Skincare – Adventures in Polishland

Category: Skincare

Empty Product Reviews | My Go To Cruelty Free Skincare, Hair Care, and Body Care

Posted on July 7, 2021 by Adventures in Polishland

It’s been quite some time since I shared an Empties post here on the blog (it appears the last one was in 2017 – oops!). While I’ve shared snippets on my Instagram regularly, I thought it would be fun to share mini reviews with you on all of the products I’ve used up recently. The skincare, hair care, and body care items in this post are some of my go to cruelty free and vegan products that I repurchase regularly. You’ll also notice that I am quite loyal to both The Body Shop and Derma E! I love both of these brands because they offer effective products at prices I can afford.

Empty Product Reviews | My Go To Cruelty Free Skincare, Hair Care, and Body Care

Products from Derma E provided for my unbiased review. This post includes affiliate links.

Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub | $15.50 | BUY

First up is the Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub with Activated Charcoal. I’ve used this scrub for many years. It’s gentle enough to use daily, but still effective at keeping the skin clear and free of dry flakes. I recently stopped using this on my face, as I was using a cleanser with a chemical exfoliant (more on that later). Instead, I’ve used this in my underarms about 1-2 times per week. This has really helped to get rid of any odors that I experience after working out in the humid summer months, all while using a natural deodorant.

Derma E Anti-Wrinkle Cleanser | $13.75 | BUY

The cleanser I used up is the Derma E Anti-Wrinkle Cleanser. This is a new-to-me product, but I absolutely loved it! As mentioned, this has glycolic acid in it to exfoliate the skin. I found that my face was much more even, hydrated, and clear when using this product. It was also nice to not have to use a physical exfoliant as an additional step in my skincare routine. I love testing out new cleansers, but I would definitely consider repurchasing this one.

The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Eye Concentrate | $32.00 | BUY

Next up is my all-time favorite eye care product, The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Eye Concentrate. This is an eye serum, and comes with a rollerball applicator. This is the only eye care product that works for me! I find that it helps to minimize my fine lines when I use it regularly. I do wish the packaging was more environmentally friendly, but I continue to repurchase this because I like it so much.

The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Essence-Lotion | $24.00

Another favorite product of mine is The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Essence-Lotion. I use this morning and night before I apply serum. My skin loves this product, as it helps to keep my skin hydrated, clear, and smooth. It’s currently not available on The Body Shop’s website, and I’m seriously hoping it hasn’t been discontinued! If you do ever see this back in stock, I highly recommend it.

The Body Shop Juicy Pear Body Scrub | $24.00 | BUY SIMILAR

Moving onto body care, I used up the Juicy Pear Body Scrub from The Body Shop. This was a limited edition holiday scent, but I really enjoy the scrubs from The Body Shop. This one was a sugar-based scrub, but I enjoy all of the available formulas as long as they are vegan. I typically like to grab a few scrubs during the Black Friday sale to save money and stock up for the year. They smell great, and keep the skin really smooth.

The Body Shop Make-Up Setting Spray | $6.00 | BUY

A hidden gem product at The Body Shop is definitely the Make-Up Setting Spray. This is by far my favorite setting spray ever! Not only does it keep my makeup in place throughout the day, but it helps reduce any cakey appearance. This spray has aloe vera in it as well, so it helps to keep the skin hydrated. My only critique with this product is that the bottle is only 60 ml. I would buy this in jumbo size if I could!

Derma E Thickening Conditioner | $9.99 | BUY

Last but not last is the Derma E Thickening Conditioner. I first tried this product when I received it from the brand for review, and now I’ve purchased it twice myself. I like this conditioner because it is gentle on the scalp and hydrating for my hair without making it greasy. I pair this conditioner with the Scalp Relief Shampoo for my go to hair routine.

That wraps up this round of empty product reviews! I hope you’ve found this post helpful if you are also on the lookout for cruelty free and vegan products that are worth the money. Please let me know in the comments if you would like to see regular empties posts here on the blog. I love sharing mini reviews of all the beauty products I’ve used up completely!

