November 2015 – Adventures in Polishland

Month: November 2015

Teal Aztec Nail Art featuring Born Pretty Store Illusion Stamping Plate & Green Stamping Polish

Posted on November 30, 2015November 20, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I’m excited to share with you a nail art look using the new nail polish stamping products from Born Pretty Store. This online shop recently came out with its own line of stamping plates and stamping polishes. I couldn’t wait to test them out, because the prices are fabulous and affordable. I’m still not the best at nail polish stamping, but I am slowly getting the hang of it. Let me show you the Teal Aztec Nail Art look I created using Born Pretty Store products!

The plate I’m using today is the Illusion Theme. I’m so impressed with the packaging on this line! The plate comes in a sturdy cardstock packet. Plus, each plate is really big and comes with a variety of designs. Please note I’m showing you the plate with the blue wrapper still on it (otherwise you would only see a reflection!). This plate is only $3.59 on Born Pretty Store’s website HERE.

Here is a close look at the designs on the Illusion Theme plate (click on the photo for even more detail). I decided to test out the Aztec print that is in the righthand column, fourth down from the top.

Here is my Aztec manicure! I applied a white nail polish as a base, and once that was dry reached for the new Born Pretty Store Stamping Nail Polish in the color Green. The polish works amazingly well, and I am really impressed with how easy it made stamping. I definitely need to practice lining the stamp up on my nail better, but the products themselves are awesome. This green polish even cleaned up easily with a Q-tip dipped in nail polish remover. You can purchase this polish for just $3.99 online HERE.

All in all, I’m really impressed with the Illusion Theme Stamping Plate and Green Stamping Polish from Born Pretty store! As always, you can get free international shipping with any order on Born Pretty Store’s website. You can also use my coupon code FZL91 for 10% off every order. I highly recommend checking out these items if you’re new to stamping, or simply looking for some more stamping goodies. I can’t wait to experiment with them some more!

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.

Erin Condren Gift Guide | 10 Presents for Planner Lovers

Posted on November 28, 2015November 20, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! The holiday season is in full swing, and I thought I would share some gift ideas for one of my favorite online stores, Erin Condren. If you’ve been following my blog or YouTube Channel for the past five months, you’ll know that I invested in an Erin Condren Life Planner. I absolutely love it, and I’ve also discovered many other items on Erin Condren’s website that are amazing quality. If you have a planner or stationary lover in your life, I highly recommend purchasing some Erin Condren goodies for her. While they are a bit more expensive, they make excellent gifts. I put together a gift guide of the top ten products on Erin Condren’s website that I think make the perfect presents for planner lovers!

Erin Condren Gift Guide | 10 Presents for Planner Lovers — *All images in this blog post are courtesy of ErinCondren.com.*

First things first, I just want to remind all of you that new Erin Condren customers can save $10 off their first order by signing up for a free Erin Condren account using my referral link HERE. When you sign up, Erin Condren will then email you a coupon code worth $10. It’s a great way to save a bit, or offset the cost of shipping. Plus, it helps me out when you use my referral link – totally a win-win situation! Now, let’s jump right into the gift guide!

Erin Condren Good to Go Life Planner – $50 [BUY]

Of course, Erin Condren is known for its Life Planner. I absolutely love my Life Planner – it has changed my life! A lot of people don’t want to splurge on this planner, but it makes the perfect gift. The quality is beyond amazing, and I highly recommend this planner for anyone on your list. I think the Good to Go (formally known as Ready to Ship) is the best option for a gift, because it comes with a coupon code for a free customizable cover. That way the gift recipient can create her own cover down the road. If you want to learn more about what comes with the Good to Go Life Planner, please read THIS blog post.

Erin Condren Carry-All Clutch – $32 [BUY]

If you know someone who already has a Life Planner, this next item is a great present! The Carry-All Clutch is a case made out of neoprene to keep the Life Planner safe inside a larger backpack or purse. It is available in two sizes, and a variety of patterns and colors. The clutch can also be used to tote around tablets or other supplies, so it’s a versatile gift!

