Tag: beauty

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. 

Birchbox Haul | Hair Care & Makeup

Happy Friday! It’s the last day of Haul Week here on the blog! Today I have a small haul from Birchbox. Although I am no longer subscribed to the Birchbox subscription program, I had saved up $10 worth of points that were expiring this month. I decided to use my points and pick up a hair care favorite, plus a few other goodies. Let me show you what I got – all for $25!

Birchbox Haul Hair Care & MakeupPerhaps you didn’t know that in addition to its subscription program, Birchbox has an amazing online store! It’s a bit like Sephora, but there are often sales and coupons, and even freebies! There is a rewards system as well called Birchbox Points. While subscribers earn points very frequently, anyone can earn points just by shopping online. Each dollar spent is one point earned, and 100 points equals $10. I always save my points, but because they expire in a year’s time, I needed to use them right away!

Birchbox Haul | Hair Care & MakeupFirst, let me share the products I purchased. I had to grab my holy grail dry shampoo from Klorane. No matter how many dry shampoos I try, this one is still a favorite. Unfortunately, it costs $20, so I only pick it up when there is a deal. I also decided to purchase a trio of mini lip glosses from Cythnia Rowley. I received one of these glosses in a Birchbox last year and really loved it, so I grabbed it for $15. I am a little disappointed with how tiny these glosses are, but I’m still happy with them. I’ll have a full blog post showing them off soon!

Birchbox Haul | Hair Care & MakeupThe rest of the items in this haul were freebies! I got an email from Birchbox with a coupon code for this travel size dry shampoo from Living Proof along with the L. Erickson headband. I’ve been doing PiYo for over a month now, so this headband really comes in handy for my short hair. Plus, I am always up for drying out another dry shampoo. Maybe this one will beat out Klorane!

Birchbox Haul | Hair Care & MakeupFinally, Birchbox has a Bonus Shop that lets you add additional freebies to your order depending on what you buy. I always go for the Mystery Sample Pack. If you spend $35 or more, you can add this pack to your order for free. It contains two deluxe samples, but you don’t know what they are. This time I got the Templespa In Good Condition Hair Conditioner and Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner in Blue Lagoon. These are great products, but I think I’ll be passing them on this time.

All in all, I’m really happy with this Birchbox purchase! I do miss the subscription program, but still recommend it for those of you who have an extra $10 to spend each month. You can subscribe using my referral link HERE if you’re interested.

What is your favorite hair care product at the moment? Let me know in the comments!

This post includes affiliate links. 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. 

Huge Sephora Haul | Basics Stock Up & More!

Happy Monday, and welcome to Haul Week here at Adventures in Polishland! I’ve done a lot of shopping lately, mainly because October is my birthday month and I wanted to take advantage of all the sales and coupons I received. Plus, I keep my eye on sales all the time, so I shop when the prices are lowest. I asked on my Facebook Page HERE if you wanted me to do a week filled with haul posts, and many of you said yes! Today I’m kicking things off with my biggest Sephora Haul of all time. I had to stock up on a lot of my basic products, but of course treated myself, too. Let me show you what I picked up!

Huge Sephora Haul | Basics Stock Up & More!

First things first, I made this purchase because I was out of a lot of basic products that I use regularly. I also wanted to get my free birthday gift. I waited until Sephora was on Ebates for double cash back, and then made my purchase. Ebates is a website that allows you to earn cash back on many of your online purchases. I’ve used it for years now, and LOVE it! Sephora is typically 4% cash back, but it is often doubled for 8%. Always wait for the double cash back if you can. If you’re not an Ebates member, sign up for free HERE and you’ll get a $10 gift card when you join!

Huge Sephora Haul | Basics Stock Up

While I am normally all about the fabulous and affordable beauty products, there are a few things I am always willing to spend more on because of the amazing quality. I ran out of BeautyBlender Cleanser a few months ago, and my normal brush cleaner is just not cutting it. I decided to get the big size of of the cleanser, because I know it will last me a long time. Plus, it has a pump top that I can keep on the sink! I also grabbed the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer. I used a sample last year and fell in love with it. I waited until my other primers ran out before I picked this up! Finally, I grabbed my favorite setting spray, Urban Decay De-Slick. I only need a new bottle every 8-12 months, depending on how often I use it, and it is 100% worth the price. This is the third time I’ve purchased it now!

