Beauty – Adventures in Polishland

Category: Beauty

Empty Product Reviews | My Go To Cruelty Free Skincare, Hair Care, and Body Care

Posted on July 7, 2021 by Adventures in Polishland

It’s been quite some time since I shared an Empties post here on the blog (it appears the last one was in 2017 – oops!). While I’ve shared snippets on my Instagram regularly, I thought it would be fun to share mini reviews with you on all of the products I’ve used up recently. The skincare, hair care, and body care items in this post are some of my go to cruelty free and vegan products that I repurchase regularly. You’ll also notice that I am quite loyal to both The Body Shop and Derma E! I love both of these brands because they offer effective products at prices I can afford.

Empty Product Reviews | My Go To Cruelty Free Skincare, Hair Care, and Body Care

Products from Derma E provided for my unbiased review. This post includes affiliate links.

Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub | $15.50 | BUY

First up is the Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub with Activated Charcoal. I’ve used this scrub for many years. It’s gentle enough to use daily, but still effective at keeping the skin clear and free of dry flakes. I recently stopped using this on my face, as I was using a cleanser with a chemical exfoliant (more on that later). Instead, I’ve used this in my underarms about 1-2 times per week. This has really helped to get rid of any odors that I experience after working out in the humid summer months, all while using a natural deodorant.

Derma E Anti-Wrinkle Cleanser | $13.75 | BUY

The cleanser I used up is the Derma E Anti-Wrinkle Cleanser. This is a new-to-me product, but I absolutely loved it! As mentioned, this has glycolic acid in it to exfoliate the skin. I found that my face was much more even, hydrated, and clear when using this product. It was also nice to not have to use a physical exfoliant as an additional step in my skincare routine. I love testing out new cleansers, but I would definitely consider repurchasing this one.

The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Eye Concentrate | $32.00 | BUY

Next up is my all-time favorite eye care product, The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Eye Concentrate. This is an eye serum, and comes with a rollerball applicator. This is the only eye care product that works for me! I find that it helps to minimize my fine lines when I use it regularly. I do wish the packaging was more environmentally friendly, but I continue to repurchase this because I like it so much.

The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Essence-Lotion | $24.00

Another favorite product of mine is The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Essence-Lotion. I use this morning and night before I apply serum. My skin loves this product, as it helps to keep my skin hydrated, clear, and smooth. It’s currently not available on The Body Shop’s website, and I’m seriously hoping it hasn’t been discontinued! If you do ever see this back in stock, I highly recommend it.

The Body Shop Juicy Pear Body Scrub | $24.00 | BUY SIMILAR

Moving onto body care, I used up the Juicy Pear Body Scrub from The Body Shop. This was a limited edition holiday scent, but I really enjoy the scrubs from The Body Shop. This one was a sugar-based scrub, but I enjoy all of the available formulas as long as they are vegan. I typically like to grab a few scrubs during the Black Friday sale to save money and stock up for the year. They smell great, and keep the skin really smooth.

The Body Shop Make-Up Setting Spray | $6.00 | BUY

A hidden gem product at The Body Shop is definitely the Make-Up Setting Spray. This is by far my favorite setting spray ever! Not only does it keep my makeup in place throughout the day, but it helps reduce any cakey appearance. This spray has aloe vera in it as well, so it helps to keep the skin hydrated. My only critique with this product is that the bottle is only 60 ml. I would buy this in jumbo size if I could!

Derma E Thickening Conditioner | $9.99 | BUY

Last but not last is the Derma E Thickening Conditioner. I first tried this product when I received it from the brand for review, and now I’ve purchased it twice myself. I like this conditioner because it is gentle on the scalp and hydrating for my hair without making it greasy. I pair this conditioner with the Scalp Relief Shampoo for my go to hair routine.

That wraps up this round of empty product reviews! I hope you’ve found this post helpful if you are also on the lookout for cruelty free and vegan products that are worth the money. Please let me know in the comments if you would like to see regular empties posts here on the blog. I love sharing mini reviews of all the beauty products I’ve used up completely!

