nail care – Adventures in Polishland

Tag: nail care

Lauren B. Beauty Giveaway | Day 1 of #5YearsinPolishland

Posted on April 10, 2017April 8, 2017 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today marks my 5 Year Blogiversary! Five years ago today I decided to start this blog on a whim after one of my friends casually mentioned she “read the nail blogs.” I’ve had quite the journey here in Polishland. The blog began solely as a place for me to share my love for nail polish, and soon expanded to discuss all sorts of beauty products. Within the past couple years, Polishland grew even more, and became a lifestyle blog where I talk about whatever I’m loving at the moment. I want to celebrate this accomplishment by giving back to all of you, my readers and supporters who have stuck around as this blog changed and evolved into something new each year. Thus, I will be holding a giveaway every day from now until Friday – one giveaway for each year I’ve blogged!

TODAY’S PRIZE

Today’s prize is for a set of the Lauren B. Beauty Polishing Hand Scrub and Nourishing Hand Crème. I was recently sent these products for review, and really enjoyed them. I was sent an extra Polishing Hand Scrub and Nourishing Hand Crème, so rest assured the winner will receive brand new products. You can read my full thoughts on these products in my review HERE if you would like more information before entering this giveaway!

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

Lauren B. Beauty Nail Care Reviews | Nourishing Hand Crème, Polishing Hand Scrub, & Cuticle Oil

Posted on March 20, 2017March 17, 2017 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I am excited to share with you my thoughts on some nail care products from the brand Lauren B. Beauty. This is my first time trying out products from this brand, which sells all vegan friendly products that are made in the USA. Lauren B. Beauty recently teamed up with Skyy Hadley, the owner of As U Wish Nail Salon, to share helpful nail care tips in time for the spring season. Thus, as I review the Nourishing Hand Crème, Polishing Hand Scrub, and Cuticle Oil, I will share Skyy’s tips with you as well!

Nourishing Hand Crème – $24 [BUY]

First up is the Nourishing Hand Crème with Orchid and Peony. This crème is formulated to provide long-lasting moisture to the hands with a non-greasy feel. It is heavily fragranced, so if you don’t like floral scents this is not the product for you. However, I am very impressed with this hand crème! It does sink into the skin within a couple minutes of application, and is not greasy at all. I could use my touchscreen devices without leaving behind any smears, and that doesn’t happen often! I love how soft and smooth my hands felt all day after applying this crème in the morning. Plus, the fragrance lasts all day as well, even after washing my hands several times! If you are looking for a hydrating hand crème that has a floral scent for the spring, this is a great option for you!

Polishing Hand Scrub – $20.00 [BUY]

Next up is the Polishing Hand Scrub. I’ve never used a dedicated hand scrub before, and I am absolutely loving this one! Skyy Hadley mentions that having dry, scraggly cuticles can lead to a bacterial infection, as we are more likely to pick at them. Thus, having a product like a scrub that can remove that dead skin is really helpful. The Polishing Hand Scrub is amazing because it is designed to exfoliate, fight aging, and hydrate the hands all in one. I am really surprised how moisturizing this scrub is. It is a scented product, but it smells a bit richer and deeper than the crème. This is definitely my go-to product now, as I love how the scrub is gentle enough to use daily, but strong enough to provide hydration.

Lauren B. Beauty Cuticle Oil – $20.00 [BUY]

The last product is the Cuticle Oil, which I think deserves high praise for its packaging alone. I absolutely love that the oil comes in a nail polish bottle so I can apply it with a brush. This makes it really easy to get the oil just on my cuticles, and my hands don’t turn into an oily mess. This Cuticle Oil contains a blend of 12 ultra-pure plant, nut, and flower oils to really nourish the cuticles. Skyy recommends an oil not only for hydration, but for locking in any manicure color. She even says adding an oil to an older manicure can revamp the color! I think the Lauren B. Beauty Cuticle Oil is a great option. It does have a slight fragrance, so if you are sensitive to smells keep that in mind.

