I've been using Influenster for quite a number of months now and I finally received my first VoxBox. Influenster is a community for online "trendsetters" where you sign up with an invitation and are able to take surveys, quizzes, and leave reviews on all types of products and services.

The more you share, the higher your Influenster score gets and the more influential you are, you earn the ability to get a VoxBox. A VoxBox is a box sponsored by a company or brand filled with goodies that influensters receive to review. 

I was given the chance to receive the Colgate SlimSoft VoxBox which came with a new Colgate toothbrush, the SlimSoft and two other Colgate goodies, a mini toothpaste and mouthwash.

The toothbrush that I received is one of the softest brushes I've ever used. It is a simple tooth brush, nothing crazy and it is a little smaller than I like but it's pretty wonderful.

I've been using it the past few days and it has completely replaced my old toothbrush. The Colgate toothpaste and mouth wash were also nice surprises and wonderful. 

Altogether, I was really happy with my first VoxBox and I'm looking forward to receiving another one, whenever that may be!

If you're interested in Influenster, leave your email address in a blog comment and I'll send you an invite :)

I've been an avid iPhone lover for the past year now but I've been a tech junkie since I could remember. I was always a computer junkie, since my AOL Kids days. I'm the resident Geek Squad member in my home because I know how to fix the computer whenever it's down. 

I somehow just understand computers and everything that goes along with them; I am by no means a computer science major but I know my way around.

I get extremely excited when there are new tech gadgets being released, especially by my beloved Apple. That's why I had been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the brand, spanking new operating system to come to all iPhones and iPads.

iOS7 came out last week and blew up the internet. Service was down, it took hours to download the update and there were some glitches but it's also very exciting that my iPhone was going to get a new look.

I had seen pictures of the update but nothing beats using it for the first time. It took me a total of 2 hours to complete the update on my iPhone 4S but less than an hour on my iPad. Immediately, I fell in love with iOS7.

I had seen throughout the day people were very iffy about the new operating system; a lot of people didn't like it and wished they had never updated while others were on the fence. I hardly saw anyone that was in love with it.

I was one of that small percentage that was obsessed and still am, five days later. Yes, it does look very similar to the Windows phones and it's sort of two dimensional but it's Apple and I will pretty much love anything new that they put out.

I love how the icons are flat on your home screen, I love the bright colors and the new lock screen. I love how the background is bigger and doesn't have that weird spilt screen look like the old operating system. 

One great feature is that there will be no more annoying notifications from the app store that your apps are due to be updated. That's because the app store will now be updating apps automatically and you'll get that notification (not a pop up) if your control center. 

The new control center is something I'm still getting used too but I do like the sleek look of it. I am also obsessed with how everything is white, like the keyboard.

To me, iOS7 is how an iPhone and an iPad were always meant to look. It's a no frills, simple and colorful look and I think it's utterly perfect.

My favorite part of the entire update? iTunes radio! I love Pandora but I hated how they would play the most random songs on stations I loved. iTunes Radio is completely changing Pandora and going to give them a run for their money. iTunes Radio has great stations and even though it's kind of similar to Pandora, there are so many different things in my opinion.

They have featured radio stations, iTunes top 100 stations, and the ability to buy the songs you're listening too. 

I've already deleted the Pandora app and fell in love with iTunes radio.

All in all, I am completely happy with the iOS7 update. I cannot get enough of this new look and operating system, I've fallen in love with my iPhone all over again!

Have you downloaded iOS7? What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments!

Recruitment is getting closer and closer which is both exciting and nerve-wracking! My e-board (both Phi Sig and Greek Council) are working diligently to start planning so I've been in full out Greek mode for the past week or so.

I thought that there was no better time than now to introduce you to a fabulous new company that is designed specifically for your Greek life jewelry needs.

A-List Greek Designs is a new company that was created by Hope Gray in response to her passion for her sorority. She says that she wanted to create jewelry for Greek women that was classy, of a larger variety, and showed their pride for their sorority.

The pieces that A List features are extremely affordable, ranging from $15-$40, which is great for a sorority girl's budget.

A List has a variety of products for a select few NPC sororities but the good thing is, you can vote for your sorority to have their own collection! If your sorority is not featured, there are some generic sorority jewelry that is perfect for anyone such as Big/Little necklaces and bracelets.

