Author: Adventures in Polishland

NYC New York Color Smooth Skin BB Créme and BB Radiance Perfecting Powder Review

Happy Friday! Today I have a review of two new products from NYC New York Color’s Smooth Skin BB line. I was really excited to test out the BB Créme and BB Radiance Perfecting Powder because each retails for a fabulous and affordable $3.99 at the drugstore. The Smooth Skin line is designed to give you perfect skin in an instant. Let me go ahead and share my thoughts on these new products with you!

NYC New York Color Smooth Skin BB Créme and BB Radiance Perfecting Powder Review

NYC New York Color Smooth Skin BB Créme 5 in 1 Skin Perfector 

NYC New York Color Smooth Skin BB Créme 5 in 1 Skin Perfector NYC New York Color Smooth Skin BB Créme 5 in 1 Skin PerfectorFirst up, I tested the BB Créme, which is a lightweight and liquid product just like any traditional BB créme. This 5 in 1 product is designed to protect skin, minimize pores, erase imperfections, smooth the skin, and brighten the skin. I am the shade 01 Light, which is the lightest shade available. I tried it both with a face primer and without. I much prefer to use it with a primer, because I found that the product disappears into my skin without that extra barrier. In order to get any coverage at all, I have to use a lot of this product – way more than I would ever use my normal BB crémes. I also found that the product has a scent that was off-putting. While I didn’t smell anything while it was on my face, I definitely smelled something during application. It made me not want to use the product at all! I did find that the BB Créme wore nicely throughout the day, and I liked the appearance of my skin overall. If you’re looking for a really affordable BB créme option, you might try this one for yourself. I, however, wouldn’t repurchase it for my skin.

NYC New York Color BB Radiance Perfecting Powder

NYC New York Color Smooth Skin BB Radiance Perfecting Powder NYC New York Color Smooth Skin BB Radiance Perfecting Powder

Next up I have the BB Radiance Perfecting Powder. This little compact comes with a mirror and sponge, and I love the sleek packaging. This product is designed to improve the appearance of the skin and even skin tone by smoothing fine lines and minimizing the appearance of pores. BB Radiance also provides a matte finish. My first impression of this product was that it is necessary to use a sponge for application – even a light hand with a brush crumbles the powder into a big mess. Despite using the lightest shade in the line, which is 01 Naturally Beige, the shade is too dark for my skin. I attempted to try it despite it not matching my skin, but the powder actually enhanced my pores and looked terrible on my skin. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend it at all due to my experience.

All in all, I am a bit underwhelmed with the NYC New York Color Smooth Skin line. While the BB Créme is just okay for me, the BB Radiance did not work for my skin at all. As with any makeup products, my experience may vary from yours, because we all have different skin types. If you try out this line, please share your thoughts in the comments! I would love to know your experiences, as always.

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

Book Review | Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle

Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle

Published by Speak on January 1, 2008

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

Format: Paperback

Pages: 352

Source: BookMooch

Goodreads

The weather outside is frightful, but these stories are delightful! When a huge blizzard (that doesn’t show signs of stopping) hits, Gracetown is completely snowed in. But even though it’s cold outside, things are heating up inside, proving that the holiday season is magical when it comes to love. In three wonderfully (and hilariously!) interconnected tales, YA stars John Green, Lauren Myracle, and Maureen Johnson create a must-have collection that captures all the spirit of the holiday season.

BOOK REVIEW

While I wouldn’t call myself a seasonal reader, I was very excited to pick up Let it Snow as soon as the holiday season began. There is something magical about Christmas stories, and Let it Snow contains three. I had no idea that the three stories in the book are interconnected, and that was a great surprise for me. Each story takes place in Gracetown, a small town that is experiencing a huge snowstorm on Christmas Eve. In each story we follow a different cast of characters, but, of course, each is a holiday romance. They are sweet, silly, and super enjoyable.

The book begins with Maureen Johnson’s The Jubilee Express. This is my favorite story in the book, and it follows Jubilee as she travels south by train to visit her grandparents in Florida after her parents are thrown in jail on Christmas Eve. I really enjoyed Johnson’s writing – it is snarky and funny, and flows really well. Even though The Jubilee Express features the insta-love trope popular in a lot of young adult fiction, it was enjoyable in this short story.

