Tag: makeup

Dare to Compare | Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush Royal vs. Insightful

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I’m excited to share with you a comparison post between two Tarte blushes. Tarte has quickly become one of my favorite makeup brands. While the products are a bit more expensive than I would normally like, the quality is amazing and I appreciate that Tarte offers many vegan products. I recently purchased the No Shower Happy Hour kit at Sephora, and one of the items it came with is an Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in the shade Insightful. I realized this blush looks very similar to Royal, another Tarte blush that I already owned. I wanted to share these blushes side-by-side so you can decide if Insightful is a must-have in your collection.

The Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in Royal was released in the limited edition Sculpted Cheeks set for the 2016 holiday season and is no longer available for purchase. Similarly, Insightful is only available in the No Shower Happy Hour kit. I thought this post would be helpful for those of you who own the Sculpted Cheeks set and may be interested in purchasing the No Shower Happy Hour kit.

When I added Insightful to my beauty stash, I noticed the packaging color was exactly the same as Royal’s. I took a closer look at the blushes next to one another, and while I thought I could see a slight difference, I knew the shades were quite close.

Here are swatches of Royal and Insightful side-by-side. While it is clear they are not exact duplicates of one another, the shades are quite close. Royal is described by Tarte as a Nude Mauve, and Insightful is described as Peachy Pink. I definitely agree that Royal feels like more of a brown shade, while I can see orange undertones in Insightful. That being said, if you do own Royal, I don’t think it’s necessary to buy Insightful. However, if you are wanting to get the No Shower Happy Hour kit to try the other products, it is worth it for the value of the other items included. Plus, both of these blushes are amazing quality. I love how smoothly they apply to the cheeks.

All in all, I hope you found this comparison post helpful if you were interested in purchasing the No Shower Happy Hour kit. I think it is an amazing value for the money, and am so glad I didn’t get a duplicate blush shade. Make sure you buy this limited edition kit HERE before it is discontinued!

What is your favorite Tarte product? Let me know in the comments!

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

The Body Shop Haul | Trying New-to-Me Skincare Products

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I’m excited to share with you my most recent haul from The Body Shop. I keep a running list of all the beauty products I want to buy so that when I see a sale going on, I can grab everything at a discount. There is always some sort of promotion happening at The Body Shop, but I recently saw a 40% off flash sale on the website, so I picked up everything on my shopping list! Everything I purchased this time around is new-to-me and vegan. As I show you what I got, please let me know in the comments if you would like a full review once I’ve tested the product.

Tea Tree Flawless BB Cream [BUY]

I recently used up the only CC cream in my beauty stash, so I really wanted to get a replacement for it. I love wearing a light base in the summer months, and the Tea Tree Flawless BB Cream sounds perfect for my skin type. This BB Cream is designed to provide lightweight and non-sticky coverage, all while drying to a matte finish. My skin gets very oily throughout the day, so I’m really glad this product is designed to stay matte. I got the shade Light, and I think it will be a great match for me.

Camomile Waterproof Eye & Lip Makeup Remover [BUY]

I also really needed a makeup remover, as I’ve had a difficult time removing my mascara lately. The Camomile Waterproof Eye & Lip Makeup Remover should do the trick! I love that it is unscented and suitable for sensitive skin. Plus, it was carefully packaged in a plastic bag during shipping so it wouldn’t spill. I hope this makeup remover will get that mascara off with ease!

Tea Tree Skin Clearing Clay Mask [BUY]

The next product is one I also really wanted to buy, and that is the Tea Tree Skin Clearing Clay Mask. With the summer heat and humidity, my pores definitely get clogged more easily than in the winter. I wanted a skin treatment that would help to clean out my skin without drying it, and this product seems like it will do just that. The mask itself is bright green, so this will be a lot of fun to use!

Seaweed Deep Cleansing Gel Wash [BUY]

Since the sale promotion was so good, I decided to pick up a face cleanser as well. The cleanser I keep in the shower is almost empty, so I’ll be glad to have this on hand. I like using gel cleanser with my FOREO, so that’s the first reason I went with the Seaweed Deep Cleansing Gel Wash. I also like that this product is soap free and oil free, simply providing a gentle cleanse.

