Tag: exfoliator

My Top 5 Derma E Products | My Favorite Vegan Skincare Products

Happy Saturday! Today I want to highlight one of my favorite skincare brands – Derma E! Not only is this brand 100% vegan, but I love that Derma E creates high quality and effective products that are on the more affordable side. I began using this brand several years ago when I received the Microdermabrasion Scrub in an Ipsy bag (remember THAT?!). I’ve continued to buy products from the brand ever since, and am now very grateful to receive products to review as well. This weekend Derma E is having a 20% off sale on its entire website, so I thought it was the perfect time to share my top five products with you.

Some of the products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. This post includes affiliate links. The images in this blog post are courtesy of Derma E. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

1. Microdermabrasion Scrub – $32.50 [BUY]

Let’s begin with the product that started it all for me – the Microdermabrasion Scrub! I recently began using this scrub again, and I am absolutely in love with it. When I use this product regularly, I see a big difference in my skin’s clarity and texture. Plus, this has a refreshing lemon scent to it. I also love that this comes in a sturdy glass jar. I know this is a product I will continue to repurchase in the future, as it is my favorite microdermabrasion.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask – $19.50 [BUY]

A new favorite of mine is the Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask. This clay mask is designed to clear the skin of impurities while also gently exfoliating. I’ve used this twice already through a foil packet, and will definitely be purchasing the full size once I’ve used up the other masks in my collection. My skin feels extremely clean after each use, and this is great at firming, too.

 

 

 

 

3. Hydrating Serum – $29.50 [BUY]

My most repurchased Derma E product is the Hydrating Serum. I’ve gone through at least 2-3 full size bottles of this! This serum is great for moisturizing the skin, and it provides some natural anti-aging as well. In the summer months I often use only this serum and not a moisturizer. It really gets the job done!

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Hydrating Night Cream – $29.50 [BUY]

Another product I love from the Hydrating Line is the Hydrating Night Cream. This moisturizer is great because it deeply hydrates the skin without being too heavy. It also has a relaxing scent to it that is perfect for the evening. Of course, it’s also nice that the Hydrating Night Cream has natural anti-aging properties to it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Psorzema Cream – $15.99 [BUY]

Last but not least is the Psorzema Cream, a body care product from Derma E. This body moisturizer is formulated especially for skin associated with Psoriasis and Eczema. I don’t have either of those skin conditions, but I love that this moisturizer is deeply hydrating and unscented. If you are sensitive to fragrances, or if you have sensitive skin, this is a great option for you. I know I have found my new go-to body lotion!

 

 

 

 

 

That wraps up my top five products from Derma E! Right now Derma E is having a 20% off sale on its entire website! Use code FEB20 now through February 5, 2018 at 11:00am PST. If you miss this sale, don’t worry! Dema E often has money-saving opportunities. Make sure to bookmark this blog post so you can remember my favorites from this vegan skincare company.

What is your favorite Derma E product? Let me know in the comments!

DERMAE

The Best Skincare Products for Summer

Happy Monday! With summer just around the corner, I’ve begun to change up my skincare routine in anticipation of the warmer weather. My skin and its needs change a lot throughout the year, and I thought it would be helpful to share my favorite products to use in the summer with all of you. If you also live in an area that gets hot and humid once June hits, these skincare products will keep your skin cool, calm, and collected!

Derma e Purifying Daily Detox Scrub [LINK]

The product that inspired this blog post is this scrub from Derma e, one of my all-time favorite skincare brands. I purchased this at CVS, and I’m so glad I did! This scrub is gentle enough for daily use, but abrasive enough to still remove impurities and leave the skin feeling smooth. Thus, not only is this scrub great for the summer since I don’t have as many dry patches to remove, but it is also quite cooling upon application. I’m guessing that the cooling sensation is because the main ingredient is aloe vera, but whatever it is I love how refreshing it feels. If you have a hot face in the summer, this scrub will help!

Evian Facial Spray [LINK]

Another product that really helps to cool me off in the heat is the Evian Facial Spray. I’ve mentioned this product on the blog a handful of times in the past, and I always describe it as water in a can because that’s just what it is! However, the reason I love this product is because the spray is an even mist, and the can is designed to keep out bacteria and be leakproof as well. If you are on a tight budget, you can easily put some water in a spray bottle you get at the drugstore’s travel section and get similar results! If you’re going to splurge on the Evian spray, definitely get the large size, and not the travel size, because the travel size runs out extremely quickly. I love applying this before bed so my face is nice and cool when it hits the pillow.