The second story is by none other than John Green, and is called A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle. I was quite disappointed that Green decided to use a gay slur in his story, and that his characters used the R-word (more information on that HERE). Otherwise, I really enjoyed his story, which follows Tobin and his group of friends attempting to visit the local Waffle House after a bunch of cheerleaders get stranded there. Of course, it is quite outlandish, but it’s a lot of fun, and perfect for the holidays.

Finally, Lauren Myracle’s story is called The Patron Saint of Pigs. It has a very different feel than the other two stories in the book, and is my least favorite simply due to the main character Addie’s negative demeanor. Nonetheless, I still thought it was enjoyable, and I loved how it rounded up the overall story of Let it Snow. 

All in all, Let it Snow is a great book to pick up during Christmastime, and I highly recommend it if you are looking for a holiday-themed read. Keep in mind that it is a little bit corny, but I think it is justified during this time of year. I am definitely going to be rereading this during Christmases to come.

BUY THE BOOK

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

When you buy a book through the Amazon or Book Depository links above, I earn a small commission through each website’s affiliate program. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

5 Charcoal Products to Give this Christmas!

Happy Wednesday! Today I thought it would be fun to put together a list of my favorite charcoal skincare products. We’ve all heard the old warning – if you’re naughty you’re getting a lump of coal for Christmas! Well, I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t mind receiving some charcoal in my stocking so long as its skincare! Charcoal is one of my favorite skincare ingredients, as it helps keep my pores clean and skin clear. I never thought I’d love charcoal, but I use it regularly in a variety of products. Let me share the five charcoal products I recommend giving as gifts this Christmas!

5 Charcoal Products to Give this Christmas | Adventures in Polishland

5. The Healing Tree Bamboo Charcoal Soap [REVIEW] [BUY]

The Healing Tree Bamboo Charcoal Soap | Review & GiveawayIf you want a gift that will most resemble a lump of coal, go for this bar soap from The Healing Tree! I reviewed this product a while back, and really enjoyed it. It was a bit weird to use in the shower, because it is black, but my skin loved it. This is also a perfect gift for the fitness guru in your life, because it will help keep the skin that gets sweaty often both clear and clean. I highly recommend it!

4. Oleavine All Natural Konjac Sponge – Activated Charcoal [REVIEW] [BUY]

A product that is super trendy right now are Konjac Sponges. I tested out the Oleavine Green Tea sponge earlier this year and absolutely loved it, so I feel comfortable recommending the charcoal variety to you as well. This Konjac Sponge makes cleansing your face really easy, as you can use it without cleanser if you so choose. The sponge is super soft, and lasts for about three months. I kept mine in the shower, which worked perfectly because there is a string attached to the sponge for easy hanging.

3. Michael Todd Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser [REVIEW] [BUY]

Michael Todd Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser ReviewMy current cleanser is the Charcoal Detox from Michael Todd. It’s a great daily cleanser, especially for someone with oily or combination skin. Pair this with a sponge or splurge on a FOREO LUNA, and you have an amazing gift this holiday. Of course, this cleanser makes an excellent stocking stuffer as well. Because Michael Todd is a bit more expensive, the recipient will be extra happy to get it.

2. Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Face Scrub [REVIEW] [BUY]

Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Face Scrub

Another Michael Todd product that I really love is the Jojoba Charcoal Face Scrub. This is a great product to give at Christmas because so many suffer from dry skin during the colder months. The scrub is gentle but effective at the same time. You can even create a little Michael Todd bundle for friends and family!

1. Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask [BUY]

Last but not least, I have to share a product I’ve never reviewed on my blog before, but absolutely love! It is the Origins Charcoal Mask, and it is completely amazing. I highly recommend this mask if you are looking to clear up any imperfections on your skin. It is a traditional mask that you apply, and then wait about 10-15 minutes for it to harden before rinsing off the skin. I remember the first time I used it – I could not believe how my face looked so even and felt so soft after just one use! This mask is the perfect way to pamper your loved ones this holiday season!

All in all, I think you should go ahead and give coal this season, so long as it is charcoal skincare! It makes a fun gift, but is also quite practical, too. If you have tried other charcoal products, please share them in the comments! I’m always interested in learning of new-to-me products, especially if they contain charcoal. Happy Shopping!

