Category: Beauty

Beauty Empties | Spring 2017

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I’m excited to share with you mini reviews of all the beauty products I used up this spring. For the past year or so, I’ve focused on using a smaller beauty collection, and only opening one product of each type at a time. I do have a numerical goal of emptying 120 products this year, but so long as I reduce my spending and focus on simplifying my beauty stash I will consider that a success! Let me show you all of the products I used up in April, May, and June of 2017.

Want to see what I used up this winter? Check out THIS blog post!

MAKEUP SAMPLES

One thing I’ve been doing to use up my beauty stash is to always use a sample first. I used to save samples for travel or for another special occasion, and they would pile up and expire before I could use them. Focusing on them as soon as I get them ensures I put them to use!

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I liked this primer, and it seemed to work well for me. I got a couple uses out of this sample packet, but I would be open to trying it more in the future. I do like how light it is on the skin!
  • Would I Buy it Again? I would like to try more before I buy the full size.

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I got four samples of this foundation with a Too Faced order, and I enjoyed trying them even though they are all different shades. I ended up deciding the shade Snow is closest to my natural skin tone, but it’s not a perfect match. That being said, I loved this foundation! It reminds me of Kat Von D’s Lock-it, but a bit lighter in coverage.
  • Would I Buy it Again? I would if Too Faced released a better shade for me.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I‘ve loved Smashbox primers for years now, and recently discovered they are vegan! You can check out the full list of vegan Smashbox products HERE if you’re interested. This is a great primer, but I do prefer the Light version, which is more mattifying. Nonetheless, I love this primer as it smooths out my skin and helps conceal enlarged pores.
  • Would I Buy it Again? Yes! However, I would buy the Light version over this one.

MAKEUP

e.l.f. 3-in-1 Mascara [BUY]

  • Mini Review: This is the second e.l.f. mascara I’ve tried, and it is the second to disappoint me. When I opened this mascara, I knew right away it was going to be bad – barely any product came off the brush! I would describe this as better than wearing no mascara, but that’s about it. Plus, this mascara dried up extremely quickly. It may only be a few dollars, but it was a wasted few dollars.
  • Would I Buy it Again? No!

Physician’s Formula Organic Wear CC Cream [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I absolutely loved this CC Cream! It has amazing coverage, lasts throughout the day, and provides moisturization to the skin without being too oily. Unfortunately, this product is not vegan, so I won’t be purchasing it again. I am now on the hunt for another BB or CC cream.

Urban Decay De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I made sure to use up my travel size of setting spray before it expired. This is a holy grail product for me! I will also keep this container so I can wash it out and reuse it for future travel. It is much more cost effective to decant the bigger size than to repurchase a travel size.
  • Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I’m already using a full size bottle.

e.l.f. Translucent Mattifying Powder [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I got this setting powder to replace my Rimmel Stay Matte, and while it isn’t as good as that powder, it still gets the job done. I love how cost effective this powder is, but I do wish there was less packaging involved. I am going to reuse this compact because it has a nice size mirror inside!
  • Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I’m already using another compact.

SKINCARE

Yes to Cucumbers Facial Wipes [BUY]

  • Mini Review: You all know by now that I love these makeup remover wipes! I repurchase them because the price point is great, and I love how they work. I am going to try to cut down on how I often I use these wipes, since I’m cutting down on disposable products in general. However, these are great for removing makeup and cooling the skin.
  • Would I Buy it Again? Yes!

The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost [BUY]

  • Mini Review: It took me forever to use up this product! I originally purchase it because I thought it was a serum, but this is more of a primer that you use after moisturizer and before makeup. I did like this product, but I was very glad to empty it because it had been in my collection a bit too long.
  • Would I Buy it Again? Maybe.

Acure Brightening Facial Scrub [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I found this scrub at Target, and I really like it! The texture almost reminds me of sand, but it does a nice job at exfoliating the skin without being too harsh. I was ready to try out a new product as I finished this tube, but I’m still happy with how it performed.
  • Would I Buy it Again? Maybe, but I do enjoy trying new scrubs.

Dollar Shave Club Daily Face Moisturizer (not pictured) [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I used up a small sample of moisturizer that I got with a Dollar Shave Club subscription. I apologize that it didn’t get pictured for some reason! I liked this moisturizer a lot, as it has SPF25 and smells amazing. It was a bit too heavy for my skin, but if you like deep hydration, this is a great option.
  • Would I Buy it Again? Perhaps in the winter months.

