Skincare – Page 3 – Adventures in Polishland

Category: Skincare

Maddieloos Cinnamon Ginger Pumpkin Vegan Facial Mask Review

Posted on April 17, 2017April 17, 2017 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 April 5, 2017April 3, 2017 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.

Lauren B. Beauty Nail Care Reviews | Nourishing Hand Crème, Polishing Hand Scrub, & Cuticle Oil

Posted on March 20, 2017March 17, 2017 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I am excited to share with you my thoughts on some nail care products from the brand Lauren B. Beauty. This is my first time trying out products from this brand, which sells all vegan friendly products that are made in the USA. Lauren B. Beauty recently teamed up with Skyy Hadley, the owner of As U Wish Nail Salon, to share helpful nail care tips in time for the spring season. Thus, as I review the Nourishing Hand Crème, Polishing Hand Scrub, and Cuticle Oil, I will share Skyy’s tips with you as well!

Nourishing Hand Crème – $24 [BUY]

First up is the Nourishing Hand Crème with Orchid and Peony. This crème is formulated to provide long-lasting moisture to the hands with a non-greasy feel. It is heavily fragranced, so if you don’t like floral scents this is not the product for you. However, I am very impressed with this hand crème! It does sink into the skin within a couple minutes of application, and is not greasy at all. I could use my touchscreen devices without leaving behind any smears, and that doesn’t happen often! I love how soft and smooth my hands felt all day after applying this crème in the morning. Plus, the fragrance lasts all day as well, even after washing my hands several times! If you are looking for a hydrating hand crème that has a floral scent for the spring, this is a great option for you!

Polishing Hand Scrub – $20.00 [BUY]

Next up is the Polishing Hand Scrub. I’ve never used a dedicated hand scrub before, and I am absolutely loving this one! Skyy Hadley mentions that having dry, scraggly cuticles can lead to a bacterial infection, as we are more likely to pick at them. Thus, having a product like a scrub that can remove that dead skin is really helpful. The Polishing Hand Scrub is amazing because it is designed to exfoliate, fight aging, and hydrate the hands all in one. I am really surprised how moisturizing this scrub is. It is a scented product, but it smells a bit richer and deeper than the crème. This is definitely my go-to product now, as I love how the scrub is gentle enough to use daily, but strong enough to provide hydration.

Lauren B. Beauty Cuticle Oil – $20.00 [BUY]

The last product is the Cuticle Oil, which I think deserves high praise for its packaging alone. I absolutely love that the oil comes in a nail polish bottle so I can apply it with a brush. This makes it really easy to get the oil just on my cuticles, and my hands don’t turn into an oily mess. This Cuticle Oil contains a blend of 12 ultra-pure plant, nut, and flower oils to really nourish the cuticles. Skyy recommends an oil not only for hydration, but for locking in any manicure color. She even says adding an oil to an older manicure can revamp the color! I think the Lauren B. Beauty Cuticle Oil is a great option. It does have a slight fragrance, so if you are sensitive to smells keep that in mind.

All in all, I am really loving the Lauren B. Beauty Nail Care line. While the products are definitely higher end, they feel very luxurious and make a great gift for yourself or a loved one. My personal favorite is the Polishing Hand Scrub, as it truly is an all-in-one product that takes care of all my nail care needs. I highly recommend checking out the Lauren B. Beauty website HERE to learn more about the brand and the other products it offers. I definitely want to try the nail polishes at some point soon!

What are your nail care must haves? Let me know in the comments!

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.

Dollar Shave Club Update | My December & January Boxes

Posted on January 27, 2017January 22, 2017 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! A few months ago I signed up for Dollar Shave Club and shared my first box with all of you HERE. I wanted to check in and share what I received from this monthly subscription service in both December and January, as these mailings are quite different from my introductory box. If you missed my first blog post, I signed up for Dollar Shave Club because not only are the brand’s razors extremely affordable, but they are vegan as well. I subscribe to The Humble Twin plan, which costs me $3.00 per month, and I receive five razors per month. Let me show you what arrived in both December and January!

DECEMBER

JANUARY

My December and January subscriptions arrived in cardboard envelopes and contained my blade refills along with an issue of The Bathroom Minutes. I think it’s a lot of fun that Dollar Shave Club has its own newsletter each month. It gives me something new to look at each month instead of just getting my blade refills! Of course, I can edit my monthly box at any time by adding in other products from Dollar Shave Club, such as hair care, skincare, and more. At some point in the future I will be sure to test out other products when I run out of something I’m currently using.