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

Garlic Chickpea Popcorn Recipe | Vegan Snack Idea

Happy Tuesday! I’m so excited to be sharing another recipe with you today. As you might know, I am a vegetarian, and try to make healthy choices whenever I can. I struggle a lot when it comes to snack foods, especially in finding snacks that are high in protein. I recently saw YouTuber Kathryn over at DoitonaDime post a Chickpea Popcorn recipe. I tried it out, and put my own spin on it, and thought I would share the deliciousness with all of you. This recipe is vegan, but of course can be enjoyed by anyone. Let’s get started!

Garlic Chickpea Popcorn Recipe | Vegan Snack IdeaChickpea Popcorn is in essence baked chickpeas! Did you know that chickpeas get crunchy when baked? I had no idea! I always eat them raw, or in meals like falafel or hummus. Chickpea Popcorn is such a perfect snack if you need something crunchy to much on like I do.

Rinse the chickpeas in water and dap them dry with a papertowel.

First things first, rinse off your chickpeas with water and dab them dry with a paper towel. Look at that beautiful bean footage!Spread the chicpeaks out on a rimmed baking sheet.Next, spread out the chickpeas on a lined and rimmed baking sheet. I use tin foil because that’s what I have on hand, but parchment paper works, too. Season with your favorite spices like garlic and oregano.Then it’s time to season! Of course, I used garlic because it’s my favorite spice. I also added in oregano and a bit of black pepper. You can totally customize the flavor of your Chickpea Popcorn. Just make sure to drizzle with some olive oil and mix everything properly before popping them in the oven.

Garlic Chickpea Popcorn Recipe | Vegan Snack IdeaHere is the finished result! I cook the Chickpea Popcorn for about 42 minutes. That way they are crispy, but not overcooked. The time will vary depending on your oven, but once the chickpeas start turning a deeper beige they are ready to eat! You’ll be so impressed with how delicious your Chickpea Popcorn tastes. It’s a protein-filled and healthy snack whether you’re watching a movie or eating your lunch!

Garlic Chickpea Popcorn 

Ingredients:

  • 1 can chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive Oil (to drizzle)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350º.
  2. Rinse chickpeas with water and dab dry with a paper towel.
  3. Spread chickpeas on a rimmed baking sheet lined with tin foil or parchment paper.
  4. Sprinkle garlic, oregano, and black pepper on chickpeas.
  5. Drizzle olive oil on chickpeas to lightly coat them, and use a spoon to ensure the chickpeas are coated.
  6. Bake at 350º for 40-45, or until crispy.

Fleur D’ Extase Natural Soap Gift Set | Last Minute Gift Idea from Amazon

Happy Monday! Today I’m excited to be sharing with you a last minute gift idea for those of you who may have waited until the last minute to do your holiday shopping. This time of year is super busy, and sometimes stressful. If you’re like me, you turn to Amazon whenever you’re in a pinch. I’ve been an Amazon Prime member for years now, and absolutely love the perks of the free two-day shipping. I recently received a great gift item to review, and am so pleasantly surprised that it’s available on Amazon Prime at a fabulous and affordable price! Let me share with you the Fleur D’ Extase Natural Soap Gift Set!

Fleur D'Extase offers a 9-piece natural soap gift set that is perfect for the holidays, and makes a last minute gift idea for those who have Amazon PrimeThe Fleur D’ Extase Natural Soap Gift Set comes in a sturdy gift box with a magnetic closure. I’m impressed with the nice packaging. I also feel like anything in French just sounds luxurious and expensive!

The Fleur D' Extase Natural Soap Gift Set comes with nine luxury soaps in wonderful smelling scents.Here is a look at the nine soaps in the gift box. The Fleur D’ Extase set includes all natural soaps scented with natural essential oils. I love that the soaps are all natural, free of harmful chemicals, and not tested on animals. If you’ve been reading Adventures in Polishland for a while, you’ll know that I absolutely love bar soaps. I think this set is a perfect gift idea because the recipient gets to test out a bunch of different scents. The soaps can also work well for guests who stay at your home during the holidays, or as a part of your travel skincare kit. The possibilities are endless!

