Tag: beauty

Dollar Shave Club Unboxing & Review | The Humble Twin

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

Dollar Shave Club Unboxing & Review | The Humble Twin

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

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

Dollar Shave Club Unboxing & Review | The Humble TwinRight beneath the brochure is my blade handle and the pack of blades. I’ll show you a closer look at each in turn, and share my thoughts on the razor so far.

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

Dollar Shave Club Unboxing & Review | The Humble Twin

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

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

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

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

Zoya Nail Polish 70% Off Black Friday Sale | My Top 10 Zoya Nail Polishes

Happy Tuesday! Black Friday is just a few days away, and I am extremely excited to share that Zoya is having a 70% off sale! Your eyes are not deceiving you – for one day only you can get 70% off your entire order on Zoya’s website. I thought I would share my Top 10 Zoya nail polishes with you today so you can get some shopping inspiration. This is one of the best sales I’ve ever seen Zoya put on in the over four years I’ve followed the company, so I highly recommend snagging some awesome vegan polish at this discounted price!

My Top 10 Zoya Nail Polishes!

BLACK FRIDAY SALE INFORMATION

Zoya Nail Polish 2016 Black Friday Sale

Details: Use code YAY at checkout.

Offer valid exclusively on 11/25/16 through 11:59pm EST for Consumer Accounts in the USA.

UPDATE: Now open it to all Canadian Consumer Accounts. Standard Canadian Shipping and International Fees Apply

MY TOP 10 ZOYA NAIL POLISHES

Zoya Nail Polish – Lola

Lola [BUY]

Lola is an amazing hot pink nail polish with an amazing formula. This polish wears beautifully as a manicure or pedicure, especially in the hot summer sun. There is a slight purple shimmer that runs throughout Lola, and when it catches in the light you get a stunning duochrome effect. Lola is so much fun!

Zoya – Laurel

Laurel [BUY]

If you prefer a more subtle pink, Laurel is a great choice. This is a bubblegum pink polish with a stunning cream formula. Laurel is a polish that can be worn in any season for any reason!

Zoya – Cole

Cole [BUY]

One of my most used Zoya polishes is Cole, a pastel orange shade. Cole has an amazing formula, and I always reach for it in the summer months. In fact, Cole is my go to pedicure shade! It’s so gorgeous.

Zoya – Wyatt

Wyatt [BUY]

If you like darker shades, I highly recommend Wyatt. This is a deep emerald green polish with an amazing formula. Wyatt was just released in the fall of 2016, and I’ve already worn it on more than one occasion. This will be a fall staple of mine for years to come!

Zoya – Mallory

Mallory [BUY]

I am also in love with Mallory from this year’s fall collection. Zoya consistently creates amazing blue polishes, and I think Mallory is my favorite. If you’re looking for the perfect blue cream to add to your stash, Mallory is a must!

Zoya – Neve

Neve [BUY]

I’m not typically a big fan of metallic nail polishes, but Neve is beyond gorgeous! This is a sapphire blue polish, and the formula dries to an even and glossy finish. I love the rich pigmentation, and how there are no visible brush strokes with this metallic formula.

Zoya – Lidia

Lidia [BUY]

I have a few purple polishes to recommend, and I’m starting out with the deep plum of Lidia. I am swooning over this purple shade so much as I write this blog post that I think I’m going to put it on later today! Lidia is another must have for the fall, and the deep shade makes it office appropriate as well.

Zoya – Charisma

Charisma [BUY]

Charisma is the next purple I have to share, and it is a really unique polish! Charisma has a matte finish and is so bright Zoya deems it a neon. While many neon polishes are typically worn in the summer, Charisma can work in any season. Plus, I love the matte finish, which can also be made glossy with a top coat if you so desire. 

Zoya – Odette

Odette [BUY]

My last purple pick is Odette, a maroon polish that works for any skin tone. If you like more neutral polishes, Odette is a great option for you. The cream formula applies well, and this can be an every day polish for sure.

Zoya – Ana

Ana [BUY]

Last but not least is Ana, an almond shade in the beautiful satin formula. Ana is a stunning polish that is so warm and cozy. It can be worn any time of year, and will look nice with any skin tone. Plus, you can’t go wrong with the Zoya Satins. They are all amazing!