All in all, I am really happy with my Dollar Shave Club subscription, and I highly recommend joining! There is no reason to be paying a lot of money for your razors when you can get a month’s worth for just $3.00. If you would like to sign up, I would appreciate it if you would use my referral link HERE. Please also let me know if you would like me to review any of the other products Dollar Shave Club offers!

December Empties | #365DaysofEmpties | 2016 Conclusion + 2017 Goals

Posted on January 11, 2017January 8, 2017 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I am really excited to share my December empties with all of you, and to discuss how my #365DaysofEmpties project went for the year. I decided to challenge myself to complete 100 products in 2016, and at the end of November it was pretty clear to me that goal would not be possible. Let me show you the products I used up in December, and then I’ll share my thoughts on this project for 2016 and whether or not I plan to continue in 2017.

SKINCARE

Michael Todd Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser [BUY] – 1 bottle

Mini Review: It took me over a year to use up this entire bottle of cleanser! I kept this in the shower, and I really like it. While this cleanser is gentle on the skin, it does an amazing job at cleaning my face and clearing it of dirt and impurities. I did get a bit sick of using it in the last few months, but it felt great to use this whole thing!
Would I Buy it Again? I can definitely see myself going back to this cleanser at some point in the future.

Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Hypoallergenic Facial Wipes [BUY] – 1 pack

Mini Review: I used up another pack of my current favorite face wipes! I’m not going to go into too much detail here, as I mention how much I love these wipes in a ton of blog posts!
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I have a stock pile!

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment [BUY] – 1 sample

Mini Review: My skin was in a very bad place for a while, so I used this sample I got in a subscription box. Wow! Good Genes really brought my skin back to life! It helped clear my breakouts and balance out my skin tone. I did not like the pungent smell, and I do wish this product was vegan (though it is cruelty free!). Unfortunately, I would not be able to repurchase this even if it became vegan – it’s $105!

BODY CARE

Dr. Carver’s Easy Shave Butter [BUY] – 1 sample

Mini Review: I got this sample from Dollar Shave Club, and it did not work for me at all. In fact, my skin felt quite irritated after trying out this shave gel!
Would I Buy it Again? No!

The Body Shop Mango Sugar Body Scrub [BUY] – 1 jar

Mini Review: I really like this scrub from The Body Shop. I didn’t use it as often as I would like because mango wasn’t a seasonal scent. I love using seasonal scents, so I need to plan my purchases a bit better going forward. For example, the only scrub I have now is pink grapefruit, and I haven’t wanted to use it!
Would I Buy it Again? Yes, but in the summer!

Seventh Generation Natural Hand Wash Free & Clean Unscented [BUY] – 1 bottle

Mini Review: This hand soap was a huge disappointment for me! First of all, it is not unscented. It has a chemically smell, which is ironic since this is supposed to be natural. Plus, I feel like my hands didn’t get 100% clean with this soap. Even if this soap was vegan, I would not buy it again.

DECEMBER EMPTIES: 6

TOTAL 2016 EMPTIES: 90

As you can see, I did not reach my goal of completing 100 products in 2016. I did come very close, and I am happy with my progress. I had no idea when I began this goal that I would be switching to a vegan lifestyle halfway through the year. This switch resulted in my decluttering many of my non-vegan products and repurchasing vegan items. This is especially true when it came to makeup. Of course, I still have a good amount of non-vegan products to use up, and you will see these in future empties posts until I decide I’m no longer comfortable using those products (or until they are all done!).

This was the first year I tracked all of the products I’ve used up, so it will be very interesting to see how I do in 2017. I will continue to document my empties with all of you on the blog, but I will do so seasonally instead of monthly. I felt like my empties posts seemed a bit repetitive sharing them every month.

My new goal for 2017 is to use up 120 empties, or an average of 10 empties per month. I do think this is an achievable goal, as I won’t be switching to a new lifestyle as I did in 2016, and thus can focus on my current stash. I’ve also become much better at only buying what I really need, and only using 1-2 products at a time. I also know that while it’s fun to give myself a specific goal to strive towards, my main focus in doing the #365DaysofEmpties project is to save money and not hoard excess products. I hope to be even better at this going forward!

Did you participate in the #365DaysofEmpties?! Please share how you did in the comments!

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.

Dollar Shave Club Unboxing & Review | The Humble Twin

Posted on December 8, 2016December 6, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today I’m excited to share an unboxing and review of Dollar Shave Club. I decided to sign up for this subscription service a few weeks ago after hearing great things from friends and family members. Not only was I on the hunt for vegan razors, but I was sick of paying big bucks for razors at the drugstore. I also discovered that many brands charge more for women’s razors even though they are exactly the same as men’s, just with a different packaging design (some info on that HERE). How outrageous is that?! It was time to dump my old blades and go for something new.