The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil Review | #EmptyProductReview

Posted on May 27, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

After a few bad experiences, I avoided using facial oils for quite a while. But as I got older and my skin got a bit drier, I decided to try The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil. This cruelty free and vegan facial oil is not only one of The Body Shop’s best selling skincare products, but it is formulated to deeply moisturize the skin and provide anti-aging benefits as well. I recently used up my bottle, and wanted to share my thoughts on this product with all of you.

The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil Review

This post includes affiliate links.

The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil is a unique blend of three precious nut seed oils: Black Cumin Seed Oil, Camellia Seed Oil, and Rosehip Oil. In the past I had used Argan oil based facial oils, and no matter which brand I tried, my skin would break out quite badly. I have combination skin that can overproduce oil while being dry and flaky at the same time. It can be tricky to find what products work best for me, but I’ve learned that moisturizing products can help to restore my skin’s hydration and reduce the added oils when used regularly. Thus, while I was hesitant to try the Oils of Life facial oil, I’m so glad I did! My skin never had a bad reaction, and instead loved this product’s hydrating properties.

I use this product after applying a facial serum. I take about 3-4 drops and gently massage the oil over my face and neck. Upon application, my skin does look greasy. However, once I go in with my moisturizer, the oil sinks deeper into my skin and the shininess goes away. I don’t use this product every day, especially in the summer months, but I know whenever I reach for this oil my skin will look and feel more hydrated. The Body Shop also claims this product can help with anti-aging and make the skin look firmer. I find that my skin does look firmer when using this oil, because any lines that appear due to dehydration are not as visible.

Overall, I absolutely love The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil! Not only do I really enjoy the formula and product effectiveness, but I think the price point is fair. It took me about two years to completely use up a 1.7 fluid ounce bottle that retails for $55.00. While that is a large investment up front, comparable products from other high end brands begin at around $72.00! Plus, you can often get this product on sale. I recommend using Rakuten (formerly Ebates) to earn cash back on your purchase as well. I will absolutely be repurchasing this oil once I work through what I already have in my skincare stash!

You can purchase The Body Shop Oils of Life Facial Oil directly from the brand’s website.

Derma E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask Review | #MayMaskChallenge

Posted on May 17, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

This month I’ve been participating in the #MayMaskChallenge hosted by Lisa Stevens. My goal is to use a face mask at least once each week, and so far I’ve really enjoyed giving my skin a bit of extra TLC. One of my favorite masks is the Derma E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask. I’ve used up almost an entire tube of it, and I already have a back-up ready in my mask collection. That being said, this mask can be a bit tricky to work with, so I thought it would be helpful to share my tips for using this mask.

Derma E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask Review

The product in this post was provided for my review. This post includes affiliate links.

The Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask from Derma E has a dual-action formula that deep cleans the pores and exfoliates the skin to leave it fresh and glowing. The mask contains Activated Charcoal, which helps to remove dirt, oil, and bacteria from the skin. Derma E recommends application as follows: “Apply generously to clean face, avoiding eye and lip areas. Leave on for five minutes or until mask is dry. Moisten fingertips, then massage gently in a circular motion to activate exfoliants” prior to rinsing off the mask and patting the skin dry. I mention the instructions written on the tube because, after using this product multiple times, I slightly alter the application to make the mask work better for me.

This mask can be a bit intense since it is such a deep-cleansing mask. One time, I left the mask on my skin a bit too long, and my skin was a little red and irritated when I washed it off. I realized that instead of generously applying this mask, it is best to apply a very thin layer to the face. That is because the mask can take several minutes to dry. In the photo above, I show what the mask looks like upon application, and what it looks like after it dries. It took over 12 minutes to dry, and you can see there is a small patch where it is still wet. Thus, I now use a small amount of this mask, and wash it off immediately after five minutes has passed even though it may not be completely dry. While I do not follow the brand’s directions, I still get a great result from the mask! A little definitely goes a long way with this product.

I absolutely love the Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask because my skin not only feels vey clean and smooth, but I feel like I can visibly see a difference after each use. Of course, any dry skin is exfoliated away, but my pores are less noticeable and my complexion appears more even. I also love that this mask removes added dirt and oil, but it does not leave my skin feeling dry. It’s one of my all-time favorite masks to give my skin a deep clean!

