Category: Beauty

Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser Review

Happy Thursday! Today I’m excited to bring you the first skincare review on Adventures in Polishland. I was contacted by Sibu Beauty, and asked if I wanted to test out the brand’s Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser. When I saw that Sibu is an all natural brand dedicated to ethical beauty, I knew I had to give it a try. Let me show you the cleanser I tried, and tell you a bit more about Sibu!

Sibu Beauty | Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT 

I decided to share with you the direct language from Sibu’s website so you can get the full idea of what the Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser is all about. My own personal experience is more helpful when you know the product’s exact claims!

“Deep yet gentle cleansing is the foundation of effective facial care at every age. This all-natural balancing facial cleanser gently removes dirt, impurities and make-up while maintaining a healthy balance in your skin without compromising its natural protective nutrients. This lightly exfoliating facial cleanser will leave your face fresh, clean, and perfectly balanced. Your skin will look and feel radiant.

  • Leaves skin looking and feeling radiant and refreshed
  • Removes excess oil and impurities
  • Contains micro-particles for a gentle exfoliation
  • Great for removing make-up
  • Non-foaming gel formula for all skin types

This all-natural balancing facial cleanser gently removes dirt, impurities and make-up while maintaining a healthy balance in your skin without compromising its natural protective nutrients.” 

MY EXPERIENCE

I’ve been using this cleanser both morning and evening for a couple weeks now, and I am beyond happy with it! I typically use 1-2 pumps of the product, and apply as directed by working it into a lather in my moistened hands, and gently massaging it over my face. This product is definitely very gentle, and even with the exfoliating beads my skin does not feel tight or raw after I use it. My skin is usually left a bit red after cleansing, so it’s amazing that it just appears clear after using this cleanser.

I am also impressed with how well it removes my makeup at night. Even my stubborn mascara comes off with this cleanser! I don’t have any need for makeup remover wipes when I’m using this Sibu cleanser. Deep yet gentle cleansing is the foundation of effective facial care at every age. This all-natural balancing facial cleanser gently removes dirt, impurities and make-up while maintaining a healthy balance in your skin without compromising its natural protective nutrients. This lightly exfoliating facial cleanser will leave your face fresh, clean, and perfectly balanced. Your skin will look and feel radiant.  Leaves skin looking and feeling radiant and refreshed Removes excess oil and impurities Contains micro-particles for a gentle exfoliation Great for removing make-up Non-foaming gel formula for all skin types This all-natural balancing facial cleanser gently removes dirt, impurities and make-up while maintaining a healthy balance in your skin without compromising its natural protective nutrients.

As for the scent, it is very light and a bit citrusy. I barely notice it, and I don’t think it is bothersome at all. My only complaint with the product is in the packaging – because the bottle is opaque, I won’t be able to see how much is left. Other than that, I’m loving this cleanser! My skin feels clear and balanced, and I noticed that my breakouts decreased when I began using it. I also love that it exfoliates and cleanses at the same time, as that cuts a step out of my skincare routine and saves money. I think it lives up to the hype, and I plan on making this my daily cleanser as soon as I finish up the others in my stash.

WHERE TO BUY

You can purchase the Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser directly from the Sibu Beauty website HERE. It retails for $17.95 for a 4oz bottle. While that is a bit more than I typically spend on my skincare products, I think it is 100% worth it. Since the product is all natural, cruelty free, and GMO free, I don’t mind spending a bit more, especially since my skin loves it. I am also thinking about trying other products in this line, so please let me know if you’ve tried any Sibu Beauty products and what you think of them 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. 

Wet ‘n Wild Limited Edition “Walking the Red Carpet” Eyeshadow Palette Review

Happy Saturday! I’ve been wanting to try out the Wet ‘n Wild Color Icon eyeshadows for a long time now. Despite the affordable price tag, they have a great reputation in the beauty community. I spotted a limited edition display at my local Duane Reade last week, so I picked up the palette in Walking the Red Carpet. At only $5.49, I knew I had to grab it!