Dollar Shave Club is a monthly subscription service where you receive razors directly to your door for one low price. I’ve been interested in the service for a while, but decided to sign up once I saw that the brand is vegan with the exception of a few products disclosed on the brand’s website. In addition, you can try your first month for just $1.00, so now is a great time to try out the service! You can sign up using my referral link HERE.

The first item in my welcome box is a helpful brochure. One thing I really appreciate about Dollar Shave Club is how user friendly the service is. When you sign up to the subscription you choose from one of three blades: The Humble Twin, The 4X, and The Executive. Then you can decide to add on other products such as shave creams, shampoos, and more. This brochure explains the entire process and includes graphics to make it even easier to understand!

Right beneath the brochure is my blade handle and the pack of blades. I’ll show you a closer look at each in turn, and share my thoughts on the razor so far.

I decided to go with The Humble Twin, which is a basic razor with two stainless steel blades. I decided to start out with the cheapest and most basic razor to see how it works. I figured there was no reason to spend more money if this simple razor would work for me! The Humble Twin is $3.00 total per month ($1.00 + $2.00 shipping). Here is what the handle for The Humble Twin looks like. It is a simple blue with silver accents, and has a rubber grip.

The Humble Twin comes with five blade refills every month so you can get a fresh shave every week. I love how simple this twin blade is, and I’m very happy to report that it works very well. I was using a razor with three blades prior to this one, and I can safely say The Humble Twin is more effective. It glides over the skin easily and removes all the hair close to the root. I haven’t had any issues with cuts or razor burn since using this razor. The only downfall is that the blade definitely wears out after one week’s use. Thus, you must change the blade every week – don’t try to make the blade last longer.

The last item in my welcome box is a sample of the Shave Butter. I used this product and I have to say I’m very unhappy with it. Normally I shave in the shower using my shower gel or soap as a shaving cream alternative and I never have any problems. When I used the Shave Butter, my razor did not glide well over the skin and it felt quite abrasive. I definitely do not recommend this product.

That being said, I am extremely happy with Dollar Shave Club’s service and The Humble Twin razor. I think this is a great way to save on razors and get an excellent shave without having to hunt for bargains at the drugstore. While Dollar Shave Club is primarily marketed towards men, there is absolutely no reason women can’t use these products as well. I’m so happy I finally signed up, and I’ll be sure to share what future boxes from the club look like! Don’t forget you can get your first month for just $1.00 by using my referral link HERE.

Are you signed up to Dollar Shave Club? Let me know in the comments!

October & November Empties | #365DaysofEmpties Update

Posted on November 30, 2016November 30, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I have my October and November beauty empties to share with you. I didn’t have the opportunity to post October’s empties at the end of last month, so I’ve lumped them together with November’s. I haven’t used up too many products these past couple of months, which makes me a bit nervous about finishing my #365DaysofEmpties goal for this year. Let me share my mini reviews of the products I’ve finished, and share my plans on the #365DaysofEmpties project for the rest of the year.

SKINCARE

Avalon Organics Intense Defense Detoxifying Towelettes [BUY] – 1 pack

Mini Reivew: I found this pack of cleansing wipes at TJ Maxx and decided to pick them up because I love trying different varieties of makeup remover towelettes. These wipes were okay, but I was very happy to see the pack come to an end. I didn’t like the texture of the towelettes or the smell of the wipes. However, it’s great that they are biodegradable and vegan.
Would I Buy it Again? Probably not.

Yes to Cucumbers Facial Wipes [BUY] – 1 pack

Mini Review: I went back to one of my all-time favorite makeup wipes this month, and I’m so glad I did. The Yes to Cucumbers wipes are soothing, gentle, and remove all my makeup. I think these are going to be my go to brand for a while now.
Would I Buy it Again? I already did!

The Body Shop Seaweed Pore-Cleansing Facial Exfoliator [BUY] – 1 bottle

Mini Review: This exfoliator was a big disappointment for me. It smelled funny, and it didn’t remove my dead skin cells. However, I do feel like it helped keep my pores clean. Thus, if you are looking for a really gentle face scrub this might be a good option for you.

HAIR CARE

Batiste Dry Shampoo Original [BUY] – 1 can

Mini Review: It is safe to say that Batiste Dry Shampoo is the best option I’ve found from the drugstore. It leaves my hair feeling fresh and clean, and I like the scent of the Original variety. It can leave a bit of a powdery look to my brunette hair, but it blends out quite well.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes!

