dry shampoo – Adventures in Polishland

Tag: dry shampoo

Why I Returned the Lush Cosmetics No Drought Dry Shampoo | Lush Dry Shampoo Review

Posted on May 27, 2018January 10, 2024 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Sunday! Today I am excited to share my thoughts on the Lush Cosmetics No Drought Dry Shampoo. One of my goals this year is to go as zero waste as possible, and that includes my beauty products. When it came time for me to buy a new dry shampoo, I decided to purchase the one from Lush. I wanted a dry shampoo that was not in aerosol form (learn why that is bad for the environment HERE), and also one with ethical packaging. I love that the Lush plastic bottles are made with 100% post-consumer plastic, so I decided to try No Drought. Unfortunately, I made the decision to return this product to the store when it did not work for me.

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

The No Drought Dry Shampoo claims to be a formula that absorbs excess oils and adds volume to the hair. I spoke with a sales associate at my local store before purchasing, because I was concerned the white powder wouldn’t blend in well with my light brown hair, and she assured me that wouldn’t be a problem. She also mentioned that this product does a great job at absorbing oils. While I was able to get the dry shampoo to blend in just fine with my hair color, this product was, unfortunately, quite ineffective in my hair. In fact, my hair looked and felt even dirtier and greasier whenever I used this product!

The issue, for me, lies in the fact that this is a texturizing dry shampoo. Over the years I’ve found that dry shampoos fall into one of two camps: dry shampoos that absorb oil and dry shampoos that texturize. I steer clear of texturizing dry shampoos because I have very fine hair. When texture is added, it weighs my hair down, and makes it cling together. I tried a few different techniques with No Drought in an attempt to get it to work for me, but my hair always came out feeling very heavy and greasy. After about a month of use, I made the decision to return this product to the store. I try to never return used beauty products, as I know they cannot be resold to other customers, but I was very let down that I spent $15.95 on a product that was not living up to its claims. I certainly did not achieve the promised matte finish!

In the end, I would only recommend the Lush Cosmetics No Drought Dry Shampoo if you enjoy using texturizing hair products. For instance, if you have thick hair, this may work better for you than it did for me. That being said, I will still continue to purchase other products from Lush, especially those that come packaging free. As for dry shampoo, I am now testing the one from Verb sold at Ulta (shop HERE).

Have you tried a non-aerosol dry shampoo? Let me know in the comments!

Beauty Favorites | Spring 2017

Posted on May 29, 2017May 27, 2017 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I am excited to share with you the beauty products I’ve been loving this spring. I’m slowly trying new-to-me products as I use up what I already own in my beauty stash, and it’s always nice to discover something great. While I’m still using many of the same makeup products, I’ve found some nice skincare and hair care goodies these past few months. Let’s jump right into my current beauty favorites!

MAKEUP

e.l.f. Baked Highlighter in Blush Gems [LINK]

The one makeup product in this post is the e.l.f. Baked Highlighter in the shade Blush Gems. I tried and loved the shade Moonlit Pearls last summer, and I decided to purchase Blush Gems so I could have a pink-toned highlighter in my collection. These highlighters are great because they can be applied in two ways – with a dry brush for a light illumination, or a wet brush for a more intense highlight. I’ve been applying Blush Gems with a damp Beauty Blender and absolutely loving the result! Plus, I find the pink tone to be perfect for the spring season.

SKINCARE

Pacifica Kale Detox Deep Cleansing Face Wash [LINK]

My skincare favorite this season is a cleanser from the brand Pacifica. I keep the Kale Detox in my shower, and I really like using it with my FOREO Luna to get an even deeper clean. This cleanser has a calming scent that is quite fresh and earthy. I also feel like my skin is a lot softer after each use. This is the first skincare product I’ve tried from Pacifica, and it definitely won’t be my last!

BODY CARE

Sun Bum SPF 50 Original Spray Sunscreen [LINK]

I was on the hunt for a vegan sunscreen this year, and discovered the Sun Bum brand on a whim! What prompted me to purchase this sunscreen is that it is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and also dermatologist tested. I also love it when sunscreen comes in a spray variety, as it makes it much easier to apply and encourages me to take the time to use sunscreen. I’ve worn this product a few times so far, and it appears to be working as I haven’t been burnt! If you are looking to buy Sun Bum, I found mine at my local Target.