SALE ALERT | Tarte Cosmetics Custom Kit: 7 Full Size Products for $63.00 + FREE Shipping

Posted on June 15, 2021 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! Today Tarte Cosmetics is offering an amazing deal, and I wanted to share it with you. I made a purchase for myself, and am really excited to receive my order. This sale happens about twice per year, and it is the Tarte Cosmetics Custom Kit where you choose 7 full size items for just $63.00 with free shipping included. This post will share with you the sale information, and how to score added savings. This is a limited time deal for today only, June 15, 2021, so make sure to shop now if you’re interested in scoring some cruelty free beauty products at a huge discount!

This post includes affiliate links. I earn a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

Before you head over to the Tarte Cosmetics website, make sure to shop though Rakuten to earn cash back on your purchase! Today Rakuten is offering 5% cash back on Tarte’s website. That means you will get $3.15 back if you purchase a Custom Kit at $63.00 today. If you have not signed up for Rakuten yet, use my referral link HERE and we will both get a $30.00 cash back bonus with your first qualifying purchase.

Next, visit Tarte’s website HERE to build your Custom Kit. Tarte allows you to pick 7 full size items from a selection of products on their website. Tarte is a cruelty free company, and many of their products are vegan. I built a vegan kit for myself containing products from Tarte that I’ve wanted to try for quite some time. Here’s what I added to my kit:

babassu foundcealer™ skincare foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20 – Retail: $39.00 [BUY]
hydrocealer™ concealer – Retail: $25.00 [BUY]
busy gal BROWS tinted brow gel – Retail: $18.00 [BUY]
big ego™ vegan mascara – Retail: $23.00 [BUY]
maracuja juicy lip in Orchid – Retail: $19.00 [BUY]
shape tape™ quickie blending sponge – Retail: $16.00 [BUY]
back to basics bag – Retail: $22.00 [BUY]

As you can see, the retail value of my Custom Kit is $162.00, so at the $63.00 price point I saved over 60%! I’ve had the Babassu Foundcealer and Busy Gal Brows Brow Gel on my wish list for over a year now, so I’m really excited to try them out at a discounted price. I can’t wait to get my kit in the mail and refresh my makeup collection!

Interested in buildng a Tarte Cosmetics Custom Kit? Shop today only, June 15, 2021 for just $63.00 HERE!

The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil Review | #EmptyProductReview

Posted on May 27, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

After a few bad experiences, I avoided using facial oils for quite a while. But as I got older and my skin got a bit drier, I decided to try The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil. This cruelty free and vegan facial oil is not only one of The Body Shop’s best selling skincare products, but it is formulated to deeply moisturize the skin and provide anti-aging benefits as well. I recently used up my bottle, and wanted to share my thoughts on this product with all of you.

The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil Review

This post includes affiliate links.

The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil is a unique blend of three precious nut seed oils: Black Cumin Seed Oil, Camellia Seed Oil, and Rosehip Oil. In the past I had used Argan oil based facial oils, and no matter which brand I tried, my skin would break out quite badly. I have combination skin that can overproduce oil while being dry and flaky at the same time. It can be tricky to find what products work best for me, but I’ve learned that moisturizing products can help to restore my skin’s hydration and reduce the added oils when used regularly. Thus, while I was hesitant to try the Oils of Life facial oil, I’m so glad I did! My skin never had a bad reaction, and instead loved this product’s hydrating properties.

I use this product after applying a facial serum. I take about 3-4 drops and gently massage the oil over my face and neck. Upon application, my skin does look greasy. However, once I go in with my moisturizer, the oil sinks deeper into my skin and the shininess goes away. I don’t use this product every day, especially in the summer months, but I know whenever I reach for this oil my skin will look and feel more hydrated. The Body Shop also claims this product can help with anti-aging and make the skin look firmer. I find that my skin does look firmer when using this oil, because any lines that appear due to dehydration are not as visible.

Overall, I absolutely love The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil! Not only do I really enjoy the formula and product effectiveness, but I think the price point is fair. It took me about two years to completely use up a 1.7 fluid ounce bottle that retails for $55.00. While that is a large investment up front, comparable products from other high end brands begin at around $72.00! Plus, you can often get this product on sale. I recommend using Rakuten (formerly Ebates) to earn cash back on your purchase as well. I will absolutely be repurchasing this oil once I work through what I already have in my skincare stash!

You can purchase The Body Shop Oils of Life Facial Oil directly from the brand’s website.

