Tag: drugstore beauty

Drugstore Beauty Haul! | Couponing Tips & Tricks

Happy Friday! Here at Adventures in Polishland I am always focused on living a fabulous and affordable life. One of my favorite parts of each week is going through the Sunday paper and clipping coupons. I then match the coupons up with the weekly sales to score awesome deals at the drugstore. I like to buy beauty products regularly, not just for myself, but for blog reviews and giveaways. I’m able to purchase items at a fraction of the cost thanks to the time I spend planning out my purchases and using coupons. Today I want to share a quick drugstore haul and show you how I got over $35 worth of makeup for just $15. Let’s get started!

Drugstore Beauty Haul  Couponing Tips & Tricks

I went to my local CVS for this particular shopping trip. There were two deals that I wanted to check out, one from Maybelline and the other from L’Oreal. Each brand was having a sale where when you purchased two items, you got $5 in ExtraCare Bucks (“ECB”) back. CVS has an amazing rewards system called ExtraCare where you score tons of great coupons and can earn ECB, which work like free money. If you’re not a member yet, I highly recommend signing up HERE. Otherwise you won’t get exclusive sale prices and coupons! I’m going to break down the two deals I made during this purchase so you can see how I used my coupons.

MAYBELLINE DEAL – Buy 2 Products, Get $5.00 ECB

Drugstore Beauty Haul | Maybelline

I really wanted to purchase the Maybelline Shine-Free Foundation from the Fit Me line because I used it in the past and really loved it. I always recommend you buy products that you either know you’ll use, or you really want to try. There is no use buying items just to use a coupon! I grabbed the mascara up for either a gift item or a future giveaway here.

Items Purchased:

Maybelline Great Lash Big in Blackest Black = $5.99

Maybelline Shine-Free Foundation in Classic Ivory = $9.79

Coupons Used:

$2.00 off Maybelline Mascara (manufacturer’s coupon)

$2.00 off Maybelline Fit Me Product (manufacturer’s coupon)

Money Spent: 5.99 + 9.79 = 15.78 – 4.00 = $11.78

ECB Earned: $5.00

L’OREAL DEAL – Buy 2 Products, Get $5.00 ECB

Drugstore Beauty Haul | L'Oreal

Next, I grabbed a couple items from L’Oreal. My favorite drugstore mascaras come from L’Oreal, so I figured I would try the Miss Manga because I’ve heard great things about it. Plus, I like to have mascara on back-up because it’s good to change up mascaras every three months. I was also on the hunt for a new blush for the fall, so I picked one up from the True Match line to try.

Items Purchased:

L’Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Blush in Baby Blossom = $11.49

L’Oreal Miss Manga Mascara in Black = $8.49

Coupons Used: 

$3.00 off L’Oreal True Match Product (manufacturer’s coupon)

$1.00 off L’Oreal Eye Product (manufacturer’s coupon)

Money Spent: 11.49 + 8.49 = 19.98 – 4.00 = 15.98

ECB Earned: $5.00

Drugstore Beauty Haul | Couponing Tips & Tricks

I used one manufacturer’s coupon on each item, as I showed above in the deal breakdowns. CVS also allows you to use CVS coupons, too. For this particular purchase I had a $5.00 off any $15.00 purchase coupon that I received in my email. Sometimes I have specific coupons for beauty products, other times I will receive percentage off coupons, but it changes every week. What I can tell you is that CVS will always send me at least one CVS coupon that I can use on each purchase!

Money Spent: 11.78 (Maybelline) + 15.98 (L’Oreal) = 27.76 – 5.00 = $22.76

Now, $22.76 would be your total if all you had was the manufacturer’s coupons and CVS coupon. That is still an incredible savings! The retail price of all the items totals $35.76, so there is already a savings of $13.00, or 47%. But because I am a regular CVS shopper, I had $7.00 in ECB from my last purchase. That means I only spent $15.76! I saved $20 just by clipping some coupons and paying attention to sales. Plus, I earned a total of $10.00 in ECB to use on my next purchase! Every week I earn some ECB that I can use the next time. It makes saving so easy, and shopping really fun!

All in all, I hope you enjoyed this Drugstore Beauty Haul and found my couponing tips and tricks helpful. I go to the drugstore about once per week, so if you would like to see how I use coupons to save money on a regular basis, please let me know in the comments! I am not affiliated with nor am I sponsored by CVS, but it is definitely my drugstore of choice for beauty deals at the moment. Make sure you stop by for some new goodies, either for yourself, or for your friends – the holiday season is just around the corner!