Nutriganics Smoothing Eye Cream [BUY]

Last but not least, I decided to purchase an eye cream. While I’ve tried a handful of eye creams in the past, I’ve never found one that actually works for me. The Nutriganics Smoothing Eye Cream seemed like a good fit for me, since it helps fight the first signs of aging. I’m in my late twenties, so I think this will be a nice addition to my skincare routine. In addition, I love that this does not contain harsh chemicals, so I can use this eye cream both in the morning and evening.

That wraps up this haul from The Body Shop! With the 40% off coupon code, I spent $56.10 total, making each item just over $11.00. I think that is a great price point for vegan skincare products that will last me a long time. I’ve had really great luck with products from The Body Shop in the past, and that is why I continue to shop from this store. Plus, I love shopping online so I can earn cash back with Ebates! You can sign up for Ebates for free with my referral link HERE.

What are your favorite products from The Body Shop? Let me know in the comments!

Beauty Empties | Spring 2017

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I’m excited to share with you mini reviews of all the beauty products I used up this spring. For the past year or so, I’ve focused on using a smaller beauty collection, and only opening one product of each type at a time. I do have a numerical goal of emptying 120 products this year, but so long as I reduce my spending and focus on simplifying my beauty stash I will consider that a success! Let me show you all of the products I used up in April, May, and June of 2017.

Want to see what I used up this winter? Check out THIS blog post!

MAKEUP SAMPLES

One thing I’ve been doing to use up my beauty stash is to always use a sample first. I used to save samples for travel or for another special occasion, and they would pile up and expire before I could use them. Focusing on them as soon as I get them ensures I put them to use!

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I liked this primer, and it seemed to work well for me. I got a couple uses out of this sample packet, but I would be open to trying it more in the future. I do like how light it is on the skin!
  • Would I Buy it Again? I would like to try more before I buy the full size.

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I got four samples of this foundation with a Too Faced order, and I enjoyed trying them even though they are all different shades. I ended up deciding the shade Snow is closest to my natural skin tone, but it’s not a perfect match. That being said, I loved this foundation! It reminds me of Kat Von D’s Lock-it, but a bit lighter in coverage.
  • Would I Buy it Again? I would if Too Faced released a better shade for me.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I‘ve loved Smashbox primers for years now, and recently discovered they are vegan! You can check out the full list of vegan Smashbox products HERE if you’re interested. This is a great primer, but I do prefer the Light version, which is more mattifying. Nonetheless, I love this primer as it smooths out my skin and helps conceal enlarged pores.
  • Would I Buy it Again? Yes! However, I would buy the Light version over this one.

MAKEUP

e.l.f. 3-in-1 Mascara [BUY]

  • Mini Review: This is the second e.l.f. mascara I’ve tried, and it is the second to disappoint me. When I opened this mascara, I knew right away it was going to be bad – barely any product came off the brush! I would describe this as better than wearing no mascara, but that’s about it. Plus, this mascara dried up extremely quickly. It may only be a few dollars, but it was a wasted few dollars.
  • Would I Buy it Again? No!

Physician’s Formula Organic Wear CC Cream [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I absolutely loved this CC Cream! It has amazing coverage, lasts throughout the day, and provides moisturization to the skin without being too oily. Unfortunately, this product is not vegan, so I won’t be purchasing it again. I am now on the hunt for another BB or CC cream.

Urban Decay De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I made sure to use up my travel size of setting spray before it expired. This is a holy grail product for me! I will also keep this container so I can wash it out and reuse it for future travel. It is much more cost effective to decant the bigger size than to repurchase a travel size.
  • Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I’m already using a full size bottle.

e.l.f. Translucent Mattifying Powder [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I got this setting powder to replace my Rimmel Stay Matte, and while it isn’t as good as that powder, it still gets the job done. I love how cost effective this powder is, but I do wish there was less packaging involved. I am going to reuse this compact because it has a nice size mirror inside!
  • Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I’m already using another compact.

SKINCARE

Yes to Cucumbers Facial Wipes [BUY]

  • Mini Review: You all know by now that I love these makeup remover wipes! I repurchase them because the price point is great, and I love how they work. I am going to try to cut down on how I often I use these wipes, since I’m cutting down on disposable products in general. However, these are great for removing makeup and cooling the skin.
  • Would I Buy it Again? Yes!

