Buy This, Not That | Beauty Edition

When it comes to beauty products I try to do my research – but you can’t ever be sure how you will actually like the product until you try it. This is sort of new series I’m going to do once a month highlighting things I’ve tried out that have lived up to the hype or have fallen just a bit short! Obviously my experiences will be different than someone else’s – but this is my attempt to add a bit more color on certain products that you may have wanted to try or have never heard of!

Buy This:

Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish: I’ve been using this scrub ever since I received a sample from an event I attended and after one use I went and bought the smaller 7 oz. size. When you open the bottle you are hit with this invigorating lemon zesty smell. The granulated sugar crystals are infused with different oils and my skin felt so soft after each use. Tip: Buy the smaller bottle if you’re a bit hesitant with the large bottles price because you don’t need to use this every day of the week – just once or twice to get a great smooth feeling! I’d expect this to be great exfoliant before self tanning as well!

NYX Butter Gloss: It took me a little while to jump on the butter gloss bandwagon, but I’m so happy I did. I have been using Apple Strudel & Strawberry Parfait which I bought from CVS for their BOGO (buy one get one) sale. I mean this totally lives up to it’s name and goes on like “buttah!!” It smells really good, but doesn’t have a taste which I like because I don’t end up eating the lip gloss off. I also really like that that it’s true to color from the tube! 

Garnier Fructis Haircare Moroccan OilI honestly think this is a great dupe for Moroccan Oil’s brand  for a fraction of the price. The little 3.75 fl. oz. bottle has lasted me over 5 months and you’ve all seen how long my hair is. A little goes a long way!! I work it into my hair right after the shower and then just style accordingly or let it air dry. It smells fantastic as well!

Gillette Venus Snap Razor: So this little guy is pretty interesting. It’s the perfect size for travel or the gym and gives you a seriously close shave! I have been using it all the time and am really impressed with how smooth my legs are! My only qualm is since the handle is smaller than the conventional razor, it takes a little while to not have it slip out of your hands. With that being said, I’ll definitely be purchasing the refills and continuing to take it with me on trips and to the gym!! It comes in a really cute carrying case too! 

I received the Gillette Venus Snap Razor complimentary for Influenster for testing purposes, but all all opinions are my own. 

Not That:

Essie No Chips Ahead: I really wanted to like this top coat – but it just didn’t live up to the hype to keep the chips away. I’ve tried it with Essie polishes and other brands and it doesn’t really matter – the chips still happen about 1-2 days after painting. 

e.l.f. Makeup Mist and Set: I bought this because I was hesitant to spend the money on the Urban Decay Setting Spray, but after using both products and being able to compare the two – I’d say splurge on the UD Spray because it definitely sets so much better that e.l.f.’s version. Tip: If the price of the UD spray isn’t appealing, get the travel size which is half the price!

Have you tried any of these products? Any hits or misses for you lately?

P.S. Have you checked out my post on wedding desserts?! 

xo,

Biana

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41 Comments

  1. Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
    May 21, 2014 / 12:03 pm

    I want to try that butter gloss! I've heard great things about it! And I'm right there with you on the No Chips Ahead. If by no chips ahead you mean "will chip within 3 hours", I believe you. Good to know that the e.l.f spray isn't as good as UD!

    <3, Pamela
    sequinsandseabreezes.blogspot.com

  2. Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre
    May 21, 2014 / 12:33 pm

    I love hearing about what not to buy almost as much as the things to buy πŸ™‚ My CVS doesn't carry NYX products which is probably a good thing because I love that line and would buy it every time I went to get my prescription. They do live up to the hype I love them! Super pigmented! Oh and totally checked it already and loved it! You are so talented with your bridal columns! xoxoxo

  3. MakeMeUpMia
    May 21, 2014 / 12:37 pm

    Well, you know I LOVE the Butter glosses πŸ™‚ I also hated the Essie No Chips Ahead, total waste of money… That little razor is so cute and I'd love to try the body polish.

  4. JumpingJE
    May 21, 2014 / 1:27 pm

    List: Travel size UD spray and travel size razor!!

