Riwbox Headphone Review

I love using wireless headphones because you don't have to worry about getting tangled up in a cord. Riwbox sent me their bluetooth, over-the-ear headphones to test out, and I had the chance to use them for the past week. 

I ordered the black and grey headphones. The grey looked more towards the brown/bronze color family to me, so I wouldn't necessarily call it a true grey (see pics). The other color that interested me was their white and gold ones.

On one side there's controls (volume up and down/forward and back, power, phone, play and pause). The instructions that come with the headphones tell you exactly how to press it in order to access the control you want to use. I tested them all out and had no issues getting them to work properly.



Pros:
-Inexpensive price. 
-Good color options to choose from. 
-The headphones weren't too tight (didn't hurt my ears from pressure) and they were comfortable to wear. 
-They worked with numerous devices (such as an Iphone and Xbox controller). 
-Had Bluetooth capability as well as the option to attach with a cord.
-Sound quality was better than I expected. Not as great as my other headphones (which cost a lot more) but playback was clear. Just wish the bass could be stronger, I felt it was lacking. 
-Padding around the ear was soft and comfortable. 

Cons:
-Didn't stay on well with a lot of movement (so wearing these to workout wouldn't work, however using them while sitting wouldn't cause any problems).
-When folding them up it kind of felt like they might break and like I had to be extra careful. 
-Didn't really notice too much difference with noise cancellation. I think this is also because I'm used to my headphones that are pretty tight around the ear and therefore block out more noise. These were not as snug so I felt sound could be heard easier and if you're someone who's looking for the noise cancellation feature I don't think these would be the best choice. 
-Needs stronger bass. 

Overall I would recommend these if you're looking for an inexpensive, over the ear headphone, that has Bluetooth capabilities. They've held up well so far, and for the price they fulfill most needs! 

Headphones were sent to me to review. All opinions are my own. 



  

Carephil Air Purifier Review

I received the Carephil Air Purifier to test and was excited to try it out since I suffer from bad allergies (promo code at the bottom). It's a 3-in-1 air purifier that's supposed to capture most dust, allergens, and indoor odors in medium to large sized rooms (I move it between my bedroom and office). 

The purifier arrived very well packaged. There was no damage to the box and it had cardboard inserts inside to protect it from being jostled during transit.

After getting it make sure to remove the air filter and take the plastic covering off of it before using the purifier! I almost forgot, but luckily there was a sticker on the front reminding me to do so. 

There's a couple different modes that the purifier can be used on. There's a sleep mode, lock function, timer, and different fan speeds. I was surprised how quiet the sleep mode is! The sound was very minimal and it didn't bother me at all while I was sleeping. 

Unfortunately I could not get the lock function or timer to work (the buttons are touch and can not actually be pushed, so I feel that's where the problem is). I do not have kids yet so have no need for the lock function, and mainly use it while I'm in the room so don't really need the timer buttons to work. However, I would recommend double checking all the functions after purchasing it, to make sure they're working properly. 

The fan speeds can be adjusted, and even on high I was not bothered by the noise level produced. It is a very quiet machine. 

You'll need to purchase back up filters for when the filter needs to be changed. It's easy to know when this needs to be done since an indicator light will turn on, on the top of the purifier. 

The main reason I was excited to try this is because I get really bad allergies (dust mites, pollen, any kind of animal hair or dander) and I liked that it's supposed to filter A TON of these out of the air. On top of that I felt like the machine also blended in with my decor well (I usually have all black or white minimalist furniture) and this was pretty thin to stand almost anywhere without taking up too much space (it measures 9.05"L x 6.92"W x 27.4"H). 

I'm excited to see what the filter looks like after a couple months of use! I will post an updated photo with a before and after of the filter, after it's been in use for a few months. 

To purchase on Amazon: Carephil Air Purifier
Promo Code: 28% off with code KRISTINA28 (expires on Jan 31st 2019 11:59 pm PST)

Sent to me for review, all opinions are my own. 

BRANDY MELVILLE WAREHOUSE SALE EXPERIENCE

Click here to watch my YouTube video/Try-On Haul

I finally got to go to a Brandy Melville warehouse sale the last time I was in Southern California. I've seen their posts in the past (promoting the sales) but they usually only give a couple days notice and it was never when I had a planned trip. Luckily, I was about an hour away from one of their sales during my trip to Southern California so I made the drive to check it out!

Tank and Sweats from sale

The Wait
I read that you need to get there early in order to be one of the first groups. Ideally you want to be in the first group to go in because not only do you get first pick, but as people go they are throwing clothes on the ground (so a lot of stuff was getting dirty/stepped on). Because of this, people in the later groups are more likely to get damaged items. 