The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost [BUY]

  • Mini Review: It took me forever to use up this product! I originally purchase it because I thought it was a serum, but this is more of a primer that you use after moisturizer and before makeup. I did like this product, but I was very glad to empty it because it had been in my collection a bit too long.
  • Would I Buy it Again? Maybe.

Acure Brightening Facial Scrub [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I found this scrub at Target, and I really like it! The texture almost reminds me of sand, but it does a nice job at exfoliating the skin without being too harsh. I was ready to try out a new product as I finished this tube, but I’m still happy with how it performed.
  • Would I Buy it Again? Maybe, but I do enjoy trying new scrubs.

Dollar Shave Club Daily Face Moisturizer (not pictured) [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I used up a small sample of moisturizer that I got with a Dollar Shave Club subscription. I apologize that it didn’t get pictured for some reason! I liked this moisturizer a lot, as it has SPF25 and smells amazing. It was a bit too heavy for my skin, but if you like deep hydration, this is a great option.
  • Would I Buy it Again? Perhaps in the winter months.

BODY CARE

Dove Advanced Care Anti-Perspirant [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I finally finished up my non-vegan deodorant stash! I had purchased a pack of Dove deodorant at a box store because this was my go-to for years. This was the only deodorant from the drugstore that I really loved, but I’m now on the hunt for a good vegan option. Stay tuned to find out what my new holy grail will be!

HAIR CARE

CVS Therapeutic Dandruff Shampoo [BUY]

  • Mini Review: The one non-vegan product I continue to purchase is this medicated shampoo. I thankfully don’t need to use it as often in the summer months, but it gets the job done when I need it. No one likes an itchy and uncomfortable scalp!

ORAL CARE

Tom’s of Maine Wicked Fresh Flouride Toothpaste [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I really liked using this toothpaste! I thought the spearmint flavor would be a bit stronger based on the name, but there’s nothing I really dislike about the toothpaste.
  • Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I’m already using another tube.

SPRING EMPTIES: 18

TOTAL 2017 EMPTIES: 35

All in all, I am very happy with how many products I’ve used up even though I’m way behind on my goal of 120 empties. I’ve done a great job at using up samples, minimizing my collection, and not overbuying products. Plus, I’m at the point where I only have a few non-vegan products left to use up! Once they are all gone I plan on sharing a makeup and skincare collection so you can know what I’m currently using.

What products have you used up lately? Let me know in the comments!

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

 

How to Get FREE Makeup at CVS!

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I’m excited to share with you how I get makeup for free at CVS. I know a lot of people, like myself, are on a tight budget, and the thought of transitioning to a vegan lifestyle can be a daunting one financially. There are many options for fabulous and affordable vegan makeup at the drugstore, and I even get some of mine for absolutely free. The tips I’m going to share with you today can be applied whether or not you are buying vegan makeup, but I wanted to share with you how budget-friendly vegan makeup can be. Let’s jump right into my savings tips!

This post is not sponsored. I am in no way affiliated with CVS Pharmacy. I simply want to share my savings tips with all of you!

The first step to getting free makeup at CVS is to sign up for the drugstore’s rewards program. The ExtraCare program is free to join, and it gives you access to sale prices, coupons, and ExtraBucks rewards, which is essentially free money to shop at CVS. Once you are signed up for the ExtraCare program, make sure you opt-in to the CVS emails and snail mail. You can see your account settings or sign up for the ExtraCare program on the CVS website HERE. It’s important to opt-in to the CVS emails at the very least, as that is where I get the majority of coupons.

The next step is to check your CVS email for coupons that can be applied to beauty purchases. Here is a screenshot from an email I received a few weeks ago in May. As you can see, I got a coupon for $2.00 off my in-store beauty purchase. All you need to do is click where it says ‘Get coupon’ and you can either print out the coupon or save it to your ExtraCare card. I always save the coupon to my card so I don’t need to use printer paper or ink. When the cashier scans my card at checkout, I tell him or her I want to use the coupons saved to my card!

