Category: Skincare

What’s in My Shower? featuring Shower Bouquet Loofahs

Happy Monday! Today I’m going to share with you all of the products that I’m currently using in the shower. I got the Shower Bouquet Loofahs to review, and I thought it would be fun to take a little tour of my shower. I keep what’s in my shower pretty basic because I don’t like to have too many products open at once. My hair care routine hasn’t changed, so be sure to check out THIS blog post for more information on my current shampoo and conditioner system. Let’s go ahead and take a peek at what’s in my shower!

What's in My Shower? featuring Shower Bouquet Loofahs

Shower Bouquet Loofahs

What's in My Shower? featuring Shower Bouquet Loofahs

The idea for this blog post came about when I received the Shower Bouquet Loofahs for review. This is a four-pack of loofahs in yellow, pink, blue, and purple. I could immediately tell that these loofahs are more luxurious than the ones I typically snatch up at the drugstore. They are larger and denser than other loofahs I’ve tried in the past, and they also include soft lace in addition to the mesh fabric. I thought the lace would be scratchy, but I am amazed at how soft these loofahs are! Not only do they hold a lot of product, but they feel so nice on the skin. I never knew how amazing a loofah could be!

Shower Rack Overview

http://www.containerstore.com/s/bath/shower-bathtub/ultra-shower-caddy/12d?productId=10000454&sort=meta:low_price:A::::FI recently got this shower rack at The Container Store for just $6.99. I was looking for one everywhere, but they were so expensive! I was so glad to pick this one up, as it’s great quality at a super affordable price. You can also get it online HERE. I keep all of my body products and face products on this rack, and hang my loofah on the hook.

Top Rack:

  • Venus Razor – I’m not too picky about the razor I use, but I’m currently using a Venus Divine blade. [BUY]
  • Bath & Body Works Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Shower Gel – I keep one shower gel open at all times, typically in a seasonal scent. I’m about halfway through this pumpkin one, and I really love it. I highly recommend keeping just shower gel open at a time. Otherwise, you could turn into a goo hoarder! [BUY]
  • Michael Todd Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser – I’m currently using my Michael Todd cleanser, and really love it. This bottle is going to last me a very long time, and you can read my full thoughts on it HERE. [BUY]
  • Dr. Brandt PoreDemabrasion Pore Perfecting Exfoliator – I use a facial exfoliator about once or twice a week. The Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion is definitely a current favorite. It is on the more expensive side, but worth the price. You can read my full review HERE. [BUY]
  • FOREO LUNA for Combination Skin – I keep my FOREO LUNA in my shower and use it with whatever face cleanser I’m using at the moment. It is truly an amazing device, and my skin loves it. I think it’s definitely worth the splurge! You can read my full review HERE. I highly recommend this is a holiday gift. Make sure to shop on Ebates because you can earn 7.5% cash back on every Foreo purchase! [BUY]

Bottom Rack:

  • Dial Soap – I keep an unscented bar of soap in the shower for any sensitive areas, such as underarms, that I don’t want to wash using a fragranced shower gel. I get this affordable Dial Soap from the drugstore, but I don’t really have a preference on the brand. [BUY]
  • The Body Shop Coconut Body Scrub – Finally, I always keep a body scrub in the shower that I use about once per week. I’m currently using a coconut one, but I change the scents up seasonally. [BUY]

All in all, I hope you liked this little tour of what I keep in my shower. Perhaps I inspired you to keep it basic, or maybe you found a new product to test! I definitely recommend the Shower Bouquet Loofahs. You can get the pack of four loofahs for $15.95 on Amazon HERE. While this is a bit more pricey than what you will find at the drugstore, the quality is amazing and definitely worth it. The Shower Bouquet makes an amazing stocking stuffer, or break up the pack for use in holiday gift baskets! They truly make any shower more luxurious!

What’s in your shower? Let me know in the comments!

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. 

