Bloggers, Join a Giveaway

Beauty Test Dummies is going to be participating in this great KINDLE FIRE HD giveaway with a group of bloggers from all over the web soon. So stay tuned for details on how to enter!
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Bloggers, if you're looking to grow your blog or social media following, we have a great and FREE opportunity for you! Free is good, right? Well, Free is AMAZING!

  Isabelle from Le Chateau des Fleurs recently released a new Android app called Smartphone DNA, and to promote it she is giving away a Kindle Fire HD-which she is sponsoring entirely.  The giveaway will be hosted by My So-Called Chaos, but what we need are other bloggers to share the giveaway on their blogs in order to spread the word! In return, you'll get two of your links in the Rafflecopter to get extra promotion for you in return for posting.  This is entirely free, there is NO buy in, we just need two posts from you.

1. Post this announcement on your blog (code will be given after you request to join) to ensure your readers/followers have the opportunity to be a part of this giveaway too! 
2. Post the actual giveaway (full Rafflecopter and all! People will be able to enter directly from your blog!) 

If you are interested in participating in this FREE promotional opportunity, please email Miss Angie and once accepted into the giveaway you will be given all the information you need for your posts.

Giveaway is set to run from 4/10/13 to 4/30/13.

All requests to join required by 4/5/13!

Zoya PixieDust Nail Polish

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $9

THE SKINNY: For spring, textured nail polish is in!

And I love Zoya's new PixieDust line, featuring great matte pastel shades with a hint of sparkle. I tried Godiva, a beige neutral that looks great for everyday wear. The color is pale, but you get the unexpectedness of the sparkle and texture.

The collection includes some great spring colors -- pale green and blue -- to dramatic favorites such as red and black.

The polish though does not go on like other polishes. You must use a basecoat because this polish is gritty (even though the manufacture recommends that you do not). Application is fairly easy but you can really feel the sandy texture of the polish going on.

This style of polish keeps that gritty feeling, although it decreases with time. It also feels a little heavier than other polishes. At first, it can be a little odd but the look is totally worth it.

What I really love about this polish is that you can be super-trendy and work-appropriate at the same time. Let's face it, extreme nail art may not fit the culture of some offices.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. This is a fun trend. I am going to be buying more colors for sure!

CHECK IT OUT: Buy any of the great spring or summer colors from the collection direct from Zoya, and make sure to join the mailing list for great sales.

-- Tested by Carrie

Living Proof Restore Shampoo and Conditioner

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4.5 stars 

COST: $28 ($12 for 2-ounce travel size) 

THE SKINNY: I've bought a lot of shampoos and tried enough brands that I should be embarrassed. Living Proof is the best that I have seen in quite some time.

The Living Proof Restore shampoo and condition duo have made my hair look healthier and shinier than it has in ages. After use, you get the clean and fresh look that comes with using a stripping combo, but Living Proof works without stripping hair and does not contain sulfates -- detergents that can dry hair and take the luster away from color treatments.

The shampoo lathered nicely -- a must -- and both products rinsed clean. The smell was fresh but did not stick to my hair.

But the biggest bonus was the re-found healthiness my hair had. Even with color treatments, my hair was soft, shiny and looked great. My color seemed to hold better and there was no dryness (even in the winter) or flyaways.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can buy Living Proof online, plus they offer free shipping and samples with every order.

-- Tested by Carrie 
 

Up & Up Eye Makeup Remover

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $4.54

THE SKINNY: I usually like Target's Up & Up brand products as a good, cost-saving option. This is not of them. Target makes several versions of its Up & Up Makeup Remover. This one is formulated after L'Oreal's product.

This eye makeup remover is a little oily and makes my eyes burn. Worse, it didn't do that great a job taking off stubborn mascara. It just smeared the mascara around my eyes and, after using my usual cleaner, still left me with raccoon eyes.

Ugh.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss. Cheaper isn't always better, especially for a product you're using on your eyes.

CHECK IT OUT: You can only buy this product at Target.

-- Tested by Shay

Boscia Pore Purifying Black Strips

 RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $15 for 6

THE SKINNY: I am one of those people that has been using pore strips from about the time they first hit the market.

There is something about peeling the dirt away from my face that just feels clean. (I know it is bizarre!)

Boscia Pore Purifying Black Strips are the grown-up version of those same strips I used a decade ago. And they are not just for the nose; I always use them for the troublesome chin area.

Dampen your face. Pop on the strip (and hide from anyone else who lives in your house for the next 15 minutes) while it hardens. Then peel and look at all the little gobs of dirt that are gone from your skin.

The strip made my skin a little red at first, but it went away quickly. And the next day, wow, the area was super-smooth and the pores looked smaller.

These strips are more expensive than the grocery store variety, but they work. Boscia's strips seemed to get my skin cleaner (pulling out all those little blackheads) with less irritation. Plus they are not made with preservatives.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. They really work!

CHECK IT OUT: Boscia uses a variety of natural ingredients and you can buy direct from the site.

-- Tested by Carrie