HAIR CARE

Tarte Hair Goals Dry Shampoo [LINK]

Tarte recently released some new vegan products, and I wanted to try the dry shampoo and deodorant in particular, but I didn’t want to spend a lot of money. Luckily, Sephora has a value pack called the No Shower Happy Hour Kit (LINK) that included sample sizes of some of these products. I am so far really happy with the Hair Goals Dry Shampoo. Not only does it zap the oil out of my hair and not leave a white cast, but it smells amazing! I’m not sure what the fragrance is, but it lasts all day and really smells great. While the full size is $19, if you are looking to splurge this is a nice product to try.

IGK Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm [LINK]

My last favorite is another hair care product, and that is a hair balm from the brand IGK. I got a deluxe a sample of Mistress in my last Sephora order using my Beauty Insider points, and I’m really enjoying it! This hair balm is designed to boost hydration, detangle, and smooth the hair. I’m really amazed that this product does not weigh down my fine hair, nor does it make it appear oily. My hair is always a bit shinier after using this product! I’m not sure that I would purchase the full size, as it is $27, but once I use up the sample I will report back in an empties post.

That wraps up my beauty favorites for this spring! I hope you enjoyed seeing the products I’m loving at the moment. As always, I would love to know your current favorites, and your thoughts on the products I showed today if you’ve used them in the past. I’m excited to see what new products I will discover now as summer begins!

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

Disappointing Beauty Products | Fall 2016

Posted on November 21, 2016November 19, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

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!

HAIR

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 [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 [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 [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 [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 [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 [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.

5 Beauty Must-Haves for Your Los Angeles Vacation

Posted on August 31, 2016August 31, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

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!

1. Face Wipes Travel Pack

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 [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 [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 [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 [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.

Products I Buy High End!

Posted on February 26, 2016February 15, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Here at Adventures in Polishland I have always focused on living a fabulous and affordable life. However, there are a few products that I do save up for and splurge on because I think they are worth the money. I thought it would be fun to share with you the products that I tend to buy high end. Of course, I am always looking for affordable alternatives, but because these products work well for me, I don’t mind splurging on them. Let me go ahead and share with you the products I buy high end!

Dry Shampoo

I’ve tried what feels like a thousand dry shampoos from the drugstore, but I always come back to the Klorane Dry Shampoo, which unfortunately costs about $20 per can. This is the best dry shampoo I’ve ever used because it absorbs the oil and leaves my hair looking fresh and clean. Unlike other dry shampoos, it doesn’t add texture. It also brushes out well so that no white film is left in my brunette hair. I always buy this from Birchbox when there is a coupon code because I don’t like to go without it!

Face Primer

I’ve also tried a couple primers from the drugstore. While they’ve worked, they haven’t been as good as the high end primers I’ve used. My favorite primers are from Smashbox. The Photo Finish Light is oil free and great for sensitive skin or oily skin. I’m currently using the regular Photo Finish, and it’s great for combination or dry skin. I think it’s worth the price for sure!

BeautyBlender

I know, I’ve talked your ear off about the BeautyBlender, but it really is that good! Buying a sponge for $20 might seem ridiculous until you try it. The BeautyBlender is truly the best product for applying foundation and other cream products. It is worth the investment because it will last you a very long time so long as you wash it regularly. Trust me, you’ll love it! And don’t buy a cheap one – the ‘dupes’ are never as good.

Highlighter

My highlighter stash is composed of half high end products and half drugstore products, but I can definitely see a big difference in quality. I love my L’Oreal highlighters, but they tend to be a bit more glittery than I’d like. That’s why I think it’s great to invest in a few high end highlights. I absolutely love Cheeky from Ofra that is pictured here. It’s a bit more expensive than the drugstore, but lasts for such a long time.

Setting Spray

Last but not least is setting spray. This is the one product in this blog post that I’ve never tried from the drugstore! I purchased Urban Decay’s De-Slick for the first time about three or four years ago now, and I loved it so much I’ve never tried anything else! I did try Urban Decay’s All Nighter, but that’s the only other setting spray I’ve used. De-Slick is where it’s at for me!

All in all, while I love to bargain hunt and buy affordable products, it’s always nice to splurge on a high quality product every once in a while. I can’t justify buying mascara, blush, or other makeup products high end regularly because there are so many affordable options. That being said, I would love to know what products you buy high end, so please let me know in a comment!

Birchbox Haul | Hair Care & Makeup

Posted on October 30, 2015October 25, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

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!

Perhaps 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!

First, 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!

The 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!

Finally, 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.

TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo Review

Posted on July 18, 2015August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! A few weeks ago I posted a review of the drugstore dry shampoo Batiste (read that review HERE). That review did really well views wise, so I thought I would share my thoughts on another dry shampoo that I just used up. As I mentioned in my Batiste review, I am currently on the hunt for the best dry shampoo from the drugstore. I found the TRESemmé Fresh Start on sale at Rite Aid for $4.99 a couple months back, so I decided to put it to the test. Let me share my thoughts on this product with you!

