Beauty – Page 19 – Adventures in Polishland

Category: Beauty

Anti-Aging 101 with Duane Reade and RoC Brand Eye Care!

Posted on May 9, 2014August 8, 2015 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 Friday! Earlier this month I told you all about some fun events that were happening with Duane Reade and RoC Brand Eye Care. I headed to the #Eyes4NYC event last week, where I learned a ton of great information about anti-aging. I can’t wait to share all of the tips and tricks with you!

At the #Eyes4NYC event, we had the opportunity to hear from dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman and Anna Prilutsky from Johnson & Johnson. They answered all of our anti-aging questions, and I couldn’t believe all the great information I learned in just an hour!

Dr. Debra Jaliman and Anna Prilutsky answer our questions!

The focus of the event was retinol – how to use it, how to buy it, etc. I always thought that I was too young to use retinol, since I’m only 24, but it turns out you’re never too young (or too old!) to start using anti-aging products. Dr. Jaliman suggests that retinol newbies begin with an every-other-night application system, and the RoC Correction Sensitive Eye Cream is a great product to use. Also, make sure you don’t skimp out on that sunscreen, even in the rain! Using an SPF of 30 or higher will protect your skin while using retinol products, and prevent any further aging.

We also got to Walk the Aisle with Anna, who shared all about purchasing anti-aging products. It’s very important to read the packaging, and a product’s ingredients. For example, just because a product has “Retinol” in the name does not mean it is a listed ingredient – be sure to check the ingredients list! Similarly, if a brand writes that a product is “clinically proven” that means it spent the money to do a clinical trial. Of course, your best bet is always to buy products from RoC! They contain the proper ingredients, and are even packaged perfectly. Because retinol is light and oxygen sensitive, the best packaging is a tube (not a jar).

All in all, I had an amazing time at the #Eyes4NYC event! I’ve started using RoC anti-aging products now, and I’m loving them so far. I’ll start seeing results in four weeks, so let me know if you’d like an update on my experience at some point. Until then, make sure you stop by your local Duane Reade and pick up some RoC Brand anti-aging products. You’ll find them in the skincare aisle – in the photo above, it’s the gold packaging! Be sure to let me know what you use for anti-aging, and if you’ll be switching to RoC after learning more. I sure did!

P.S. I learned so much from this event, that it just won’t fit into this one blog post! Be sure to check out my Facebook for more photos and my Twitter for even more tips and tricks!

Drugstore Hauls Just Got Better with the Duane Reade Mobile App!

Posted on May 7, 2014May 12, 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 Wednesday! As you know, Adventures in Polishland is about all things fabulous and affordable, and that includes drugstore makeup! When I heard Duane Reade was relaunching its mobile app to Version 2.0 which includes new features to help me shop easier and save more in the store, I couldn’t wait to test it out. Let me tell you a bit more about the app, and show you my mini drugstore haul!

ALL ABOUT THE APP

The Duane Reade mobile app is free to download from the iTunes app store. Here is what it looks like upon opening.

The loading screen (left) displays the Duane Reade logo as the app launches. I quickly took a screenshot of what it looks like just so you could see! On the right is the app home screen. There are so many awesome features with this app. Here is a brief overview of what each icon on the screen does –

Pharmacy: refill your prescriptions, transfer your prescriptions, see your prescription history, set up a pill reminder, and schedule a vaccination.
Photo: print photos from your iPhoto or social media accounts and create prints, posters, or cards.
Store Locator: find the store closest to your current location or search for one near a specific address.
Weekly Ad & Coupons: see the items on sale this week, and clip virtual coupons for use in the store.
Refill by Scan: a quick way to refill your prescriptions – just scan the barcode!
Scanner: scan any product in the store to get more information about it.
Pill Reminder: set up daily reminders for all your medicines.
Rewards: easy access to your Balance Rewards card.
Shopping List: your Duane Reade “to buy” list is right on the app for easy shopping in store.
Shop: you can also shop directly from the app if you don’t want to leave the comfort of your own home!
DR Walk-In: information about the walk-in clinics nearby and their contact information.
Steps: keep track of your fitness and weight loss goals right from your phone.
Settings: where you can log-in and get help with the app if needed.

