Tuesday, May 29, 2012
SHEER COVER REVIEW
Previously, I had posted a blog about INFLUENSTER and their "VOX BOX" program. I had posted pictures and descriptions of the products I received in my complimentary Spring Vox Box. Today I am posting about one of the items I received.
SHEER COVER CONCEALER
This concealer duo is perfect for all skin types and tones. It comes in a compact with two shades that can be used separately or combined together to get your perfect match. It is great for dark undereye circles, blemishes, dark spots, hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone.
This can be used either alone or under/over your makeup. I carry it in my bag everywhere for touch-ups throughout the day. I find it very light and creamy. It's not too heavy at all.
I use it under my eyes, over blemishes and on and around my nose where it gets red from allergies.
Sheer Cover instantly covers your imperfections for a flawless look without feeling heavy and looking caked on. You can vary your coverage, using it lightly on the delicate undereye area, or layered for coverage of blemishes and dark spots.
This product is also so easy to apply. You can use your fingertips, but I recommend using a concealer brush or sponge to dab a small amount on the area you want to cover. After blending, you can layer more as needed. Because it is so sheer, you can make use as little or as much as you need.
Sheer Cover has natural moisturizers. Jojoba nourishes and restores your skin's natural moisture balance. Allantoin , an antioxidant, calms and soothes sensitive, irritated skin, protecting it from free radicals. Sheer Cover is dermatologist tested.
For more information on this great product visit their website at http://www.sheercover.com
Monday, May 14, 2012
INFLUENSTER SPRING VOXBOX
A few months back, I signed up for a program called INFLUENSTER (www.influenster.com ).
Here is how it works: You fill out small surveys to earn "badges" which represent areas that you have high influence on others (blogging, pets, social networking, etc.) Based upon your badges and activity on the site, they select a few individuals to receive what they call voxboxes.
A Voxbox contains several products that have been selected for you to test, evaluate and recommend to others. There is no charge for this program and you get to keep the products you test. All you have to do is spread the word about them via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, your own blog and word of mouth. After, they will ask you to review and also take a post evaluation survey. Your activity in these tasks will help you be selected for future programs. Sounds easy, right?
Today I received my very first voxbox. It is the SPRING VOXBOX. here is what I received inside:
SHEER COVER DUO CONCEALER
This item is sold in a one-month supplie of 6 products and 3 bonus products for $29.95
I received one duo with 2 shades.
It is for hiding blemishes,age spots, redness, scars and other imperfections.(undereye bags,anyone?)
AVEENO DAILY MOISTURIZING BODY WASH
This retails for $6.99-$8.99 for a full size bottle. I received one 24 oz. sample
It's a lightly fragranced, soap-free, dye-free and hypo-allergenic body wash that is safe for all skin types.
CHAPSTICK LIP SHIELD 365
Retails for $1.89-$2.39
I received one regular size stick.
This is a new product from ChapStick. It offers year-round protection for your lips with an SPF of 50 and blocks against UVA/UVB rays.
SALLY HANSEN SALON EFFECTS
Retails for $9.99
I received one package of 16 nail strips in a very pretty multi-color glitter.
these are used in place of nail polish(just peel,apply and file-no drying time)and are supposed to last 10 days. I will try them this weekend.
BATH & BODY WORKS FINE FRAGRANCE MIST
Retails for $14.99 and I received a full size bottle of SWEET PEA>
This is supposed to be a better, more delicate version of their body splash. Unfortunately, I cannot use flowery scents because of my allergies, so even though this was an exciting item for me because I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Bath and Body Works, I am going to have to skip this one and let someone else try it out for me.:-(
SOYJOY BAR
Retails for $0.99- $1.29
I received blueberry. This is an all-natural fruit bar made with whole soy.
And they added a last minute bonus item:
DR SCHOLL'S FOR HER BALL OF FOOT CUSHIONS
(unknown retail value) I received one package of these and I think mt feet will love them. They are used to help prevent ball of foot pain an as a lover of high heels, I know I will be trying these very soon!
So now, I will be trying out all of these in the coming week or so and hopefully, I will have great reviews of all of them.
Remember, when in doubt-ask a redhead because REDHEADS KNOW BEST!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Put Your Best Face Forward
I hope everyone who reads this blog (if anyone does) is enjoying the holiday season.
