Beauty – Page 8 – Adventures in Polishland

Category: Beauty

June Empties | #365DaysofEmpties Update

Posted on July 6, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! It’s time for my monthly check-in with all of you to share the products I used up towards my #365DaysofEmpties goal. I was getting a bit nervous in June, as I only emptied a few products at the beginning of the month. Thankfully, as the month came to a close, a bunch of my products did also. I’m excited to share my mini-reviews with all of you this month, as I emptied a wide variety of products. Let me share my thoughts on the products I used up in June!

BODY CARE

The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Cream Body Scrub – 1 tub [BUY]

Mini Review: I really enjoy body scrubs from The Body Shop. While I liked the Coca Butter scent of this one, I didn’t love the texture. It felt more abrasive than the sugar and gelee scrubs they also offer.
Would I Buy it Again? I wouldn’t get this particular scrub again, but others from The Body Shop.

Bath & Body Works Beautiful Day Shower Gel – 1 bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: While I loved the clean and fresh scent of Beautiful Day, I found it to be quite drying on my skin despite it being labeled as “Shea Enriched.” That being said, this bottle lasted me a few months because only a small amount of product was needed to get a nice lather.
Would I Buy it Again? No, I’m going to look for more natural cleansers in the future.

MAKEUP

Evian Facial Spray – 1 can [BUY]

Mini Review: I mentioned last month how much I love this facial spray. I use it to dampen my BeautyBlender, but also to freshen up in the hot weather. Last month it got really hot, and I was unable to use the air conditioning. This was a lifesaver!
Would I Buy it Again? I would not buy this travel size can again. The full size lasts me about a year, but the mini ran out in just a month. Go big with this one!

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water – 1 deluxe sample [BUY]

Mini Review: I’ve heard great things about this Primer Water, but I didn’t see much of a difference when I used it. It did feel nice on the skin, but it took a while to dry and added time to my makeup routine.
Would I Buy it Again? No. I didn’t see enough results for the price tag.

Revlon ColorStay Under Eye Concealer – 1 tube [BUY]

Mini Review: This is a staple concealer for me. I’ve repurchased it several times, and really enjoy it as a drugstore option. That being said, it does make my fine lines a bit more pronounced, and it’s expensive for the small amount of product.
Would I But it Again? No. I’m going to look for a better option that is more affordable

SKINCARE

Up & Up Refreshing Wet Cleansing Towelettes – 1 pack

Mini Review: I love these makeup wipes from Target! They are super affordable, but work well to remove my makeup. Plus, I find wipes really refreshing in the warmer months.
Would I Buy it Again? I’m using another pack right now!

StriVectin-SD Instant Retexturizing Scrub – 1 deluxe sample [BUY]

Mini Review: This scrub is awesome! It feels very creamy and gentle on the skin, but truly works to remove dead skin cells. I loved how clear and even my skin felt after using this scrub. Plus, this sample lasted much longer than just the 1.5 weeks it advertised.
Would I But it Again? Maybe. It’s very expensive!

Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield – 1 deluxe sample [BUY]

Mini Review: I’m not sure how I feel about this product! Invisiblur is part serum, part sunscreen, and part primer. I do love how it is a multi-tasker, but I didn’t like the smell. I also found that my foundation didn’t apply as well when I used this product.
Would I Buy it Again? No.

ORAL CARE

GUM Comfort Slide Flossers – 1 pack [BUY]

Mini Review: I love using flossers because they make flossing super easy! While they are a bit more expensive than traditional floss, it is 100% worth it if I floss more. I’ve made flossing part of my normal routine since using these!
Would I But it Again? Yes!

HAIR CARE

göt2b Rockin’ It 4Ever Stylestay Dry Shampoo – 1 can [BUY]

Mini Review: I got this dry shampoo because it was on sale and I had a coupon. Unfortunately, I really did not like it, but still used it all up. It was better than not using any dry shampoo at all, but really didn’t do much for my hair. I don’t recommend it!
Would I Buy it Again? No!

JUNE EMPTIES: 10

TOTAL 2016 EMPTIES: 55

We are now halfway through the year, and I am ahead of my goal to finish up 100 empties! It always feels great to use up a product completely. This month I focused a bit on my deluxe samples, and that helped to move them out of my collection. Plus, it saves me money to use my samples first! As always, please share your thoughts on any of the products I mentioned today with me in the comments.

