August 2015 – Page 2 – Adventures in Polishland

Month: August 2015

Zoya Nail Polish Focus Collection for Fall 2015

Posted on August 19, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I am excited to show you the Zoya Nail Polish Focus Collection for Fall 2015. This is one of two collections that Zoya is releasing this season, and contains six cream polishes in gorgeous shades. I am a huge fan of cream formulas, and could not wait to test out these pigmented polishes. Without further ado, let me show you these new Zoyas!

First up is Charli, a taupe polish with green undertones. Charli, like all of the polishes in the Focus Collection, has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. I’ve never used a taupe polish like this before, and I’m not quite sure what I think of it! Charlie is going to be perfect for nail art, but it’s not my favorite shade with my skin tone.

Next up is Desiree, a rich chocolate brown polish. I am really loving Desiree! The deep pigmentation is stunning, and the polish is naturally shiny without a top coat. Of course, Desiree has an amazing formula as well. I think this is a great brown polish to have in your collection!

Zoya Hannah is a classic red polish, and I have to say I’m wowed with it! If you’ve been a follower of mine for a while, you’ll know I’m not usually a big fan of red nail polishes, just because they typically look weird with my fair complexion and pink undertones. Hannah, however, just works. The formula is perfection as well.

If you’re looking for a darker red, make sure to check out Janel. Janel is a deep and warmer-toned red polish. The formula is still great and opaque in two coats. This is a polish that could take you from the fall season right into the holidays.

Next up is Lidia, a deep eggplant purple polish. Lidia is so beautiful! I did experience a bit of patchiness with the formula, but nothing that another coat of polish can’t fix. I’m just really impressed with the rich pigmentation in this collection. It pumps me up for fall!

Last but not least is Sia, a royal blue polish. Sia is by far my favorite polish in this collection! I am truly obsessed with this blue shade. I could gush about how much I love it for several paragraphs, but I’ll stop here. Buy Sia and you will not be disappointed!

All in all, the Zoya Focus Collection is one of my favorite lines the brand has yet to release. I cannot wait to put Sia back on my nails, and I highly recommend the entire collection. I think it is a perfect release for the upcoming fall season. You can purchase the Focus Collection directly from Zoya’s website HERE. Each polish is $9, or you can buy the full collection at $54. For a limited time, you can purchase the full line in mini size bottles for $30! This is a great option for those of you on a budget, but make sure you act fast before they sell out!

What is your favorite polish in the Zoya Focus Collection? Let me know in the comments!

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

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Review | #AirbrushPerfectLegs

Posted on August 17, 2015August 14, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I have a review of the Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Leg Makeup. I’ve never used any type of body makeup before, so I was very curious about this product. I was lucky to receive a sample from Influenster in the shade Light, and got to testing it right away. Let me go ahead and share my thoughts on this product with you!

Airbrush Legs is a leg makeup, so it is more like a liquid foundation that a fake tan product. It is designed to work just like a foundation to cover imperfections, and be lightweight and long-wearing. Airbrush Legs is oil free, and has a slight pigmentation available in six shades.

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Review | #AirbrushPerfectLegs

I was sent the shade Light, which is the lightest shade available. I was very nervous when I first tested Airbrush Legs – the color is WAY too dark when it comes out of the bottle, and has that “orange fake tan” appearance. Luckily, it does blend out quite a bit to be a more wearable color, but it is still too dark for my liking. Here is a side-by-side before and after a few minutes after I applied the makeup.

As you can see, Airbrush Legs definitely added some color to my legs. However, I don’t feel like it covered any imperfections whatsoever! My legs have a lot of imperfections, which is very noticeable with my fair skin. I was hoping Airbrush Legs would really cover up my pores and redness, but all that happened was that my legs got darker in color. I also noticed that the product clings to dry patches, leaving a dark brown appearance (not cute!). It’s also difficult to blend on feet and knees, and I had a bit of streakiness going on. I think that with more practice I could get a better application of Airbrush Legs, but because the shade was still too dark for my tastes, I don’t think I’ll be using it again.