Erin Condren Snap-In StylizedSticky Notes – $10 [BUY]

A more affordable gift option is this snap-in dashboard complete with sticky notes. I absolutely love these sticky notes because they are great quality, and they are sized to fit the Life Planner. Plus, the plastic dashboard is reusable, so once the sticky notes are used up there is still value in this product. Gift this alone, or paired with other planner accessories!

Erin Condren Designer Sticker Book – $15 [BUY]

Another affordable option that is great on its own or with other goodies is the Designer Sticker Book. I have this and absolutely love it! The stickers work perfectly inside the Life Planner, and also on stationary or gifts. Even if your planner lover already has this, I can guarantee she will be happy with another one. You can’t go wrong with a sticker book!

Erin Condren Polaroid Zip Bundle – $149 [BUY]

A more extravagant purchase is the Polaroid Zip Bundle, which includes the Polaroid Zip Instant Photoprinter, a Carry-All Clutch, and a sticker to decorate the printer. This printer takes planning, scrapbooking, and journaling to the next level because you can instantly print out photos directly from your cell phone. It’s definitely on the expensive side, but it is an incredible item to have!

Erin Condren Notepad – $15 [BUY]

In addition to planner supplies, Erin Condren offers other stationary products. There are a variety of notepads from which to choose, ranging in size and color. I haven’t tried these yet, but I’ve heard the paper quality is amazing. You can also personalize the notepads for the recipient. This is a great product that many people would like, but perhaps wouldn’t purchase for themselves.

Erin Condren Good to Go Stationary Set – $15 [BUY]

One unique item for stationary lovers is the Good to Go Stationary Set. For just $15, you get ten notecards, ten envelopes, and ten labels all inside a reusable pouch. This is a great all-in-one set for that someone in your life who loves to send snail mail! I love the price and the products, too.

Erin Condren Do-it-All Desk Set – $25 [BUY]

Another great all-in-one item is the new Do-it-All Desk Set! It includes sticky notes, paperclips, washi tape, pencils, and more, all in a sturdy box with magnetic closure. This is perfect for your friends at the office, as well as your planner lovers. It comes in the colorful design shown here, but also in a metallic design. With this gift the recipient will feel like she can really do it all!

Erin Condren Jot Your Thought Journal Trio – $18 [BUY]

Erin Condren recently released this trio of stunning journals. Each has a metallic foil, and the paper inside is really nice quality. You can give these journals as a set, or break them up to gift to different people. I got a trio and can’t wait to begin using it! It’s always great to have a spare notebook hanging around.

Erin Condren Gift Card – [BUY]

Last but not least, you can always purchase an Erin Condren Gift Card if you’re stuck on what to buy your planner lover this holiday season. I can assure to you that receiving an Erin Condren Gift Card is an amazing feeling, and it is truly appreciated. You can choose from a few different denominations when you buy a gift card, so you can be sure to gift one in your budget.

That brings us to the end of this Erin Condren Gift Guide! I hope you found this post helpful, whether you’re purchasing a gift for the planner lover in your life, or simply trying to learn more about Erin Condren. I’ve really been loving my Life Planner, and definitely encourage others to purchase one as well. With 2016 just around the corner, this is the perfect time to raid the Erin Condren website!

Will you be purchasing from Erin Condren this holiday season? Let me know in the comments!

All of the photographs used in this post are property of ErinCondren.com. This post includes a referral link that is properly disclosed. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

KBShimmer Winter 2015 Collection | Swatches & Review

Posted on November 27, 2015November 19, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I am excited to be bringing you a review of seven KBShimmer nail polishes. The brand recently released its Winter 2015 Collection, which includes a variety of polishes as always. I really love how KBShimmer features different finishes, formulas, and colors each season. You never know what to expect, except the amazing quality. Let’s jump right into these winter shades!

First up is Fleece Navidad, a silvery grey holographic polish with hints of blue microglitter. Fleece Navidad has a great formula, but it is a bit on the sheer side so I applied three coats for opacity. This is a great holographic polish, especially if you’re looking to try out holos for the first time. It is wearable with nearly any outfit because of its neutral base, too!