The Derma E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask is available for purchase on Derma E’s website for $19.50 HERE. You can also purchase a sample packet for $4.00 if you want to test the mask prior to investing in the full size.

My Current Skincare Routine | Cruelty Free and Vegan

Posted on February 9, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

I recently shared with you my current makeup collection, and I thought it would be fun to share what skincare I am using right now as well. I have come to really love skincare over the past few years. While I am not the most knowledgeable about the science behind skincare and particular ingredients, I really enjoy trying new products. I find that when I stick to a skincare routine, my skin does look and feel much better than when I get a bit lazy. This is especially true in the winter months when my skin gets very dry and needs some extra TLC. As always, all of the products I mention today are cruelty free and vegan.

I received the Derma E products in this post from the brand for consideration. This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through those links, I will earn a small commission. Thank you!

Makeup Remover

The first step of my skincare routine, at least in the evenings, is makeup removal. I’ve been using The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter for a couple years now. This stuff is awesome! All you need to do is massage a small amount all over your face and it melts off your makeup. It is eye safe, so it gets off stubborn mascara. Plus, it comes in an aluminum container, so it’s a better option than removers that come in plastic.

Cleansers and Exfoliators

For cleansing, I keep the Pacifica Kale Charcoal Foaming Facial Detox Bar in my shower. I absolutely love this cleanser. It helps to keep my face clear from breakouts, and it works really well with my FOREO LUNA. I also use The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Cleansing Oil-in-Gel in the evenings. This cleanser is great if you have dry skin, but I may not repurchase since it is in a plastic bottle.

I am currently using two exfoliators from the brand Derma E that are two of my all-time favorites. First is the Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub. I’ve used at least two or three jars up before, and I love having it in my collection. I use the microdermabrasion once or twice a week at maximum. It gets all the dead skin off my face and is perfect in the winter! I also use the Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub regularly. This scrub is gentle enough for daily use, and the activated charcoal keeps my skin clean and clear of blemishes.

Toner, Essence, Serum, and Oil

I don’t always use toner, but I do if I feel like my skin needs a bit more of a deep clean. Right now I have The Body Shop Seaweed Balancing Toner in my collection. My skin used to be quite oily, so this toner was great, but as I’m getting older I think I may need a different option.

That being said, the other three products pictured above are all Holy Grail items for me. The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Essence-Lotion is the first step in my hydrating routine. It keeps my skin looking fresh and plump. Similarly, my favorite serum of all time is The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Concentrate. This keeps my skin looking clear, young, and hydrated. It sinks in immediately, and I love how it feels. I’ve gone through several bottles. Finally, The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil is the best facial oil I’ve ever used. In the past, facial oils have always caused my skin to break out (including well-known high end brands). This one simply hydrates my skin and aids in anti-aging. Applying essence, serum, and oil is my favorite part of my skincare routine.

Eye Creams and Moisturizers

When it comes to under-eye products, I am currently using the Derma E Firming DMAE Eye Lift and The Body Shop Drops of Youth Eye Concentrate. I haven’t noticed any firming results from the Derma E eye cream, but I really like how it sinks into the skin and I look forward to using it more regularly. That being said, I am obsessed with the Drops of Youth Eye Concentrate! This is an eye serum, and it is the only eye product I’ve ever used that made my fine lines lessen. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work well under makeup and pills up on me, so I only use it at night.

Lastly, I am using two different moisturizers from Derma E right now. In the morning I use the Skin Restore Advanced Peptides & Collagen Moisturizer. I’ve been using this for a few months now, and I absolutely love it! The lotion is very creamy, but sinks right into the skin and makes my face look super smooth. It also works really well under makeup, and I go without a face primer a lot of the time! In the evenings, I use my all-time favorite moisturizer, the Hydrating Night Cream. I’ve gone through multiple jars of this cream. In addition to being very hydrating, it is very soothing and firming.

As you can see, my entire skincare routine is comprised of products from The Body Shop and Derma E, with one Pacifica item thrown in as well. I love these brands because they offer products that are high quality, yet still at a great price point when compared to high end brands. I always stock up during sales, and I shop through Rakuten to earn cash back. I also love that these brands are available in many brick-and-mortar stores, making them accessible to the masses. Shopping cruelty free and vegan skincare can be much easier than you think!