BODY CARE

Dove Advanced Care Anti-Perspirant [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I finally finished up my non-vegan deodorant stash! I had purchased a pack of Dove deodorant at a box store because this was my go-to for years. This was the only deodorant from the drugstore that I really loved, but I’m now on the hunt for a good vegan option. Stay tuned to find out what my new holy grail will be!

HAIR CARE

CVS Therapeutic Dandruff Shampoo [BUY]

  • Mini Review: The one non-vegan product I continue to purchase is this medicated shampoo. I thankfully don’t need to use it as often in the summer months, but it gets the job done when I need it. No one likes an itchy and uncomfortable scalp!

ORAL CARE

Tom’s of Maine Wicked Fresh Flouride Toothpaste [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I really liked using this toothpaste! I thought the spearmint flavor would be a bit stronger based on the name, but there’s nothing I really dislike about the toothpaste.
  • Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I’m already using another tube.

SPRING EMPTIES: 18

TOTAL 2017 EMPTIES: 35

All in all, I am very happy with how many products I’ve used up even though I’m way behind on my goal of 120 empties. I’ve done a great job at using up samples, minimizing my collection, and not overbuying products. Plus, I’m at the point where I only have a few non-vegan products left to use up! Once they are all gone I plan on sharing a makeup and skincare collection so you can know what I’m currently using.

What products have you used up lately? Let me know in the comments!

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

 

Does Natural Deodorant Work?! | Tom’s of Maine Natural Long Lasting Deodorant Review

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I’m excited to share my thoughts on the Tom’s of Maine Long Lasting Deodorant with all of you. I’ve wanted to switch to a natural deodorant for some time now, and even tried doing so a couple times in the past few years without any success. However, now that I’m vegan, I’ve noticed that the majority of vegan deodorants happen to be natural as well. I figured I would finally commit to going natural, as there are some concerns that the chemicals used traditional deodorants and antiperspirants can lead to cancer (more information on that HERE). I decided to give Tom’s of Maine a try, since this is a brand readily available at drugstores. Does this natural deodorant work? I’ll let you know what I experienced!

Tom’s of Maine has a variety of deodorants from which to choose, and I went with the Long Lasting Deodorant in Unscented. This deodorant claims to have 24-hour odor protection, and I love that it is cruelty free and doesn’t contain any animal ingredients. This product also does not contain artificial colors, flavors, fragrance, or preservatives. There is no aluminum in this deodorant either, which is the controversial ingredient in the majority of deodorants on the market today.

I’ve used this deodorant for about two months now, and overall I’m really enjoying it. This is not an antiperspirant, so it does not prevent you from sweating. However, I haven’t had any issues with sweating more than I did with chemical deodorants, nor have I noticed any sweat stains on my clothing. That definitely makes me wonder how well the chemical antiperspirants worked in the first place!

Of course, the more important factor when it comes to natural deodorants is how well it prevents odor. I will tell you right away that this does not live up to the 24-hour protection claim. I would say the deodorant provides about 10-12 hours of odor protection, as I apply the deodorant in the morning, and when I sniff my armpits at night I can tell the deodorant has worn off. That being said, this deodorant is amazing at neutralizing odor. If my armpits are smelly, I can reapply the deodorant and the smell immediately disappears. Thus, even though the deodorant is not as long-lasting as it claims to be, I love that I can reapply it throughout the day for odor protection.

All in all, I am very happy with the Tom’s of Maine Long Lasting Deodorant. I do wish it would last the full 24-hour period, but I have no problem applying it twice per day if needed. I have repurchased this deodorant, but I do plan to try out other natural deodorants to see how they compare. I love the Tom’s of Maine brand, as it is widely available and on the affordable side. This deodorant retails for about $4.79, but is often on sale. I even got $1.00 cash back using the app Ibotta recently. You can purchase it online HERE from Target, or at your local drugstore or department store.

Do you have a favorite natural deodorant? Let me know in the comments!

This post includes an affiliate link and referral link to Ibotta. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

How to Get FREE Makeup at CVS!

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I’m excited to share with you how I get makeup for free at CVS. I know a lot of people, like myself, are on a tight budget, and the thought of transitioning to a vegan lifestyle can be a daunting one financially. There are many options for fabulous and affordable vegan makeup at the drugstore, and I even get some of mine for absolutely free. The tips I’m going to share with you today can be applied whether or not you are buying vegan makeup, but I wanted to share with you how budget-friendly vegan makeup can be. Let’s jump right into my savings tips!

