Beauty – Page 18 – Adventures in Polishland

Category: Beauty

Kimble Beauty Hair Care Review | Shine Serum & Silk Non-Metal Elastics

Posted on July 4, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I’m excited to bring you a review of two hair care products from the brand Kimble Beauty. This brand is run by star Kim Kimble of the show L.A. Hair. I’ve never tried any of her products before, so I couldn’t wait to test these out! Plus, I have a special discount code for all of you, so stay tuned to the end of this post!

SHINE SERUM

This Shine Serum is made with Brazilian nut and açai berry ingredients, and is designed to add shine to dull and dry hair. I have very frizzy hair, especially in the summer humidity, so I couldn’t wait to give this a try. The trick with this Shine Serum is less is more! First, I tried two pumps, but that was way too much. I’ve since discovered that just half a pump of this rich product leaves my hair looking soft and silky, but not oily. Plus, this smells divine! This serum retails for about $12.99, but one 2oz bottle will last a very long time. I definitely recommend it if you have dry or frizzy hair!

SILK NON-METAL ELASTICS

I love my ribbon hair ties, but sometimes it’s great to have a plain, black elastic. Not only are these hair elastics designed to prevent breakage, but silk actually helps to maintain healthy looking hair by minimizing friction and preventing natural oils from depleting! I never knew that the material of a hair elastic could be so important! I’ve been using these since I got them, and love them! A pack of 6 elastics retails for $12.99.

All in all, I’m loving these products from Kimble Beauty! If you would like to try them out, shop online HERE and use code hair10 at checkout to get 10% off your purchase! You can use this code to buy any products in the Kimble Beauty line. Have you ever tried this brand before? Let me know what you think 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.

Red Lip Colors for July 4th from NYC New York Color!

Posted on July 3, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Yesterday I showed you a fabulous and affordable manicure for July 4th (see that post HERE), and today it’s time for some festive red lips! If you’re looking for some great lip colors that you can grab at your local drugstore, this is the post for you!

CITY PROOF TWISTABLE INTENSE LIP COLOR

Roosevelt Island Red – $2.99

The City Proof Twistable Intense Lip Color is designed to be lightweight, soft, and silky. It applies really easily thanks to the crayon-like applicator, and smells just like fruit punch! I find Roosevelt Island Red to be very glossy and moisturizing. It has a good color payoff, but is not completely opaque. If you’re going for a more natural look, I highly recommend this lip color! You can also wear it on top of a lipstick for added shine.

EXPERT LAST LIP COLOR

Traffic Jam – $1.99

I’ve tried one Expert Last Lip Color in the past, and didn’t have a great experience (see that review HERE), but I’m happy to report that I’m loving Traffic Jam! It is extremely moisturizing, and glides on with ease. The formula is creamy, and extremely pigmented. With one coat I got an opaque look! Traffic Jam is actually quite a wearable shade, especially with my fair skin tone. This lip color definitely stains your lips, though, so be careful during application!

All in all, I’m very impressed with these new lip colors from NYC New York Color! Not only are they incredibly affordable, but they are high quality as well. If you’re looking to rock a red lip this Fourth of July, stop by your local drugstore to grab one (or both!) of these. I’ll definitely be checking out more shades from these lines in the future!

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

Jet Away June | Caravan Stylist Studio in NYC

Posted on June 23, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today’s Jet Away June post is for all of you who will be traveling to New York City! As you may know, I live in NYC, but with the thousands of tourists that visit the city every day I figured some of you would be stopping by this summer. I recently had the opportunity to visit the Caravan Stylist Studio at the Carlton Hotel thanks to Cottonelle. This is definitely a great hidden gem in the city that you need to hear more about before visiting!

