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3 Ways to Save BIG at The Body Shop!

Posted on April 13, 2016March 21, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I’m going to share some of my tips to saving money at The Body Shop. I really love shopping at The Body Shop because it not only has great quality products, but it is a company focused on morality as well. The Body Shop never tests on animals, and it has a Community Trade program to ensure its ingredients are fairly sourced. The prices at The Body Shop, however, are definitely more than I would like to spend. Thus, I’ve come up with some shopping strategies to ensure I can enjoy my favorite products at a fraction of the price. I’m going to share my tricks with you today, along with my most recent purchase from The Body Shop to illustrate my points. Let’s jump into the big savings!

Tip 1: Shop with Ebates and Wait for Double Cash Back

Ebates is a website that allows you to earn cash back on most of your online purchases. I’ve been a member for a few years now, and absolutely love it! The website is legitimate and safe, and even helps you find coupon codes. The Body Shop is typically 4% cash back, but every so often it is a promoted store at 8% cash back! I’ve even seen it go as high as 10% for special holiday sales. I wait to shop until The Body Shop is double cash back. I earned $4.54 back from my latest purchase at The Body Shop. That is so awesome! You can sign up to Ebates for free and earn a $10 gift card by using my referral link HERE.

Tip 2: Wait for a Big Sale

One of the best ways to save money is to become familiar with a store’s sales. Whenever I find a product that I love I will pay very close attention to sales. Over time a pattern will emerge, and I know when to shop to get the highest discount. At The Body Shop, my favorite sale is Buy 3, Get 3 Free. There are always sales at The Body Shop, and you can visit the website’s Offers page HERE to see the current promotions. I highly recommend waiting for the Buy 3, Get 3 Free sale, though. Here is what I purchased most recently!

I love the body scrubs at The Body Shop, so I purchased the Cocoa Butter and Pink Grapefruit scrubs to stock up. These retail for $21 each regular price. I also wanted to get a body butter, because my skin has been very dry lately. I decided to try the Aloe Body Butter because it is fragrance free and I am sensitive to smells. This body butter is also $21.

Next I picked up some new-to-me hair care items. First I grabbed the Ginger Scalp Care shampoo because I do tend to get flakes and I hope this will work well for me. This shampoo retails for $10.00. I also purchased the Rainforest Moisture Hair Butter, which is a deep conditioner. I want to ensure I’m getting a lot of moisture into my hair, and will be using this once per week. This retails for $14.

Finally, I got the Seaweed Pore-Cleansing Facial Exfoliator. I’m running low on my face scrub, so I wanted to have one on backup. I’m all about pore cleansing scrubs, so I’m very excited to try this! This scrub retails for $18.

For this particular purchase, I purchased the three $21.00 items, and got the other three free. You would think my total would be $63.00, but not so! My last tip explains how to save even more.

Tip 3: Sign Up for Love Your Body Rewards

Lastly, I recommend signing up for the Love Your Body Rewards program. This program costs $10.00 per year, but it pays for itself because you get a $10 coupon on your birthday. Plus, you save 10% off every purchase. There are also ways to earn points and added rewards, so I highly recommend signing up if you are a regular customer. You can learn more on The Body Shop’s website HERE.

Now that I’ve shared my tricks to saving big at The Body Shop, let’s break down my most recent purchase!

RETAIL PRICE: 21 + 21 + 21 + 10 + 14 + 18 = 105

SALE PRICE: 21 + 21 + 21 = 63

LOVE YOUR BODY PRICE: 63 x 10% = 56.70

EBATES PRICE: 56.70 x 8% = $52.16 –> total savings of 50%!

As you can see, these three simple tips add up to huge savings at The Body Shop! I know other stores sell products from The Body Shop at discounted prices, but I can always save more buying directly from the store. Plus, I can earn rewards on my purchases with Love Your Body! It’s a win for my wallet and for me – I get to use my favorite products at a discounted price. I hope you all found this post helpful! If you have any tips for saving at The Body Shop that I didn’t mention here, please share in the comments! Happy shopping!