This post is not sponsored. I am in no way affiliated with CVS Pharmacy. I simply want to share my savings tips with all of you!

The first step to getting free makeup at CVS is to sign up for the drugstore’s rewards program. The ExtraCare program is free to join, and it gives you access to sale prices, coupons, and ExtraBucks rewards, which is essentially free money to shop at CVS. Once you are signed up for the ExtraCare program, make sure you opt-in to the CVS emails and snail mail. You can see your account settings or sign up for the ExtraCare program on the CVS website HERE. It’s important to opt-in to the CVS emails at the very least, as that is where I get the majority of coupons.

The next step is to check your CVS email for coupons that can be applied to beauty purchases. Here is a screenshot from an email I received a few weeks ago in May. As you can see, I got a coupon for $2.00 off my in-store beauty purchase. All you need to do is click where it says ‘Get coupon’ and you can either print out the coupon or save it to your ExtraCare card. I always save the coupon to my card so I don’t need to use printer paper or ink. When the cashier scans my card at checkout, I tell him or her I want to use the coupons saved to my card!

Now that you have your coupon, head to CVS for some shopping! My favorite makeup brands at CVS include e.l.f., Wet ‘n Wild, and Milani. Not only are these brands extremely affordable, but they all offer vegan makeup selections that are very good quality. On this shopping trip in particular, I decided to grab the e.l.f. Clear Brow and Lash Mascara. This is one of my all-time favorite products, and I use it daily. It retails for $2.00, so I got it completely free with my coupon! Thus, to get free makeup at CVS, simply use the coupons emailed to you to buy products!

You are also going to want to sign up for the CVS Beauty Club. This is another free rewards program specifically for beauty products. In addition to earning $5.00 in ExtraBucks for every $50.00 you spend on beauty, you also get $3.00 in ExtraBucks on your birthday! New members also get a 10% off shopping pass after signing up for the club. I really love the CVS Beauty Club, because I am essentially getting free money to spend at CVS just by purchasing products I would buy anyway. You can sign up for the Beauty Club on the CVS website HERE.

Now that you’ve scored some free makeup at CVS, would you like to make a little money, too? Of course you would! I recently signed up for the cash back app called Ibotta after hearing about it for years. Ibotta is really easy to use – you simply select the store you shopped at, pick the items you bought, and take a picture of your receipt. You then earn cash back on your purchases! You often get $0.25 back just for scanning any receipt, but if you also purchase a qualifying item on the app, you will get more cash back, too. If you are not yet a member, please sign up with my referral link HERE and you will get a $10.00 cash bonus when you redeem your first rebate!

That wraps up my tips for scoring free makeup at CVS! This week I got a $1.00 off coupon, and used it to get an eyeliner from e.l.f. for free. If you would like to see my couponing hauls regularly, make sure to follow me on Instagram HERE where I post sale alerts and my purchases, mainly on the Instagram Story feature. I hope you found this post helpful! If you have any questions feel free to ask in the comments.

What are your favorite beauty products at CVS? Let me know in the comments!

My 3 Makeup Routines | No Makeup, Some Makeup, & Full Face Days

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I thought it would be fun to share with you the three makeup routines that I do on a regular basis. I recently realized that I pretty much use the same products on a daily basis, but they do change depending on the makeup look I’m going for each day. I have three looks that I rotate depending on my mood, and those are No Makeup, Some Makeup, and Full Face Makeup. I’m going to share with you the products I wear for each of these occasions, and also share how I can easily change things up to fit whatever mood I’m in at the moment.

NO MAKEUP 

If someone asked me if I ever left the house without makeup, I would have to give an answer of yes and no. That’s because even when I’m not wearing any makeup, there are still two products I put on my face. The first is a mattifying powder. My skin gets very oily throughout the day, and a setting powder helps to ensure I don’t turn into a greasy mess. Plus, even a translucent powder can help blur enlarged pores and decrease redness. I am currently using the e.l.f. Translucent Mattifying Powder, and it’s a great drugstore option. If I’m going to be out all day, or if the weather is especially humid, I will also use the Urban Decay De-Slick to help control oil as well. Thus, even on No Makeup days, I’m always wearing at least one makeup product.