Something that separates A-List from other sorority jewelry companies is that they work closely with philanthropies. They attend sorority charity events and then give back to that specific cause.

Some other features that A-List offers are a great campus rep program that will allow you to spread the word of A-List Greek Designs on your campus and throughout your chapter, doing group orders for your chapter, and even designing your own piece of jewelry.

A-List Greek Designs is so kind and lovely that they want to give away one Big Sis/Lil Sis charm set to one lucky Royally Pink reader! It's perfect for the start of big/little season to gift to your new little or even just as a surprise gift for your big or little.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

It's no secret that I am in love with the two brands, Lilly Pulitzer and J.Crew. I love everything about these two companies from their styles, their products, and the way they brand themselves. To me, they are nothing short of perfection. 

They also go great hand in hand.

I've definitely grown a stronger appreciation for fashion in the past few months and the fact that Fall is finally upon us has me jumping out of my skin. I've actually worn jeans and cardigans all week and I could not be any happier.

The fall collections from both Lilly and J.Crew are fabulous and if I had an unlimited amount of money, it would be my complete wardrobe.

Here are some of my favorite pieces:

Satanna Sweater Dress

Kate Sweater

Merino Leather Pocket Sweater


Leather Sleeve Top

Excursion Quilted Vest

What are your favorite brands showing this fall?

This is a sponsored post but all thoughts and ideas are my own

A few weeks ago I was informed of this campus safety app called React. I'm a huge safety freak; I never walk home alone, am always cautious of my surroundings, and am always looking over my shoulder for someone behind me.

I am overly cautious in my safety precautions probably because I am so neurotic and paranoid. Sometimes it may work against me because I get myself so nervous and worked up but I like to think that it helps me many a times.

This app is just an added bonus and something everyone should download. 

React is an app that allows your phone to turn into a security device. It allows you to report criminal activity around you and incase you ever feel like you're in great danger, with the push of a button, it'll take your GPS coordinates and send a text message to your selected contacts. It can even post the message on Facebook and Twitter so everyone can be aware that you're in danger.

This app literally transforms your phone into your own lifeline. 

God forbid you were ever walking down the street and someone was following you or tried to approach you, this would be a quick way to get the word out that you needed help.

Here's some more background info on the app:

React differentiates itself in the following ways:

·       “Follow-Me” Feature - React Mobile, is a safety tool that you hope you never have to use. We differentiate ourselves by providing users with a safety enhancement feature for everyday use. Our premium “Follow-me” feature allows users to have friends and family track them in real-time. When a user is concerned for their safety but doesn’t want to escalate a potentially harmless situation, they can have their friends and family track them in real-time until they are safe.

·       International Support: Users also have the ability to choose which country they are visiting (or living in) from our settings tab and when they trigger an SOS alert they will be prompted to dial the appropriate emergency authority depending on where they are (ex: if they are in the UK the app will prompt a user to dial 112 not 911).

·       Social Network Integration: SOS alerts can be posted to Facebook and Twitter – In the event of an emergency we want users to have the capability to alert as many people as possible. We are differentiating ourselves from the competition by offering users the option to post their emergency alerts to Facebook and Twitter with a link to their location.

·       React Mobile is Free - Unlike many of our competitors we are offering our product as a free app as we believe that it is a safety tool that everyone with a smartphone should have at their disposal. Unlike the competition, we impose no charge for the use of key features and we don’t require a users’ emergency contacts to have installed the app.

·       Automatic 911 prompt – Because it is critical to alert the authorities when you are in trouble, our app automatically prompts users to dial 911 if an alert is activated. 

What is the Follow-Me feature?

React Mobile's SOS emergency reporting is a safety tool that you hope you never have to use. We differentiate ourselves by providing users with a safety feature for everyday use. Our premium “Follow-me” feature allows users’ friends and family to track them in real-time whenever they are concerned for their safety. People frequently feel unsafe and uncomfortable but may not want to trigger an SOS alert. Examples include , a solo or late night runner (or runner in the woods), a realtor meeting a new client for the first time in an unfamiliar place, a student walking home along a dark pathway, an online dater who is meeting a date for the first time. These are just some examples of when people might want the peace of mind of knowing that their trusted, self-selected contacts are tracking them in real-time. If an emergency situation occurs a user can escalate to an SOS alert, however, if for some reason the user can’t issue an alert (i.e. they are attacked), their friends will know where they are if they go missing thanks to the last known GPS and will be able to alert the police.