What are your favorite skincare brands?!

10 #ZeroWaste Products in my Health & Beauty Routine

Posted on January 19, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

Today I thought it would be fun to share some of the ways I’ve gone plastic free and zero waste in my health and beauty routine. If you are trying to cut down on disposable products and make more sustainable choices, I think a great place to start is with your skincare and other personal care products. There are so many great reusable and packaging free products on the market now, and I’ve really enjoyed working them into my lifestyle. Here are the ten zero waste items I’ve incorporated in my health and beauty routine so far!

This blog post includes affiliate links. I will earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. Thank you!

Skincare Tools

Skincare Cleansing Device – FOREO LUNA for Combination Skin | $199.00

I first tried the FOREO LUNA back in 2015 when it was sent to me for review. While this is a luxury skincare item, I think it is absolutely worth the investment. Unlike competitor products that require you to purchase disposable brush heads or cleansing pads, the FOREO doesn’t need added attachments or replacements. Thus, not only is this a zero waste product, but is saves you a lot of money in the long run. Also, in the nearly five years I’ve had this cleansing device, I’ve only had to charge the batteries once! I honestly cannot say enough great things about this device, and I highly recommend saving up for it.

Reusable Cotton Rounds – Captain Hook Crochet | Set of 14 for $10.00

Another great switch is reusable cotton rounds in place of disposable ones that typically come in a plastic bag. I ended up making my own with 100% cotton yarn that is machine washable and dryable. I’ve used the same set of 14 for over a year now, and they’ve held up really well. I use these cotton pads for removing makeup, applying toner and essence lotion, removing face masks, and more. I also sell these on Etsy using the above link if you are interested in purchasing a set!

Skincare and Body Care Products

When it comes to packaging free and plastic free skincare and body care products, I’ve switched over to quite a few! In the above photo you’ll see that I now use a lot of “naked” products from LUSH, and I also purchase other items that come in recyclable paper packaging. Items I no longer buy in plastic include face cleanser, hand soap, hair conditioner, and shower gel. I also like to store my products in vintage glassware that I buy at antique stores, thrift stores, and yard sales!

I also use a bar soap as a makeup brush cleanser. I keep that soap in this candy dish next to the sink. Right now I’m using a Dr. Bronner’s All-One Hemp bar to wash my makeup brushes and beauty sponge, and a Kirk’s Castile bar for my hand soap.

I’ve also been using a packaging free deodorant for about two years now! I love the LUSH Aromaco. You can read more of my thoughts in this review. I’ve purchased this deodorant three times now, and it is a staple item in my health and beauty routine. I also store it in an upcycled body scrub container!

Personal Care Needs

Toilet Paper – Who Gives a Crap 100% Recycled 3-Ply | 24 Rolls for $30.00

One of my favorite plastic free switches is toilet paper! Almost all of the toilet paper sold at the grocery store comes in plastic packaging. I decided to give the brand Who Gives a Crap a try, and I absolutely love it. I use the 100% recycled toilet paper. It is high quality and still quite affordable. I love how I can order a huge box a couple times a year, and I don’t have to lug toilet paper home from the store. Plus, Who Gives a Crap also donates 50% of its profits to build toilets for those in need.

Toothbrush – Brush with Bamboo | 4 Brushes for $16.99

Last but not least is my toothbrush! I began using Brush with Bamboo last year. It definitely took me a few weeks to get used to a bamboo toothbrush, but now I am fully accustomed to it. I order these on Amazon, and while they are a bit more expensive than the brushes you can get at the drugstore, I am happy to pay the extra money for a more sustainable option. I also saw on Instagram that the brand has restyled its packaging to be even more environmentally friendly!

What are some #ZeroWaste switches you’ve made?

I would love to learn about your favorite plastic free products, and any recommendations you have for me. I am always trying to incorporate more sustainable items into my life, especially when it comes to my health and beauty routine. While so many skincare and body care items traditionally come in plastic, it’s nice knowing of the other options available. Let us continue to make these small switches in our lives so that together we can make a big impact!