MAKE Face Primer SPF 30 [LINK]

Sunscreen is an important part of any skincare routine, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors this summer. I always dread applying a thick facial sunscreen, so I much prefer to find other products that will give me some SPF coverage. One of my favorites is the face primer from MAKE. This primer can be worn alone or under makeup, and provides SPF 30. While this is not my favorite primer, as it doesn’t do much to conceal my pores, it is an absolute necessity in the summer whether or not I’m wearing makeup. It isn’t a heavy consistency, and it dries down quickly!

Derma e Hydrating Serum [LINK]

Another product I use to avoid heavier lotions in the summer is the Hydrating Serum from Derma e. I absolutely love hydrating serums, and I find I can avoid using a moisturizer in the warmer months because this gives my skin enough hydration. This serum also has firming properties, which is an added bonus for me. Plus, the hyaluronic acid helps to curb breakouts! I’ve mentioned this product a number of times on the blog before, but it’s so great I wanted to shout it out again!

Urban Decay De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray [LINK]

My last summer skincare necessity is one of my holy grail products – the Urban Decay De-Slick! I actually use this setting spray all year long because my skin gets really oily throughout the day, but I highly recommend giving this a try in the summer if you haven’t already. I’ve been asked if this product really works to help prevent oily skin, and I definitely think it does. This is not a miracle product (my skin still gets oily), but if I don’t use it I see a huge difference in my skin. This product is one I repurchase constantly and worth the money for sure!

That wraps up my picks for the best skincare products for summer. I hope these products will help keep you cool this summer as the heat and humidity arrive. Please let me know in the comments if you switch up your skincare routine in the summer, and share your must have products! As always, if you’ve used any of the products I mentioned today, let me know what you think of them as well.

Some of the products in this post were originally provided for my unbiased review. This post includes affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

5 Skincare Products I Want to Repurchase

Happy Monday! Today I want to share with you some skincare products that I’ve used in the past and hope to repurchase sometime soon. I was recently thinking about a cleanser I used a few years ago, and how I really wanted to try it again. This prompted me to go back and look through my blog to find other skincare products I used in the past. I came up with a few products I know I want to give another chance, and I thought it would be fun to share this list with you. Here are the five skincare products I want to repurchase!

1. Sibu Beauty Polishing Facial Cleanser [REVIEW] [BUY]

First up is the product that inspired this blog post, the Sibu Beauty Polishing Facial Cleanser. I received this cleanser for review back in 2014, and I absolutely loved it. Sibu doesn’t offer the exact same cleanser any longer, but it has been reformulated and I think I will still enjoy it. What I liked best about this product is that is cleansed and exfoliated at the same time. Plus, it left my skin feeling clear without drying it out. I definitely want to grab this one very soon!

2. Amara Organics Vitamin C Serum [REVIEW] [BUY]

Next up is a serum I also tried for the first time in 2014, and that is the Vitamin C Serum from Amara Organics. This was one of the first serums I ever used, and it is also one of my all-time favorites! My skin absolutely loves skincare products that contain Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, and this serum contains both of these ingredients. I would love to go back and see if this serum will still measure up to the positive memories I have of it!

3. Derma e Hydrating Night Crème [REVIEW] [BUY]

One of my favorite moisturizers of all time is the Hydrating Night Crème from Derma e. I’ve come to love many products from this brand, but the night crème really worked wonders for me. I really liked the consistency of this product – it is light enough that my skin doesn’t feel greasy, but it is heavy enough to really hydrate the skin. This moisturizer also has a relaxing scent that is perfect for bedtime. If you are looking for a lighter night crème, I think you should give this one a try!

4. Sukí Face Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser [REVIEW] [BUY]

Another exfoliating cleanser that I really enjoyed is the Face Exfoliate Foaming Clanser from Sukí. I got a small sample of this in a Birchbox back in 2013, but I still think about it to this day. This cleanser is quite unique because it applies like a scrub but foams up once mixed with water. It also has an invigorating lemon scent that I really enjoyed. I’ve thought about repurchasing this many times, but the high price tag always stops me. One day I will splurge on it when I have the extra funds!

5. Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub [REVIEW] [BUY]

Last but not least is the Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub from Michael Todd. For some reason I absolutely love trying new face scrubs. In fact, I’ve tried several new scrubs in a row without repurchasing any of them! However, I still think about this scrub often. I remember absolutely loving this product, mainly because the scrub itself was gentle, but the charcoal really helped to clear my skin. At some point I will return to this product, too!