The TRESemmé Fresh Start is a very interesting dry shampoo. Usually I find that a dry shampoo either zaps oil or adds texture, but the Fresh Start did a little bit of both. While my oil did disappear quite a bit, this product left behind a lot of residue and left my hair feeling really gunky. My hair looked clean, but I felt gross. It was a weird dichotomy, and I couldn’t decide if I liked the product or not!

The more I used Fresh Start, the more I disliked it. I found the product difficult to wash out in the shower, and it tended to flake as well. If you have thick hair, this product would probably work better for you, but my thin hair felt weighed down. Despite the great price point, I don’t think I’ll be purchasing this dry shampoo again.

Alas, my hunt for the perfect drugstore dry shampoo continues! While TRESemmé Fresh Start was okay, it just didn’t measure up to my beloved Klorane dry shampoo. I’m not giving up, though! I will find a fabulous and affordable dry shampoo that I love at some point!

What dry shampoo is your favorite? Do you splurge on it?

Batiste Dry Shampoo | Is it Worth the Hype?!

Posted on June 27, 2015August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! Today I have a review on one of the most hyped hair products on the market – Batiste Dry Shampoo! Ever since I discovered dry shampoo a few years ago I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect formula. I’ve tried about 10 different brands now, and my favorite is still the high-end Klorane Dry Shampoo at about $19 a bottle. I usually save up my Birchbox points to splurge on it once in a while, but I keep testing brands from the drugstore hoping I’ll find an affordable option. I decided it was time to put the famous Batiste to the test!

Batiste Dry Shampoo retails for about $5.99 at Target and other drugstores and department stores. There are several different scents and varieties (i.e. for blonde hair, brunette hair, etc.). I decided to test out the Original Clean & Classic. I definitely liked the fresh scent, and I loved how it absorbed the oils in my hair quickly. Any dry shampoo that can zap oil without adding texture is a winner for me! I have to say, Batiste is the only drugstore dry shampoo that came somewhat close to matching my beloved Klorane.

That being said, I did notice that my can of Batiste ran out of product very quickly. Batiste contains 6.73 fl oz of product, which is more than many dry shampoos. Right now I am using TRESemmé dry shampoo, which has a net weight of 4.3 fl oz, but it’s lasted me for a couple months already and is still going strong. When I compare that to the month or so I got from Batiste, I’m not sure why I ran out of Batiste so quickly. Perhaps it’s because I needed more product to get the result I wanted. Thus, even though I really liked Batiste, it might not be as cost effective as other drugstore brands.

All in all, I’m so glad I finally tried out Batiste. Is it worth the hype? Well, it’s a great product and it works well. However, it still isn’t my favorite dry shampoo. I am definitely going to keep searching for the perfect dry shampoo at an affordable price, and perhaps pick up Batiste when it’s on sale. Let me know your favorite dry shampoo in the comments – maybe I’ll test it out!

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

Ipsy v. Birchbox: Round One! March 2013

Posted on March 18, 2013August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I have a fun comparison post pairing two of the most popular beauty subscription programs against one another. Both Ipsy and Birchbox are monthly subscription programs that send you samples of beauty products for $10 per month. After doing some research on both programs, I discovered that there is really no consensus on which program is better overall. The only way I would find out which program was best for me was to try them both for myself. Let me show you what I got from both Ipsy and Birchbox for the month of March, and let you know which one wins Round One!

First I will show you my Ipsy Glam Bag! Each month you will get a cute cosmetics bag with all of your products inside. As you can see, March’s theme is The Great Escape! Whether you are traveling on spring break, or simply getting ready for the summer months, all of the products in this bag are perfect for warm weather. I also love the nautical print on the cosmetic bag! The pattern is just adorable, and the bag is rather good quality. It’s also made with a waterproof material so you can throw this in your beach bag without worrying about your products getting wet.

Now onto the products in my Ipsy Glam Bag! Each month you get five items, and they will typically be deluxe samples, with some full size products thrown in. Here is what I got for March. To purchase each product, click on it’s name. I will also list the retail price!