That being said, there was a lot I did really like about Airbrush Legs. First, it is odorless, unlike fake tanners, which can have a really terrible smell. In addition, Airbrush Legs dries really quickly and does not rub off on clothing or furniture. It does wash off really easily with soap and water, though. I also used a makeup wipe to touch up areas that were streaky, and that worked really well. Finally, my legs felt really soft to the touch after using this product. I really liked that there was no residue at all left behind on my legs.

All in all, I do recommend Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs for those of you who are looking to darken your skin tone without grabbing a fake tanner. This is perfect for an event where you want to show off your legs! However, I wouldn’t recommend this product if you have fair skin, dry skin, and skin with a lot of imperfections. Airbrush Legs is not a cover-all product, so just keep that in mind. You can purchase Airbrush Legs at your local drugstore or department store for around $12.00.

Have you ever used a leg makeup? Share your experience in the comments!

The product in this post was provided for my unbiased review. 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 August 14, 2015August 12, 2015 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!

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

I 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!

This 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.

OZ Naturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum Review

Posted on August 12, 2015August 17, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I have a skincare review for you on the Hyaluronic Acid Serum from the brand OZ Naturals. I was excited to receive this product for review, as I have had great luck with these types of serums in the past, and I had just run out of the serum I had been using. Talk about perfect timing! I’ve been using this serum for a few weeks now, and am ready to share my thoughts with all of you.

First, let’s talk a bit about the product and its claims. The OZ Naturals Hyaluronic Acid serum is 72% organic and made in the USA. It contains both Vitamin C and Vitamin E to moisturize the skin and fight aging at the same time. The brand claims the serum will give you a dewy, moisture boost and reduce lines and wrinkles. The serum itself is clear in color and it doesn’t have a scent at all, which I really like. I think it will work for all skin types from sensitive to normal.

My experience with the serum has been great so far! I’ve really enjoyed using serums in the past with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, and this one is my favorite that I’ve tried. I love that the serum is very light on the skin, and dries in seconds. In addition, the moisturizing quality really works. I rarely use a separate moisturizer now, because this serum does the trick. While I haven’t seen any huge changes in my skin since beginning use, I’ve noticed that overall my skin feels happy! There are no breakouts, and I haven’t experienced any sort of irritation. Plus, I appreciate that OZ Naturals focuses on natural and organic ingredients so that I can feel confident about what I’m putting on my face.

All in all, I’m really happy with the OZ Naturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum and will continue using it right down to the last drop! You can purchase a full size 1oz bottle on Amazon HERE. The retail price is $16.45, but as I write this post it is on sale for $15.79. In addition, OZ Naturals provides coupon codes if you purchase multiple products from its brand. Make sure to read the “Special Offers and Product Promotions” on the Amazon page to find the savings opportunities!

Do you use serum as part of your daily skincare routine? Let me know in the comments!

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

Adventures in Polishland 2.0 is Coming!

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I am excited to share with you some big news for Adventures in Polishland! I first began this blog back in April of 2012, and back then it was purely a nail polish blog. I was inspired by the fun nail art looks on Pinterest (a website I had just joined!), and when my friend casually mentioned in conversation that she “read the nail blogs,” I knew I had to be one of them! About eight months into my blogging journey, I decided I wanted to blog about more than just nails. I opened up the world of Polishland to include beauty products, too. It felt natural to include things like makeup, skincare, and hair care with nail polish, but I didn’t want to go too far beyond that.

Throughout my three years here, I’ve done a few lifestyle posts here and there – fashion, technology, housewares, you name it! I’ve tossed in some random posts and hoped you would all enjoy them. However, I didn’t want to lose my nail polish and beauty audience, and blog about things outside the Polishland realm. Well, the truth is, I am a person with a lot of different hobbies and interests. I love to read, go to Broadway shows, go antiquing, and the list goes on and on. I would love to share these hobbies with all of you! For a long time, I kept a separate blog to write about these things. But that blog never got a chance to grow or shine. I loved Adventures in Polishland way too much to focus my energies on another, separate blog.

