Beauty – Page 13 – Adventures in Polishland

Category: Beauty

JGOB Blending Sponge for Beauty | Review + Giveaway

Posted on September 11, 2015September 11, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I am excited to bring you a review of a beauty sponge from the brand JGOB. You all know that I love the BeautyBlender, but I don’t love the $20 price tag. That being said, I’ve stuck with the BeautyBlender because I haven’t found a more affordable option that works. When I got the opportunity to try the JGOB Blending Sponge, I couldn’t resist. It is about $8 cheaper than a BeautyBlender, which is a decent savings. Let me share my thoughts on the sponge, and stay tuned to the end for a giveaway!

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

The JGOB Blending Sponge comes in 11 colors and in a screw-top travel case. I got the neon green to review. The sponge is designed to reduce waste by having the perfect density so the makeup goes on your face without getting trapped in the sponge. JGOB also designed the sponge to be soft to the touch and the perfect shape to work on all areas of the face. Finally, the sponge is easy to clean and use again.

MY THOUGHTS

As you can see, the sponge is very similar to the BeautyBlender in size and shape. It does feel very soft to the touch in my hand, but it also feels much denser than the BeautyBlender. This made me very nervous to use the product. However, I was so surprised when I went to apply my foundation! The JGOB sponge applies my foundation even better than a BeautyBlender. I definitely find that more product ends up on my face than usual, and I get a beautiful finish. The one main drawback for me is that the sponge is a bit rough on my face. I do use it damp, but it is nowhere near as soft as a BeautyBlender. That being said, I think that is a fair trade-off for having such an amazing application.

I also used the JGOB Blending Sponge with my favorite CC Cream. I didn’t enjoy that result quite as much, but it was still comparable to how it applies with the BeautyBlender. Finally, I did wash the sponge and the product came out nicely. The sponge was stained a little, but the majority of product washed out easily. I’m really impressed!

FINAL THOUGHTS

All in all, I am really loving the JGOB Blending Sponge! I’ve been reaching for it to apply my foundation all the time now! I still really love my BeautyBlenders, as they feel super soft on the skin, but if you are really on a budget and want a comparable product, I highly recommend this sponge. You can buy it on Amazon HERE for just $11.97!

GIVEAWAY

Now it’s your chance to win one of these awesome Blending Sponges from JGOB! They are giving away one sponge to one winner in the United States. Please read the complete Terms & Conditions in the Rafflecopter widget before entering. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Decluttering My Makeup Collection | How to Destash in 3 Easy Steps

Posted on September 9, 2015September 9, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! A few months back I did a big clean-out of my makeup collection, and shared some tips on how to destash HERE. It felt great to get rid of so much old makeup, but after my move I realized I still owned a lot of products that I wasn’t using or loving. I decided to go through my entire makeup collection a second time and toss a lot more. I wanted to share my decluttering with you again because I’ve come up with three steps to follow to make this process extremely simple. Let me show you how to clean out your beauty collection!

STEP ONE – EXPIRED PRODUCTS

I always start my decluttering process by going through my entire makeup collection and checking the expiration date on each and every product. Most skincare items will have an expiration date printed on the top, and almost all beauty products have THIS symbol printed on them to help you distinguish how long to keep open products. Of course, I also use my own judgment. Although I love the Julep lip gloss pictured above, I’ve had it for a couple years and the formula was looking all goopy. Similarly, I’ve owned the Avon eyeliners at the bottom of the photo for WAY too many years. Goodbye, expired products!

STEP TWO – DOUBLE PRODUCTS

Now that all the expired products are gone, take some time to see if you own doubles of anything. This is the time to look at products side-by-side and see if they are so similar that you don’t need to own both. I got rid of the L’Oreal eyeshadow and mini eyeshadow quad above because I own an eyeshadow palette that has these shades in it. In the same way, I own a smaller size of the Manna Kadar Sheer Glo, so there is no need to keep this big one when I rarely use it. This step is difficult, but don’t rationalize – if you own double products, get rid of the one you don’t like as much.