This post is not sponsored or affiliated with The Body Shop. My link to Ebates is a referral link. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

New Year’s Resolutions 2016 | Quarter 1 Update

Posted on April 7, 2016March 19, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! We are now a few months into 2016, and I wanted to share an update on my New Year’s Resolutions for this year. I know a lot of you might be feeling disgruntled about your resolutions if they haven’t been going very well, so I hope that if I share my journey and experiences you will feel more inspired to keep going. Resolutions don’t happen overnight – they take hard work and dedication. As long as we are working towards our goals we are being successful! Today I’ll be sharing a quick update on each of my five resolutions, and grade myself on my progress. You can see my New Year’s Resolutions announcement HERE if you missed it!

1. Paint My Nails More Often & Try More Nail Art

Grade: C+

I’ve done really well with blogging more about nail polish this year, especially during Manicure March! However, I’m still not wearing nail polish often on a daily basis. I have been swatching a lot lately, so I haven’t painted a full manicure because I know I’ll just have to take it off to swatch. I know that’s an excuse, so I need to get over it and paint my nails more! I’m ready to put my newly decluttered collection to use.

2. Nail Down a Skincare Routine

Grade: B

I’ve been doing much better at taking care of my skin this year, but I’m not at the point of a daily routine just yet. I probably do a full morning and evening skincare routine about 4-5 days per week. That is a huge improvement for me, so I’m happy with my progress!

3. Focus on My Overall Health

Grade: C

My health goals were broken down into three main categories: taking my daily vitamins, exercising regularly, and eating healthier. I’m doing really well at taking my vitamins. I’ve made it a part of my day, and you can see in my Health Star Jar above that there are a lot of purple stars! Unfortunately, I’ve slacked off big time when it came to exercise. I got sick in January and took some time off, but that time off turned into a couple months off (big oops!). I’m going to try to start with exercising once per week to ease myself back into a routine. Finally, I’ve been eating somewhat better, but my sweet tooth has been overpowering me. I need to conquer it!

4. Organize My Life

Grade: B

A general goal of mine is to become more organized in all aspects of my life. I think I’ve done a good job at this so far! I’ve created some new systems that work for me, such as keeping notebooks for certain purposes, coming up with a functional clothing organization system, and storing my makeup. Decluttering has been on the forefront of my mind, and getting rid of unneeded things in my life has helped me become more organized for sure. I’ve also been working on budgeting my money by making sure I buy with purpose. I also keep a spending log to keep track of every dollar that comes in and goes out. My main priority now is becoming more productive and motivated in my daily life.

5. Read 40 Books

Grade: A

As of writing this blog post, I’ve read 17 books in 2016! I am well on my way to completing this goal. I was a reading machine in both January and February, and in March I slowed down a bit to focus on longer books and books that require more brain power. I am also writing non-spoiler book reviews for every book I read, so check out THIS section of the blog to see them.

All in all, while there is definite room for improvement, I think my New Year’s Resolutions are going well. It’s important to check in with yourself and be honest about how you are progressing. It is okay if you haven’t even begun work on your resolutions yet! Just don’t give up! I know it can be really hard to motivate yourself, so let’s cheer each other on in the comments! Share your resolutions and progress with me!

February & March Favorites! | What I’m Loving in 2016

Posted on April 5, 2016July 14, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! I’m excited to share my favorites for the months of February and March. I didn’t get the opportunity to share what I loved in February during Manicure March, so I thought I’d lump the past two months together. It actually works out perfectly because I haven’t discovered many new things to share with you. I’ve been so busy working on the blog these past couple of months, but I’ve really been enjoying it. Without further ado, let me share my favorites with you!