Thus, today I officially launch Adventures in Polishland 2.0! While Polishland was originally just a land of polish, it is now a place that represents me, Christina, online. I love nail polish and beauty, and will continue to blog about it three times a week. On the days where you don’t see a beauty post, there may be something else for you! Here is what the Adventures in Polishland posting schedule will look moving forward:

Monday / Wednesday / Friday: Nail Polish or Beauty Post

Tuesday / Thursday: Lifestyle Post (when I have one to share)

Saturday: #PlanWithPolishland (2-4 times per month)

Sunday: off

You will always get my nail polish and beauty posts every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and in addition you will get something else when I have it to share. I think this is a great way to incorporate more into Adventures in Polishland without changing my focus. All of my beauty-lovers will still get the same great content every week, and bonus content, too! I like calling the upgraded Adventures in Polishland a lifestyle blog with a beauty focus.

I hope you are all excited for this change! It will allow me to create an even better Adventures in Polishland because all of my blogging energy will be focused right here. In the coming weeks, I will be working behind the scenes to update the way this blog works. I want the categories to be user-friendly, and the layout to look great. I know it will take a lot of hard work, but I am very excited for this upgrade. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask in a comment or email me at adventuresinpolishland@gmail.com.

Welcome to Adventures in Polishland 2.0! I hope you’ll continue on the adventure!

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel | Tribal Vibe & Boho Chic Collections

Posted on August 10, 2015August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I am so excited to share a review of four nail polishes from the new Sally Hansen Miracle Gel line. Around this time last year, Sally Hansen first launched the Miracle Gel line (see my first review HERE). I was a bit underwhelmed, but a few months back the brand updated its formula and I was obsessed with the Poolisde Paradise Collection (full review HERE). Now, Sally Hansen has upped the ante again! The Miracle Gel Top Coat has a new formula designed to deliver 2x the volume and shine. To coincide with the relaunch of the top coat, Sally Hansen is also releasing the Tribal Vibe and Boho Chic Collections. Let me show you the polishes topped with the new Miracle Gel Top Coat!

First up is Totem-ly Yours, a beautiful beige nude with pink undertones from the Tribal Vibe Collection. Totem-ly Yours has an amazing formula that is opaque in two coats. The shade nearly matches my skin tone perfectly! This nude polish is to die for, and absolutely perfect for the fall. It looks professional, yet not boring, and the high-shine top coat really makes it look great. If you work in a corporate environment, you need Totem-ly Yours for sure!

Rhythm & Blue is the other polish I tried from the Tribal Vibe Collection. It is a sky blue polish that has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. I am once again beyond impressed with how awesome this polish looks! Not only is Rhythm & Blue a gorgeous color, but the Miracle Gel Top Coat applied with ease and added a lot of depth and shine to this manicure.

Beatnik is the first polish from the Boho Chic line that I reviewed, and it is a stunning cobalt blue. I am obsessed with Beatnik! The color is beautiful, and the formula is perfection. I will be wearing Beatnik again as the colder months approach.

Last but not least is Miss Wanderlust, a coral jelly polish with a mix of glitters. I was happily surprised with how well Miss Wanderlust applies – it goes on smoothly with a lot of glitter going onto the nail without digging. Of course, the Miracle Gel Top Coat adds a glossy finish to this already stunning polish. I’d love to see more glitters like this from Sally Hansen in the future!

All in all, the new Sally Hansen Miracle Gel collections are beyond fabulous and affordable! The polishes retail for $9.99 each, which is on the higher side for a drugstore line. However, the brand often goes on sale and I’ve seen coupons in the Sunday paper as well. I highly recommend investing in the new Miracle Gel Top Coat at the very least! The Tribal Vibe and Boho Chic Collections are now available at drugstores.

