Empties #2

Tuesday, July 30, 2013


Empties

Empties

Almost a year later I have another empties post. Significantly less stuff this time, but don't you worry. There are at least 5 different products that are all on their last leg. I don't go through my products as often as some, but I did notice that I hold onto a product when it's almost empty. Separation anxiety, maybe? Who knows.


Aveeno Clear Complexion Cream Cleanser


This is another one of those cleansers that worked for a bit, and then did nothing for my skin. Obviously I wont be repurchasing.


Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Night Cream


Love this stuff. I already have another tub of it. My skin is soft, and not oily after applying it. A little goes a long way, so it lasts a long time. It's been a staple in my skincare routine for a while now, and I don't see it going anywhere anytime soon. Unless Target decides to stop carrying it, which wouldn't surprise me. Target likes to switch it up, and it drives me crazy. I already repurchased it =)


Julep Quick Dry Drops


I did a complete review of these drops last year, and my opinion pretty much stayed the same as it did when I wrote the review. I canceled my Julep subscription earlier this month, and I don't get the Maven price anymore. It's too expensive for my taste, and I wont be repurchasing. It's as good as some other quick dries that I've tried. Nothing worth the hassle of dealing with Julep.


Suave Touchable Finish hairspray


I don't talk about hair very often, which is weird since it's such a big part of my life. I mean, I have a lot of hair. This hairspray holds my hair in place without it being too stiff. It's a lightweight hold, just like the bottle says. No complaints, I will be buying more because I love it, and because I am out of hairspray.


Mark Self Sanctuary Peony Apple shower wash


I just don't even want to talk about this. I love the smell, love this shower wash, but I can't buy it again. So sad. Mark, why did you discontinue it?


Mark Help Wanted anti-acne cleanser


Another product that was discontinued by Mark, but that's ok because it does nothing for my skin anymore. I guess that little fact makes it easier to cope with Mark's obsession with making me sad.


Avon Naturals Body Wash


I have a reserve of body washes that I keep around when I run out of body wash, and haven't bought anything new. My mom gave it to me, and it smelled ok. The scent is glazed apple and walnut. Just a meh review of a meh product. Nothing special.



Another empties post done, with one in the making. Have you tried any of these products before? If so, what did you think?


Don't forget to enter the Stila giveaway hosted by Daydreaming Beauty.



Giveaway! Stila In The Moment Eyeshadow Palette

Monday, July 29, 2013


I have a giveaway to share with you guys today. This giveaway is being hosted by Amber, of Daydreaming Beauty. If you follow my blog on bloglovin' you already have on entry completed (be sure to tell Rafflecopter, he's a very busy widget). There are tons of ways to enter! Check it out from Daydreaming Beauty:
Stila In The Moment Eyeshadow Palette giveaway
Description:
A gorgeous, palette with 10 shades of Stila's award-winning eye shadow formula that can be worn wet or dry.

Instinct - Light baby pink with pink & white shimmer
Desire - Soft, creamy mid-tone pink
Impulse - Pale lavender with lavender shimmer
Wonder - Mid-tone flesh pink with shimmer
Glance - Intense violet with shimmer
Spontaneous - Soft beige-gold with shimmer
Improvise - Deep plum with pink sparkle
Whim - Soft warm reddish-brown with shimmer
Catalyst - Black with pink sparkle
Captivate - Mid-tone purple-brown with golden pearl


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Weekend Reads №5

Saturday, July 27, 2013




Have a fantastic weekend =)

Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Review

Friday, July 26, 2013


Burt's Bees Intense Hydration

Burt's Bees Intense Hydration

First off, disclaimer time! I received both of these products for review consideration by a lovely PR company. All opinions are my own, you guys get the drill.

When I saw this pop up in my inbox, I was excited. I am not shy about my love affair towards this brand. But, I must put all that aside, in order to bring you an unbiased review.

In today's review, I will talk about the Cream Cleanser and the Day Lotion in the Intense Hydration line.


Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Cream Cleanser

Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Cream Cleanser

The first thing I want to talk about is the scent; clary sage. At first, I didn't like it. But, it grew on me. It's soothing, and light, and it doesn't linger too long.

The words 'Intense Hydration' is pretty scary, especially for someone like me, who has oily to combination skin. In reality, it's not that bad. It left my skin soft, and hydrated. Our pores need hydration, and even oily skin can use some. In other words hydration does not equal oil. I did not notice any excess oil on my skin after using this cleanser. On the packaging it says that it removes oil, so there you go. Explains why I had no issues.

Since it's a cream cleanser, it doesn't lather. There was no tightness on my skin after use, another plus. I find this cleanser easy to use, and if I want to clean my face randomly during the day (I do do this, sometimes), I'll reach for this. It's much easier on the skin than a cleanser that lathers, and irritates it less.

I don't think it's as good as removing makeup as I would like. It takes most of it off, but not all of it. That's not such a big deal for me, as I still like to use wipes before I put on a cleanser. But, for review purposes I did try to use the cleanser to remove my makeup, and then used a wipe to see if there was anything left. I do want to say that there was no dirt left on my skin after using this. I don't know if my face was dirty, but hey, it came off pretty clean.


Pros:
  • Hydrates the skin
  • Leaves no residue
  • Does not lather
  • Does not clog pores


Cons:
  • Doesn't clean the skin of all makeup
  • The scent may be too strong for some people
Overall: If you're looking for a simple, no fuss, cleanser in your daily routine I do recommend it. I recommend this for all skin types, but those who would truly benefit are those with dryer skin.

The Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Cream Cleanser retails for $10 (.6oz/170g). Psst, as I'm writing this, it's on sale at Ulta for $8.49.


Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Day Lotion

Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Day Lotion

The Intense Hydration Day Lotion has the same scent as the cleanser; clary sage. 

For the longest time I've been using my Boots Night Cream both at night, and during the day. I am so glad I found this day lotion. Just like with the cleanser, don't be scared by the 'Intense Hydration' claim. It did not leave my skin too oily by the end of the day, and it didn't feel as greasy as some other cleansers do.

It's lightweight, and didn't feel heavy, or thick, on my skin. Some lotions/creams linger around hours later, but this one doesn't.

A little goes a long way. When I say that I mean, whatever you do, don't push the pump all the way down. About half way is good. I accidentally pushed the pump all the way down, not thinking, and I was putting lotion on my shoulders, chest, the back of my neck, just so many places I don't normally put a face lotion. I smelled nice that day.

Pros:
  • Hydrates the skin all day long
  • Not think on the skin


Cons:
  • Leaves the skin kind of greasy, but not enough that I'm a giant grease ball
  • The scent may be too strong for some


Overall: Again, like the cream cleanser I recommend this for all skin type, but mainly those with dryer skin. However, I would be a bit careful if I had just oily skin. It may end up being a bit much for you guys.

Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Day Lotion retails for $18, but you can find it at Target for $17.99. Hey, those pennies add up eventually! 

Both of these products are 99% natural, cruelty free, and free of Parabens, Phthalates, or Petrochemicals.

*PR sample

Wish Wish Wish

Thursday, July 25, 2013



Quick post for you this evening. This is pretty much stuff that I've wanted for a while now. When I say for a while, I mean a few months. I figured putting it all in one spot will make me take the plunge and actually get around to buying this stuff. Especially number three. That one I've just said flat out no to for various reasons. I still want it, but I'm trying to figure out if it's because of the movie it's attached to, or if I actually want it. I don't think this is the first time the lotion has been on this list.