Wet 'n Wild Walking the Red Carpet Palette Wet 'n Wild Walking the Red Carpet PaletteWalking the Red Carpet comes with eight neutral eyeshadows. I love that the palette is labeled, so that makeup newbies like myself have some guidance in applying the shadow. The shadows on the left create more of an every day look, while those on the right are definitely a bit fancier and perfect for a night out.

Let’s take a closer look at the shadows and at some swatches! I’ve numbered the shadows and swatches so you can see how they match up.

Wet 'n Wild Walking the Red Carpet Palette

Wet 'n Wild Walking the Red Carpet Palette SwatchesI swatched all of the shadows over my Manna Kadar Eye Primer so the colors would show up on camera (feel free to click on the photo above for a close-up of the shadows). I typically prime my eyes if I’m wearing eyeshadow, but you can still get a great look without primer as the shadows in this palette are nicely pigmented. The two browbone shades (1 and 5) are very light, but show up as a faint highlight. All of the shadows have a shimmer formula, and shadows 6 and 8 have some glitter mixed in as well. The shadows feel nice and buttery, and I only experienced fall out with shade 6. I’m impressed with how nicely they apply and wear!

If you’re looking for a great neutral palette at the drugstore, I definitely recommend Wet ‘n Wild’s Walking the Red Carpet. Make sure you visit the drugstore right away, as these limited edition palettes are flying off the shelves! If you would like to see a full makeup look featuring these shadows, please let me know in the comments! Also let me know what other Wet ‘n Wild products you love!

Gala’s Gems Collection from Color Club | Release & Review!

Happy Saturday! Today I’m excited to tell you all about a fun event I attended last week with Birchbox. Despite a very snowy day, I joined other Birchbloggers at the Mondrian Soho Hotel for hot chocolate, manicures, and a Q & A with blogger Gala Gonzalez. Gala runs the blog Amlul, and partnered with nail polish brand Color Club to create the new collection Gala’s Gems. Let me tell you a bit more about the event, and share the nail polishes with you!

Color Club Gala's Gems Collection

Birchblogger Event

Birchblogger Event with Gala GonzalezTo celebrate the release of Gala’s collection, Birchbox was kind enough to host an event with local bloggers so we could try out the polishes and learn more about Gala. We had the chance to get our nails done (shoutout to my manicurist Kenyetta!) and then heard from Gala, who was interviewed by Birchbox co-founder Katia. Gala is so beautiful and down-to-earth. She let us in on some of her blogging secrets, and shared about her journey in the fashion industry. I highly recommend you check out her blog if you haven’t before – it’s professionally done, and a must read for fashion lovers!

You can also find more photos from this event on my Facebook page HERE.

Gala’s Gems Review

Color Club – Heirloom PearlsColor Club – Heirloom PearlsFirst up is Heirloom Pearls, a pearlescent white polish. All of the polishes in the Gala’s Gems Collection have a metallic finish, which I think is perfect for the transition from winter to spring. Heirloom Pearls has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. It looks flawless on my nails, and would go with pretty much any outfit. I highly recommend it!

Color Club – Breakfast At... Color Club – Breakfast At...Next up is Breakfast At…, a mint green metallic polish. I love the clever name of Breakfast At…, and the green color is right up my alley. The formula is very good, though a bit prone to streaking due to its metallic nature. This is the color I got for my manicure at the event. I just love it!

Color Club – Aquamarine Azulino Color Club – Aquamarine AzulinoAquamarine Azulino is up next, and it is a gorgeous baby blue polish. This has a great formula that is opaque in two coats, and I just adore the pastel blue shade. The shimmer throughout the polish makes it perfect for snowy days, yet the pigmentation is also nice for the warmer months. Aquamarine Azulino is an all around great blue!