The Caravan Stylist Studio is an appointment-only hub where actors, musicians, bloggers, and guests of the Carlton Hotel can get a complete head-to-toe look done before an event. Caravan offers nail, makeup, and hair services, in addition to fashion styling. Of course, I couldn’t wait to get my nails done at the studio! Cottonelle sent me to the Summertime Lounge Event, so I could learn about Caravan, and I even got to meet fellow blogger Faith over at Sassy Ethnic Bohemian who was celebrating her one year blogiversary!

Caravan is sponsored by a number of brand partners that provide the products for the studio. If you visit Caravan, you’ll be able to learn more about all of the brands and the different products they offer. I loved learning about the brands, especially Kryolan makeup and the new ZipLoop app. Cottonelle also sponsors the Caravan’s bathroom, which is decorated with a cute shower curtain and a signature “Let’s Talk Bums” sign! The photo above is a sneak peek of all of the goodies at Caravan. The studio is set up beautifully, and I loved the welcoming atmosphere!

One brand that I already knew and loved is Zoya Nail Polish! I was so excited to find out that Zoya is the official nail polish brand of the Caravan Stylist Studio! I got my nails done with a neutral shade, but the studio is currently showing off the beautiful brights Zoya has to offer for summer. I want to give a huge shout-out to Valerie Star, who did my nails and told me all about Caravan. She was really nice, and showed me some of the amazing nail art that she does on her clients. If you stop by Caravan, she’ll be the one to see! I also got my makeup done, and loved the fresh-faced, natural look I got!

All in all, the Caravan Stylist Studio is a great place to visit during the summer months when it’s hot outside and you need to freshen up! Whether you need a head-to-toe look for an evening out, or simply want to get a new manicure done, Caravan is the place to be! The studio is open to bloggers, editors, celebrities, and other special guests. More information can be found on Caravan’s official website HERE. If you’re visiting NYC this summer, I highly recommend stopping by Caravan if you get the chance!

I was sent to Caravan by Cottonelle through the website Crowdtap. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Gold Elements Golden Nail Kit Review

Posted on June 17, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Happy Tuesday! Today I have a review of a luxurious nail care kit from the brand Gold Elements. I had never heard of this brand before, but was very excited when I got the opportunity to review the kit for all of you! If your hands need some extra pampering, this is the set for you! Let me show you the kit and everything that comes with it!

I absolutely loved the packaging of the Golden Nail Kit! It came with a gift bag, catalog, and stunning box. This is definitely a great, pre-packaged gift whether you’re giving it to a friend or keeping it for yourself!

Inside of the box is a velour holder containing four products:

Cuticle Oil – deeply soothes, moisturizes, and nourishes the cuticles and strengthens your nails
Buffing Block – encourages healthy growth by stimulating the blood circulation under your nails
Nail File – smoothes away rough nail edges and gives you the perfect nail shape
Hand and Nail Cream – protects and soothes your hands

The product packaging contains golden elements that were so bright and shiny I had a difficult time photographing them because they reflected so much light! It definitely gave the products a luminous glow from the moment I opened the box.

I was very impressed with the products in this kit. The Hand and Nail Cream and Cuticle Oil are both amazing. They have a nice, fresh scent that is not overpowering, and I saw an immediate difference with both. I especially love the Cuticle Oil, and I even used it on my feet for a pedicure. I highly recommend using the oil before bed so it can soak into your skin, and the cream during the day (it’s not greasy!). Of course, the Buffing Block and Nail File are essentials to any nail kit!

All in all, I think the Golden Nail Kit is a great, all-in-one nail care kit. It is on the expensive side at $49.99, but worth the splurge. It makes a great gift, and even comes perfectly packaged! You can purchase this kit on the Gold Elements website HERE. Be sure to check out the other products in the skincare collection!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Jet Away June | What’s in My Travel Makeup Bag?

Posted on June 9, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! In today’s Jet Away June post I want to share with you what I pack in my travel makeup bag. Last week, I gave you a glimpse inside my liquids bag (see that post HERE), but now I’ll show you all the products I take with me that aren’t liquids.

