animal prints to choose from.

Ready to apply.

Pricing/Availability: You can find the imPRESS Press on Manicure at your local all major drugstores, grocery stores and mass retailers. The suggested retail price is $5.99 for colors and $7.99 for patterns. For more details and to score an exclusive coupon check out imPressManicure.com.

First nail done.

Pros: The imPRESS Press on Manicure was super easy to apply. There is no drying time so I was able to put them on and go right to bed. I was really surprised with how well the artificial nails stuck to my natural nails without the use of super glue. While wearing the imPRESS Manicure I was able to all the things I normally do, like wash dishes and clothes, clean up, style my hair and type, etc. without them snagging, popping off or getting in the way. These press on nails were super comfortable and felt like my natural nail. And they were super easy to remove.

The leftovers.

Cons: It was difficult for me to find a perfect fit for my middle and ring fingers, so I felt like those nails looked a little fake. However my mom and a few others said that the nails looked pretty real to them.

The finished product.

Another angle.

Final Verdict: Overall I’m imPRESSed! Now, they aren’t something that I would probably wear on a daily basis but the imPRESS Press on Manicure is definitely a product I will keep on hand for those days when I don’t have the time (or the energy) to do my own nails. They are fun, easy to use and affordable. In fact I liked them so much I’ve already purchased three more.

Have you been imPRESSed yet?

*Disclaimer: Although I received this product for free from Influenster all opinions stated in this review are my own and are based off of my personal experiences. Like always, please research any/all products before purchasing and using.

The Many Uses of Ivory

Hey y’all!

I had a chance to revisit a product from my childhood, Ivory Bar Soap (included in the Influenster Mom Vox Box). It reminded me of the simple things I used to take for granted (lol). It’s funny how something as simple as soap and can bring back so many memories. I remember Ivory being the only soap that my parents purchased when I was a kid…it was a trusted brand and it was affordable. Well I had a chance to try Ivory again, this time around on my own family. And sure enough, I was quite satisfied with the results. Two of my boys have sensitive skin and I am very particular about what products I use on them…the Ivory Bar Soap worked great, no complaints from either about itchy skin.

Product Claims/Details: Ivory Bar Soap is free of dyes and heavy perfumes and provides a simple, yet effective clean for the entire family (without breaking the bank!). Ivory bar soap is 99.44% pure (it floats!).

Pricing/Availability: Ivory can be found almost anywhere. It is sold at all mass retailers, like Wal-Mart and Target, as well as  major grocery, dollar and drug stores.  A 10-pack of Ivory bar soap retails for around  $4.49 (bath bar size).

Recommended Usage:

  • Body Cleanser
  • Facial Cleanser
  • Clothes Stain Remover (food stains, ring around the collar, etc.)
  • Laundry Flakes/Homemade Laundry Detergent
  • Carving Projects
  • Homemade Hand Soap
  • Homemade Cleansing Spray

Final Verdict: Ivory Bar Soap is a must have! After discovering all of the many uses for this affordable soap, there is no way I continue to pass it up. No I see why my mom was a “die-hard” Ivory fan.

For more info about Ivory Bar Soap and additional product reviews check them out here.

Have you tried Ivory lately?

*Disclaimer: Although I received this product for free from Influenster all opinions stated in this review are my own and are based off of my personal experiences. Like always, please research any/all products before purchasing and using.