All in all, I am really loving the Lauren B. Beauty Nail Care line. While the products are definitely higher end, they feel very luxurious and make a great gift for yourself or a loved one. My personal favorite is the Polishing Hand Scrub, as it truly is an all-in-one product that takes care of all my nail care needs. I highly recommend checking out the Lauren B. Beauty website HERE to learn more about the brand and the other products it offers. I definitely want to try the nail polishes at some point soon!

What are your nail care must haves? Let me know in the comments!

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

May Empties | #365DaysofEmpties Update

Posted on May 30, 2016May 18, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I am excited to share with you my May Empties – all of the products that I used up in the month of May. We are now five months through the year, and I feel pretty good about the amount of products I’m emptying versus the amount of new products I’ve added to my stash. It is really helpful to focus on one product at a time, and also use mini products that I received as samples or in subscription boxes. Let me share all of the beauty, skincare, and nail care products with you!

NAIL CARE

Julep Acetone Free Conditioning Nail Polish Remover – 2 Bottles [BUY]

Mini Review: This is my all-time favorite nail polish remover! It does an amazing job at removing all the polish on my nails while still being gentle. Plus, it doesn’t have a strong smell. I do wish this was more affordable, but I use it whenever I can.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I would buy it in bulk if possible!

Berkley Jensen Premium 100% Pure Cotton Rounds – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: I use cotton rounds to remove my nail polish, and I’m still working through the huge pack I got from BJ’s last summer. I buy these in bulk to save money!
Would I Buy it Again? Of course!

SKINCARE

Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion Pore Perfecting Exfoliator – 2 Bottles [BUY]

Mini Review: I really enjoy this scrub, and think it works best when used regularly so you see the effects over time. It’s not the best at removing dead skin cells, but it does really help to clean out the pores and even out your skin tone.
Would I Buy it Again? I would, but the price is very high so I probably won’t.

Sephora Green Tea Eye Mask – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: This is the first sheet mask I’ve ever used for the undereye area, and I really enjoyed it! I felt really relaxed after using this, and my eye area did feel smooth. I’m so glad I tested this out!
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I also want to try different varieties.

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Original Formula – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: I am really enjoying this peel, because it is not intimidating. I can feel this peel working when I use it, but it’s not too intense. If you are looking for an easy, at-home peel, this is a great one.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes!

MAKEUP

I thought I would share all of the products I use during makeup application, removal, and makeup brush cleansing together in one category!

Evian Facial Spray – 1 Can [BUY]

Mini Review: I use this spray to dampen my BeautyBlender everyday, and sometimes to freshen up my face throughout the day. I know it might seem silly to use water in a can, but this can lasted me over a year and is specially designed so that bacteria cannot get into the can.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes!

Up & Up Refreshing Wet Cleansing Towelettes – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: These cleansing wipes are designed to remove all makeup while still leaving the skin moisturized. I really love these, and use them several times per week to remove makeup either before cleansing or instead of doing a full skincare routine.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I already have.

Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Hydrating Primer – 1 Tube [BUY]

Mini Review: I am in love with this primer! It has a liquid texture that is not slimy like other primers, and dries to a nice matte finish. I used this on days where I thought my skin was being oily, and it really helped to control that.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes, but I’m working through my other primers right now.

Johnson’s Baby Shampoo – 1 Bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: I bought a small bottle of baby shampoo to use for washing my makeup brushes. I’ve heard this was a good option, and it definitely works! It gets all the product out and leaves the brushes soft.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I purchased a big bottle.

MAY EMPTIES: 11

TOTAL 2016 EMPTIES: 45

I am on track to reach my goal of 100 empties in 2016, and I’m even a few products ahead! My newest goal has been to focus on sample size products whenever I run out of a big bottle, like I did with my PoreDermabrasion this month. Not only is that helping to clean out my stash, but it saves me money! Please let me know in the comments what products you used up in May, and if you are participating in #365DaysofEmpties as well!