Derma E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask Review | #MayMaskChallenge

Posted on May 17, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

This month I’ve been participating in the #MayMaskChallenge hosted by Lisa Stevens. My goal is to use a face mask at least once each week, and so far I’ve really enjoyed giving my skin a bit of extra TLC. One of my favorite masks is the Derma E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask. I’ve used up almost an entire tube of it, and I already have a back-up ready in my mask collection. That being said, this mask can be a bit tricky to work with, so I thought it would be helpful to share my tips for using this mask.

Derma E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask Review

The product in this post was provided for my review. This post includes affiliate links.

The Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask from Derma E has a dual-action formula that deep cleans the pores and exfoliates the skin to leave it fresh and glowing. The mask contains Activated Charcoal, which helps to remove dirt, oil, and bacteria from the skin. Derma E recommends application as follows: “Apply generously to clean face, avoiding eye and lip areas. Leave on for five minutes or until mask is dry. Moisten fingertips, then massage gently in a circular motion to activate exfoliants” prior to rinsing off the mask and patting the skin dry. I mention the instructions written on the tube because, after using this product multiple times, I slightly alter the application to make the mask work better for me.

This mask can be a bit intense since it is such a deep-cleansing mask. One time, I left the mask on my skin a bit too long, and my skin was a little red and irritated when I washed it off. I realized that instead of generously applying this mask, it is best to apply a very thin layer to the face. That is because the mask can take several minutes to dry. In the photo above, I show what the mask looks like upon application, and what it looks like after it dries. It took over 12 minutes to dry, and you can see there is a small patch where it is still wet. Thus, I now use a small amount of this mask, and wash it off immediately after five minutes has passed even though it may not be completely dry. While I do not follow the brand’s directions, I still get a great result from the mask! A little definitely goes a long way with this product.

I absolutely love the Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask because my skin not only feels vey clean and smooth, but I feel like I can visibly see a difference after each use. Of course, any dry skin is exfoliated away, but my pores are less noticeable and my complexion appears more even. I also love that this mask removes added dirt and oil, but it does not leave my skin feeling dry. It’s one of my all-time favorite masks to give my skin a deep clean!

The Derma E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask is available for purchase on Derma E’s website for $19.50 HERE. You can also purchase a sample packet for $4.00 if you want to test the mask prior to investing in the full size.

My Current Skincare Routine | Cruelty Free and Vegan

Posted on February 9, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

I recently shared with you my current makeup collection, and I thought it would be fun to share what skincare I am using right now as well. I have come to really love skincare over the past few years. While I am not the most knowledgeable about the science behind skincare and particular ingredients, I really enjoy trying new products. I find that when I stick to a skincare routine, my skin does look and feel much better than when I get a bit lazy. This is especially true in the winter months when my skin gets very dry and needs some extra TLC. As always, all of the products I mention today are cruelty free and vegan.

I received the Derma E products in this post from the brand for consideration. This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through those links, I will earn a small commission. Thank you!

Makeup Remover

The first step of my skincare routine, at least in the evenings, is makeup removal. I’ve been using The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter for a couple years now. This stuff is awesome! All you need to do is massage a small amount all over your face and it melts off your makeup. It is eye safe, so it gets off stubborn mascara. Plus, it comes in an aluminum container, so it’s a better option than removers that come in plastic.

Cleansers and Exfoliators

For cleansing, I keep the Pacifica Kale Charcoal Foaming Facial Detox Bar in my shower. I absolutely love this cleanser. It helps to keep my face clear from breakouts, and it works really well with my FOREO LUNA. I also use The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Cleansing Oil-in-Gel in the evenings. This cleanser is great if you have dry skin, but I may not repurchase since it is in a plastic bottle.

I am currently using two exfoliators from the brand Derma E that are two of my all-time favorites. First is the Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub. I’ve used at least two or three jars up before, and I love having it in my collection. I use the microdermabrasion once or twice a week at maximum. It gets all the dead skin off my face and is perfect in the winter! I also use the Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub regularly. This scrub is gentle enough for daily use, and the activated charcoal keeps my skin clean and clear of blemishes.