My Christmas was typical of my family. We don't have any little kids running around, so it's always just my mom, grandparents and younger brother and sister. It's small and quiet but it's prefect for us because we center on being together as a family, and that is what it's all about.
I got everything I asked Santa for this year and one of the items I really am happy I receiced was something I have wanted for quite a while. It's the
Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System
When it comes to facial brushes, you can spend up to $100 and over, or you can spend under $30-either way, as an esthetician, I can tell you-aside from price, they are really all the same. Sure there are a few things you will get with a more expensive brand, but if you are looking for an inexpensive facial cleansing brush that does a great job-look no further. The Olay Professional Pro-X is just as good-if not better-than the high priced and highly recommended Clarisonic.
Now, The Clarisonic will have a few extras, such as more speeds and additional attachments for the body, but if all you need is a high-quality brush for the face, why spend all the extra cash?
The Olay Pro-X is a really lightweight, small brush, making it easy to handle. It also makes it easy to take with you when you travel. It has a super-soft brush head, that works very well at either of the two speeds and replacement heads are sold separately and under $10 for 2. It only requires 2 AA batteries, which are included with it. No charger needed. It is water resistant, so it can be used in the shower. It also comes with a sample size of the Olay Pro-X exfoliating Cleanser, which is nice, but I have own my favorite products, and you can use it with any. And really-nothing against Olay products, but when you are in the business of skin care, as I am, you know what products are best for your skin and you don't start messing with your skin care regime and switch your daily cleanser just because you get a free sample. I just love the way my face feels after using this. You know how your teeth feel after using a electric toothbrush? That really,really clean feeling? Well, that is similar to how my face feels. Very "polished". It leaves my skin very clean and unlike with my last facial brush, I don't have to clean the whole countertop after I use it-no messy "spraying" of cleanser everywhere. The only downside I find to this brush is that it would be nice to have a cover or case to keep the brush head protected, but since it is so small, I can use a makeup case. Overall, a great brush for the money. But in the end, a brush is a brush and it's really all about what products you use. You can have a $200 brush, but if you use crap products, you will not see results. THAT is a FACT. Trust me-I am a professional. LOL
Happy New Year!!!
Lisa
My Christmas was typical of my family. We don't have any little kids running around, so it's always just my mom, grandparents and younger brother and sister. It's small and quiet but it's prefect for us because we center on being together as a family, and that is what it's all about.
I got everything I asked Santa for this year and one of the items I really am happy I receiced was something I have wanted for quite a while. It's the
Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System
When it comes to facial brushes, you can spend up to $100 and over, or you can spend under $30-either way, as an esthetician, I can tell you-aside from price, they are really all the same. Sure there are a few things you will get with a more expensive brand, but if you are looking for an inexpensive facial cleansing brush that does a great job-look no further. The Olay Professional Pro-X is just as good-if not better-than the high priced and highly recommended Clarisonic.
Now, The Clarisonic will have a few extras, such as more speeds and additional attachments for the body, but if all you need is a high-quality brush for the face, why spend all the extra cash?
The Olay Pro-X is a really lightweight, small brush, making it easy to handle. It also makes it easy to take with you when you travel. It has a super-soft brush head, that works very well at either of the two speeds and replacement heads are sold separately and under $10 for 2. It only requires 2 AA batteries, which are included with it. No charger needed. It is water resistant, so it can be used in the shower. It also comes with a sample size of the Olay Pro-X exfoliating Cleanser, which is nice, but I have own my favorite products, and you can use it with any. And really-nothing against Olay products, but when you are in the business of skin care, as I am, you know what products are best for your skin and you don't start messing with your skin care regime and switch your daily cleanser just because you get a free sample. I just love the way my face feels after using this. You know how your teeth feel after using a electric toothbrush? That really,really clean feeling? Well, that is similar to how my face feels. Very "polished". It leaves my skin very clean and unlike with my last facial brush, I don't have to clean the whole countertop after I use it-no messy "spraying" of cleanser everywhere. The only downside I find to this brush is that it would be nice to have a cover or case to keep the brush head protected, but since it is so small, I can use a makeup case. Overall, a great brush for the money. But in the end, a brush is a brush and it's really all about what products you use. You can have a $200 brush, but if you use crap products, you will not see results. THAT is a FACT. Trust me-I am a professional. LOL
Happy New Year!!!