The first step in packing your travel makeup bag is acquiring a bag! I’m currently using THIS ONE from C. Wonder, but you can of course use any makeup bags you may have. I do suggest getting a bag that is a nylon material so it is waterproof, and I find that a bag with some structure works well for packing. Forever 21 sells very affordable makeup bags, so that is a great place to look if you need to get one.

Here is a sneak peek into my makeup bag. As you can see, it holds a ton of stuff! You can use small bags to separate your makeup, hair tools, medicines, etc., but I like to throw everything into one.

MAKEUP

PRODUCTS:

Physician’s Formula Canyon Classics Eyeshadow Quad [BUY]
Chella Eyebrow Pencil in Dazzling Dark Brown [BUY]
elf Blush in Pink Passion [BUY]
Maybelline Color Tattoo in Just Beige
Revlon ColorBurst Balm Stain in Honey [BUY]
Maybelline FITme! Foundation in Classic Ivory [BUY]
Manna Kadar Concealer Trio in Warm Front [BUY]
Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Light [BUY]

I keep my makeup even more basic than usual when I travel! Just pack what you need. If you’re going to a special event, grab your eyeliner, some bronzer, etc., but if you’re going on a beach vacation you’ll probably need less makeup than what I’m packing here. The trick is to pack cream and powder products instead of liquids. Besides, who wants to carry a glass bottle of foundation anyway?!

MAKEUP BRUSHES

PRODUCTS:

BeautyBlender [BUY]
CoverGirl Eyeshadow Brush
EcoTools Blush Brush [BUY]
Laura Geller Retractable Powder Brush [BUY]

I also bring only the makeup brushes that I absolutely need. A BeautyBlender will take care of your foundation and concealer easily! If you have retractable brushes, definitely bring those along with you. Otherwise, pack your brushes in a plastic bag to ensure they stay clean

Helpful Tip: Wash your brushes right before your trip so you don’t have to worry about bringing brush cleaner along with you!

HAIR

PRODUCTS:

Tangle Teezer Dupe
Yoga Hair Ties

Most of your hair products will go in your liquids bag, but don’t forget a brush, comb, and any hair accessories that you use. I only need some hair ties.

PERSONAL CARE

PRODUCTS:

Yes to Blueberries Cleansing Facial Towelettes [BUY]
Tissues
Noya Lip Balm in Cherry [BUY]
Disposable Razor [not pictured]
Toothbrush [not pictured]
Bonine [not pictured]

You know I love my makeup remover wipes, so I’m always sure to bring a travel size pack with me. You can easily find them in the travel section at any drugstore today. Definitely bring a razor as well – if it’s disposable you can just toss it at the end of your vacation.

Helpful Tip: If you get motion sickness, grab Bonine at your local drugstore. It’s a savior!

That’s everything in my travel makeup bag! I hope you found some inspiration from what I bring along with me when I travel. Of course, everything is customizable to your own preferences and lifestyle. Be sure to let me know what you keep in your travel makeup bag. Use the hashtag #JetAwayJune on social media to snap a photo and share it with me as well!

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.

The Healing Tree Bamboo Charcoal Soap | Review & Giveaway

Posted on June 3, 2014August 8, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Happy Tuesday! Today I have another soap review for all of you. When I got the opportunity to review a charcoal soap from The Healing Tree, I was really excited. I’ve tried a couple other charcoal products in the past, and my skin has always loved it! Let me tell you more about this soap, and stay tuned to the end for a giveaway!

ABOUT THE SOAP

It can be scary to use charcoal in your skincare products for the first time, but it’s truly an amazing and all-natural ingredient! Charcoal helps to clear your pores of dirt and oils to leave your skin clean both above and below the surface. This is especially helpful if you suffer from acne, eczema, or another skin condition, and charcoal will help to rejuvenate your skin completely. It allows your skin to moisturize itself naturally, without the need for excess oils. Plus, this soap is made with four all-natural ingredients: vegetable oil, water, glycerin, and bamboo charcoal. The Healing Tree brand does not test on animals, and uses no dyes or chemicals in it’s products. If you’re looking for a natural soap, this is definitely for you!