Davines Love Conditioner [BUY] – 1 sample

Mini Review: I really enjoyed this sample of conditioner from the brand Davines. I got about 3-4 uses out of this one packet, and my hair looked so nice and shiny whenever I used it. The smell is a bit strong and fragranced, but I otherwise love the product.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes.

BODY CARE

Bath & Body Works Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Shower Gel – 1 bottle

Mini Review: I finished up this bottle of shower gel that I began last fall, and I’m glad I used it all. This product smells amazing, but it is quite drying. Bath and Body Works products have a lot of chemicals in them, and once I use up all of the items I have in my stash I won’t be shopping from them anymore.

Dove Powder 24h Invisible Solid [BUY] – 1 tube

Mini Review: Dove is the only brand of deodorant that works for me consistently. I purchased a nice supply of Dove deodorants and am still working my way through them. This one smells nice and fresh, and I do recommend it. That being said, I am going to try and find a more natural option to use once I run out of Dove.

BRUSH CLEANER

BeautyBlender BlenderCleanser Liquid [BUY] – 1 bottle

Mini Review: I’ve been trying to clean my BeautyBlender between each use, and my cleanser of choice is the liquid BlenderCleanser. I like this liquid form much more than the solid. It gets my BeautyBlender really clean, and it is easy to use with a pump top.
Would I Buy it Again? I already did!

ORAL CARE

GUM Comfort Slide Flossers [BUY] – 1 pack

Mini Review: If you are trying to get into the habit of flossing daily, I highly recommend starting with flossers. It makes flossing really easy, and it definitely helped me floss regularly. I finished up this pack, and now I’ve moved on to more traditional floss, which is cheaper.

OCTOBER & NOVEMBER EMPTIES: 9

TOTAL 2016 EMPTIES: 84

Unfortunately, I am behind in my goal of reaching 100 empties this year. I will need to use up 16 products in the month of December if I want to be successful, and that is a lot! I realize I might not get to 100, but I am going to try to only use the products I currently have open, and if I need to start new ones, to grab sample sizes first. Nonetheless, I’m glad I’ve been keeping track of all my empties this year to see how many products I use up each month. It helps keep my shopping in check for sure!

What products did you use up recently? Let me know in a comment!

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

Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Intensive Skin Repair Serum Review

Posted on August 17, 2016August 12, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I want to share my review of the Intensive Skin Repair Serum from the brand Yes to Blueberries. I’ve tried a handful of products from the Yes to brand in the past, and I’ve always really loved the results. After testing some of the new Yes to Coconut products earlier this year (see that blog post HERE), I decided to purchase some other skincare products I needed during a sale event at Target. I’ve now used the Intensive Skin Repair Serum for a couple months, and thought I would share my interesting experience with you.

The Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Intensive Skin Repair Serum is formulated to help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The serum includes 99% natural ingredients, such as organic cotton thistle, blueberries, and black current, to nourish and soften the skin. While I am in my mid-twenties, I purchased this serum because my skin can be quite dull and I do get fine lines due to dryness in certain ares of my combination skin. I also really like that I found an anti-aging product that doesn’t contain a lot of harsh chemicals.

While the Intensive Repair Serum can be used both day and night, I typically use it in the mornings only. I love that there is a pump top on this product, and I find that I only need about half a pump to get enough product to cover my entire face and neck area. The first thing I noticed about the serum is that it is a bit on the thick side. Less is definitely more with this serum, and I recommend giving it a few minutes to dry on your face before applying a moisturizer.

The first time I used this serum I ended up having a bad reaction. My skin broke out, and was extremely oily. I decided to discontinue use, and waited until my skin cleared up before testing it out again. I’m not sure what went wrong, but the next time I introduced the product into my skincare routine I didn’t have any issues whatsoever. I now use this serum about 3-4 days per week, and I love how hydrating it feels. I often don’t apply a moisturizer after this serum because my skin feels so smooth with just this product. I can’t say that any wrinkles or fine lines have been reduced by this product, but I can tell that my skin is glowing more and feels plumper. Thus, if you have dry or dull skin I think this is a good serum for you.

All in all, I am enjoying the Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Intensive Skin Repair Serum. It is not the best serum I’ve ever used, but it a nice option from the drugstore. The full size 1oz bottle retails for just $13.59 at Target HERE, but keep an eye out for extra discounts via the Cartwheel app. I notice that Yes to shows up on Cartwheel quite frequently! I really like that Yes to provides not only affordable skincare, but skincare that is more natural as well. I know I will continue to try out more Yes to products in the future, so please share your favorites from this brand with me in the comments!

This post contains an affiliate link. 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.