Color Club – Gold Struck Color Club – Gold StruckLast but not least is Gold Struck, a rose gold metallic polish. I was a bit disappointed that Gold Struck is so streaky, but that can happen with any metallic polish. I still really love the color, and this is a great option for those of you who didn’t grab Sally Hansen’s Gold Roses (review HERE). Gold Struck really has that liquid metal look!

All in all, I had a great time at the Birchbox event, and I really like the Gala’s Gems Collection from Color Club. This collection will be available very soon, so keep an eye out for it! I’ll be sure to post on Facebook when these polishes are available, as well as the price point. Let me know in the comments what you think of the Gala’s Gems Collection!

UPDATE: You can now purchase this collection for just $13 on the Birchbox website HERE.

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

Drugstore Foundation Review: Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse

Happy Wednesday! Today I have a review of the brand new Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation. I’ve been using the Stay Matte Pressed Powder for years now, so when I saw that Rimmel expanded the Stay Matte line I had to try it out. Since I have combination skin that gets oily throughout the day, I hoped this new foundation would help control that shine and keep me fresh faced all day long. Let me share my thoughts on this foundation with you!

Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation Review

The Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation comes in a squeeze tube at the standard foundation size of 1oz. There are eight shades in the line, and I got shade 091 Light Ivory. This foundation is advertised to be lightweight and control shine, as well as blend flawlessly for a natural look. It retails for around $5.49 at drugstores (I got mine at Duane Reade!).

Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation
Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation – Formula
Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation
Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation – Blended Out

As for the formula, I find it to be a bit on the thick side. It’s definitely a heavier consistency than I expected, but it blends out flawlessly. I’ve tried it both with and without primer, and I do prefer to use a primer just to have a smooth and flawless base. To apply the foundation, I use a damp BeautyBlender, which works perfectly! This is definitely a full coverage foundation, but it does not feel heavy on this skin. No cake face here!

The Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation also has an amazing wear time! I’ve tested this for about two weeks now, and when I get home after an eight to ten hour day, my skin still looks great. While I do get a bit shiny without any touch ups or oil absorbing sheets, I see a huge improvement when I use this foundation. It is definitely one of my new favorites!

All in all, I am really impressed with the new Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation. It is so affordable, and my skin loves it! I highly recommend it, and now want to try the other new products in the Stay Matte line. Let in me know in the comments if you’ve tried the Stay Matte BB Cream or Primer!

Products I’ve Used Up #2

Happy Monday! It’s time for another “empties” post here at Adventures in Polishland. I think these posts are a great opportunity to learn about a lot of products in a short amount of time. Plus, they serve as a personal reminder since I can always look back and see which products I would repurchase in the future. Let’s get right into all of the products I’ve used up!

HAIR CAREProducts I've Used Up

  • L’Oreal Paris Triple Resist Reinforcing Conditioner – I’ve been using this L’Oreal system for a while now, and I really like it. My hair seemed to strengthen a bit, and I have no complaints! Plus, this line is really affordable. With sales and coupons, I can find this for around $2-3! [BUY at the drugstore]
  • Not Your Mother’s Beat the Heat Thermal Styling Shield Spray – I picked up this heat protectant last year, and it lasted forever! This protectant was just okay. It worked to protect my hair, but it left my hair crunchy and has a weird smell. Despite it being an affordable $5.99, I don’t think I would repurchase it again. [BUY]

NAIL CARE

Products I've Used Up

  • CVS Strengthening Polish Remover – This used to be my go to nail polish remover, and I snagged a couple bottles a few months back during a clearance event for just $0.55! After using pure acetone and the Julep remover, this just doesn’t cut it for me anymore. It’s good, but not the best. [BUY at CVS]
  • Julep Acetone Free Condition Nail Polish Remover – This is my all time favorite polish remover! It works really well, plus it leaves my nails feeling healthy and it doesn’t have a strong smell. Unfortunately, it is a tad expensive. I would totally buy this in large quantities if Julep had that option! I highly recommend this! [BUY]

