Skincare – Page 4 – Adventures in Polishland

Category: Skincare

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.

3 Ways to Save BIG at The Body Shop!

Posted on April 13, 2016March 21, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I’m going to share some of my tips to saving money at The Body Shop. I really love shopping at The Body Shop because it not only has great quality products, but it is a company focused on morality as well. The Body Shop never tests on animals, and it has a Community Trade program to ensure its ingredients are fairly sourced. The prices at The Body Shop, however, are definitely more than I would like to spend. Thus, I’ve come up with some shopping strategies to ensure I can enjoy my favorite products at a fraction of the price. I’m going to share my tricks with you today, along with my most recent purchase from The Body Shop to illustrate my points. Let’s jump into the big savings!

Tip 1: Shop with Ebates and Wait for Double Cash Back

Ebates is a website that allows you to earn cash back on most of your online purchases. I’ve been a member for a few years now, and absolutely love it! The website is legitimate and safe, and even helps you find coupon codes. The Body Shop is typically 4% cash back, but every so often it is a promoted store at 8% cash back! I’ve even seen it go as high as 10% for special holiday sales. I wait to shop until The Body Shop is double cash back. I earned $4.54 back from my latest purchase at The Body Shop. That is so awesome! You can sign up to Ebates for free and earn a $10 gift card by using my referral link HERE.

Tip 2: Wait for a Big Sale

One of the best ways to save money is to become familiar with a store’s sales. Whenever I find a product that I love I will pay very close attention to sales. Over time a pattern will emerge, and I know when to shop to get the highest discount. At The Body Shop, my favorite sale is Buy 3, Get 3 Free. There are always sales at The Body Shop, and you can visit the website’s Offers page HERE to see the current promotions. I highly recommend waiting for the Buy 3, Get 3 Free sale, though. Here is what I purchased most recently!

I love the body scrubs at The Body Shop, so I purchased the Cocoa Butter and Pink Grapefruit scrubs to stock up. These retail for $21 each regular price. I also wanted to get a body butter, because my skin has been very dry lately. I decided to try the Aloe Body Butter because it is fragrance free and I am sensitive to smells. This body butter is also $21.

Next I picked up some new-to-me hair care items. First I grabbed the Ginger Scalp Care shampoo because I do tend to get flakes and I hope this will work well for me. This shampoo retails for $10.00. I also purchased the Rainforest Moisture Hair Butter, which is a deep conditioner. I want to ensure I’m getting a lot of moisture into my hair, and will be using this once per week. This retails for $14.

Finally, I got the Seaweed Pore-Cleansing Facial Exfoliator. I’m running low on my face scrub, so I wanted to have one on backup. I’m all about pore cleansing scrubs, so I’m very excited to try this! This scrub retails for $18.

For this particular purchase, I purchased the three $21.00 items, and got the other three free. You would think my total would be $63.00, but not so! My last tip explains how to save even more.

Tip 3: Sign Up for Love Your Body Rewards

Lastly, I recommend signing up for the Love Your Body Rewards program. This program costs $10.00 per year, but it pays for itself because you get a $10 coupon on your birthday. Plus, you save 10% off every purchase. There are also ways to earn points and added rewards, so I highly recommend signing up if you are a regular customer. You can learn more on The Body Shop’s website HERE.

Now that I’ve shared my tricks to saving big at The Body Shop, let’s break down my most recent purchase!

RETAIL PRICE: 21 + 21 + 21 + 10 + 14 + 18 = 105

SALE PRICE: 21 + 21 + 21 = 63

LOVE YOUR BODY PRICE: 63 x 10% = 56.70

EBATES PRICE: 56.70 x 8% = $52.16 –> total savings of 50%!

As you can see, these three simple tips add up to huge savings at The Body Shop! I know other stores sell products from The Body Shop at discounted prices, but I can always save more buying directly from the store. Plus, I can earn rewards on my purchases with Love Your Body! It’s a win for my wallet and for me – I get to use my favorite products at a discounted price. I hope you all found this post helpful! If you have any tips for saving at The Body Shop that I didn’t mention here, please share in the comments! Happy shopping!