SOME MAKEUP

Next up there are days when I want to wear some makeup, but I don’t want to put on a whole face for one reason or another. This makeup routine expands to include a face primer, stick foundation, and my eyebrow routine. I’m currently really enjoying the MAKE Face Primer with SPF 30, as it creates a nice base with sun protection. I think the e.l.f. Moisturizing Foundation Stick is perfect for this makeup look, as it is a no-fuss product that is easy to apply, yet provides a nice light to medium coverage for my skin. Sometimes I replace this with a BB Cream, as that is also a lighter coverage. Additionally, I like to fill in my brows as mine are quite sparse, and brows frame the face. Once I fill in my brows I immediately look much more polished, even if I’m not wearing any other makeup products. My routine at the moment includes the Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Taupe and the e.l.f. Clear Lift Brow and Lash Mascara.

FULL FACE DAYS

Finally, I have my Full Face makeup days. I will be the first to point out that what is a full face of makeup for me is likely going to be different for you. I don’t wear eyeshadow, eyeliner, or contouring products on a regular basis, but they will sneak into my routine on rare occasions. My typical full face of makeup begins with a medium to full coverage liquid foundation. I’m currently loving the Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation, which I think is worth the splurge. I also use a blush and highlighter product to liven up my face. The Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush shades are my go to at the moment, as they blend beautifully. I also love the e.l.f. Baked Highlighter in the shade Blush Gems, which I apply with a damp BeautyBlender. The only added product for my eyes is mascara, and I’m currently using Too Faced Better Than Sex, which I’m not loving. The last step in my routine is adding a lip color, and I’m obsessed with the Tarte LipSurgence Skintuitive Lip Gloss. This gloss adjusts to be the perfect shade for you, and I get a pretty pink!

That wraps up the three makeup routines I do on a regular basis. Whether I’m going makeup free, putting on a full face, or doing something in between, I hope this helped give you a good idea of the products I use on the daily. If you are interested in a full review of any of the products I mentioned today, let me know in the comments! I would also love to know if you have different makeup routines that you change up as well!

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

The Best Skincare Products for Summer

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! With summer just around the corner, I’ve begun to change up my skincare routine in anticipation of the warmer weather. My skin and its needs change a lot throughout the year, and I thought it would be helpful to share my favorite products to use in the summer with all of you. If you also live in an area that gets hot and humid once June hits, these skincare products will keep your skin cool, calm, and collected!

Derma e Purifying Daily Detox Scrub [LINK]

The product that inspired this blog post is this scrub from Derma e, one of my all-time favorite skincare brands. I purchased this at CVS, and I’m so glad I did! This scrub is gentle enough for daily use, but abrasive enough to still remove impurities and leave the skin feeling smooth. Thus, not only is this scrub great for the summer since I don’t have as many dry patches to remove, but it is also quite cooling upon application. I’m guessing that the cooling sensation is because the main ingredient is aloe vera, but whatever it is I love how refreshing it feels. If you have a hot face in the summer, this scrub will help!

Evian Facial Spray [LINK]

Another product that really helps to cool me off in the heat is the Evian Facial Spray. I’ve mentioned this product on the blog a handful of times in the past, and I always describe it as water in a can because that’s just what it is! However, the reason I love this product is because the spray is an even mist, and the can is designed to keep out bacteria and be leakproof as well. If you are on a tight budget, you can easily put some water in a spray bottle you get at the drugstore’s travel section and get similar results! If you’re going to splurge on the Evian spray, definitely get the large size, and not the travel size, because the travel size runs out extremely quickly. I love applying this before bed so my face is nice and cool when it hits the pillow.

MAKE Face Primer SPF 30 [LINK]

Sunscreen is an important part of any skincare routine, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors this summer. I always dread applying a thick facial sunscreen, so I much prefer to find other products that will give me some SPF coverage. One of my favorites is the face primer from MAKE. This primer can be worn alone or under makeup, and provides SPF 30. While this is not my favorite primer, as it doesn’t do much to conceal my pores, it is an absolute necessity in the summer whether or not I’m wearing makeup. It isn’t a heavy consistency, and it dries down quickly!

Derma e Hydrating Serum [LINK]

Another product I use to avoid heavier lotions in the summer is the Hydrating Serum from Derma e. I absolutely love hydrating serums, and I find I can avoid using a moisturizer in the warmer months because this gives my skin enough hydration. This serum also has firming properties, which is an added bonus for me. Plus, the hyaluronic acid helps to curb breakouts! I’ve mentioned this product a number of times on the blog before, but it’s so great I wanted to shout it out again!