What beauty products have you purchased from the drugstore lately? Let me know in the comments!

Rimmel London Wonder’Lash | Lift Me Up Mascara Review

Happy Friday! Today I am excited to review a brand new mascara from the Rimmel London Wonder’Lash line. The Lift Me Up Mascara has a unique formula with vitamins and cucumber, and is designed to provide lift and volume to the lashes for an eye-awakening look. It comes in a bright green tube with a twisted design, which is sure to stand out in your makeup collection. The Lift Me Up comes in two shades – Black and Extreme Black. Let me share my thoughts on Extreme Black with all of you!

Rimmel London Wonder'Lash  Lift Me Up Mascara Review

THE FORMULA

Rimmel London Wonder'Lash  Lift Me Up Mascara Review

First things first, let’s talk about the formula. The Lift Me Up has a wet formula, much like the Covergirl Lashblast Volume and the Benefit They’re Real. I personally prefer dry mascara formulas, because wet formulas weigh my lashes down. That being said, I do find that the Lift Me Up does a great job at separating the lashes, and really pulling them up to give the lashes a fuller look. While I do wish the formula was lighter, if you like wet formulas you will really like this one. Keep in mind that the mascara does have a cucumber scent to it. While I can’t smell it once it is on my eyes, and I haven’t experienced any irritation, the scent is strong during application. Finally, the formula is great in terms of staying power. The mascara does not flake, and only comes off with eye makeup remover. The Lift Me Up is definitely long-wearing!

PRECISION BRUSH

Rimmel London Wonder'Lash  Lift Me Up Mascara ReviewThe Lift Me Up also comes with what Rimmel is calling a Precision Brush. The brush is quite thick, and I have a lot of trouble with it. For some reason I end up with mascara all over my eyelids despite a careful application. I can’t even feel the brush hitting my eyelids, but I always have to clean up with cotton swabs afterwards to remove the mess. That being said, I usually like to stick with rubber applicators, as these brushes don’t work well for me. If you like mascaras with this type of applicator, I think you’ll have better luck.

All in all, I think the new Rimmel Lift Me Up mascara is good, but much better suited for someone else. I will not be repurchasing this mascara simply because it doesn’t work well for me, but I do think the wet formula and full brush will suit many of you well. The mascara retails for $8.99, but keep an eye out for sales at your local drugstore or department store. I’m interested to hear your thoughts on this mascara, so please let me know what you think of the Lift Me Up in the comments if you’ve tried it already!

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

 

Affordable Eye Makeup Starter Kit | Measurable Difference Desert Nights Eyeshadow Giveaway!

Happy Wednesday! Today I’m excited to share with you how to put together an eye makeup starter kit that is fabulous and affordable! This kit is great if you are just starting to wear makeup, but can also be a gift for the makeup lover in your life. Everything featured in this post is under $10 each, so you can be sure to find some awesome products without breaking the bank. Make sure to stay tuned until the end of this post to find out how you can win a Measurable Difference Desert Nights Eyeshadow palette!

Measurable Difference Desert Nights Eyeshadow GIVEAWAY!

BASE / CREAM EYESHADOW

Maybelline Color Tattoo [BUY]

I like to start off any eyeshadow look with an eye base using a cream eyeshadow. The Maybelline Color Tattoo products are excellent quality, and can be purchased on Amazon for just $4.99! I recommend the shade Barely Branded, which is a light tan shade with just a hint of shimmer. You can wear it alone or layer under other eyeshadows. Plus, it’s easy to apply with your fingers!

EYESHADOWMeasurable Difference Desert Nights Eyeshadow Palette Measurable Difference Eyeshadow Palette – Desert Nights [BUY]

I always recommend a neutral eyeshadow palette for beginners. Neutrals are easy to wear during the day and at night, and look good on anyone! The Desert Nights palette from Measurable Difference contains five different shades from light to dark that can create a variety of eye looks. This palette retails for only $6.99 as well, so you can try a good amount of shades for an affordable price tag!

EYELINER

Covergirl Intensify Me! EyelinerCovergirl Intensify Me! Liquid Liner [BUY]

If you have trouble applying eyeliner, I strongly recommend the new Covergirl Intensify Me! Liquid Liner. The tip of the liner is sturdy, and has both a flat side and a skinny side so you can get a really precise line. I love that the liner on this product is a really dark black, and I never experience skipping during application. There is no reason to fear liquid liner with this product!