SKINCARE

Yes to Coconut Ultra Hydrating Melting Cleanser [REVIEW] [BUY]

I’ve been loving the Yes to Coconut Melting Cleanser! It smells amazing, and does a great job at cleansing my face without stripping it of moisture. I don’t use this daily, but when I want a deep clean. It truly melts away my makeup! I’m definitely going to be purchasing more products from the Yes To brand in the future.

BODY CARE

The Body Shop Aloe Body Butter [BUY]

I purchased this body butter because it is fragrance free. I don’t know about you, but I’m sensitive to smells, and sometimes it’s nice to put on lotion without perfume. This body butter truly is fragrance free, and I appreciate that so much. Plus, it does an amazing job at hydrating my skin. I’m seeing a big difference in just a couple weeks of using it! I do wish it was a bit more affordable, but I’m going to grab it during sales for sure.

TV SHOWS

Fuller House

Full House is my favorite TV show of all time, so you know I was ready for Fuller House! I marathoned the series as soon as it came out, and really loved it. I got a free Netflix month just so I could watch it. I’m so glad it got picked up for a second season. It’s so fun to see the cast back in action, and I love all the new characters. I highly recommend it if you haven’t seen it yet!

The Family

I’ve also been loving the new show on ABC called The Family! I’m not usually into creepy TV shows, but for some reason I just had to watch this after seeing the commercials. The show follows a family in Maine. Ten years ago, the youngest son went missing, and the man who lives across the street was convicted of his murder. Then, at present day, the son reappears. Now the family is trying to catch his kidnapper. It’s so intriguing! I am always excited for a new episode.

BOOK

More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera [BUY]

My favorite book of the past couple months is More Happy Than Not, a young adult contemporary with a science fiction twist. I will have a full review up for you later this month, but I wanted to share it now so you can pick it up as soon as possible! The story follows Aaron Soto, a teenager living in the Bronx. He is struggling after his father committed suicide, and trying to find his way in life. The story is not only emotional, but it is very well written. I highly recommend it!

ETSY SHOP

Pretty on Paper Co. [SHOP]

I made my first purchase from Pretty on Paper Co. back in January, and I instantly fell in love. The planner stickers in her shop are amazing quality, and I love her design aesthetic. I’ve already made a second purchase, and I will definitely be back for more! She makes amazing weekly kits, which I love using in my planner. I recommend checking out her shop! She is located in Canada, but shipping to the United States is pretty affordable.

That wraps up my February and March favorites! I hope you enjoyed seeing what I’ve been enjoying these past couple of months. As always, please share your favorites with me in the comments! I love getting recommendations from all of you. You can also use the hashtag #PolishlandFaves on social media to share your photos. Here’s to a great April!

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.

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.

Yes To Coconut Face Collection Review | #YesToBeautyRes

Posted on February 24, 2016February 13, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I am excited to share with you three new products from the brand Yes To Carrots. I received a package with skincare products from the new Yes To Coconut line, and I couldn’t wait to test them. I’ve enjoyed the other Yes To products I’ve tried in the past, and I absolutely love coconuts so I had a feeling these products would be perfect for me. Today I’ll be sharing a first impressions review on the Ultra Hydrating Melting Cleanser, Ultra Hydrating Facial Mask, and Ultra Hydrating Overnight Eye Balm. What that means is I’ve tried all of these products, but haven’t been using them on my skin for an extended period of time. Let’s go ahead and start the reviews!

First things first, I have a few things I want to mention about this collection as a whole. Each product does have a coconut scent, and is 96-99% natural, so if you have an allergy to coconuts this line is not for you. I personally love the smell of coconuts, so I find these products very comforting. I also really appreciate that they are almost completely natural! I always feel better when I can put a natural product on my face! Finally, this line is designed to be hydrating. I have combination skin, and it’s been working well for me.