SKINCARE 

Products I've Used Up

  • Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin – This is another product that lasted me a very long time. It’s a great cleanser for sensitive skin, and I used it whenever I wanted a gentle cleansing. I would repurchase it again in the future for sure. [BUY] 
  • Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub – I got this scrub in an Ipsy bag a few months back, and I am in love. This is the best scrub I’ve ever used! My skin always felt so clear and healthy after I used it. Although it is a bit on the expensive side, I will definitely be repurchasing it after I run out of the scrub I’m using now. It is seriously worth it! [BUY]
  • Gold Bond Ultimate Skin Therapy Cream – I talked about this moisturizer in my December Favorites, and it made that list for a reason! This is a great lotion, and I would definitely repurchase it at some point. Read more about it HERE. [BUY]

Products I've Used Up

  • Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes – I really do like these makeup wipes, and I am working my way through a few packs that my Mom got me for Christmas (thanks, Mom!). You can see all of my thoughts on these wipes HERE. Make sure to grab them during sale events, or shop on Amazon for a great price! [BUY]
  • Tatcha Aburatorigami Beauty Papers – I got these blotting papers in a PopSugar box, and was happy to try them out. Unfortunately, these were a flop for me. The blotting papers from the drugstore work much better than these high end ones for a much lower price. I wouldn’t repurchase them. [BUY]

MAKEUP

Products I've Used Up

  • Too Faced Primed & Poreless – I’ve talked about this primer many times on Adventures in Polishland, so I won’t go on forever! This is my first bottle, and it lasted me several months so it is a good investment product. You can see my full review HERE. [BUY]
  • Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Luscious in Blackened Brown – This mascara was good, but not my favorite. I did like it on days where I wanted natural looking lashes, and I applied it with short and fast strokes. This did clump up rather quickly, but I’ve heard others have really liked it. I’m not sure I would repurchase it, but it’s not a bad product! [BUY]
  • Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transluscent – I love this powder, and have repurchased it several times! With coupons and sale events at the drugstore, I get this powder for next to nothing. Plus, it’s a great quality product. I wish I was able to make use of the residual product still left in the container, but at such an affordable price, I don’t feel bad throwing it out as is. [BUY at drugstores]

SAMPLES

Products I've Used Up

  • REN Hydra-Calm Global Protection Day Cream – I got this as a free sample with a Sephora order, and loved it! It has a bit of an odor, but works so well to moisturize my skin. I considered purchasing the full size, but when I saw it was $45 I had to say no! If you have room for this in your budget, it’s a great product! [BUY]
  • Taylor Swift Enchanted Wonderstruck Perfume – I may not be a Taylor Swift fan, but I’m a huge supporter of this perfume! I loved this so much I asked for a full size for Christmas. I love the fruity yet musky scent. Plus, you can get a great price by purchasing this on Amazon instead of a department store! [BUY]
  • Versace Bright Crystal Perfume – I also loved this perfume sample by Versace. It smelled expensive! It also has a great mix of sweet and sultry scents together. I would consider getting the full size if it were more affordable. [BUY]
  • Benefit It’s Potent! Eye Cream – Finally, I got this eye cream in a Birchbox, and really liked it. It really is potent, so make sure to be careful when applying it so the cream doesn’t go in your eye. I’m using another eye cream now, but I would definitely consider purchasing the full size in the future. [BUY]

Phew! That is a lot of empties this time around! I hope you liked hearing more about these products. I always feel a bit accomplished when I finish up a product, since it makes me feel like I got my money’s worth. Do you agree? Let me know if you’ve tried out any of these products in the comments!

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

Show Team Spirit with a CoverGirl Fanicure! #DRBigGame #CollectiveBias

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Happy Thursday! Today I’m excited to tell you all about a fun event I attended at Duane Reade last week. P&G and CoverGirl are celebrating female fans by offering team-inspired nail looks for spirit all season long, and to prepare for the Big Game, CoverGirl gave free manicures to Duane Reade customers. Let me tell you all about the Fanicure event, and show you how to create one of your own!