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

April Favorites | 7 Springtime Loves

Posted on May 3, 2016April 25, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! May is here, and that means it’s time to share all of the things I loved in April with all of you. I’ve been trying a lot of new products lately, and thankfully many of them turned out to be amazing. I always love discovering new products and sharing them with you. In addition to the products, another favorite of mine has been the warm weather. I’m so glad spring is here! Let me share some of my springtime loves from the month of April!

MAKEUP

L’Oreal Power Volume 24-Hour Mascara in Black – [BUY]

I’ve had really bad luck with mascaras lately, but thankfully this one from L’Oreal is amazing! I typically don’t like thick brush applicators, but this one is fabulous. I can see my lashes grow as I apply this mascara. It gives a really full look to my lashes, and wears all day. I got this during the CVS clearance sale back in December, and am glad I did. L’Oreal has some of my favorite drugstore mascaras for sure!

Rimmel London Natural Bronzer – [REVIEW] [BUY]

I can’t believe it, but I’m finally using bronzer! I’ve slowly started adding this bronzer into my daily routine, and I’m really enjoying it. If you have very fair skin, this bronzer is the way to go. It is very light, and perfect for beginners like me, because if you mess up a little you don’t need to redo your entire face of makeup. I’m so glad I finally gave this a try!

MAKE Matte Finish Eyeshadow in Alabaster [REVIEW] [BUY]

I’ve also been loving this eyeshadow from MAKE. Alabaster is perfect for cancelling out all the discoloration in my eyelids, and giving the eye a nice brightening effect without needing a full eyeshadow look. Feel free to read my full review by clicking the link above, where I include swatches as well. This is a high end product, but definitely worth the price!

NAIL CARE

Julep Conditioning Nail Polish Remover [BUY]

I went back to my all-time favorite nail polish remover this month, and that is this acetone free one from Julep. This remover is amazing. Not only does it not have a strong smell, but it removes my nail polish easily and it does condition my nails. It is on the expensive side, so I don’t buy it often. Luckily I’ve received a few as gifts lately! I highly recommend this!

BODY CARE

Bath & Body Works Shower Gel in Beautiful Day [BUY]

I got this shower gel for free last spring thanks to a coupon, but am just opening it up this year. I love to have seasonal scents going in the shower, and Beautiful Day is fruity and fresh. I absolutely love it! Plus, my bathroom smells great for a while after I get out of the shower. I do wish this product had more natural ingredients, but I still love Bath & Body Works.

TELEVISION

Dancing with the Stars

I am really loving this season of DWTS! I thought I would be rooting for Jodie Sweetin, since I am such a huge Full House fan, but I’m also loving Wanyá and Nyle DiMarco! I’m excited to see how the competition continues, and I am really glad Len is back as a judge this season.

FOOD & DRINK

Dunkin’ Donuts Cookie Dough Iced Coffee

My last favorite this month is Cookie Dough iced coffee! I typically drink my coffee black every morning, but in the warmer months I love a nice, sweet iced coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts. I’ve been treating myself to the Cookie Dough flavor recently, and I’m obsessed with it. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, I definitely recommend it!

That wraps up my monthly favorites for April! I hope you enjoyed learning more about my springtime loves. Definitely share your favorites with me in the comments, or use the hashtag #PolishlandFaves on social media so I can find your posts! If you’re watching DWTS, definitely let me know who you think will win the mirrorball trophy this season, too.

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

March Empties | #365DaysofEmpties Update

Posted on April 4, 2016March 23, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! It’s now April, and that means it’s time to share the products I used up during the month of March. I thought I was going to have a lot of empties this month, but a lot of my products are still going strong even though there is just a bit left in the bottle! Let me know in the comments if you ever have that feeling, where your products are just about to finish but last for what feels like forever. Let’s go ahead and jump right into my March empties.

SKINCARE

Olay Fresh Effects Everything Off Deluxe Makeup Removal Wet Cloths – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: I like these wipes because they take off all my makeup well, including mascara. They are a bit rougher on my skin than I would like, so I wouldn’t recommend these if you have sensitive skin. I much prefer the Swipe Out wipes from the Fresh Effects line.
Would I Buy it Again? If there was a good sale! I try all different wipes.

Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Caplet Serum – 1 Sample [BUY]

Mini Review: I have mixed feelings on this serum! The caplets burst into a silver shimmer, leaving the face really glittery, which I really disliked. However, my skin loved this serum! My face was clear and even, and I didn’t experience a breakout during the entire time I used it. I also have a bunch of caplets left, but no serum.
Would I Buy it Again? No. I don’t like the glitter, and this is very expensive!

Cover FX Calming Primer – 1 Sample [BUY]

Mini Review: I used this serum whenever my skin was having a bad day. It is very gentle and good for sensitive skin. The texture is really nice, and my makeup applied well.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I might purchase it in the future.

NAIL CARE

Sally Hansen Continuous Treatment Base & Top Coat – 1 Bottle

Mini Review: I grabbed this base and top coat during a clearance sale at CVS for a couple dollars. I used it primarily as a base coat, and it served its purpose well. It did have a very strong odor however. I’m glad to move onto a new base coat!
Would I Buy it Again? No. This product is discontinued.

HAIR CARE

Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo – 1 Bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: This shampoo is not a miracle worker, but it did help greatly to improve my flakes. I get an extremely dry scalp in the winter, and I needed something to help. I noticed that if I skipped using this my flakes came back in full force, so it did help a lot.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes, but I’m trying out a new shampoo next to see if it helps better.

BODY CARE

The Body Shop Pink Grapefruit Body Scrub Gelee – 1 Tub [BUY]

Mini Review: I love this scrub! I’ve never tried a gelee scrub before, and it was a unique feel. I think this pink grapefruit scrub is perfect for the warmer months. It smells fresh, exfoliates well, and has a great texture.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I already did.

ORAL HYGIENE

Crest Complete Whitening + Scope – 1 Tube [BUY]

Mini Review: I liked this toothpaste just fine, but I don’t think there is anything special about it. I try to purchase toothpastes that are approved by the ADA (American Dental Association), and this one is not.
Would I Buy it Again? No.

MARCH EMPTIES: 7

TOTAL 2016 EMPTIES: 26

I am a bit disappointed that I didn’t finish up a lot of products this month, but I am still on track to finish 100 products by the end of the year. I am now trying to focus on one product at a time so that I can use up what’s in my stash. For example, I am going to use only one to two mascaras at once to see if I can use one up before it expires. Definitely let me know in the comments what you used up in the month of March, and if you have any tips on using up products. I would love to know!

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

February Empties | #365DaysofEmpties Update

Posted on February 29, 2016February 18, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! February is coming to a close, and it’s time to share my empty products with all of you. Last month I introduced a new project that I’m doing all year long called the #365DaysofEmpties. You can learn more about the project HERE, but my personal goal is to use up 100 products this year. This blog post will show you what I used up in the month of February, my mini review of each product, and a note on whether I’d repurchase the product. Let’s go ahead and jump right into the empties!

SKINCARE

NUDE Skincare Advanced Renewal Serum – 3 Sample Packs [BUY]

Mini Review: I finished up the remaining samples of this serum in February, and while I do like it, I didn’t see a major change in my skin. It felt nice and I had no adverse reaction, but it wasn’t a miracle product for me.
Would I Buy it Again? No. This serum is very expensive, and not worth the price.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel – 1 Sample Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: I’ve always been scared to try a peel, but I really like this one because it is a two-step wipe system instead of a mask that literally peels off the face. I did experience some tingling and a bit of tightness after using the peel, but it seemed to work fine. I think my skin really liked it!
Would I Buy it Again? I’m not sure! I have two more samples to try, and I’ll let you know the final verdict then.

Up & Up Refreshing Wet Cleansing Towelettes – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: I picked up this pack of makeup remover wipes specifically for my trip to Los Angeles in January. I finished using the wipes this month, and I really like them. They are the Target brand, but are formulated to compare with Pond’s. They work just as well!
Would I Buy it Again? Yes!

