Author: Adventures in Polishland

Why I Reread 50 Books in 2019 | The #MyYearofRereading Project

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

As an avid reader and book collector who also happens to be a strong proponent of the KonMari method, my bookshelves are replete with books that sparked so much joy for me upon the first reading that I held onto them for future reference. Yet despite my good intentions over the years, rereading books did not happen very often. With so many new releases and an unending supply of backlist options, I maybe reread a favorite title a few times a year. Eventually, I came to the same conclusion that many readers do at some point: I will never be able to read all the books. I just can’t! Life is too short to consume every work that interests me. If I wanted to reread my favorite books, there was no better time than the present. Thus, the #MyYearofRereading Project was born as 2019 began, and I’m so happy to report that I successfully reread 50 books from my collection, and plan to continue this project into the new decade.

I began the #MyYearofRereading Project by creating some rules for myself. My main goal with this project is to reread the books I own in physical form on my bookshelves. The three guidelines I gave myself are as follows:

  1. If I read the book in 2018, I don’t need to reread it in 2019. However, I can if I choose to do so.
  2. If I don’t feel any desire to reread a book, I will declutter that book. Why was I holding onto it in the first place?
  3. I am not limited to rereading. If I want to read a new-to-me book during the year, I can do so. This will be especially useful when I am attempting to finish a series I’ve already started.

These three rules worked quite effectively for me. As it turns out, the only book from 2018 that I reread in 2019 was Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling. In terms of decluttering my bookshelves, I only let go of a handful of books. For instance, I finally came to terms with the fact that I am not going to continue on with the Game of Thrones series, and there were a few other titles I chucked when I realized if I truly wanted to read them again, I could just check them out from the library.

The #MyYearofRereading Project in Numbers

Let’s take a closer look at my reading in 2019. In total, I read 68 books, which is the most I’ve ever read in one year, at least in my adult life. Part of that has to do with a lengthened commute, but I do think rereading attributed to the quantity as well.

I am excited to report that over 75% of my reading in 2019 was rereading. Exactly 50 books were rereads from my physical bookshelf, but I also reread two Ebooks, which don’t officially count for the #MyYearofRereading Project since I do not own them in physical form.

One of my biggest takeaways from the #MyYearofRereading Project comes from my reading of new-to-me books. Of the 16 books that I read for the first time in 2019, only seven of them were from my own personal collection, otherwise called my “TBR” or To Be Read Pile. Funnily enough, six of the seven books I read from my TBR were part of a series in some way (either a direct sequel or a spin-off novel). This shows me that, when it comes to reading new-to-me books, I should be utilizing my library more. It seems I am more interested in reading books I don’t own than the ones sitting unread at home!

Since one of my rules mentioned finishing book series, I wanted to take a look at that category as well. Interestingly enough, I only completed two series that I had previously started. However, I ended up rereading three series from start to finish. One of my ongoing struggles as a reader is completing series, and I do find that I am most successful when I read the books back-to-back. Rereading can help me complete a series, but I am a bit more likely to return to a favorite series, than complete a new one. If you have any tips on completing book series, please share in the comments!

The #MyYearofRereading Project Results

As 2019 draws to a close, I am so happy that I gave myself the excuse to reread all year long. I know many readers who find rereading to be a waste of time. The argument is often that there is nothing more to gain from a story if it has already been consumed once. You will not be surprised to find that I wholeheartedly disagree. I learn something new every single time I reread a book, even if I’ve read it several times. For example, one of my most reread books is If I Were a Teenage Fairy by Francesca Lia Block. I first read this book as a child, and each time I pick it up I am amazed at how much I previously missed. This is due to maturity, and learning more about the world around me. But, it is also due to getting to know the characters more with each reading. Additionally, each reread provides me with the opportunity to look at the plot from a new angle. Thus, I find rereading to be quite valuable and enjoyable at the same time.

My Reading Plans for 2020

When I began the #MyYearofRereading Project, I intended for it to only last for 2019. I hoped the project would encourage me to reread on a more consistent basis, but I fully expected I would walk into 2020 with the goal of clearing out my TBR shelf, and only rereading once in a while. However, I loved this project so much that I plan on continuing the #MyYearofRereading Project for the foreseeable future! I do want to read more new-to-me books in 2020, but I will be continuing my journey in rereading. There are still dozens of books on my shelves that I have yet to reread, and I look forward to the day where my personal book collection contains only those books that I have read at least twice.