Now that you have your coupon, head to CVS for some shopping! My favorite makeup brands at CVS include e.l.f., Wet ‘n Wild, and Milani. Not only are these brands extremely affordable, but they all offer vegan makeup selections that are very good quality. On this shopping trip in particular, I decided to grab the e.l.f. Clear Brow and Lash Mascara. This is one of my all-time favorite products, and I use it daily. It retails for $2.00, so I got it completely free with my coupon! Thus, to get free makeup at CVS, simply use the coupons emailed to you to buy products!

You are also going to want to sign up for the CVS Beauty Club. This is another free rewards program specifically for beauty products. In addition to earning $5.00 in ExtraBucks for every $50.00 you spend on beauty, you also get $3.00 in ExtraBucks on your birthday! New members also get a 10% off shopping pass after signing up for the club. I really love the CVS Beauty Club, because I am essentially getting free money to spend at CVS just by purchasing products I would buy anyway. You can sign up for the Beauty Club on the CVS website HERE.

Now that you’ve scored some free makeup at CVS, would you like to make a little money, too? Of course you would! I recently signed up for the cash back app called Ibotta after hearing about it for years. Ibotta is really easy to use – you simply select the store you shopped at, pick the items you bought, and take a picture of your receipt. You then earn cash back on your purchases! You often get $0.25 back just for scanning any receipt, but if you also purchase a qualifying item on the app, you will get more cash back, too. If you are not yet a member, please sign up with my referral link HERE and you will get a $10.00 cash bonus when you redeem your first rebate!

That wraps up my tips for scoring free makeup at CVS! This week I got a $1.00 off coupon, and used it to get an eyeliner from e.l.f. for free. If you would like to see my couponing hauls regularly, make sure to follow me on Instagram HERE where I post sale alerts and my purchases, mainly on the Instagram Story feature. I hope you found this post helpful! If you have any questions feel free to ask in the comments.

What are your favorite beauty products at CVS? Let me know in the comments!

My 3 Makeup Routines | No Makeup, Some Makeup, & Full Face Days

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I thought it would be fun to share with you the three makeup routines that I do on a regular basis. I recently realized that I pretty much use the same products on a daily basis, but they do change depending on the makeup look I’m going for each day. I have three looks that I rotate depending on my mood, and those are No Makeup, Some Makeup, and Full Face Makeup. I’m going to share with you the products I wear for each of these occasions, and also share how I can easily change things up to fit whatever mood I’m in at the moment.

NO MAKEUP 

If someone asked me if I ever left the house without makeup, I would have to give an answer of yes and no. That’s because even when I’m not wearing any makeup, there are still two products I put on my face. The first is a mattifying powder. My skin gets very oily throughout the day, and a setting powder helps to ensure I don’t turn into a greasy mess. Plus, even a translucent powder can help blur enlarged pores and decrease redness. I am currently using the e.l.f. Translucent Mattifying Powder, and it’s a great drugstore option. If I’m going to be out all day, or if the weather is especially humid, I will also use the Urban Decay De-Slick to help control oil as well. Thus, even on No Makeup days, I’m always wearing at least one makeup product.

SOME MAKEUP

Next up there are days when I want to wear some makeup, but I don’t want to put on a whole face for one reason or another. This makeup routine expands to include a face primer, stick foundation, and my eyebrow routine. I’m currently really enjoying the MAKE Face Primer with SPF 30, as it creates a nice base with sun protection. I think the e.l.f. Moisturizing Foundation Stick is perfect for this makeup look, as it is a no-fuss product that is easy to apply, yet provides a nice light to medium coverage for my skin. Sometimes I replace this with a BB Cream, as that is also a lighter coverage. Additionally, I like to fill in my brows as mine are quite sparse, and brows frame the face. Once I fill in my brows I immediately look much more polished, even if I’m not wearing any other makeup products. My routine at the moment includes the Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Taupe and the e.l.f. Clear Lift Brow and Lash Mascara.