MASCARA

L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes MascaraL’Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes [BUY]

Last but not least, my favorite eye product is mascara. The L’Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes is one of my all-time favorite mascaras, and I recently repurchased it for the first time in a couple years. It gives a really full look to the lashes, and truly lives up to the voluminous name. I highly recommend it!

GIVEAWAY

Chrislie.com is giving away the Measurable Difference Desert Nights Eyeshadow Palette! I am sharing this giveaway with all of you, but please know the giveaway is being run by the brand. All information can be found in the giveaway widget. Good luck!

I hope you found this post helpful whether you are a makeup newbie or are simply looking for some new products to try. Be sure to let me know your favorite eye makeup products in the comments!

The giveaway in this post is being hosted by Chrislie. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Back to School Week | Daily Makeup for School

Happy Wednesday! Today for Back to School Week I’m going to be sharing my go to makeup products for school. There are a lot of factors to consider when getting ready for school every morning. You want your makeup to last all day, feel light and comfortable, and be quick to apply in the morning. I am also a huge fan of wearing minimal and natural makeup to school. I’ll be showing you the makeup products that I use on a daily basis, whether I’m heading to school or not. They are all drugstore products, and won’t break your student budget. Let’s jump right into my favorite daily makeup!

Back to School Week | Daily Makeup for School

FACE PRODUCTS 

Daily Makeup for School | Face ProductsI like to stick with a three product system for my face makeup. First, I use a primer. This will ensure my makeup stays put all day. A great option from the drugstore is Maybelline Baby Skin. It measures up to other high end face primers for a fraction of the price. I then follow up with a liquid foundation. My all-time favorite is the Covergirl trueBLEND, which is under $10 at the drugstore and comes in a wide range of shades. It is a light to medium coverage, but is quite buildable. It also blends out really well. Finally, I set my foundation with the Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder. This is a cult favorite, and I’ve repurchased it what feels like a dozen times. It is beyond awesome at keeping your face matte and in place all day – take my word for it.

EYE PRODUCTS

Daily Makeup for School | Eye ProductsI keep my eye makeup very simple on a daily basis, especially when I was in school. I think there are really only two must have products. First is a good eyebrow product. I love using the Milani Brow Fix Kit because it contains everything I need to fill in my brows – brow powder in two shades, a highlighter, tweezers, angled brush, and sponge applicator. I’ve tried a lot of drugstore eyebrow products, and this is by far my favorite. Next, I love a good mascara. It adds a lot to your face without being much trouble. My favorite of the moment is the Covergirl The Super Sizer. It lengthens and adds volume in one!

BLUSH & HIGHLIGHTER

Daily Makeup for School | Blush & Highlighter

While I like to keep my makeup pretty simple, blush and highlighter are quick ways to add some dimension and color. I’ve been completely obsessed with the new L’Oreal Lumi Powder Glow Illuminator in the shade Rose for highlighter. It’s so beautiful and wearable! In addition, I love the elf Studio Blush Palette in Light, which I reviewed HERE. This $6 palette includes four different blushes, so you can pick a shade based on your mood and outfit. It’s awesome!

LIP PRODUCTS

Daily Makeup for School | Lip Products

Last but not least are lip products! One of my most used lip products is the Revlon ColorBurst Balm Stain in the shade Honey. It stays on all day through eating and drinking, so it’s perfect for going to school. Another product that I love is the NYX Butter Gloss in the shade Créme Brulee. It is a great ‘my lips but better’ color, and can be worn over the Revlon stain or on its own. These are both a great way to finish your daily makeup look!

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That brings us to the end of the post! I hope you enjoyed seeing what my daily makeup is for school. Of course, you an make this your own by adding more products, or simply wearing just powder and mascara. The key is to be comfortable so you can focus on your studies and not worry about your face. Make sure to stay tuned as Back to School Week continues!

What are your go-to makeup products for school? Let me know in the comments! 

Back to School Week | Drugstore Nail Polish Kit

Happy Monday! It is officially the first day of Back to School Week here at Adventures in Polishland! I thought it would be fun to share with you a drugstore nail polish kit for back to school. This kit contains six different nail polishes that I think are the absolute basics to have in your collection. If you have these six polishes, you will be able to create the perfect manicure for any situation! Instead of telling you specific nail polishes that I think you need, I’m going to tell you general categories and share a nail polish for each category. This will make more sense as the post goes along, so let me share this kit with you!

