Oral Care – Adventures in Polishland

Tag: Oral Care

Beauty Empties | Spring 2017

Posted on July 10, 2017July 8, 2017 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.

Beauty Empties | Winter 2017

Posted on April 5, 2017April 3, 2017 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.

October & November Empties | #365DaysofEmpties Update

Posted on November 30, 2016November 30, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I have my October and November beauty empties to share with you. I didn’t have the opportunity to post October’s empties at the end of last month, so I’ve lumped them together with November’s. I haven’t used up too many products these past couple of months, which makes me a bit nervous about finishing my #365DaysofEmpties goal for this year. Let me share my mini reviews of the products I’ve finished, and share my plans on the #365DaysofEmpties project for the rest of the year.

SKINCARE

Avalon Organics Intense Defense Detoxifying Towelettes [BUY] – 1 pack

Mini Reivew: I found this pack of cleansing wipes at TJ Maxx and decided to pick them up because I love trying different varieties of makeup remover towelettes. These wipes were okay, but I was very happy to see the pack come to an end. I didn’t like the texture of the towelettes or the smell of the wipes. However, it’s great that they are biodegradable and vegan.
Would I Buy it Again? Probably not.

Yes to Cucumbers Facial Wipes [BUY] – 1 pack

Mini Review: I went back to one of my all-time favorite makeup wipes this month, and I’m so glad I did. The Yes to Cucumbers wipes are soothing, gentle, and remove all my makeup. I think these are going to be my go to brand for a while now.
Would I Buy it Again? I already did!

The Body Shop Seaweed Pore-Cleansing Facial Exfoliator [BUY] – 1 bottle

Mini Review: This exfoliator was a big disappointment for me. It smelled funny, and it didn’t remove my dead skin cells. However, I do feel like it helped keep my pores clean. Thus, if you are looking for a really gentle face scrub this might be a good option for you.

HAIR CARE

Batiste Dry Shampoo Original [BUY] – 1 can

Mini Review: It is safe to say that Batiste Dry Shampoo is the best option I’ve found from the drugstore. It leaves my hair feeling fresh and clean, and I like the scent of the Original variety. It can leave a bit of a powdery look to my brunette hair, but it blends out quite well.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes!

Davines Love Conditioner [BUY] – 1 sample

Mini Review: I really enjoyed this sample of conditioner from the brand Davines. I got about 3-4 uses out of this one packet, and my hair looked so nice and shiny whenever I used it. The smell is a bit strong and fragranced, but I otherwise love the product.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes.

BODY CARE

Bath & Body Works Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Shower Gel – 1 bottle

Mini Review: I finished up this bottle of shower gel that I began last fall, and I’m glad I used it all. This product smells amazing, but it is quite drying. Bath and Body Works products have a lot of chemicals in them, and once I use up all of the items I have in my stash I won’t be shopping from them anymore.

Dove Powder 24h Invisible Solid [BUY] – 1 tube

Mini Review: Dove is the only brand of deodorant that works for me consistently. I purchased a nice supply of Dove deodorants and am still working my way through them. This one smells nice and fresh, and I do recommend it. That being said, I am going to try and find a more natural option to use once I run out of Dove.

BRUSH CLEANER

BeautyBlender BlenderCleanser Liquid [BUY] – 1 bottle

Mini Review: I’ve been trying to clean my BeautyBlender between each use, and my cleanser of choice is the liquid BlenderCleanser. I like this liquid form much more than the solid. It gets my BeautyBlender really clean, and it is easy to use with a pump top.
Would I Buy it Again? I already did!

ORAL CARE

GUM Comfort Slide Flossers [BUY] – 1 pack

Mini Review: If you are trying to get into the habit of flossing daily, I highly recommend starting with flossers. It makes flossing really easy, and it definitely helped me floss regularly. I finished up this pack, and now I’ve moved on to more traditional floss, which is cheaper.

OCTOBER & NOVEMBER EMPTIES: 9

TOTAL 2016 EMPTIES: 84

Unfortunately, I am behind in my goal of reaching 100 empties this year. I will need to use up 16 products in the month of December if I want to be successful, and that is a lot! I realize I might not get to 100, but I am going to try to only use the products I currently have open, and if I need to start new ones, to grab sample sizes first. Nonetheless, I’m glad I’ve been keeping track of all my empties this year to see how many products I use up each month. It helps keep my shopping in check for sure!

What products did you use up recently? Let me know in a comment!

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

My First Vitacost Haul!