LUSH Aromaco Deodorant Review | #PlasticFreeJuly

Posted on July 7, 2019July 6, 2019 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Sunday! Today I’m excited to bring you another review of a plastic free beauty product as part of #PlasticFreeJuly. If you would like to learn a bit more about this month-long project, please read THIS blog post. One of my favorite zero waste products is the Aromaco naked deodorant from LUSH. I tried this after having a horrible experience with another natural deodorant, and this is now a staple in my body care routine. Let me tell you a bit more about why I love Aromaco!

I first purchased this deodorant because it is an affordable vegan option that comes without a plastic tube. I was quite hesitant to try it, because Aromaco does contain baking soda, and I had a very bad reaction after using another deodorant with baking soda in the past. Luckily, I think it is far enough down on the ingredients list, because I have not had any irritation at all with this deodorant. In fact, I am very impressed with the formula! It goes onto the skin easily without being sticky, and it doesn’t leave a white-cast on your body or on your clothing. The scent is a bit herbal, but it’s not strong, which I prefer. My only criticism of this product, is that I wish it were a bit stronger. Aromaco is an effective deodorant, but at the end of a hot, sweaty day, my armpits don’t smell as peachy as I would like. Nonetheless, re-applying the product helps take care of any stink, and I find I have to stick my own nose into my armpit to truly smell anything.

Overall, I love the LUSH Aromaco deodorant! One block of it is about $6.95, and it lasts for several months. I’ve already repurchased a second block, and I think this is going to be my go-to deodorant for quite some time! I store mine in a repurposed body scrub jar, and I recommend using any upcycled air-tight container. Can you imagine how much plastic we would prevent from ending up an a landfill just by switching to plastic free deodorant?! I highly recommend giving this one a try!

Have you tried any packaging free deodorants? Share your experience in the comments!

Dr. Bronner’s All-One Hemp Tea Tree Pure Castile Bar Soap Review | #PlasticFreeJuly

Posted on July 1, 2019June 30, 2019 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Welcome back to Adventures in Polishland! I am excited to be back on the blog for the first day of an event called Plastic Free July. This month-long challenge is a global movement encouraging people to ditch single use plastics for the entirety of July. This is the first year I am participating in the challenge, and I thought I would celebrate by sharing some reviews of my favorite plastic free products with all of you. My zero waste journey truly began last year, and I’ve slowly continued transitioning over my beauty collection, and the rest of my life, to be more eco-conscious. Today I have a review of one of the first plastic free products I introduced into my routine, and that is the Dr. Bronner’s All-One Hemp Tea Tree Pure Castile Bar Soap.

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

I purchased this bar soap for the main purpose of cleaning my BeautyBlender. I’ve heard great things about the BeautyBlender BlenderCleanser Solid, but that comes wrapped in plastic and is a bit pricey at about $16.00. Thus, I decided to try the Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Bar Soap, which also has excellent reviews. I love that this product is vegan, and that it comes in a 100% post-consumer recycled wrapper that is biodegradable. Plus, it is very affordable at just $4.69 at Ulta. Dr. Bronner’s offers a few different varieties of bar soap, but I purchased the Tea Tree scent since tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic, and I thought that would be a great option for cleaning my BeautyBlender.

I kept this bar soap on my sink in a vintage carnival glass dish that I purchased at an antique store. I found the exact one on Etsy HERE if you would like to match me! I love using a bowl as a soap dish, because it allows the soap to sit an an angle and not get soggy. In fact, this Dr. Bronner’s soap held up really well! It lasted me a few months, and did a great job at cleaning my BeautyBlender. I wash my BeautyBlender before each use, and this soap kept it looking stain-free. In addition, the scent on this soap is very light, and I would describe it as a bit herbal or earthy. However, the scent does not linger once rinsed off, which I personally enjoy. I will say that the formula of this soap can be a bit drying for the hands, but that isn’t a problem when you’re using it as a makeup brush shampoo.

All in all, I’m so glad I finally tried this cult favorite product! The Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Bar Soap is a budget-friendly option that is widely available at drugstores and department stores. I have yet to repurchase this product because I’ve been enjoying testing out other bar soaps, but I would definitely grab this again in the future. If you are looking for a vegan and zero waste bar soap that won’t break the bank, I highly recommend it!

What is your favorite plastic free product for cleaning your BeautyBlender or makeup brushes? Let me know in the comments!