The Fleur D' Extase Natural Soaps in the Gift Set are 25 grams each, and fit easily in the palm of my hand.Each soap in the set is 25 grams. I wanted to show you the size by placing one in the palm of my hand. As you can see, it is quite small, but I think it’s a great size as it allows you to test the scent. These soaps smell amazing, too. They are definitely fragranced as perfume is, so if you are sensitive to smells I wouldn’t recommend these. However, the fragrance fan in your life will love these! I also noticed that each soap has a distinct scent even after being packed in the same box. The embossed detailing on each bar of soap is gorgeous as well.

All in all, I think the Fleur D’ Extase is a great gift this holiday season. It has a retail value of $32.00, but is on sale on Amazon for just $11.99 HERE. Of course, Amazon Prime members will receive free two-day shipping, making this the perfect option for last minute holiday shoppers. If you need a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime, you can use my affiliate link HERE. Happy Shopping!

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

November PLAY! by Sephora Unboxing | $40 Value for $10

Happy Monday! Today I am so excited to share with you a brand new subscription service from Sephora called PLAY! by Sephora. As you might now, I’ve tried out a few $10 beauty subscriptions in the past, but ultimately cancelled all of them because I wasn’t impressed with the products, or I got the same items all the time. When I heard that Sephora had its own $10 beauty box, I had to try it out right away. I figured that if all the products were found at Sephora, it had to be good. I joined the PLAY! by Sephora wait list, and was able to get the November box. Let me show you what I got inside my first box!

November PLAY! by Sephora Unboxing | $40 Value for $10

November PLAY! by Sephora Unboxing | $40 Value for $10My November box arrived in the cutest packaging! I love the lipsticks on the box. PLAY! comes with a magazine that details the products inside and how to use them. Plus, it comes with a coupon for a free one-on-one learning session at Sephora that also gives you 50 Beauty Insider Points with any purchase!

November PLAY! by Sephora Unboxing | $40 Value for $10PLAY! by Sephora is a sample subscription, and I received six samples in my November box. I’ll be sharing my thoughts on each product in turn!

Stella McCartney Stella PerfumeStella McCartney ‘Stella’ Perfume – $2.70 retail value

The only product that I’m quite disappointed with in my box is this perfume sample. Sephora gives away these samples for free in store and online, and the packaging even says “Free Sample” on the back. I also won’t be using this perfume because it is a floral scent, which aggravates my allergies. Nonetheless, it has a $2.70 retail value and I can give this to a friend.

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil – $4.52 retail value

Next I got a deluxe sample of Josie Maran Argan Oil. This is an amazing sample, but it’s one I’ve tried before and it doesn’t work for me. This argan oil is just a bit too heavy for my skin, and I tend to break out when I use it. That being said, I know so many people who would love to get this product. I’m giving mine as a gift for Christmas!

Make Up Forever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primer

Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primer – $5.76 retail value

I am so excited about this Make Up For Ever primer! I love trying out new primers, and this is a high end product I would never purchase without trying first. I might save this sample for travel, but it’s definitely great to have on hand. This is exactly the type of product I was hoping to get in my subscription!

Sephora Collection Contour Eye Pencil 12h Wear in My Boyfriend's Jeans

Sephora Collection Contour Eye Pencil 12h Wear in My Boyfriend’s Jeans – $4.25 retail value

The next item is a blue eyeliner from Sephora’s own brand. This is something I’m not going to use, simply because I never wear eyeliner, and blue eyeliner is definitely not my style. I think it’s great that Sephora included this, though, because many makeup lovers might not want to buy a blue eyeliner, but would perhaps want to try one. It’s a great idea, just not my taste!

Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in Rhubarb

Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in Rhubarb – $13.33 retail value

Sephora included two lip products in this box, which I absolutely love! The first is this lipstick from Bite Beauty. The shade is stunning, and a bit more daring than I usually wear. I am so excited to be able to wear such a high end lippie for such an affordable price. It’s amazing that this sample alone is worth more than the $10 I paid for the box!

Buxom Full-On Lip Cream in Dolly

Buxom Full-On Lip Cream in Dolly – $9.50 retail value

Last but not least is a Buxom lip product in the most gorgeous shade. I’ve really come to love Buxom products, and this one is no exception. It can be worn alone, or layered over the Bite Beauty lip product, so that’s awesome that they work together if you wish. I’ve worn this lip gloss already, and absolutely love it!

