Category: Beauty

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

Rimmel London Keep Calm and Lip Balm | Swatches & Review

Happy Wednesday! Today I am very excited to share with you three new products from the drugstore brand Rimmel London. I absolutely love tinted lip balms, because they are really easy to apply and wear. Rimmel just released a new line called Keep Calm and Lip Balm. Not only is the packaging extremely adorable, but the product is designed to increase lip moisture by 22%. With the colder weather in full swing, I couldn’t wait to test these out! Let me show you swatches of the three colors I received, and share my thoughts on them.

Rimmel London Keep Calm and Lip Balm | Swatches & Review

Each product has a sheer wash of color in addition to its moisturizing qualities. I do really like the formula of these lip products. They glide on easily and feel very soft and nourishing on the lips. I don’t find that these work as well as a medicated lip balms – while my lips feel nice while wearing the lip balm, they are not healed upon removal. Nevertheless, these are a great option if you want an affordable tinted balm that will not irritate your dry lips. Let’s jump right into swatches of the three I received!

Rimmel London – Keep Calm and Kiss

Rimmel London – Keep Calm and Kiss
Rimmel London – Keep Calm and Kiss

Keep Calm and Kiss is a pale pink shade that Rimmel describes as Pink Blush. It’s not highly pigmented, but adds a nice wash of color. I think it’s perfect for the winter months. It looks great with my fair skin tone, but I think it can work on anyone! I should also mention that each of these balms has a sweet candy smell. It’s not overpowering, but I love it!

Rimmel London – Keep Calm and Rock

Rimmel London – Keep Calm and Rock
Rimmel London – Keep Calm and Rock

Next up is Keep Calm and Rock, a berry shade with purple undertones. I’m so impressed with the rich pigmentation of Keep Calm and Rock! This is the perfect product for those who want to try out darker lips, but may be intimidated by a lipstick. I love this for the holiday season as well!

Rimmel London – Keep Calm and Play

Rimmel London – Keep Calm and Play
Rimmel London – Keep Calm and Play

Last but not least is Keep Calm and Play, what I would describe as a rosy coral shade. It has a light pigmentation, and is a ‘my lips but better’ shade for me. This is definitely the shade I would wear on the daily!

All in all, I am loving the Keep Calm and Lip Balm line from Rimmel London! While these are not a replacement for a healing lip balm for me, they are the perfect product to wear all day for a hint of color and a moisturizing feel on the lips. These will make an excellent stocking stuffer this holiday season, and are a fabulous and affordable $2.50! Keep an eye out at your local drugstore and department store, or use the store locator on Rimmel’s website HERE.

Will you be grabbing any of these? Let me know in the comments!

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

Sephora Favorites Give Me More Lip | Swatches + Review

Happy Wednesday! I recently shared with all of you a huge Sephora haul (see that post HERE). One of the items I splurged on is the Sephora Favorites Give Me More Lip set. Sephora puts together value kits called Sephora Favorites that include a variety of high end items in a particular category. I love trying lip products, but I usually stick with affordable drugstore options. I thought this was the perfect time to splurge on some high end lip products and give them a try! I won’t be keeping all of these lip products for myself (it is the holidays!), but I have swatches on all of the products I’m keeping. Let me go ahead and share more about the kit with you.

Sephora Favorites Give Me More Lip | Swatches + Review Sephora Favorites Give Me More Lip | Swatches + ReviewThe Give Me More Lip set comes with fifteen different lip products, four of which are full size, and 11 deluxe sample sizes. They range from lipsticks to lip glosses to lip crayons and more, and range in shade as well from dark and vampy to barely there pink. The set comes in a gorgeous metallic gold gift box, which can definitely be reused. I couldn’t wait to dig in and decide which I would keep for me, and which I would give as gifts!

Fresh Sugar Tulip Tinted Lip Treatment (Deluxe Sample)

Fresh Sugar Tulip Tinted Lip Balm
Fresh Sugar Tulip Tinted Lip Balm

I really love the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment line, and I’ve already worn Tulip a few times. The formula is so smooth and soothing, and I like that there is just a hint of color. While the full size is definitely very expensive, I might splurge on one in the future. I know it is a trusted product, and I highly recommend them!

Laura Mercier Creme Smooth in Milkyway (Deluxe Sample)

Laura Mercier Creme Smooth in Milkyway
Laura Mercier Creme Smooth in Milkyway

I’ve never tried a Laura Mercier product before, so I was excited to put this lipstick to the test! It is definitely creamy and smooth, and feels very moisturizing on the kips. Milkyway is a nude shade that leans towards a brown-beige. It reminds me of the coveted Kylie Jenner lip shade that people try to replicate. I’m not sure it’s for me, but it’s very fun to try it!

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Peony (Deluxe Sample)

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Peony
Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Peony

I’ve been wanting to try this line from Too Faced for over a year now! So many beauty gurus love these, and I can see why. The formula is amazing, and applies so cleanly. I don’t think Peony is the perfect shade for me, but now I know that I love the formula and feel of these lipsticks. If you have a favorite shade, please share it with me in the comments!