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

HASK Charcoal Purifying Hair Care Collection Review

Posted on June 29, 2016June 29, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I am excited to review a hair care collection from the brand HASK for all of you. If you’ve been reading my blog for any amount of time, you’ll know I am obsessed with charcoal skincare products. My skin absolutely loves charcoal, as it removes impurities from the skin and leaves it looking clear. I was hoping that a charcoal hair care line would really boost my hair’s health and appearance as well. Let me share my thoughts on the HASK Charcoal Purifying Hair Care Collection with all of you!

I received the shampoo, conditioner, and deep conditioner from the HASK Charcoal Purifying Hair Care Collection, plus a HASK hair brush. This line is formulated to give your hair a deep clean and remove all the impurities in your hair, whether it be from product use or anything else. Charcoal attracts and removes impurities, and the line also includes Vitamin C to clarify hair without stripping away moisture. The entire line is free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, drying alcohol, and artificial colors. I really appreciate that the line is more on the natural side!

I used this line for about three weeks, and unfortunately had to discontinue use because it was starting to irritate my scalp. After about 1-2 weeks of use, I noticed I had a lot of breakouts on my scalp. I figured this was because the charcoal was working, and all of the impurities in my scalp and hair were being released. At first I ignored the breakouts, because they weren’t bothering me at all. However, at about 2.5 weeks, my scalp got very itchy and it was bothering me all day long. I did one more use after that, but when the issue didn’t go away I decided to discontinue use immediately. After going back to my regular shampoo, my scalp already feels better after just a few uses. I do tend to have a sensitive scalp that gets dry and flaky, but I’ve never had an issue like this before, and I’m quite frankly surprised that this line irritated me. I’ve used charcoal products on my face and body regularly for a few years now without issue. Whatever the reason, I had to mention this experience with you in case you also have a sensitive scalp.

That being said, my hair itself did feel a lot stronger and cleaner than it normally does while I was using this system. It did get more tangly, but it looked more radiant. The shampoo and conditioner work up to a nice lather even though it is sulfate free, and it doesn’t have a strong scent. It’s too bad the system irritated my scalp, because my hair seemed to be enjoying it.

I used the Purifying Deep Conditioner twice during the three weeks I used the system – once in the first week and once in the second. I didn’t see a big change in my hair after using this deep conditioner, and my hair felt quite weighed down for the next day or two. I do have very fine hair, so it is weighed down easily. However, I don’t typically have an issue with deep conditioners. This one just didn’t seem to do much for me, although it could change my hair over time with regular use.

HASK Charcoal Purifying Hair Care Collection Review

The last product I received is also my favorite of the bunch! HASK included this small brush, and I’m loving it. The brush reminds me of my holy grail brush, The Wet Brush, but isn’t quite as gentle. I love the cute design on the brush, and the size makes it perfect for travel. I’m going to continue using this for sure!

All in all, I had a hit and miss experience with the HASK Charcoal Purifying Hair Care Collection. It’s difficult for me to say whether or not I recommend this line. If you have a sensitive scalp, I definitely think you should stay away from this range, but if you don’t you are probably okay to try it out. The good news is HASK is a very fabulous and affordable brand! The shampoo and conditioner retail for just $5.99 each, with the deep conditioner being $2.99. You can learn more on HASK’s website HERE and shop online at Ulta. If you’ve tried HASK, please share your experience 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.

June Sephora PLAY! Unboxing | The Minimalists

Posted on June 24, 2016June 20, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I’m unboxing my June Sephora PLAY! box with all of you. It’s been a couple months since I shared this beauty subscription with you on the blog, and I’m excited to do so today. I did want to let you know that I’ve decided to cancel my PLAY! subscription, and this will be my last box. I am doing this for a plethora of reasons, but I first thought about cancelling simply because I haven’t been using the products. While the box is only $10 a month, and I’ve gotten the opportunity to try some great products, I’ve not used most of the products I’ve received over the past several months. Nonetheless, let me share the June box with all of you!

Here’s a quick look at my June Sephora PLAY! box. Last month Sephora changed up the packaging big time and replaced the box with a reusable bag. I love that Sephora created a more environmentally friendly packaging for its subscription. In the past, the products came in a box filled with paper shreds all packed in another box. Major thumbs up for providing us with reusable bags! I know these bags will come in handy during travel.