All in all, my November PLAY! by Sephora box is a $40.06 retail value! I am really excited about the two lip products, and the Make Up Forever primer. Even if I just consider the retail value of those three products, that is $28.59 and nearly triple what I paid. I’m super happy with this box, and will continue subscribing for sure. If you’d like to join, head on over to Sephora’s website HERE. Definitely let me know if you sign up for the subscription!

Shop this month’s PLAY! by Sephora box!

When you shop using the widget above, I earn a small commission through affiliate programs. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

How to Use Finished Coloring Pages | DIY Holiday Projects

Happy Saturday! Today I’m exciting to share with you some very simple DIY projects that are especially relevant during the holiday season. Adult coloring books are super on trend this year, and I decided to purchase the Erin Condren Coloring Book & Sketch Pad to join the party. As I was coloring one day, I thought about how I would use the coloring pages once I finished them. I didn’t want to just recycle them, so I got creative and thought of some uses for them. In this blog post I have some holiday themed DIY projects, and in the future I’ll be sharing even more ways you can use coloring pages. Let me jump right in and show you the projects I recommend!

How to Use Finished Coloring Pages | DIY Holiday Projects

Wrapping Paper

How to Use Finished Coloring Pages | DIY Holiday Projects
How to Use Finished Coloring Pages | DIY Holiday Projects

A really easy way to use your coloring pages is for wrapping paper! I’ve always felt a little guilty about all the wrapping paper I use during the holiday season. It’s so wasteful to just buy paper, wrap a gift, and throw out the paper afterwards. Now I can create my own wrapping paper! Not only does it look really cute, but it gives my paper another life. Coloring pages are the perfect size for stocking stuffers and other small gifts. Feel free to dress it up with bows, tags, or twine!

Christmas Tree Ornament

How to Use Finished Coloring Pages | DIY Holiday Projects
How to Use Finished Coloring Pages | DIY Holiday Projects

There are so many cute ornaments that you can create out of paper! I decided to go with the classic bauble shape. All you need for this ornament is a small brad, some glue, and a piece of ribbon. Cut the paper into half-inch strips (I used five), and punch a small hole in both ends. Secure the ends together in a loop shape with a brad and spread out the loops. Finally, use a dot of glue to secure the ribbon on top. Voila! You have an ornament!

Wall Art

How to Use Finished Coloring Pages | DIY Holiday Projects
How to Use Finished Coloring Pages | DIY Holiday Projects

Coloring pages make awesome wall art, and a great holiday gift! Pop your page into a frame and you’ve got a great gift item that’s made from the heart. I used a small frame from Birchbox to showcase the leftovers from my ornament project, and a larger black frame to house a quote. Wall art makes a perfect gift for your friends at the office, as it dresses up any cubicle, and it also makes a nice hostess gift. This is also a great way to gift your child’s art!

Writing Paper

How to Use Finished Coloring Pages | DIY Holiday Projects
How to Use Finished Coloring Pages | DIY Holiday Projects

Last but not least, coloring pages make excellent writing paper! It’s the perfect time of year to send a note to a loved one to check in and say hello. Your friends and family will enjoy that you took the time to not only write to them, but to color in a page, too. Of course, you can do this all year round!

I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the ways I’m using finished coloring pages this holiday season! It’s great to have a relaxing hobby that can turn into something functional, too. If you recreate any of these projects, make sure to use the hashtag #PlanWithPolishland on social media so I can see your posts!

Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe | Healthy Snack Idea

Happy Thursday! Today I am very excited to share a recipe on Adventures in Polishland for the very first time. With the holiday season in full swing, I’ve been a bit more adventurous in the kitchen. I began my baking with some homemade Cheez-Its after seeing a recipe on Rachel Talbott’s YouTube Channel HERE. My dad absolutely loves to snack on traditional Cheez-Its in front of the TV at night, but I worry about all the chemicals and preservatives he’s consuming while doing so. This recipe is the perfect solution! It allows Cheez-It lovers to still have that delicious snack, all while using a few simple ingredients. Let me share my homemade Cheez-Its with you!

Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe | Healthy Snack Idea

How amazing do these look?! First things first, you have to make the dough. I used my Ninja Master Prep to blend up all of the ingredients. It works perfectly, so don’t worry if you don’t own a food processor as recommended in the recipe.

Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe | Healthy Snack IdeaI’m still impressed that the Cheez-Its only need five simple ingredients! Pictured above is the cheddar cheese, butter, flour, and salt. The last ingredient is water. How much easier could this get?

Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe | Healthy Snack IdeaHere is what the dough looks like after it’s been chilled in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. The next step is rolling out the dough with a rolling pin and cutting it into your desired shape. I found a small cookie cutter we already had and used that. Of course, you can cut the dough into the standard square Cheez-It shape if you’d like!

Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe | Healthy Snack IdeaThese are my Cheez-Its on the cookie sheet before popping them in the oven. Because the Cheez-Its don’t spread out while baking, you can put them quite close together on the baking sheet.

Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe | Healthy Snack IdeaThis recipe makes about 7-8 dozen Cheez-Its depending on the size cookie cutter you use. I brought these to my family’s Thanksgiving for an appetizer, and they were a big hit! I love that I know each and every ingredient inside these Cheez-Its, and that they are a much healthier option than boxed Cheez-Its at the store. Plus, they are easy and affordable! I highly recommend you try them out this holiday season, or anytime you’re wanting a cheesy treat. You can also use white cheddar if you prefer.

Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe

Yields about 7-8 dozen Cheez-Its.

Ingredients:

  • 8oz Cheddar Cheese Shredded
  • 4 Tablespoons Butter, cut into cubes
  • 1 Cup Flour
  • 3/4 Teaspoon Salt
  • 2 Tablespoons Cold Water

Directions:

  1. Pulse all ingredients but water in a food processor or blender until it resembles coarse sand.
  2. Pulse in water one tablespoon at a time.
  3. Wrap dough in plastic and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
  4. Preheat oven to 350º while dough is chilling.
  5. Roll out dough and cut into desired shape.
  6. Place Cheez-Its on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased tin foil.
  7. Bake at 350º for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.

If you make this recipe, please tag me in your photo on social media! Enjoy!

Give the Gift of Matching Nails with butter LONDON and Q&Q SmileSolar Watches

Happy Wednesday! Today I have a fun blog post to inspire you when gift-giving this season. Perhaps there is a beauty lover in your life that you know would like a nail polish this holiday, but you wanted to give something else unexpected as well. Why not pair your polish with a matching accessory?! Q&Q SmileSolar watches make the perfect gift this year. Not only are they a fabulous and affordable $40, but they are super practical as well. Let me tell you more about Q&Q SmileSolar Watches, and show you how well they go with butter LONDON nail polish!

Give the Gift of Matching Nails with butter LONDON and Q&Q SmileSolar Watches

Q&Q SmileSolar is an eco-friendly brand in Japan known for its solar-power technology and expertly crafted products. Q&Q SmileSolar watches are powered by solar technology, and last for over three months with a single charge – no battery required! The watches are water-resistant, and made from recycled materials. I love how environmentally friendly they are! Plus, the Q&Q SmileSolar Series has a variety of styles to choose from, ranging from sleek and stylish to fun and bright. I received two watches from the Core Collection to review. Both are unisex, and would make an excellent gift for anyone on your list.

Q&Q SmileSolar Watch – RP00J004YIn this blog post I’ll be showing off the watch in style number RP00J004Y. This is a neutral watch with a silver band and face. It can go with any outfit! I’m pairing it up with a silver nail polish from butter LONDON.

butter LONDON – Diamond Geezer butter LONDON – Diamond GeezerMy silver of choice is butter LONDON in Diamond Geezer. It has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. Because it is really shimmery, it does have a tendency to get messy. Keep your clean-up tools handy! Diamond Geezer is perfect for the winter months, and can be worn alone or in nail art looks. I have it on as I type up this blog post, and am loving how sparkly it is in the light!

Give the Gift of Matching Nails with butter LONDON and Q&Q SmileSolar WatchesHere is my manicure along with my Q&Q watch! It’s definitely a lot of fun to match my nail polish to my accessory. While I wouldn’t do this everyday, I would love to receive a gift this Christmas with a coordinating nail polish and accessory. It makes opening the present even more fun, and it lets the gift-giver think outside the box!