You can purchase this product and support my blog by using one of the following affiliate links:

Amazon | Ulta | Walgreens

Schmidt’s Bergamot + Lime Natural Deodorant Review | The Best and Worst Natural Deodorant I’ve Tried

Posted on May 24, 2018 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today I have a review of the Schmidt’s Bergamot + Lime Natural Deodorant to share with you. I’ve been on the hunt for a deodorant that is natural, vegan, and effective for about two years now. While I’ve found some options that are just okay, I was very excited to give Schmidt’s a try after spotting it at my local Target store. I know this brand is a favorite of many, including beauty influencer Ingrid Nilsen. Unfortunately, after using up my first stick of Schmidt’s, I know it is going to be my last. Let me tell you why this is both the best and worst natural deodorant I’ve tried thus far.

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

As mentioned, I purchased a stick of Schmidt’s from my local Target. I love that this vegan deodorant is easily accessible, and available at the affordable price of around $5.00. I grabbed the Bergamot + Lime scent, as the only other option available in-store was Lavender, and I’m not a fan of florals. While I never really enjoyed the strong citrusy scent of Bergamot + Lime, it was something I was willing to ignore if the deodorant worked well for me.

I began using this deodorant according to the instructions on the packaging, and, at first, I was absolutely in love. This is the first natural deodorant I’ve tried that actually kept me smelling fresh and clean all day long. In fact, when I got changed at night before bed, I was amazed to discover that my armpits did not have any bad smell at all! This is definitely a departure from other vegan and natural deodorants I’ve tried thus far that did not have a long-lasting effect. I was so excited that this deodorant prevented odor all day long, and I thought I had discovered my new Holy Grail deodorant!

Unfortunately, after I had used this deodorant for around two months I developed a rash in my armpits. At first it was quite mild, and only on one side, but then it became more painful and irritated under both arms. I decided to take a break from the deodorant, and the rash cleared up. Whenever I attempted to go back to the deodorant, the rash would reappear.

After a quick Google search, I discovered that many other people have also reported getting a rash when using Schmidt’s deodorants. In fact, the company acknowledges this “sensitivity” on its website HERE claiming it is “underarm detox.” For me, this is a huge red flag that I wish I noticed before purchasing this product. Not only have I used natural deodorants for about 18 months now, but there is also evidence that the term “detox” is improperly used in marketing in order to encourage consumers to purchase products. Thus, even if “underarm detox” is scientifically based, I should not be experiencing any such detox after using natural deodorants for an extended period of time.

At the end of the day, I am very disappointed that I cannot recommend the Schmidt’s Bergamot + Lime Natural Deodorant. It truly is the best and worst natural deodorant I’ve tried! If I did not get a rash when using this product, I would jump at repurchasing it again. However, I am now using a package-free deodorant from Lush that is better for the environment and my armpits.

What is your favorite natural deodorant? Let me know in the comments!

My Top 5 Derma E Products | My Favorite Vegan Skincare Products

Posted on February 3, 2018 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! Today I want to highlight one of my favorite skincare brands – Derma E! Not only is this brand 100% vegan, but I love that Derma E creates high quality and effective products that are on the more affordable side. I began using this brand several years ago when I received the Microdermabrasion Scrub in an Ipsy bag (remember THAT?!). I’ve continued to buy products from the brand ever since, and am now very grateful to receive products to review as well. This weekend Derma E is having a 20% off sale on its entire website, so I thought it was the perfect time to share my top five products with you.

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

1. Microdermabrasion Scrub – $32.50 [BUY]

Let’s begin with the product that started it all for me – the Microdermabrasion Scrub! I recently began using this scrub again, and I am absolutely in love with it. When I use this product regularly, I see a big difference in my skin’s clarity and texture. Plus, this has a refreshing lemon scent to it. I also love that this comes in a sturdy glass jar. I know this is a product I will continue to repurchase in the future, as it is my favorite microdermabrasion.

2. Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask – $19.50 [BUY]

A new favorite of mine is the Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask. This clay mask is designed to clear the skin of impurities while also gently exfoliating. I’ve used this twice already through a foil packet, and will definitely be purchasing the full size once I’ve used up the other masks in my collection. My skin feels extremely clean after each use, and this is great at firming, too.