Lisa
Keeping It Straight
My last blog post was all about my experience with the Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion 30 Day Smoothing Kit.
Since then I have also started using the hair care products that accompany it and I thought I would share my reviews on those. But first, I want to let you know The 30 Day Smoothing Kit is now available on amazon.com for the amazing price of $12.99. I was expecting it to be about $25.00 to $30.00, so this was great news.
I will tell you, as of this post, it is SOLD OUT. In fact, all the products are currently on backorder! Obviously, I am not the only one who loves this stuff! I was lucky enough to order more of my shampoo and condition while there was still some in stock. I don't know if stores have started to carry it yet, but amazon has a pretty good deal on them.
Ok, on to my reviews.
First up is Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Smoothing Shampoo
Price: $7.38 for a pack of 2
This shampoo is the perfect companion to the Suave Keratin infusion 30 Day smoothing system. It helps keep hair smoother, softer, with less harsh chemicals. I would note that it contains LESS sulfates, and is not sulfate free, but I still find it leaves my hair soft, shiny and smoother than regular anti-frizz shampoos.
Next is Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Smoothing Conditioner
Price: $7.38 for a pack of 2
Not much to really say about this ,except it does work very well and is not too heavy like some conditioners. It rinses away clean ,leaving my hair very soft and shiny. I feel this product is much better than the regular Suave Professionals conditioner for dry, frizzy hair and the cost is about the same. Certainly less expensive than some other brands and you get the same (if not better) results
I am also using the Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Heat Defense Leave-In Conditioner
Price: $10.47 for a pack of 3
I first had the opportunity to try this leave-in conditioner when I used the Suave Keratin infusion 30 day smoothing kit. They gave you a small tube of this to use after and continue on with for daily use. I have to admit, for a tiny tube, it lasted me a whole month, which I found amazing. That is because you only need a tiny amount to give you the amount you need (even with my long hair). I just love the way it made my hair so soft and silky. It smells very nice and goes on light-not thick and heavy. It leaves my hair looking great and doesnt make me feel like I have a lot of product in it. It also helps to maintain the sleek look from the keratin treatment. I like to apply it to damp, towel-dried hair and wait about 20 minutes before blow-drying to get the best results for me. Even on days when I do not have time to wait that long, I still get excellent results.
All these are available at amazon.com and the prices listed are the current prices they are offering.
So if you have had a keratin smoothing treatment or Brazilian blow out at a salon, are brave enough to try the Suave kit as I did, or just want healthier; smoother; tamer hair, I highly suggest you get the hair care products that go with it. I promise you will be happy you did!
Since then I have also started using the hair care products that accompany it and I thought I would share my reviews on those. But first, I want to let you know The 30 Day Smoothing Kit is now available on amazon.com for the amazing price of $12.99. I was expecting it to be about $25.00 to $30.00, so this was great news.
I will tell you, as of this post, it is SOLD OUT. In fact, all the products are currently on backorder! Obviously, I am not the only one who loves this stuff! I was lucky enough to order more of my shampoo and condition while there was still some in stock. I don't know if stores have started to carry it yet, but amazon has a pretty good deal on them.
Ok, on to my reviews.
First up is Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Smoothing Shampoo
Price: $7.38 for a pack of 2
This shampoo is the perfect companion to the Suave Keratin infusion 30 Day smoothing system. It helps keep hair smoother, softer, with less harsh chemicals. I would note that it contains LESS sulfates, and is not sulfate free, but I still find it leaves my hair soft, shiny and smoother than regular anti-frizz shampoos.
Next is Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Smoothing Conditioner
Price: $7.38 for a pack of 2
Not much to really say about this ,except it does work very well and is not too heavy like some conditioners. It rinses away clean ,leaving my hair very soft and shiny. I feel this product is much better than the regular Suave Professionals conditioner for dry, frizzy hair and the cost is about the same. Certainly less expensive than some other brands and you get the same (if not better) results
I am also using the Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Heat Defense Leave-In Conditioner
Price: $10.47 for a pack of 3
I first had the opportunity to try this leave-in conditioner when I used the Suave Keratin infusion 30 day smoothing kit. They gave you a small tube of this to use after and continue on with for daily use. I have to admit, for a tiny tube, it lasted me a whole month, which I found amazing. That is because you only need a tiny amount to give you the amount you need (even with my long hair). I just love the way it made my hair so soft and silky. It smells very nice and goes on light-not thick and heavy. It leaves my hair looking great and doesnt make me feel like I have a lot of product in it. It also helps to maintain the sleek look from the keratin treatment. I like to apply it to damp, towel-dried hair and wait about 20 minutes before blow-drying to get the best results for me. Even on days when I do not have time to wait that long, I still get excellent results.