Michael Todd Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser Review

Happy Monday! Today I am excited to share with you a new-to-me skincare product from the brand Michael Todd. When I first heard about charcoal skincare products, I was a bit hesitant to use them, but my skin absolutely loves charcoal. I’ve tried charcoal masks and exfoliators, and they’ve worked really well. I jumped at the chance to review the recently repackaged Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser from Michael Todd. I had just run out of cleanser, and I knew this would be the perfect replacement. Let me tell you more about Charcoal Detox, and share my experience using the product.

Michael Todd Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser ReviewMichael Todd Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser Review

 

Michael Todd Charcoal Detox is a gel cleanser that is designed to lift impurities that are deep-set in the skin without stripping the skin of its natural hydration. Charcoal helps to remove pore blockages and eliminates excess oil. Charcoal Detox also includes Sugar Cane and Maple and Bilberry Extract to stimulate cell turnover and heal dark spots. It also has Tea Tree Oil for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory healing properties. Charcoal Detox is ideal for those with oily and blemish prone skin.

I have combination skin that is both oily and dry at the same time. My pores are enlarged throughout my T-zone, and I am always looking to clear them out gently. Charcoal Detox made it to my doorstop just in time – I was starting to break out in really nasty acne. I used Charcoal Detox just one time and I could already feel a huge difference in my skin! I feel like I am writing an infomercial, but it is so true! My acne cleared up in just a week of using this cleanser.

I use Charcoal Detox with my FOREO Luna in the shower. I’ve never used a gel cleanser before, but I really like it because of its light texture. After rinsing off the cleanser, my skin feels amazing. It’s really clean, but at the same time very soft. I can tell that my skin isn’t stripped of its natural hydration! My skin is really loving Charcoal Detox for sure!

 

All in all, I am a huge fan of the Michael Todd Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser! If charcoal works well with your skin type, I highly recommend this cleanser. If you’re new to charcoal, I think you should try it out if you have clogged pores and oily skin. Charcoal Detox is a vegan product, and is made in the USA. It is a higher end skincare brand, but it is worth every penny in my opinion. The full size 6.7 fl oz bottle retails for $23.00 on ULTA’s website HERE. I am definitely going to continue using this cleanser until the last drop!

Do you use charcoal skincare products? Let me know in the comments!

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

The Body Shop Haul | Skincare, Scrubs, & More!

Happy Wednesday! Haul Week continues with a huge haul from The Body Shop. I’ve been keeping a close eye on the sales that The Body Shop has for the past couple of months, but I knew I would be shopping during the month of October. I recently joined the Love Your Body program at The Body Shop. This is a rewards program where you pay $10 per year and earn 10% off every single purchase. In addition, you get a $10 coupon during your birthday month and other perks throughout the year. In essence, the Love Your Body program pays for itself with the birthday coupon! Luckily, The Body Shop had an amazing sale early in October, and I stocked up on a ton of products I needed. Let me show you what I purchased!

The Body Shop Haul Skincare, Scrubs, & More!

The Body Shop always has a sale going on, and usually it is Buy 3, Get 2 Free. However, when I shopped it was Buy 3, Get 3 Free! In addition, I shopped through Ebates to earn cash back on my purchase. The Body Shop is usually 4% cash back, but I shopped during a double cash back promotion and earned 8% cash back! It really pays to do your research when it comes to products you want to purchase. Plan in advance, and you’ll be knowledgable about sales and coupons!

The Body Shop Haul Skincare, Scrubs, & More!The main reason I placed this order is because I desperately needed some body scrubs! I ran out back in July, and it was time to stock up. I try to use a body scrub once per week to remove dead skin cells. With the colder months arriving, exfoliating is a must! I picked up the Coconut, Mango, and Pink Grapefruit scents. I’ve already begun using the Coconut Scrub, and it smells amazing! Now I’m all set on scrubs for the coming months, and I saved a ton of money by stocking up during a sale!

The Body Shop Haul Skincare, Scrubs, & More!Next I picked up some new to me skincare items. I just ran out of cleanser, and my serum is running very low. I also wanted a light moisturizer for the daytime, as my face can get quite greasy. I decided to try out a couple different items from The Body Shop. First, I got the Vitamin E Cream Cleanser. I am hoping this will cleanse my face without stripping it of needed oils. Then I reached for two products from the Vitamin C line. I’ve had great luck with Vitamin C products in the past, so I’m hoping these work well. I grabbed both the Vitamin C Skin Boost serum and the Vitamin C Daily Moisturizer.