STEP THREE – PRODUCTS YOU DON’T USE

Last but not least is the most difficult step, and that is getting rid of products you aren’t using. I find this hard because I might use these products at some point in the future, but now is really the time for honesty. While someday I might need a blue or green eyeshadow, I’ve literally never used those eyeshadow shades since I bought the CoverGirl palette you see in the picture. In the same way, I will never use the three lip products because the shades don’t work with my skin tone even though I like them. Make a rule for yourself that if you haven’t used a product in three months, it’s time to get rid of it. I use a three month time period because makeup does expire somewhat quickly. Plus, my makeup collection has a tendency to grow quite a bit in a three month period, so that is a good number to keep in mind.

All in all, it feels great to declutter my makeup collection every few months. It leaves me with a stash filled with products that I love, and allows me to get some new goodies, too. I hope you found these tips both motivational and simple to follow. Please let me know if you would like to see an updated makeup collection tour!

How do you declutter your makeup?! Share your tips in the comments!

NYX Butter Gloss Reviews | Merengue, Créme Brulee, and Peach Cobbler

Posted on September 4, 2015August 30, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I have swatches and reviews of three Butter Glosses from the brand NYX. I am pretty new to NYX, and am trying out the brand’s many products slowly. I am so glad NYX is now easily available at CVS Stores, and at Ulta both in store and online so I can try out these fabulous and affordable products! NYX has a vast product line, but I decided to start with the Butter Gloss lip gloss when I got a coupon for it at CVS last spring. I fell in love, and had to pick up a couple more! Let me show you the Butter Glosses I have in my makeup collection!

MERENGUE

Merengue is a pink lip gloss with cool undertones of blue and purple. Like all of the NYX Butter Glosses, Merengue has a slight vanilla scent that I really love. In addition, it packs a sheer amount of color to the lips, and can be worn alone or over another lip product. I’m not really a fan of Merengue with my skin tone, but I think it would look gorgeous with dark skin. I’m going to try layering this one to make it more wearable for me.

CRÉME BRULEE

My favorite of the bunch is Créme Brulee, a peachy-pink nude gloss that for me is a ‘my lips but better’ shade. Créme Brulee is the first Butter Gloss I purchased, and definitely my most worn. It is perfect for daily wear, and can be layered over many nude or pink lipsticks. The formula of each NYX Butter Gloss is awesome as well, because while they are a bit tacky, that slight tackiness allows the product to be long-wearing. They are comfortable to wear, and I would not label them “sticky.”

PEACH COBBLER

Last but not least is Peach Cobbler, a bright red-orange gloss. Peach Cobbler is quite pigmented, and brighter than I normally wear. It does look great with my fair skin tone, and I just need to go ahead and wear it. Peach Cobbler is a great gloss to wear any time of year as well!

All in all, I’m really enjoying the NYX Butter Gloss lip glosses. While I’m still trying to find out the perfect shades for me, I don’t mind experimenting because these glosses cost just $4.99! Plus, both CVS and Ulta offer coupons and sales on NYX on a regular basis, so you can score these for just a couple dollars (if not less!). These glosses are really great quality for the price, and I highly recommend them!

What are your favorite NYX products? Let me know in the comments!

My Current Hair Care Favorites featuring The Detangler

Posted on September 2, 2015September 2, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I wanted to share some of my current hair care favorites with all of you. At the beginning of the summer, my hair was at its worst. It was dull, falling out, and badly needed a trim. This was all due to stress (it was bar study time!). Luckily, I’ve been able to care for it the past month and restore it to a healthier state. My hair is still very thin, but the shine is back, and it feels a lot stronger. Plus, I recently got a hair cut, so it looks much better, too. When I received The Detangler for review, I knew this would be the perfect opportunity to share all of my hair care favorites. If you’ve been struggling with your hair lately, I hope these products will help you, too!