  5. Becky M
    May 21, 2014 / 1:44 pm

    Good to know! Some elf stuff is awesome and others is just a disappointment. I have been wanting to try that nyx lip gloss!

    madeintheshadeblog.com

  6. Ashley
    May 21, 2014 / 1:49 pm

    I'm a loyal fan to the UD spray, but have been wanting to get the mini razor for traveling. It looks so much easier than carrying a full sized one!

  7. Brittany @ Perpetually Daydreaming
    May 21, 2014 / 1:51 pm

    Love those butter glosses! I need to try some more colors, but I'm glad you liked them! That body polish sounds heavenly too. Love this new series!

  8. Unknown
    May 21, 2014 / 1:59 pm

    I completely agree! The Esse top coat does nothing to protect your nails, and the polish just has dings in it — so frustrating considering Esse polishes are great!

  9. Carly
    May 21, 2014 / 2:03 pm

    I tried a different essie top coat– I can't think of what it was called but it was also NOT good! I need a new body scrub and have never tried anything from Fresh– it might be worth the price tag to get something that's more natural on the skin, right??

    Also, your wedding posts are SO good- I seriously wish I would have been able to read them before I got married πŸ™‚ How fun is that donut cake??

  10. P!nky
    May 21, 2014 / 2:04 pm

    Thanks for the tips! I love a good exfoliating scrub.

  11. Caroline @ Windy City Chic
    May 21, 2014 / 2:11 pm

    That Essie top coat is definitely not worth it. Sally Hansen makes a no-chip top coat, I haven't tried it but maybe it will work better. I'm definitely trying that butter gloss too. It would be nice to have something for every day. I love my NARS lipgloss pencils, but I don't want to go through them too quickly because they're expensive.

  12. Zelle B.
    May 21, 2014 / 2:12 pm

    Such a great review! I do use the Urban Decay setting spray and I love it! But I'm headed to target today because I heard of a couple of Elf products that might be good…so we'll see!
    xo

  13. Shenine joon
    May 21, 2014 / 2:24 pm

    I'm sold on the body polish amd moroccan oil and I'm about to head over to Amazon for them. I use Venus razors but don't really need a travel size.

  14. birdie to be
    May 21, 2014 / 2:37 pm

    I would love to try that body polish!

  15. Amanda - Voyage of the MeeMee
    May 21, 2014 / 2:39 pm

    That sugar scrub sounds AMAZING!
    I have a bottle of MAC Fix+ and a bottle of ELF spray. I loooove my MAC stuff but it's super expensive, so, if I'm just putting makeup on to go to a movie with a girlfriend or something like that then I'll just use the ELF stuff – I don't want to look cakey but I also don't want to use the good shit!

  16. Heather @ Simple Wives
    May 21, 2014 / 2:42 pm

    I love the NYX butter gloss!!! One of my favorites. πŸ˜€

  17. Marie
    May 21, 2014 / 2:44 pm

    I love the Fresh Sugar Scrub. The only thing I don't like is I think it makes my shower floor very slippery. That big jar lasts forever. I'm so gonna try that little Razor as I had been thinking about it. Good to know that it works pretty well. For makeup finishing spray, I use the one from Skindinavia. They make the Urban Decay one but their own to work much better. I use it every single day. My favorite new makeup product is the gel foundation from Marc Jacobs. It's $$$ but so worth it.

    Best, Mree

  18. Karly @ What Karly Said
    May 21, 2014 / 2:54 pm

    I agree with you 100% on the ELF setting spray – UD is so much better. The NYX setting sprays are pretty good, too, if you are looking for a cheaper alternative. I still need to try the Butter Lipsticks, and I love anything from Fresh so I'll have to check out the body scrub.

  19. Elise @ High Heels and Glittering Eyes
    May 21, 2014 / 3:05 pm

    I've started seeing that razor everywhere. I guess I need to pick it up. I seriously love any kind of scrub. Have you tried the margarita one from Bath & Body Works?

  20. Shannon Jenkins
    May 21, 2014 / 3:08 pm

    I love a good sugar scrub I might have to try that brand! Definitely picking up that butter gloss!!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeatsoles.blogspot.com

  21. Christina
    May 21, 2014 / 3:19 pm

    thank god someone finally agrees with me about essie's top coat! it does not work!! are the nyx glosses more like lipstick or gloss? homegirl likes her lips to be popping with gloss. not sparkly, not sticky, just wet and shiny haha

  22. Caroline {Virginia Sweet}
    May 21, 2014 / 3:55 pm

    I have been hearing great things about Moroccan Oil….I need to try it but does it make your hair super greasy?