Posted on November 15, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! Today I’m excited to share a haul with all of you from the online store Vitacost. I first heard about this website a while back through other bloggers and YouTubers, but I finally made my first purchase earlier this month. Vitacost is essentially an online health store that sells vitamins, beauty products, health products, food, and more. I’ve had a little bit of trouble finding some vegan products at my local drugstores and department stores, so I finally decided to sign up for a free Vitacost account and make a purchase. I really love that Vitacost offers specialty products at a discounted price!

HEALTH & BEAUTY

The main reason I placed a Vitacost order is to pick up some dental floss and lip balm. I do feel a bit silly buying these essentials online, but I just couldn’t find them in any of my local stores! I stocked up on the Eco-Dent GentleFloss in Mint, which is a 100% Vegan Waxed dental floss. This floss is normally pretty expensive at $5.49 each, but Vitacost sells it for $3.49! I’m so glad it was discounted!

I also needed a new lip balm, as the colder and dryer weather has taken a toll on my lips. I was excited to try out the brand Hurraw!, which is made from organic, vegan, and raw ingredients. There are a ton of flavors to choose from, but I grabbed the Coffee flavor and I think that was a great decision. Not only does this lip balm smell divine, but it feels so nice on my lips. Let me know if you’d like a full review on this product.

FOOD

I also picked up a couple food items to make the $4.99 shipping worth it. First, I got the famous Nutritional Yeast that every vegan seems to love. I don’t know much about it, except that it’s supposed to add a cheesy taste to your food and is also full of vitamins. I put it on my pasta a few nights ago, and didn’t notice much of a difference, so I will need to do a bit more experimenting with it.

Finally, I picked up a huge pack of Pür Wintergreen Gum. I have seen this brand at Walgreens, but this huge 57-piece pack is $4.09 on Vitacost, so I figured it was worth the price. I rarely chew gum, so this will last me a long time.

JOIN VITACOST & SAVE $10!

That wraps up everything I purchased from Vitacost! I’m really happy with the website and know I will be back for more. If you are new to Vitacost, you can sign up using my referral link HERE and get a $10 coupon for your first purchase! Vitacost sells more than just vegan products, so be sure to check it out if you’re looking for tasty treats or other specialty brands you can’t find in-store. You can also earn cash back on your Vitacost purchase by shopping through Ebates! I’m always up for saving more money, and I’m excited to continue using these products.

Do you use Vitacost? Share what you buy in the comments!

My Morning Routine | How to Be Bold Every Day with Listerine! #MyBoldMoments

Posted on July 25, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MyBoldMoments #CollectiveBias

Happy Monday! Today I am excited to share with you my current morning routine. While I wouldn’t say I am a morning person, I do believe that I am more productive in the early hours of the day. Thus, I always try to wake up early and prepare myself for the day ahead so I can be confident and bold each day. The key is with the morning routine I create for myself to ensure I not only look my best, but feel my best, too. This blog post will take you from my shopping trip at CVS, where I pick up Listerine, a necessary component to any morning routine, to my step-by-step process of getting ready for the day. It’s time to live boldly!

PREPPING FOR MY MORNING

First things first, I need to go shopping! I headed over to my local CVS Pharmacy to pick up my Listerine. Plus, I always love to browse the sales at CVS and use any coupons I have that week!

I headed directly to the Oral Care aisle in my local CVS. For me it is located right behind the beauty and skincare products, so I know just where to go. I spend a lot of time browsing this area of the store!

The mouthwash is all the way at the end of the aisle. I’m glad CVS has such clear signage to make the shopping experience really easy. It’s always nice when I don’t have to spend a lot of time hunting down the product I’m purchasing.

I spotted my Listerine right in the middle of the shelf in the Flouride area. Can you see the purple Listerine Total Care? That’s what I picked up! I’ll share more about the product later in this post, but you bet I’m snagging the mouthwash with as many health benefits as possible. Plus, I was in luck this day – Listerine was on sale! Score!

MY MORNING ROUTINE

Now that I have everything I need to start my day off boldly, it’s time to wake up and get started! Here is my routine step-by-step.

STEP 1: BREAKFAST

Okay, I’m the first one to admit this breakfast looks a bit sad, but the truth is I absolutely love to eat oatmeal in the morning. The boost of carbohydrates gives me the energy I need to start my day. Plus, oatmeal is super delicious! I change my recipe up regularly, but today I’m sharing my brown sugar and cinnamon variety. I use quick oats, mix in some brown sugar and almond milk, and microwave my concoction. I finish up with a sprinkle of cinnamon for some added flavor. Of course, I have my coffee and water nearby to pep me up and rehydrate my body!

