Tag: ecoTools

My Top 5 Makeup Brushes | What I Use Daily

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I thought it would be fun to share with you my favorite makeup brushes. I noticed that I use the same brushes every day for the most part, and they work really well for me. In true Adventures in Polishland fashion, all of these brushes are super fabulous and affordable with the exception of one splurge that I think is worth every penny. Let me share with you my top five makeup brushes in no particular order!

My Top 5 Makeup Brushes | What I Use Daily

1. BeautyBlender – $20 [BUY]

Let’s jump right in with the splurge item, which is the BeautyBlender. I’m sure you’ve heard of this cult favorite by now. It is the $20 sponge that somehow is formulated to apply liquid and cream products flawlessly. I avoided the BeautyBlender for a while because I couldn’t justify the price. I even went so far as to purchase a BeautyBlender “dupe” from Ricky’s NYC (see my comparison post HERE). When I received the real deal in a PopSugar box, I couldn’t believe it. The BeautyBlender is truly worth the money, and I use it to apply foundation and blend out concealer daily. I need to pick up a new one after a couple years of constant use and washing.

2. EcoTools Angled Eyeliner Brush – $3.99 [BUY]

I haven’t had much luck with the brand EcoTools, but one brush I do really love is the Angled Eyeliner Brush, which I use for my eyebrows. The brush size is great, and I like have the long handle that my eyebrow kits do not. The bristles are tightly packed in order to give a precise application, too. It’s a really great brush for an affordable price.

3. Real Techniques Setting Brush – $7.99 [BUY]

When it comes to highlighter, I always use the Setting Brush from Real Techniques. It is the perfect size, and I love that the bristles are fluffy so I can blend everything out well. This brush can be used for many other purposes as well, such as setting concealer or blending out cream products. I highly recommend it for highlighter, though!

4. Real Techniques Buffing Brush – $8.99 [BUY]

Another Real Techniques brush I love is the Buffing Brush, which is essentially a small kabuki. I use it to apply my translucent powder, and it does an excellent job. The flat top helps to blend and get a nice, even finish. It’s also great for mineral foundations if that’s your cup of tea.

5. elf Angled Blush Brush – $3.00 [BUY]

Last but not least is the elf Angled Blush Brush, which should come as no surprise to regular readers of my blog. This $3 brush is beyond amazing. It is super soft, but applies any blush I own beautifully. The angle allows me to control the product more, and can also double as a contouring brush. You need this brush in your collection!

That wraps up my favorite makeup brushes! As you can see, I stick with affordable brushes but add in a splurge product where it counts. I think that’s a great way to build your beauty collection, whether it be makeup products or tools. Definitely let me know in the comments what makeup brushes you use daily. I would love to hear your recommendations as well!

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

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

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

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.