This post is not sponsored or affiliated with The Body Shop. My link to Ebates is a referral link. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

March Empties | #365DaysofEmpties Update

Posted on April 4, 2016March 23, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! It’s now April, and that means it’s time to share the products I used up during the month of March. I thought I was going to have a lot of empties this month, but a lot of my products are still going strong even though there is just a bit left in the bottle! Let me know in the comments if you ever have that feeling, where your products are just about to finish but last for what feels like forever. Let’s go ahead and jump right into my March empties.

SKINCARE

Olay Fresh Effects Everything Off Deluxe Makeup Removal Wet Cloths – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: I like these wipes because they take off all my makeup well, including mascara. They are a bit rougher on my skin than I would like, so I wouldn’t recommend these if you have sensitive skin. I much prefer the Swipe Out wipes from the Fresh Effects line.
Would I Buy it Again? If there was a good sale! I try all different wipes.

Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Caplet Serum – 1 Sample [BUY]

Mini Review: I have mixed feelings on this serum! The caplets burst into a silver shimmer, leaving the face really glittery, which I really disliked. However, my skin loved this serum! My face was clear and even, and I didn’t experience a breakout during the entire time I used it. I also have a bunch of caplets left, but no serum.
Would I Buy it Again? No. I don’t like the glitter, and this is very expensive!

Cover FX Calming Primer – 1 Sample [BUY]

Mini Review: I used this serum whenever my skin was having a bad day. It is very gentle and good for sensitive skin. The texture is really nice, and my makeup applied well.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I might purchase it in the future.

NAIL CARE

Sally Hansen Continuous Treatment Base & Top Coat – 1 Bottle

Mini Review: I grabbed this base and top coat during a clearance sale at CVS for a couple dollars. I used it primarily as a base coat, and it served its purpose well. It did have a very strong odor however. I’m glad to move onto a new base coat!
Would I Buy it Again? No. This product is discontinued.

HAIR CARE

Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo – 1 Bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: This shampoo is not a miracle worker, but it did help greatly to improve my flakes. I get an extremely dry scalp in the winter, and I needed something to help. I noticed that if I skipped using this my flakes came back in full force, so it did help a lot.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes, but I’m trying out a new shampoo next to see if it helps better.

BODY CARE

The Body Shop Pink Grapefruit Body Scrub Gelee – 1 Tub [BUY]

Mini Review: I love this scrub! I’ve never tried a gelee scrub before, and it was a unique feel. I think this pink grapefruit scrub is perfect for the warmer months. It smells fresh, exfoliates well, and has a great texture.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I already did.

ORAL HYGIENE

Crest Complete Whitening + Scope – 1 Tube [BUY]

Mini Review: I liked this toothpaste just fine, but I don’t think there is anything special about it. I try to purchase toothpastes that are approved by the ADA (American Dental Association), and this one is not.
Would I Buy it Again? No.

MARCH EMPTIES: 7

TOTAL 2016 EMPTIES: 26

I am a bit disappointed that I didn’t finish up a lot of products this month, but I am still on track to finish 100 products by the end of the year. I am now trying to focus on one product at a time so that I can use up what’s in my stash. For example, I am going to use only one to two mascaras at once to see if I can use one up before it expires. Definitely let me know in the comments what you used up in the month of March, and if you have any tips on using up products. I would love to know!

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

February Empties | #365DaysofEmpties Update

Posted on February 29, 2016February 18, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! February is coming to a close, and it’s time to share my empty products with all of you. Last month I introduced a new project that I’m doing all year long called the #365DaysofEmpties. You can learn more about the project HERE, but my personal goal is to use up 100 products this year. This blog post will show you what I used up in the month of February, my mini review of each product, and a note on whether I’d repurchase the product. Let’s go ahead and jump right into the empties!

SKINCARE

NUDE Skincare Advanced Renewal Serum – 3 Sample Packs [BUY]

Mini Review: I finished up the remaining samples of this serum in February, and while I do like it, I didn’t see a major change in my skin. It felt nice and I had no adverse reaction, but it wasn’t a miracle product for me.
Would I Buy it Again? No. This serum is very expensive, and not worth the price.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel – 1 Sample Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: I’ve always been scared to try a peel, but I really like this one because it is a two-step wipe system instead of a mask that literally peels off the face. I did experience some tingling and a bit of tightness after using the peel, but it seemed to work fine. I think my skin really liked it!
Would I Buy it Again? I’m not sure! I have two more samples to try, and I’ll let you know the final verdict then.