STEP 2: JOURNALING

While mornings can be very hectic, I always like to schedule in a little time for myself. This helps me relax and not feel rushed. I like to change up my morning activity depending on my current mood. In my days as a student I watched a lot of YouTube videos while I ate breakfast. Today I much prefer to read a book or journal. I have two dedicated journals that I write in each morning. It only takes a few minutes, but helps to calm me down and gives me time to spend on myself. It is worth waking up early to get in some ‘me’ time!

STEP 3: ORAL CARE

Now it’s time to head to the bathroom! At this point I’ve already showered and gotten dressed, so I get right to my oral care routine. I floss, brush, and use Listerine before doing any skincare whatsover. As I mentioned earlier, I use the Total Care variety of Listerine because it provides 6-in-1 benefits! This one mouthwash helps prevent cavities, restore enamel, strengthen teeth, kill bad breath germs, clean the whole mouth, and freshen breath. Of course, Listerine helps wake me up with it’s intense and tingling feeling!

STEP 4: SKINCARE, MAKEUP, AND HAIR

Last but not least, I use my skincare products, put on some makeup, and do my hair. While you don’t have to wear any makeup to look great and feel confident, I do find that when I put a bit more time into my appearance I feel a bit bolder and ready to start the day. In the summer I go lighter with the makeup, and I let my hair dry naturally. My hair gets frizzy in the summer humidity anyway, so I embrace the natural waves and don’t sweat it with any heat tools. My morning routine is now complete, and I’m ready to live boldly!

All in all, I know that my morning routine is very important if I want to start my day off right. Every step helps prepare me for the day, from my breakfast to my oral care to my makeup! I’m sure you’ve experienced those days where if your morning starts off poorly, your whole day heads south. I definitely try to avoid that by sticking to these steps! I would love to hear how you live boldly, so head to Listerine’s website HERE to share your tips! Of course, you can find Listerine at your local CVS store, and online HERE. I will also leave Listerine’s social media links below if you would like to follow the brand online!

Do you have a morning routine? Share it with me in the comments!

Follow Listerine: Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

June Empties | #365DaysofEmpties Update

Posted on July 6, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! It’s time for my monthly check-in with all of you to share the products I used up towards my #365DaysofEmpties goal. I was getting a bit nervous in June, as I only emptied a few products at the beginning of the month. Thankfully, as the month came to a close, a bunch of my products did also. I’m excited to share my mini-reviews with all of you this month, as I emptied a wide variety of products. Let me share my thoughts on the products I used up in June!

BODY CARE

The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Cream Body Scrub – 1 tub [BUY]

Mini Review: I really enjoy body scrubs from The Body Shop. While I liked the Coca Butter scent of this one, I didn’t love the texture. It felt more abrasive than the sugar and gelee scrubs they also offer.
Would I Buy it Again? I wouldn’t get this particular scrub again, but others from The Body Shop.

Bath & Body Works Beautiful Day Shower Gel – 1 bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: While I loved the clean and fresh scent of Beautiful Day, I found it to be quite drying on my skin despite it being labeled as “Shea Enriched.” That being said, this bottle lasted me a few months because only a small amount of product was needed to get a nice lather.
Would I Buy it Again? No, I’m going to look for more natural cleansers in the future.

MAKEUP

Evian Facial Spray – 1 can [BUY]

Mini Review: I mentioned last month how much I love this facial spray. I use it to dampen my BeautyBlender, but also to freshen up in the hot weather. Last month it got really hot, and I was unable to use the air conditioning. This was a lifesaver!
Would I Buy it Again? I would not buy this travel size can again. The full size lasts me about a year, but the mini ran out in just a month. Go big with this one!

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water – 1 deluxe sample [BUY]

Mini Review: I’ve heard great things about this Primer Water, but I didn’t see much of a difference when I used it. It did feel nice on the skin, but it took a while to dry and added time to my makeup routine.
Would I Buy it Again? No. I didn’t see enough results for the price tag.

Revlon ColorStay Under Eye Concealer – 1 tube [BUY]

Mini Review: This is a staple concealer for me. I’ve repurchased it several times, and really enjoy it as a drugstore option. That being said, it does make my fine lines a bit more pronounced, and it’s expensive for the small amount of product.
Would I But it Again? No. I’m going to look for a better option that is more affordable

SKINCARE

Up & Up Refreshing Wet Cleansing Towelettes – 1 pack

Mini Review: I love these makeup wipes from Target! They are super affordable, but work well to remove my makeup. Plus, I find wipes really refreshing in the warmer months.
Would I Buy it Again? I’m using another pack right now!