Urban Decay De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray [LINK]

My last summer skincare necessity is one of my holy grail products – the Urban Decay De-Slick! I actually use this setting spray all year long because my skin gets really oily throughout the day, but I highly recommend giving this a try in the summer if you haven’t already. I’ve been asked if this product really works to help prevent oily skin, and I definitely think it does. This is not a miracle product (my skin still gets oily), but if I don’t use it I see a huge difference in my skin. This product is one I repurchase constantly and worth the money for sure!

That wraps up my picks for the best skincare products for summer. I hope these products will help keep you cool this summer as the heat and humidity arrive. Please let me know in the comments if you switch up your skincare routine in the summer, and share your must have products! As always, if you’ve used any of the products I mentioned today, let me know what you think of them as well.

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

Beauty Favorites | Spring 2017

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I am excited to share with you the beauty products I’ve been loving this spring. I’m slowly trying new-to-me products as I use up what I already own in my beauty stash, and it’s always nice to discover something great. While I’m still using many of the same makeup products, I’ve found some nice skincare and hair care goodies these past few months. Let’s jump right into my current beauty favorites!

MAKEUP

e.l.f. Baked Highlighter in Blush Gems [LINK]

The one makeup product in this post is the e.l.f. Baked Highlighter in the shade Blush Gems. I tried and loved the shade Moonlit Pearls last summer, and I decided to purchase Blush Gems so I could have a pink-toned highlighter in my collection. These highlighters are great because they can be applied in two ways – with a dry brush for a light illumination, or a wet brush for a more intense highlight. I’ve been applying Blush Gems with a damp Beauty Blender and absolutely loving the result! Plus, I find the pink tone to be perfect for the spring season.

SKINCARE

Pacifica Kale Detox Deep Cleansing Face Wash [LINK]

My skincare favorite this season is a cleanser from the brand Pacifica. I keep the Kale Detox in my shower, and I really like using it with my FOREO Luna to get an even deeper clean.  This cleanser has a calming scent that is quite fresh and earthy. I also feel like my skin is a lot softer after each use. This is the first skincare product I’ve tried from Pacifica, and it definitely won’t be my last!

BODY CARE

Sun Bum SPF 50 Original Spray Sunscreen [LINK]

I was on the hunt for a vegan sunscreen this year, and discovered the Sun Bum brand on a whim! What prompted me to purchase this sunscreen is that it is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and also dermatologist tested. I also love it when sunscreen comes in a spray variety, as it makes it much easier to apply and encourages me to take the time to use sunscreen. I’ve worn this product a few times so far, and it appears to be working as I haven’t been burnt! If you are looking to buy Sun Bum, I found mine at my local Target.

HAIR CARE

Tarte Hair Goals Dry Shampoo [LINK]

Tarte recently released some new vegan products, and I wanted to try the dry shampoo and deodorant in particular, but I didn’t want to spend a lot of money. Luckily, Sephora has a value pack called the No Shower Happy Hour Kit (LINK) that included sample sizes of some of these products. I am so far really happy with the Hair Goals Dry Shampoo. Not only does it zap the oil out of my hair and not leave a white cast, but it smells amazing! I’m not sure what the fragrance is, but it lasts all day and really smells great. While the full size is $19, if you are looking to splurge this is a nice product to try.

IGK Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm [LINK]

My last favorite is another hair care product, and that is a hair balm from the brand IGK. I got a deluxe a sample of Mistress in my last Sephora order using my Beauty Insider points, and I’m really enjoying it! This hair balm is designed to boost hydration, detangle, and smooth the hair. I’m really amazed that this product does not weigh down my fine hair, nor does it make it appear oily. My hair is always a bit shinier after using this product! I’m not sure that I would purchase the full size, as it is $27, but once I use up the sample I will report back in an empties post.

That wraps up my beauty favorites for this spring! I hope you enjoyed seeing the products I’m loving at the moment. As always, I would love to know your current favorites, and your thoughts on the products I showed today if you’ve used them in the past. I’m excited to see what new products I will discover now as summer begins!

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

5 Skincare Products I Want to Repurchase

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I want to share with you some skincare products that I’ve used in the past and hope to repurchase sometime soon. I was recently thinking about a cleanser I used a few years ago, and how I really wanted to try it again. This prompted me to go back and look through my blog to find other skincare products I used in the past. I came up with a few products I know I want to give another chance, and I thought it would be fun to share this list with you. Here are the five skincare products I want to repurchase!