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

Mini Review: I picked up this pack of makeup remover wipes specifically for my trip to Los Angeles in January. I finished using the wipes this month, and I really like them. They are the Target brand, but are formulated to compare with Pond’s. They work just as well!
Would I Buy it Again? Yes!

NAIL CARE

Beauty 360 Strengthening Nail Polish Remover – 1 Bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: I really liked this nail polish remover, but I am so mad at myself! I just noticed on the label (in big clear lettering) that this remover contains gelatin. I don’t consume products with gelatin because I’m a vegetarian, and I’d prefer not to use it in my other beauty products as well. Here’s your friendly reminder to always read the label.
Would I Buy it Again? No!

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

Mini Review: I use cotton rounds mainly to remover nail polish. It is definitely my product of choice for nail polish remover because it cuts down on the fuzzies, and does a great job. I’ve also been using cotton rounds to remove face cleanser as well.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I buy these in bulk at my local BJ’s.

MAKEUP

Avon Eyeshadow Sponge Applicators – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: While this is technically a makeup item, I use eyeshadow applicators in nail art! I’ve had this pack for years and just used up the last applicator. I need to get some more of these because they are the only thing that I can use for ombré nail art.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes, but from a different brand.

Dr. Jart Dis-A-Pore Beauty Balm – 1 Sample [BUY]

Mini Review: I got this BB cream in a subscription box, and I used it every once in a while. I really like this BB cream, but the shade isn’t perfect for me. That’s a bit disappointing because it is quite full coverage and wears really well all day.
Would I Buy it Again? No. It doesn’t match my skin properly.

BODY CARE

Raven’s Creek Ultra Soft Sugar Scrub in Pumpkin Pie Spice – 1 Tub [BUY]

Mini Review: I got this sugar scrub in a subscription box, and I did like it, but I didn’t love it. The smell was amazing, but the scrub didn’t exfoliate as well as I would have liked. I also had to use a lot of this product at once.
Would I Buy it Again? No.

FEBRUARY EMPTIES: 10

TOTAL 2016 EMPTIES: 19

That brings us to the end of my January empties! I am on track to use up 100 products by the end of the year, which is really awesome. I think March’s empties post will be pretty big, because a lot of my products are right at the end. It’s always fun when a bunch of products run out at once! Until then, let me know in the comments what you finished up in February. Also let me know if you use any of the products I mentioned today, and what you think of them.

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

Yes To Coconut Face Collection Review | #YesToBeautyRes

Posted on February 24, 2016February 13, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I am excited to share with you three new products from the brand Yes To Carrots. I received a package with skincare products from the new Yes To Coconut line, and I couldn’t wait to test them. I’ve enjoyed the other Yes To products I’ve tried in the past, and I absolutely love coconuts so I had a feeling these products would be perfect for me. Today I’ll be sharing a first impressions review on the Ultra Hydrating Melting Cleanser, Ultra Hydrating Facial Mask, and Ultra Hydrating Overnight Eye Balm. What that means is I’ve tried all of these products, but haven’t been using them on my skin for an extended period of time. Let’s go ahead and start the reviews!

First things first, I have a few things I want to mention about this collection as a whole. Each product does have a coconut scent, and is 96-99% natural, so if you have an allergy to coconuts this line is not for you. I personally love the smell of coconuts, so I find these products very comforting. I also really appreciate that they are almost completely natural! I always feel better when I can put a natural product on my face! Finally, this line is designed to be hydrating. I have combination skin, and it’s been working well for me.

Yes to Coconut Ultra Hydrating Melting Cleanser

The first product I have to share is the Ultra Hydrating Melting Cleanser. This cleanser is really unique. It is a thick, gel-like consistency, and can be used in two ways. You can either apply it dry to the face, or you can mix it with water to create a creamy emulsion. I’ve tried it both ways, and I prefer to just apply it dry to my face. It is less messy that way! I have to tell you, I am in love with this cleanser! It removes all my makeup, is very gentle, and is very moisturizing. I love it so much I want to buy the Yes to Coconut body wash, too. It’s so amazing, and I highly recommend it!