That wraps up my Top 10 Zoya nail polish picks! I hope you found this post helpful whether you are shopping this year’s Black Friday sale, or simply planning your future Zoya purchases. I highly recommend taking advantage of the 70% off while you can. Zoya polishes make excellent gifts this holiday season, but it’s also nice to treat yourself, too. Please share your favorite Zoya shades with me in the comments!

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

Disappointing Beauty Products | Fall 2016

Happy Monday! Today I want to share with you some beauty products that disappointed me this fall. While it’s fun to share my favorite things with you every month, I think it’s also really helpful to share the products that didn’t quite work for me. As always, it’s worth mentioning that while I don’t like these products, that doesn’t mean they won’t work for you! We all have different skin types, hair textures, and product preferences, so I will do my best to point out when I think a product’s qualities will be effective for someone other than myself. Without further ado, let’s jump right into the disappointing beauty products!

Disappointing Beauty Products | Fall 2016

HAIR

The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Hair Butter

The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Hair Butter [BUY]

First up is a hair butter I purchased from The Body Shop. My hair type is really strange, and it’s difficult to find products that work for me. My scalp and hair are dry, but my hair also gets oily really easily. I thought the Rainforest Moisture Hair Butter would help to keep my hair moisturized, but unfortunately it is way too heavy for my thin hair. I experimented with this product, sometimes leaving it on for two minutes and others leaving it on for the suggested five. No matter what, my hair was always left with a really weird feeling that I didn’t like. Unless you have really, really dry hair, I’m not sure this product is worth the hefty price tag.

Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo

Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo [BUY]

My hunt for the perfect drugstore dry shampoo continues. This one from Not Your Mother’s really baffles me! I used a travel size one during my trip to Los Angeles, and I really enjoyed it, so I bought the full size when I got home. For some reason, it doesn’t work for me at all anymore! Clean Freak is supposed to instantly absorb excess oils, leave no residue, and give fresh volume to the hair. What I do like is that there is no white residue left on my hair when I use this product. Unfortunately, that is the only good thing about it! It doesn’t absorb oils, and instead it weighs down my hair and makes it look worse than it did in the first place. Basically, I feel like this dry shampoo does absolutely nothing for me.

SKINCARE

The Body Shop Seaweed Pore-Cleansing Facial Exfoliator

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

Next up is a facial exfoliant that I also feel is quite ineffective. When I buy a face scrub, I want it to clean my pores and remove dead skin cells from my face. At first, I really liked this Seaweed exfoliator. It leaves my face feeling really clean and soft. However, I noticed that it does not remove the dead skin cells on my face at all! I still have a lot of dry patches when I use this product. Plus, it smells really weird. I’ll probably use up this bottle, but I will not be repurchasing it. I do recommend this if you want a really gentle scrub.

MAKEUP

Milani EasyBrow Automatic Pencil

Milani EasyBrow Automatic Pencil [BUY]

I am always on the hunt for my perfect brow product, and unfortunately the Milani EasyBrow is not the one! I was drawn to purchase this because of the spoolie brush on the end (I’m a sucker for any brow product that includes a spoolie). While I do really enjoy the color match and staying power of this pencil, my issue is that I cannot get a precise line with it. The formula is very waxy and the pencil is soft, so getting a nicely shaped brow is difficult for me. My brows are very sparse, and I need to fill them in a lot to get my desired look. Thus, if you only need a bit of added definition, this product may work well for you.

ELF HD Lifting Concealer in Adjusting

ELF HD Lifting Concealer in Adjusting [BUY]

I’ve had my ups and downs with this color-correcting concealer from ELF. This was my first foray into color-correcting, so at first I thought this product was amazing. However, the more I use this concealer, the more I see its flaws. I purchased it to help cover the redness in my skin, but I find my skin absorbs the green pigmentation and the redness still shows through my final foundation routine. I’m glad I tested out this product, but I’m not happy with the results.

ELF Smudge Pot in Ain't That Sweet

ELF Smudge Pot in Ain’t That Sweet [BUY]

I got this cream eyeshadow as a free gift with my last ELF purchase. I knew this particular shadow wouldn’t be a favorite of mine because it is a pink glittery shade, but I was excited to see what the formula was like. I’m sad to report that the formula is not well done. Not only is the shadow extremely sheer, but it gathers and clumps when I attempt to apply it. The shadow also flakes off and contains some chunky glitter. This is just not a product I can recommend to anyone!