1. Sibu Beauty Polishing Facial Cleanser [REVIEW] [BUY]

First up is the product that inspired this blog post, the Sibu Beauty Polishing Facial Cleanser. I received this cleanser for review back in 2014, and I absolutely loved it. Sibu doesn’t offer the exact same cleanser any longer, but it has been reformulated and I think I will still enjoy it. What I liked best about this product is that is cleansed and exfoliated at the same time. Plus, it left my skin feeling clear without drying it out. I definitely want to grab this one very soon!

2. Amara Organics Vitamin C Serum [REVIEW] [BUY]

Next up is a serum I also tried for the first time in 2014, and that is the Vitamin C Serum from Amara Organics. This was one of the first serums I ever used, and it is also one of my all-time favorites! My skin absolutely loves skincare products that contain Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, and this serum contains both of these ingredients. I would love to go back and see if this serum will still measure up to the positive memories I have of it!

3. Derma e Hydrating Night Crème [REVIEW] [BUY]

One of my favorite moisturizers of all time is the Hydrating Night Crème from Derma e. I’ve come to love many products from this brand, but the night crème really worked wonders for me. I really liked the consistency of this product – it is light enough that my skin doesn’t feel greasy, but it is heavy enough to really hydrate the skin. This moisturizer also has a relaxing scent that is perfect for bedtime. If you are looking for a lighter night crème, I think you should give this one a try!

4. Sukí Face Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser [REVIEW] [BUY]

Another exfoliating cleanser that I really enjoyed is the Face Exfoliate Foaming Clanser from Sukí. I got a small sample of this in a Birchbox back in 2013, but I still think about it to this day. This cleanser is quite unique because it applies like a scrub but foams up once mixed with water. It also has an invigorating lemon scent that I really enjoyed. I’ve thought about repurchasing this many times, but the high price tag always stops me. One day I will splurge on it when I have the extra funds!

5. Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub [REVIEW] [BUY]

Last but not least is the Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub from Michael Todd. For some reason I absolutely love trying new face scrubs. In fact, I’ve tried several new scrubs in a row without repurchasing any of them! However, I still think about this scrub often. I remember absolutely loving this product, mainly because the scrub itself was gentle, but the charcoal really helped to clear my skin. At some point I will return to this product, too!

That wraps up the five skincare products I want to repurchase! I’ve really enjoyed using all of these products in the past, but for one reason or another never returned to them. I love trying out new products, but I think it’s nice to have staples in your beauty routine as well. I would love to know if you stick to the same skincare products, or if you switch up the products you buy regularly. I would also like to know what skincare products you recommend!

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

Maddieloos Cinnamon Ginger Pumpkin Vegan Facial Mask Review

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I am excited to share my thoughts on a new-to-me skincare brand. Maddieloos is a naturally vegan skincare company run on Etsy. I received the Cinnamon Ginger Pumpkin Facial Mask in a package from The Pumpkin Batch, and couldn’t wait to try it! I’ve really been slacking with my face masks lately, so this was a perfect opportunity to treat my skin and let you know what I think of this product. Without further ado, here is my review of the Maddieloos Cinnamon Ginger Pumpkin Vegan Facial Mask!

Each Maddieloos face mask is designed to be used as both a mask or as a scrub. I decided to use this as a mask, since I’m currently using another scrub. The Cinnamon Ginger Pumpkin mask is formulated to remove dead skin cells, fight acne, and promote new cell production. According to the brand, pumpkin contains natural enzymes that help to dissolve dry skin cells. The mask also contains vitamins A, C, E, and T, and is part of the brand’s acne-free skincare system.

The mask smells absolutely divine when I open the jar. It’s somewhere between a baked good and an intense candle! The texture of the mask is quite chunky, but it is easy to smooth out over the skin. I got a nice layer on for my face mask without using too much product! I allowed the mask to set for about 10 minutes (Maddieloos recommends 5-15), and then gently rinsed it off with warm water. I am absolutely in love with how my skin felt after use! Not only was my skin extremely soft, but it felt clean and firmed as well. This mask is definitely an all-in-one type product, as it’s rare my skin feels so moisturized after a mask that also exfoliates well. Of course, I will need to use this regularly to see a big change in both acne breakouts and pore size, but I am really loving the mask even upon its first use.