MY EXPERIENCE

I was a bit nervous to use this soap at first, because it does have a slight charcoal scent, and it does have a dark grey color when you’re washing with it. Thankfully, the color washes off easily with water, and I was surprised that it did not stain my bathtub at all. I used the soap in my shower, and one bar lasted for about three full weeks. While I didn’t like the charcoal scent, my skin absolutely loved this product! I can definitely see a difference in my skin – my pores are less visible, and my skin is overall more smooth and clear. My skin also feels softer, and I think it more moisturized overall. Taking the scent into consideration, I would rate this soap a 4 out of 5 stars.

GIVEAWAY

This giveaway is being hosted through Tomoson. Please note that while the widget does ask for your shipping information as part of your entry into the giveaway, all of your personal information will remain private. I cannot see any of the entries, and only the winner’s shipping information will be released to the company so they can mail you your prize. Please read all of the Terms & Conditions carefully, and feel free to ask me any questions.

All in all, I really like the Bamboo Charcoal Soap from The Healing Tree! It is a great soap if you are looking to rejuvenate your skin, and is perfect for the summer months when our pores can get clogged quite easily. You can purchase this soap on the company’s website for just $3.99 HERE. Talk about fabulous and affordable! Let me know what you think about this soap in the comments. Have you ever used a charcoal product before? If so, what did you think of it?

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

UNi 100% Pure Moroccan Argan Oil for Hair & Skin Review

Posted on May 22, 2014August 8, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Happy Thursday! Today I have a review of Moroccan Argan Oil from the brand UNi. I’ve slowly but surely been testing out different oils, whether they be for the skin or hair, and decided to finally give the real deal a try. Argan oil gets a lot of hype in the beauty community, so I was really interested in how it compares to some of the other products I’ve tried thus far. Let me tell you a bit more about this product, and share my experience with you!

The UNi Argan Oil is sourced directly from Moroccan Argan Kernels found only in Morocco! This argan oil is considered 100% pure because it is cold pressed from unroasted kernels. The process sounds almost like brewing coffee from whole beans to me! Argan Oil is great for your skin and hair because it contains essential fatty acids The UNi brand is USDA Certified Organic, and is designed to rejuvenate and regenerate your skin and hair with its non-greasy and lightweight formula. The reason I’ve stayed away from oils in the past was because I was afraid it would make my already oily hair even worse, so I was excited and nervous to give this a try!

I’ve been using this argan oil on the ends of my hair after showering for the past few weeks. At first, I used about a dime size amount, and that was way too much. My hair definitely felt greasy and sticky, so now I’ve reduced the amount of oil to three, small drops. To apply the oil, rub your hands together to warm it up and then massage it into your hair or skin. While three drops felt like nothing, I noticed a big difference in my hair – it was shinier, easier to style, and appeared a bit fuller. Keep in mind that this product does have a slight nutty scent due to its organic nature.

All in all, I am so glad I gave this argan oil a try! I will continue to use it on my hair, and slowly use it on my skin as I begin my new skincare routine. This 2oz bottle retails for $35.99, but as I’m typing this the product is on sale for just $14.99 with free shipping on Amazon HERE. That is an amazing price for argan oil, so I definitely recommend grabbing it right away! Even if you miss this sale, a 2oz bottle is going to last a very long time as only a few drops are needed for each application. If you’ve been waiting to try argan oil, the UNi brand is a great place to start!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Products I’ve Used Up #3

Posted on May 18, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Sunday! It’s time for another round of products I’ve used up where I share mini reviews about all of the different products I’ve used the last couple months. I actually finished these products up a few weeks ago, but am just now getting around to posting this entry. That means another one is probably not too far behind. Nonetheless, let me share my empties with you!