Next up is Coal in One, a charcoal grey holographic polish. Coal in One has an excellent formula that is opaque in two coats. I’m so impressed with how strong the holographic effect is in this polish! It’s quite edgy, and will work well throughout the fall and winter months for sure.

Toying Around is this year’s charity polish, with $4 from the purchase of each bottle going to Toys for Tots. Toying Around is a glitter top coat packed with rainbow glitter in a variety of shapes, such as hexagons, triangles, circles, and more. Plus, there is microglitter sparkling up the polish as well! I applied one coat over KBShimmer Breaking Blues, and I am amazed at how easily the glitters apply to the nail. This is a top notch glitter, and it’s for a great cause!

Next up is Brr-tiful Dreamer, a purple-grey jelly polish packed with aqua, purple, silver, and fuchsia glitters. Brr-tiful Dreamer has a good formula, but I applied three coats to achieve full opacity. This polish is really stunniny! I think in the future I will wear it as an accent nail, and not a complete manicure.

How Corn-y is up next, and it is a yellow-orange jelly base filled with fall colored glitters in a variety of shapes and sizes. How Corn-y has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. I am really impressed with this one! It is somehow extremely wearable despite being so funky. Plus, I like that it has a smooth finish despite being packed with glitter.

My favorite polish in the line is Chilly Pepper, a red creme with a rich pigmentation. Chilly Pepper has an absolutely perfect formula, and is opaque in two coats. You all know that I typically stay away from red polishes, but this one looks amazing with my skin tone! I’ll be wearing it for Christmas for sure!

Last but not least is sELFie, a glitter top coat filled with green glitter and a mix of other colors. I layered one coat over Chilly Pepper, and I feel like Christmas exploded on my nails! This is truly a glitter bomb polish – a ton of glitters easily applied without any extra effort by me during application. I’m also giggling over the name sELFie.

All in all, KBShimmer has once again delivered amazing nail polishes in its Winter 2015 Collection! The polishes range from $7.50-8.75 on KBShimmer’s website HERE or on Amazon HERE. These polishes make an amazing holiday gift, or snag a few up for yourself to rock all season long. I highly recommend them!

Which KBShimmer shades are you snagging? Let me know in the comments!

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

Book Review | Extras (Uglies #4) by Scott Westerfeld

Posted on November 26, 2015November 23, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

This review is of the fourth book in a series. It will contain spoilers for the first three books in the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld. Please read at your own discretion.

Extras (Uglies #4) by Scott Westerfeld

Published by Simon Pulse on January 1, 2007

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Science Fiction, Dystopian

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 417

Source: Purchased

Goodreads: ★★★

Fame

It’s a few years after rebel Tally Youngblood took down the uglies/pretties/specials regime. Without those strict roles and rules, the world is in a complete cultural renaissance. “Tech-heads” flaunt their latest gadgets, “kickers” spread gossip and trends, and “surge monkeys” are hooked on extreme plastic surgery. And it’s all monitored on a bazillion different cameras. The world is like a gigantic game of “American Idol.” Whoever is getting the most buzz gets the most votes. Popularity rules.

As if being fifteen doesn’t suck enough, Aya Fuse’s rank of 451,369 is so low, she’s a total nobody. An extra. But Aya doesn’t care; she just wants to lie low with her drone, Moggle. And maybe kick a good story for herself.

Then Aya meets a clique of girls who pull crazy tricks, yet are deeply secretive of it. Aya wants desperately to kick their story, to show everyone how intensely cool the Sly Girls are. But doing so would propel her out of extra-land and into the world of fame, celebrity…and extreme danger. A world she’s not prepared for.

REVIEW

I was a bit hesitant to pick up Extras, the final book in Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies series. This fourth book lives up to its title, as it is an extra addition to what was originally a trilogy. I’ve heard mixed reviews, and I was also wondering what an Uglies novel would be like following a different cast of characters. The book takes place three years after Tally took down her government, and focuses on a new main character called Aya. It was definitely weird to follow Aya instead of Tally, and it took me a while to really get into the story, simply because I was adapting to a new world.