That wraps up the five skincare products I want to repurchase! I’ve really enjoyed using all of these products in the past, but for one reason or another never returned to them. I love trying out new products, but I think it’s nice to have staples in your beauty routine as well. I would love to know if you stick to the same skincare products, or if you switch up the products you buy regularly. I would also like to know what skincare products you recommend!

Some of the products in this post were originally provided for my unbiased review. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

Disappointing Beauty Products | Fall 2016

Happy Monday! Today I want to share with you some beauty products that disappointed me this fall. While it’s fun to share my favorite things with you every month, I think it’s also really helpful to share the products that didn’t quite work for me. As always, it’s worth mentioning that while I don’t like these products, that doesn’t mean they won’t work for you! We all have different skin types, hair textures, and product preferences, so I will do my best to point out when I think a product’s qualities will be effective for someone other than myself. Without further ado, let’s jump right into the disappointing beauty products!

Disappointing Beauty Products | Fall 2016

HAIR

The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Hair Butter

The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Hair Butter [BUY]

First up is a hair butter I purchased from The Body Shop. My hair type is really strange, and it’s difficult to find products that work for me. My scalp and hair are dry, but my hair also gets oily really easily. I thought the Rainforest Moisture Hair Butter would help to keep my hair moisturized, but unfortunately it is way too heavy for my thin hair. I experimented with this product, sometimes leaving it on for two minutes and others leaving it on for the suggested five. No matter what, my hair was always left with a really weird feeling that I didn’t like. Unless you have really, really dry hair, I’m not sure this product is worth the hefty price tag.

Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo

Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo [BUY]

My hunt for the perfect drugstore dry shampoo continues. This one from Not Your Mother’s really baffles me! I used a travel size one during my trip to Los Angeles, and I really enjoyed it, so I bought the full size when I got home. For some reason, it doesn’t work for me at all anymore! Clean Freak is supposed to instantly absorb excess oils, leave no residue, and give fresh volume to the hair. What I do like is that there is no white residue left on my hair when I use this product. Unfortunately, that is the only good thing about it! It doesn’t absorb oils, and instead it weighs down my hair and makes it look worse than it did in the first place. Basically, I feel like this dry shampoo does absolutely nothing for me.

SKINCARE

The Body Shop Seaweed Pore-Cleansing Facial Exfoliator

The Body Shop Seaweed Pore-Cleansing Facial Exfoliator [BUY]

Next up is a facial exfoliant that I also feel is quite ineffective. When I buy a face scrub, I want it to clean my pores and remove dead skin cells from my face. At first, I really liked this Seaweed exfoliator. It leaves my face feeling really clean and soft. However, I noticed that it does not remove the dead skin cells on my face at all! I still have a lot of dry patches when I use this product. Plus, it smells really weird. I’ll probably use up this bottle, but I will not be repurchasing it. I do recommend this if you want a really gentle scrub.

MAKEUP

Milani EasyBrow Automatic Pencil

Milani EasyBrow Automatic Pencil [BUY]

I am always on the hunt for my perfect brow product, and unfortunately the Milani EasyBrow is not the one! I was drawn to purchase this because of the spoolie brush on the end (I’m a sucker for any brow product that includes a spoolie). While I do really enjoy the color match and staying power of this pencil, my issue is that I cannot get a precise line with it. The formula is very waxy and the pencil is soft, so getting a nicely shaped brow is difficult for me. My brows are very sparse, and I need to fill them in a lot to get my desired look. Thus, if you only need a bit of added definition, this product may work well for you.

ELF HD Lifting Concealer in Adjusting

ELF HD Lifting Concealer in Adjusting [BUY]

I’ve had my ups and downs with this color-correcting concealer from ELF. This was my first foray into color-correcting, so at first I thought this product was amazing. However, the more I use this concealer, the more I see its flaws. I purchased it to help cover the redness in my skin, but I find my skin absorbs the green pigmentation and the redness still shows through my final foundation routine. I’m glad I tested out this product, but I’m not happy with the results.

ELF Smudge Pot in Ain't That Sweet

ELF Smudge Pot in Ain’t That Sweet [BUY]

I got this cream eyeshadow as a free gift with my last ELF purchase. I knew this particular shadow wouldn’t be a favorite of mine because it is a pink glittery shade, but I was excited to see what the formula was like. I’m sad to report that the formula is not well done. Not only is the shadow extremely sheer, but it gathers and clumps when I attempt to apply it. The shadow also flakes off and contains some chunky glitter. This is just not a product I can recommend to anyone!