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

DIY Washi Tape Storage | Birchbox Upcycling Project | #PlanWithPolishland

Posted on August 8, 2015August 7, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! Today I have an exciting #PlanWithPolishland post to share with you! I don’t know about you, but whenever I get a new hobby a get a little too excited and buy all the goodies I can get my hands on. This is definitely true with my new planner obsession! Just take a look at all the hauls I’ve posted on my YouTube Channel if you don’t believe me. Well, if I’m going to have a planner supplies collection I want to make sure it’s organized. Washi tape is one of the new-to-me products I’ve been collecting, and I wanted a cute yet functional way to store it. I saw a video on YouTube by Xao Vang that really inspired me to make my own washi organizer. In her video, she transformed an entire desk drawer into her washi storage. That didn’t fit my needs, so I grabbed an old Birchbox and decided to put it to use!

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS!

If you don’t have a Birchbox, feel free to use any sturdy cardboard box you own. The dimensions of a Birchbox are around 7″ x 5″ x 2″. In the DIY video I also mention a gold washi tape. It can be purchased on Etsy HERE.

As you can see, it is super easy to create this washi tape storage box! I created it about a month ago now, and it fits my needs well. Not only does my washi stay organized, but it was easy to pack during my move. I currently store the box on a crafting bookshelf in my bedroom, but carry it down to the kitchen or family room to do my actual planning. I never need to worry about the tape being lost or damaged, and I have plenty of room to grow my collection if I want to in the future. There is no need to spend money on a washi tape organizer when you can make one yourself!

That brings us to the end of another #PlanWithPolishland blog post! I hope you enjoyed this simple DIY. If you make one, use the hashtag #PlanWithPolishland on social media so I can find your post. I would love to see how you decorate your washi storage! If you would like more planner content, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel HERE where I do planner related videos 2-4 times per week. I also have a planner Instagram account HERE where you can see photos of my weekly spreads and hauls. Stay tuned for more #PlanWithPolishland blog posts on Saturdays!

SinfulColors A Class Act Collection | Back to School 2015

Posted on August 7, 2015August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! I’m back today with my first nail polish review for the upcoming fall season. Fall is my favorite time of year for new nail polish collections, and I was beyond excited when SinfulColors reached out to me and asked if I would review ten shades from the brand’s new line. The A Class Act Collection features on trend shades and a mix of finishes. I have five demi-matte polishes to share, and five glossy/jelly polishes, so this post will be broken into two sections. First, up is the mattes, so let’s jump right in to the review!

The A Class Act Collection contains a variety of polishes in a “demi-matte” finish. Each of these polishes have the same formula, so I wanted to address it before showing you the swatches. The application of the mattes is a bit problematic – the formula is goopy, patchy, and difficult to apply. I never got a clean line during application, and it was hard to work with the formula. I had to apply between 2-3 coats to get the finish I desired. That being said, each polished dried beautifully. Besides the messy edges, the matte finish is stunning, and I love the end result. Thus, so long as you are patient during application, I think the mattes are worth the $1.99 price tag if you are loving a particular polish. Otherwise, the mattes are a bit of a miss for me.

First up is Whiteboard, a white polish that looks just like chalk! This polish is great as a base, or would work well for some chalkboard nail art (such as the style I featured HERE). I love rocking a white manicure in the summertime, especially when I’ve got a tan. It’s simple yet fashion forward at the same time.

V.I.Peach is a pastel yellow polish that reminds me of sunshine. It’s not a polish I would think to buy, but it’s actually quite wearable and goes well with my fair skin tone. I like this yellow shade as a matte, and think it is perfect to transition from summer to fall.