Yes to Coconut Ultra Hydrating Melting Cleanser

The first product I have to share is the Ultra Hydrating Melting Cleanser. This cleanser is really unique. It is a thick, gel-like consistency, and can be used in two ways. You can either apply it dry to the face, or you can mix it with water to create a creamy emulsion. I’ve tried it both ways, and I prefer to just apply it dry to my face. It is less messy that way! I have to tell you, I am in love with this cleanser! It removes all my makeup, is very gentle, and is very moisturizing. I love it so much I want to buy the Yes to Coconut body wash, too. It’s so amazing, and I highly recommend it!

Yes to Coconut Ultra Hydrating Facial Mask

Next up is the Ultra Hydrating Facial Mask, which I’ve tried one time so far. This mask feels like a thick body butter, and has that same coconut smell that I love. I did really like how soft and clear my skin felt after using this mask, but the mask itself was really difficult to remove. I had to rinse my face for a very long time and use a lot of water to get it off my face. I wasn’t a huge fan of that, but because my skin loved the product I will be using up this tube for sure.

Yes to Coconut Ultra Hydrating Overnight Eye Balm

Last but not least is the Ultra Hydrating Overnight Eye Balm. While it does take an extended period of time to truly see the benefits of an eye cream, I can tell you that I really like how this eye balm feels after application. This cream is light, but still makes my undereye area feel very hydrated. This product also feels very soothing and gentle. My skin can be on the sensitive side, and I haven’t experienced any irritation whatsoever. I can’t wait to continue using this product!

All in all, I am really loving the new Yes to Coconut Face Collection! It’s one of my New Years Resolutions to focus on skincare, and I’m happy to include these in my daily routines. I will most definitely be grabbing other products from this line, especially the body wash. My skin is loving it, and I hope yours will, too! You can find these products at your local drugstore or department store for fabulous and affordable prices!

What is your favorite line from Yes To? Let me know in the comments!

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

January PLAY! by Sephora Unboxing | My Favorite Yet?!

Posted on February 8, 2016February 3, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I’m excited to share my January PLAY! by Sephora box with all of you. For those who are new to PLAY!, this is a $10 beauty subscription box curated by Sephora. I received my first box back in November (see that unboxing HERE), and have been overall pretty impressed with this subscription service. In December, however, I was a bit underwhelmed with the products, so I was interested to see if January’s box would be any better. I think it is my favorite box yet!

This month’s theme is No Appointment Necessary, and is filled with high-performing products that let you get expert-level results from home. I was immediately excited as soon as I lifted the informational magazine out of the box and saw the first product lying on top. As always, I’ll show you each product individually and share the sample’s retail value with you.

Sephora Collection Green Tea Eye Mask – $5.00

The first thing I spotted was this Green Tea Eye Mask. I’ve seen so many beauty vloggers use masks like these, and they look like a fun and easy way to treat your skin right! Sephora offers a bunch of different eye masks in this line, and the Green Tea one is designed to give a cool, fresh sensation to the eye area and provide a smoothing effect. I am so excited to try this!

Dr. Brandt Needles No More – $15.13

The skincare continues with a product from one of my favorite high end brands, Dr. Brandt. We did get a product from Dr. Brandt last month, but I am totally fine with another! Needles No More is a wrinkle relaxer, and is supposed to provide both instant and long-term effects. I’m really intrigued with this one!

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel – $9.60

The last skincare item in this box is a peel from Dr. Gross Skincare. I’ve always been nervous to try a peel, but there are three treatments in this box so I guess a peel is in my future! I do like that this peel is a two-step wipe process. This should be interesting!

TOCCA Isabel Perfume – $2.00

Next up is a perfume sample from TOCCA, which you all know I don’t like getting in this box. Sephora gives perfume samples away for free, both online and in-store. It’s ridiculous we keep getting these! Nonetheless, Isabel is a rose-scented perfume, which I cannot use because of my sensitivity to floral scents. This is my least favorite item in the box.