Toner, Essence, Serum, and Oil

I don’t always use toner, but I do if I feel like my skin needs a bit more of a deep clean. Right now I have The Body Shop Seaweed Balancing Toner in my collection. My skin used to be quite oily, so this toner was great, but as I’m getting older I think I may need a different option.

That being said, the other three products pictured above are all Holy Grail items for me. The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Essence-Lotion is the first step in my hydrating routine. It keeps my skin looking fresh and plump. Similarly, my favorite serum of all time is The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Concentrate. This keeps my skin looking clear, young, and hydrated. It sinks in immediately, and I love how it feels. I’ve gone through several bottles. Finally, The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil is the best facial oil I’ve ever used. In the past, facial oils have always caused my skin to break out (including well-known high end brands). This one simply hydrates my skin and aids in anti-aging. Applying essence, serum, and oil is my favorite part of my skincare routine.

Eye Creams and Moisturizers

When it comes to under-eye products, I am currently using the Derma E Firming DMAE Eye Lift and The Body Shop Drops of Youth Eye Concentrate. I haven’t noticed any firming results from the Derma E eye cream, but I really like how it sinks into the skin and I look forward to using it more regularly. That being said, I am obsessed with the Drops of Youth Eye Concentrate! This is an eye serum, and it is the only eye product I’ve ever used that made my fine lines lessen. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work well under makeup and pills up on me, so I only use it at night.

Lastly, I am using two different moisturizers from Derma E right now. In the morning I use the Skin Restore Advanced Peptides & Collagen Moisturizer. I’ve been using this for a few months now, and I absolutely love it! The lotion is very creamy, but sinks right into the skin and makes my face look super smooth. It also works really well under makeup, and I go without a face primer a lot of the time! In the evenings, I use my all-time favorite moisturizer, the Hydrating Night Cream. I’ve gone through multiple jars of this cream. In addition to being very hydrating, it is very soothing and firming.

As you can see, my entire skincare routine is comprised of products from The Body Shop and Derma E, with one Pacifica item thrown in as well. I love these brands because they offer products that are high quality, yet still at a great price point when compared to high end brands. I always stock up during sales, and I shop through Rakuten to earn cash back. I also love that these brands are available in many brick-and-mortar stores, making them accessible to the masses. Shopping cruelty free and vegan skincare can be much easier than you think!

What are your favorite skincare brands?!

10 #ZeroWaste Products in my Health & Beauty Routine

Posted on January 19, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

Today I thought it would be fun to share some of the ways I’ve gone plastic free and zero waste in my health and beauty routine. If you are trying to cut down on disposable products and make more sustainable choices, I think a great place to start is with your skincare and other personal care products. There are so many great reusable and packaging free products on the market now, and I’ve really enjoyed working them into my lifestyle. Here are the ten zero waste items I’ve incorporated in my health and beauty routine so far!

This blog post includes affiliate links. I will earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. Thank you!

Skincare Tools

Skincare Cleansing Device – FOREO LUNA for Combination Skin | $199.00

I first tried the FOREO LUNA back in 2015 when it was sent to me for review. While this is a luxury skincare item, I think it is absolutely worth the investment. Unlike competitor products that require you to purchase disposable brush heads or cleansing pads, the FOREO doesn’t need added attachments or replacements. Thus, not only is this a zero waste product, but is saves you a lot of money in the long run. Also, in the nearly five years I’ve had this cleansing device, I’ve only had to charge the batteries once! I honestly cannot say enough great things about this device, and I highly recommend saving up for it.

Reusable Cotton Rounds – Captain Hook Crochet | Set of 14 for $10.00

Another great switch is reusable cotton rounds in place of disposable ones that typically come in a plastic bag. I ended up making my own with 100% cotton yarn that is machine washable and dryable. I’ve used the same set of 14 for over a year now, and they’ve held up really well. I use these cotton pads for removing makeup, applying toner and essence lotion, removing face masks, and more. I also sell these on Etsy using the above link if you are interested in purchasing a set!

Skincare and Body Care Products

When it comes to packaging free and plastic free skincare and body care products, I’ve switched over to quite a few! In the above photo you’ll see that I now use a lot of “naked” products from LUSH, and I also purchase other items that come in recyclable paper packaging. Items I no longer buy in plastic include face cleanser, hand soap, hair conditioner, and shower gel. I also like to store my products in vintage glassware that I buy at antique stores, thrift stores, and yard sales!