NAIL CARE

CVS Strengthening Polish Remover – I am always going through nail polish remover! This is the purple formula that you can find at the drugstore. It was alright, but I’ll be going back to normal acetone. That stuff really works!
Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Rockstar Pink – I went to use one of my all-time favorite nail polishes just to discover it was all dried up! What a bummer! I used this so much during my senior year of college that my suitemates knew it was my signature polish. At some point I’ll be repurchasing this. [BUY]

HAIR CARE

L’Oreal Triple Resist Reinforcing Shampoo – I really love this line from L’Oreal. It’s super affordable, and my hair reacts well to it. If you are looking for a good shampoo from the drugstore, I highly recommend this line.
Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment – If you’ve been reading Adventures in Polishland for a while, you know I love this hair oil! I’ve repurchased it again, so I’m currently working on my third bottle. I know this is expensive, so I always buy it when I get a percent off coupon from CVS! [BUY]

MAKEUP AND MAKEUP REMOVER

Benefit Gimme Brow in Light/Medium – I absolutely love this eyebrow gel! It fills in your brows while keeping them groomed. I used it on days where I wanted just a bit of color on my brows. I wish it wasn’t so expensive or I would repurchase it for sure. [BUY]
Urban Decay De Slick Setting Spray – You can tell it took me a long time to use up my De Slick setting spray because this is the old packaging! It lasted me nearly a year, and I’ve already repurchased the All Nighter version. I definitely recommend these setting sprays! [BUY]
Simple Cleansing Wipes – I haven’t been using makeup remover wipes as much, but I did go through another pack of Simple wipes. They’re not my favorite, but they get the job done! [BUY]
Almay Lash Care Eye Makeup Remover Pads – I loved these pads! They do an excellent job of removing that stubborn mascara, and they’re very gentle. I would definitely consider repurchasing these in the future. [BUY]

SKINCARE

Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips – These strips are amazing! I try to use them once per week to clean out my pores. I do recommend them, but read all of the instructions before use so you don’t damage your skin. I’m working on a new box now! [BUY]
Olay Fresh Effects Shine, Shine Go Away Cleanser – I got this free sample of this cleanser and I did like it, but wasn’t amazed by it. I didn’t see a huge difference in my skin when I used it, so I don’t think I’ll repurchase it. I do like the other products in the Olay Fresh Effects line, though! [BUY]

BODY CARE

CVS Hand Sanitizer – I always keep a small hand sanitizer in my purse or school bag. You never know when you’re going to need to clean your hands on the go!
Bath & Bodyworks Hand Sanitizer in Mango Paradise – I also used up the sanitizer that lives on my desk! I got this last year for free with a coupon at Bath & Bodyworks. It did smell nice, but I prefer unscented sanitizer. For that reason, I’m not going to repurchase it.
Lady Gage Fame Perfume Sample – I absolutely love Lady Gaga’s perfume! It smells amazing, and I’ve used up all the samples of it that I’ve gotten with Sephora orders. At some point I’ll probably purchase the full size. I highly recommend it! [BUY]
Philosophy Vanilla Birthday Cake Body Wash – I splurged on some Philosophy body wash a few months ago, and I’m glad I did! This one smells just like vanilla cake, and is a great treat. I would get it again during a sale event, but it’s a little expensive for every day. [BUY]
Dove Go Fresh Deodorant in Revive – I’ve used Dove deodorants for a long time since they are affordable and worked well for me. However, I think my body has become used to it, so I’m on the hunt for a great new deodorant. Let me know your favorite in the comments! [BUY]

And those are all of my empties for my third Products I’ve Used Up post! Please let me know what products you’ve recently used up that you are going to repurchase in the comments!

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

Adovia Natural Dead Sea Mud Soap Review

Posted on May 16, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Happy Friday! One of my favorite types of products to try out is bar soap. In fact, you may have seen me feature some awesome bar soaps in my monthly favorites posts! I just love testing out new brands and scents, so when I got the opportunity to review the Natural Dead Sea Mud Soap from Adovia, I couldn’t wait to give it a try! Let me tell you more about this soap, and share my experience with you.