My Current Hair Care Favorites | L'Oreal Advanced Haircare Triple Resist L’Oreal Advanced Haircare – Triple Resist Reinforcing Shampoo & Conditioner [BUY]

The shampoo and conditioner system that I am using at the moment is the Triple Resist line from L’Oreal Advanced Haircare. I’ve loved the Advanced Haircare range since it first came out, and have tried several of the different formulas. Triple Resist is perfect for my fine and damaged hair, as it is designed to nourish the hair, reinforce strands, and resist breakage. While the ingredients used in this line are not necessarily the best, my hair always reacts really well to them. Plus, this line is really affordable and goes on sale often. Of course, there are almost always coupons available!

Mark Hill Slick Chick De-Frizz Shampoo [BUY] & Suave Natural Infusion Macadamia Conditioner [BUY]

While I don’t like to have too many open products in the shower at once, I do try to have a spare shampoo and conditioner so that I can change up my routine once in a while. Right now I have the Mark Hill Slick Chick De-Frizz Shampoo for days where I know I need some extra de-frizzing, such as in high humidity weather. In addition, I also have the Suave Natural Infusion Macadamia Moisturizing Conditioner. Despite being super inexpensive, this Suave conditioner is really nourishing, and helped bring my hair from stress mess to super sleek. It’s amazing, and smells great, too!

My Current Hair Care Favorites | TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray [BUY]

In the summer I don’t use too many hair styling products, but I always use a heat protectant. I got the TRESemmé Heat Tamer simply because it was the most affordable at the drugstore. I really like it! It doesn’t weigh down my hair, it applies evenly, and it leaves my hair shiny but not greasy. There’s not anything too exciting about it, but it sure does its job!

My Current Hair Care Favorites featuring The Detangler

The Detangler [BUY]

I’ve been a huge fan of detangler brushes for the past few years. My fine and finicky hair really loves The Detangler. It can be used on wet or dry hair, and truly works to prevent pain and breakage. I notice that it doesn’t pull out my hair like other brushes do, and I don’t have to work through difficult tangles. I love the cute design on The Detangler as well. Plus, it is smaller than the brushes made by its competitors, so it is perfect for travel or for kids. I will never go back to using regular hair brushes! They are way too rough for my hair. Of course, I also love that The Detangler is fabulous and affordable at just $10.99!

I hope you enjoyed learning about my current hair care favorites! I do change up my routine each season when the weather changes, so if you’d like to hear what I use in the colder months, let me know in the comments. In addition, please share your hair care favorites so I can try them out, too!

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

Back to School Week | Daily Makeup for School

Posted on August 26, 2015August 21, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today for Back to School Week I’m going to be sharing my go to makeup products for school. There are a lot of factors to consider when getting ready for school every morning. You want your makeup to last all day, feel light and comfortable, and be quick to apply in the morning. I am also a huge fan of wearing minimal and natural makeup to school. I’ll be showing you the makeup products that I use on a daily basis, whether I’m heading to school or not. They are all drugstore products, and won’t break your student budget. Let’s jump right into my favorite daily makeup!

FACE PRODUCTS

I like to stick with a three product system for my face makeup. First, I use a primer. This will ensure my makeup stays put all day. A great option from the drugstore is Maybelline Baby Skin. It measures up to other high end face primers for a fraction of the price. I then follow up with a liquid foundation. My all-time favorite is the Covergirl trueBLEND, which is under $10 at the drugstore and comes in a wide range of shades. It is a light to medium coverage, but is quite buildable. It also blends out really well. Finally, I set my foundation with the Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder. This is a cult favorite, and I’ve repurchased it what feels like a dozen times. It is beyond awesome at keeping your face matte and in place all day – take my word for it.

EYE PRODUCTS

I keep my eye makeup very simple on a daily basis, especially when I was in school. I think there are really only two must have products. First is a good eyebrow product. I love using the Milani Brow Fix Kit because it contains everything I need to fill in my brows – brow powder in two shades, a highlighter, tweezers, angled brush, and sponge applicator. I’ve tried a lot of drugstore eyebrow products, and this is by far my favorite. Next, I love a good mascara. It adds a lot to your face without being much trouble. My favorite of the moment is the Covergirl The Super Sizer. It lengthens and adds volume in one!