The Body Shop Haul Skincare, Scrubs, & More!Last but not least, I got a couple freebies! Every order from The Body Shop comes with one free sample. I got the Tea Tree Facial Wash to test. Then I got a really exciting bonus! The Body Shop had a promotion where if you spent $60, you got a free Mega Shower Gel of your choice. I went with Satsuma, as its one of my favorite scents from The Body Shop.

PRICE BREAKDOWN:

  • Coconut Body Scrub – $20
  • Mango Body Scrub – $20
  • Pink Grapefruit Body Scrub – $20
  • Vitamin E Cream Cleanser – $16
  • Vitamin C Skin Boost – $28
  • Vitamin C Daily Moisturizer – $21
  • Mega Satsuma Shower Gel – $20

TOTAL RETAIL VALUE: $145

DISCOUNTS:

  • Buy 3, Get 3 Free ( – 20, 20, 16)
  • Free Mega Shower Gel ( – 20)
  • $10 Birthday Coupon ( – 10)
  • 10% Love Your Body Discount ( – 10%)
  • Free Shipping with $50 Purchase

TOTAL SPENT: $53.10 (or 64% savings)

Plus, I earned $2.65 in cash back from Ebates! What an amazing deal!

The Body Shop Haul | Skincare, Scrubs, & More!All in all, I am so excited about my new products from The Body Shop! My Love Your Body membership has already paid for itself, and I got to stock up on a ton of needed products. I hope this post helped you learn how to familiarize yourself with store sales in order to maximize the savings! It definitely pays to keep a wish list and be patient for just the right sale! If you’d like to see a full review on any of the products in this post, please let me know in the comments

What is your favorite scent from The Body Shop? Let me know in the comments!

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

How to Create a Period Confidence Kit featuring U by Kotex at CVS! | #ConfidenceUDeserve

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ConfidenceUDeserve #CollectiveBias

Happy Monday! Today at Adventures in Polishland I am excited to be sharing with you how to put together a Period Confidence Kit so you can feel ready to tackle anything that comes your way during that time of the month. While it can be difficult to feel your best during your period, I like to treat myself to some extra pampering. You all know how much I love shopping at the drugstore! I’m all about the CVS Extrabucks program, and the store has tons of great products to boost my confidence whilst on my period as well. Let me show you how I put together a Period Confidence Kit using my favorite feminine care products from U by Kotex, and some extra goodies from CVS!

How to Create a Period Confidence Kit featuring U by Kotex at CVS! | #ConfidenceUDeserve

LET’S GO SHOPPING!

How to Create a Period Confidence Kit featuring U by Kotex at CVS! | #ConfidenceUDeserveI don’t know about you, but retail therapy in and of itself is a fun way to boost my mood no matter what time of the month it is! I headed over to my local CVS store to pick up all the supplies I need to create my Period Confidence Kit. CVS has a ton of products from which to choose, but I stuck to the beauty aisle and the food aisle to gather supplies. Then I headed to the feminine care aisle for the most important supply – my U by Kotex pads!

How to Create a Period Confidence Kit featuring U by Kotex at CVS! | #ConfidenceUDeserveHow to Create a Period Confidence Kit featuring U by Kotex at CVS! | #ConfidenceUDeserveMy local store keeps the feminine products in the aisle straight back from the beauty products. That works out perfectly for me! I just shop for all my makeup and skincare, and then end up in the back anyway. I began using U by Kotex four years ago, and I’ve stuck with the brand ever since. I was first drawn in because of the packaging – the black boxes stand out on the shelf, and I love the bright wrappers on the products. I continued to purchase U by Kotex because of the quality! I always feel confident on my period when I wear U by Kotex. Sometimes I even forget I’m on my period because I’m so dry and comfortable. I highly recommend trying U by Kotex if you haven’t already!

ASSEMBLING MY PERIOD CONFIDENCE KIT!