  23. Kristen
    May 21, 2014 / 4:00 pm

    i will have to try the UD set and spray, and i have GOT to get those NYX glosses, I just haven't seen them / remembered them yet. boo.

  24. Unknown
    May 21, 2014 / 5:15 pm

    Totes agree with all this! I just got the little razor in my influencer voxbox, and have been loving it! Perfect for throwing in your beach bag for those impromptu pool/beach days when you've forgot to shave. πŸ™‚

  25. Kelly Elizabeth
    May 21, 2014 / 5:28 pm

    Essie has the prettiest colors but all the chips! Glad someone else feels the same way I do!

  26. Kerry @ Till Then Smile Often
    May 21, 2014 / 5:40 pm

    I want to try the body polish, perfect exfoliation. Essie chips so much it is annoying. I have the Fix+ from MAC which has lasted over a year, so worth the money. I have the Moroccan oil but never put it on wet, need to try it that way because I wasn't impressed the first time.

  27. Paige @ Reasons to Come Home
    May 21, 2014 / 5:54 pm

    Post like this are so helpful! I really wish my CVS carried NYX products because I'm gonna have to try those glosses.

  28. Kellee the Caffeinated
    May 21, 2014 / 5:57 pm

    I will def try out the moroccan oil!!! thanks for sharing!

  29. Jules @ If I had 100 Dollars
    May 21, 2014 / 6:24 pm

    Love this idea! I get so overwhelmed with anything beauty so this is helpful!

  30. Court @ Sweet Home Alabamian
    May 21, 2014 / 6:28 pm

    THANK YOU THANK YOU for doing this. You sure you don't want to make it weekly? Can I put in a request for a lip stain review? I need a good one!!!!!

  31. Anonymous
    May 21, 2014 / 6:38 pm

    Great review! Stupid Essie needs to stop making nail polish – it is probably the worst out there and it's $8 I'd rather use at Starbucks.

  32. Happily Ever Parker
    May 21, 2014 / 6:51 pm

    I love a good sugar scrub and recently made my own! Coconut oil and sugar, it's so moisturizing and awesome!

  33. Jessica @ City Sequins
    May 21, 2014 / 7:07 pm

    I use that Garnier Moroccan Oil too! It works soooooo well πŸ™‚

  34. Julie @ Just the Joy's
    May 21, 2014 / 7:11 pm

    I just might have to go buy that moroccan oil right away!!! πŸ™‚ Thanks for all the tips and reviews! πŸ™‚

  35. Mandy @ Mandy's Money
    May 21, 2014 / 7:20 pm

    I love NYX butter gloss, it's my favorite thing to wear! I've been looking for new hair products & for the price of Garnier you can't beat that!

  36. JMO
    May 21, 2014 / 8:38 pm

    I have the essie no chip stuff but NOTHING keeps polish on my nails (works wonders on at home pedis though) Also I JUST saw the commercial for the little venus razor- love it! (sorry for my CAPS haha) xoxo

  37. Unknown
    May 21, 2014 / 10:52 pm

    I will love to try the Maroccan oil because I do like to use good product for my hair.
    Great post darling.
    xoxo
    stunningchic.com/

  38. Maggie
    May 21, 2014 / 11:40 pm

    Such a great series!! I love the Moroccan oil – I use it all the time and that price is perfect. I totally agree about the Essie top coat. I wanted it to work, but it just doesn't do it for me.

    Maggie
    PolishedClosets.com

  39. The Modern Tulip
    May 22, 2014 / 12:15 am

    It's so funny that you mentioned that about the ELF setting spray because I picked it up and put it down the other day. Now I'm so grateful!

  40. Meghan at Champagne & Suburbs
    May 22, 2014 / 2:21 am

    Awesome post! I was not impressed with Essie's topcoat either. I actually love Sally Hansen's better! xo

  41. Katie Elizabeth
    May 23, 2014 / 1:34 am

    So glad you jumped on the Butter Gloss bandwagon because those things are amaze!! And I was thinking about trying out the Elf setting spray when my UD one runs out but nevermind that!