Clinique Chubby Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Strawberry (Deluxe Sample)

Clinque Chubby Moisturizing Lip Color Balm in Strawberry
Clinque Chubby Moisturizing Lip Color Balm in Strawberry

I always seem to love lip crayons like this one from Clinque. In my daily life, I prefer a tinted lip color that looks really natural. That’s just what you get with Strawberry. It has a nice wash of pink tint, and wears nicely throughout the day. I’m definitely interested in seeing what other shades are available!

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Streak (Full Size)

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Streak
Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Streak

I’ve also been excited to try the Revolution Lipstick collection from Urban Decay! I’m really enjoying this lipstick and the creamy formula. The application is a bit tough due to the large lipstick size, but I think I might use a lip brush for a better line in the future. I’m also swooning over the amazing packaging on this lipstick!

Bite Matte Creme in Cognac (Deluxe Sample)

Bite Matte Creme in Cognac
Bite Matte Creme in Cognac

One of the more adventurous lipsticks in the bunch is from Becca. This super dark shade reminds me of the 1990s. The lipstick itself is a skinny crayon, and a bit difficult to apply. I’ve heard great things about this product range, so I think I’ll be experimenting with this some more!

Buxom Lip Polish in Sophia (Deluxe Sample)

Buxom Lip Polish in Sophia
Buxom Lip Polish in Sophia

Another one of my most worn in the kit so far is this Buxom gloss. It is so wearable, and the formula is great. I hesitate to describe it as sticky, because I know people don’t like sticky glosses, but it is long-wearing and stays on the lips. Plus, it makes the lips look really full. This product can be worn alone or over a lipstick.

Tarte Energy Gloss in Clear (Deluxe Sample)

Tarte Energy Gloss in Clear
Tarte Energy Gloss in Clear

This Tarte lip gloss is really unique. It applies almost clear, but has a slight pink tint that adjusts based on your skin tone. On me, it is a true pink, and I really love it. It feels so silky on the lips, too.

Ciate Liquid Velvet in Risque (Full Size)

Ciate Liquid Velvet in Risque
Ciate Liquid Velvet in Risque

Last but not least is one of my favorite products in the kit, Ciate Liquid Velvet in this amazing red color. I fell in love with this matte finish the first time I tried it. While I’m not one to rock a red lip normally, I am obsessed with this lip color. I had no idea Ciate was into lip products, and that they are incredible!

All in all, I highly recommend picking up the Give Me More Lip kit from the Sephora Favorites collection! It is definitely expensive at $59, but it’s a $197 value, and I think 100% worth the price. The products in this kit make perfect gifts this holiday season, and, of course, you can keep your favorites for yourself! I hope this post was helpful in terms of seeing some swatches of the products. Make sure to pick up Give Me More Lip on Sephora’s website HERE before it sells out!

What lip product is your favorite in this kit? Let me know in the comments!

The products in this post were purchased by my. This post contains an affiliate link. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

BECCA x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop

Happy Friday! Today I am excited to share my thoughts on the stunning highlighter created by BECCA Cosemtics and YouTube beauty guru Jaclyn Hill. I don’t typically spend a lot on makeup products, but I just had to gave this limited edition product, especially because I love Jaclyn and knew anything she created would be amazing. I decided to purchase the Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop in my latest Sephora Haul (see everything I got HERE). I’ve been using it nearly every single day since! Let me show you this stunning product, and share my thoughts with you.

BECCA x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop

BECCA x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfecter in Champagne PopFirst things first, I wanted to mention the stunning packaging in which Champagne Pop comes. The box is a beautiful rose gold that is so metallic and shiny I had issues taking a decent photograph of it! I normally don’t keep boxes, but I think I will be hanging onto this one because it is a special product, and a huge splurge item for me. I just had to point out the beautiful box to all of you!

BECCA x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne PopThe product itself is also well packaged. Champagne Pop comes in a sturdy compact with a large mirror. Moreover, the highlighter is beyond beautiful. It is a golden shimmer that truly packs a punch. I used to be really afraid of shimmering skin because I tend to be oily, but Champagne Pop is so gorgeous that I feel confident whenever I wear it! The formula is so soft and satiny, and blends out beautifully. I use a very light hand during application because I have very fair skin, but it shows up well and looks stunning. I really can’t praise this product enough!

BECCA x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop
BECCA x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop

Here are swatches of Champagne Pop both in artificial light (left) and natural sunlight (right). I do blend out the product much more when wearing it on my face, but I wanted to show you how strong the shimmer effect is on the skin. You can 100% control how much the product shows up on your face. I recommend using the Real Techniques Setting Brush, which is perfect for powder products.