I've checked out the app and downloaded it onto my iPhone (also available on Android Devices) and it seems pretty useful and handy. You could create your account with Facebook which is always a great feature and I really like that you could load your emergency contacts pre-danger so really with only a push of the SHIELD button, it'll send out a mass text of sorts.

I hope I never have to use it but if I ever get into a dangerous situation, it'll be good to have. 

I think it's really important for college students, and everyone in general to be aware of their safety. It's a scary world out there and I think React Mobile is an incredible asset to have on hand incase of dangerous situations.

At the end of last month, I thought I cancelled my Ipsy Glam Bag. I was perfectly fine with the choice because like I said, I'm a broke college student.

That is why I was very surprised when I saw a charge for Ipsy on my bank statement two weeks ago. I was confused and after contacting Ipsy, they said that my subscription wasn't originally cancelled but they cancelled it for future months.

I still received the September glam bag that I was charged for and honestly, it was a nice surprise and I was really happy with what I got.

The bag this month is an adorable royal blue with a cool design (still not as great as the Glamour Academy bag last month). I saw on Ipsy that you could get a Butter London nail polish this month and I really really wanted that but no such luck.

This wasn't that bad of a Glam Bag though:

1. Freeman Facial Masks

I got three packets of facial masks which I was pretty content with. I love face masks and I'm always looking for new ones to try. The ones I got were the Star Fruit Purifying Paper Mask, the Blue Agave Hydrating Paper Mask, and the Rose Facial Brightening Paper Mask. I'm excited to try all of these because the mask that I usually use is a regular cucumber avocado. It'll be nice to try something else!

2. Starlooks Eye Pencil in Obsidian Kohl

I never use eye pencils that you need to sharpen; I much prefer mechanical or felt tip eyeliners. This is a game changer though; I used it this weekend and I'm in love. The pencil is silky smooth, applies beautifully, and doesnt' feel chalky. It's a beautiful, simple black but the pencil feels and looks so differently than a mechanical pencil. It's much easier to control how much is applied.

3. Cailyn Tinted Lip Balm in Big Apple

I received a Cailyn Eyeliner in a purple color a few months back and really loved it. I was happy when I saw another Cailyn product in this month's bag. Tinted lip balm is my new beauty favorite and this red color is perfect for every day wear.

4. NYX Eyeshadow in Charcoal

I never buy single, stand alone eyeshadows because I always have these huge eyeshadow palettes that have every color under the sun. I have started to love NYX brand after getting a NYX blush in one of my other Ipsy bags so I was pretty happy when I got this gray eyeshadow. It's such a good fall color and perfect for blending with other colors. I think that this charcoal shadow is great for a smoky eye. I used it as a stand alone this weekend and it had just the right amount of shimmer and metallic coloring--gorgeous!

5.  Elizabeth Mott It's Big Volumizing Mascara

I have had such a love hate relationship with mascara recently. I don't know what is a good mascara and what's a bag one--they are so hit or miss with me nowadays. This one isn't one the favorite mascara's I've tried. It makes my lash long but kind of lumpy; it doesn't really add volume. It was kind of a disappointment but maybe I just need to use it a few more times before I start to like it.

This glam bag was a nice surprise, even though I didn't want to pay the extra $10, it was still something good to look forward too!

A few weeks back, I stumbled on the most adorable company run by an incredible woman. I'm big on little companies who do big things and create top notch products.

Tami is the founder and creator of Tam Tam Design, which creates chic and classy stationary and knick knacks for the every day girl.

Tam Tam carries everything from personalized serving trays, iPhone cases, journals, and weekly planners. All her products come in cute, girly colors and are seriously perfect for any girly girl.

I'm obsessed with Tam Tam Designs; her products are something that I lust after. Every girl on the go needs to have adorable stationary to go along with her busy and chic life.

Here's a little bio on Tami, featured on her website.