My favorite feature on the app is the coupon clipper! I immediately scrolled through the beauty tab and clipped some awesome Revlon coupons. The best thing about the app is that you don’t need to have a physical coupon. The app is green and convenient!

MY SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Of course, I had to test out this awesome app and use the Revlon coupons I clipped. I headed to the store at 22W 48th Street to use the special iBeacon technology that is only available at 10 Midtown Manhattan Duane Reade locations. iBeacon is so cool! When you get to Duane Reade, it recognizes your location, and helps you shop in the specific store you’re in. Here’s a look at what the app looked like when iBeacon was activated.

Not only was a floor map and product locator available for me to use, but the coupons showed up right away! The barcode you see at the top is what the cashier scans at checkout, and all applicable coupons are used at once. Shopping is so much easier when I don’t have to organize all my coupons by hand!

It was fun to shop from the Revlon section! I almost never get tangible coupons for Revlon products, but I had $1 off a lip product and $2 off any face product (foundation, concealer, etc.) to use. I grabbed the Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey that everyone talks about, as well as the ColorStay Under Eye Concealer in Light. I’m so excited to test out these products! Let me know if you’d like a review on either one.

All in all, I am loving the relaunched Duane Reade mobile app! It makes shopping in this busy city much easier, and saves me money, too. Plus, it is environmentally friendly – no need for a plastic rewards card or paper coupons! I’ll be sure to use this app whenever I’m in the mood for a drugstore haul.

Have you downloaded the Duane Reade mobile app yet? Let me know by using the #DRMobileApp hashtag on social media and share your hauls with me! Also make sure to Follow Duane Reade’s social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

NYC New York Color Expert Last Lipstick in Forever Fuchsia

Posted on April 29, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! Today I have a quick review of the NYC Expert Last Lipstick from my Influenster Uni VoxBox (see my unboxing HERE). I’ve never tried a lip product from NYC before, but I love the brand’s nail polish and blush. Let me go ahead and show you Forever Fuchsia!

NYC Expert Last Lipstick in Forever Fuchsia

As you can see, Forever Fuchsia is a bright pink lipstick. Here is the blurb in NYC’s advertisement describing the product:

Ready to take your lips to the next level? Try our NEW Expert Last Lip Color in twenty tantalizing shades. Get intense amplified color and shine that lasts up to 6 hours! Our moisturizing formula glides of easily for a silky, smooth, velvety finish for all day wear.

I swatched Forever Fuchsia both on my arm and on my lips so you can see the color. I do love how opaque this lipstick is, and the fruit punch scent. However, it clung to the dry patches on my lips, and did not leave a smooth, velvety finish. Forever Fuchsia did feel moisturizing, but I definitely recommend using a lip scrub before applying it as any imperfections will show up quite visibly. As for the color, the bright pink is a bit much for me personally, but if you love bold lips this is the shade for you!

All in all, I would give this lipstick a 3 out of 5 stars. It’s affordable at just $1.99 at drugstores, but does not have the advertised finish. I would definitely consider testing out other shades from this line to see how they compare. Let me know your thoughts on the NYC Expert Last line in the comments!

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

Cottonelle Spring Clean & Fresh Event at Tenoverten Salon!

Posted on April 24, 2014April 25, 2014 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today I am excited to tell you all about a fun event I attended today with Cottonelle. Because I am active with Crowdtap, a website that connects influencers and brands, I was invited to attend Cottonelle’s Spring Clean & Fresh Event at the Tenoverten Salon in Soho. We were treated to manicures, and other beauty services, as well as lots of goodies! Let me tell you more about Tenoverten, and the great products we got to try.