NAIL CARE

Beauty 360 Strengthening Nail Polish Remover – 1 Bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: I really liked this nail polish remover, but I am so mad at myself! I just noticed on the label (in big clear lettering) that this remover contains gelatin. I don’t consume products with gelatin because I’m a vegetarian, and I’d prefer not to use it in my other beauty products as well. Here’s your friendly reminder to always read the label.
Would I Buy it Again? No!

Berkley Jensen Premium 100% Pure Cotton Rounds – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: I use cotton rounds mainly to remover nail polish. It is definitely my product of choice for nail polish remover because it cuts down on the fuzzies, and does a great job. I’ve also been using cotton rounds to remove face cleanser as well.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I buy these in bulk at my local BJ’s.

MAKEUP

Avon Eyeshadow Sponge Applicators – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: While this is technically a makeup item, I use eyeshadow applicators in nail art! I’ve had this pack for years and just used up the last applicator. I need to get some more of these because they are the only thing that I can use for ombré nail art.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes, but from a different brand.

Dr. Jart Dis-A-Pore Beauty Balm – 1 Sample [BUY]

Mini Review: I got this BB cream in a subscription box, and I used it every once in a while. I really like this BB cream, but the shade isn’t perfect for me. That’s a bit disappointing because it is quite full coverage and wears really well all day.
Would I Buy it Again? No. It doesn’t match my skin properly.

BODY CARE

Raven’s Creek Ultra Soft Sugar Scrub in Pumpkin Pie Spice – 1 Tub [BUY]

Mini Review: I got this sugar scrub in a subscription box, and I did like it, but I didn’t love it. The smell was amazing, but the scrub didn’t exfoliate as well as I would have liked. I also had to use a lot of this product at once.
Would I Buy it Again? No.

FEBRUARY EMPTIES: 10

TOTAL 2016 EMPTIES: 19

That brings us to the end of my January empties! I am on track to use up 100 products by the end of the year, which is really awesome. I think March’s empties post will be pretty big, because a lot of my products are right at the end. It’s always fun when a bunch of products run out at once! Until then, let me know in the comments what you finished up in February. Also let me know if you use any of the products I mentioned today, and what you think of them.

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

DIY Travel Nail Kit

Posted on November 18, 2015November 18, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Now that we are headed into the holiday season, I thought it was the perfect time to put together a DIY Travel Nail Kit! Whether you need a touch up on a weekend getaway, or some manicure options during a longer trip, I’ve got you (and your nails!) covered. I never used to travel with nail polish until college. During my winter break I was away from my nail polish collection for a few weeks, so I wanted to make sure I had a few options on hand. Let me show you everything I pack with me to keep my manicure in shape!

First things first, I highly recommend dedicating a small makeup bag to your nail kit. That way if things go wrong and your nail polish bottles break or spill, nothing else will get ruined. That being said, I always keep a spare piece of bubble wrap in my nail kit so I can keep everything secure. Don’t forget that if you are flying, you’ll need to put your nail polish in your checked luggage, or abide by the 3-1-1 rule (more on that HERE).

As for the items inside my kit, I make sure to have at least five things with me, four of which are pictured above for you:

Sally Hansen Double Duty – This is a base coat and a top coat in one! I’ve used it for years, and while it’s not my favorite top coat option, it’s a great one both for the price and the convenience. I often use it at home as a base coat, and it’s the logical choice for travel. Find it at your local drugstore, or online HERE.
Neutral or Pink Nail Polish – When traveling, it is best to find a nail polish that will work for any occasion and any outfit. I recommend a neutral shade, such as a beige or tan, or my go to polish color – pink! I love Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Peachy Breeze because it can work for a professional event, but is also fun for your beach vacation. Plus, a fast-dry formula is perfect for on the go.
Glitter Top Coat – Your manicure options will double with a glitter top coat! Keep one on hand for a night out, holiday party, or simply a change of pace. This can layer right over your other nail polish so you don’t need to worry about remover or touch ups. I grabbed Milani Color Statement in Club Lights, but choose any glitter you love for your kit!
Mini Emery Boards – I always keep an emery board in my purse, and I, of course, keep at least two in my travel nail kit. You never know when your nails will break, especially with the drying atmosphere of an airplane! I’ve used some of the tiny emery boards before, and those just don’t cut it. I received these black ones for review, and am in love! They are the perfect size at 3.5 inches long – they fit easily in my makeup bag, but are still big enough to hold easily. Plus, you can get a 50 pack for just $10 on Amazon HERE. I highly recommend grabbing a pack to keep you stocked up. They even make a great stocking stuffer!
Nail Polish Remover Pads – I don’t have any on hand to show you, but nail polish remover pads are perfect for travel! Who wants to carry a bottle of nail polish remover?! I’ve had great luck with the butterLONDON Scrubbers, which I think is worth splurging on for special occasions. I usually wait to take off my nail polish once I’m back at home, but these are a great option for those of you who want to switch it up on the road!