Back to School Week | Drugstore Nail Polish Kit

THE WHITE POLISH

SinfulColors – Snow Me WhiteSinfulColors – Snow Me White

First and foremost, every nail polish kit needs a basic white nail polish. White can be worn alone, it can be used in nail art, and it can be used under any nail polish to make the color more vivid. I highly recommend Snow Me White from SinfulColors because it retails for just $1.99 but has an amazing formula as well. I did a full review of this polish, so click HERE if you want to learn more!

THE NEUTRAL POLISH

Wet 'n Wild Megalast – Bite the BulletWet ‘n Wild Megalast – Bite the Bullet

The next necessity is a neutral polish, whether it be a beige, brown, grey, or taupe. Neutrals are perfect for interviews, your internship, or any other professional event. I like Bite the Bullet from Wet ‘n Wild Megalast because it is a mauve polish that is still neutral, but has a hint of color, too. The Megalast line is also $1.99 at drugstores, and comes in a wide range of shades.

THE GLITTER TOP COAT

Milani Cosmetics – Rainbow PrismsMilani Cosmetics – Rainbow Prisms

It’s always great to have a glitter top coat at the ready as it dresses up any manicure. I layered one coat of Rainbow Prisms from Milani over Bite the Bullet, and you can see how my professional manicure turned into a fun one instantly. Whether you’re going from day to night, or simply want to change up your nails without redoing them completely, a glitter top coat is a must. I love any holographic glitter like the one shown here, but a multi-colored glitter is a good choice, too.

THE FAST-DRYING FORMULA

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri – Blue-AwaySally Hansen Insta-Dri – Blue Away

Make sure you have at least one polish with a fast-drying formula in your kit! We all have those moments where we are running out the door while simultaneously hoping our nail polish doesn’t smudge. This is especially true when going back to school, whether you’re the student or parent! My favorite fast-drying formula is the Insta-Dri line from Sally Hansen. The line offers a plethora of different shades, but I picked one of my favorites to show you here. I also recommend the NYC New York Color In a New York Minute range.

THE DARK AND VAMPY POLISH

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri – Night FlightSally Hansen Insta-Dri – Night Flight

With fall around the corner, dark nails are sure to be on trend once again. You’ll want to have a dark and vampy polish in your kit, but it doesn’t have to be black. Feel free to choose dark purples, maroons, greens, or anything else that suits your tastes. I chose to go with Night Flight, a dark blue polish. Of course, it has the same Insta-Dri formula that I love as well.

THE PINK POLISH

Covergirl – Tickled Pink

Covergirl – Tickled Pink

Last but not least, I had to include a pink polish in this drugstore nail polish kit! Pink is my all-time favorite shade of polish. It’s classic, it’s fun, and it comes in a variety of shades. My favorite is a bright pink like Tickled Pink from Covergirl. I know red may be the ‘true’ classic nail color, but pink is where it’s at for me! Plus, pink is more youthful, so it’s great for the classroom. I even wore a bright pink on my first day of law school!

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That brings us to the end of this post! I hope you found it helpful as you do your back to school shopping. Make sure to hit the beauty aisle and the school supplies aisle! Use these categories to build your own personalized kit, and you’ll be set on nail polish for the upcoming school season.

What shade of nail polish will you wear to school? Let me know in the comments!

5 Easy Steps to Clump Free Lashes | What You Need & Techniques

Happy Friday! I’ve been a mascara junkie for several years now, even before I really dove into the world of beauty. Mascara can really add a lot to your face – it draws people to look at your eyes just by adding a bit of definition. But mascara has one big downfall that we all experience from time to time, and that is clumping! No one likes clumpy lashes, and it can be really frustrating when you are rushing to get ready in the morning and your lashes decide to clump together. Today I’m going to share five easy steps to clump free lashes with all of you so you can avoid the dreaded clump. These steps can be used together or separately to maximize your clump free success rate! 5 Easy Steps to Clump Free Lashes | Adventures in Polishland

1. Remove Leftover Mascara

First things first, make sure your lashes are clean before you attempt to layer on new mascara. This might sound silly, but mascara likes to stick with you even after removing makeup, washing your face, and taking a shower. We’ve all experienced the not-so-chic raccoon eye look after getting out of the shower! Leftover mascara can definitely contribute to clumpy lashes, so use an eye-makeup remover before doing your makeup to get rid of any residue. The Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover is an affordable remover that can be found at your local drugstore or on Amazon HERE. When you start with a clean base, you’re setting yourself up for clump free success! 