1. Real Techniques Stippling Brush - Ulta
2. iPad Mini Sleeve - Kate Spade
3. NYX Parallel Worlds Box - Ulta
4. Aromatherapy Sleep lotion - Bath and Body Works
5. Clinique CC Cream - Clinique



How to add a feedly button to your blog

Wednesday, July 24, 2013


How to add the feedly button


In an age without Google Reader bloggers alike have had to seek out new ways for their readers to connect with them. Feedly is a great option, and my personal favorite. The only bad thing is that their method of linking to a blog's feedly feed is difficult. You would think that with their widget maker this task would be easy. That, however, is not the case with the way their url is done.

I've played around with this, and after clicking on another blog's feedly button, I was able to snatch that url, and plug it in to the widget. In short, it works.


Step 1- This is the Feedly cloud url. Copy the code in blue, and paste it into a word document.


http://cloud.feedly.com/#subscription/feed/http://polishadore.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default


The whole link is useful if you want to check to see if your url is working correctly with Feedly. But, for the button, we only need a small section of the url.


Step 2- Replace the underlined part with your blog's url

Step 3- Copy the link, and carry that url on over to the Feedly button maker site, and use that for Step 2 on the website


And once you follow their instructions, you should be good to go! Simple as that =)
Hope this tutorial was easy enough.


Top 5 Favorite Pink Nail Polishes

Tuesday, July 23, 2013


Pink Nail Polishes

Pink Nail Polishes


Reds, pinks, corals, etc. are probably some of the more popular shades. They look good on nearly everyone, and I believe that they add a little something to my hands when I have one of afformented shades on. Basically I really wanted to make a post about pink nail polish, and show you my favorite shades. They're so pretty!!!

You all know my love for NARS Orgasm, so I shouldn't have to say much more about it.

OPI Pedal Faster Suzi came out last year in the Holland collection. I'm actually wearing it right now, and I forgot how much I love this color.

My only issue with Essie Anniversary Gala is how shear it is. Maybe 3 coats, depending on how thick the coats are. It's an iridescent pink, and it reminds me a lot of the inside of a shell. You know, those shiny pretty ones?

Julep Freida is one of those shades that I fell in love with immediately. I've made several posts about it. I also I've also found a few close dupes to it. I'll have to buy some more nail wheels to do all of these comparison posts that I want to do. Apparently I'm all out. It's such a beautiful fuchsia, with silver shimmer.

Lastly is Models Own Tropical Sun. Just leave me with this color, and all is well.


Is there a color that you feel enhances your features, whether it's on your hands, toes, or face?



Mark Saffron swatch

Monday, July 22, 2013


Mark Saffron Swatch

Mark Saffron Swatch

Mark Saffron is from the Marrakesh line, and is limited edition. At least I believe it's a line,It comes as a duo along with Mint Tea, which seems like it could be a contender in the Chanel Peridot dupe department.

Saffron, however, is a simple cold color. It's super easy to apply, and the pictures above show only one coat. I love one coat wonders.




Weekend Reads №4

Saturday, July 20, 2013



Avon Mega Effects Mascara | Review

Tuesday, July 16, 2013


Avon Mega Effects Mascara


Avon is coming out with a new mascara, called Mega Effects, and it's one that I've never seen before. I saw this in my mom's "What's New" catalog for upcoming campaigns, and I asked her if I could order it early. Obviously, she said yes, and a few weeks later it arrived (this past Saturday). I chose brown/black simply because I was apprehensive to try this out, so I went with the safer, and less dramatic color.

It's such a strange little device, and when I first put it on I was like 'whoa'. Way too much mascara. You really have to be careful when applying. It's really not clumping, and applies evenly. The name Mega Effects suits it well.


Avon Mega Effects Mascara

Avon Mega Effects Mascara Brush

Basically it's a wide brush with an moveable handle that sits in a little pot. It has a cap, that doesn't really serve much purpose.

The odd angle that is typically necessary for traditional wands is no longer necessary as this requires a more direct approach. It's adjustable applicator makes it even easier to use, and contorting your hand/wrist/arm is no longer necessary

Avon Mega Effects Mascara Brush

Avon Mega Effects Mascara Brush

The brush itself has two different lengths. On the top it's long, and wispy. That maximizes the volume and helps add that Mega Effect that this mascara is going for. I also noticed a dramatic increase in length, which is quite scary for me, since I have long lashes to begin with. Too much and they'll be touching my brows.