Yes to Coconut Ultra Hydrating Facial Mask

Next up is the Ultra Hydrating Facial Mask, which I’ve tried one time so far. This mask feels like a thick body butter, and has that same coconut smell that I love. I did really like how soft and clear my skin felt after using this mask, but the mask itself was really difficult to remove. I had to rinse my face for a very long time and use a lot of water to get it off my face. I wasn’t a huge fan of that, but because my skin loved the product I will be using up this tube for sure.

Yes to Coconut Ultra Hydrating Overnight Eye Balm

Last but not least is the Ultra Hydrating Overnight Eye Balm. While it does take an extended period of time to truly see the benefits of an eye cream, I can tell you that I really like how this eye balm feels after application. This cream is light, but still makes my undereye area feel very hydrated. This product also feels very soothing and gentle. My skin can be on the sensitive side, and I haven’t experienced any irritation whatsoever. I can’t wait to continue using this product!

All in all, I am really loving the new Yes to Coconut Face Collection! It’s one of my New Years Resolutions to focus on skincare, and I’m happy to include these in my daily routines. I will most definitely be grabbing other products from this line, especially the body wash. My skin is loving it, and I hope yours will, too! You can find these products at your local drugstore or department store for fabulous and affordable prices!

What is your favorite line from Yes To? Let me know 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.

Sticking to My Skincare Resolutions with Derma e Firming DMAE Eye Lift | #NOTICETHELOTUS at Target

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I am excited to share with you some of the skincare products I’ve been using this new year. As you may know, one of my resolutions this year is to develop a morning and evening skincare routine so that I can be treating my skin with the respect it deserves. I got to partner with Derma e to celebrate the launch of the brand’s products at Target, and thus I got to try out a few skincare goodies! I’ve tried Derma e in the past thanks to a subscription box, so I knew I would like the other products the brand has to offer. Let me share my thoughts on the Firming DMAE Eye Lift and the Hydrating Night Crème, and tell you more about Derma e at Target!

Sticking to My Skincare Resolutions with Derma e Firming DMAE Eye Lift | #NOTUSTHELOTUS at Target Derma e is a skincare brand that uses nature’s post powerful natural ingredients and combines them with cruelty-free green chemistry. I absolutely love that the brand focuses on natural ingredients! I feel confident that I’m truly taking care of my skin when I use Derma e products. It’s always great to find a brand that is ethical in addition to providing top notch products. I’m also really excited that Derma e is now available at Target stores! You all know how much I love Target, especially if you watch my YouTube Channel. My skincare shopping just got a lot more convenient!

Sticking to My Skincare Resolutions with Derma e Firming DMAE Eye Lift | #NOTUSTHELOTUS at Target Now let’s talk about the Firming DMAE Eye Lift, one of the products available at Target. This eye cream is designed to visibly lift, firm, and tighten the eye area, and also smooth away crow’s feet. I have a lot of fine lines under my eyes, which I think is mainly due to dryness as I’m only in my twenties. I like the Firming DMAE Eye Lift because it can be used both morning and evening, unlike other eye creams with retinols. Plus, it’s light and has a slight cooling sensation. I haven’t noticed a huge difference in my under eye area yet, but I do like that the cream is gentle for my sensitive skin.

Sticking to My Skincare Resolutions with Derma e Firming DMAE Eye Lift | #NOTUSTHELOTUS at Target I also got to try the Hydrating Night Crème, which I’m absolutely loving! This crème is formulated to deeply hydrate the skin, reduce the look of fine lines, and replump the skin with moisture. I love the formula of this moisturizer because even though it is deeply hydrating, it does not feel heavy on the skin at all. It also has a very slight relaxing scent, which is not overpowering. I’m sensitive to smells and it doesn’t bother me one bit! My skin feels so refreshed whenever I use this product! It highly recommend it.

In addition to being great, natural products, Derma e also offers more affordable skincare than its competitors. You can purchase the Firming DMAE Eye Lift at Target for just $24.95 or online at Derma e’s website HERE. While that is a bit more than I usually spend on my skincare, I’m definitely willing to save up for Derma e products since they are cruelty free and made in the USA. I recommend adding Derma e to your next Target shopping trip if you’re looking for some new skincare to stick to your resolutions! You can learn more about the Firming DMAE Eye Lift on the brand’s YouTube channel HERE.

Will Derma e be on your Target Shopping List? Let me know in the comments!