Aya’s city has an economy based on face-rank. Basically, the more famous you are, the richer you are. Aya is a kicker, which means she posts stories to her feed in hopes that it will be shared. Sound familiar? This is quite similar to today’s social media culture, and I really liked how this concept is so relevant to today’s world.

That being said, there were definite issues with Extras. First, Westerfeld does a poor job at describing the setting. I was under the impression that the book takes place in Tally’s city, but it wasn’t until the book was half over that we find out Aya is actually from Japan (versus Tally’s California). It would have been helpful to have this set-up earlier in the book.

In the same way, there are a number of grammatical mistakes and copyediting errors throughout the book. It felt as if the release for Extras was rushed for publication. I deducted from the book’s overall rating for these errors, because I really don’t like when published books have so many mistakes.

Moreover, I was very excited when some of our favorite characters from the first three Uglies books made an appearance. I will keep it vague so as to not spoil you, but seeing these characters from another point of view was quite interesting. It really made me think about the first three books, and I liked this new perspective. They added a lot to Extras, but also to the original trilogy.

Overall, I am very glad I read Extras and officially finished of the Uglies series. While it was the weakest book in the series, I still liked the concept and plot, and thought it brought up some issues that are affecting us today. I will also mention that I certainly teared up in the final scene. I really enjoyed this series, and this was a poignant ending that I definitely recommend.

BUY THE BOOK

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

When you buy a book through the Amazon or Book Depository links above, I earn a small commission through each website’s affiliate program. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Rimmel London Keep Calm and Lip Balm | Swatches & Review

Posted on November 25, 2015November 18, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I am very excited to share with you three new products from the drugstore brand Rimmel London. I absolutely love tinted lip balms, because they are really easy to apply and wear. Rimmel just released a new line called Keep Calm and Lip Balm. Not only is the packaging extremely adorable, but the product is designed to increase lip moisture by 22%. With the colder weather in full swing, I couldn’t wait to test these out! Let me show you swatches of the three colors I received, and share my thoughts on them.

Each product has a sheer wash of color in addition to its moisturizing qualities. I do really like the formula of these lip products. They glide on easily and feel very soft and nourishing on the lips. I don’t find that these work as well as a medicated lip balms – while my lips feel nice while wearing the lip balm, they are not healed upon removal. Nevertheless, these are a great option if you want an affordable tinted balm that will not irritate your dry lips. Let’s jump right into swatches of the three I received!

Keep Calm and Kiss is a pale pink shade that Rimmel describes as Pink Blush. It’s not highly pigmented, but adds a nice wash of color. I think it’s perfect for the winter months. It looks great with my fair skin tone, but I think it can work on anyone! I should also mention that each of these balms has a sweet candy smell. It’s not overpowering, but I love it!

Next up is Keep Calm and Rock, a berry shade with purple undertones. I’m so impressed with the rich pigmentation of Keep Calm and Rock! This is the perfect product for those who want to try out darker lips, but may be intimidated by a lipstick. I love this for the holiday season as well!

Last but not least is Keep Calm and Play, what I would describe as a rosy coral shade. It has a light pigmentation, and is a ‘my lips but better’ shade for me. This is definitely the shade I would wear on the daily!

All in all, I am loving the Keep Calm and Lip Balm line from Rimmel London! While these are not a replacement for a healing lip balm for me, they are the perfect product to wear all day for a hint of color and a moisturizing feel on the lips. These will make an excellent stocking stuffer this holiday season, and are a fabulous and affordable $2.50! Keep an eye out at your local drugstore and department store, or use the store locator on Rimmel’s website HERE.

Will you be grabbing any of these? Let me know in the comments!

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

Book Review | Specials (Uglies #3) by Scott Westerfeld

Posted on November 24, 2015November 15, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

This review is of the third book in a series and contains spoilers for the first and second books. Please only read this review if you’ve read Uglies and Pretties by Scott Westerfeld.