Living Proof Prime Style Extender Spray – $2.94

Moving on to hair care, we got a Living Proof sample in the box! I love this brand of hair care, so I’m happy that I received this. The Prime Style Extender Spray is designed for fine hair, which I have, and is supposed to make any style last 2x longer. I don’t usually style my hair, but I’ll be glad to have this on hand for when I do!

Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight in Hefty Highlight – $12.57

Last but not least is a makeup item from Clinique, which I am really excited to try. This is a cream highlighter in a beautiful pink shade. I think this will look beautiful with my fair skin tone. I’ve never tried a cream highlighter before, so I can’t wait to put this to use!

All in all, I am very impressed with my January PLAY! by Sephora box. I will use every item except for the perfume, and I am very much looking forward to the skincare and makeup. The retail value for this box is $47.24, which is also excellent. I’m going to continue my subscription for sure! If you are interested in subscribing, join the wait list HERE. I’ll be sure to share what I receive next month, too!

Shop for the products in this box using the widget below and I’ll earn a small commission throug ShopStyle affiliates.

January 2016 Favorites | Skincare, Hobbies, & More!

Posted on February 2, 2016January 30, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

January Favorites | Skincare, Hobbies, & More!

Happy Tuesday! I can’t believe the first month of 2016 has already come to a close. January was a good month for me, and one that was completely outside of normal. I was traveling for a week during the month, and unfortunately came down with a bad cold for a couple weeks. You will be able to see how that really impacted my favorites this month, so let’s go ahead and jump right into the post!

SKINCARE

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy [HAUL] [BUY]

I recently purchased a travel kit from First Aid Beauty because I knew it would come in handy on my vacation. When I came down with a cold during the trip, this lip balm was my absolute savior! My lips were already dry in the Los Angeles climate, but with my cold I really needed the added moisture. I am beyond in love with this lip balm. It is truly hydrating, and very healing.

HAIR CARE

L'Oreal Blow Dry It Heat Protectant

L’Oreal Blow Dry It Quick Dry Primer Spray [BUY]

I ran out of heat protectant, so I picked up this one because it was super affordable at CVS and I had a coupon. I’m so glad I got it! My first impression was that it smelled great, and then I noticed how nice my hair looks and feels after using it. My thin and dull hair becomes shiny and smooth, but it’s not greasy or weighed down at all! Talk about a win-win!

TRAVEL NECESSITY

Kleenex Slim Pack

Kleenex Slim Pack [BUY]

This might be a random favorite, but I really appreciate these Slim Packs from Kleenex! I always keep tissues in my purse, and I really needed them this month. The Slim Packs are awesome because they don’t bulk up your purse and because the tissues inside are well protected. I never have to throw out any of the tissues because they got dirty! Plus, I refilled this several times to get more bang for my buck.

STATIONARY

Erin Condren Jot Your Thought Journals [BUY]

You all know I love my Erin Condren Life Planner, and I recently fell for the brand’s journals as well. The Jot Your Thought Journals are cute, little notebooks. I use one as a book journal and one as a blog journal. The covers are really sturdy, the pages are thick and strong, and the designs are nice, too. I also think they are very affordable – you can get a trio for just $15! I gave some as Christmas gifts and bought some for myself.

FASHION

Madden Girl Ruxben Booties [BUY]

It was really hard for me to find boots this year, and I finally decided to just get some booties. I found these super cute booties at my local DSW. They are very warm and really comfortable. I love the little knit portion around the ankle, and the fold-over detail. If you’re a wide calf girl struggling to find boots, give these a try!

HOBBY

Reading

Follow My Bookstagram HERE

I’ve been a bookworm since I started reading, but this past month I read seven books! There is something about winter that just makes me want to cozy up with a book. I read quite a wide array of books this month, too – adult, young adult, and new adult, fiction and nonfiction, science fiction, contemporary, romance, and mystery! Wow! Let me know if you’ve read any of the books pictured and your thoughts in the comments! Of course, I have (or will have) a full, non-spoiler review of each book on this blog in the Books section HERE.