ELF Volumizing & Defining Mascara in Jet Black

ELF Volumizing & Defining Mascara in Jet Black [BUY]

Last but not least is my biggest disappointment of the bunch. I has such high hopes for this mascara from ELF, but it let me down. This mascara is very thick and heavy, and leaves my lashes really crispy. The worst thing, though, is this mascara gives me the uni-lash! In other words, my lashes all stick together in one bunch. That is just not okay with me. I tried to make it through the three month time period for this mascara, but I can’t do it. I’m happy to toss this now!

That wraps up all of my beauty product disappointments for the fall 2016 season. I hope you found this helpful if you were curious about any of these products. As I mentioned at the beginning, just because I don’t like these products doesn’t mean they won’t be beneficial for someone else. I still love shopping from all of these brands, but sometimes there are a few duds. Here’s to discovering the next awesome beauty product!

Have you tried any of these products? Let me know how they worked for you!

This post includes affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion Pore Perfecting Exfoliator Review | #PoreDermabrasion

Happy Wednesday! Today I am excited to review a high end skincare product from the brand Dr. Brandt. I had just run out of face exfoliator, and one of my blogger networks reached out with the opportunity to review Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion. I’ve had great luck with the Dr. Brandt samples I’ve tried in the past, so I was really happy to review this one as well. My skin has been a bit icky lately with the seasons changing, and I really needed to clean out my pores. Let me share more about PoreDermabrasion and my experience with the product!

Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion Review

The Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion is a targeted exfoliator featuring physical and chemical exfoliation to deep clean and refine pores. It is designed to be used by anyone no matter the age or skin type. The scrub can be used 1-2 times per week. Simply dampen the skin with water, massage the scrub on for one minute avoiding the eye area, and let set for 1-2 minutes so the product can activate. Then, rinse well and pat dry.

Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion Review

I’ve been using PoreDermabrasion for the past two weeks now, and am already loving the results. I could even see a change in my skin the first time I used the product! I took a good look at my pores using a magnifying mirror before using the scrub, and again afterwards. Many of my blackheads were gone after just one use! I find that the exfoliator is more abrasive than others I’ve used in the past, but it is not painful. I make sure to not press too hard on my skin during application and trust that the product will work on its own. I like that it doesn’t have an odor, and that there is no tingling whatsoever. My skin feels so fresh and clean when I rinse it off!

I’ve done three treatments so far, and my skin is overall much more even. I have a lot of enlarged pores, especially in my T-zone, but they look cleaner now than ever before. I’m excited to see how my skin will continue to improve in the weeks to come.

All in all, I highly recommend Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion. It is a high end product that retails for $58.00, but because you only need a pea size amount each application, this 2oz tube will last you a very long time! You can purchase this direct from Dr. Brandt’s website HERE. PoreDermabrasion ships free, and you can earn 2x Dr. Brandt loyalty points by purchasing it. In addition, if you share this product with two friends who come back to drbrandtskincare.com, you both save $10 on your next purchase!

Do you use an exfoliator as part of your skincare routine? Let me know in the comments!

FOLLOW DR. BRANDT SKINCARE

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The product in this post was provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. #PoreDermabrasion #iFabboMember

Skincare Sample Reviews | Laura Mercier, Jurlique & Sumbody

Happy Thursday! I recently announced on my Facebook Page that I cancelled my Birchbox after over two years. I really, really love Birchbox, but I was getting tired of receiving the same types of products over and over and not using them on a regular basis. It was time for me to save that $10 a month and focus on using all of the products I accumulated in my collection. Whenever I use up a product, I reach into my sample drawer in my makeup collection (see a tour of that collection HERE). That way I save money by not purchasing new products, and I get the opportunity to use what I already have. I thought it would be fun to share my thoughts on a few skincare samples I’ve been using lately. Let’s jump right into the reviews!

Skincare Sample Reviews | Laura Mercier, Jurlique & Sumbody

Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Face Polish

Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Face Polish Review$32.00 [BUY]

This facial exfoliant from Laura Mercier is just as divine as the price tag suggests! I love the microbeads in this product, as they are gentle yet scrub hard enough to make sure my skin is smooth. I’ve gotten a lot of use out of this deluxe sample, and it definitely makes me want to save up and purchase the full size. My skin looks and feels so much more even and radiant after using this product! I highly recommend it!