3. Hydrating Serum – $29.50 [BUY]

My most repurchased Derma E product is the Hydrating Serum. I’ve gone through at least 2-3 full size bottles of this! This serum is great for moisturizing the skin, and it provides some natural anti-aging as well. In the summer months I often use only this serum and not a moisturizer. It really gets the job done!

4. Hydrating Night Cream – $29.50 [BUY]

Another product I love from the Hydrating Line is the Hydrating Night Cream. This moisturizer is great because it deeply hydrates the skin without being too heavy. It also has a relaxing scent to it that is perfect for the evening. Of course, it’s also nice that the Hydrating Night Cream has natural anti-aging properties to it.

5. Psorzema Cream – $15.99 [BUY]

Last but not least is the Psorzema Cream, a body care product from Derma E. This body moisturizer is formulated especially for skin associated with Psoriasis and Eczema. I don’t have either of those skin conditions, but I love that this moisturizer is deeply hydrating and unscented. If you are sensitive to fragrances, or if you have sensitive skin, this is a great option for you. I know I have found my new go-to body lotion!

That wraps up my top five products from Derma E! Right now Derma E is having a 20% off sale on its entire website! Use code FEB20 now through February 5, 2018 at 11:00am PST. If you miss this sale, don’t worry! Dema E often has money-saving opportunities. Make sure to bookmark this blog post so you can remember my favorites from this vegan skincare company.

What is your favorite Derma E product? Let me know in the comments!

Harry’s Truman Starter Set Review

Posted on January 26, 2018 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I have a review of the Truman Starter Set from the brand Harry’s to share with you. I was sent this starter set for review, and was very interested to see how Harry’s compared to the other shaving subscription company I already use. I really like that Harry’s is a cruelty free brand, and that all of their products are vegan as well. Harry’s is also an affordable brand, especially compared to the razors one would typically buy at the drugstore.

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

The Truman Starter Set retails for just $15.00. It includes 1 Truman Razor Handle, 1 Foaming Shave Gel, 3 German Engineered Blade Cartridges, and 1 Travel Blade Cover. Every order over $10 ships for free, and you can even earn cash back on your purchase through Ebates HERE, so I think this starter kit is a fabulous deal if you want to try out the Harry’s products.

First, let’s chat about the razor, which I think is the most important item in the set. The Truman Razor comes with a rubberized handle that is weighted. I really like this sturdy handle, because it does not slip out of my hand in the shower, and it makes the razor really easy to control. Harry’s offers one type of blade, as opposed to competitor companies that sell different sizes. The Harry’s head comes with five German blades, a flex hinge, and a lubricating strip. I like that there is one set price for Harry’s razors, as opposed to other companies that will charge a higher price for a 5-blade head. Plus, I found that the razor did an excellent job at giving me a close shave without any nicks.

The next item in the Truman Starter Set is the Foaming Shave Gel. I am not a big fan of shaving creams or gels, but I did give this one a try. Unfortunately, I did not like this product at all. While it does work fine as a shave gel, and foams up quite nicely, this product is extremely fragranced. Just one small squirt of the product unleashes a traditionally masculine and cologned scent that is very strong and lingers all day. Nowhere on the product, or on the Harry’s website, does it say this is a fragranced product, so I was a bit surprised when the scent was so strong. If you are sensitive to fragrances, I do not recommend this product. If you do like traditionally masculine scents, then you will probably enjoy this product – it really comes down to your personal preference.

The last two items in the Truman Starter Set are the Refill Blades and Travel Blade Cover. I think it’s great that you get a travel cover, so you can protect your razor on the go. I also thought I would mention here that each blade does last a while before going dull. Harry’s recommends changing the blade every 6-8 shaves, but I got great use out of each blade for a few weeks. Therefore, I think the price of $2.00 per blade (or less, if you subscribe!) is a great deal.

All in all, I am very happy with the quality of Harry’s products. While the Foaming Shave Gel is not for me, I would recommend this service if you are looking for razors on a budget. The Truman Starter Set is a great way to try out some of the products Harry’s has to offer. You can buy it on the brand’s website HERE for just $15.00.

Have you tried Harry’s products? Let me know in the comments!