All in all, taking care of your nails while traveling can be super easy and non-stressful with a DIY Travel Nail Kit! This kit makes the perfect holiday gift for your friends and family, but don’t forget to create one for yourself! You can also feel free to add in hand cream for some added moisture during the winter months. It all depends on your personal needs! I hope this post brought you some inspiration, and I’m wishing you safe travels!

What’s in your Travel Nail Kit? Let me know in the comments!

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

Gold Elements Golden Nail Kit Review

Posted on June 17, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Happy Tuesday! Today I have a review of a luxurious nail care kit from the brand Gold Elements. I had never heard of this brand before, but was very excited when I got the opportunity to review the kit for all of you! If your hands need some extra pampering, this is the set for you! Let me show you the kit and everything that comes with it!

I absolutely loved the packaging of the Golden Nail Kit! It came with a gift bag, catalog, and stunning box. This is definitely a great, pre-packaged gift whether you’re giving it to a friend or keeping it for yourself!

Inside of the box is a velour holder containing four products:

Cuticle Oil – deeply soothes, moisturizes, and nourishes the cuticles and strengthens your nails
Buffing Block – encourages healthy growth by stimulating the blood circulation under your nails
Nail File – smoothes away rough nail edges and gives you the perfect nail shape
Hand and Nail Cream – protects and soothes your hands

The product packaging contains golden elements that were so bright and shiny I had a difficult time photographing them because they reflected so much light! It definitely gave the products a luminous glow from the moment I opened the box.

I was very impressed with the products in this kit. The Hand and Nail Cream and Cuticle Oil are both amazing. They have a nice, fresh scent that is not overpowering, and I saw an immediate difference with both. I especially love the Cuticle Oil, and I even used it on my feet for a pedicure. I highly recommend using the oil before bed so it can soak into your skin, and the cream during the day (it’s not greasy!). Of course, the Buffing Block and Nail File are essentials to any nail kit!

All in all, I think the Golden Nail Kit is a great, all-in-one nail care kit. It is on the expensive side at $49.99, but worth the splurge. It makes a great gift, and even comes perfectly packaged! You can purchase this kit on the Gold Elements website HERE. Be sure to check out the other products in the skincare collection!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Products I’ve Used Up #2

Posted on February 17, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! It’s time for another “empties” post here at Adventures in Polishland. I think these posts are a great opportunity to learn about a lot of products in a short amount of time. Plus, they serve as a personal reminder since I can always look back and see which products I would repurchase in the future. Let’s get right into all of the products I’ve used up!

HAIR CARE

L’Oreal Paris Triple Resist Reinforcing Conditioner – I’ve been using this L’Oreal system for a while now, and I really like it. My hair seemed to strengthen a bit, and I have no complaints! Plus, this line is really affordable. With sales and coupons, I can find this for around $2-3! [BUY at the drugstore]
Not Your Mother’s Beat the Heat Thermal Styling Shield Spray – I picked up this heat protectant last year, and it lasted forever! This protectant was just okay. It worked to protect my hair, but it left my hair crunchy and has a weird smell. Despite it being an affordable $5.99, I don’t think I would repurchase it again. [BUY]