All these are available at amazon.com and the prices listed are the current prices they are offering.
So if you have had a keratin smoothing treatment or Brazilian blow out at a salon, are brave enough to try the Suave kit as I did, or just want healthier; smoother; tamer hair, I highly suggest you get the hair care products that go with it. I promise you will be happy you did!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Put Down The Flat Iron!
I have previously mentioned here that I am a part of the Amazon Vine program where every month I am able to choose 4 items free of charge to review for amazon.com.
The items available are on a first come, first serve basis, so sometimes there are some really cool things I'd like to try, but miss out on. Sometimes, though, I find something really cooland it's still available. This month I had the opportunity to try and review a new product from Suave Professionals.
It is the Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion 30 Day Smoothing Kit. This product is not yet available to the public, so I felt extra special!
I was so excited to try this product. I was born with very straight hair, but over time from perms,curling irons, flat irons, blow drying, highlighting, sun damage, etc, my hair has become very thick and wavy. The Florida humidity doesn't help any, either. I am constantly trying to find ways to keep my hair from being frizzy, but even with the flat iron, at the end of the day,I end up looking somewhat like Monica from Friends did when she went on that island vacation. Ok, maybe not THAT bad, but still pretty frizzy. I had thought about getting a keratin treatment from a salon, but was putting it off partly because I wasn't sure if I would like it and partly because I wasn't sure if I wanted to spend a lot of money on something that may not even work for me. So here came Suave and a chance to see if I could get salon quality results at home. As someone who is always willing to be a guinea pig for things like this (you should have seen the things I volunteered for in esthetics school!)I was up for it.
I was a bit nervous at first, especially since it did warn about being the "right candidate". It warns against using on permed hair, chemically treated hair and some reds. I had ,in fact, recently colored my hair to a deeper auburn then the lighter red my hair has turned into in recent years, but yet I was still willing to give it a shot.
I used the product as directed (except for the part of putting petroleum jelly at my hair line-sorry, I was NOT risking greasy hair).
The first step is to shampoo and lightly condition your hair. Then you comb your hair straight and apply the keratin infusion smoothing cream.I will say they certainly don't skimp on how much product they give you. I have long hair and I still had a bit left. I left it on for the amount of time for my type of hair (20 minutes) and though it smells like perm solution, I didnt find anything negative about it. No itching, burning, etc. I will say I did have a hard time rinsing it all out, but I think that is because of my thick, unmanageable hair. They give you a little plastic comb, but I almost broke it and decided to use my own "shower comb" I use when conditioning my hair.
After rinsing all of it out,the next step is applying the keratin infusion cuticle seal cream. This was a nice cream and felt really smooth going on. It covered all of my hair and once again I had plenty of it. I combed it through and waited the 7 minutes they suggested. When washing this product out, my hair instantly felt softer and lighter. My comb went through it with ease.
The final step is the keratin heat defense leave-in conditoner. This will also be a part of the New Suave Professional line of lower sulfate keratin infusion shampoos and conditioners. I put a tiny bit on my palms and rubbed them together before applying to towel dried ,but damp, hair. Then I combed through. I usually put my hair up in a turbi twist for a while before I blow dry because it takes so long for my hair to dry because it is so thick. I did the same with this. After a while,I took my hair down, combed it through and blow dried. My hair dried very quickly and I couldn't believe that I didnt have to use a round brush like I usually do to tame the flyaways. Actually, there were no flyaways!
Not only did my hair dry perfectly straight, but I didn't even need to flat iron it after. Now THAT is a first!
My hair feels lighter, like after a new haircut. It feels thinned out and so silky,and it looks amazing! The only downside I see is that I think it may have lightened my hair a tiny bit, but it does say you can color your hair after a week. I will most likely wait longer than that, just to be sure not to over process it.
anither downside for me is that you do have to wait 48 hours before you can shampoo your hair after using this. This ,for me, is bothersome only because I am used to having towash my hair everyday,but I don't see any reason I will need to wash mine before that. It is quite nice and still looking great on day two. I was very amazed when I woke up this morning, looked in the mirror and saw straight hair! Another FIRST for me. Usually even if I wake up half-way through the night, I find ,yslef brushing my hair straight because it gets frizzy while I sleep!