#DRBigGame #shop #cbiasThe Fanicure event was so much fun! I chose to get a Seattle themed manicure, since I’m still bitter about New England losing to Denver in the playoffs. My manicurist used three CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss shades in Sapphire Flare, Appletini, and Snow Storm to create the look. With a smooth finish, even color and glossy shine, this polish can last as long as a week with no top-coat required!

#DRBigGame #cbias #shopI also got to hang out with some other great bloggers! Make sure to head over to their blogs to see the Fanicures they got as well.

#DRBigGame #cbias #shopMomma D and Da Boyz, Beauty 101, and Adventures in Polishland

HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN FANICURE!

While I was at Duane Reade, I also picked up the shades that correspond with my favorite football team, New England. Each of the 32 teams has its own custom nail gloss bundle to ensure fans can really show team spirit. New England’s CoverGirl colors are Snow Storm, Ever Reddy, and Sapphire Flare. At the Duane Reade where I was shopping, the CoverGirl display was upstairs on the second floor in the Look Boutique.

#DRBigGame #cbias #shop#DRBigGame #cbias #shopNext, I got started on creating my own Fanicure. I began with applying Ever Reddy as a double accent nail, and Sapphire Flare on my other nails. Once that was completely dry, I used some striping tape and then finished up with Snow Storm. I am loving the completed look! It was easy to create, and I’m ready to support my favorite team in style.

#DRBigGame #cbias #shopAll in all, I had a great time at the Duane Reade Fanicure event, and I’m loving the New England Football Fanicure I created. You can create your own Fanicure by visiting the CoverGirl website HERE and seeing what nail polishes correspond with your favorite team. Either shop online, or stop by your local drugstore to pick up these fabulous and affordable polishes at just $5.49 each!

You can also catch up on Big Game news by stopping by the Duane Reade Big Game Social Hub HERE. This is a hub where Tweets, Instagram content, and Vine videos using the #DRBigGame hashtag are congregated in one place. Duane Reade is the perfect place for all your game day needs, including nail polish!

Be sure to let me know what you think of my Fanicure in the comments!

Dare to Compare: Maybelline Baby Skin vs Too Faced Primed & Poreless

Too Faced Primed & Poreless vs Maybelline Baby Skin

Happy Friday! I was so excited when I saw that Maybelline released the new Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser, and knew I just had to pick it up. If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’ll know that I just love Baby Lips, so my fingers were crossed that Baby Skin would be just as great. After trying it out, I couldn’t believe how much I liked it, and how similar it is to the Too Faced Primed & Poreless primer that I use every day. Today’s post is going to compare these two primers, and see which one is the best option.

 

 

MAYBELLINE BABY SKIN

Maybelline Baby Skin

Price: $6.99 (or $10.43 per oz) [BUY]

TOO FACED PRIMED & PORELESS

Too Faced Primed & PorelessPrice: $30 [BUY]

SIDE BY SIDE

Baby Skin vs Primed & PorelessAs you can see from the swatches, the main difference between Baby Skin and Primed & Poreless is the formula. Baby Skin has a clear gel formula, and Primed & Poreless starts out as a nude tone with an almost lotion-like formula that becomes invisible once applied to the skin. Baby Skin is a bit thicker in consistency, but after application both are extremely similar. Are you ready for the results?

Baby Skin vs Primed & PorelessVoila! I seriously cannot tell the difference between these two primers! Once applied they both have the same exact smoothing effect on the skin, and both are amazing primers to wear under foundation. I find that both Baby Skin and Primed & Poreless last just as long throughout the day, and my foundation glides over each with ease during application. The only real difference in wear between the two is that Primed & Poreless is definitely better on its own than Baby Skin. Thus, if you’re looking for a primer that you can wear alone on no makeup days, I would recommend Primed & Poreless. Otherwise, Baby Skin is just as amazing as the high end primer I’ve spent a lot of money on!