How to Create a Period Confidence Kit featuring U by Kotex at CVS! | #ConfidenceUDeserve

I like to begin my Period Confidence Kit with some sweets! I have a huge sweet tooth, and it’s always nice to indulge. I first grabbed the Milk Chocolate Pretzel Balls from Gold Emblem because they are the perfect combination of salty and sweet, but I nearly squealed in the aisle when I saw Pumpkin Cookies! Both of these goodies were really delicious (let’s be real – I’ve already enjoyed them!). Satisfying my sweet tooth is an important part to my Period Confidence Kit because I feel great after having a tasty treat. Make sure to feed your personal cravings!

How to Create a Period Confidence Kit featuring U by Kotex at CVS! | #ConfidenceUDeserveNext up comes my beauty and skincare regimen! I don’t always pamper myself, but I like to do some extra beautifying at least once per month. I was so surprised at the fabulous and affordable products CVS had to offer! Not only did I stock up on my favorite nail polish remover in the strengthening formula, but I got some amazing skincare products. The CVS brand Beauty 360 has tons of products from which to choose, but I grabbed the Detoxifying Purifying Facial Mask. This is an active charcoal mask that helps to clean out pores and reduce their appearance. I have amazing luck with a high end charcoal mask, so I was really excited to find this affordable option! I also grabbed some Deep Cleaning Pore Strips, which I try to use 1-2 times per month. Finally, my hands get really dry, especially during the colder months, so I grabbed some Dry Skin Therapy Smoothing Hand Cream. By using these skincare products, I feel really confident in how I look because I know my skin is at its best! Plus, it’s always nice to take some time out of our busy schedules for some needed TLC.

How to Create a Period Confidence Kit featuring U by Kotex at CVS! | #ConfidenceUDeserveAll in all, I know that when my period comes around for a visit every month I can still feel like the best version of myself. I grab my favorite U by Kotex pads, spend some time caring for my skin, and even eat some delicious treats. This Period Confidence Kit is great to have on hand, and also makes an amazing care package for one of your girlfriends! It’s also the perfect kit to have for a girls’ night in! My kit changes up a bit throughout the year depending on my current needs, but I always make sure to focus on my own needs during my period. It’s not easy to be confident all the time, but it certainly easier with this kit! Make sure to learn more about U by Kotex at CVS HERE!

How do you stay confident during your period? Let me know in the comments!

Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion Pore Perfecting Exfoliator Review | #PoreDermabrasion

Happy Wednesday! Today I am excited to review a high end skincare product from the brand Dr. Brandt. I had just run out of face exfoliator, and one of my blogger networks reached out with the opportunity to review Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion. I’ve had great luck with the Dr. Brandt samples I’ve tried in the past, so I was really happy to review this one as well. My skin has been a bit icky lately with the seasons changing, and I really needed to clean out my pores. Let me share more about PoreDermabrasion and my experience with the product!

Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion Review

The Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion is a targeted exfoliator featuring physical and chemical exfoliation to deep clean and refine pores. It is designed to be used by anyone no matter the age or skin type. The scrub can be used 1-2 times per week. Simply dampen the skin with water, massage the scrub on for one minute avoiding the eye area, and let set for 1-2 minutes so the product can activate. Then, rinse well and pat dry.

Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion Review

I’ve been using PoreDermabrasion for the past two weeks now, and am already loving the results. I could even see a change in my skin the first time I used the product! I took a good look at my pores using a magnifying mirror before using the scrub, and again afterwards. Many of my blackheads were gone after just one use! I find that the exfoliator is more abrasive than others I’ve used in the past, but it is not painful. I make sure to not press too hard on my skin during application and trust that the product will work on its own. I like that it doesn’t have an odor, and that there is no tingling whatsoever. My skin feels so fresh and clean when I rinse it off!

I’ve done three treatments so far, and my skin is overall much more even. I have a lot of enlarged pores, especially in my T-zone, but they look cleaner now than ever before. I’m excited to see how my skin will continue to improve in the weeks to come.