Huge Sephora Haul | Fun GoodiesI decided to pick up a few extra goodies for myself. I’ve wanted the Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop Highlight from the brand BECCA since it came out, and I finally decided to grab it. I am so in love! It is a stunning gold highlight, and I’ve been wearing it every makeup day since it arrived. I’m planning on doing a full review of Champagne Pop so you can see up-close swatches of this product. I also purchased the Sephora Favorites Give Me More Lip value kit. It has 15 high end lip products, mainly in deluxe sample sizes, but there are a few full size products as well. I thought this was the perfect opportunity to try some high end lip products. Plus, I plan on using some of the lippys for gifts and giveaways. It’s just so fun to try out so many goodies!

Huge Sephora Haul | FreebiesOf course, no Sephora order is complete without a few freebies! First, I have the Beauty Insider Birthday Gift, which is a NARS lip duo. I think that is an amazing freebie! I then got the three free samples that come with every order. I picked the Fresh Black Tea Lotion, First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser, and Dior Lip Addict Lip Plumper. I always love getting these extras!

All in all, I did spend a pretty penny at Sephora, but I was able to grab a lot of products I use regularly, plus some treats for my birthday. By shopping during double cash back at Ebates, I got over $14 back on my purchase. I’ve already started putting many of these products to use, and I plan on showing in-depth reviews in the coming weeks! If you’d like to shop for anything you see here, you can use the widget below, which helps support my blog. Make sure to stay tuned for more hauls all week long!

What is on your Sephora Wish List? Let me know in the comments!

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

Drugstore Beauty Haul! | Couponing Tips & Tricks

Happy Friday! Here at Adventures in Polishland I am always focused on living a fabulous and affordable life. One of my favorite parts of each week is going through the Sunday paper and clipping coupons. I then match the coupons up with the weekly sales to score awesome deals at the drugstore. I like to buy beauty products regularly, not just for myself, but for blog reviews and giveaways. I’m able to purchase items at a fraction of the cost thanks to the time I spend planning out my purchases and using coupons. Today I want to share a quick drugstore haul and show you how I got over $35 worth of makeup for just $15. Let’s get started!

Drugstore Beauty Haul  Couponing Tips & Tricks

I went to my local CVS for this particular shopping trip. There were two deals that I wanted to check out, one from Maybelline and the other from L’Oreal. Each brand was having a sale where when you purchased two items, you got $5 in ExtraCare Bucks (“ECB”) back. CVS has an amazing rewards system called ExtraCare where you score tons of great coupons and can earn ECB, which work like free money. If you’re not a member yet, I highly recommend signing up HERE. Otherwise you won’t get exclusive sale prices and coupons! I’m going to break down the two deals I made during this purchase so you can see how I used my coupons.

MAYBELLINE DEAL – Buy 2 Products, Get $5.00 ECB

Drugstore Beauty Haul | Maybelline

I really wanted to purchase the Maybelline Shine-Free Foundation from the Fit Me line because I used it in the past and really loved it. I always recommend you buy products that you either know you’ll use, or you really want to try. There is no use buying items just to use a coupon! I grabbed the mascara up for either a gift item or a future giveaway here.

Items Purchased:

Maybelline Great Lash Big in Blackest Black = $5.99

Maybelline Shine-Free Foundation in Classic Ivory = $9.79

Coupons Used:

$2.00 off Maybelline Mascara (manufacturer’s coupon)

$2.00 off Maybelline Fit Me Product (manufacturer’s coupon)

Money Spent: 5.99 + 9.79 = 15.78 – 4.00 = $11.78

ECB Earned: $5.00

L’OREAL DEAL – Buy 2 Products, Get $5.00 ECB

Drugstore Beauty Haul | L'Oreal

Next, I grabbed a couple items from L’Oreal. My favorite drugstore mascaras come from L’Oreal, so I figured I would try the Miss Manga because I’ve heard great things about it. Plus, I like to have mascara on back-up because it’s good to change up mascaras every three months. I was also on the hunt for a new blush for the fall, so I picked one up from the True Match line to try.