The sale started at 9am and I got there at 4am. I would say there were about 80 people ahead of me. There was no bathroom around and the businesses in this area (even the gas station) did not have their restrooms open. I honestly don't know where all the people that were camping out were going to the bathroom at... Later on (closer to 7am) after they started setting up the sale, Port-a-Potties were delivered.  

Since I was visiting from out of town I was there by myself, but most people came with a friend. If you're able to go with someone else I highly recommend doing so, because if you need to use the bathroom or add more money to your meter they can save your spot in line. 

Dress from sale

The Set-Up
Normally I read that the warehouse sales took place inside buildings, but the one they held in Santa Monica was actually outside in a parking lot (luckily the weather was nice). While they were setting up boxes a fence was delivered and set up around the perimeter of the lot. 

Boxes were laid out in rows and opened. The girls were fluffing up the items inside and everyone waiting in line was watching through the fence to try and see what items they could see in the boxes so they would know which ones they wanted to run to.

About an hour before they started to let people they handed out wristbands. Each wristband group would be let in at a different time. I was in the first group. 

Sweats and Top from sale

The Sale
When they started the sale people literally ran in and were running all over the place from box to box. When you enter they give you a trash bag to put clothes in (the hardcore people at the front of the line brought their own bags) and basically you just go from box to box collecting what you want. Some people (who you could tell were there to resell) were just shoving anything in their bags without even looking at what they were grabbing. 

People were piling bags along the outskirts of the fence and you could tell some were working in groups (for resell purposes). A lot of the girls would fill their bags then sit off to the side sorting through what they wanted. People would be going around asking to look through your "no" pile. 

At first I thought we would only have 40 mins to look around and check out (since I read from numerous other blogs that this was what happened at other locations) but they did not have any time limits at this sale. I think it might have been because it was being held outside and not in a building. Basically, they just let a new group in every half hour.  

You have to be careful when selecting items because a lot have defects or are damaged. There are even some still with security sensors on them. 

A lot of shirts had holes, loose stitching, or weird sizing. There's no dressing rooms so if you want to try stuff on I recommend wearing leggings and a tight fitting top so you can slip stuff over your clothing. 

There was a lot of "mom jeans" but I didn't see any regular denim or denim shorts. A lot of sweatpants, sweatshirts, basic tees and tanks. There was very little outerwear, dresses, and skirts. 

Top from sale

Prices
Everything was either $5, $10, or $15. Cash only. 

Off the top of my head, all tanks and t-shirts were $5. Shorts and skirts were $10. Sweatshirts, Jackets, Pants, Denim, Thermals, and Dresses were $15. 

I tried to find items that were the best deal, for example, they had a lot of basic tops (which are pretty inexpensive already) so I avoided those. I tried to focus on embroidered or printed tops which tend to have higher prices in-store. Some of my favorite finds were a yellow embroidered honey tee and some band tees. (To see a full haul watch my YouTube video). 

Tank from sale

Check-Out
In order to check out you wait in line (the line was long, took me about 45 mins) and someone will add up your items once you get to the front. After you pay they wrapped the top of the trash bag with a zip tie to indicate that it was paid for. 

Right when I was about to leave another truck showed up with about 100 more boxes. When they opened the back of the truck all the other girls were so excited a lot of them started screaming! 

Unfortunately I had a flight to catch that night and had to drive an hour back to Chino, so I couldn't stay to look through all the new stuff. They were making everyone wait until all the new boxes were unloaded, lined up, and opened so it was taking a long time to set that all up. 

I waited for a bit to see whether the items were different or the same and it looked like a lot of new pieces that were not in the previous boxes I looked though, so I was bummed I couldn't stay longer!

Also the new boxes that they brought were marked "Boston Warehouse" so I'm assuming these were shipped in for the sale.

Sweatshirt from sale

Overall Experience 
If you love Brandy Melville this sale has a lot of good deals (some items were still in stores) and I felt that it was well worth the time and money!

I talked to a couple other girls (who had been to previous sales) and they all said this one had a lot more items and was bigger then other ones they've gone to. 

I loved this sale and I hope they have another one closer to me the next time I'm in California! 

Top and Skirt from sale

The Best Mirror/Jewelry Organizer | Review

Click here to watch my YouTube video review!

Inside 

This mirror/jewelry organizer is amazing!

I ordered it from the company AOOU off of Amazon. 

I got the white one and it's very clean/minimalist looking. 

There's an option to attach it directly to a wall OR hang it over a door. All the parts were included for whichever option you choose. There's also LED lighting inside so you have better lighting for your jewelry!

LED lighting 

The inside is covered in a black velvet material that will help protect your jewelry from getting scratched and is very luxe looking and feeling. I filled it with all the jewelry I currently have and there's still TONS of room for more!