June’s theme is The Minimalists, and includes products to prove that sometimes less is more. Minimalism is very on trend right now, and it makes sense that Sephora is embracing it when it comes to beauty products!

bareMinerals BareSkin Sheer Sun Serum Bronzer – $2.80 [BUY]

The first product in the June box is a serum bronzer from bareMinerals. This is a really unique product that can be worn alone or mixed in with your foundation. I’m glad this came in the subscription box, as I never would have tried this on my own!

Benefit They’re Real! Mascara – $8.00 [BUY]

Next up is the well-known mascara from Benefit called They’re Real! I think this is a great product to include in the box, because it is definitely a favorite in the beauty community. I’m one of the few people who don’t like this mascara, because it is very thick and weighs down my lashes. This sample is definitely a great value!

BECCA Backlight Priming Filter – $7.60 [BUY]

I am really excited to try the BECCA Backlight Priming Filter, as I know this is a favorite product of Jaclyn Hill. This primer is designed to blur imperfections and give the skin an illuminated look. I don’t typically go for the dewy look, but it will be a lot of fun to try it!

Tarte Tarteguard 30 Sunscreen Lotion – $4.33 [BUY]

I am also really excited to try this sunscreen from Tarte. I was actually looking into this product on my own, as I’m looking for a new sunscreen. Now I get to try before I buy, which is perfect because this is quite the expensive sunscreen. I am definitely up for writing a full review of this product in the future, so let me know if you’re interested in reading one!

Bumble and Bumble Don’t Blow it Hair Styler – $3.10 [BUY]

Next up is a product from Bumble and Bumble that is formulated give your hair style without the need for a blow dryer. I haven’t had good luck with this brand in the past, so I’m not sure if I will give this product a try. I do lot my hair air dry daily, and then usually flat iron it. We’ll see if I put this product to use!

TOCCA Eau de Parfum Florence – $2.00 [BUY]

Last but not least is a perfume sample from TOCCA. As always, I’m not a big fan of perfume samples included in subscription boxes because you can get them for free at any Sephora. This one in particular is quite floral scented, so I definitely won’t be wearing it because of my sensitivity to flowers.

All in all, the June Sephora PLAY! has a value of $27.83, which is more than double the cost, but definitely a low amount compared to months past. I will definitely be using three out of the six products, which is good. I would love to know in the comments your thoughts on the Sephora PLAY! subscription service. Do you subscribe? Have you cancelled? Are you on the wait list? I would love to know!

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

Zoya Hydrating Cream Lipstick Review & Swatches | Mellie & Candy

Posted on June 13, 2016May 18, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I am completing my reviews for the Zoya summer releases with the new Hydrating Cream Lipstick shades. I’ve been a fan of Zoya Nail Polish for four years now, but this is the first time I am trying the lip products the brand also offers. Zoya released both Mellie and Candy just in time for the summer season, and both are bright and pigmented shades perfect for the warmer months. Let me share my thoughts on these lipsticks with all of you!

Each lipstick comes in a black cardboard box and then in sleek black packaging. I really like the rounded tube, and the classic look to these lipsticks. The lipsticks do not have a fragrance, but they do have that typical ‘lipstick’ smell. It brought me back to my days of a dancer where we wore bright red lipstick for each performance!

First up is Zoya Mellie, a bright red lipstick. Mellie is extremely pigmented and it does feel very creamy and comfortable on the lips. I do recommend using a lip detailer brush to apply these lipsticks, as I had some difficulty getting a clean application. Mellie is a staining lipstick, which I like because even if it wears off you will still have a nice wash of color on the lips. I have not done a true wear test to see how these lipsticks wear over time, but they felt very nice on my lips.

Next up is Candy, a bright pink lipstick that I would call a fuchsia shade. Candy also has a rich pigmentation and glides onto the lips well. I don’t like how it looks with my fair skin tone, but I think it will look amazing if you have a darker complexion. Of course, it is all personal preference! I will say that Candy does tend to make the teeth a bit yellower than they actually are, so keep that in mind. Nonetheless, it is a great summer shade with a nice formula.

All in all, I’m so glad I finally tried the lipsticks offered by Zoya. I really love the formulas and the texture of these lipsticks, and I want to check out the other shades in the range for sure. These lipsticks retail for $12 each on Zoya’s website HERE. I definitely recommend the Hydrating Cream Formulas! Make sure to let me know in the comments if you’ve tried any Zoya lipsticks and which ones you recommend.