This blog post is sponsored by Derma e. The products were also provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

January Empties | #365DaysofEmpties Project

Posted on January 27, 2016January 26, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I am excited to be sharing my first empties blog post in quite a long time. For those of you who may be new to the concept, an empties post is where I share with you all of the products that I’ve used up recently, and also give a mini review of the product and whether I would purchase it again in the future. I recently discovered the hashtag #365DaysofEmpties on Instagram, and knew it was something I wanted to do in 2016. This is a project that I believe was started over at The Imaginarium of Makeup last year (though please correct me if I’m wrong in the comments!). The goal is to use up 365 products in the year! I am adapting this challenge for myself. My goal is to use up 100 products, simply because I go through things slowly and am always trying new things for review. Every month I’ll be showing you what I used up, and quickly share my thoughts on each product. Let’s jump right into my January empties!

January Empties | #365DaysofEmpties Project

SKINCARE

January Empties | Skincare

NUDE Skincare Advanced Renewal Serum – 4 Sample Packs [BUY]

Mini Review: I like this serum, but I haven’t seen any major differences in my skin. It feels nice upon application, and I haven’t had an adverse reaction. So far, so good!
Would I Buy it Again? No. It’s too expensive for my budget.

Up & Up Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: These makeup remover wipes compare to the Neutrogena brand, and I absolutely love them! They feel so nice, take off all my makeup, and don’t leave a residue on the skin. Plus, the Up & Up brand works just as well as Neutrogena.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I already have purchased a small pack for traveling.

HAIR CARE

January Empties | Hair Care

TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer – 1 Bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: I’m not a brand loyalist when it comes to heat protectant, so I purchased this because it is super affordable. Luckily, it seemed to do a good job protecting my hair as I straightened it every day.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes, but I didn’t immediately repurchase it. I found a L’Oreal Heat Protectant on sale and used a coupon.

BODY CARE

January Empties | Body Care

Dove 24hr Invisible Solid Anti-Perspirant Deodorant – 1 Tube [BUY]

Mini Review: While I would like to use a more natural deodorant, I’ve found that the only brand that truly works for me is Dove. This is one of the more affordable options, and it got the job done.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes, but I’ve purchased a different Dove line for now.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Wash (not pictured) – 1 Travel Size [BUY]

Mini Review: This body wash was just okay. It did a fine job at cleansing, but it was unscented and overall ‘blah.’
Would I Buy it Again? No. It is very overpriced for just a plain body wash.

ORAL CARE

Flossups (not pictured) – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: I love using flossers because they encourage me to floss my teeth. They are so much easier to use than standard floss.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I’m already using a new pack.

JANUARY EMPTIES: 9

TOTAL 2016 EMPTIES: 9

That brings us to the end of my first empties post as a part of my new #365DaysofEmpties project! I plan on posting at the end of every month. Please let me know if you will be joining in on this challenge in the comments. Also let me know if you like the format of this empties post and if you find it helpful!

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

5 Charcoal Products to Give this Christmas!

Posted on December 16, 2015December 15, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I thought it would be fun to put together a list of my favorite charcoal skincare products. We’ve all heard the old warning – if you’re naughty you’re getting a lump of coal for Christmas! Well, I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t mind receiving some charcoal in my stocking so long as its skincare! Charcoal is one of my favorite skincare ingredients, as it helps keep my pores clean and skin clear. I never thought I’d love charcoal, but I use it regularly in a variety of products. Let me share the five charcoal products I recommend giving as gifts this Christmas!

5 Charcoal Products to Give this Christmas | Adventures in Polishland

5. The Healing Tree Bamboo Charcoal Soap [REVIEW] [BUY]

The Healing Tree Bamboo Charcoal Soap | Review & Giveaway If you want a gift that will most resemble a lump of coal, go for this bar soap from The Healing Tree! I reviewed this product a while back, and really enjoyed it. It was a bit weird to use in the shower, because it is black, but my skin loved it. This is also a perfect gift for the fitness guru in your life, because it will help keep the skin that gets sweaty often both clear and clean. I highly recommend it!

4. Oleavine All Natural Konjac Sponge – Activated Charcoal [REVIEW] [BUY]

A product that is super trendy right now are Konjac Sponges. I tested out the Oleavine Green Tea sponge earlier this year and absolutely loved it, so I feel comfortable recommending the charcoal variety to you as well. This Konjac Sponge makes cleansing your face really easy, as you can use it without cleanser if you so choose. The sponge is super soft, and lasts for about three months. I kept mine in the shower, which worked perfectly because there is a string attached to the sponge for easy hanging.