Items Purchased:

L’Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Blush in Baby Blossom = $11.49

L’Oreal Miss Manga Mascara in Black = $8.49

Coupons Used: 

$3.00 off L’Oreal True Match Product (manufacturer’s coupon)

$1.00 off L’Oreal Eye Product (manufacturer’s coupon)

Money Spent: 11.49 + 8.49 = 19.98 – 4.00 = 15.98

ECB Earned: $5.00

Drugstore Beauty Haul | Couponing Tips & Tricks

I used one manufacturer’s coupon on each item, as I showed above in the deal breakdowns. CVS also allows you to use CVS coupons, too. For this particular purchase I had a $5.00 off any $15.00 purchase coupon that I received in my email. Sometimes I have specific coupons for beauty products, other times I will receive percentage off coupons, but it changes every week. What I can tell you is that CVS will always send me at least one CVS coupon that I can use on each purchase!

Money Spent: 11.78 (Maybelline) + 15.98 (L’Oreal) = 27.76 – 5.00 = $22.76

Now, $22.76 would be your total if all you had was the manufacturer’s coupons and CVS coupon. That is still an incredible savings! The retail price of all the items totals $35.76, so there is already a savings of $13.00, or 47%. But because I am a regular CVS shopper, I had $7.00 in ECB from my last purchase. That means I only spent $15.76! I saved $20 just by clipping some coupons and paying attention to sales. Plus, I earned a total of $10.00 in ECB to use on my next purchase! Every week I earn some ECB that I can use the next time. It makes saving so easy, and shopping really fun!

All in all, I hope you enjoyed this Drugstore Beauty Haul and found my couponing tips and tricks helpful. I go to the drugstore about once per week, so if you would like to see how I use coupons to save money on a regular basis, please let me know in the comments! I am not affiliated with nor am I sponsored by CVS, but it is definitely my drugstore of choice for beauty deals at the moment. Make sure you stop by for some new goodies, either for yourself, or for your friends – the holiday season is just around the corner!

What beauty products have you purchased from the drugstore lately? Let me know in the comments!

Keranique Clean & Condition Set Review | #KeraniqueHair

Happy Wednesday! Today I have a review of a high end shampoo and conditioner set from the brand Keranique. I was so excited to receive the Clean & Condition set because I have very fine hair that is pretty dull and flat. I’m always looking to improve the health of my hair, and if I can give it some added volume in the process that is a win-win situation. At the same time, I’m on a budget, so it’s rare that I purchase high end products. I had very high hopes for the Keranique Clean & Condition Set! Let me share more information on these products and my experience with all of you.

Keranique Clean & Condition Set Review | #KeraniqueHair

The Keranique Clean & Condition Set comes with the Scalp Stimulating Shampoo and the Volumizing Keratin Conditioner. Together they are designed to gently clean and stimulate the scalp to nourish and rejuvenate hair follicles. The Scalp Stimulating Shampoo is formulated to help improve the volume, thickness, and strength of thinning hair, as well as the hair’s lustre. The Volumizing Conditioner contains Keratin, and is designed to help thicken and volumize thin hair without weighing it down. I used the system for about two and a half weeks, and was hoping for great results. I’m going to talk about the shampoo and conditioner separately, and then round out my thoughts.

Keranique Scalp Stimulating Shampoo

I overall like the Scalp Stimulating Shampoo. It is clear in color, and doesn’t have a scent. I used it as directed and let it sit on my hair for one to two minutes before rinsing. I didn’t notice any tingling or feeling on the scalp, and my hair felt really clean after using this shampoo. Basically, this shampoo didn’t wow me, but it seemed to work just fine.

Keranique Volumizing Keratin ConditionerThe Volumizing Keratin Conditioner is definitely a unique product! It contains peppermint and menthol, so there is a cooling sensation on the scalp when you let it sit for the suggested one to two minutes. This sensation was very strong the first time I used the conditioner, but either I got used to it, or the product didn’t activate as much as I continued use. If you have very sensitive skin, I would keep that in mind before purchasing this product.

Moreover, I wanted to talk about my experience with this system. I noticed that after about two weeks of use in which I used the products every other day, my hair became very dry and finicky. I had to pull out a detangling spray for the first time in several months, and I also grabbed hair oil to treat my hair. After experiencing this dryness, I decided to discontinue use and switched back to my normal haircare routine.

All in all, I am quite disappointed with the Keranique Clean & Condition Set. While I did feel my hair getting a bit thicker, I know that this formula was hurting my hair instead of helping it. As I mentioned at the beginning of this blog post, I do have thin hair that I would consider a bit sensitive. That being said, just because Keranique didn’t work for me doesn’t mean it’s a bad product. We all have different hair types, and mine just doesn’t mesh well with Keranique. If you would like to learn more about Keranique, please visit the brand’s site HERE. You can receive 25% off any Keranique purchase through 12/31/15 with the code THICKER25 at checkout.