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

May Empties | #365DaysofEmpties Update

Posted on May 30, 2016May 18, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I am excited to share with you my May Empties – all of the products that I used up in the month of May. We are now five months through the year, and I feel pretty good about the amount of products I’m emptying versus the amount of new products I’ve added to my stash. It is really helpful to focus on one product at a time, and also use mini products that I received as samples or in subscription boxes. Let me share all of the beauty, skincare, and nail care products with you!

NAIL CARE

Julep Acetone Free Conditioning Nail Polish Remover – 2 Bottles [BUY]

Mini Review: This is my all-time favorite nail polish remover! It does an amazing job at removing all the polish on my nails while still being gentle. Plus, it doesn’t have a strong smell. I do wish this was more affordable, but I use it whenever I can.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I would buy it in bulk if possible!

Berkley Jensen Premium 100% Pure Cotton Rounds – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: I use cotton rounds to remove my nail polish, and I’m still working through the huge pack I got from BJ’s last summer. I buy these in bulk to save money!
Would I Buy it Again? Of course!

SKINCARE

Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion Pore Perfecting Exfoliator – 2 Bottles [BUY]

Mini Review: I really enjoy this scrub, and think it works best when used regularly so you see the effects over time. It’s not the best at removing dead skin cells, but it does really help to clean out the pores and even out your skin tone.
Would I Buy it Again? I would, but the price is very high so I probably won’t.

Sephora Green Tea Eye Mask – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: This is the first sheet mask I’ve ever used for the undereye area, and I really enjoyed it! I felt really relaxed after using this, and my eye area did feel smooth. I’m so glad I tested this out!
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I also want to try different varieties.

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Original Formula – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: I am really enjoying this peel, because it is not intimidating. I can feel this peel working when I use it, but it’s not too intense. If you are looking for an easy, at-home peel, this is a great one.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes!

MAKEUP

I thought I would share all of the products I use during makeup application, removal, and makeup brush cleansing together in one category!

Evian Facial Spray – 1 Can [BUY]

Mini Review: I use this spray to dampen my BeautyBlender everyday, and sometimes to freshen up my face throughout the day. I know it might seem silly to use water in a can, but this can lasted me over a year and is specially designed so that bacteria cannot get into the can.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes!

Up & Up Refreshing Wet Cleansing Towelettes – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: These cleansing wipes are designed to remove all makeup while still leaving the skin moisturized. I really love these, and use them several times per week to remove makeup either before cleansing or instead of doing a full skincare routine.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I already have.

Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Hydrating Primer – 1 Tube [BUY]

Mini Review: I am in love with this primer! It has a liquid texture that is not slimy like other primers, and dries to a nice matte finish. I used this on days where I thought my skin was being oily, and it really helped to control that.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes, but I’m working through my other primers right now.

Johnson’s Baby Shampoo – 1 Bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: I bought a small bottle of baby shampoo to use for washing my makeup brushes. I’ve heard this was a good option, and it definitely works! It gets all the product out and leaves the brushes soft.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I purchased a big bottle.

MAY EMPTIES: 11

TOTAL 2016 EMPTIES: 45

I am on track to reach my goal of 100 empties in 2016, and I’m even a few products ahead! My newest goal has been to focus on sample size products whenever I run out of a big bottle, like I did with my PoreDermabrasion this month. Not only is that helping to clean out my stash, but it saves me money! Please let me know in the comments what products you used up in May, and if you are participating in #365DaysofEmpties as well!

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

Ralph Lauren Tender Romance Fragrance Review

Posted on May 13, 2016May 10, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I am excited to review a perfume for all of you. I am not a big fragrance wearer, simply because I am sensitive to a lot of smells. I received a sample of Ralph Lauren’s new fragrance called Tender Romance from the website Influenster, and was a bit nervous to try it. Luckily, I ended up really enjoying this perfume, and I wanted to share more about it with all of you!

First things first, let’s talk about the fragrance itself. I think it’s really helpful to learn more directly from the brand, so here is a snippet of the brand messaging:

“Ralph Lauren presents a fragrance that evokes the feeling of falling in love for the first time, Tender Romance. A delicate caress of pure white magnolia and silky soft cashmere, this enchanting scent captures the story of an intimate, unforgettable moment.”