2. Use an Eyelash Curler

5 Easy Steps to Clump Free Lashes | Eyelash CurlerI was never a fan of eyelash curlers because I have naturally curly lashes and thought a curler was an unnecessary tool for me. However, I got this pink eyelash curler to review from the brand Crave Naturals and fell in love with it. Not only does an eyelash curler curl your lashes, but it separates them. Your lashes will have a much more difficult time clumping together when they are separated. Don’t be afraid to break out a curler! It’s really not as scary as it looks! You can purchase my favorite curler online HERE and read my full review HERE.

3. Use a Lash Comb

A quick fix to a clumpy mascara application is a lash comb. This little tool comes in most brush kits, and I often set it aside without ever using it. One day I was desperate – I had messed up my mascara big time and didn’t want to redo my entire face of makeup. I grabbed this tool and lightly brushed it through my lashes, and it worked! The comb gently separated my lashes without ruining my makeup, and quickly become a go to for me. I use this one from ecoTools that can be purchased at Target or on Amazon HERE.

4. Test, Test, Test! 

CoverGirl Super Sizer MascaraThis next tip is one of the most important, and it is all about finding the right mascara for you. I call it “Test, Test, Test!” because that it what you have to do. All of us have different eyelashes, and some mascaras will clump them up, while others will work perfectly. You need to find the perfect formula and perfect applicator for your lashes, and that’s where the testing comes in. Here at Adventures in Polishland I’m all about the fabulous and affordable. If you are having trouble finding the right mascara for you, I suggest going to the drugstore and buying whatever mascara is on sale that week and testing it out. Keep trying inexpensive mascaras until you find one that works for you. Everyone has different lashes, but here are my favorite drugstore mascaras: CoverGirl Super Sizer (pictured above), CoverGirl Clump Crusher, and L’Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes.

5. Get a New Mascara 

My last tip is very straightforward – if your lashes are clumping up it might be time to get a new mascara. Mascara should only be used for about three months before tossing it and getting a new one (another reason to buy affordable mascaras at the drugstore!). I know I am guilty of using mascara WAY past its expiration date, but when my mascara gets clumpy I know for sure it’s been too long. If your beloved mascara has suddenly dried up, it’s time to restock!

That brings us to the end of this post! I hope you found these tips helpful. I would love to know what else you do to ensure your lashes remain clump free. Let me know your tips in the comments, and please share your all-time favorite mascara as well. I would love to test it out!

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. 

ELF Studio Blush Palette in Light | Review & Swatches

Happy Monday! We are taking a detour from Manicure Monday this week so I can show you the gorgeous blush palette I picked up at the ELF Studio here in NYC (see my haul post HERE). I’ve been loving this palette, and wanted to rave about the gorgeous pigmentation in each blush. I am still amazed that this palette of four blushes only cost me $6.00! Let’s jump right in and look at these fabulous and affordable blushes!

ELF Studio Blush Palette in Light | Review & SwatchesFirst and foremost, I want to take a quick look at the packaging. I love the sleek black packaging, and how sturdy it is. The palette closes well and, at the same time, is easy to open. Plus, the inside contains a huge mirror that is very useful, especially if you are traveling. You can definitely pay upwards of $6 just for the mirror alone! ELF Studio Blush Palette in Light | Review & Swatches ELF Studio Blush Palette in Light | Review & SwatchesHere are swatches of the four blushes inside. I did label them in the photos because I, of course, had to swatch them out of order (whoops!). I will take a second and describe each blush below, but I do want to mention that each blush has an amazing formula. They are extremely pigmented, but you can easily control the application. They blend out beautifully as well. I like to use the ELF Blush Brush to apply them, but any blush brush you already own will be just fine! Now, let’s talk about these colors.

  1. This is my favorite shade in the quad! It is a matte rosy pink, and it goes really well with my fair complexion. This blush can easily be worn any time of year, and I’m loving it at the moment for sure.
  2. If you love pink, this is the blush for you! It may seem scary in the swatch above, but trust me, it blends out really well. This is a great blush for spring and summer, and will work with a multitude of skin tones. I would pair this with a nude lip color, as it’s definitely quite bright!
  3. This is the one shimmer blush in the quad, and is a red-orange shade with gold shimmer. It’s definitely the more intimidating blush for me, but I’ve worn it once or twice and really liked it. I suggest a light hand with this one! I can’t wait to wear it during the holiday season!
  4. Finally, we have a brownish-orange matte blush. I thought I could use this as a bronzer at first, but it is really too orange-toned for that. However, with a light hand it makes a beautiful blush. It adds warmth to my face without being overdone. I’m going to experiment more with it for sure!