The Adovia Natural Dead Sea Mud Soap is a soap enriched with century old Dead Sea mud that infuses your skin with minerals to keep it hydrated while it cleanses at the same time. It can be used on your body and face, but should not be used to wash your eyes. I wanted to try this soap because it is advertised to be great for acne, and it’s all natural. In April, I got a nasty breakout along my jawline and on my upper back (sorry if this is a bit personal, but hey, we’re all friends here!) I was really hoping this Adovia soap would help clear up my breakout!

When I first got the soap, I loved the fresh and clean scent! It was strong during my first use, but died down significantly after that. I was so disappointed! However, if you don’t like strong smelling soaps, that might be a plus for you. I’ve used this bar of soap all up in the shower over a course of three weeks. I was really impressed that the soap lasted that long, as I usually use up a bar of soap in 1-2 weeks. I am happy to report that my back is clear of all the acne I had. My jawline, on the other hand, is still not 100% clear. I did see a small improvement, but my acne is definitely still there. That may be due to me using a lot of products, such as moisturizers, sunscreen, or makeup on my face, but I still would have liked that acne to disappear as well.

All in all, I did like the Adovia Natural Dead Sea Mud Soap. I like using an all natural product, and I’m glad it cleared up the acne on my back. I do wish that the clean scent was stronger, and lasted for the entire use of the bar of soap. If you are looking for a gentle soap that will help with your acne, I do recommend this, but know that it is a little bit of a splurge at $16.00 retail. This is a good product to keep on hand for when you suffer an acne breakout, but maybe not for every day use. You can purchase the Advoia soap on Amazon HERE. Let me know if you’ve ever tried a specialty soap for acne in the comments!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Feel Beautiful this Allergy Season with Duane Reade and Poncho!

Posted on May 10, 2014May 13, 2014 by Adventures in Polishland

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. #CollectiveBias

Happy Saturday! As I write this, we are enjoying a sunny day here in NYC! The only bad news? Spring weather brings those nasty allergies. A runny nose, scratchy throat, and watery eyes is enough to make you feel miserable and look a bit disheveled. I decided to take the bull by the horns this allergy season and make sure I look and feel good even with the high pollen counts. Let me tell you the tools I use to feel beautiful during allergy season!

Poncho Weather App

The first tool I’ve been using this allergy season is a new weather app called Poncho. This is a free app (sign up HERE), and it’s specifically for the New York City area. What I really love about this app is that you can customize the settings to fit your lifestyle, such as when you get weather updates, how you want to get updates, and (of course) whether or not you have allergies! If you mention you have allergies, Poncho will let you know the pollen count every day, and for each day that the pollen count is high, it sends you a $3 off coupon to go grab some allergy medicine! How awesome is that?! Here’s what today’s Poncho forecast looks like –

I find the pollen counts really helpful, since I only take my allergy medicine on the medium or high days. Speaking of allergy medicine, that’s my next tool!

Allegra Allergy at Duane Reade

As soon as allergy season hit, I ran to Duane Reade with my Allegra coupon from Poncho in hand. I needed some relief ASAP! The pharmacy at my local Duane Reade is on the lower level, so I headed down the escalator, and spotted the purple Allegra packaging right away. I picked up a 30-tablet pack of the non-drowsy, 24-hour formula for indoor and outdoor allergies. I began taking Allegra the very next day, and I feel so much better!

I am so thankful for both Poncho and Duane Reade – my allergy season saviors! I’ve felt much better than usual this allergy season, because Poncho really helps me stay prepared for the day to come. I highly recommend getting this app, and if you’d like to read more information about it, check out this Mashable article. If you suffer from allergies, let me know how you stay feeling beautiful during allergy season in the comments! I’d love to know your tricks!

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