I received a mini bottle to review, and I do wish it had a spray top, but otherwise I love the packaging. While I typically stay away from floral scents, Tender Romance is surprisingly perfect for me! It doesn’t have an overpowering scent that some other perfumes have. Instead, it is light and fresh with a hint of sweetness. I’ve worn this perfume a few times now, and each time I wore it in a different way. First, I dabbed the tiniest amount on my wrists. It wore well for a couple hours, and then wore away completely. Then I got a bit more adventurous, and applied a good amount on my wrists and neck. Tender Romance has a decent throw, and the scent is quite strong for the first one-two hours of wear. I noticed that the scent lasts for another couple hours, but I definitely recommend reapplying after four hours or so.

All in all, I am really loving Tender Romance. I have no idea how Ralph Lauren created a gorgeous floral-based perfume that doesn’t aggravate someone, like me, with a sensitivity to floral scents. If you have trouble finding a perfume, I highly recommend checking out Tender Romance. This is a high end fragrance that begins at $76.00 at Macy’s HERE. Make sure to stop by your local store to see if you like it!

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

Valentina Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum Review + Coupon Code

Posted on May 9, 2016May 9, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I have a skincare review for all of you. I received the Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum from the brand Valentina, and was so excited because I was in desperate need of a new serum. My skin had a bad reaction to another serum I tried, and I wanted to get it back in shape as soon as possible. Valentina came to my rescue, and I’m excited to share my thoughts on this product with you. Let me jump right into the review!

The Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum is formulated to support natural circulation for an all over youthful and revitalized complexion. There are five claims listed by the brand, which are:

Renews texture and tone
Deeply moisturizes
Minimizes fine lines
Increases elasticity
Brightens and corrects

This serum is also 98% natural, and is cruelty free. I also love that this product is made in the USA.

The serum comes in a pump container, and should be applied after cleansing in the evening. I could tell right away that this would be a moisturizing serum, as it is a bit creamier than most serums I’ve used. I noticed the serum has a very slight smell that reminds me of Necco wafers! It’s not a powerful smell at all, and dissipates after the serum dries. I’ve now used the Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum for a few weeks, and I’m really happy with the results so far. My skin texture has definitely improved – the breakouts I was experiencing have cleared up almost completely. I also see some brightening and correcting going on, which is always good. I haven’t noticed a difference in my fine lines or skin elasticity yet, but I think that takes more than a few weeks of use. I will be sure to check in on my social media if I notice a change over time!

All in all, I am really enjoying the Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum from Valentina! I definitely recommend this serum if you are looking for a natural option with moisturizing properties. You can buy this on Amazon HERE for $35.00. While this is a bit of a splurge, I definitely think it is worth the money for a 1.18oz bottle. Valentina is also offering a special coupon code for all of you! Enter the code ZWJM8XKG at checkout to save 20% off your purchase. This coupon expires on April 9, 2016, so shop now! You can also check out Valentina online HERE, and on Instagram and Facebook.

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

April Empties | #365DaysofEmpties Update

Posted on April 29, 2016April 25, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! April is coming to a close, and that means it’s time to share with you all of the products I used up this month. I used up a lot of big products in April, which is always a lot of fun. I’ve decided that once I use up a big bottle of something, I’m going to reach for a sample next so I can really focus on emptying those, too. Let me share with you all of my empties for April, and give an update on my #365DaysofEmpties project!

SKINCARE

GlamGlow Powermud Dualcleanse Treatment – 1 Sample [BUY]

Mini Review: I was so excited to finally try a product from the high end brand GlamGlow. I only got one use of this face mask from this sample, and to be honest, I wasn’t blown away. My skin felt really clean, but I didn’t have any amazing results. I would need to try this a few more times to see any changes in my skin.
Would I Buy it Again? No. It’s too expensive!

NAIL CARE

Berkley Jensen Premium 100% Pure Cotton Rounds – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: I primarily use cotton rounds to remove my nail polish, and I’ve been doing a lot of swatching lately. I purchase these in bulk from BJ’s to save money, but any pure cotton rounds are excellent. I also use them to cleanse my face sometimes.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes!

HAIR CARE

L’Oreal Advanced Haircare Triple Resist Reinforcing Shampoo & Conditioner – 2 Bottles [BUY] & [BUY]

Mini Review: I absolutely love the Advanced Haircare collection from L’Oreal. I’ve tried several different lines, and the Triple Resist is a great one. It’s designed to help strengthen fragile, breaking hair. It definitely lives up to its name, and my fine hair loved it. Keep an eye out for coupons and sales!
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I’m currently using a different line from this collection, though.