GlamRX Mini Freestyle Palette – $16.50 – This palette is perfect for keeping your eyeshadows with you on the go! The magnetic base holds everything in place, and the palette is definitely great quality. This can easily fit in your purse, and will carry enough eyeshadows for at least one or two looks. I don’t wear a lot of eyeshadow, so this is not great for my life, but it is a good product for the average person.
Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist – $3.26 – This mist is designed to refresh your skin after being out in the sun, or otherwise feeling dry. A spritz will leave you feeling great! Unfortunately for me, rose oil is a main ingredient, and the floral smell bothered my allergies. I would love to use this product, but I can’t. I’m really bummed out about this one!
La Fresh Makeup Remover Wipes – $1.99 – This packet of eight makeup remover wipes is perfect for traveling and sticking in your purse for everyday use! I use wipes like these every day, and I have been searching for the perfect brand. I can’t wait to give these a try, and I will definitely use the entire pack!
Yaby Eyeshadows – $3.15 each – I got these eyeshadows in the shades Azalea Petal and Seashell. They are super tiny and perfect for travel! I gave these a try, and while they are not super pigmented, they are perfect for a natural, beachy look. I appreciate that they are complimentary colors that can be worn together. As you can see, I’ve put them in my GlamRX palette already!

TOTAL RETAIL VALUE: $28.05

OVERALL OPINION: I think this month’s Ipsy is great for the average person, but the products don’t fit my lifestyle especially well. I cannot use the Juice Beauty mist, and I don’t wear too much eyeshadow. I’m very excited for the La Fresh wipes, however! Plus, I think putting all these items together in a themed cosmetic bag is a great idea!

RATING (1-5, 1 BEING WORST & 5 BEING BEST): 3

Next up is my March Birchbox! With this program you will also get around five samples for $10. I love the box it comes in! Not only are these perfect for mailing, but they are great for organizing, too. The hot pink tissue paper is a fabulous touch. This month’s theme is March Madness, but my products seem to be a mix of all different things.

Before I talk about each product, I want to take a moment to mention that Birchbox has a great reward program that earns you points for every purchase made on their website. You earn one point for every dollar spent, plus, you get 10 points for each item in your box that you review on the Birchbox website! For every 100 points, you get $10 to spend on the Birchbox website. By buying this box and reviewing each product, I already have 60 points! I love that they reward their members for being active. Okay, now it’s time for the product breakdown!

Juice Beauty Skin Cellular Repair CC Cream – $3.90 – I couldn’t believe I got another Juice Beauty product in my Birchbox! Luckily, this CC cream is something I can use. I’ve been wanting to try a BB cream, and this is a step better than that! I’ve already used this sample twice, and I am just blown away. I am so glad I got this sample!
Serge Normant Meta Revive Dry Shampoo – $11.11 – I was also super excited to get a dry shampoo sample, and a good size one at that! I have fine hair that gets oily if I sleep on it even once. I’ve been wanting to try a dry shampoo, but I didn’t want to spend the money if I wasn’t going to like it. I have to tell you, this Serge Normant one is amazing! My hair looks great after I spray this on, and it even smells good. I might purchase the full size when the sample runs out!
Whish Shave Cream – $2.93 – This shave cream is in the Birchbox Exclusive scent of blueberry, and smells amazing in the tube but is quite overwhelming in the shower! I don’t typically use shave cream, but I will definitely give this one a try. After one use, my legs did feel more moisturized than usual, but the smell definitely did me in.
Juicy Couture, Couture La La – $1.32 – I know many people are disappointed when receiving perfume samples in subscriptions like these because you can get them free at stores like Sephora. I personally use perfume samples all the time, and love trying new scents! Because this is the smallest sample in my box this month, I don’t mind getting one perfume sample. I will definitely use the whole thing up!
Madewell for Birchbox Emery Board – $5 – As a nail polish aficionado, I don’t think you can go wrong with an emery board! I love the cute, floral pattern, and I will definitely use this! Although a $5 retail value is a bit much, it is still a great product to get in the Birchbox

TOTAL RETAIL VALUE: $24.26

OVERALL OPINION: I am loving my first Birchbox! The sample sizes were decent overall, and I got a few items that I have been wanting to try for a long time. I plan on using each and every item in this box! My only woe is that I don’t enjoy the scent of the Whish Shave Cream.

RATING: 4

There you have it! My winner for the month of March is Birchbox! While Ipsy did have a slightly higher retail value, the products in my Birchbox are all things I will use. At this time, I will continue on with both programs until one is the clear standout for me. At just $10 each, I don’t think I can go wrong with either at this point! You can join Ipsy HERE and Birchbox HERE.

Before I close out this post, I have a favor to ask of you! Please vote for me in a contest I entered on Facebook! Rita Hazan is searching for your favorite beauty blog. To vote, simply click HERE and hit the “Like” button! Your support is always appreciated!