What is your volumizing hair product of choice? 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. #iFabboMember

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

September Favorites | Beauty + Lifestyle Loves!

Happy Tuesday! I can’t believe September is already over, and we’re nearly a full week into October. Fall is my favorite season, so I’m glad to be enjoying cooler temperatures, warmer clothing, and, of course, pumpkin mania! I don’t have too many beauty favorites, but I do have a bunch of other goodies to share. Let’s jump right into my September Favorites!

September Favorites Beauty + Lifestyle Loves

Lip Product

Chosungah 22 Flavorful Lipstick – Chai Tea

Chosungah 22 Flavlorful Lipstick – Chai Tea [BUY]

I got this really intriguing lip product in one of my last Birchboxes. It’s a Korean lipstick that has lip balm qualities. It doesn’t add any color to the lips, but does have a bit of a gloss to it. I haven’t been wearing any lip colors lately, so this product is perfect. It feels so moisturizing, and I just really love it! It’s a bit pricey at $18.00, but if you’re up for a splurge, I highly recommend it!

LIP CARE

Fresh Sugar Lip Polish

Fresh Sugar Lip Polish [BUY]

I’ve loved the Fresh Sugar Lip Polish for a few years now, but I haven’t used it in such a long time. With the cooler weather, though, I’ve needed to exfoliate my dry lips. I got this small tub of Lip Polish at the Fresh store in Las Vegas for free when I signed up for the Rewards program. I’m so glad to be putting it to use! It’s truly an amazing scrub, and very luxurious.

BODY CARE

Bath & Body Works Shower Gel – Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin

Bath & Body Works Shower Gel – Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin [BUY]

Here is a huge savings tip – make sure you sign up for Bath & Body Works coupons! Every once in a while I get a coupon in the mail for free products with no purchase required. I recently got one for a full size product, and I picked up the Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Shower Gel! I love the scent for fall – it is really fragranced and my bathroom smells great even after I’m out of the shower. While I don’t like all of the ingredients in the Bath & Body Works products, I definitely like to use them once in a while.

HAIR CARE

Irresistible Me Diamond Hair Styler | Review + Coupon CodeIrresistible Me Diamond Hair Styler [REVIEW] [BUY]

I’ve been completely obsessed with the Diamond since I got it! Make sure you check out my full review with before and after photos if you haven’t already. I’ve stashed my old flat iron away now, and only reach for the Diamond. It’s definitely an investment product, but it’s 100% worth it. My hair has never felt so shiny and glossy, and my straightening time is cut in half. I’m so in love!

BOOK

The Accident Season by Moïra Fowley-Doyla [REVIEW] [BUY]

I’ve been loving creepy books lately, and The Accident Season is an awesome one! This is a young adult book that follows a girl named Cara as she and her family try to survive the month of October. They always experience a lot of accidents in October, and this year seems to be the worst lot of accidents yet. I highly recommend this book if you love magical realism! Check out my full review by clicking the above link.

ETSY SHOP / STICKER SHOP

Oh, Hello Stationery Co. [ETSY] [WEBSITE]

One of my go-to shops for buying planner stickers is Oh, Hello Stationery Co. The brand recently opened up its own website in addition to its Etsy store, and the new site has much more to offer. My favorite thing is the new Poppy Points rewards system that allows you to earn points for every purchase and for referrals! So, if you’d like to get a $5.00 coupon, please sign up using my referral link HERE. This coupon is only for new Oh, Hello shoppers, so if you’ve bought from the store before keep that in mind. I’ve linked one of my recent hauls from Oh, Hello above so you can see the types of stickers I buy from the brand!

FOOD

Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Coffee

Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Coffee

Last but not least, I have to shout out the pumpkin coffee from Dunkin Donuts! I absolute love it and have for years. Step aside Starbucks PSL – I much prefer this sweet concoction. Plus, I’m currently living in Patriots Nation, and every time they win I can get a free coffee. It’s been super successful so far this NFL season! If you haven’t tried pumpkin coffee yet, I highly recommend it.

What were some of you favorites in September? Let me know in the comments!

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

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.