My favorite part is that there are so many different compartments and storage options for each type of jewelry you own. Necklaces, stud earrings, dangling earrings, bracelets, perfume, rings, etc. 

I've struggled in the past with organizing all my jewelry and often had to buy a bunch of different organizers since most don't cater to organizing this large of a quantity. I used to have a necklace holder, ring stand, bracelet holder, etc... they were bulky and cluttered up my room. This is perfect because not only does it organize everything, but it stores it behind a closed door. You can still easily see everything you have but it keeps your space from looking cluttered and protects your jewelry from dust!

It also has a lock and key so if you have roommates or just want added protection I think that feature is also unique! 
It arrived very quickly and in perfect condition. I have been telling all my friends and family they need to get this!

Mirrored front

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE! 

All opinons are my own. Affiliate links used.

SONIC ERASER PRO | Michael Todd Beauty Review

I've recently been using the Sonic Eraser Pro by Michael Todd Beauty. It's a skincare tool that uses sonic oscillations to help you apply products to your face! It not only helps products absorb more into your skin, but it also cuts down on wasting your products, since it helps them apply evenly (and with how expensive skincare items can be I love finding tools that waste as little product as possible). 

How It Works
This tool uses a 3-in-1 delivery system called Triplex Infusion Technology, which uses sonic, ionic, and thermal infusion. It helps the beneficial ingredients in your products break through your skin's outer barrier (which allows for better absorption into the stratum corneum layer). 

The ionic uses your body as a circuit and creates a negative flow of electrons. This negative flow attracts your skincare products to push and pull them deeper in to the epidermis. 

If you've ever had a facial, this tool also replaces the "tapping" motion used to apply products with hands. The sonic oscillations are more than 30,000 times per minute so it's very stimulating for your skin. You just place your product (lotion, serum, etc) directly onto your face or the tool head, then place the tool to your face. It automatically turns on once you set it against your skin. Use circular motions until all the product has been absorbed by your skin then move onto your next area.

I love that this tool head heats up! It feels really great against your skin. It gets to 107F and I found that temperature to be comfortable, not too hot! This is the ideal temperature to open pores so that more product gets absorbed. 

Overall Thoughts
So far I've used this tool for about 2 weeks and in the morning I can see a noticeable difference in how much more moisturized my face feels. First I wash my face normally, then use the Sonic Eraser Pro to apply both the Daily Renewal Serum and my creams/lotions. I like to place the product directly onto my face then use the tool to distribute the products. Just don't use it too closely to your eyes. 

I love that it can be used on ALL skin types and how portable it is! It's wireless so all you have to do is charge it and you're good to go. If you're looking for a better way to get the most out of your serums and face creams definitely check out the Sonic Eraser Pro! 

Received complimentary for review, all opinions are my own. 

HiSmile Teeth Whitening Kit Review

Last week I tested out the HiSmile Teeth Whitening Kit, which many of you have probably seen all over Instagram! Click the video below to watch my demo on YouTube. 

Click to watch my HiSmile Teeth Whitening Kit Demo

Teeth Whitening Kit Products 
The teeth whitening kit comes with 3 gels (6-9 uses), 1 LED light, 1 mouth tray, 1 shade guide, and an instruction manual. 

The mouth tray attaches directly to the LED light which I love because then your arm doesn't get tired holding it up! AND the gels are clearly labeled with measurements so you know exactly how much to apply to the mouth tray. 

Unlike other gels I've tried in the past, this one did not hurt my gums. So if you have sensitive teeth/gums this would be a good product for you to try! 

How To Use The Kit
To use the kit first use the shade guide to determine your starting shade. Then you can see how much your teeth improve after the 6 days! 

Attach the mouth tray to the LED light. I like to do this before applying the gel because I found it easier. 

Apply 1/4 of the gel to the top and 1/4 of the gel to the bottom of the mouth piece. Apply it along the front edge of the tray (the part that will be bumped up against your teeth). 

Put the mouth tray in your mouth and use gentle pressure to hold it in place. Make sure the front of the tray is up against your teeth since this is where the whitening gel is!

Push the button on the LED light to turn it blue. Leave it in your mouth for ten minutes and when ten minutes is up the light will beep. When you hear the beeps remove the mouth tray and rinse your mouth with water to remove excess gel. 

After removing it I like to clean off the mouth tray and wipe down the LED light just to keep everything clean and sanitary! You can also brush your teeth afterwards. 