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk – 1 Can [BUY]

Mini Review: Friends, this is my holy grail dry shampoo. I purchase it whenever I can because it gets the job done better than any of the other dry shampoos I’ve tried. It truly zaps the oil right out of my hair, giving it a fresh and clean feeling. It is super expensive, but worth every penny.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! Yes! Yes!

BODY CARE

Dove Advanced Care Cool Essentials 48-Hour Antiperspirant – 1 Tube [BUY]

Mini Review: This is my favorite deodorant from the drugstore, and really the only one that works for me. I would love to find a natural deodorant that works, but so far I haven’t had any luck. I prefer the unscented version, but this Cool Essentials was nice, too.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes!

Olay Ultra Moisture with Shea Butter Moisture Outlast Body Wash – 1 Bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: I received this travel size bottle of body wash from PinchMe for review, and I am pleasantly surprised with how much I love it! This body wash truly does add moisture to the skin while still cleansing. I noticed a big difference when I switched back to my other body wash – my skin was a lot drier. Plus, I love the soothing scent of Shea butter.
Would I But it Again? Yes, but I’m currently using up the other body washes in my stash.

MAKEUP

Covergirl truBLEND Liquid Makeup in L2 Classic Ivory – 1 Bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: This is one of my favorite foundations from the drugstore! It is a light-medium coverage for everyday wear, and is buildable for sure. My bottle looks disgusting here, because once the pump stops working I take it out and flip the bottle upside down so the last bits of foundation fall into the cap. It helps me use up all the product!
Would I Buy it Again? Yes!

APRIL EMPTIES: 8

TOTAL 2016 EMPTIES: 34

I’m glad I used up so many big products in April, but I am a bit nervous looking at my total number of empties for the year! I am still on track to reach my goal of 100 empties in 2016, but I am now only one product ahead of that number. I’m going to work really hard in May to focus on products, and hopefully I can maintain a steady pace. Definitely let me know in the comments if you’ve used any of the products I mentioned today, and your mini review of them!

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

March PLAY! by Sephora Unboxing & Giveaway!

Posted on April 27, 2016March 25, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I am super excited to share with you what I received in my March PLAY! by Sephora. Plus, I have a giveaway to share with you! I know a lot of you haven’t been able to join Sephora’s monthly subscription program yet. I was lucky to get off the wait list right away, and so I’m going to be giving back to one of you. First I’ll be sharing my unboxing as always, and the giveaway will be at the end. If you’d like to see a quick look at my February PLAY! by Sephora, I posted about it on Facebook HERE since I didn’t share a full unboxing during Manicure March. Without further ado, let me show you what I got in March!

March’s theme is The Perfection Collection, and features products to allow us to put our best face forward. To be honest, I don’t find the monthly themes to really be a good representation of what’s inside, but that is fine to me. I have no problem getting a random bunch of goodies from Sephora so long as they are products I’ll use!

Sephora The Perfectionist Sponge Sephora Collection The Perfectionist: Airbrush Sponge – $12.00 [BUY]

The first product I received is a beauty sponge from Sephora’s own collection. I am always up for trying a BeautyBlender dupe, so I’m very excited to test this out. I’m also glad we got a full size sponge that retails for more than the entire PLAY! by Sephora box! How awesome is that? I was just about to invest in a new BeautyBlender, but I’ll happily try this first. I’ll be sure to share my full thoughts on this product after testing it.

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser – $4.47 [BUY]

I am also very excited to receive this cleanser from Fresh. I absolutely love this brand, but never do I purchase the products for myself because they are quite expensive. I’ve tried a sample of the Soy Face Exfoliant before and really liked it. I’ll be sure to keep this on hand for when my current cleanser runs out of product!

Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield – $11.05 [BUY]

Another brand I love but don’t buy myself because of the high price tag is Murad. Inivisblur is a priming spray, which I feel is super trendy right now. I love that this contains SPF 30, and that it is designed to smooth out the skin. I will definitely be using this in the summer, because priming sprays are lighter than a standard primer.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil – $5.46 [BUY]

I also received a primer from Smashbox in my March box, this time in the form of a Primer Oil. I don’t usually like face oils because they tend to breakout my skin, but I’ve had great luck with the other primers from the Smashbox Photo Finish line so I hope I’ll like this, too. I’m definitely stocked up on primers for a while now!

