My Newest Obsession

Have you ever bought or received a beauty product and knew you didn't like it after one use (or without using it at all)? If you're like me, you feel bad throwing these things away, so they collect in a random box or bag simply taking up space. On top of the random products I have collected over time, I also have been receiving Beauty Box 5 for four months now. For the most part, I enjoy trying all of the products, but occasionally, there are items for which I have no use (insert pink and blue eyeshadow palette or dark red lip plumper). A couple weeks ago, I ran across the website eDivv.com where you can trade beauty products. Talk about the perfect solution for all those random items lying around.

I joined eDivv on February 11th (less than two weeks ago) and have already had three successful Divvys (trades). Here are the trades I've made thus far:

Divvy #1: Estee Lauder eye shadow palette for a Julep nail polish in Brenda. 

I have had this palette since MIDDLE SCHOOL and since I rarely experiment with eye shadows, I was happy to pass it on. Prior to this trade, I went to paint my fingernails and realized I only had bold/bright colors, so I was excited to find this more neutral option. Julep nail polish retails for $14, so I would never buy it outright, but trading for it was a great option for me. I used it soon after it came in the mail and love it! It was chip-free for four days! I think I will get a lot of use out of this polish. [side note: You do have to pay for and execute the shipping. This was my first trade, so I stupidly bought a cushioned envelope from the post office and paid $3.69 for the envelope and shipping costs combined. Regardless, it was still a good deal in my mind.]

Divvy #2: Rock Star Nail Sprinkles for John Frieda Root Awakening Detangling Spray and Clinique High Impact Mascara

I just received these nail sprinkles in my February Beauty Box 5 and knew I would never use them. I liked the polish that came with it, but immediately uploaded this part to eDivv. Within the hour, I received a divvy request. I didn't like what she offered me (the mascara above and a three pack of glitter eyeliner -- yikes!), so I did a counter offer of items I actually wanted. (That's one of my favorite parts of the site. You can counter if there's something you'd rather have in their "shop" or decline it altogether.) These are supposed to arrive today in the mail, so I haven't gotten to use them yet, but I was glad to trade the sprinkles for items I will actually use. I was much smarter this time and purchased a ten pack of bubble mailers from Walmart (for around $5 total) and the shipping was a little over $2.

Divvy #3: True Blue Spa Foot Cream, BellaPierre Eye Shimmer, and Clinique 7 day scrub for Skylark 4-pack mini nail polishes. 

I tried to get these nail polishes from someone else and my offer was declined, so when I found them again, I tried once more. Another neat feature on the site is you can list specific (or general) items you're looking for or are interested in. I didn't have anything to offer this lady from her wish list, so I was actually a bit surprised when she accepted my divvy. These polishes supposedly retail for $29, which is absolutely absurd pretty expensive for mini nail polishes, but that was the reason I threw in three items. To me, even if the trade is a bit lop-sided, I'd rather have items I want and will use than keep items I don't need. I haven't received this one yet (actually I haven't even mailed my portion because the divvy just happened yesterday), but I will update on this polish when I receive it. I put my three items in the bubble mailer my Julep polish came in and expect the shipping to be around $3 (slightly heavier since it's three items). 

For me, the pros (get rid of products I don't want and receive products I do want to try) outweigh the cons (shipping charges/inconvenience of going to post office, trust system that person will actually send product). If you have any beauty items simply collecting dust, I highly recommend giving eDivv.com a shot and let me know how it goes!