If I wash my hair at night,I have to flat iron over again the next morning before work.
I can't believe how fantastic this product is. I only hope it does last the 30 days, because I am loving my hair right now. I can't wait to tell everyone I know about this and also for it to become available to purchase because I WILL use it again. I am also waiting for the lower sulfate Suave keratin infusion shampoos and conditioners that go along with it to come out, so I can maintain my hair properly. Thanks to Suave, I can always count on having great hair with little cost!
If you are interested, you can view more information at amazon's product page and sign up to be notified by e-mail when it becomes available here:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005SPESLY/ref=cm_cr_thx_view
The items available are on a first come, first serve basis, so sometimes there are some really cool things I'd like to try, but miss out on. Sometimes, though, I find something really cooland it's still available. This month I had the opportunity to try and review a new product from Suave Professionals.
It is the Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion 30 Day Smoothing Kit. This product is not yet available to the public, so I felt extra special!
I was so excited to try this product. I was born with very straight hair, but over time from perms,curling irons, flat irons, blow drying, highlighting, sun damage, etc, my hair has become very thick and wavy. The Florida humidity doesn't help any, either. I am constantly trying to find ways to keep my hair from being frizzy, but even with the flat iron, at the end of the day,I end up looking somewhat like Monica from Friends did when she went on that island vacation. Ok, maybe not THAT bad, but still pretty frizzy. I had thought about getting a keratin treatment from a salon, but was putting it off partly because I wasn't sure if I would like it and partly because I wasn't sure if I wanted to spend a lot of money on something that may not even work for me. So here came Suave and a chance to see if I could get salon quality results at home. As someone who is always willing to be a guinea pig for things like this (you should have seen the things I volunteered for in esthetics school!)I was up for it.
I was a bit nervous at first, especially since it did warn about being the "right candidate". It warns against using on permed hair, chemically treated hair and some reds. I had ,in fact, recently colored my hair to a deeper auburn then the lighter red my hair has turned into in recent years, but yet I was still willing to give it a shot.
I used the product as directed (except for the part of putting petroleum jelly at my hair line-sorry, I was NOT risking greasy hair).
The first step is to shampoo and lightly condition your hair. Then you comb your hair straight and apply the keratin infusion smoothing cream.I will say they certainly don't skimp on how much product they give you. I have long hair and I still had a bit left. I left it on for the amount of time for my type of hair (20 minutes) and though it smells like perm solution, I didnt find anything negative about it. No itching, burning, etc. I will say I did have a hard time rinsing it all out, but I think that is because of my thick, unmanageable hair. They give you a little plastic comb, but I almost broke it and decided to use my own "shower comb" I use when conditioning my hair.
After rinsing all of it out,the next step is applying the keratin infusion cuticle seal cream. This was a nice cream and felt really smooth going on. It covered all of my hair and once again I had plenty of it. I combed it through and waited the 7 minutes they suggested. When washing this product out, my hair instantly felt softer and lighter. My comb went through it with ease.
The final step is the keratin heat defense leave-in conditoner. This will also be a part of the New Suave Professional line of lower sulfate keratin infusion shampoos and conditioners. I put a tiny bit on my palms and rubbed them together before applying to towel dried ,but damp, hair. Then I combed through. I usually put my hair up in a turbi twist for a while before I blow dry because it takes so long for my hair to dry because it is so thick. I did the same with this. After a while,I took my hair down, combed it through and blow dried. My hair dried very quickly and I couldn't believe that I didnt have to use a round brush like I usually do to tame the flyaways. Actually, there were no flyaways!
Not only did my hair dry perfectly straight, but I didn't even need to flat iron it after. Now THAT is a first!
My hair feels lighter, like after a new haircut. It feels thinned out and so silky,and it looks amazing! The only downside I see is that I think it may have lightened my hair a tiny bit, but it does say you can color your hair after a week. I will most likely wait longer than that, just to be sure not to over process it.
anither downside for me is that you do have to wait 48 hours before you can shampoo your hair after using this. This ,for me, is bothersome only because I am used to having towash my hair everyday,but I don't see any reason I will need to wash mine before that. It is quite nice and still looking great on day two. I was very amazed when I woke up this morning, looked in the mirror and saw straight hair! Another FIRST for me. Usually even if I wake up half-way through the night, I find ,yslef brushing my hair straight because it gets frizzy while I sleep!