BLUSH & HIGHLIGHTER

While I like to keep my makeup pretty simple, blush and highlighter are quick ways to add some dimension and color. I’ve been completely obsessed with the new L’Oreal Lumi Powder Glow Illuminator in the shade Rose for highlighter. It’s so beautiful and wearable! In addition, I love the elf Studio Blush Palette in Light, which I reviewed HERE. This $6 palette includes four different blushes, so you can pick a shade based on your mood and outfit. It’s awesome!

LIP PRODUCTS

Last but not least are lip products! One of my most used lip products is the Revlon ColorBurst Balm Stain in the shade Honey. It stays on all day through eating and drinking, so it’s perfect for going to school. Another product that I love is the NYX Butter Gloss in the shade Créme Brulee. It is a great ‘my lips but better’ color, and can be worn over the Revlon stain or on its own. These are both a great way to finish your daily makeup look!

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That brings us to the end of the post! I hope you enjoyed seeing what my daily makeup is for school. Of course, you an make this your own by adding more products, or simply wearing just powder and mascara. The key is to be comfortable so you can focus on your studies and not worry about your face. Make sure to stay tuned as Back to School Week continues!

What are your go-to makeup products for school? Let me know in the comments!

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Review | #AirbrushPerfectLegs

Posted on August 17, 2015August 14, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I have a review of the Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Leg Makeup. I’ve never used any type of body makeup before, so I was very curious about this product. I was lucky to receive a sample from Influenster in the shade Light, and got to testing it right away. Let me go ahead and share my thoughts on this product with you!

Airbrush Legs is a leg makeup, so it is more like a liquid foundation that a fake tan product. It is designed to work just like a foundation to cover imperfections, and be lightweight and long-wearing. Airbrush Legs is oil free, and has a slight pigmentation available in six shades.

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Review | #AirbrushPerfectLegs

I was sent the shade Light, which is the lightest shade available. I was very nervous when I first tested Airbrush Legs – the color is WAY too dark when it comes out of the bottle, and has that “orange fake tan” appearance. Luckily, it does blend out quite a bit to be a more wearable color, but it is still too dark for my liking. Here is a side-by-side before and after a few minutes after I applied the makeup.

As you can see, Airbrush Legs definitely added some color to my legs. However, I don’t feel like it covered any imperfections whatsoever! My legs have a lot of imperfections, which is very noticeable with my fair skin. I was hoping Airbrush Legs would really cover up my pores and redness, but all that happened was that my legs got darker in color. I also noticed that the product clings to dry patches, leaving a dark brown appearance (not cute!). It’s also difficult to blend on feet and knees, and I had a bit of streakiness going on. I think that with more practice I could get a better application of Airbrush Legs, but because the shade was still too dark for my tastes, I don’t think I’ll be using it again.

That being said, there was a lot I did really like about Airbrush Legs. First, it is odorless, unlike fake tanners, which can have a really terrible smell. In addition, Airbrush Legs dries really quickly and does not rub off on clothing or furniture. It does wash off really easily with soap and water, though. I also used a makeup wipe to touch up areas that were streaky, and that worked really well. Finally, my legs felt really soft to the touch after using this product. I really liked that there was no residue at all left behind on my legs.

All in all, I do recommend Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs for those of you who are looking to darken your skin tone without grabbing a fake tanner. This is perfect for an event where you want to show off your legs! However, I wouldn’t recommend this product if you have fair skin, dry skin, and skin with a lot of imperfections. Airbrush Legs is not a cover-all product, so just keep that in mind. You can purchase Airbrush Legs at your local drugstore or department store for around $12.00.

Have you ever used a leg makeup? Share your experience 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.