Follow the #MyYearofRereading Project on Instagram for reviews and reading updates: @PolishlandReads

LUSH Aromaco Deodorant Review | #PlasticFreeJuly

LUSH Aromaco Deodorant Review | #PlasticFreeJuly

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Sunday! Today I’m excited to bring you another review of a plastic free beauty product as part of #PlasticFreeJuly. If you would like to learn a bit more about this month-long project, please read THIS blog post. One of my favorite zero waste products is the Aromaco naked deodorant from LUSH. I tried this after having a horrible experience with another natural deodorant, and this is now a staple in my body care routine. Let me tell you a bit more about why I love Aromaco!

I first purchased this deodorant because it is an affordable vegan option that comes without a plastic tube. I was quite hesitant to try it, because Aromaco does contain baking soda, and I had a very bad reaction after using another deodorant with baking soda in the past. Luckily, I think it is far enough down on the ingredients list, because I have not had any irritation at all with this deodorant. In fact, I am very impressed with the formula! It goes onto the skin easily without being sticky, and it doesn’t leave a white-cast on your body or on your clothing. The scent is a bit herbal, but it’s not strong, which I prefer. My only criticism of this product, is that I wish it were a bit stronger. Aromaco is an effective deodorant, but at the end of a hot, sweaty day, my armpits don’t smell as peachy as I would like. Nonetheless, re-applying the product helps take care of any stink, and I find I have to stick my own nose into my armpit to truly smell anything.

Overall, I love the LUSH Aromaco deodorant! One block of it is about $6.95, and it lasts for several months. I’ve already repurchased a second block, and I think this is going to be my go-to deodorant for quite some time! I store mine in a repurposed body scrub jar, and I recommend using any upcycled air-tight container. Can you imagine how much plastic we would prevent from ending up an a landfill just by switching to plastic free deodorant?! I highly recommend giving this one a try!

Have you tried any packaging free deodorants? Share your experience in the comments!

Dr. Bronner’s All-One Hemp Tea Tree Pure Castile Bar Soap Review | #PlasticFreeJuly

Dr. Bronner’s All-One Hemp Tea Tree Pure Castile Bar Soap Review | #PlasticFreeJuly

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Welcome back to Adventures in Polishland! I am excited to be back on the blog for the first day of an event called Plastic Free July. This month-long challenge is a global movement encouraging people to ditch single use plastics for the entirety of July. This is the first year I am participating in the challenge, and I thought I would celebrate by sharing some reviews of my favorite plastic free products with all of you. My zero waste journey truly began last year, and I’ve slowly continued transitioning over my beauty collection, and the rest of my life, to be more eco-conscious. Today I have a review of one of the first plastic free products I introduced into my routine, and that is the Dr. Bronner’s All-One Hemp Tea Tree Pure Castile Bar Soap.

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

I purchased this bar soap for the main purpose of cleaning my BeautyBlender. I’ve heard great things about the BeautyBlender BlenderCleanser Solid, but that comes wrapped in plastic and is a bit pricey at about $16.00. Thus, I decided to try the Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Bar Soap, which also has excellent reviews. I love that this product is vegan, and that it comes in a 100% post-consumer recycled wrapper that is biodegradable. Plus, it is very affordable at just $4.69 at Ulta. Dr. Bronner’s offers a few different varieties of bar soap, but I purchased the Tea Tree scent since tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic, and I thought that would be a great option for cleaning my BeautyBlender.

I kept this bar soap on my sink in a vintage carnival glass dish that I purchased at an antique store. I found the exact one on Etsy HERE if you would like to match me! I love using a bowl as a soap dish, because it allows the soap to sit an an angle and not get soggy. In fact, this Dr. Bronner’s soap held up really well! It lasted me a few months, and did a great job at cleaning my BeautyBlender. I wash my BeautyBlender before each use, and this soap kept it looking stain-free. In addition, the scent on this soap is very light, and I would describe it as a bit herbal or earthy. However, the scent does not linger once rinsed off, which I personally enjoy. I will say that the formula of this soap can be a bit drying for the hands, but that isn’t a problem when you’re using it as a makeup brush shampoo.

All in all, I’m so glad I finally tried this cult favorite product! The Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Bar Soap is a budget-friendly option that is widely available at drugstores and department stores. I have yet to repurchase this product because I’ve been enjoying testing out other bar soaps, but I would definitely grab this again in the future. If you are looking for a vegan and zero waste bar soap that won’t break the bank, I highly recommend it!

What is your favorite plastic free product for cleaning your BeautyBlender or makeup brushes? Let me know in the comments!