Specials (Uglies #3) by Scott Westerfeld

Published by Simon Pulse on January 1, 2006

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Science Fiction, Dystopian

Format: Paperback

Pages: 384

Source: Purchased

Goodreads: ★★★ 1/2

“Special Circumstances”: The words have sent chills down Tally’s spine since her days as a repellent, rebellious ugly. Back then Specials were a sinister rumor — frighteningly beautiful, dangerously strong, breathtakingly fast. Ordinary pretties might live their whole lives without meeting a Special. But Tally’s never been ordinary.

And now she’s been turned into one of them: a superamped fighting machine, engineered to keep the uglies down and the pretties stupid.

The strength, the speed, and the clarity and focus of her thinking feel better than anything Tally can remember. Most of the time. One tiny corner of her heart still remembers something more.

Still, it’s easy to tune that out — until Tally’s offered a chance to stamp out the rebels of the New Smoke permanently. It all comes down to one last choice: listen to that tiny, faint heartbeat, or carry out the mission she’s programmed to complete. Either way, Tally’s world will never be the same.

REVIEW

I continued my back-to-back reading of Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies series, and picked up Specials immediately after finishing Pretties. This series was originally written as a trilogy, with the fourth book being published later. Thus, Specials can be thought of as a conclusion to the storyline readers have been experiencing thus far. Unfortunately, it wasn’t my favorite of the first three books.

Just as with Pretties, Specials begins with Tally in her new form, except this time she is a Special. I had a very difficult time getting into this book, mainly because the writing was awkward and difficult to follow. I can tell that Westerfeld has again shifted his writing style. This time, the writing takes on the harshness of Specials. While it is impressive that Westerfeld can adapt his writing in many ways, this new tone definitely made the reading experience less enjoyable for me.

In addition, I found that Specials follows a much similar formula that the two earlier books in the series do. Tally beings the story in her city in one form, and then leaves to discover something beyond the borders. While I won’t go into the details of the action so as to avoid spoilers, it was a little frustrating that I could somewhat predict the next step in the book because it was following such a formulaic arc.

My last main critique of Specials flows from Pretties. I really don’t like how Shay and Tally are part of a clique called the Cutters. Self-harm is a series issue in today’s society, and I feel like Westerfeld introduced it in an uncomfortable way. While Tally does stop cutting, it is never truly addressed how serious and dangerous such a habit can be. Not only can this aspect of the series be triggering for those who struggle with self-harm, but it downplays it as well.

Nonetheless, despite the issues I had with Specials, I did enjoy the story overall. While some characters acted outside of their developed personalities, there were a number of scenes that truly shed light on Tally’s society in an intriguing way. I was touched with many of the emotional moments, and the ending itself was solid. If you’ve been wondering whether or not to continue on with this series, I highly recommend doing so! Tally is an incredible protagonist, and I truly enjoyed her story.

BUY THE BOOK

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Max Dona Nail Polish in C22 | Born Pretty Store Macaron Collection

Posted on November 23, 2015November 13, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I have a review of a new nail polish from the online store Born Pretty Store. The shop has an eight piece collection called the Macaron Collection because of the shade range available. I got one of the polishes to review for all of you in a gorgeous purple color. The polish is from the brand Max Dona, which is new to me. One cool thing about Born Pretty Store is you get to try different brands from around the world! Let me show you this beautiful polish, and stay tuned for a coupon code at the end of the post!

The Max Dona polish I received is shade C22, a lilac creme polish with silver shimmer. The formula is good, but it is on the thick side so I recommend thin coats. I accidentally applied a thick coat on my middle finger, and you can see how it turns goopy with too much polish on the nail. However, with two thin coats I achieved a beautiful look! I really like the combination of this purple with the silver shimmer. It’s perfect for the winter months, but can carry into the springtime seamlessly.

All in all, I’m really liking this purple polish from Born Pretty Store! I think it’s definitely worth a pick-up if you think the color is as pretty as I do. It is a fabulous and affordable $4.84 on the Born Pretty Store website HERE. Of course, when you shop on Born Pretty Store’s website, you will always get free international shipping, and you can use my coupon code FZL91 for 10% off your order. Stay tuned for more reviews of Born Pretty Store products in the coming weeks!