All in all, I’m very impressed with this blush palette from ELF. I highly recommend picking it up if you are looking for some blushes that won’t break the bank, but are still great quality. I purchased the palette in Light, but there is also a quad with darker shades if you’re looking for that as well. You can buy this palette on ELF’s website HERE. I will continue to check out more of ELF’s products in the future, so please leave me your recommendations in the comments!

Maybelline Brow Precise in Blonde | Drugstore Fail?!

Happy Thursday! Today I have a review of a new drugstore brow product from Maybelline called the Brow Precise. I was on the hunt for a new brow product, and decided to grab this one at my local Rite Aid about a month ago. I couldn’t wait to test out this product – it looked fancy with a spoolie brush on one end and the brow pencil on the other. Sometimes, looks are deceiving! Let me go ahead and share my thoughts on the Brow Precise with you.

Maybelline Brow Precise in Blonde ReviewMaybelline Brow Precise in Blonde ReviewI purchased the Brow Precise in the lightest shade, which is 250 Blonde. This product only comes in four shades, and I have to say I’m disappointed that this is the lightest shade. I have light brown hair, but even this blonde was too dark for me. I made it work by applying this shade with a light hand and using the spoolie to blend out the color, but I definitely need a shade lighter. If you have very light hair, this product will not work for you!

The Brow Precise is also a very soft pencil, which makes it apply easily, but that also means the pencil is prone to breaking, and that it runs out very quickly. I wore this off and on for about a month, and I’m nearly out of product already. I need to sharpen it at least twice each time I use it as well. That being said, I think this is just the wrong product for me. I have very sparse eyebrows that need a lot of filling in, so I used a lot of product with each use. I also found that this product does not look the most natural for me – it was pretty obvious I penciled in my brows (not cute!). Alas, as much as I loved that spoolie being on the end, that doesn’t justify a repurchase in my book.

All in all, the Maybelline Brow Precise was a bit of a fail for me. I wore it on days where I wanted to be out the door in a matter of minutes, and where I didn’t care too much about having perfect brows. I think this product will work really well for those of you that only need small touch-ups with your brows, and not a big overhaul like I do. You can find the Maybelline Brow Precise at your local drugstore for about $7.99. I will be sticking with my beloved Milani Brow Kit for now!

What is your favorite brow product?! Let me know in the comments!

3 Product Face | Bare Necessities Makeup

Happy Saturday! Today I thought I would share with you the makeup look I’ve been wearing most often this summer. Most days I am stuck inside studying, but may run to Starbucks or the grocery store quickly. While there is no need to put on a full face of makeup, I want to cover up just a little bit so I can feel confident when I walk out the door. There are three products that I reach for on a regular basis no matter what.

3 Product Face | Bare Necessities MakeupFirst and foremost is a brow product. It’s amazing how filling in your brows can really make you look more put together! Brows frame the face, and if they look lackluster it will be noticeable. Right now I am using the Maybelline Eye Studio Brow Precise in the shade Blonde. While this is definitely not my favorite brow product, it’s quick and easy to apply. I love that it comes with a spoolie brush attached.

Next, I grab a pressed powder to control the oil on my face.  A pressed powder provides just a hint of coverage to reduce redness, but my main goal is to ensure I don’t turn into a grease ball in the summer sun (something my skin just loves to do!). Right now I’m using Wet ‘n Wild Coverall in the shade light, which I scored for 40% off at Rite Aid last week.

Last but not least, I set the look with my beloved Urban Decay De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray. As you can tell, I really want to control oil. It’s very humid this time of year! This setting spray is the best I’ve tried and 100% worth the expensive price tag. This full size bottle will last me just under a year, and I use it down to the last drop. Whether I’m applying a full face of makeup, or simply the bare necessities, setting spray is a must.

So whether you are stuck inside all summer like I am, or hitting the beach on a regular basis, the bare necessities are perfect to keep you feeling confident while still rocking a no-fuss look. I can be out the door in under five minutes with this makeup routine, as I’m really only spending time on my brows. I’m loving these three products, and it’s great that I can simply add a product or two if I feel like I want a bit more on any given day. Be sure to let me know in the comments what three makeup products you always grab even on ‘no makeup’ days!