ELF Volumizing & Defining Mascara in Jet Black

ELF Volumizing & Defining Mascara in Jet Black [BUY]

Last but not least is my biggest disappointment of the bunch. I has such high hopes for this mascara from ELF, but it let me down. This mascara is very thick and heavy, and leaves my lashes really crispy. The worst thing, though, is this mascara gives me the uni-lash! In other words, my lashes all stick together in one bunch. That is just not okay with me. I tried to make it through the three month time period for this mascara, but I can’t do it. I’m happy to toss this now!

That wraps up all of my beauty product disappointments for the fall 2016 season. I hope you found this helpful if you were curious about any of these products. As I mentioned at the beginning, just because I don’t like these products doesn’t mean they won’t be beneficial for someone else. I still love shopping from all of these brands, but sometimes there are a few duds. Here’s to discovering the next awesome beauty product!

Have you tried any of these products? Let me know how they worked for you!

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

Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation Review

Happy Friday! Today I am excited to share my thoughts on the Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation. If you’ve been reading Adventures in Polishland for any amount of time, you’ll know that I am a drugstore beauty girl, and it is very rare that I splurge on high end makeup products. That being said, I decided to treat myself to the Lock-It Foundation during Sephora’s Friends & Family sale this fall. I love wearing liquid foundations in the winter months, and when I discovered this foundation is vegan, I knew I had to give it a try.

Kat Von D Lock–It Foundation Review
Kat Von D Lock–It Foundation Review

The Lock–It Foundation is a liquid foundation formulated to provide full coverage for a full 24-hour period. It dries to a matte finish, and is designed to stay in place without any transfer. This foundation is available in 33 shades, which is absolutely fabulous! I love it when a beauty brand creates products that can be enjoyed no matter what skin shade you are. I got the shade Light 44.

Kat Von D Lock–It Foundation ReviewKat Von D recently upgraded the Lock-It Foundation’s packaging, and I wanted to give it a quick shout out. I absolutely love the sleek bottle design. Here is a look at the bottle from the top. You can see the cool ‘KVD’ that is the foundation’s pump. According the the brand’s website, the bottle now features an airless chamber design that prevents contamination and maintains the foundation’s consistency. I love how the packaging is functional in addition to being gorgeous!

Kat Von D Lock–It Foundation Review
Kat Von D Lock–It Foundation Review

I’ve been using the Lock–It Foundation for a few weeks now, and I have to say I am really pleased with it. I apply it using a damp BeautyBlender, and one pump provides coverage for my entire face. I will say that I do think one layer of the foundation is a medium coverage, and not the advertised full coverage, as I can still see freckles and other imperfections showing through the makeup. However, the Lock-It Foundation is definitely buildable, so I typically add another layer to the parts of my face I really want the full coverage look.

The formula itself is really nice. It does tend to cling to my dry patches, so I recommend exfoliating well before use, and perhaps avoiding this product if you have really dry skin. However, it dries to a beautiful matte finish, and maintains its integrity throughout the day. The wear is extremely comfortable as well. I also wanted to mention that you can definitely tell you are wearing foundation when you look in the mirror, but it’s not a “cake face” scenario at all. I’ll definitely be wearing this on the daily this winter!

All in all, I’m so glad I splurged on the Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation! While I do have a few small critiques of the product, I think it is worth the money for sure. I’m excited to continue using this product, and explore more of Kat Von D’s line in the future! You can purchase the Lock-It Foundation for $35 on Sephora’s website HERE. Make sure to shop with Ebates to earn cash back on your purchase!

Have you tried products from Kat Von D? Let me know what you recommend in the comments!

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

ELF Shadowlock Eyelid Primer in Sheer | Review + Swatches

Happy Monday! Today I have a review of the ELF Shadowlock Eyelid Primer in the shade Sheer. I received this primer as a free gift in my last ELF haul (see that unboxing HERE). I’ve now used this product periodically for a few months, and I’ve really grown to like it. I wanted to share my review and application tips on this product with all of you. If you can get a quality eye primer for just $2.00, who wouldn’t jump on it?!

ELF Shadowlock Eyelid Primer in Sheer | Review + SwatchesThe Shadowlock Eyelid Primer is designed to provide crease-proof and longer-lasting eyeshadow. The formula is a lightweight liquid that dries quickly. It comes with a doe-foot applicator, similar to a standard lip gloss. I have the shade Sheer, but it also comes in Pearl, which is more of a white shade.