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

Sally Hansen Lustre Shine in Firefly

Posted on November 20, 2015November 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! For the past couple weeks, I’ve been sharing with you some polishes that I’ve swatched during a nail polish destash project. So far, I’ve kept everything I’ve shown on the blog, but today I have a polish that I’ve decided to let go. Sometimes a polish looks beautiful both in the bottle and on the nails, but the formula isn’t that great. That is certainly the case with Sally Hansen Lustre Shine in Firefly. Let me show this polish to you, and share my thoughts!

Firefly is a metallic duochrome polish that is a bronze shade that turns green in the right light. I really love this shade, but unfortunately the formula is a bit difficult. The metallic formula tends to clump up on the nail, and it is just a bit messy overall. I decided that even though I like the color, it was time to get rid of Firefly. I haven’t worn this polish since I first got it about three years ago, so I probably won’t miss it too much!

All in all, it feels good to let go of polishes that I’m not loving and not using. I’m still keeping Moonstone from the Sally Hansen Lustre Shine line, as it is beautiful and works amazingly well for me. I’m glad I won’t be saying goodbye to all of my Lustre Shine polishes, but Firefly’s got to go.

Do you own any Sally Hansen Lustre Shine polishes? Let me know in the comments!

This product was provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Book Review | Pretties (Uglies #2) by Scott Westerfeld

Posted on November 19, 2015November 15, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

This review is of the second book in a series and contains spoilers for the first book. Please only read this review if you have read Uglies by Scott Westerfeld.

Pretties (Uglies #2) by Scott Westerfeld

Published by Simon Pulse on May 5, 2005

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Science Fiction, Dystopian

Format: Paperback

Pages: 370

Source: BookMooch

Goodreads: ★★★★

Tally has finally become pretty. Now her looks are beyond perfect, her clothes are awesome, her boyfriend is totally hot, and she’s completely popular. It’s everything she’s ever wanted.

But beneath all the fun — the nonstop parties, the high-tech luxury, the total freedom — is a nagging sense that something’s wrong. Something important. Then a message from Tally’s ugly past arrives. Reading it, Tally remembers what’s wrong with pretty life, and the fun stops cold.

Now she has to choose between fighting to forget what she knows and fighting for her life — because the authorities don’t intend to let anyone with this information survive.

REVIEW

I picked up Pretties immediately after finishing the first book in this series, Uglies. One of the benefits of reading an older book series is that there is no waiting between books, and I certainly prefer to read them all in a row so as to not forget any details. Pretties picks up about a month after Uglies finishes. Tally is, of course, now Pretty, and she is living in New Pretty Town and enjoying all the benefits that come with being Pretty. I was immediately impressed with how Westerfeld is able to change his entire writing style to fit the tone of this book. He adapts a new vocabulary, and emits a new aura to represent the laid-back and bubble-headed Pretty mentality. Just as Tally becomes Pretty, the reader does, too.

I really enjoyed reading the portions of the book that take place in New Pretty Town. In Uglies, I only had a glimpse into what it meant to be Pretty. I was glad that Westerfeld really dove into the Pretty culture in this book. I found the idea of cliques to be really interesting, and I loved seeing how the Pretties interact with one another. Westerfeld does a great job at flushing out the world he created in book one.

Moreover, I also liked the introduction of the new characters in this novel. I instantly loved the character of Zane, the mysterious leader of Tally’s new friend group. I was rooting for him and Tally to be a couple, and loved whenever they were in scenes together. Be forewarned, though, if you don’t like love triangles in books this may be a drawback for you. I thought this triangle was well-written and also very logical considering Tally’s Pretty status, so I don’t think it takes away from the story at all.

In addition, I also liked other new characters introduced, and the people Tally encounters as the story continues. While I won’t explain more due to spoilers, suffice it to say Westerfeld is no stranger to surprising the reader and adding in some fun twists and turns. One of the reasons I really enjoy this series is because of its fast-paced and addictive qualities. Pretties definitely keeps up with Uglies in terms of pace.