All in all, I highly recommend Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion. It is a high end product that retails for $58.00, but because you only need a pea size amount each application, this 2oz tube will last you a very long time! You can purchase this direct from Dr. Brandt’s website HERE. PoreDermabrasion ships free, and you can earn 2x Dr. Brandt loyalty points by purchasing it. In addition, if you share this product with two friends who come back to drbrandtskincare.com, you both save $10 on your next purchase!

Do you use an exfoliator as part of your skincare routine? Let me know in the comments!

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

OZ Naturals Ultra Ageless Eye Créme Review

Happy Wednesday! Today I am excited to review another product from the skincare brand OZ Naturals. I’ve received products to test out from the brand in the past (see my review HERE), and I’ve always enjoyed them. I appreciate that OZ Naturals focuses on using safe and natural ingredients, and that the brand is cruelty free and made in the USA. Plus, the price tag is pretty fabulous and affordable for natural skincare. Without further ado, let me share my thoughts on the Ultra Ageless Eye Créme!

OZ Naturals Ultra Ageless Eye Creme Review

OZ Naturals Ultra Ageless Eye Créme Review

The Ultra Ageless Eye Créme is made of 99% natural ingredients, including coffee seed extract, algae extract, and vitamin E. It is designed to protect and hydrate the skin while preventing wrinkles at the same time. The coffee seed extract in particular helps to reduce puffiness. Plus, because this does not contain harsh chemicals, the Ultra Ageless Eye Créme can be used both day and night, unlike retinols which should only be used at night.

I really love how this eye créme can be used not only under the eyes, but on the entire face as well, including under makeup. It is light, but still provides a lot of moisture. I really like using it as an all-over-face moisturizer. Because eye créme is gentle for the sensitive area under your eyes, it is perfect for those of us who have sensitive skin in general. In terms of scent, there is a very slight ‘lotion’ smell, but I would describe it as an unscented product. I’ve been using this product for about two weeks now, and while I haven’t noticed any huge differences in my skin, I overall enjoy the product and feel moisturized when I use it. I will definitely keep this in my skincare routine!

 

All in all, I’m so glad I got the opportunity to review another great product from OZ Naturals! If you would like to transition into using natural skincare products, I think OZ Naturals is a great brand to try. I definitely recommend the Ultra Ageless Eye Créme as a starting point, since it can be used as simply an eye créme, or a daily face moisturizer. You can purchase the Ultra Ageless Eye Créme on Amazon HERE for just $19.49!

Do you use natural skincare? Tell me why or why not in the comments!

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

 

OZ Naturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum Review

Happy Wednesday! Today I have a skincare review for you on the Hyaluronic Acid Serum from the brand OZ Naturals. I was excited to receive this product for review, as I have had great luck with these types of serums in the past, and I had just run out of the serum I had been using. Talk about perfect timing! I’ve been using this serum for a few weeks now, and am ready to share my thoughts with all of you.

OZ Naturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum Review | Adventures in PolishlandFirst, let’s talk a bit about the product and its claims. The OZ Naturals Hyaluronic Acid serum is 72% organic and made in the USA. It contains both Vitamin C and Vitamin E to moisturize the skin and fight aging at the same time. The brand claims the serum will give you a dewy, moisture boost and reduce lines and wrinkles. The serum itself is clear in color and it doesn’t have a scent at all, which I really like. I think it will work for all skin types from sensitive to normal.

OZ Naturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum Review | Adventures in PolishlandMy experience with the serum has been great so far! I’ve really enjoyed using serums in the past with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, and this one is my favorite that I’ve tried. I love that the serum is very light on the skin, and dries in seconds. In addition, the moisturizing quality really works. I rarely use a separate moisturizer now, because this serum does the trick. While I haven’t seen any huge changes in my skin since beginning use, I’ve noticed that overall my skin feels happy! There are no breakouts, and I haven’t experienced any sort of irritation. Plus, I appreciate that OZ Naturals focuses on natural and organic ingredients so that I can feel confident about what I’m putting on my face.

