One of the very best things about being an influencer in the online space is the opportunity to review products and services that I have a keen interest in. Translation: the chance to test out products I’d actually buy.
Back in 2014, I made a promise to myself – and to my audience – that I’d cut out the spam. No more accepting freebies, no more “fluff” reviews for the sake of content, no more overtly gushing testimonials about one-off products I’d never open my wallet to purchase. And for the most part, it’s been very effective: I spend my time talking about the products, services and destinations I love, and you can trust that if it appears on my blog, it’s because it has my personal endorsement (and isn’t just a paid endorsement).
Of course, the benefit of being choosy with my content means that more often than not, I can convert from a reviewer to a customer! As such, I thought I’d put together a quick round-up of the brands I’ve featured this year that I am now a bona fide customer. It’s putting my wallet where my website is!
Kamik Rain Boots. Part of Kamik’s appeal to me is their focus on sustainability. Their Zylex liners are made from 77% – 97% recycled water bottles, and their rubber boots are 100% recyclable. Combined with the fact that they’re a Canadian company (with over 70 percent of their products made in Canada), and they have some of the prettiest designs I’ve seen, it’s no wonder I purchased a second pair (“Jennifer”) in addition to the “Orchid” style I received for review!
I purchased my Kamik Rain Boots at Globo Shoes, but you can also find them at Soft Moc, Town Shoes, Sporting Life and more. Tomorrow’s forecast is calling for rain… I’m all set to conquer the elements in style!
COVERGIRL Full Lash Bloom Mascara by LashBlast. This endorsement is coming from a gal who normally splurges on designer brand mascara – but not since I discovered Full Lash Bloom Mascara. It’s soft, never clumpy, and makes every lash come alive.
Also? I use exactly one pink lipstick now – COVERGIRL Colorlicious Lipstick in #335 Tantalize. You’re probably sick of hearing about it, and for that, I apologize. But the truth is, had I not received it in a press drop, there’s simply no way I would have ever discovered this shade. It’s perfect for medium-to-dark complexions with warm undertones, and goes seamlessly from day to night.
Disney Cruise Line. Yes! We had such an amazing time on our Disney Cruise media trip earlier this year, we just had to do it all over again! This time, we’ve booked a 4-night Bahamian cruise for January 2017. “Parasail over azure waters, savor island delicacies and swim face-to-fin with dolphins. Set sail on a Bahamian cruise to discover a world of sand, surf and sun blended with all the leisure, recreation and magic of the tropics.” I can handle that!
And if you’re looking to plan your own nautical adventure, heads up! This summer, you can take advantage of an exclusive offer for Canadian residents aboard the Disney Fantasy, with savings from US $1,495 on select 7-night Caribbean cruise vacations for a family of four!
There are four (4) Caribbean sailings eligible for 20% off prevailing rates:
• Western Caribbean Cruises on July 9, 2016 and July 23, 2016 – Soak up the onboard excitement with 2 days at sea and stops in Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Castaway Cay – Disney’s own private island in the Bahamas.
• Eastern Caribbean Cruises on July 16, 2016 and July 30, 2016 – Voyage to Tortola, St. Thomas/St. John and Castaway Cay. Three days at sea will give you ample time to unwind and take advantage of your ship’s unbelievable amenities.
To take advantage of this special offer, you can book online, call (800) 491-9744 or contact your travel agent.
Well, those are just a few of my favourite purchases year to date. I think the “Conversion to Customer” should be a regular segment on my blog! You can bet I’ll be back to chat more about the products and services I love, and how I made the jump from reviewer to fangirl.
Have you ever received a product for free, as a gift, or to review, and have since become a bona fide customer? Do tell!
Yes I have, many times! One example is I won some Boo Bamboo Products and absolutely loved the shampoo & conditioner – now I buy it all the time even though I have to order it.
Also I love those boots! Going to have to check Kamik out!
Please do! I love them, you will too! :)
Funny I was thinking of writing a post like this too. I love Orange Naturals and I am 100% hooked on all their products for the whole family. Covergirl LashBlast is the only mascara I use too! I completely agree with you “it makes every lash come alive.” Recently, I tried another brand (bad idea) I had to run back to the store for LashBlast.
I have a feeling I will be splurging on the full line of SimySkin in the weeks to come.
I’m a newbie in the running a blog myself sense but I love the idea of try before I buy. Even more so, I love reading other people’s reviews. I particularly enjoy your blog. Thanks for being awesome Lena!
P.S. Very pretty picture of you!
Thank you for being an awesome reader!
Wow great idea! I received Kashi bars through a tester program and now I buy them all the time. Love your blog and all the products you share with us!
I have! I received a Clarins product for free from one of Dave Lackie’s events and was hook and now I’m a customer and advocate of the brand!
Those Kamik Rain Boots are absolutely gorgeous. I don’t really need rain boots, more snow boots here – wonder if they are so nice. I’m going to have to check out Kamik, thanks for all the great reviews :-)
Those boots are so cute,i love them.Thanks for the wonderful review.
Thanks for the reviews! I looked at the Disney Cruise sale and think we may make it work! Loved your review of the Fantasy, it’s one of the reasons we are considering this cruise!
Thank you! Let me know if I can help!
We booked the cruise! Fantasy, in winter! Thanks a bunch for the info.
The first time I received H2O Plus products as a gift I scoffed because I thought they were needlessly expensive and an indulgence. Now I’m hooked on them. I’ve been buying them for years :-)
My favourite product was swapping in my 1st gen Nano for a current gen 16GB Nano. Great support by Apple.
I love those Kamik boots! So pretty
I love that you provide your followers with honest reviews. That is why I value your advice so much!
I appreciate the kudos!
I’ve received quite a few products that I’ve never tried before, that I am in love with now. One that comes to mind is MAC Prep + Prime Fix+. It’s an absolute must in my makeup routine now.
I would love to go on a cruise someday, looks like so much fun and the food I hear is amazing!!
Very nice boots
I love reading blogs about new items (from trusted people like yourself who are being honest not just trying to hawk an item) and entering contests for that reason – I have been able to try some products that have turned me into a consumer of the item as well! In addition, I have also turned others onto products thanks to trials and great reviews!
So happy to hear that!
Absolutely!
I tried Garnier Herbal Blends through a sample offered in a magazine and fell in love with the line. I have been talking it up whenever I can.
I love trying new products! One time I received the IT Cosmetics Celebration Foundation as a gift and I really liked it. By the way, those Kamik Rain Boots are cute. Thanks for the reviews.
Thanks for your honest reviews,i love reading everyone because i learn so much,thanks and enjoy your Sunday
Thanks for sharing about Kamik. I like to support Canadian companies, especially if they show they care about the environment. The boots are so pretty – they’d really perk up a rainy day (and I’d feel good knowing they’re good for the environment).
Those rainboots are so adorable! I can’t believe they are recyclable too. That’s awesome! There’s been a few natural supplements that I’ve been sent to test and review that I found made a real difference and I’ve continued to buy. I also received a freebie of Garnier Fresh Blends shampoo and conditioner that I have my whole family using now!
I won some Kameleon Jewelry, and now buy it frequently. Love it!
I love your boots and mascara but I could only dream of the cruise.
I love trying new products before I buy them and it’s been successful for various things, hair dye, shampoo, makeup. Etc..
Those boots were made for walking (in the Rain)
I’ve received various Garnier skin care and I have loved them all. The latest being the Micellar cleansing water.
My daughter loves this brand and swears they are the best!