All in all, I’m so glad I’ve discovered Baby Skin! I still love my Primed & Poreless, but will definitely be reaching for Baby Skin on days that I’m wearing makeup. Thanks to Maybelline for creating an affordable primer at the drugstore! I will be sure to stock up during sale events. Let me know in the comments what your favorite face primer is, and if you’ve tried Baby Skin yet!

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

 

Let Your Natural Beauty Shine in 2014 with L’Oreal Products! #WalgreensBeauty

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Happy Sunday! Today I am excited to share with you some great products from L’Oreal that are all new to me. Adventures in Polishland is all about being fabulous and affordable, and everything in this post sure fits that description. I headed to Walgreens to check out the L’Oreal section, and got some great deals along the way. I had my eye on the brand new Voluminous Butterfly Mascara, and of course picked up some other goodies as well. Let me show you the makeup and nail looks I created, to share how to be beautiful in 2014!

Let Your Natural Beauty Shine in 2014 with L'Oreal Products! WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbias

MAKEUP TUTORIAL

My first aim was to create a new makeup look that let my natural beauty shine. If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you know that while I love trying out new makeup trends, I typically stick to the basics. If you’re looking for a more natural look in the new year, here are a few makeup tips I have for you!

STEP 1 – A FLAWLESS COMPLEXION

L'Oreal Paris Magic Nude Liquid Powder #WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbias
L'Oreal Paris Magic Nude Liquid Powder Swatch #WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbias

L’Oreal Paris Magic Nude Liquid Powder – 312 Classic Ivory – $12.99

I always like to use some sort of foundation just to ensure my skin is looking clear and even. I’ve been intrigued with the concept of the Magic Nude Liquid Powder since it was first released, and just had to try it! This foundation goes on like a liquid and dries to a powder finish. Just shake the bottle, tap a few drops into your hand, and rub it onto your face like a lotion. I was skeptical, but it works! I get a gorgeous, natural finish that lasts all day! I’m so impressed with this foundation, and highly recommend it.

STEP 2 – AWESOME EYELASHES

#WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbias
I found the Voluminous Butterfly Mascara right away! My store had a lot in stock!

#WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbias 
#WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbias

L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Mascara – Blackest Black – $8.99

L’Oreal just released the Voluminous Butterfly Mascara, and as soon as I saw the unique applicator I couldn’t wait to give it a try. I rarely like a mascara upon the first use, but I am blown away with this one! Not only does it grab onto each lash to separate and lengthen, but it truly curls the lashes into a beautiful, winged out look. The formula is great, and I experienced no clumping whatsoever. I also like that this mascara is ophthalmologist tested, and safe for even those with sensitive eyes. I’ve definitely found my new favorite mascara!

STEP 3 – LUSCIOUS LIPS

#WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbias

L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour – 174 Rose Taffeta – $9.99

The last step in this makeup look is a bit of lipstick. Despite what other makeup you may (or may not) be wearing, lip color can really change up your look completely. I grabbed a nice pink shade that isn’t too bright to ensure my lips would look polished yet still natural. I’m loving Rose Taffeta! The formula is moisturizing and easy to apply. Plus, the shade is quite wearable.

COMPLETED MAKEUP LOOK

#WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbiasMANICURE

#WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbiasOf course, I had to pick up a couple L’Oreal nail polishes at Walgreens, too. I spotted the limited edition The Magic Top Coats display, and grabbed The Holographic. Then I headed to the permanent display to pick up a color to go with my new top coat.

#WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbias #WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbiasI began with L’Oreal in Paparazzi Pleaser, a purple creme polish that has a hint of blue to create a dustier shade. I applied three coats for the look in the photos, and I’m loving this color for winter. It’s not too “out there,” but it’s different than a neutral or pink. Paparazzi Pleaser also pleases Adventures in Polishland!

#WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbias #WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbias #WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbiasTo complete the look, I applied two coats of The Holographic, a flakie top coat. I have never worked with a flakie before, but it is quite like a glitter top coat, just with flakes of holographic leaf in place of glitters. I was surprised with how chunky The Holographic is, but it definitely looks neat. I had a difficult time capturing just how holographic my nails look in person, but the last picture gives you an idea of the reflective shine. It’s really cool!

L’OREAL PARIS BUTTERFLY MASCARA LAUNCH EVENT

Join L’Oreal and Walgreens on Wednesday, January 15 at the Walgreens in Times Square from 11:00am–3:00pm! Get an eye makeover in-store, and pick up the new mascara! This is sure to be a fun experience, and I just know you’ll love the mascara!

GIVEAWAY

Last but not least, L’Oreal is also providing one of you with the Voluminous Butterfly Mascara! Please enter using the Rafflecopter below, and ensure you read all of the Terms & Conditions written in the widget.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

My New Year’s Beauty Resolutions for 2014!

Happy Wednesday, and Happy New Year! Today I’ll be sharing my New Year’s Beauty Resolutions with you, and encourage you to participate as well. Whether it’s budgeting money, taking better care of your skin, or simply trying out some new products, New Year’s is the perfect time to set some goals for the year ahead, even when it comes to beauty. Let’s celebrate the start of 2014 together with some beauty resolutions! Make sure to stay tuned to the end of this post to learn how you can get involved, and share your resolutions with the beauty community!

MY BEAUTY RESOLUTIONS

Always Remove Makeup Before Bed

PONDS Makeup Remover WipesI’m usually pretty good about removing any makeup I’m wearing before bed, but there are those nights when I find myself under the covers ready to catch some z’s and I’m not getting up again to wash my face. While I know it’s best to go through a complete nighttime skincare routine, I’m pledging to at the very least use makeup remover wipes to get makeup off my face before bed. Did you know that for every night you don’t remove makeup your skin ages 30 days? I’m combatting that with PONDS Evening Soothe Wet Cleansing Towelettes at the moment.

Take Better Care of My Hands and Cuticles

Burt's Bees Honey & Grapseed Hand CreamDespite being a nail polish blogger, my hands are far from perfect! My cuticles deserve some extra TLC, so I’m hoping to get moisturized this winter and stay that way throughout 2014. I received this Burt’s Bees Honey & Grapeseed Hand Cream as a gift, and it’s the perfect product to help me begin taking care of my hands. It smells great, and is 99% natural!

Use an Eye Cream in My Skincare Routine

First Aid Beauty Eye CreamI’ve received a few eye creams as samples in the past, but I recently purchased this full size tube of First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Eye Cream. I may be a bit young to start an anti-aging skincare routine, but I’ve noticed that I do have a lot of wrinkles under my eyes, and that is most likely due to dryness. I’m hoping this cream will help take care of that sensitive area that I’ve been neglecting.

Floss Teeth Daily

Reach Dental Floss

A beautiful smile starts with healthy teeth! I think many of us are guilty of not flossing daily, and that is going to stop. I’m grabbing this floss that I already have, Reach Cleanburst, and starting a new daily flossing routine!

Reorganize My Nail Polish Collection and Try the Untrieds

Julep & JulieG Nail PolishLast but not least, I want to tackle my nail polish collection! I’ve let it get all jumbled and disorganized the past several months, and I hope to go through it, weed out the polishes I don’t want, and try all of my untrieds. Above is a photo of just a few untried polishes I have laying around. Keep an eye out on my blog – you’ll probably see them soon!

SHARE YOUR BEAUTY RESOLUTIONS!