All in all, I am very impressed with the Maddieloos Cinnamon Ginger Pumpkin Vegan Facial Mask. If you are looking for a mask that will refresh your skin and provide lasting moisture, I think you should give this a try! You can buy a 4oz jar of this mask on the Maddieloos Etsy store HERE for $17.95. While this is more than I would typically spend for skincare, I think it is a great value for the money. I didn’t need a lot of product to get full coverage with the mask, and I also don’t mind spending a bit more when I’m supporting a small business. I know I will be checking out the other products Maddieloos has to offer in the future!

UPDATE: The owner of Maddieloos has graciously provided a coupon code! Use JUST4U at checkout to save 5% on your order.

What is your favorite face mask? Let me know in the comments!

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

Beauty Empties | Winter 2017

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I am excited to share with you all of the products I used up in the first three months of 2017. Last year I began the #365DaysofEmpties project, and this year I am continuing to focus on using the products in my collection before purchasing anything new. While I do have a goal to empty 120 products in 2017, my true objective is to own less products and spend less money. I’ll be sharing mini reviews of each product I use up with you every season! Let’s jump into all of the beauty products I’ve emptied so far this year.

If you are new to my blog, I wanted to quickly share with you a bit more about me and how that relates to my beauty stash. I went vegan this past June, and although I immediately changed my diet, I decided to use up many of the non-vegan products I owned so as to not waste them. Thus, although my empties posts do contain non-vegan products, I only purchase vegan items now. I will share mini-reviews on the non-vegan products, but won’t mention if I will repurchase them, and instead mark each one with an asterisk.

MAKEUP

Urban Decay De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray [BUY]

  • Mini Review: This makeup setting spray is one of my holy grail beauty products. It truly makes a huge difference in how my makeup wears throughout the day, and I continue to buy it despite the high price. I love that it controls my oily skin, and if I ever forget to wear it I can tell.
  • Repurchase? Yes!

*Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I finally finished up my last Rimmel Stay Matte powder. I am sad to see this go, as this was my favorite setting powder. However, I’m currently using an option from e.l.f. that is getting the job done.

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I really liked using this sample of eyeliner from Kat Von D. I found it to be very pigmented, and it has a nice brush applicator. I don’t wear eyeliner often, so I can’t say if it is better than other brands.
  • Repurchase? Maybe. I would prefer to buy an affordable eyeliner to keep in my stash for the few times a year I do wear it.

SKINCARE

*Clinique Pep-Start Eye Cream [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I got this eye cream in a subscription box, and I found it to be just okay. I’ve never found an eye cream that I really love, and this one falls into that same category of being fine but not bringing me any results.

*Fresh Soy Face Cleanser [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I really enjoyed the way this cleanser made my skin feel after use, which was soft and very clean. However, it smelled really weird. This was a nice cleanser to use up, but the smell definitely put me off a bit.

*Yes to Coconut Ultra Hydrating Melting Cleanser [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I really loved this cleanser when I first started using it, but I definitely got sick of it towards the end. This cleanser feels really nice, but sometimes the texture was too thick and high maintenance for me. It smells amazing, though!

*The Body Shop Vitamin C Daily Moisturizer  

  • Mini Review: This moisturizer was great for my skin! It was definitely the perfect weight for my skin, which gets oily very easily. This product is not available for purchase any longer, but it was a nice option at the time.

Yes to Blueberries Intensive Skin Repair Serum [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I have very mixed thoughts about this serum. When I first used it, my skin broke out like crazy, so I stopped using it for a while. Once I picked it back up, my skin really enjoyed it! My only real issue is that my foundation didn’t cooperate well with this serum.
  • Repurchase? Probably not. I’m sure there are better options!

Yes to Cucumber Facial Wipes [BUY] 

  • Mini Review: These are now my go to makeup remover wipes! I regularly buy them, and look for them during sale events. I find they do a great job at removing all my makeup without being too harsh. The cucumber is also very refreshing.
  • Repurchase? Yes!

HAIR CARE

*Living Proof No Frizz Styling Spray [BUY]

  • Mini Review: A friend gave me this product a couple years ago, and I finally finished it! This is one of the best anti-frizz sprays I’ve ever used. My hair always came out nice and sleek when I used this product, but it also didn’t get weighed down or oily. The only drawback would be the chemically smell.