Tenoverten has so many polishes, including Chanel, Nars, Essie, and its own brand, tenoverten! You can see more pictures of the salon and the event on my Facebook page HERE.

Cottonelle even let my friend Gina tag along! It was great having her get a manicure with me!

I decided to go with the Essie shade The Girls Are Out for my manicure. Even though I wanted to try out a high end polish, I just loved this blue-tinted pink shade. I think it looks beautiful! I definitely recommend Tenoverten if you’re looking to get a professional manicure in NYC. There are three locations, and prices range from $10 for a polish change to $40 for a luxe manicure. Plus, the salon is really cute inside, and the employees were so friendly. You can visit the salon’s website HERE for more information.

We were also treated to some mouth-watering cupcakes from Navy, a restaurant here in NYC. They were absolutely delicious, so I couldn’t help but mention them!

Last but not least, Cottonelle was kind enough to give us some gift bags on the way out! Who can’t use some new toilet paper and flushable cleansing cloths?! Really though, this bag had some awesome practical items, as well as a Barielle nail polish, an eos lip balm, and a cute picture frame. I really appreciate the generosity, and can’t wait to use these items.

Thank you so much to Cottonelle for inviting me to the event! Definitely make sure to check out Tenoverten in NYC, and use the fun hashtag #LetsTalkBums on social media if you’d like to share how much you love Cottonelle. I’ll be reviewing my new Barielle polish soon, so keep an eye out for that!

The products and services in this post were provided by the companies mentioned herein. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

RoC Brand Eye Care at Duane Reade | Giveaway & Event Details #Eyes4NYC

Posted on April 17, 2014April 23, 2014 by Adventures in Polishland

CB Disclosure White Background 600 px wide Happy Friday! I am so excited to tell you all about some amazing opportunities with RoC Brand Eye Care and Duane Reade! If you love skincare and are looking to try out RoC Brand anti-aging products, you are in for a treat. This post will outline many ways that you can get enter for a chance to win some fabulous products!

NYC EVENT

Thursday, May 1, 2014
6:00pm – 7:00pm EST
Duane Reade
40 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005

Join me at Duane Reade for an in-store event! Prominent NYC dermatologists and health experts will discuss the benefits of the RoC products and answer your questions. It is free to attend, so I hope to see you there!

#EYES4NYC TWITTER PARTY

Thursday, April 24, 2014
12:00pm – 1:00pm EST
RSVP: http://cbi.as/rpoqw

Not in the NYC area? Don’t you worry! You can still join in on the fun by attending the #Eyes4NYC Twitter Party! Special guest Dr. Debra Jailman, a board certified dermatologist, will be answering all of your anti-aging questions, as well as discuss eye health and great products to use. RSVP using the link above for your chance to win $550 in Visa gift cards and awesome RoC products!

GIVEAWAY

Last but not least, RoC is hooking one of you up with this gift box filled with over $140 worth of products! Please make sure to read through all the details and rules to see if you qualify to enter.

WHAT’S INSIDE THE GIFT BOX?

RoC® RETINOL CORREXION® Eye Cream
RoC® RETINOL CORREXION® Sensitive Eye Cream
RoC® MULTI CORREXION® 5 in 1 Eye Cream
RoC® RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
RoC® RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 30
RoC® RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Serum

WHO CAN WIN?

US residents aged 18 years of age or older
RoC Brand cannot mail to PO Boxes, so please have an alternate address ready if you win
Further giveaway details listed in the Terms & Conditions located on the Rafflecopter widget.
Questions may be directed to adventuresinpolishland@gmail.com

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck to everyone entering the giveaway, and I hope to see you at the in-store event or online during the Twitter Party! A huge thank you to RoC and Duane Reade for making these opportunities available!

This post made possible through #CollectiveBias.