5 Easy Steps to Clump Free Lashes | What You Need & Techniques

Posted on August 14, 2015August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! I’ve been a mascara junkie for several years now, even before I really dove into the world of beauty. Mascara can really add a lot to your face – it draws people to look at your eyes just by adding a bit of definition. But mascara has one big downfall that we all experience from time to time, and that is clumping! No one likes clumpy lashes, and it can be really frustrating when you are rushing to get ready in the morning and your lashes decide to clump together. Today I’m going to share five easy steps to clump free lashes with all of you so you can avoid the dreaded clump. These steps can be used together or separately to maximize your clump free success rate!

1. Remove Leftover Mascara

First things first, make sure your lashes are clean before you attempt to layer on new mascara. This might sound silly, but mascara likes to stick with you even after removing makeup, washing your face, and taking a shower. We’ve all experienced the not-so-chic raccoon eye look after getting out of the shower! Leftover mascara can definitely contribute to clumpy lashes, so use an eye-makeup remover before doing your makeup to get rid of any residue. The Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover is an affordable remover that can be found at your local drugstore or on Amazon HERE. When you start with a clean base, you’re setting yourself up for clump free success!

2. Use an Eyelash Curler

I was never a fan of eyelash curlers because I have naturally curly lashes and thought a curler was an unnecessary tool for me. However, I got this pink eyelash curler to review from the brand Crave Naturals and fell in love with it. Not only does an eyelash curler curl your lashes, but it separates them. Your lashes will have a much more difficult time clumping together when they are separated. Don’t be afraid to break out a curler! It’s really not as scary as it looks! You can purchase my favorite curler online HERE and read my full review HERE.

3. Use a Lash Comb

A quick fix to a clumpy mascara application is a lash comb. This little tool comes in most brush kits, and I often set it aside without ever using it. One day I was desperate – I had messed up my mascara big time and didn’t want to redo my entire face of makeup. I grabbed this tool and lightly brushed it through my lashes, and it worked! The comb gently separated my lashes without ruining my makeup, and quickly become a go to for me. I use this one from ecoTools that can be purchased at Target or on Amazon HERE.

4. Test, Test, Test!

This next tip is one of the most important, and it is all about finding the right mascara for you. I call it “Test, Test, Test!” because that it what you have to do. All of us have different eyelashes, and some mascaras will clump them up, while others will work perfectly. You need to find the perfect formula and perfect applicator for your lashes, and that’s where the testing comes in. Here at Adventures in Polishland I’m all about the fabulous and affordable. If you are having trouble finding the right mascara for you, I suggest going to the drugstore and buying whatever mascara is on sale that week and testing it out. Keep trying inexpensive mascaras until you find one that works for you. Everyone has different lashes, but here are my favorite drugstore mascaras: CoverGirl Super Sizer (pictured above), CoverGirl Clump Crusher, and L’Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes.

5. Get a New Mascara

My last tip is very straightforward – if your lashes are clumping up it might be time to get a new mascara. Mascara should only be used for about three months before tossing it and getting a new one (another reason to buy affordable mascaras at the drugstore!). I know I am guilty of using mascara WAY past its expiration date, but when my mascara gets clumpy I know for sure it’s been too long. If your beloved mascara has suddenly dried up, it’s time to restock!

That brings us to the end of this post! I hope you found these tips helpful. I would love to know what else you do to ensure your lashes remain clump free. Let me know your tips in the comments, and please share your all-time favorite mascara as well. I would love to test it out!

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

OZ Naturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum Review

Posted on August 12, 2015August 17, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I have a skincare review for you on the Hyaluronic Acid Serum from the brand OZ Naturals. I was excited to receive this product for review, as I have had great luck with these types of serums in the past, and I had just run out of the serum I had been using. Talk about perfect timing! I’ve been using this serum for a few weeks now, and am ready to share my thoughts with all of you.