 

My Everyday Hair & Makeup Routine! | All Drugstore Products

Happy Tuesday! Back to school time is right around the corner, so I thought I would share with you my everyday hair and makeup routines. I stick to the very basics on a daily basis, and I typically use all drugstore products. What else would you expect from this fabulous and affordable girl?! If you’re in a rush in the morning, this look is perfect for you. Plus, I keep everything quite natural, so if you’re new to makeup this is a great routine for you to adopt as well. Let me show you all the products I use, and then the before and after!

WHAT YOU NEED

My Everyday Makeup Routine | Adventures in Polishland

Here are the eight products I use everyday! While sometimes the brands may change (i.e. a CoverGirl mascara or a Baby Lips lip balm), these are the basics that I always reach for to make up my face.

  • Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser [REVIEW] [BUY] – This primer is amazing, and you all know I love it by now! It evens out my skin and makes it feel smooth and soft.
  • CoverGirl TruBlend Liquid Makeup in L2 [BUY] – I recently purchased this foundation, as it was around $10 at the drugstore and I’ve loved the other CoverGirl foundation I tried in the past. The TruBlend is definitely a light to medium coverage, and applies really easily with a sponge like the BeautyBlender.
  • Revlon ColorStay Under Eye Concealer in Light [BUY] – I finally found my holy grail under eye concealer! Revlon nailed it with this ColorStay line. It blends out perfectly and really brightens my under eye area. It’s a bit on the “expensive” side at the drugstore at around $12, but the twist-up packaging ensures you use each and every bit of product. I think it’s 100% worth the price!
  • Milani Brow Fix Kit in Light [BUY] – Brows are the most important part of my makeup routine! My natural brows are uneven, with the left one being far sparser than the right. Luckily, this little kit comes with everything I need to define my face! I use both the light and dark shades to create the perfect brow color.
  • Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Cream [BUY] – Powder is also a must for me, as my skin gets quite oily throughout the day. My recent favorite is the Maybelline Dream Matte, but I’m also a fan of the Rimmel Stay Matte. I dust this stuff all over my face, and it looks flawless!
  • NYX Cream Blush in Natural [BUY] – I was afraid to try cream blush for the longest time, but now I love it! Just a few taps of this product and I can easily bring some color to my face. It blends out easily with my fingers as well!
  • L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Mascara in Blackest Black [REVIEW] [BUY] – If there’s one part of my makeup routine that I like to be a bit “dramatic,” it’s my lashes. I’m truly obsessed with this mascara from L’Oreal, and I highly recommend it. It gives my lashes length, volume, and a great curl without any clumps.
  • Revlon ColorBurst Balm Stain in Honey [BUY] – I love this jumbo lip crayon! It’s so easy to apply, and because it is a stain it will stay on all day even through eating and drinking. Honey is a great “my lips but better” color that is polished yet still not over the top.

My hair routine is so simple it only requires two products! I have naturally wavy and frizzy hair, so I like to let it air dry before I flat iron it. If I have second-day hair, I will use a dry shampoo before styling.

  • Göt2b Guardian Angel Gloss Finish Flat Iron Balm [BUY] – Heat protectant is a necessity, especially because I use a flat iron so much! I love this one because it really gives my hair a shiny yet non-greasy look. The bottle also lasts for a very long time!
  • Conair Ceramic 2″ Straightener [BUY] – The upside to having thin hair is that I don’t have to spend a lot of money on a fancy flat iron. This one from the drugstore works amazingly well, and costs around $20! I’ve had this model for about three years now.

BEFORE AND AFTER

Before Look | Adventures in Polishland
After Look | Adventures in Polishland

Ta da! As you can see, I think my everyday makeup and hair routine polishes up my natural self just a bit. I still look like me, and I don’t look like I’m wearing too much makeup. I’m ready to show my face in the city of New York and feel great about it!

All in all, I hope seeing my everyday hair and makeup routine helped inspire you! Whether you’ve discovered some great drugstore products, or simply liked my before and after transformation, please let me know in the comments if you’d like to see more makeup posts like this one! Also, let me know what your everyday hair and makeup routines consist of because I want to know! If you’re feeling brave, post a before and after on Instagram and tag me in it! Best of luck if you’re heading back to school like I am!

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