I also use a bar soap as a makeup brush cleanser. I keep that soap in this candy dish next to the sink. Right now I’m using a Dr. Bronner’s All-One Hemp bar to wash my makeup brushes and beauty sponge, and a Kirk’s Castile bar for my hand soap.

I’ve also been using a packaging free deodorant for about two years now! I love the LUSH Aromaco. You can read more of my thoughts in this review. I’ve purchased this deodorant three times now, and it is a staple item in my health and beauty routine. I also store it in an upcycled body scrub container!

Personal Care Needs

Toilet Paper – Who Gives a Crap 100% Recycled 3-Ply | 24 Rolls for $30.00

One of my favorite plastic free switches is toilet paper! Almost all of the toilet paper sold at the grocery store comes in plastic packaging. I decided to give the brand Who Gives a Crap a try, and I absolutely love it. I use the 100% recycled toilet paper. It is high quality and still quite affordable. I love how I can order a huge box a couple times a year, and I don’t have to lug toilet paper home from the store. Plus, Who Gives a Crap also donates 50% of its profits to build toilets for those in need.

Toothbrush – Brush with Bamboo | 4 Brushes for $16.99

Last but not least is my toothbrush! I began using Brush with Bamboo last year. It definitely took me a few weeks to get used to a bamboo toothbrush, but now I am fully accustomed to it. I order these on Amazon, and while they are a bit more expensive than the brushes you can get at the drugstore, I am happy to pay the extra money for a more sustainable option. I also saw on Instagram that the brand has restyled its packaging to be even more environmentally friendly!

What are some #ZeroWaste switches you’ve made?

I would love to learn about your favorite plastic free products, and any recommendations you have for me. I am always trying to incorporate more sustainable items into my life, especially when it comes to my health and beauty routine. While so many skincare and body care items traditionally come in plastic, it’s nice knowing of the other options available. Let us continue to make these small switches in our lives so that together we can make a big impact!

2020 Makeup Inventory | My Minimalist and Vegan Makeup Collection

Posted on January 5, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

Since discovering the online makeup world in 2012, my makeup collection has grown and changed a great deal over the last few years. While it can be a lot of fun to have a large makeup collection, I personally find that a small, curated collection of the products I actually use is best for me. As someone who typically wears the same face of makeup every day, there is no reason for me to have a lot of options. Instead, I focus on owning products I will use up to completion. This helps me eliminate waste, it saves me a great deal of money, and it allows me to choose my makeup collection with great care. I wanted to start off 2020 by sharing with you my current makeup inventory in its entirety.

2020 Makeup Inventory | My Minimalist and Vegan Makeup Collection

All of the products I share with you today are cruelty free and vegan. I will also be using affiliate links to share these products with you. If you make a purchase after clicking on a link in this blog post, I will earn a small commission. Thank you!

Face Products

I currently own one face primer, one foundation, and two concealers. I am very happy with this category in my stash! I am currently using a facial moisturizer from Derma E that works really well under makeup, so there is no need for me to have more face primers at the moment. I also haven’t been wearing a full face of makeup lately, so I rarely reach for foundation. Instead, I use concealer to cover redness in my T-zone, and having two concealers makes sense for me.

Setting Powders | Vegan and Cruelty Free

I currently have three face powders in my collection. That being said, two of these are basically empty right now! I need to repress those two so I can use them up completely. I only need one setting powder in my collection, and this one from Pacifica is a favorite of mine.

Eye Products

Eye Makeup Collection | Brows, Shadow, and Mascara

My eye makeup collection is one category where I’ve greatly reduced the amount of products I own. I fill in my eyebrows every day, so I have my one tried-and-true brow powder and one open eyebrow gel. I do have one eyebrow gel in my backup drawer as well. Since I do not wear eyeshadow regularly, there is no need for me to have more than a few basic items. I am currently using a concealer as an eyeshadow base, and I have one primer in my backup drawer. For eyeshadow, I have one duo and one holographic liquid shadow for the few times a year I want something more. Lastly, I own one mascara that I replace every three to four months.