*CVS Therapeutic Dandruff Shampoo [BUY]

  • Mini Review: Unfortunately, this is the one non-vegan product I continue to buy because I need it for medical reasons. You’ve probably heard me talk about how I have a very sensitive scalp. This is especially true in the winter months when the atmosphere is much drier. This is the only shampoo I’ve tried that I can count on to clear up the itchiness and patchy scales. If I don’t use it, my scalp will feel irritated all day long. Not fun!

*Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I used this mask as my regular conditioner by only applying it from the ear down and letting it sit for about a minute. This was a nice product, but I used it every now and then because it is very heavy for my fine hair. If you have dry and thick hair, this might be a great choice!

BODY CARE

*Bath and Body Works Vanilla Bean Noel Shower Gel

  • Mini Review: I got this shower gel for free during the Christmas 2015 season. I only used it in the winter, so that’s why it took me so long to use the whole bottle! I’m glad I’m all done with my Bath & Body Works stash now. These shower gels are just too drying!

*The Body Shop Aloe Body Butter [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I got this lotion because it was the only unscented option from The Body Shop at the time. This was definitely a great body butter, and it is perfect for someone who is sensitive to smells. I am glad to use this up, though, because it is too thick to use in the upcoming summer months for me.

*Dove Advanced Care Deodorant [BUY]

  • Mini Review: This Dove deodorant has been my go to for a few years now, and I bought a pack at a box store to save money. I’m nearly through that pack, and will then be moving on to a natural option that is also vegan. I’ve heard that these mainstream deodorants are really bad for our bodies, but I haven’t done accurate research to know all the science behind this claim. It is a shame because this deodorant works really well!

ORAL CARE

*Colgate Total Advanced Fresh + Whitening [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I’m beyond excited that I’ve used up the last non-vegan oral care item in my beauty stash. This toothpaste was nice, but I don’t feel like it did anything to whiten my teeth. The only reason I bought this one in particular was because I had a coupon and it was on sale at the time.

WINTER EMPTIES: 17

TOTAL 2017 EMPTIES: 17

All in all, while I am behind in my goal of reaching 120 empty products this year, I’m so happy to be using products in my stash and clearing out a lot of old products. I’m especially glad to be using many new skincare products, but it’s overall a great feeling to empty my cupboards and purchase just the vegan products I really need. Let me know if you are interested in a blog post about backup products and stock piles. My views have really changed in the past few years!

What products have you used up recently? Let me know in a comment!

Some of the products in this post were originally provided for my unbiased review. Affiliate links used. All opinions are my own. Please see my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Wet ‘n Wild Crease Brush Review | Dollar Tree Find

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! I recently spotted a bunch of Wet ‘n Wild makeup brushes at Dollar Tree, and decided to pick one up to try. All of the brushes in this line are cruelty free, gluten free, and vegan. I figured even if I didn’t love the brush, it was worth it for just $1.00! I picked up the Crease Brush, as I tend to always need a clean crease brush whenever I’m doing an eyeshadow look. Let me share my thoughts on this Wet ‘n Wild Crease Brush, and let you know if it’s worth the dollar.

Here is a quick look at the Crease Brush in the packaging. It comes in a reusable plastic sleeve, and has a white handle with white and pink bristles. All of the makeup brushes in this line have the same coloring, so it’s easy to spot them in the store. My Dollar Tree had a display of these brushes on the end of the makeup aisle, but if you don’t find them right away definitely do a search of the full store. Sometimes items are placed randomly at dollar stores!

The first thing I noticed about the brush is that it has a bigger head than the other crease brushes in my collection. The bristles do feel very soft to the touch, and there are a good amount of bristles on this one brush. While the Wet ‘n Wild Crease Brush does not do a great job at picking up shadows, it does nicely blend them. This is definitely a great brush to have on hand purely for blending. If you are looking for a brush that will apply a lot of shadow, this is not the brush for you. However, I’m very glad I own this for blending purposes. It is a great find for just $1.00!

All in all, I’m happy I grabbed the Wet ‘n Wild Crease Brush. It is definitely worth the money, and I am interested in trying out the other brushes in the line. Next time I go to Dollar Tree I will be sure to purchase one of the eyeshadow brushes designed to apply shadow to the lid. I’m interested to see if they will pick up a lot of shadow. I recommend visiting your local Dollar Tree and seeing what makeup products you can find for $1.00!

Have you tried any Wet ‘n Wild makeup brushes? Let me know in the comments!