ELF Shadowlock Eyelid Primer in Sheer | Review + Swatches

My application tip with the Shadowlock Eyelid Primer is to use a very small amount and lightly blend it out with your fingertip. Less is definitely more with this primer, and I typically use two coats to help cover up my veiny eyelids. The Sheer shade is a cool-toned beige with salmon pink undertones. When I blend it in, the primer tends to match my fair skin tone perfectly. I do think this will work well under eyeshadow for any skin color, but if you are looking to wear this on its own, I’m not sure I would recommend it for those of you with darker skin. That being said, I do enjoy wearing this on its own to add a bit of brightness and evenness to my otherwise veiny eyelids.

ELF Shadowlock Eyelid Primer in Sheer | Review + SwatchesI absolutely love how my eyelids look and feel after applying this primer. It dries very quickly to a soft satin finish. When I wear eyeshadow on top, it does not crease as all throughout the day. I am very impressed, as my eyeshadow typically creases rather easily, even when I’ve tried other primers in the past. The Shadowlock Eyelid Primer even helps my eyeshadow to glide on and blend easier. I am extremely impressed with how amazing the quality is!

All in all, I highly recommend the Shadowlock Eyelid Primer from ELF Cosmetics. It is the perfect primer for me, as I can wear it both alone and with eyeshadow to get the look I want. I have not tried any high end eyeshadow primers, but this ELF primer is much better than the drugstore primers I’ve tried in the past. You really cannot go wrong for the $2.00 price tag! You can buy this primer at your local drugstore, or online HERE.

What is your favorite eyeshadow primer? Let me know in the comments!

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

5 Beauty Must-Haves for Your Los Angeles Vacation

Happy Wednesday! Today I’m excited to share with you my top must-have beauty products for when I travel to Los Angeles. I visit Los Angeles about 1-2 times per year because I have family there, and I’ve become quite the veteran at packing for the trip. Los Angeles has a very unique climate, especially for someone like me who lives on the East Coast of the United States. The dry heat of LA can really affect your skin and hair, so I’ve put together a list of the absolute necessities to help you fill your makeup bag. Let me share my beauty must-haves for any Los Angeles vacation!

5 Beauty Must-Haves for Your Los Angeles Vacation

1. Face Wipes Travel Pack

Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Cleansing Facial Wipes

Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Cleansing Facial Wipes [BUY]

I am a huge cleansing wipe junkie, and that doesn’t change when I travel! I like to pick up a travel pack at Target so that I can use the wipes while traveling, and toss them before coming home. The reason I recommend the Yes to Blueberries wipes for Los Angeles is because they not only help to cleanse the skin, but they help moisturize as well. Wipes are perfect for cooling off in the sun, and keeping the skin clean while out and about. Keep this pouch in your beach bag so you can freshen up on the go!

2. Mini Dry Shampoo

Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo

Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo [BUY]

Next up is a travel size dry shampoo. My hair gets oily really easily, so I rely on dry shampoo to keep it looking fresh between washes. Whether you’re visiting the beach, spending the day at a theme park, or simply hoping to give your hair a boost before going out, dry shampoo is a must. I’ve never tried the Not Your Mother’s Dry Shampoo before, but I found it in Target’s travel section, so I decided to pick it up. Dry shampoo is one of those products you just can’t decant into a smaller bottle, so I spend a few extra dollars for a mini one.

3. Foundation Stick

ELF Cosmetics Moisturizing Foundation Stick

ELF Cosmetics Moisturizing Foundation Stick [BUY]

I absolutely love bringing stick foundation with me on vacation. Not only is it really simple to apply with just your fingers, but it doesn’t need to be packed in your 3-1-1 bag because it’s not liquid! I like the ELF Cosmetics stick foundation because it has a moisturizing formula. My skin gets very dry on the flight to Los Angeles, and in LA’s natural climate, so every bit of added moisturization helps. You can see a full review of this product HERE.

4. Facial Sunscreen

Tarte TarteGuard SPF 30

Tarte TarteGuard SPF 30 [BUY]

Next up is a facial sunscreen, which is an absolute necessity if you are spending a lot of your vacation outside. I normally use a foundation or primer with SPF in it, as I’m not in the sun enough for a dedicated sunscreen. However, in Los Angeles I’m often at an outdoor park, eating outside, etc., so it’s nice to have a stronger SPF for my face. I got this Tarte sunscreen in a subscription box, and I love the light consistency.