Next up is Pink Break, a pastel baby pink polish. This color totally reminds me of the typical pink shown at baby showers! It’s lightly pigmented, and it’s great for an everyday manicure. The demi-matte finish is still shiny despite being completely matte. It’s a great combination!

Chalk it Up is a green polish somewhere between mint and pistachio. This is one of my favorite colors of nail polish to wear, and the matte finish is a fun spin on it. I’d love to pair this up with a pastel blue for a nail art look!

The last matte is Blackboard, a true chalkboard polish! Blackboard is my favorite of the mattes that I tested. The formula was good during application, and it dried very quickly. Blackboard is definitely not a true black polish, but instead a deep grey. It is reminiscent of a school chalkboard for sure, and not as harsh as a full-on black. I highly recommend Blackboard if you are looking to pick up one of the demi-mattes.

Now let’s dive into the four glossy and one jelly polish I got to review. I’m happy to report that these all had wonderful formulas, and I did not have any application issues whatsoever. I’ll begin this section with the one jelly polish, and then review the four glossy finishes.

RADient is the one jelly polish in the bunch. Although it is listed as a demi-matte on the SinfulColors website, the formula is a true jelly. It is sheer, but layers on beautifully, and is a gorgeous raspberry color. I used two coats for my photographed manicure, with a bit of my nail line still visible. I will need to try this out in a jelly sandwich ASAP!

Summer S-cool is the first glossy polish I have to share, and it is a vibrant robin’s egg blue. I applied two coats to achieve opacity, and am amazed with the natural gloss and shine without a top coat. Summer S-cool is the perfect polish to wear to a pool party before heading back to the classroom!

Next up is Feel the Vibe, a true orange polish that will be absolutely necessary come Halloween. I applied two coats to achieve opacity, and cannot get over how awesome this orange is. If you are looking for the perfect orange, this one is for you! I think it is a must have in every nail polish stash.

Daredevil is next, and it is a hot pink polish with a bit of luminescent shimmer. I am obsessed with this polish! Not only does it have an amazing formula that is opaque in two coats, but it is an incredible shade of pink. I own more pink nail polishes than any other color, and I must say this is a fabulous one. I think I’ll put this on again very soon!

Last but not least is Fig, a stunning deep plum polish with purple shimmer. Fig is not a unique shade, but it’s one that SinfulColors has done very well. The formula is spot on, and the glossy finish is perfection. I actually might unhaul some of my similar polishes now that I have Fig!

All in all, the A Class Act Collection from SinfulColors has a great mix of polishes at the fabulous and affordable price point of $1.99 each. The full collection contains 27 polishes, so be sure to check your local Walgreens and other mass retailers beginning now in August and into September. I highly recommend picking up any of the glossy shades, and Blackboard from the demi-matte finishes. As always, please let me know in the comments if you’ll be picking up any polishes from the A Class Act Collection!

Follow SinfulColors on Social Media

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

Manicure Monday | Zoya Charisma

Posted on August 3, 2015August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Manicure Monday! I can’t believe it! This is the last post in the Alphabet Challenge! I’m so proud of myself for keeping with the series, and catching up when I missed a couple weeks here and there. The only weeks I skipped were Q and X, simply because I don’t own any polishes that fit those categories. But without further ado, let’s jump right into the final post and round it up with Zoya Charisma for the letter Z!

Charisma is one of my all-time favorite Zoya polishes of the dozens that I own. It is a matte polish somewhere between a pink and purple shade. The formula does tend to be a bit patchy, but I layered three coats on and let each dry completely in order to get this final look. I just love matte polishes, and this fun color makes it that much better.

All in all, Zoya Charisma is the perfect polish to close out the Alphabet Challenge! You can purchase it on Zoya’s website HERE for $9.00. Now that we’ve reached the end of the Alphabet Challenge, I want to hear from all of you! I found another nail polish challenge on Pinterest HERE, and would be happy to continue Manicure Monday posts featuring that challenge. Please let me know if you are interested in seeing those posts in the comments!