New Product Line from Miss Jessie’s | Event Photos & More

Posted on April 12, 2014April 11, 2014 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! This past week I had an amazing opportunity to attend a blogger event with Birchbox at the Miss Jessie’s Salon here in New York City. I don’t know much about hair care and hair styling, so I couldn’t wait to learn more. As it turns out, I learned more about hair in the two hours I spent at Miss Jessie’s than I’ve ever learned in my life! I have Miss Jessie’s co-founder Miko Branch to thank for that!

The Miss Jessie’s Salon is beautiful! I loved the chandeliers, white chairs, and big mirrors. You can see more photos from the event on my Facebook page HERE. Miko did demonstrations on four lovely ladies using the brand new products from Miss Jessie’s.

First, Miko used Coily Custard. This product is designed to tame frizz and create soft curls. Coily Custard contains agave and coconut oil, and has a lightweight formula. Miko used Coily Custard on blogger The Fat Apple to fight the shrinkage she was experiencing.

Next, Miko taught us about Transitioner’s Magic, a product great for those whose hair is going through a transitional phase. Ashley has straight ends on her hair due to her growing it out, so Miko used Transitioner’s Magic to create curls. Transitioner’s Magic also has a lightweight formula, and has soybean and avocado.

Finally, Miko used Multi Cultural Curls, a product designed to style hair that is multi-textured. Multi Cultural Curls has safflower oil and olive fruit oil, and has a lotion consistency. It smells fresh and clean, and was used to give our model beautiful and soft curls.

Here are all the completed looks! Miko also used Coily Custard on Christina (far left). Her hair type is similar to mine, so I couldn’t believe the beautiful transformation! The best part is, Miko took her time during each demonstration to show us how to apply each product, and many other great styling tips. From simple things such as flipping your head over to get extra volume, to the more complex techniques involved with diffusing your curls (not as straightforward as I once thought). I loved the fabulous finished looks!

Here’s a close-up of the three, brand new products from Miss Jessie’s. I love the packaging, as it really tells you everything about the product. No guesswork here! I’ve begun testing out Coily Custard on my hair, and so far I’m really impressed with the results. Of course, there is a bit of a learning curve with any new product, so I hope my practice will make perfect soon.

You can purchase these new Miss Jessie’s products on the brand’s website HERE or on Birchbox’s website HERE. The prices range from $14-22 for a 8.5oz bottle. If you’re in NYC, make sure to stop by the salon! Let me know what you think of Miss Jessie’s 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.

Studio Gear Hydrating CC Cream | Review & Coupon Code

Posted on April 2, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! It’s time for another makeup review here at Adventures in Polishland. I got the opportunity to test out Studio Gear Cosmetics’s new Hydrating CC Cream, and can’t wait to share my experience with all of you. As you may know, I love keeping things more natural when it comes to my makeup, so CC creams are the perfect choice for light coverage. Let me tell you more about this product, and share my experience with you!

The Studio Gear CC Cream is designed to fight aging, retain moisture, and cover and treat blemishes all in one non-oily formula. It is also SPF 20, and is infused with Hydra-Extend technology that provides up to 72 hours of continuos hydration. With all of these amazing qualities, it almost sounds too good to be true! Plus, this CC Cream has a unique formula that you have to see to believe.

I experimented with this CC Cream, and found that my favorite way to wear it is over a primer and applied with my fingers. Because I tend to get oily throughout the day, I set the cream with some pressed powder. The result is an almost airbrushed look that lasts all day! I am really impressed with this CC Cream! It is lightweight and I definitely don’t feel like I’m wearing a full face of foundation, but I still get the benefits of a fine-tuned complexion. The only drawback with this product is that it only comes in three shades (I am using Linen, the lightest shade). Luckily, it does adjust to my skin tone quite well, but I think in the winter months I would need just a shade lighter.