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper (Black) – $6.65 [BUY]

Now we are getting to the part of the unboxing where I grumble about getting the same kind of products every month. I’ve received an eyeliner in my PLAY! by Sephora box four out of five times, and three of the four eyeliners have been black. As someone who doesn’t wear eyeliner more than a few times a year, this is quite frustrating. Even if I wore eyeliner every day I would find it annoying! I appreciate that I get to try high end brands, but there are so many different beauty products we could be receiving. Why not mascara? Why not blush? Why not nail polish? Please mix it up in the future, Sephora!

Replica Beach Walk Perfume – $1.47 [BUY]

The last product is a perfume sample, and if you’ve been reading my PLAY! by Sephora posts from the beginning you’ll know I don’t enjoy receiving these. Sephora gives these samples away for free in online orders and in the store, and I’d much rather go to the store and pick a scent that works for me. I would love to stop getting these in my subscription and instead receive a deluxe skincare or makeup sample.

Overall, I have mostly positive things to say about my March PLAY! by Sephora subscription. The box has a total retail vale of $41.10, and I am excited about four of the six products. I am definitely getting my money’s worth! My box also came with a little plastic tub that I can bring into Sephora and be matched for a foundation. That’s a fun incentive to go shopping! I’m going to continue with this subscription for sure!

GIVEAWAY

As a thank you for supporting my blog, I wanted to curate a PLAY! by Sephora box for all of you! I’ve collected some of the products I won’t be using from past PLAY! boxes, and put them together in a kit. I hope that if you have been waiting to get your hands on one of these boxes this will be a fun prize! One winner will receive:

TOCCA Isabel Perfume Sample
Viktor & Rolf Flower Bomb Perfume Sample
Stella McCartney Stella Perfume Sample
Lancome Drama Liqui-Pencil Khol Eyeliner
Sephora Contour Eye Pencil in My Boyfriend’s Jeans
Smashbox Full Exposure Eyeshadow Duo
Bonus: miscellaneous Sephora samples!

This giveaway is only open to those in the United States. I apologize to my international readers, but perfume must be sent by ground shipping, and so I am limited to the USA with this one. This giveaway is open for two weeks, ending on May 11, 2016. To enter you must be following my blog and provide me with your email through the Rafflecopter widget. All other entires are your choice and bonus entries! Please email me at adventuresinpolishland@gmail.com with any questions, and read the full Terms and Conditions in the widget before entering. Good luck!a Rafflecopter giveaway

I purchase PLAY! by Sephora with my own money. Sephora is not affiliated with this giveaway. Links used are affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

NYX Eye Shadow Base Review | ‘Skin Tone’

Posted on April 18, 2016March 21, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I have a review of the NYX Eye Shadow Base in the shade Skin Tone to share with you. During my most recent makeup declutter, I tossed the two bases I owned because they were expired. I was going to splurge on a MAC Paint Pot, but while at Target I saw that NYX had an affordable option. I purchased the shade Skin Tone to try. Before I jump into the review, I did want to note that I am quite unhappy with the shade name as Skin Tone. Not everyone has the same skin tone, of course, and it’s quite disappointing that a brand would use a name that is so excluding. I hope that in the future NYX will use other descriptors for skin toned products. Nonetheless, let me share my thoughts on the actual product with you.

NYX Eye Shadow Base Review | 'Skin Tone'

The NYX Eye Shadow Base comes in a pot, and I really liked that it was wrapped in clear plastic on the outside and had a safety seal on the inside so I know the product wasn’t opened or tested by another customer. This base is formulated to keep your eyeshadow in place, and maximize the color as well. I like to wear a base like this to cover the veins in my eyelids even if I’m not wearing eyeshadow. It just creates a cleaner and brighter look for me.

Here is a swatch of Skin Tone. It is a bit darker than I would have liked, but on the eyes it does a great job of evening out the discoloration while still looking very natural. The formula is good, and very creamy. I like to use a concealer brush to apply it so I’m not constantly dipping my fingers into the pot. I did notice some creasing on the lids at the end of the day, and this product does wear off throughout the day, too. My eyelids do tend to be on the oily side, so I think this product would work much better for someone who doesn’t have oily lids. I think this is a good product for the price, but I will be trying out another base next time around.

All in all, I have mixed feelings about the NYX Eye Shadow Base. I love the formula and that it is cruelty free, but I am still aggravated with the name choice and the fact that it creases with my eyelids. I will continue to use this base until I find a better option for me, and will be sure to check in with you when than happens! If you have a favorite eye base, please share with me in the comments!