My daily beauty routine has drastically changed over the past year. I've mentioned it before how having this blog has changed my beauty regime. I've discovered new products, tried out different things, and developed a much more appreciative attitude toward beauty products.

I'm a person who loves routines and all summer, I had the same routine: moisturizer, BB Cream, liquid blush, Erase Paste concealer, eyeliner and mascara. It was very simple, very to the point, and I was fine with it.

With the Fall quickly approaching, my make-up routine is changing, even from day to day, everything I do is different.

Here's my current, favorite make-up routine for a simple week day that consists of classes, meetings, and work!

Beauty Routine 2013 by royallypink featuring benefit makeup

I start with a nice cleanser; my favorite is the Clean and Clear Morning Burst because the tiny beads really do help wake you up. I also love the new gel moisturizer that Morning Burst released a few months back. The gel is so light on my face and doesn't make me feel greasy.

My under eye circles are the worst so I do everything I could to de-puff them; an under eye roller paired with Benefit's Oo La Lift is a great pre concealer regime.

I already raved about Maybelline's FIT Me Foundation so that's up next, and then my concealer. I've been taking a break from Erase Paste and have been sticking with the quick and simple Maybelline Age Rewind. It's too easy to not love.

A translucent powder has made it's way into my beauty box; I love setting my under eye concealer with Revlon's Photo Ready pressed translucent powder. It makes everything smooth and pretty.

Next up is my bronzer; I've gone back to my beloved Rimmel London matte bronzer; I'm going to need a new one soon since I could see the bottom of the pan on mine. It gives the perfect glow with no shimmer added. I've also been loving my NYX blush in Angel. It's not too powdery, it almost has a cream like base and it's not too pink--the perfect Fall transition color.

I keep my eyes simple during the day; just some Eyeko liquid liner with a felt tip pen (sometimes I use olive instead of black) and some Pixi mascara.

I've started filling in my brows (not shown here but I use Flower Beauty Eyebrow Pencil) and set them with the Anastasia Brow Gel which works like glue.

After all that, I'm good to go and my make-up usually lasts throughout the day with no primer. In between I will powder up with my Maybelline Dream Matte pressed powder to soak up the sweat and oil.

I'm sure once the weather gets a lot cooler and I find new products my routine will switch again!

Every year, on this day, I am completely somber. I am constantly reminded how lucky and blessed I am to be alive and to have everything I do.

As a New Yorker, through and through, my heart breaks every single 9/11. It was a tragedy that I will never forget.

I remember like it was yesterday; I was in my fourth grade classroom, surrounded by my friends, learning in our early morning math class. My school was next to a parkway, one that lead directly in Manhattan. 

We saw and heard all the sirens rushing to the scene and we were completely confused as to what was going on. Then, the principal came over the loud speaker and kids started to be called out of class. Me, along with my two best friends were the second kids to be called out.

My mom was waiting in the principal's office, looking a nervous wreck. I could tell something was wrong. I asked what happened and she said nothing, she'd tell me later.

We drove home and my mom's cousin was sitting on my front steps, sobbing. Her friend was in the twin towers (she was fine) and she didn't know what to do. I was taken to my friend's house after my mom explained to me what had happened. I watched on television the towers collapse, I remember watching someone throw themselves out the window, falling to their death; it was so much more to me. I lived here, I lived in New York. It was astounding how I felt in that moment.

I remember being mesmerized by the towers, always. To see them burning like that, to see them collapse, it was something I never thought would happen. 

My dad worked at the New York Stock Exchange, blocks away from WTC. I was so incredibly nervous, as was my mother, as to where he was. 

My dad walked home over the Brooklyn Bridge, along with all other New Yorkers, completely distraught. He didn't get home till 8pm that night; my neighbors were outside waiting for him. Covered in soot and debris, in his sweaty business suit, my father threw himself on the front lawn and cried.

I remember this day so vividly, so clearly and I don't think I'll ever forget.

It was something that was so close to home for me and it completely changed our city, it changed our country, it changed out world; it changed me forever.

Take the time today to remember those who died, who risked their lives, and who lost loved ones. I know a lot of people who lost someone in 9/11 and to just commemorate their memories means the world to them.

I'll be taking my time going through today and remembering where I was 12 years ago today. I'll look up at the sky tonight and see those blue lights that shine bright where the towers once stood.