5. Translucent Powder

ELF Cosmetics Translucent Mattifying Powder

ELF Cosmetics Translucent Mattifying Powder [BUY]

Last but not least is a translucent and mattifying powder. My skin gets really oily, even in a dry heat, so I like to set my face with powder every day. I recently got the ELF Cosmetics powder, and I love this compact for travel because it has a huge mirror that makes touching up easy. Plus, the packaging is slim and sleek to fit in my purse.

That wraps up my top beauty must-haves for any Los Angeles vacation! I hope you found this post helpful as you pack for your trip. If you need more travel tips, make sure to check out my Jet Away June series HERE for packing advice, airplane travel, and more. I hope you have a fun and safe vacation to Los Angeles!

What are your beauty must-haves for vacation? Share in a comment!

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

Milani Power Lip Gloss Stain in Macaroon Review | $1.99 T.J. Maxx Find

Happy Friday! I recently went to my local T.J. Maxx store to pick up a bottle of dry shampoo, and decided to browse through the beauty section to see if there were any other goodies worth purchasing. I did grab some cleansing wipes from the brand Avalon Organics to try, but on the way to the checkout I spotted some Milani products! I’ve never tried the Milani Power Lip line before, and the shade Macaroon looked really pretty. It was just $1.99, so I decided to buy it as well. Let me share my thoughts on this product with you, as well as some swatches.

Milani Power Lip Gloss Stain in Macaroon Review | $1.99 T.J. Maxx FindMilani Power Lip is a really unique lip product that is part gloss and part stain. It is designed to have a non-drying formula that is also long-lasting. I was drawn in by the gorgeous color on the packaging, and thought it would be a nice shade to wear during the day.

Milani Power Lip Gloss Stain Review | $1.99 T.J. Maxx FindProbably the most interesting aspect of this product is the applicator. This is a twist-up product with a brush at the end. I wasn’t really thrilled with this applicator at first, but I must admit the brush is really soft and the application is surprisingly user friendly. My tip in using this applicator is not cranking out too much product at once. Less is more with Power Lip!
Milani Power Lip Gloss Stain Review | $1.99 T.J. Maxx FindMilani Power Lip Gloss Stain Review | $1.99 T.J. Maxx Find

Milani really nailed the description of gloss stain with this product! The Power Lip almost feels like a liquid lipstick, because it has an opaque yet super glossy appearance. While I did notice that the Power Lip sticks to any dry patches on the lips, the formula otherwise feels quite creamy and hydrating. If you do have dry lips, simply use a lip scrub before application.

The shade Macaroon is a true pink color. It is a bit brighter than I normally wear, and I was hoping for more of a peachy-nude undertone. However, I think the shade does look quite nice on me, and I hope to step outside my comfort zone and wear this often. I definitely appreciate how comfortable the product is during wear, and how the staining properties of the formula leave a nice tint to the lips as the actual gloss wears off throughout the day.

All in all, I’m really glad I found this Milani Power Lip Gloss Stain at T.J. Maxx! I think this is a fabulous and affordable lip product, and I am excited to wear it more. Unfortunately, the Power Lip appears to be discontinued since it is no longer listed on Milani’s website. Make sure to check out your local T.J. Maxx to see if you can score any at a discounted price! Please let me know in the comments if you’ve found anything exciting at your local T.J. Maxx or discount store!

MAKE Beauty Product Reviews | Face Primer + Molten Shadow in Bronze

Happy Friday! Today I am excited to review for you two products from the brand MAKE Beauty. I’ve tried a few products from MAKE in the past, and have really enjoyed them. I find that the beauty products offered are quite unique, but I also enjoy the company’s mission. MAKE is created in New York City, and donates 10% of sales to the We See Beauty Foundation, an organization supporting women-led and worker-owned cooperative businesses in the Americas. MAKE is also a cruelty free brand that offers a selection of vegan options. It’s always great to find a company that creates quality products, but is also focused on doing good in the world! Without further ado, let me share my thoughts on the Face Primer and the Molten Shadow in Bronze.