I hope you enjoyed hearing about my New Year’s Beauty Resolutions for 2014! Now it’s your turn! Share your resolutions with me in the comments, or use hashtag #NewYearsBeautyResolutions on social media so I can see your posts. If you’re a blogger, you can add your link to the inlinkz widget below. Let’s start a movement of positivity in the beauty community as we ring in 2014! Happy New Year!

Rite Aid Beauty Hauls | How I Save Money!

Happy Tuesday! I’ve recently scored some amazing beauty deals at Rite Aid, and they were too good not to share with all of you. Today I’ll be showing you two of my recent hauls, and sharing some tips and tricks on getting the most for your money. This post won’t contain any product reviews, but if you would like to hear more about any of these products, let me know in the comments!

HAUL #1

Rite Aid Beauty HaulI took advantage of three sales in this haul. Rimmel Cosmetics were buy one get one for 50% off, plus you got back $5 in UP Rewards if you spent $15. SinfulColors polishes had an amazing deal – simply buy one at $1.99 and get back $1.99 in UP Rewards. That deal could be redeemed twice. Finally, Olay Fresh Effects products were 30% off regular price.

Here is a breakdown of all the products I purchased with the regular price listed first, and the sale price listed second:

  • Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick – $6.99
  • Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder – $5.69
  • Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder – $5.69 – $2.84
  • Rimmel Soft Kohl Eyeliner – $3.99 – $1.99
  • SinfulColors Nail Polish – $1.99
  • SinfulColors Nail Polish – $1.99
  • Olay Fresh Effects S’Wipe Out – $6.49 – $4.54
  • Olay Fresh Effects S’Wipe Out – $6.49 – $4.54

Next, it’s time to use coupons! Here is what I used:

  • 3 $1 off Rimmel Products (they were each a bit different, so I could use them all in one transaction)
  • $3 off when you buy two Olay cleansers

Finally, it’s time to add up the totals!

  • Retail Value: $39.39
  • Sale Price: $30.57
  • What I Paid After Coupons: $27.28
  • UP Rewards Earned: $8.98

HAUL #2

Rite Aid Beauty HaulFor this haul, I was looking at two sales in particular. Maybellie Cosmetics were buy one get one half off, plus you got back $4 UP Rewards if you spent $12. NYC products were 30% off, plus you got back $2 UP Rewards if you spend $5. I also kept an eye out for special clearance stickers throughout the store!

Product Breakdown:

  • Maybelline Fit Me Stick Foundation – $8.99
  • Maybelline Dream Matte Powder – $8.39 – $4.19
  • NYC Cheek Glow – $2.99 – $2.09
  • NYC Color Wheel Mosaic Powder – $4.99 – $3.49
  • L’Oreal Single Eyeshadow – $4.89 – $2.44

Coupons Used:

  • 2 $1 off Maybelline Products (again, the coupons had different terms so I could use both at once)
  • $1 off any L’Oreal Eye Product

Totals:

  • Retail Value: $30.25
  • Sale Price: $21.20
  • What I Paid After Coupons and UP Rewards: $9.22
  • UP Rewards Earned: $6.00

As you can see, I only spent a total of $36.50 out of pocket for $69.64 worth of beauty products, and I still have $6 rewards for next time! The reason I take advantage of these sales is to stock up on products that I love, and try out some new things at a great price. I won’t have to buy any powder or makeup remover wipes for a long time now!

If you want to save money like I do, keep these simple steps in mind:

  • Always shop the sales
  • Add on coupons – you can use 1 manufacturers coupon and 1 store coupon on the same product if you have both
  • To earn UP Rewards, your total must meet the minimum amount before you add on coupons – for example, my Rimmel total in haul #1 was $17.51 before coupons, so even though I only spent $14.51 after coupons, I still qualified for the $5 UP Rewards

All in all, I hope you found this post helpful! I am not an extreme couponer, but I shop consciously and on a budget. It is so easy to save big at the drugstore, especially this time of year with clearance sales popping up. If you have any great savings tips, be sure to let me know what they are in the comments!