For a softer look, and not as voluminous or long you can use the sides which are much shorter. Below you will see a picture of me trying to be careful with the mascara. It's easy to go overboard with this mascara, and if it's what you're looking for, it's great.

Below are pictures of my right eye before any mascara, the right eye using the top of the applicator, and then me left eye using the side of the applicator. The very last picture shows the distribution of the product on my hand. You can see the difference that both parts make.

Avon Mega Effects Mascara on the eyes
Before
Avon Mega Effects Mascara on the eyes
Top of the applicator
Avon Mega Effects Mascara on the eyes
Side of the applicator
Avon Mega Effects Mascara Swatch
L: side of the applicator | R: tip of the applicator
Overall I really like this mascara. At first I thought this was a gimmicky product, and that it would be just about the applicator, so I didn't expect too much. It's an innovative idea, and the formula is great. The best of both worlds, in a way.


Avon Mega Effects mascara will be available to purchase soon either online, or through your local Avon representative for $10.


So, what do you think about this new application design? Do you think it will take off, and other companies will start changing their design? Mascara hasn't changed much since the brush days of the 50s. Maybe it's time to throw the wands away? Then again, maybe not ;)



My go-to makeup | What's in my main makeup bag

Monday, July 15, 2013


What's in my makeup bag

So lately I've been trying to make use of the makeup that I have. I don't have a lot, but I have enough that it's starting to bother me with all the unused items that I have. I simply forget that I have certain items. It's not like nail polish, which I almost always have a color on. I just don't wear makeup all that often.

I decided a few days ago to sift through my stash, and pick out some stuff that I wanted to try out, and create a look for. You'll notice a few items are missing; blush, highlighter, bronzer, and a primer. I don't use them for whatever reason. Also I have a separate container for lipstick, and don't keep them in my bag. Too much clutter for my taste.

I don't take much makeup with me when I do. Even if I wasn't using such a small purse, like my Mini Mac, I only take my Burt's Bees and the lip product I was using that day with me.

Makeup bag is from Target.

what's in my makeup bag

For face products I only keep two foundations, which I swap between frequently. A powder, which I can't wait to finish so I can purchase another kind, and a concealer which I am also eager to get rid of. It's not that I don't like them, I just want to try something else without having these items sitting around.

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in 110
Hydroxatone BB Cream in Meduim (sent for review by iFabbo)
Maybelline Dream Matte powder



what's in my makeup bag

Eyeshadows are something that have always intimidated me. My mom has given me two Avon Eyeshadow quads. I use the one with the crazy colors (fantasyland) for a liner, and use the small brush that came with a Mark product to do it. I do have swatches of most of the eyeshadows linked below.

Avon Eyeshadow Quad in Island Breeze
Avon Eyeshadow in Fantasyland
Mark eyeshadows in Ice Age, Biscotti, Fairy Dust, and Barista
Avon Cream Eyeshadow in Pebble Stone (I've talked about this a lot, but I've never swatched it. May have to do that.


I am determined to use those Mark eyeshadows more. Time to step out of my comfort zone!


what's in my makeup bag

Ah, my favorite part of my makeup bag. Eyeliners is what I have the most fun with. I never thought I'd be an eyeliner girl, but I really am. I enjoy mixing it up. I recently ran out of my favorite silver eyeliner (it was a duel Avon one with black on the other end), and I was heart broken. I picked the Maybelline one up as a replacement but it's not as good. Who knew silver eyeliners would be so hard to find? I use my purple Avon eyeliner on my lower lash line, often paired with the silver liner or black eyeliner. The bronzy one is new to me, and I'm obsessed with it. I've been using this one the most, and it's a staple in my daily go-to look. I have yet to use the pale yellow eyeliner, but I really want to create a look with it. I'm still using my Elf eyeliner, which I love. It's so inexpensive, and easy to use. Really great bargain. My Pixi Mascara (kindly sent to my for review) is another one that's a staple. I find myself reaching for this a lot more than my other mascaras.