The one main critique I have is a small plot hole that for some reason really took away from the credibility of the novel. In Uglies, we get to meet Tally’s parents, who encouraged her to listen to Special Circumstances and help them find the Smoke. In Pretties, we never hear about her parents. What happened to them? Did they meet Tally after her operation? Do Pretties not have contact with their parents? These questions were left unanswered, and while this is not a main part of the story, it still didn’t sit well with me.

Nonetheless, I really enjoyed Pretties, and thought it was a great continuation to the series. I highly recommend reading it if you’ve read Uglies but haven’t yet continued on in the series. The book is such a quick read, and I was still extremely invested in Tally and her story by the end of this second book. Westerfeld definitely knows how to keep a series alive!

BUY THE BOOK

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

When you buy a book through the Amazon of Book Depository links above, I earn a small commission through each website’s affiliate program. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

DIY Travel Nail Kit

Posted on November 18, 2015November 18, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Now that we are headed into the holiday season, I thought it was the perfect time to put together a DIY Travel Nail Kit! Whether you need a touch up on a weekend getaway, or some manicure options during a longer trip, I’ve got you (and your nails!) covered. I never used to travel with nail polish until college. During my winter break I was away from my nail polish collection for a few weeks, so I wanted to make sure I had a few options on hand. Let me show you everything I pack with me to keep my manicure in shape!

First things first, I highly recommend dedicating a small makeup bag to your nail kit. That way if things go wrong and your nail polish bottles break or spill, nothing else will get ruined. That being said, I always keep a spare piece of bubble wrap in my nail kit so I can keep everything secure. Don’t forget that if you are flying, you’ll need to put your nail polish in your checked luggage, or abide by the 3-1-1 rule (more on that HERE).

As for the items inside my kit, I make sure to have at least five things with me, four of which are pictured above for you:

Sally Hansen Double Duty – This is a base coat and a top coat in one! I’ve used it for years, and while it’s not my favorite top coat option, it’s a great one both for the price and the convenience. I often use it at home as a base coat, and it’s the logical choice for travel. Find it at your local drugstore, or online HERE.
Neutral or Pink Nail Polish – When traveling, it is best to find a nail polish that will work for any occasion and any outfit. I recommend a neutral shade, such as a beige or tan, or my go to polish color – pink! I love Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Peachy Breeze because it can work for a professional event, but is also fun for your beach vacation. Plus, a fast-dry formula is perfect for on the go.
Glitter Top Coat – Your manicure options will double with a glitter top coat! Keep one on hand for a night out, holiday party, or simply a change of pace. This can layer right over your other nail polish so you don’t need to worry about remover or touch ups. I grabbed Milani Color Statement in Club Lights, but choose any glitter you love for your kit!
Mini Emery Boards – I always keep an emery board in my purse, and I, of course, keep at least two in my travel nail kit. You never know when your nails will break, especially with the drying atmosphere of an airplane! I’ve used some of the tiny emery boards before, and those just don’t cut it. I received these black ones for review, and am in love! They are the perfect size at 3.5 inches long – they fit easily in my makeup bag, but are still big enough to hold easily. Plus, you can get a 50 pack for just $10 on Amazon HERE. I highly recommend grabbing a pack to keep you stocked up. They even make a great stocking stuffer!
Nail Polish Remover Pads – I don’t have any on hand to show you, but nail polish remover pads are perfect for travel! Who wants to carry a bottle of nail polish remover?! I’ve had great luck with the butterLONDON Scrubbers, which I think is worth splurging on for special occasions. I usually wait to take off my nail polish once I’m back at home, but these are a great option for those of you who want to switch it up on the road!

All in all, taking care of your nails while traveling can be super easy and non-stressful with a DIY Travel Nail Kit! This kit makes the perfect holiday gift for your friends and family, but don’t forget to create one for yourself! You can also feel free to add in hand cream for some added moisture during the winter months. It all depends on your personal needs! I hope this post brought you some inspiration, and I’m wishing you safe travels!

What’s in your Travel Nail Kit? Let me know in the comments!

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.