If I wash my hair at night,I have to flat iron over again the next morning before work.
I can't believe how fantastic this product is. I only hope it does last the 30 days, because I am loving my hair right now. I can't wait to tell everyone I know about this and also for it to become available to purchase because I WILL use it again. I am also waiting for the lower sulfate Suave keratin infusion shampoos and conditioners that go along with it to come out, so I can maintain my hair properly. Thanks to Suave, I can always count on having great hair with little cost!
If you are interested, you can view more information at amazon's product page and sign up to be notified by e-mail when it becomes available here:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005SPESLY/ref=cm_cr_thx_view
Friday, October 28, 2011
Amazon Vine™- What's it All About?
The Amazon Vine™ program is an exclusive club of influential Amazon voices.
You must be invited to join the program, as I was via e-mail several months ago.
When I received my e-mail invite, I was very happy to accept. After all, I do love to give my opinion on everything to anyone who will listen (and even some who will not).
When I read it was invite-only, I felt like I was being invited to join an exclusive club. I mean, me? Asked to join a group of elite reviewers for Amazon? How flattering!
Basically here is the jist of it:
Amazon Vine™ invites people they feel are the most trusted reviewers (again, I'm flattered) to post their opinions about new and upcoming items to help customers make better decisions on their purchases.
Amazon invites go out to people based on their "reviewer rank".
"Reviewer Rankings" are how your Amazon reviews are judged by other customers. So when you see the "was this review helpful?" question and you check "yes" or "no", this really means something to Amazon.
Amazon provides Vine members with free products that have been submitted to the program by participating vendors. The products are supplied by publishers, labels, studios, manufacturers or any vendor participating in the program and are 100% free to Vine Voices.
Amazon Vine™ reviews are the opinions of the "Vine Voices" (what members are called). You have no contact with the vendor and Amazon cannot edit your Vine reviews, as long as they comply with posting guidelines.
Amazon Vine™ reviews are always identified with the green stripe that says "Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program", so everyone can tell the review came from a Vine Voice.
You are expected to give your honest opinion on the products you review, even if there are things you dislike. You should treat it as any other review. We don't always like everything we try, but I do try to find as many positive attributes as I can to include.
So how does it work?
The initial Amazon Vine newsletter comes out the third Thursday of every month. Products are limited in this edition and on a first come, first serve basis. You are allowed to pick two items of your choice from this list.
The second newsletter comes out the forth Thursday of the month and features all available inventory from the past two newsletters.
You can pick 2 more products that interest you from this list, but you don't have to> I have at times not picked anything just because I didn't see anything I liked. i don't take things just because they are free (even though it IS tempting).
There is no deadline for reviews, but you are required to write a review for 75% of the items in your account before you can request any other products. I feel it's always good to post your reviews as soon as possible, so when the next newsletter comes around, you know you can pick another two items.
So far I have reviewed everything from Post-It notes, to books, to cookies, to a Sonicare toothbrush! I always seem to miss out on the high-end items, like the treadmill and the refrigerator (I kid you not-it was in this week's newsletter, but was already gone)
I really do enjoy this little "exclusive club" and I wish I had a way of inviting others to join me.
If They every decide to open the program up, I will be sure to let everyone know.
I hope you enjoyed this "tutorial" and be on the lookout for my Amazon Vine reviews, as I do often post them here, as well as on Twitter and Facebook.
You must be invited to join the program, as I was via e-mail several months ago.
When I received my e-mail invite, I was very happy to accept. After all, I do love to give my opinion on everything to anyone who will listen (and even some who will not).
When I read it was invite-only, I felt like I was being invited to join an exclusive club. I mean, me? Asked to join a group of elite reviewers for Amazon? How flattering!
Basically here is the jist of it:
Amazon Vine™ invites people they feel are the most trusted reviewers (again, I'm flattered) to post their opinions about new and upcoming items to help customers make better decisions on their purchases.
Amazon invites go out to people based on their "reviewer rank".