Cheek Products

I think cheek products are my favorite part of makeup! I love blush and highlighter, and I am happy with the amount of products I own in this category. I have one blush palette, which is more than enough. But, I also love the matte Tarte blush I got from a kit, and The Body Shop Shimmer Waves palette is great for blush, highlighter, or eyeshadow. I also use my contour palette from The Body Shop for eyeshadow as well. The only product I probably don’t need is the liquid highlighter from NYX – I don’t use it often.

Lip Products

Just like eye products, I used to own a lot of lip products. However, I learned in the past few years that I really do not like wearing lip products! I am always drinking water, and I don’t like it when lip products transfer or wear off throughout the day. I currently have three lip products in my collection, and I could probably declutter all of them! I have an invisible lip liner, a lip oil, and a tinted lip balm. If I don’t grab for these throughout the year, I will declutter them and not buy anymore lip products unless it is for a specific reason or occasion!

Setting Sprays

Last but not least, I have three setting sprays in my collection. I am currently using one from elf, and I got two of my holy grail sprays from The Body Shop for Christmas this year. I love setting spray, but I know some people feel like it doesn’t do anything. For me, it is a must!

Total Inventory

As 2020 begins, I currently own a total of 27 makeup products! Overall, I am really happy with my collection. There are only a few products in my stash that I do not use regularly (mainly the lip products), but everything else is part of my regular routine and rotation. I like having my go-to products that work for me, with a few fun options in my favorite categories – blush and highlighter. The last time I did a full makeup inventory was in 2018, and at that time I owned 55 makeup products. I am amazed that my collection has shrunk in half! It shows I truly don’t need a large quantity of products.

Please share with me in the comments if you prefer to have a small or large makeup collection. If you are looking to be more minimalistic and mindful with the things you own, I find your makeup is a great place to start. If you would like to see a full review of a product I mentioned today, please let me know in a comment as well!

LUSH Aromaco Deodorant Review | #PlasticFreeJuly

Posted on July 7, 2019July 6, 2019 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Sunday! Today I’m excited to bring you another review of a plastic free beauty product as part of #PlasticFreeJuly. If you would like to learn a bit more about this month-long project, please read THIS blog post. One of my favorite zero waste products is the Aromaco naked deodorant from LUSH. I tried this after having a horrible experience with another natural deodorant, and this is now a staple in my body care routine. Let me tell you a bit more about why I love Aromaco!

I first purchased this deodorant because it is an affordable vegan option that comes without a plastic tube. I was quite hesitant to try it, because Aromaco does contain baking soda, and I had a very bad reaction after using another deodorant with baking soda in the past. Luckily, I think it is far enough down on the ingredients list, because I have not had any irritation at all with this deodorant. In fact, I am very impressed with the formula! It goes onto the skin easily without being sticky, and it doesn’t leave a white-cast on your body or on your clothing. The scent is a bit herbal, but it’s not strong, which I prefer. My only criticism of this product, is that I wish it were a bit stronger. Aromaco is an effective deodorant, but at the end of a hot, sweaty day, my armpits don’t smell as peachy as I would like. Nonetheless, re-applying the product helps take care of any stink, and I find I have to stick my own nose into my armpit to truly smell anything.

Overall, I love the LUSH Aromaco deodorant! One block of it is about $6.95, and it lasts for several months. I’ve already repurchased a second block, and I think this is going to be my go-to deodorant for quite some time! I store mine in a repurposed body scrub jar, and I recommend using any upcycled air-tight container. Can you imagine how much plastic we would prevent from ending up an a landfill just by switching to plastic free deodorant?! I highly recommend giving this one a try!

Have you tried any packaging free deodorants? Share your experience in the comments!

Dr. Bronner’s All-One Hemp Tea Tree Pure Castile Bar Soap Review | #PlasticFreeJuly

Posted on July 1, 2019June 30, 2019 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Welcome back to Adventures in Polishland! I am excited to be back on the blog for the first day of an event called Plastic Free July. This month-long challenge is a global movement encouraging people to ditch single use plastics for the entirety of July. This is the first year I am participating in the challenge, and I thought I would celebrate by sharing some reviews of my favorite plastic free products with all of you. My zero waste journey truly began last year, and I’ve slowly continued transitioning over my beauty collection, and the rest of my life, to be more eco-conscious. Today I have a review of one of the first plastic free products I introduced into my routine, and that is the Dr. Bronner’s All-One Hemp Tea Tree Pure Castile Bar Soap.