StriVectin-SD Instant Retexturizing Scrub – 1 deluxe sample [BUY]

Mini Review: This scrub is awesome! It feels very creamy and gentle on the skin, but truly works to remove dead skin cells. I loved how clear and even my skin felt after using this scrub. Plus, this sample lasted much longer than just the 1.5 weeks it advertised.
Would I But it Again? Maybe. It’s very expensive!

Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield – 1 deluxe sample [BUY]

Mini Review: I’m not sure how I feel about this product! Invisiblur is part serum, part sunscreen, and part primer. I do love how it is a multi-tasker, but I didn’t like the smell. I also found that my foundation didn’t apply as well when I used this product.
Would I Buy it Again? No.

ORAL CARE

GUM Comfort Slide Flossers – 1 pack [BUY]

Mini Review: I love using flossers because they make flossing super easy! While they are a bit more expensive than traditional floss, it is 100% worth it if I floss more. I’ve made flossing part of my normal routine since using these!
Would I But it Again? Yes!

HAIR CARE

göt2b Rockin’ It 4Ever Stylestay Dry Shampoo – 1 can [BUY]

Mini Review: I got this dry shampoo because it was on sale and I had a coupon. Unfortunately, I really did not like it, but still used it all up. It was better than not using any dry shampoo at all, but really didn’t do much for my hair. I don’t recommend it!
Would I Buy it Again? No!

JUNE EMPTIES: 10

TOTAL 2016 EMPTIES: 55

We are now halfway through the year, and I am ahead of my goal to finish up 100 empties! It always feels great to use up a product completely. This month I focused a bit on my deluxe samples, and that helped to move them out of my collection. Plus, it saves me money to use my samples first! As always, please share your thoughts on any of the products I mentioned today with me in the comments.

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

January Empties | #365DaysofEmpties Project

Posted on January 27, 2016January 26, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I am excited to be sharing my first empties blog post in quite a long time. For those of you who may be new to the concept, an empties post is where I share with you all of the products that I’ve used up recently, and also give a mini review of the product and whether I would purchase it again in the future. I recently discovered the hashtag #365DaysofEmpties on Instagram, and knew it was something I wanted to do in 2016. This is a project that I believe was started over at The Imaginarium of Makeup last year (though please correct me if I’m wrong in the comments!). The goal is to use up 365 products in the year! I am adapting this challenge for myself. My goal is to use up 100 products, simply because I go through things slowly and am always trying new things for review. Every month I’ll be showing you what I used up, and quickly share my thoughts on each product. Let’s jump right into my January empties!

January Empties | #365DaysofEmpties Project

SKINCARE

January Empties | Skincare

NUDE Skincare Advanced Renewal Serum – 4 Sample Packs [BUY]

Mini Review: I like this serum, but I haven’t seen any major differences in my skin. It feels nice upon application, and I haven’t had an adverse reaction. So far, so good!
Would I Buy it Again? No. It’s too expensive for my budget.

Up & Up Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: These makeup remover wipes compare to the Neutrogena brand, and I absolutely love them! They feel so nice, take off all my makeup, and don’t leave a residue on the skin. Plus, the Up & Up brand works just as well as Neutrogena.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I already have purchased a small pack for traveling.

HAIR CARE

January Empties | Hair Care

TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer – 1 Bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: I’m not a brand loyalist when it comes to heat protectant, so I purchased this because it is super affordable. Luckily, it seemed to do a good job protecting my hair as I straightened it every day.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes, but I didn’t immediately repurchase it. I found a L’Oreal Heat Protectant on sale and used a coupon.

BODY CARE

January Empties | Body Care

Dove 24hr Invisible Solid Anti-Perspirant Deodorant – 1 Tube [BUY]

Mini Review: While I would like to use a more natural deodorant, I’ve found that the only brand that truly works for me is Dove. This is one of the more affordable options, and it got the job done.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes, but I’ve purchased a different Dove line for now.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Wash (not pictured) – 1 Travel Size [BUY]

Mini Review: This body wash was just okay. It did a fine job at cleansing, but it was unscented and overall ‘blah.’
Would I Buy it Again? No. It is very overpriced for just a plain body wash.

ORAL CARE

Flossups (not pictured) – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: I love using flossers because they encourage me to floss my teeth. They are so much easier to use than standard floss.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I’m already using a new pack.

JANUARY EMPTIES: 9

TOTAL 2016 EMPTIES: 9

That brings us to the end of my first empties post as a part of my new #365DaysofEmpties project! I plan on posting at the end of every month. Please let me know if you will be joining in on this challenge in the comments. Also let me know if you like the format of this empties post and if you find it helpful!

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