"Reviewer Rankings" are how your Amazon reviews are judged by other customers. So when you see the "was this review helpful?" question and you check "yes" or "no", this really means something to Amazon.
Amazon provides Vine members with free products that have been submitted to the program by participating vendors. The products are supplied by publishers, labels, studios, manufacturers or any vendor participating in the program and are 100% free to Vine Voices.
Amazon Vine™ reviews are the opinions of the "Vine Voices" (what members are called). You have no contact with the vendor and Amazon cannot edit your Vine reviews, as long as they comply with posting guidelines.
Amazon Vine™ reviews are always identified with the green stripe that says "Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program", so everyone can tell the review came from a Vine Voice.
You are expected to give your honest opinion on the products you review, even if there are things you dislike. You should treat it as any other review. We don't always like everything we try, but I do try to find as many positive attributes as I can to include.
So how does it work?
The initial Amazon Vine newsletter comes out the third Thursday of every month. Products are limited in this edition and on a first come, first serve basis. You are allowed to pick two items of your choice from this list.
The second newsletter comes out the forth Thursday of the month and features all available inventory from the past two newsletters.
You can pick 2 more products that interest you from this list, but you don't have to> I have at times not picked anything just because I didn't see anything I liked. i don't take things just because they are free (even though it IS tempting).
There is no deadline for reviews, but you are required to write a review for 75% of the items in your account before you can request any other products. I feel it's always good to post your reviews as soon as possible, so when the next newsletter comes around, you know you can pick another two items.
So far I have reviewed everything from Post-It notes, to books, to cookies, to a Sonicare toothbrush! I always seem to miss out on the high-end items, like the treadmill and the refrigerator (I kid you not-it was in this week's newsletter, but was already gone)
I really do enjoy this little "exclusive club" and I wish I had a way of inviting others to join me.
If They every decide to open the program up, I will be sure to let everyone know.
I hope you enjoyed this "tutorial" and be on the lookout for my Amazon Vine reviews, as I do often post them here, as well as on Twitter and Facebook.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
E Van Lowe Has Another Challenge for YOU
I am hear to tell you two things.
First, it's Tuesday (well you probably already know THAT) but Tuesday means another Tuesday Trivia challenge over at E Van Lowe's Blog,
which you will find here: http://vanlowe.blogspot.com/2011/10/scary-good-challenge.html?showComment=1319587258088#c1730791232829617648
It's Halloween related, and I found it very easy. See if you do as well.
The prize this week is a bit different. Instead of an amazon gift card, E is giving away a copy of his book, Never Slow Dance With A Zombie. Oh yeah, and it's AUTOGRAPHED. Cool, huh? I haven't read it yet, but I want to. I loved Boyfriend From Hell. (another of his books that you need to check out.
The second thing I want to tell you is that E's writing alter ego, Sal Conte (author of the Horror novel, Child's Play) has his latest book out for Kindle or Nook. It's called The Toothache Man, and I just bought it for 99 cents! Yes, 99 cents. So check it out. Here is the link for amazon kindle. http://www.amazon.com/The-Toothache-Man-ebook/dp/B005VHMRYY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318900240&sr=8-1
Now head to the blog, so you can play in the trivia challenge and maybe win an autographed book. (if I don't first!)
First, it's Tuesday (well you probably already know THAT) but Tuesday means another Tuesday Trivia challenge over at E Van Lowe's Blog,
which you will find here: http://vanlowe.blogspot.com/2011/10/scary-good-challenge.html?showComment=1319587258088#c1730791232829617648
It's Halloween related, and I found it very easy. See if you do as well.
The prize this week is a bit different. Instead of an amazon gift card, E is giving away a copy of his book, Never Slow Dance With A Zombie. Oh yeah, and it's AUTOGRAPHED. Cool, huh? I haven't read it yet, but I want to. I loved Boyfriend From Hell. (another of his books that you need to check out.
The second thing I want to tell you is that E's writing alter ego, Sal Conte (author of the Horror novel, Child's Play) has his latest book out for Kindle or Nook. It's called The Toothache Man, and I just bought it for 99 cents! Yes, 99 cents. So check it out. Here is the link for amazon kindle. http://www.amazon.com/The-Toothache-Man-ebook/dp/B005VHMRYY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318900240&sr=8-1
Now head to the blog, so you can play in the trivia challenge and maybe win an autographed book. (if I don't first!)
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