Ingredients in the Teeth Whitening Kit

• Sodium Bicarbonate (to whiten)
• Sodium Chlorite (to whiten)
• Pomegranate (light activator)
• Aloe Vera (light activator)
• Chamomile (light activator)

HiSmile Toothpaste
The Day and Night Toothpaste is great for everyday use. Each tube is 65g and both have a fresh, minty taste. 
The Day Toothpaste prevents stains because of the Micro-shield wax it contains. The Night Toothpaste uses activated charcoal, and other natural ingredients, to remove stains and detoxify. Both are simple to use.

Ingredients in the Day Toothpaste

• Microshield wax
• Aloe Vera
• 5 Key minerals

Ingredients in the Night Toothpaste

• Activated Charcoal

Tips to Achieve Maximum Results 

• Avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth (red wine, coffee, etc)
• If you do drink a liquid that can stain, use a straw to avoid having the liquid hit your teeth. 
• Use daily (6 days in a row for teeth whitening kit, daily for toothpastes).

Results/Final Thoughts
My teeth were already pretty white to begin with BUT I did notice a difference while using the kit! It may not be super noticeable in the pictures, but in person I can tell that they are whiter. If someone starts this kit with a less white shade they will most likely notice more dramatic results. 

Overall I found both the kit and toothpastes easy to use and enjoyed my results! 


FTC: Products were sent to me for review, all opinions are my own. 

FOREVER 21 | Honest Review & Clothing Haul

So this isn't the first time I've ordered from Forever 21... but I've seen their company go through so many changes since my first purchase 10 years ago and figured it was time to write a current review. (Scroll all the way to the bottom if you just want to see the items I purchased). 

Ordering/Shipping Process
I feel like their website is pretty easy to navigate. I like that you can favorite items to a wishlist so you can see if they go on sale. I also like that they have a "style gram" section where they show Instagram pictures so you can see how others style their clothing. 

I usually shop their site by selecting a specific category (tank tops, skirts, boots, etc) then sort everything from low to high price. I find it's easier to go through their website using this method because they have SOOO many items it can get overwhelming to sort through everything if you don't narrow it down to a specific category. 

My items normally arrive in about a week. They usually offer free shipping on orders over $50, so I'll wait until I want enough items to get free shipping. They also do free ship promos or free shipping with a $21 purchase pretty frequently, too. 

Returns/Exchanges
Forever 21 FINALLY changed their return policy. You used to only get store credit and it had to be returned in 21 days. Now they'll refund you back to your method of payment and you have 30 days to return all non-final sale items (30 days from ship date if ordering online).  

If you have a return from an online order try to return it to a store and not through the mail, because they don't offer free return shipping (you're responsible for the costs). I also feel like in-store is easier because you get your money back faster and don't have to worry about tracking the return package. 

Quality
I feel like in the past couple years Forever 21 has improved their quality. I still try to stay away from their items with sequins or a lot of beading (because every item I've gotten like that in the past has fallen apart after 1-2 wears) but I love their basics!

Also, this season I've been loving their faux fur coats. Most of the ones I've ordered/felt in-store are extremely soft. Only one that I ordered didn't fit right. All the others were a decent price and good quality. The only con was that most needed to be dry-cleaned, so that's another added cost you have to consider. 

Sizing
Forever 21 has sizes for kids, women, men, and plus size. I mainly order items in a size small from the women's section (extra small if they have it) but most of the time they only have small as an option. Their "Contemporary" line runs a bit larger so normally the items from that line don't fit me (unless it's supposed to fit baggy).  

I feel like their sizing isn't always that consistent between items. Some dresses will run really large and some tops will fit super small, while others in the same size are baggy. I try to stick to their size chart but I feel like since they have so many items it's not too consistent. Sometimes I'll even order clothing in two different sizes then return the one that doesn't fit. I think that's easier then trying to do an exchange for a different size. 

Customer Service
The only time I've tried to contact Forever 21 customer service was when my sister and I both ordered necklaces and they looked nothing like the image online. The image online made it look like a small chain and what arrived was a huge chain link necklace (think Flavor Flav status). I went to the store and showed the manager and even she agreed it didn't look like the image online but said there was nothing she could do (this was back during their previous return policy, however jewelry is still final sale as of today)! I tried calling their customer service number and they said they couldn't do anything either. Honestly after this experience I stopped shopping at Forever 21 and didn't purchase anything from them for almost 2 years until they updated their quality and returns policy. 

Also, I prefer to shop online instead of going in store because the employees at my location aren't always that friendly. Plus, there's so many items crammed together  in the store I feel like I can hardly ever find the same items I've viewed online. 

Overall Thoughts
Forever 21's new return policy is definitely a huge improvement. Also I feel like the quality has been improved, at least the item's I've purchased seem to be a better quality then they used to be. I'm glad I started purchasing from them again and hope they continue to improve. 

Everything purchased by me.