All in all, I am obsessed with Champagne Pop. I don’t wear makeup every day, but when I do I’ve been reaching for this product nine times out of ten. I’m so glad I decided to purchase it! Champagne Pop is a splurge product at $38, but I highly recommend it. If you have a makeup lover in your life, this also makes the perfect holiday gift! You can buy it exclusively at Sephora HERE.

Have you tried Champagne Pop? Let me know in the comments!

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

Michael Todd Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser Review

Happy Monday! Today I am excited to share with you a new-to-me skincare product from the brand Michael Todd. When I first heard about charcoal skincare products, I was a bit hesitant to use them, but my skin absolutely loves charcoal. I’ve tried charcoal masks and exfoliators, and they’ve worked really well. I jumped at the chance to review the recently repackaged Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser from Michael Todd. I had just run out of cleanser, and I knew this would be the perfect replacement. Let me tell you more about Charcoal Detox, and share my experience using the product.

Michael Todd Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser ReviewMichael Todd Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser Review

 

Michael Todd Charcoal Detox is a gel cleanser that is designed to lift impurities that are deep-set in the skin without stripping the skin of its natural hydration. Charcoal helps to remove pore blockages and eliminates excess oil. Charcoal Detox also includes Sugar Cane and Maple and Bilberry Extract to stimulate cell turnover and heal dark spots. It also has Tea Tree Oil for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory healing properties. Charcoal Detox is ideal for those with oily and blemish prone skin.

I have combination skin that is both oily and dry at the same time. My pores are enlarged throughout my T-zone, and I am always looking to clear them out gently. Charcoal Detox made it to my doorstop just in time – I was starting to break out in really nasty acne. I used Charcoal Detox just one time and I could already feel a huge difference in my skin! I feel like I am writing an infomercial, but it is so true! My acne cleared up in just a week of using this cleanser.

I use Charcoal Detox with my FOREO Luna in the shower. I’ve never used a gel cleanser before, but I really like it because of its light texture. After rinsing off the cleanser, my skin feels amazing. It’s really clean, but at the same time very soft. I can tell that my skin isn’t stripped of its natural hydration! My skin is really loving Charcoal Detox for sure!

 

All in all, I am a huge fan of the Michael Todd Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser! If charcoal works well with your skin type, I highly recommend this cleanser. If you’re new to charcoal, I think you should try it out if you have clogged pores and oily skin. Charcoal Detox is a vegan product, and is made in the USA. It is a higher end skincare brand, but it is worth every penny in my opinion. The full size 6.7 fl oz bottle retails for $23.00 on ULTA’s website HERE. I am definitely going to continue using this cleanser until the last drop!

Do you use charcoal skincare products? Let me know 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. 

Birchbox Haul | Hair Care & Makeup

Happy Friday! It’s the last day of Haul Week here on the blog! Today I have a small haul from Birchbox. Although I am no longer subscribed to the Birchbox subscription program, I had saved up $10 worth of points that were expiring this month. I decided to use my points and pick up a hair care favorite, plus a few other goodies. Let me show you what I got – all for $25!

Birchbox Haul Hair Care & MakeupPerhaps you didn’t know that in addition to its subscription program, Birchbox has an amazing online store! It’s a bit like Sephora, but there are often sales and coupons, and even freebies! There is a rewards system as well called Birchbox Points. While subscribers earn points very frequently, anyone can earn points just by shopping online. Each dollar spent is one point earned, and 100 points equals $10. I always save my points, but because they expire in a year’s time, I needed to use them right away!

Birchbox Haul | Hair Care & MakeupFirst, let me share the products I purchased. I had to grab my holy grail dry shampoo from Klorane. No matter how many dry shampoos I try, this one is still a favorite. Unfortunately, it costs $20, so I only pick it up when there is a deal. I also decided to purchase a trio of mini lip glosses from Cythnia Rowley. I received one of these glosses in a Birchbox last year and really loved it, so I grabbed it for $15. I am a little disappointed with how tiny these glosses are, but I’m still happy with them. I’ll have a full blog post showing them off soon!

Birchbox Haul | Hair Care & MakeupThe rest of the items in this haul were freebies! I got an email from Birchbox with a coupon code for this travel size dry shampoo from Living Proof along with the L. Erickson headband. I’ve been doing PiYo for over a month now, so this headband really comes in handy for my short hair. Plus, I am always up for drying out another dry shampoo. Maybe this one will beat out Klorane!

Birchbox Haul | Hair Care & MakeupFinally, Birchbox has a Bonus Shop that lets you add additional freebies to your order depending on what you buy. I always go for the Mystery Sample Pack. If you spend $35 or more, you can add this pack to your order for free. It contains two deluxe samples, but you don’t know what they are. This time I got the Templespa In Good Condition Hair Conditioner and Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner in Blue Lagoon. These are great products, but I think I’ll be passing them on this time.

All in all, I’m really happy with this Birchbox purchase! I do miss the subscription program, but still recommend it for those of you who have an extra $10 to spend each month. You can subscribe using my referral link HERE if you’re interested.

What is your favorite hair care product at the moment? Let me know in the comments!

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