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum Review$56.00 [BUY]

My skin is also loving this serum from Jurlique. Serum is one product that I always use, but never have to buy. I have gotten so many samples of serum that I’m constantly testing out new brands. I really like this one at the moment, as it’s very different from other serums I’ve tried. It is more on the thicker side, and is nearly a full face lotion. I love how my skin looks and feels after using this serum, but the scent is a bit on the funky side, probably due to the herbal nature of this product. Because of the price tag, I doubt I will repurchase this in the full size, but I am really glad I got the opportunity to test it out. If you have the means, I definitely think you should check out this serum!

Sumbody Salt Scrub

Sumbody Salt Scrub Review$18.95 [BUY]

Last but not least, I have a skincare product for the body as well. I’ve never tried a salt scrub before, so I was interested to see how it would differ compared with the sugar scrubs I typically use. This Sumbody scrub is definitely more abrasive than a sugar scrub, so if you have sensitive skin I wouldn’t reach for this. This scrub really intrigues me – it appears to dissolve as soon as I apply it, and leaves my skin moisturized despite the main ingredient being sea salt. The combination of salt with shea butter and cocoa butter must make for the perfect product! I’m not sure I will repurchase this as it is a bit rough on my skin, but if you’re not sensitive I highly recommend it.

I hope you all enjoyed these mini reviews of mini products! I hope to be using up a lot of my samples in the coming months to save money and try new things. If you’d like to see sample reviews every once in a while, please let me know in the comments! I would love to share what I’ve been using with all of you. Also, let me know what samples you’re currently trying in the comments!

Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser Review

Happy Thursday! Today I’m excited to bring you the first skincare review on Adventures in Polishland. I was contacted by Sibu Beauty, and asked if I wanted to test out the brand’s Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser. When I saw that Sibu is an all natural brand dedicated to ethical beauty, I knew I had to give it a try. Let me show you the cleanser I tried, and tell you a bit more about Sibu!

Sibu Beauty | Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT 

I decided to share with you the direct language from Sibu’s website so you can get the full idea of what the Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser is all about. My own personal experience is more helpful when you know the product’s exact claims!

“Deep yet gentle cleansing is the foundation of effective facial care at every age. This all-natural balancing facial cleanser gently removes dirt, impurities and make-up while maintaining a healthy balance in your skin without compromising its natural protective nutrients. This lightly exfoliating facial cleanser will leave your face fresh, clean, and perfectly balanced. Your skin will look and feel radiant.

  • Leaves skin looking and feeling radiant and refreshed
  • Removes excess oil and impurities
  • Contains micro-particles for a gentle exfoliation
  • Great for removing make-up
  • Non-foaming gel formula for all skin types

This all-natural balancing facial cleanser gently removes dirt, impurities and make-up while maintaining a healthy balance in your skin without compromising its natural protective nutrients.” 

MY EXPERIENCE

I’ve been using this cleanser both morning and evening for a couple weeks now, and I am beyond happy with it! I typically use 1-2 pumps of the product, and apply as directed by working it into a lather in my moistened hands, and gently massaging it over my face. This product is definitely very gentle, and even with the exfoliating beads my skin does not feel tight or raw after I use it. My skin is usually left a bit red after cleansing, so it’s amazing that it just appears clear after using this cleanser.

I am also impressed with how well it removes my makeup at night. Even my stubborn mascara comes off with this cleanser! I don’t have any need for makeup remover wipes when I’m using this Sibu cleanser. Deep yet gentle cleansing is the foundation of effective facial care at every age. This all-natural balancing facial cleanser gently removes dirt, impurities and make-up while maintaining a healthy balance in your skin without compromising its natural protective nutrients. This lightly exfoliating facial cleanser will leave your face fresh, clean, and perfectly balanced. Your skin will look and feel radiant.  Leaves skin looking and feeling radiant and refreshed Removes excess oil and impurities Contains micro-particles for a gentle exfoliation Great for removing make-up Non-foaming gel formula for all skin types This all-natural balancing facial cleanser gently removes dirt, impurities and make-up while maintaining a healthy balance in your skin without compromising its natural protective nutrients.

As for the scent, it is very light and a bit citrusy. I barely notice it, and I don’t think it is bothersome at all. My only complaint with the product is in the packaging – because the bottle is opaque, I won’t be able to see how much is left. Other than that, I’m loving this cleanser! My skin feels clear and balanced, and I noticed that my breakouts decreased when I began using it. I also love that it exfoliates and cleanses at the same time, as that cuts a step out of my skincare routine and saves money. I think it lives up to the hype, and I plan on making this my daily cleanser as soon as I finish up the others in my stash.