MAKE Beauty Product Reviews | Face Primer + Molten Shadow

Face Primer

MAKE Beauty Face PrimerFirst up is the Face Primer with Broad Spectrum SPF 30. This primer is formulated to correct your skin’s imperfections while protecting against the sun. It can be worn alone, or used as a base before applying foundation, and dries to a velvet finish. I really like this primer for its sunscreen benefits. I noticed that the product does have a slight sunscreen scent, but it’s not too strong and I can’t smell it once I’ve completed my makeup. My skin does appear more even after applying the primer, but I do wish it smoothed out my skin a bit more. I have large pores, and typically use a pore-filling primer to smooth out the skin. With the MAKE Face Primer, my pores are still quite visible under my foundation. Thus, while I love using this product as an everyday face sunscreen, I do wish it aided with smoothing out my imperfections a bit more. I recommend this for those of you who are looking more for an SPF than a perfecting primer.

Molten Shadow in Bronze

MAKE Beauty Molten Shadow in Bronze
MAKE Beauty Molten Shadow in Bronze
MAKE Beauty Molten Shadow in BronzeNext up I have the Molten Shadow in the shade Bronze. This eyeshadow is really unique, because it is a cream gel formula that can be worn in a variety of ways. The Molten Shadow can be worn in a very defined manner, or it can be blended out for a more subtle look. The trick is in choosing the right tool. I find that when I use my finger I get a defined and pigmented application, but an eyeshadow brush helps to smooth out harsh lines and disperse the product a bit more. My biggest tip with the Molten Shadow is to use the tiniest bit, as this eyeshadow really packs a punch! Plus, Bronze is a stunning metallic shade with green, gold, and bronze shimmer. Whether you’re creating a look for day or night, you can make this eyeshadow work for any occasion!

All in all, I am really enjoying these products from MAKE Beauty. MAKE is a boutique brand, so the prices are a bit higher than I typically spend, but I love to support small businesses in the United States whenever I can. You can shop MAKE on the brand’s website HERE. Definitely let me know in the comments if you’ve tried any products from MAKE, or if you plan on doing so in the future.

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

Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Intensive Skin Repair Serum Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

ELF Cosmetics Luscious Liquid Lipstick in Pink Lemonade | Review & Swatches

Happy Monday! Today I have a review of a lip product I received as a free bonus item in my last ELF Cosmetics order (see everything I got HERE). I’ve never tried a lip product from ELF before, so I was really curious to see what the formula and quality of the Lucious Liquid Lipstick line is like. These lip products retail for the fabulous and affordable price of $1.00 each, so if the formula is good, I will definitely be purchasing some in the future. Let me share my thoughts and some swatches with all of you!

ELF Cosmetics Luscious Liquid Lipstick in Pink Lemonade | Review & SwatchesThe Luscious Liquid Lipstick line is formulated to provide a rich pigmentation along with lip hydration. Each shade comes in twist up packaging with a sponge-like applicator. I’m not the biggest fan of the applicator on this lip product. While it makes applying the lip color quite easy, it also traps a lot of product. I need to twist up the bottom several times to get a good amount of product out of the tube. It’s not too much of a hassle, but something I thought is worth mentioning.

ELF Cosmetics Luscious Liquid Lipstick in Pink Lemonade | Review & SwatchesI received the shade Pink Lemonade, which is a berry mauve shade with red and gold shimmer. While this is called a liquid lipstick, it is definitely more of a lip gloss. The product provides a nice pigmentation, but is definitely on the sheer side, and not opaque like a liquid lipstick. It also has a shiny formula that feels like a gloss. I really enjoy the feel of this product on the lips, but it is very helpful to know it is more of a gloss than a liquid lipstick. I also want to point out that the swatch of Pink Lemonade on ELF’s website is very different from the product in person. I recommend going to check out the products in-store before ordering online if you are looking for a particular shade.

ELF Cosmetics Luscious Liquid Lipstick in Pink Lemonade | Review & SwatchesPink Lemonade definitely has a metallic sheen in person that was difficult to capture on camera. While I personally don’t like to wear shimmery lip colors, this is a really nice product. The texture is a bit sticky, but not in an uncomfortable way. Instead, it stays put on the lips and doesn’t slide around. The color is also quite long-lasting. I’m very impressed with the nice quality of this $1.00 lip product!

All in all, I’m so glad I got the opportunity to try Pink Lemonade from the ELF Cosmetics Lucious Liquid Lipstick line. I definitely think this is a great lip gloss to have in your stash if you are looking for something uber affordable. I will be checking out the other shades in the collection to see if there are any I enjoy. Please let me know in the comments if you’ve tried any of ELF’s Luscious Liquid Lipsticks and your thoughts on them in the comments!