Other than that, I am loving this product! It truly is hydrating, and does not cling to dry patches. If you suffer from dry skin, this is definitely a great CC Cream for you! It also does a great job of giving my skin a glowy quality while not looking shiny. I am definitely making this my go-to foundation in the summer months!

WHERE TO BUY

You can purchase the Studio Gear Cosmetics Hydrating CC Cream on the brand’s website HERE. The 1oz tube retails for $34, but you can save 10% off of your entire order with coupon code bloggercc at checkout. I really like this CC Cream, and think you will, too! Please let me know if you’ve tried any products from Studio Gear Cosmetics 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.

Influenster Uni VoxBox Unboxing

Posted on March 29, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! Today I have a box of goodies from the website Influenster to share with all of you. Influenster is a free website that anyone can join. Once you create a profile and interact with the site a bit, you become eligible to get free products to test out. I was recently sent the Uni VoxBox. This box is filled with products geared toward college students. It contains a mix of beauty and lifestyle items, so I thought I would share it with all of you!

I was pretty excited with the size of the box! I knew there had to be some fun goodies in there!

First up are the beauty products! From the left to right, the products are:

NYC Expert Last Lip Color in Forever Fuchsia – $1.99 – I’ve never tried an NYC lipstick before, but this looks like a bright pink that is great for the spring season. I’ll have to give this a try soon!
imPRESS Press-On Manicure in Straight Up – $7.99 – I am so excited to try these press-on nails! Grav3yardGirl, one of my favorite YouTubers, talks about these nails all the time, and she really loves them. I will be sure to do a true wear test on these and report back!
Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation – $5.49 – You already know how much I love this foundation! See my complete review HERE if you missed it.

The Uni VoxBox also had a few lifestyle products inside.

Red Rose REAL TEA Premium Water Enhancer in Black Tea – $4.49 – I love iced tea in the warmer months, so this water enhancer might be a great way to make my own on the go! I’m a bit disappointed that this does contain preservatives, but I’ll still test it out for sure!
Playtex Sport Fresh Balance Tampons – $4.99 – I was super surprised to find a full size box of tampons in here! Feminine care products tend to be more expensive, especially for a college student.
Pilot Acroball PureWhite Pen – $1.53 – I can always use a good pen! I’ve been hearing about this line a lot recently, so I wonder what the hype is. I’ll have to find out!

I’m really excited about the Uni VoxBox! It contains over $25 worth of products! I will definitely post a review of the imPRESS nails, but if you want to learn more about any of these products, please let me know in the comments! If you would like an invitation to join Influenster, please send me your email address.

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

Amara Organics Vitamin C Serum Review

Posted on March 25, 2014August 8, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

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

Happy Tuesday! Today I’m excited to bring you another skincare review! I recently had the opportunity to test out a Vitamin C Serum from the brand Amara Organics. While I’ve tried serum samples in the past, this is the first serum that I’ve used on a regular basis. Let me tell you more about the product and share my experience with you!

Amara Organics Vitamin C Serum Review | Adventures in Polishland

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

This Vitamin C Serum from Amara Organics is 98% naturally derived and 72% organic. It has many uses, including anti-aging. Even though I’m in my early twenties, my skin is quite dehydrated and until the last year I hadn’t taken great care of it. It’s never too early to care for you skin!

Here are the product’s exact claims:

“Our Vitamin C Serum replenishes your skin’s vitamin C levels to give you these benefits:

Increases the production of collagen to bring back skin’s natural elasticity and counteract fine lines and wrinkles
Powerful antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals to reverse damage caused by the sun, pollutants, and cigarette smoke
Protects your skin from UV damage such as age spots, discoloration, and fine lines
Improves skin texture to give you a smoother, brighter complexion
Combined with Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid for extra powerful anti-aging effects”

MY EXPERIENCE

I’ve been using this serum on a daily basis for about two weeks now, and I can already see positive changes with my skin! The serum is clear and unscented, and I apply a few drops to clean, dry skin before moisturizing. The first change my skin experienced is actually not part of the product’s description – my breakouts cleared up! Right before trying this serum, I had acne all along my jawline, but now it’s almost completely gone!