All in all, I’m really happy with the OZ Naturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum and will continue using it right down to the last drop! You can purchase a full size 1oz bottle on Amazon HERE. The retail price is $16.45, but as I write this post it is on sale for $15.79. In addition, OZ Naturals provides coupon codes if you purchase multiple products from its brand. Make sure to read the “Special Offers and Product Promotions” on the Amazon page to find the savings opportunities!

Do you use serum as part of your daily skincare routine? Let me know in the comments!

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

Skincare Sample Reviews | Laura Mercier, Jurlique & Sumbody

Happy Thursday! I recently announced on my Facebook Page that I cancelled my Birchbox after over two years. I really, really love Birchbox, but I was getting tired of receiving the same types of products over and over and not using them on a regular basis. It was time for me to save that $10 a month and focus on using all of the products I accumulated in my collection. Whenever I use up a product, I reach into my sample drawer in my makeup collection (see a tour of that collection HERE). That way I save money by not purchasing new products, and I get the opportunity to use what I already have. I thought it would be fun to share my thoughts on a few skincare samples I’ve been using lately. Let’s jump right into the reviews!

Skincare Sample Reviews | Laura Mercier, Jurlique & Sumbody

Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Face Polish

Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Face Polish Review$32.00 [BUY]

This facial exfoliant from Laura Mercier is just as divine as the price tag suggests! I love the microbeads in this product, as they are gentle yet scrub hard enough to make sure my skin is smooth. I’ve gotten a lot of use out of this deluxe sample, and it definitely makes me want to save up and purchase the full size. My skin looks and feels so much more even and radiant after using this product! I highly recommend it!

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum Review$56.00 [BUY]

My skin is also loving this serum from Jurlique. Serum is one product that I always use, but never have to buy. I have gotten so many samples of serum that I’m constantly testing out new brands. I really like this one at the moment, as it’s very different from other serums I’ve tried. It is more on the thicker side, and is nearly a full face lotion. I love how my skin looks and feels after using this serum, but the scent is a bit on the funky side, probably due to the herbal nature of this product. Because of the price tag, I doubt I will repurchase this in the full size, but I am really glad I got the opportunity to test it out. If you have the means, I definitely think you should check out this serum!

Sumbody Salt Scrub

Sumbody Salt Scrub Review$18.95 [BUY]

Last but not least, I have a skincare product for the body as well. I’ve never tried a salt scrub before, so I was interested to see how it would differ compared with the sugar scrubs I typically use. This Sumbody scrub is definitely more abrasive than a sugar scrub, so if you have sensitive skin I wouldn’t reach for this. This scrub really intrigues me – it appears to dissolve as soon as I apply it, and leaves my skin moisturized despite the main ingredient being sea salt. The combination of salt with shea butter and cocoa butter must make for the perfect product! I’m not sure I will repurchase this as it is a bit rough on my skin, but if you’re not sensitive I highly recommend it.

I hope you all enjoyed these mini reviews of mini products! I hope to be using up a lot of my samples in the coming months to save money and try new things. If you’d like to see sample reviews every once in a while, please let me know in the comments! I would love to share what I’ve been using with all of you. Also, let me know what samples you’re currently trying in the comments!

Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare | Close Up Instant Wrinkle Reducer and Treatment Review

Happy Thursday! Today I have a review of a high end skincare product from Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare. I was excited when I got the opportunity to try this luxurious product, as I’ve been looking for a great eye cream that is anti-aging. Although I’m only in my mid-twenties, I can see fine lines forming under my eyes already. I’ll thank law school and hours of studying for that! The Close Up Instant Wrinkle Reducer and Treatment is designed to instantly reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles in two minutes, so I was eager to test out these results myself. Let me go ahead and share more about this product with you!

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare | Close Up Instant Wrinkle Reducer and Treatment ReviewThe Close Up Instant Wrinkle Reducer and Treatment is designed to work as both an anti-aging product and a primer in one. I’m going to share the brand’s claims with you below, so you can read them word for word.