FULL FACE DAYS

Finally, I have my Full Face makeup days. I will be the first to point out that what is a full face of makeup for me is likely going to be different for you. I don’t wear eyeshadow, eyeliner, or contouring products on a regular basis, but they will sneak into my routine on rare occasions. My typical full face of makeup begins with a medium to full coverage liquid foundation. I’m currently loving the Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation, which I think is worth the splurge. I also use a blush and highlighter product to liven up my face. The Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush shades are my go to at the moment, as they blend beautifully. I also love the e.l.f. Baked Highlighter in the shade Blush Gems, which I apply with a damp BeautyBlender. The only added product for my eyes is mascara, and I’m currently using Too Faced Better Than Sex, which I’m not loving. The last step in my routine is adding a lip color, and I’m obsessed with the Tarte LipSurgence Skintuitive Lip Gloss. This gloss adjusts to be the perfect shade for you, and I get a pretty pink!

That wraps up the three makeup routines I do on a regular basis. Whether I’m going makeup free, putting on a full face, or doing something in between, I hope this helped give you a good idea of the products I use on the daily. If you are interested in a full review of any of the products I mentioned today, let me know in the comments! I would also love to know if you have different makeup routines that you change up as well!

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

Beauty Favorites | Spring 2017

Posted on 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. 

Oh, Hello Stationery Co. Makeup Bag Review

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today I am excited to share with you a makeup bag from one of my favorite small businesses, Oh, Hello Stationery Co. I first stumbled upon this online store in the planner community, and have purchased the brand’s stickers for nearly two years now. Oh, Hello has since expanded its product line to include enamel pins, mugs, and more. One of the newest available products is makeup bags! I was sent one as a gift from the company, and couldn’t wait to show it off here on my blog. I think many of you will love these fabulous and affordable makeup bags!

The Oh, Hello makeup bags are made from neoprene material, similar to many laptop and tablet cases. Each bag features an original design from the brand on the front panel, and a solid black background. While there are 10 designs available for purchase on the Oh, Hello website HERE, if there is a pattern from the brand that you enjoy, you can email the shop for a custom order. I picked out the design called Sage Victorian, which is from a past sticker kit. In addition to choosing a design, you can also opt to customize the bag with your name or a short quote.

The first thing I noticed about the makeup bag is how big it is! The bag measures 9.5 x 5.75 inches, and I put a standard size Ipsy bag next to it in the photo above so you can see how it compares. I appreciate that the bag comes with a sturdy zipper as well, so I don’t need to worry about it opening in my suitcase during travel.

I wanted you to see the size of the makeup bag in action. I put together the makeup products that I would bring with me for a vacation, and they all easily fit into the bag with room to spare. When I travel with this bag, I will also put in my makeup brushes! I can’t believe how much easily fits into this bag. The one thing I don’t like about the bag, however, is also something I do like, and that is the lack of structure. I like to organize my items when packing, but with this makeup bag everything is just thrown in due to the stretchy fabric. That being said, this stretch allows you to pack products that are all different shapes and sizes, as the fabric adjusts to the shape of the items. Thus, while I would ideally like a bag with more structure or compartments, I also love that the bag easily fits everything I need and more.

All in all, I am beyond happy with my new makeup bag from Oh, Hello Stationery Co.! This will definitely be my new go-to bag for travel. The makeup bag retails for just $13.95 on Oh Hello’s website HERE. This is a great deal for any makeup bag, but especially one from a small business featuring a unique design you can’t get anywhere else. If you shop this weekend, May 19 – May 21, 2017, you can save 25% on your entire Oh, Hello purchase through the Planner Boss Collective Sale (full details HERE). If you miss the sale, you can still save 15% using my coupon code POLISH15 at checkout any time. I look forward to using this makeup bag and buying some as gifts for friends during the holidays!

Do you have a go-to makeup bag? Let me know in the comments!

The product in this post was a gift from the brand. This post includes affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

e.l.f. Cosmetics Giveaway | Day 4 of #5YearsinPolishland

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! My 5 Year Blogiversary celebration continues today with another giveaway! Today I will be giving away a three products from one of my favorite brands, e.l.f. Cosmetics. One winner will receive the Illuminating Mist & Set, the Contour Palette, and the Cream Eyeliner in Coffee. These products were a free gift with purchase with my last order from e.l.f.’s website, and I thought they would make a nice giveaway prize pack since I wasn’t too interested in any of these products myself. I hope the winner will enjoy these e.l.f. goodies!

You can find more information on #5YearsinPolishland and enter the Day 1 giveaway HERE.