My skin also appears to be less dehydrated since I started using this serum. I’ve never felt like I had “glowy” skin, but I find that my skin looks much healthier since I started using this serum. My moisturizer seems to sink in a lot faster as well. I can’t wait to continue using this serum, since the full effects are supposed to show at the 90 day mark. I will be sure to let you know of any long-term changes on my social media profiles!

WHERE TO BUY

You can purchase this Vitamin C Serum from Amara Organics on Amazon HERE. As I write this post, a 1oz bottle is on sale for $21.95. I think it is worth every penny, especially since only a few drops are needed for each use. Plus, investing in great skincare is always worth in it my opinion. You can also visit the Amara Organics website HERE for more information.

Have you ever tested a Vitamin C serum? If so, let me know how you like it 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.

Whiplash Eyelash Curler Review

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

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

Happy Tuesday! Today I’ll be sharing my thoughts on the Whiplash Eyelash Curler. I’ve actually never used an eyelash curler before, so I was nervous and excited to test out Whiplash. I luckily have naturally curled eyelashes (in fact, sometimes people ask me whether or not I’ve curled my lashes!), so I just never picked up a curler. When I had the opportunity to review Whiplash, I thought it would be fun to test it out. Let me tell you a bit more about the product, and show you the results!

ABOUT WHIPLASH

How cute is the Whiplash?! I love the box it comes in, and the pink detailing on the curler itself. Each Whiplash curler comes with five extra cushion pads, so you can replace the pad when you notice any wear. Here is what Whiplash has to say about the curler (I think it’s helpful to read the exact claims!):

“NEVER WEAR FAKE LASHES AGAIN! Get Dramatic Natural Looking Lashes In Seconds!

Designed with precision in mind, Whiplash increases the natural curl of eyelashes by 80%. It captures every lash to create dramatic, fully curled lashes that will stay curled all day long. Each Whiplash curler comes with 5 refill non slip cushion pads, which will prolong the life of the curler.

Features of Whiplash include:

– Ergonomic handle provides for full control and ease of use
– Captures each lash for fully lifted lashes
– Designed for all eye shapes and sizes
– Create dramatic lashes that last all day
– Closure latch makes it perfect for traveling”

MY EXPERIENCE

The first thing I noticed with Whiplash, is that it is really easy to hold. Having a steady grip is important when sticking something so close to your eye! Next, it was time to test it out!

Whiplash Eyelash Curler Results

To use the Whiplash, bring it up to your eyelid, as close to the roots of your eyelashes as possible. Gently press the curler together and hold for five to ten seconds. Repeat, and you’re done! Make sure to only use the Whiplash on clean eyelashes – put your mascara on after curling!

I used the Whiplash every day for about a week, and my results were consistent. I didn’t notice a huge change in the curl of my lashes, but I did notice that the Whiplash helped to spread out my lashes and give them a fuller look. As you can see in the photo above, the curled lash has more of a falsies effect, while the uncurled lash appears thinner and more scattered. I’m definitely pleased with the results! I don’t need a lot of extra curl, but I do like the polished look I get when I use the curler. I wouldn’t reach for it on a daily basis, but when I want a bit more va-va-voom it is the perfect choice. Plus, I think it is great for those of you who don’t have naturally curled eyelashes! I definitely recommend it!

WHERE TO BUY

You can purchase the Whiplash Eyelash Curler for $29 on the Crave Naturals website HERE or on Amazon HERE. As I write this, the curler is on sale for just $14.88 on Amazon – an amazing steal! While the curler is a bit more than what you would pay at the drugstore, I think the value is amazing due to the Whiplash’s great quality, and because you get the five refill pads. Plus, the pink color is just adorable!

Do you use an eyelash curler on a regular basis? Let me know 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.