First, let’s talk a bit about the product and its claims. The OZ Naturals Hyaluronic Acid serum is 72% organic and made in the USA. It contains both Vitamin C and Vitamin E to moisturize the skin and fight aging at the same time. The brand claims the serum will give you a dewy, moisture boost and reduce lines and wrinkles. The serum itself is clear in color and it doesn’t have a scent at all, which I really like. I think it will work for all skin types from sensitive to normal.

My experience with the serum has been great so far! I’ve really enjoyed using serums in the past with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, and this one is my favorite that I’ve tried. I love that the serum is very light on the skin, and dries in seconds. In addition, the moisturizing quality really works. I rarely use a separate moisturizer now, because this serum does the trick. While I haven’t seen any huge changes in my skin since beginning use, I’ve noticed that overall my skin feels happy! There are no breakouts, and I haven’t experienced any sort of irritation. Plus, I appreciate that OZ Naturals focuses on natural and organic ingredients so that I can feel confident about what I’m putting on my face.

All in all, I’m really happy with the OZ Naturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum and will continue using it right down to the last drop! You can purchase a full size 1oz bottle on Amazon HERE. The retail price is $16.45, but as I write this post it is on sale for $15.79. In addition, OZ Naturals provides coupon codes if you purchase multiple products from its brand. Make sure to read the “Special Offers and Product Promotions” on the Amazon page to find the savings opportunities!

Do you use serum as part of your daily skincare routine? 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.

Skincare Sample Reviews | Laura Mercier, Jurlique & Sumbody

Posted on July 30, 2015August 8, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

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

Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Face Polish

$32.00 [BUY]

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

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum

$56.00 [BUY]

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

Sumbody Salt Scrub

$18.95 [BUY]

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

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

Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare | Close Up Instant Wrinkle Reducer and Treatment Review

Posted on July 23, 2015August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today I have a review of a high end skincare product from Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare. I was excited when I got the opportunity to try this luxurious product, as I’ve been looking for a great eye cream that is anti-aging. Although I’m only in my mid-twenties, I can see fine lines forming under my eyes already. I’ll thank law school and hours of studying for that! The Close Up Instant Wrinkle Reducer and Treatment is designed to instantly reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles in two minutes, so I was eager to test out these results myself. Let me go ahead and share more about this product with you!

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

The Close Up Instant Wrinkle Reducer and Treatment is designed to work as both an anti-aging product and a primer in one. I’m going to share the brand’s claims with you below, so you can read them word for word.

“Be camera ready in a flash! This instant treatment tightens the look of skin while firming and smoothing the appearance of crow’s feet & fine lines. Softens the look of under-eye puffiness. Use around eyes, mouth and on forehead to erase years from your appearance…. It also starts working on contact for immediately tighter and smoother skin, erasing fine lines and wrinkles, reducing under-eye puffiness and blurring imperfections all under two minutes. And the 30 minute and 4 hour results were proven to be even better. It’s one of my secret weapons; the results get better with time.” – Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare

As for the directions on the product itself, Close Up is to be applied after moisturizer like any other primer. It requires two minutes to set before applying makeup.

MY EXPERIENCE

With such impressive claims, I think I was bound to be disappointed with Close Up. First, let me talk about what I do like about this product. After it is set, my skin feels very soft and smooth, and it makes a great base for applying foundation. Unfortunately, I did not find the product to reduce wrinkles at all. In fact, the fine lines under my eyes are more pronounced upon using this product. I was a bit shocked and disappointed with this result. While I love that Close Up is so smoothing, I find that the formula just doesn’t work for me. I think this is a product that would bring about good results over an extended period of time, but because my first few tests were so off-putting, there is no incentive for my to keep using Close Up.

FINAL THOUGHTS

All in all, I am going to have to recommend you pass on this product. The price tag is $79.99 on the brand’s website HERE. That steep amount is way too much for a product that only lives up to half of its claims. That being said, just because this product didn’t work for me, doesn’t mean it won’t work for you – we all have different skin types! Nonetheless, I’m going to remain on the hunt for a better wrinkle-reducer, and I’ll report back when I find one!

This product was provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.