I hope you found this blog post helpful as you continue on with your holiday shopping this year! Q&Q SmileSolar watches can be purchased online HERE at $40 each. I think that is an amazing price for such an eco-friendly watch. Of course, you can grab Diamond Geezer on butter LONDON’s website HERE. Giving the gift of butter LONDON and Q&Q SmileSolar is a great way to give your nail polish lover a fun yet practical present this year.

Do you match your nail polish to your accessories? Let me know in the comments!

The products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

What’s in My Shower? featuring Shower Bouquet Loofahs

Happy Monday! Today I’m going to share with you all of the products that I’m currently using in the shower. I got the Shower Bouquet Loofahs to review, and I thought it would be fun to take a little tour of my shower. I keep what’s in my shower pretty basic because I don’t like to have too many products open at once. My hair care routine hasn’t changed, so be sure to check out THIS blog post for more information on my current shampoo and conditioner system. Let’s go ahead and take a peek at what’s in my shower!

What's in My Shower? featuring Shower Bouquet Loofahs

Shower Bouquet Loofahs

What's in My Shower? featuring Shower Bouquet Loofahs

The idea for this blog post came about when I received the Shower Bouquet Loofahs for review. This is a four-pack of loofahs in yellow, pink, blue, and purple. I could immediately tell that these loofahs are more luxurious than the ones I typically snatch up at the drugstore. They are larger and denser than other loofahs I’ve tried in the past, and they also include soft lace in addition to the mesh fabric. I thought the lace would be scratchy, but I am amazed at how soft these loofahs are! Not only do they hold a lot of product, but they feel so nice on the skin. I never knew how amazing a loofah could be!

Shower Rack Overview

http://www.containerstore.com/s/bath/shower-bathtub/ultra-shower-caddy/12d?productId=10000454&sort=meta:low_price:A::::FI recently got this shower rack at The Container Store for just $6.99. I was looking for one everywhere, but they were so expensive! I was so glad to pick this one up, as it’s great quality at a super affordable price. You can also get it online HERE. I keep all of my body products and face products on this rack, and hang my loofah on the hook.

Top Rack:

  • Venus Razor – I’m not too picky about the razor I use, but I’m currently using a Venus Divine blade. [BUY]
  • Bath & Body Works Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Shower Gel – I keep one shower gel open at all times, typically in a seasonal scent. I’m about halfway through this pumpkin one, and I really love it. I highly recommend keeping just shower gel open at a time. Otherwise, you could turn into a goo hoarder! [BUY]
  • Michael Todd Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser – I’m currently using my Michael Todd cleanser, and really love it. This bottle is going to last me a very long time, and you can read my full thoughts on it HERE. [BUY]
  • Dr. Brandt PoreDemabrasion Pore Perfecting Exfoliator – I use a facial exfoliator about once or twice a week. The Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion is definitely a current favorite. It is on the more expensive side, but worth the price. You can read my full review HERE. [BUY]
  • FOREO LUNA for Combination Skin – I keep my FOREO LUNA in my shower and use it with whatever face cleanser I’m using at the moment. It is truly an amazing device, and my skin loves it. I think it’s definitely worth the splurge! You can read my full review HERE. I highly recommend this is a holiday gift. Make sure to shop on Ebates because you can earn 7.5% cash back on every Foreo purchase! [BUY]

Bottom Rack:

  • Dial Soap – I keep an unscented bar of soap in the shower for any sensitive areas, such as underarms, that I don’t want to wash using a fragranced shower gel. I get this affordable Dial Soap from the drugstore, but I don’t really have a preference on the brand. [BUY]
  • The Body Shop Coconut Body Scrub – Finally, I always keep a body scrub in the shower that I use about once per week. I’m currently using a coconut one, but I change the scents up seasonally. [BUY]

All in all, I hope you liked this little tour of what I keep in my shower. Perhaps I inspired you to keep it basic, or maybe you found a new product to test! I definitely recommend the Shower Bouquet Loofahs. You can get the pack of four loofahs for $15.95 on Amazon HERE. While this is a bit more pricey than what you will find at the drugstore, the quality is amazing and definitely worth it. The Shower Bouquet makes an amazing stocking stuffer, or break up the pack for use in holiday gift baskets! They truly make any shower more luxurious!

What’s in your shower? Let me know in the comments!

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