NAIL CARE

CVS Strengthening Polish Remover – This used to be my go to nail polish remover, and I snagged a couple bottles a few months back during a clearance event for just $0.55! After using pure acetone and the Julep remover, this just doesn’t cut it for me anymore. It’s good, but not the best. [BUY at CVS]
Julep Acetone Free Condition Nail Polish Remover – This is my all time favorite polish remover! It works really well, plus it leaves my nails feeling healthy and it doesn’t have a strong smell. Unfortunately, it is a tad expensive. I would totally buy this in large quantities if Julep had that option! I highly recommend this! [BUY]

SKINCARE

Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin – This is another product that lasted me a very long time. It’s a great cleanser for sensitive skin, and I used it whenever I wanted a gentle cleansing. I would repurchase it again in the future for sure. [BUY]
Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub – I got this scrub in an Ipsy bag a few months back, and I am in love. This is the best scrub I’ve ever used! My skin always felt so clear and healthy after I used it. Although it is a bit on the expensive side, I will definitely be repurchasing it after I run out of the scrub I’m using now. It is seriously worth it! [BUY]
Gold Bond Ultimate Skin Therapy Cream – I talked about this moisturizer in my December Favorites, and it made that list for a reason! This is a great lotion, and I would definitely repurchase it at some point. Read more about it HERE. [BUY]

Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes – I really do like these makeup wipes, and I am working my way through a few packs that my Mom got me for Christmas (thanks, Mom!). You can see all of my thoughts on these wipes HERE. Make sure to grab them during sale events, or shop on Amazon for a great price! [BUY]
Tatcha Aburatorigami Beauty Papers – I got these blotting papers in a PopSugar box, and was happy to try them out. Unfortunately, these were a flop for me. The blotting papers from the drugstore work much better than these high end ones for a much lower price. I wouldn’t repurchase them. [BUY]

MAKEUP

Too Faced Primed & Poreless – I’ve talked about this primer many times on Adventures in Polishland, so I won’t go on forever! This is my first bottle, and it lasted me several months so it is a good investment product. You can see my full review HERE. [BUY]
Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Luscious in Blackened Brown – This mascara was good, but not my favorite. I did like it on days where I wanted natural looking lashes, and I applied it with short and fast strokes. This did clump up rather quickly, but I’ve heard others have really liked it. I’m not sure I would repurchase it, but it’s not a bad product! [BUY]
Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transluscent – I love this powder, and have repurchased it several times! With coupons and sale events at the drugstore, I get this powder for next to nothing. Plus, it’s a great quality product. I wish I was able to make use of the residual product still left in the container, but at such an affordable price, I don’t feel bad throwing it out as is. [BUY at drugstores]

SAMPLES

REN Hydra-Calm Global Protection Day Cream – I got this as a free sample with a Sephora order, and loved it! It has a bit of an odor, but works so well to moisturize my skin. I considered purchasing the full size, but when I saw it was $45 I had to say no! If you have room for this in your budget, it’s a great product! [BUY]
Taylor Swift Enchanted Wonderstruck Perfume – I may not be a Taylor Swift fan, but I’m a huge supporter of this perfume! I loved this so much I asked for a full size for Christmas. I love the fruity yet musky scent. Plus, you can get a great price by purchasing this on Amazon instead of a department store! [BUY]
Versace Bright Crystal Perfume – I also loved this perfume sample by Versace. It smelled expensive! It also has a great mix of sweet and sultry scents together. I would consider getting the full size if it were more affordable. [BUY]
Benefit It’s Potent! Eye Cream – Finally, I got this eye cream in a Birchbox, and really liked it. It really is potent, so make sure to be careful when applying it so the cream doesn’t go in your eye. I’m using another eye cream now, but I would definitely consider purchasing the full size in the future. [BUY]

Phew! That is a lot of empties this time around! I hope you liked hearing more about these products. I always feel a bit accomplished when I finish up a product, since it makes me feel like I got my money’s worth. Do you agree? Let me know if you’ve tried out any of these products in the comments!