But, wait? What is that odd contraption sitting there on the far right? It's the strangest thing that I have ever seen, let me tell you. It's a new mascara from Avon that I got early from my mom (who is a rep, if you didn't already know). I bought it at the rep price, and figured, why not? It's different, and I like different. I have been trying it out for a few days, and I'll let you know my thoughts on it (it's true to its name; Mega)

Maybelline Master Drama in Made of Steel
Avon Glimmersticks Diamonds in Brown Glow
Avon Glimmersticks Diamonds in Golden Diamond
Elf liquid eyeliner in black


what's in my makeup bag

I only use three brushes. I want to buy more, I'm just at a loss. I want another eyeshadow brush (for blending) and a buffing brush (to buff my foundation). If you have any recommendations, please let me know.

There's really not a lot to say about these three. They're pretty straight forward.

Real Techniques Multi Task Brush
Real Techniques Lash-Brow Groomer
Real Techniques Domed Shadow Brush


I have a few reviews lined up, maybe a comparison post or two, and a collab review of some manly products with my husband. That's exciting, and fun. I'm looking forward to that last one.

I hope you all have a fantastic rest of your Monday, please leave me your brush recommendations (any brand). I am totally at a loss.



what's in my purse | Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac

Friday, July 12, 2013


Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac Cerulean

Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac Cerulean

I figured that it was about time I do an updated version. It's been about a year, and a lot has changed. This is my second Mini Mac, my other being a straw/raffia texture. I knew when I received that one that I wanted another, mainly because of the material. I wanted one that I didn't have to be careful with, and i loved the style. When I saw this purse on sale at Zappos.com I jumped on it.

This Mini Mac is in the color Cerulean and is coated canvas with leather detailing and silver hardwear. One of these days I'll get an all leather one, but it is not this day. I originally wanted the style so I could wear it as a park bag, but since my husband and I let our passes expire (we thought we were going to buy a house, good thing we didn't since we may move further south for his work), I used it every day. That kind of wear is not doing the straw any good. If it gets ruined, that's it. There is no repair that I can do.

What's the logical thing for a purse obsessed girl to do? Buy another! If you compare the contents from my last What's in my Purse (park edition) you will see that pretty much everything has changed, and it's not as full as it was. For comparisons sake, we know mow much I love to compare things, here's my first What's in my Purse. Side note, I had no idea I did those two so close to each other.


Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac contents

The main interior of this bag has two pockets on the back side of the bag. Both of which fit phones. If you saw any videos on Youtube about the bags, you probably noticed them saying it doesn't fit phones. Well, now they do! It fits my Blackberry Z10 with minor top bulge. My phone is slightly taller than an iPhone 5, so those will probably fit a bit better. In the other pocket I fit whatever lip products I'm carrying for the day, my lady products, and my pill case.

I also have eye drops (for contacts, if that matters). My wallet is really slim. My Kate Spade one did not fit with the above contents, so I had to downsize to my very old Vera Bradley one. That one is close to 5 years old at this point, and holding up great.

Also, something that I wanted to point out is that my iPad Mini fits. It doesn't slide in like it would a larger bag, and only works without a case, although I'm sure the Smart Cover would work. If I place it in without anything inside in a diagonal way (one corner down first) the other side can be easily pushed in. It can be removed just as easily. It's snug, but not too bad. It fits easier in this purse (which is more pliable) than in my other Mini Mac. It's like a puzzle, but believe me, it fits. I haven't noticed any scratches on the aluminum either.

Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac contents

In the front zipper I keep some small things. To be honest, I always forget that I have stuff in there. I have some bobby pins, hair ties, another lady product (you just never know), Tums, a nail file, and a mirror that I forgot I had. Just things that I don't need all the time, but are nice to have on hand.

Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac interior

That's everything that fits inside!

I also wanted to mention that this purse did not come with a dust bag (my other one didn't either). Bummer, and I even contacted Zappos about it, and they said there was nothing they could do. I was talking with a couple of RM lovers, and they said that all new RM bags are supposed to come with a dust bag, and that if this one didn't come with one, and my other one didn't either, that it may be possible that non-leather bags (maybe Mini Macs specifically) don't come with a dust bag. Don't quote me on that, though, it's just a theory. I know a similar one on the RM website said in the description that a dustbag came with it. It's a mystery.

What do you keep in your bag? What purse are you using? I love seeing everyone's bags.

One of these days I'll get a Rebecca Minkoff dust bag, but it is not this day.



NARS Orgasm polish dupe?

Thursday, July 11, 2013


nars orgasm zoya cassi comparison

nars orgasm zoya cassi comparison
Zoya Cassi-Left | NARS Orgasm- Right
nars orgasm zoya cassi comparison
Zoya Cassi-Left | NARS Orgasm- Right


As suggested by lovely commenter, Amber, on my Zoya Cassi swatch post I decided it was time to do another comparison post. This time it's between Zoya Cassi and NARS Orgasm. I also created a swatch post of NARS Orgasm, if anyone is interested.

Looking at the bottles I can see a similarity between the two. Both have a coral base, and both are shimmers.

There are two main differences with these polishes; 1) The shimmer color on Cassi is white where it's more of an orange-y tone on Orgasm, and 2)NARS Orgasm is much more sheer than Zoya Cassi. I had apply 4 coats of Orgasm to get it opaque, while Cassi only has two.

Now here are the real questions: Do I consider this a dupe? Kind of. They are very very similar, but not exact dupes. Which is better? That's a hard question. The orange shimmer gives Orgasm that dusk look. From far away, I don't see how it would really matter too much. They're both fantastic formulas, and wear really well. NARS Orgasm is $19 a pop, while Zoya Cassi is only $8. I don't see the problem in having both, personally.

How close are you willing to go with your nail polishes/colors? Do you mind having dupes? Is a slight variant in shimmer coloring enough to justify having two similar colors?



Loving Lately №2

Tuesday, July 9, 2013


makeup


It's been nice outside lately, and actually not too hot. That's all going to change, of course. There's a tropical storm looming in the Caribbean, and it'll probably make it's way to the east coast of Florida (I'm on the west). Oh well, at least there's lots of grass from all the rain we've been having! Always nice to look at the bright side of things.

I'm normally not a big eyeshadow person, but I was feeling adventurous when my mom gave me an eyeshadow quad in Island Breeze from Avon. I really like the colors, and when I pair it with the eyeliner she also gave me (she purchased a bundle from them at a great price) it all works together to create a simple look. The eyeliner is the Avon Glimmersticks Diamonds eyeliner in Brown Glow. I like to use a brush, and blend it out so its not just a hard line. Swatches of the eyeshadow can be seen here.

I recently started using my cream eyeshadow from Avon again, and this one is in the shade pebble stone. I've mentioned it several times before in past posts, and I can't stress how much I adore this color. It's so simple, but it adds a bit of color to my eyelids. Not too much, but enough to compliment them.

I also started using my Pixi Large Lash mascara, which was sent to me by their lovely PR company for review some time ago. I'm trying to use it up, I don't like hoarding mascaras for sanitary reasons. Ever since I got an eye infection about two years ago I've been super careful with what goes in/around my eyes. I am happy to say that my review, and opinion, of this product hasn't changed.

Lots of rediscoveries this time around. I'm trying to rotate my makeup so that everything is getting used in some way. Is it important for you to get use of your makeup? Do you find yourself rummaging through your makeup, only to rediscover old favorites?


The Pixi Large Lash mascara was sent for review consideration