WHERE TO BUY

You can purchase the Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser directly from the Sibu Beauty website HERE. It retails for $17.95 for a 4oz bottle. While that is a bit more than I typically spend on my skincare products, I think it is 100% worth it. Since the product is all natural, cruelty free, and GMO free, I don’t mind spending a bit more, especially since my skin loves it. I am also thinking about trying other products in this line, so please let me know if you’ve tried any Sibu Beauty products and what you think of them in the comments.

The product in this post was provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

Bimonthly Beauty Post: Welcome & Haul!

I am excited to announce a new feature here at Adventures in Polishland. Twice each month you will now be getting a post dedicated to beauty and skincare products. Called the Bimonthly Beauty Post (BBP), this series will showcase hauls, reviews, and more! I have recently taken strides in my life to take better care of myself and my skin. Join me on my journey to looking and feeling beautiful!

Today I have a beauty haul to share! It seems as if all my products are running out at the same time, and there are a few new items I’ve been wanting to try as well. I headed to the Union Square area of New York City to stop by Nordstrom Rack and Sephora. Let me show you all the goodies I got!

IMG_0348
Top row: Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Pore Scrub, Burts Bees Facial Cleansing Towlettes, Soap & Glory Heel Genius.
Bottom row: Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation, Fresh Sugar Lip Polish, Not Your Mother’s Beat the Heat

The first stop on my journey was Nordstrom Rack. Like Marshalls and TJMaxx, you never know what you are going to find there. I was hoping to get as many items as possible at a discounted price. Not only was the store extremely busy, but the beauty section seemed to be a bit picked over. I have to remember to go during the week from now on! Nonetheless I picked up two items. I’ve been needing a face exfoliant to help remove the dry skin I get, and I decided to go with the new Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Pore Scrub. Originally I had been contemplating the Clinique Exfoliator that retails for around $19, but I am happy I settled with this one for just $6.97! I try to use natural products whenever I can, and I think this one will be gentle. I can’t wait to try it out! I also got Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes with White Tea Extract. I love cleansing wipes like these because they take off makeup in a breeze and leave your skin feeling instantly clean. I often use them before bed, or when I get home from school. I’ve never tried any from Burt’s Bees before, but a 30-pack was only $5.97 so I couldn’t pass them up! That price and quantity is better than what I get from the drugstore.

Sephora was the next stop on my beauty haul journey! I rarely shop at Sephora because of the high prices, but I was in the mood to splurge on some great quality products. First up I grabbed Soap & Glory Heel Genius Amazing Foot Cream. I have been using Julep’s Best Pedi Creme Ever each night before bed, and I love it. The only problem is I go through it quickly and it’s sold out online! I grabbed this substantially larger bottle for $16. I’m hoping it lives up to its name!

The next item I splurged on is the Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup in the color 3. I’m still a bit shocked at myself that I bought foundation for $38, but this bottle is going to last me a very long time, and is of the best quality. I tried a sample of this stuff and fell in love. I don’t wear a lot of makeup, but I do like to put my best face forward. This will keep my skin looking natural and non-oily all day! Finally, my last Sephora splurge was the Fresh Sugar Lip Polish. I have been desperately needing a lip exfoliant, and because I know that Fresh Sugar makes amazing products I went for it and paid $22.50 for this little tub. I tried this out as soon as I got home, and I am loving it already! My lips are completely smooth and free of dry skin. Plus, you only need the tiniest amount. This thing is going to last me a long time!

Last but not least, I stopped by Ricky’s NYC on the way back to my apartment. I am an avid flat iron user, so I make sure to use heat protectant to at least prevent some damage. I’ve been using a bottle of Frizz-Ease Heat Defeat for over a year now, and was about to buy a replacement bottle when I spotted a similar product called Not Your Mother’s Beat the Heat for an entire $6 cheaper. I decided to switch it up and try out this protectant instead. I hope it lasts me as long as the Frizz-Ease!

My grand total for this beauty haul was a whopping $103.90 with tax. Although this is way more than I usually spend, I’m glad I got some great products that will last me a very long time. If you would like to see a detailed review of any of these items, please let me know in the comments! Stay tuned to Adventures in Polishland for more Bimonthly Beauty Posts, and for your regularly scheduled nail polish!