LIFE

Family Time

Last but not least, I have to mention the special family time I enjoyed this month! My trip to LA was to visit family, and I got to see my nephew in person for the first time in over a year! Even though I speak with him on FaceTime regularly, there is something very special about hugging him and playing with him in person. The picture above shows us in the car – he loves to rest his little foot on my arm when I’m sitting with him in the back seat! Being an aunt is the best!

That brings us to the end of my January 2016 favorites! I hope you enjoyed reading about all my loves this month. As always, please feel free to share your favorites in the comments. I would love to know what products you’ve discovered, what hobbies you’re enjoying, or anything else going on in your life. You can also use the hashtag #PolishlandFaves on social media to share photos with me!

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

Sticking to My Skincare Resolutions with Derma e Firming DMAE Eye Lift | #NOTICETHELOTUS at Target

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I am excited to share with you some of the skincare products I’ve been using this new year. As you may know, one of my resolutions this year is to develop a morning and evening skincare routine so that I can be treating my skin with the respect it deserves. I got to partner with Derma e to celebrate the launch of the brand’s products at Target, and thus I got to try out a few skincare goodies! I’ve tried Derma e in the past thanks to a subscription box, so I knew I would like the other products the brand has to offer. Let me share my thoughts on the Firming DMAE Eye Lift and the Hydrating Night Crème, and tell you more about Derma e at Target!

Sticking to My Skincare Resolutions with Derma e Firming DMAE Eye Lift | #NOTUSTHELOTUS at Target Derma e is a skincare brand that uses nature’s post powerful natural ingredients and combines them with cruelty-free green chemistry. I absolutely love that the brand focuses on natural ingredients! I feel confident that I’m truly taking care of my skin when I use Derma e products. It’s always great to find a brand that is ethical in addition to providing top notch products. I’m also really excited that Derma e is now available at Target stores! You all know how much I love Target, especially if you watch my YouTube Channel. My skincare shopping just got a lot more convenient!

Sticking to My Skincare Resolutions with Derma e Firming DMAE Eye Lift | #NOTUSTHELOTUS at Target Now let’s talk about the Firming DMAE Eye Lift, one of the products available at Target. This eye cream is designed to visibly lift, firm, and tighten the eye area, and also smooth away crow’s feet. I have a lot of fine lines under my eyes, which I think is mainly due to dryness as I’m only in my twenties. I like the Firming DMAE Eye Lift because it can be used both morning and evening, unlike other eye creams with retinols. Plus, it’s light and has a slight cooling sensation. I haven’t noticed a huge difference in my under eye area yet, but I do like that the cream is gentle for my sensitive skin.

Sticking to My Skincare Resolutions with Derma e Firming DMAE Eye Lift | #NOTUSTHELOTUS at Target I also got to try the Hydrating Night Crème, which I’m absolutely loving! This crème is formulated to deeply hydrate the skin, reduce the look of fine lines, and replump the skin with moisture. I love the formula of this moisturizer because even though it is deeply hydrating, it does not feel heavy on the skin at all. It also has a very slight relaxing scent, which is not overpowering. I’m sensitive to smells and it doesn’t bother me one bit! My skin feels so refreshed whenever I use this product! It highly recommend it.

In addition to being great, natural products, Derma e also offers more affordable skincare than its competitors. You can purchase the Firming DMAE Eye Lift at Target for just $24.95 or online at Derma e’s website HERE. While that is a bit more than I usually spend on my skincare, I’m definitely willing to save up for Derma e products since they are cruelty free and made in the USA. I recommend adding Derma e to your next Target shopping trip if you’re looking for some new skincare to stick to your resolutions! You can learn more about the Firming DMAE Eye Lift on the brand’s YouTube channel HERE.

Will Derma e be on your Target Shopping List? Let me know in the comments!

This blog post is sponsored by Derma e. The products were also provided for my unbiased review. 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.