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

Products I’ve Used Up #1

Posted on December 6, 2013August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I have my first ever “empties” post, where I talk about products I’ve completely used up. I love watching these types of YouTube videos, and thought I could share my empties with you in blog form! This is a great way to learn about a lot of products in a short amount of time! Let me share my empties with you, and let you know if I would repurchase them!

HAIR CARE

L’Oreal EverSleek Intense Smoothing Shampoo – I’ve used this shampoo and conditioner set from L’Oreal many times! I love that it is sulfate free, and really leaves my hair feeling soft and healthy. It retails for around $6 at the drugstore, and is a shampoo I return to every once in a while. I definitely recommend it! [BUY]
Klorane Dry Shampoo – After getting a sample in a Birchbox, I just had to get the full size version of this dry shampoo. It is amazing! It zaps the oil right out of my hair and makes it feel clean. It’s the best dry shampoo, and worth the $18 price tag. The only drawback is it does run out rather quickly. I plan on getting another one soon, though! [BUY]
Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment – This is a new holy grail product! It has changed my hair for the better! My hair is much healthier now that I apply this oil, and I just love it. This travel size lasted me about six months, and it is worth it. I’ve already repurchased it! [BUY]

SKIN & BODY CARE

Sukí Face Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser – I got this sample in a Birchbox, and I loved it! This is a two-in-one cleanser and exfoliant, and it smells like lemons. It was pretty gentle as a scrub, and my face always felt great afterwards. The only reason I am not going to repurchase this is because the full size is $32.95. Otherwise, I love it! [BUY]
Lulah Body Wash in Magnolia Fig – I am just using up my subscription box products! I got this body wash in a PopSugar box, and it was so nice and luxurious. I loved the rich scent, and even the packaging is cute. At $11.25 I’m not sure I would repurchase this for myself, but it would make a great gift! [BUY]
Whish Exfoliating Body Wash – This is a body wash I wasn’t too thrilled about. While it had a pleasant scent, I didn’t like using a body cleanser with an exfoliant added in. I just prefer to do that separately. Plus, I had to use a lot of product to feel clean. I’m going to pass on this one! [BUY]
Burt’s Bees Hand Salve – This little tin contained a medicinal hand cream. I really enjoyed it for days where my hands really needed some extra help. It is quite greasy, but works well. It’s not my favorite hand cream, but definitely a good product. [BUY]

NAIL CARE

Rite Aid Renewal 100% Pure Acetone – For some reason I’ve never used pure acetone to remove my nail polish before. Now, I’m hooked! This is the best nail polish remover I’ve ever used, and it didn’t damage my nails or cuticles. Plus, this bottle lasted me a long time because I didn’t have to use as much remover. I am definitely going to be buying this again! [BUY at Rite Aid]
Sephora Collection Base Coat – This is hands down the best base coat I’ve ever tried as well! It dries really quickly, and I love the large, flat brush. The only downside is that it can only be purchased on Sephora’s website, but I’ve already gone ahead and repurchased another bottle. At $6, I think it’s a steal! [BUY]

MAKEUP

CoverGirl Natural Lash – I use this clear mascara to keep my eyebrows in place! Now I don’t have crazy hairs anymore! Unfortunately I dropped this, and it dried out rather quickly. I did repurchase, though, and I love this product! It’s around $5 at drugstores. [BUY]
CoverGirl NatureLuxe Mascara – I also used up a black mascara from CoverGirl. I absolutely loved this one because it gave me natural and clump-free lashes. Unfortunately this line has been discontinued, but you can still purchase it on Amazon. I highly recommend it! [BUY]
Buxom Sculpted Lash Mascara – Last but not least is another mascara! This is a high end one that I got in a PopSugar box. I absolutely loved it, and I was amazed how well it curled my lashes. I was so sad when it dried up because I’m not going to repurchase it at $19. It’s worth it if you can afford it, though! [BUY]

Those are all of the empty products I have to share with you today! I hope you enjoyed learning more about these products. Please let me know if you would like to see more Products I’ve Used Up posts in the future!

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