3. Michael Todd Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser [REVIEW] [BUY]

Michael Todd Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser Review My current cleanser is the Charcoal Detox from Michael Todd. It’s a great daily cleanser, especially for someone with oily or combination skin. Pair this with a sponge or splurge on a FOREO LUNA, and you have an amazing gift this holiday. Of course, this cleanser makes an excellent stocking stuffer as well. Because Michael Todd is a bit more expensive, the recipient will be extra happy to get it.

2. Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Face Scrub [REVIEW] [BUY]

Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Face Scrub

Another Michael Todd product that I really love is the Jojoba Charcoal Face Scrub. This is a great product to give at Christmas because so many suffer from dry skin during the colder months. The scrub is gentle but effective at the same time. You can even create a little Michael Todd bundle for friends and family!

1. Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask [BUY]

Last but not least, I have to share a product I’ve never reviewed on my blog before, but absolutely love! It is the Origins Charcoal Mask, and it is completely amazing. I highly recommend this mask if you are looking to clear up any imperfections on your skin. It is a traditional mask that you apply, and then wait about 10-15 minutes for it to harden before rinsing off the skin. I remember the first time I used it – I could not believe how my face looked so even and felt so soft after just one use! This mask is the perfect way to pamper your loved ones this holiday season!

All in all, I think you should go ahead and give coal this season, so long as it is charcoal skincare! It makes a fun gift, but is also quite practical, too. If you have tried other charcoal products, please share them in the comments! I’m always interested in learning of new-to-me products, especially if they contain charcoal. Happy Shopping!

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

Fleur D’ Extase Natural Soap Gift Set | Last Minute Gift Idea from Amazon

Posted on December 14, 2015December 14, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I’m excited to be sharing with you a last minute gift idea for those of you who may have waited until the last minute to do your holiday shopping. This time of year is super busy, and sometimes stressful. If you’re like me, you turn to Amazon whenever you’re in a pinch. I’ve been an Amazon Prime member for years now, and absolutely love the perks of the free two-day shipping. I recently received a great gift item to review, and am so pleasantly surprised that it’s available on Amazon Prime at a fabulous and affordable price! Let me share with you the Fleur D’ Extase Natural Soap Gift Set!

Fleur D'Extase offers a 9-piece natural soap gift set that is perfect for the holidays, and makes a last minute gift idea for those who have Amazon Prime The Fleur D’ Extase Natural Soap Gift Set comes in a sturdy gift box with a magnetic closure. I’m impressed with the nice packaging. I also feel like anything in French just sounds luxurious and expensive!

The Fleur D' Extase Natural Soap Gift Set comes with nine luxury soaps in wonderful smelling scents. Here is a look at the nine soaps in the gift box. The Fleur D’ Extase set includes all natural soaps scented with natural essential oils. I love that the soaps are all natural, free of harmful chemicals, and not tested on animals. If you’ve been reading Adventures in Polishland for a while, you’ll know that I absolutely love bar soaps. I think this set is a perfect gift idea because the recipient gets to test out a bunch of different scents. The soaps can also work well for guests who stay at your home during the holidays, or as a part of your travel skincare kit. The possibilities are endless!

The Fleur D' Extase Natural Soaps in the Gift Set are 25 grams each, and fit easily in the palm of my hand. Each soap in the set is 25 grams. I wanted to show you the size by placing one in the palm of my hand. As you can see, it is quite small, but I think it’s a great size as it allows you to test the scent. These soaps smell amazing, too. They are definitely fragranced as perfume is, so if you are sensitive to smells I wouldn’t recommend these. However, the fragrance fan in your life will love these! I also noticed that each soap has a distinct scent even after being packed in the same box. The embossed detailing on each bar of soap is gorgeous as well.

All in all, I think the Fleur D’ Extase is a great gift this holiday season. It has a retail value of $32.00, but is on sale on Amazon for just $11.99 HERE. Of course, Amazon Prime members will receive free two-day shipping, making this the perfect option for last minute holiday shoppers. If you need a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime, you can use my affiliate link HERE. Happy Shopping!

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