“Be camera ready in a flash! This instant treatment tightens the look of skin while firming and smoothing the appearance of crow’s feet & fine lines. Softens the look of under-eye puffiness. Use around eyes, mouth and on forehead to erase years from your appearance…. It also starts working on contact for immediately tighter and smoother skin, erasing fine lines and wrinkles, reducing under-eye puffiness and blurring imperfections all under two minutes. And the 30 minute and 4 hour results were proven to be even better. It’s one of my secret weapons; the results get better with time.”  – Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare

As for the directions on the product itself, Close Up is to be applied after moisturizer like any other primer. It requires two minutes to set before applying makeup.

MY EXPERIENCE

Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare | Close Up Instant Wrinkle Reducer and Treatment ReviewWith such impressive claims, I think I was bound to be disappointed with Close Up. First, let me talk about what I do like about this product. After it is set, my skin feels very soft and smooth, and it makes a great base for applying foundation. Unfortunately, I did not find the product to reduce wrinkles at all. In fact, the fine lines under my eyes are more pronounced upon using this product. I was a bit shocked and disappointed with this result. While I love that Close Up is so smoothing, I find that the formula just doesn’t work for me. I think this is a product that would bring about good results over an extended period of time, but because my first few tests were so off-putting, there is no incentive for my to keep using Close Up.

FINAL THOUGHTS

All in all, I am going to have to recommend you pass on this product. The price tag is $79.99 on the brand’s website HERE. That steep amount is way too much for a product that only lives up to half of its claims. That being said, just because this product didn’t work for me, doesn’t mean it won’t work for you – we all have different skin types! Nonetheless, I’m going to remain on the hunt for a better wrinkle-reducer, and I’ll report back when I find one!

This product was provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

 

 

Pure & Essential Minerals | Dead Sea Mud Mask Review

Happy Thursday! Today I am excited to share a review of a new-to-me product from Pure & Essential Minerals. I’ve tried a few face masks over the past few years, but I’ve never tried a mud mask until receiving this one. When I got the opportunity to test out the Dead Sea Mud Mask, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was a bit hesitant, but I cannot wait to share my experience with you!

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

Pure & Essential Minerals | Dead Sea Mud Mask ReviewThe Dead Sea Mud Mask is exactly what it sounds like – it contains pure dead sea mud! It is designed to draw out excess oils and impurities, and leave your face clean, fresh, and blemish free. The mask also has anti-aging properties, as it tightens pores and reduces wrinkles. Plus, this product can be used on the face or body, or to spot treat acne. It is really an all-around product that can be used to suit your needs!

Pure & Essential Minerals | Deep Sea Mud Mask ReviewHere is a quick look at the mask itself. It did have a slight odor, but the mask is definitely not fragranced. I did want to mention the slight scent just in case you have a sensitivity, but I’m sure the odor comes from the product’s natural ingredients.

MY EXPERIENCE

I really did have quite the experience with this mask! Let me start out with describing the texture – it is gloopy and slippery, and felt like what I always imagined Flubber would. That turned me off a little, so in the future I might use a mini spatula to help me out with application. Nonetheless, as I applied the mask, my skin began to react instantaneously. It was tingling, cooling, and burning all at the same time. I got a bit worried for a minute – was I having a reaction?! But I waited it out and after about 1-2 minutes the mask felt amazing. Yes, amazing. My face felt cooled and comfortable, and the mask slowly dried in about 10-15 minutes. I carefully rinsed my face, and couldn’t believe how great I felt afterwards! My skin was glowing and looked really clean and healthy! What the heck had I just been though?!

As you can see, I really had an interesting experience with the Dead Sea Mud Mask. It is very intense at first, so if you have very sensitive skin I would not recommend it. That being said, I absolutely loved the result, and felt hooked on the product after just one use. I’m definitely going to be using this at least twice a month to ensure I clean out my pores. This mask is truly invigorating!

WHERE TO BUY

You can purchase the Pure & Essential Minerals Dead Sea Mud Mask on Amazon HERE. As I type this post, the mask is on sale for just $24.77 (reduced from $59.99). Not only do you get a huge 6oz tub of product to last you a very long time, but each order comes with a free ebook called The Natural Skincare Guide to help get your skincare routine in tip top shape. I’d say that’s a great deal for such a luxurious product! If you’ve tried out a mud mask before, please share your thoughts in the comments! I would love to hear about your experiences!

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