Day 2 Giveaway: CLICK

Day 3 Giveaway: CLICK

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

This giveaway is open only to those with a United States shipping address. The giveaway will run for two weeks, and the winner will be announced via the Rafflecopter widget and contacted through email. Please read the full Terms & Conditions on the Rafflecopter widget before entering. If you have any questions, please email them to adventuresinpolishland@gmail.com. Good luck!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Beauty Empties | Winter 2017

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I am excited to share with you all of the products I used up in the first three months of 2017. Last year I began the #365DaysofEmpties project, and this year I am continuing to focus on using the products in my collection before purchasing anything new. While I do have a goal to empty 120 products in 2017, my true objective is to own less products and spend less money. I’ll be sharing mini reviews of each product I use up with you every season! Let’s jump into all of the beauty products I’ve emptied so far this year.

If you are new to my blog, I wanted to quickly share with you a bit more about me and how that relates to my beauty stash. I went vegan this past June, and although I immediately changed my diet, I decided to use up many of the non-vegan products I owned so as to not waste them. Thus, although my empties posts do contain non-vegan products, I only purchase vegan items now. I will share mini-reviews on the non-vegan products, but won’t mention if I will repurchase them, and instead mark each one with an asterisk.

MAKEUP

Urban Decay De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray [BUY]

  • Mini Review: This makeup setting spray is one of my holy grail beauty products. It truly makes a huge difference in how my makeup wears throughout the day, and I continue to buy it despite the high price. I love that it controls my oily skin, and if I ever forget to wear it I can tell.
  • Repurchase? Yes!

*Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I finally finished up my last Rimmel Stay Matte powder. I am sad to see this go, as this was my favorite setting powder. However, I’m currently using an option from e.l.f. that is getting the job done.

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I really liked using this sample of eyeliner from Kat Von D. I found it to be very pigmented, and it has a nice brush applicator. I don’t wear eyeliner often, so I can’t say if it is better than other brands.
  • Repurchase? Maybe. I would prefer to buy an affordable eyeliner to keep in my stash for the few times a year I do wear it.

SKINCARE

*Clinique Pep-Start Eye Cream [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I got this eye cream in a subscription box, and I found it to be just okay. I’ve never found an eye cream that I really love, and this one falls into that same category of being fine but not bringing me any results.

*Fresh Soy Face Cleanser [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I really enjoyed the way this cleanser made my skin feel after use, which was soft and very clean. However, it smelled really weird. This was a nice cleanser to use up, but the smell definitely put me off a bit.

*Yes to Coconut Ultra Hydrating Melting Cleanser [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I really loved this cleanser when I first started using it, but I definitely got sick of it towards the end. This cleanser feels really nice, but sometimes the texture was too thick and high maintenance for me. It smells amazing, though!

*The Body Shop Vitamin C Daily Moisturizer  

  • Mini Review: This moisturizer was great for my skin! It was definitely the perfect weight for my skin, which gets oily very easily. This product is not available for purchase any longer, but it was a nice option at the time.

Yes to Blueberries Intensive Skin Repair Serum [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I have very mixed thoughts about this serum. When I first used it, my skin broke out like crazy, so I stopped using it for a while. Once I picked it back up, my skin really enjoyed it! My only real issue is that my foundation didn’t cooperate well with this serum.
  • Repurchase? Probably not. I’m sure there are better options!

Yes to Cucumber Facial Wipes [BUY] 

  • Mini Review: These are now my go to makeup remover wipes! I regularly buy them, and look for them during sale events. I find they do a great job at removing all my makeup without being too harsh. The cucumber is also very refreshing.
  • Repurchase? Yes!

HAIR CARE

*Living Proof No Frizz Styling Spray [BUY]

  • Mini Review: A friend gave me this product a couple years ago, and I finally finished it! This is one of the best anti-frizz sprays I’ve ever used. My hair always came out nice and sleek when I used this product, but it also didn’t get weighed down or oily. The only drawback would be the chemically smell.

*CVS Therapeutic Dandruff Shampoo [BUY]

  • Mini Review: Unfortunately, this is the one non-vegan product I continue to buy because I need it for medical reasons. You’ve probably heard me talk about how I have a very sensitive scalp. This is especially true in the winter months when the atmosphere is much drier. This is the only shampoo I’ve tried that I can count on to clear up the itchiness and patchy scales. If I don’t use it, my scalp will feel irritated all day long. Not fun!

*Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I used this mask as my regular conditioner by only applying it from the ear down and letting it sit for about a minute. This was a nice product, but I used it every now and then because it is very heavy for my fine hair. If you have dry and thick hair, this might be a great choice!

BODY CARE

*Bath and Body Works Vanilla Bean Noel Shower Gel

  • Mini Review: I got this shower gel for free during the Christmas 2015 season. I only used it in the winter, so that’s why it took me so long to use the whole bottle! I’m glad I’m all done with my Bath & Body Works stash now. These shower gels are just too drying!

*The Body Shop Aloe Body Butter [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I got this lotion because it was the only unscented option from The Body Shop at the time. This was definitely a great body butter, and it is perfect for someone who is sensitive to smells. I am glad to use this up, though, because it is too thick to use in the upcoming summer months for me.

*Dove Advanced Care Deodorant [BUY]

  • Mini Review: This Dove deodorant has been my go to for a few years now, and I bought a pack at a box store to save money. I’m nearly through that pack, and will then be moving on to a natural option that is also vegan. I’ve heard that these mainstream deodorants are really bad for our bodies, but I haven’t done accurate research to know all the science behind this claim. It is a shame because this deodorant works really well!

ORAL CARE

*Colgate Total Advanced Fresh + Whitening [BUY]

  • Mini Review: I’m beyond excited that I’ve used up the last non-vegan oral care item in my beauty stash. This toothpaste was nice, but I don’t feel like it did anything to whiten my teeth. The only reason I bought this one in particular was because I had a coupon and it was on sale at the time.

WINTER EMPTIES: 17

TOTAL 2017 EMPTIES: 17

All in all, while I am behind in my goal of reaching 120 empty products this year, I’m so happy to be using products in my stash and clearing out a lot of old products. I’m especially glad to be using many new skincare products, but it’s overall a great feeling to empty my cupboards and purchase just the vegan products I really need. Let me know if you are interested in a blog post about backup products and stock piles. My views have really changed in the past few years!

What products have you used up recently? Let me know in a comment!

Some of the products in this post were originally provided for my unbiased review. Affiliate links used. All opinions are my own. Please see my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Wet ‘n Wild Crease Brush Review | Dollar Tree Find

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! I recently spotted a bunch of Wet ‘n Wild makeup brushes at Dollar Tree, and decided to pick one up to try. All of the brushes in this line are cruelty free, gluten free, and vegan. I figured even if I didn’t love the brush, it was worth it for just $1.00! I picked up the Crease Brush, as I tend to always need a clean crease brush whenever I’m doing an eyeshadow look. Let me share my thoughts on this Wet ‘n Wild Crease Brush, and let you know if it’s worth the dollar.

Here is a quick look at the Crease Brush in the packaging. It comes in a reusable plastic sleeve, and has a white handle with white and pink bristles. All of the makeup brushes in this line have the same coloring, so it’s easy to spot them in the store. My Dollar Tree had a display of these brushes on the end of the makeup aisle, but if you don’t find them right away definitely do a search of the full store. Sometimes items are placed randomly at dollar stores!

The first thing I noticed about the brush is that it has a bigger head than the other crease brushes in my collection. The bristles do feel very soft to the touch, and there are a good amount of bristles on this one brush. While the Wet ‘n Wild Crease Brush does not do a great job at picking up shadows, it does nicely blend them. This is definitely a great brush to have on hand purely for blending. If you are looking for a brush that will apply a lot of shadow, this is not the brush for you. However, I’m very glad I own this for blending purposes. It is a great find for just $1.00!

All in all, I’m happy I grabbed the Wet ‘n Wild Crease Brush. It is definitely worth the money, and I am interested in trying out the other brushes in the line. Next time I go to Dollar Tree I will be sure to purchase one of the eyeshadow brushes designed to apply shadow to the lid. I’m interested to see if they will pick up a lot of shadow. I recommend visiting your local Dollar Tree and seeing what makeup products you can find for $1.00!

Have you tried any Wet ‘n Wild makeup brushes? Let me know in the comments!