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

I purchased this bar soap for the main purpose of cleaning my BeautyBlender. I’ve heard great things about the BeautyBlender BlenderCleanser Solid, but that comes wrapped in plastic and is a bit pricey at about $16.00. Thus, I decided to try the Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Bar Soap, which also has excellent reviews. I love that this product is vegan, and that it comes in a 100% post-consumer recycled wrapper that is biodegradable. Plus, it is very affordable at just $4.69 at Ulta. Dr. Bronner’s offers a few different varieties of bar soap, but I purchased the Tea Tree scent since tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic, and I thought that would be a great option for cleaning my BeautyBlender.

I kept this bar soap on my sink in a vintage carnival glass dish that I purchased at an antique store. I found the exact one on Etsy HERE if you would like to match me! I love using a bowl as a soap dish, because it allows the soap to sit an an angle and not get soggy. In fact, this Dr. Bronner’s soap held up really well! It lasted me a few months, and did a great job at cleaning my BeautyBlender. I wash my BeautyBlender before each use, and this soap kept it looking stain-free. In addition, the scent on this soap is very light, and I would describe it as a bit herbal or earthy. However, the scent does not linger once rinsed off, which I personally enjoy. I will say that the formula of this soap can be a bit drying for the hands, but that isn’t a problem when you’re using it as a makeup brush shampoo.

All in all, I’m so glad I finally tried this cult favorite product! The Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Bar Soap is a budget-friendly option that is widely available at drugstores and department stores. I have yet to repurchase this product because I’ve been enjoying testing out other bar soaps, but I would definitely grab this again in the future. If you are looking for a vegan and zero waste bar soap that won’t break the bank, I highly recommend it!

What is your favorite plastic free product for cleaning your BeautyBlender or makeup brushes? Let me know in the comments!

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Why I Returned the Lush Cosmetics No Drought Dry Shampoo | Lush Dry Shampoo Review

Posted on May 27, 2018January 10, 2024 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Sunday! Today I am excited to share my thoughts on the Lush Cosmetics No Drought Dry Shampoo. One of my goals this year is to go as zero waste as possible, and that includes my beauty products. When it came time for me to buy a new dry shampoo, I decided to purchase the one from Lush. I wanted a dry shampoo that was not in aerosol form (learn why that is bad for the environment HERE), and also one with ethical packaging. I love that the Lush plastic bottles are made with 100% post-consumer plastic, so I decided to try No Drought. Unfortunately, I made the decision to return this product to the store when it did not work for me.

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The No Drought Dry Shampoo claims to be a formula that absorbs excess oils and adds volume to the hair. I spoke with a sales associate at my local store before purchasing, because I was concerned the white powder wouldn’t blend in well with my light brown hair, and she assured me that wouldn’t be a problem. She also mentioned that this product does a great job at absorbing oils. While I was able to get the dry shampoo to blend in just fine with my hair color, this product was, unfortunately, quite ineffective in my hair. In fact, my hair looked and felt even dirtier and greasier whenever I used this product!

The issue, for me, lies in the fact that this is a texturizing dry shampoo. Over the years I’ve found that dry shampoos fall into one of two camps: dry shampoos that absorb oil and dry shampoos that texturize. I steer clear of texturizing dry shampoos because I have very fine hair. When texture is added, it weighs my hair down, and makes it cling together. I tried a few different techniques with No Drought in an attempt to get it to work for me, but my hair always came out feeling very heavy and greasy. After about a month of use, I made the decision to return this product to the store. I try to never return used beauty products, as I know they cannot be resold to other customers, but I was very let down that I spent $15.95 on a product that was not living up to its claims. I certainly did not achieve the promised matte finish!

In the end, I would only recommend the Lush Cosmetics No Drought Dry Shampoo if you enjoy using texturizing hair products. For instance, if you have thick hair, this may work better for you than it did for me. That being said, I will still continue to purchase other products from Lush, especially those that come packaging free. As for dry shampoo, I am now testing the one from Verb sold at Ulta (shop HERE).

Have you tried a non-aerosol dry shampoo? Let me know in the comments!