You can purchase this product and support my blog by using one of the following affiliate links:

Amazon | Ulta | Walgreens

Why I Returned the Lush Cosmetics No Drought Dry Shampoo | Lush Dry Shampoo Review

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Sunday! Today I am excited to share my thoughts on the Lush Cosmetics No Drought Dry Shampoo. One of my goals this year is to go as zero waste as possible, and that includes my beauty products. When it came time for me to buy a new dry shampoo, I decided to purchase the one from Lush. I wanted a dry shampoo that was not in aerosol form (learn why that is bad for the environment HERE), and also one with ethical packaging. I love that the Lush plastic bottles are made with 100% post-consumer plastic, so I decided to try No Drought. Unfortunately, I made the decision to return this product to the store when it did not work for me.

This post contains an affiliate link. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

The No Drought Dry Shampoo claims to be a formula that absorbs excess oils and adds volume to the hair. I spoke with a sales associate at my local store before purchasing, because I was concerned the white powder wouldn’t blend in well with my light brown hair, and she assured me that wouldn’t be a problem. She also mentioned that this product does a great job at absorbing oils. While I was able to get the dry shampoo to blend in just fine with my hair color, this product was, unfortunately, quite ineffective in my hair. In fact, my hair looked and felt even dirtier and greasier whenever I used this product!

The issue, for me, lies in the fact that this is a texturizing dry shampoo. Over the years I’ve found that dry shampoos fall into one of two camps: dry shampoos that absorb oil and dry shampoos that texturize. I steer clear of texturizing dry shampoos because I have very fine hair. When texture is added, it weighs my hair down, and makes it cling together. I tried a few different techniques with No Drought in an attempt to get it to work for me, but my hair always came out feeling very heavy and greasy. After about a month of use, I made the decision to return this product to the store. I try to never return used beauty products, as I know they cannot be resold to other customers, but I was very let down that I spent $15.95 on a product that was not living up to its claims. I certainly did not achieve the promised matte finish!

In the end, I would only recommend the Lush Cosmetics No Drought Dry Shampoo if you enjoy using texturizing hair products. For instance, if you have thick hair, this may work better for you than it did for me. That being said, I will still continue to purchase other products from Lush, especially those that come packaging free. As for dry shampoo, I am now testing the one from Verb sold at Ulta (shop HERE).

Have you tried a non-aerosol dry shampoo? Let me know in the comments!

Schmidt’s Bergamot + Lime Natural Deodorant Review | The Best and Worst Natural Deodorant I’ve Tried

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today I have a review of the Schmidt’s Bergamot + Lime Natural Deodorant to share with you. I’ve been on the hunt for a deodorant that is natural, vegan, and effective for about two years now. While I’ve found some options that are just okay, I was very excited to give Schmidt’s a try after spotting it at my local Target store. I know this brand is a favorite of many, including beauty influencer Ingrid Nilsen. Unfortunately, after using up my first stick of Schmidt’s, I know it is going to be my last. Let me tell you why this is both the best and worst natural deodorant I’ve tried thus far.

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

As mentioned, I purchased a stick of Schmidt’s from my local Target. I love that this vegan deodorant is easily accessible, and available at the affordable price of around $5.00. I grabbed the Bergamot + Lime scent, as the only other option available in-store was Lavender, and I’m not a fan of florals. While I never really enjoyed the strong citrusy scent of Bergamot + Lime, it was something I was willing to ignore if the deodorant worked well for me.

I began using this deodorant according to the instructions on the packaging, and, at first, I was absolutely in love. This is the first natural deodorant I’ve tried that actually kept me smelling fresh and clean all day long. In fact, when I got changed at night before bed, I was amazed to discover that my armpits did not have any bad smell at all! This is definitely a departure from other vegan and natural deodorants I’ve tried thus far that did not have a long-lasting effect. I was so excited that this deodorant prevented odor all day long, and I thought I had discovered my new Holy Grail deodorant!

Unfortunately, after I had used this deodorant for around two months I developed a rash in my armpits. At first it was quite mild, and only on one side, but then it became more painful and irritated under both arms. I decided to take a break from the deodorant, and the rash cleared up. Whenever I attempted to go back to the deodorant, the rash would reappear.

After a quick Google search, I discovered that many other people have also reported getting a rash when using Schmidt’s deodorants. In fact, the company acknowledges this “sensitivity” on its website HERE claiming it is “underarm detox.” For me, this is a huge red flag that I wish I noticed before purchasing this product. Not only have I used natural deodorants for about 18 months now, but there is also evidence that the term “detox” is improperly used in marketing in order to encourage consumers to purchase products. Thus, even if “underarm detox” is scientifically based, I should not be experiencing any such detox after using natural deodorants for an extended period of time.

At the end of the day, I am very disappointed that I cannot recommend the Schmidt’s Bergamot + Lime Natural Deodorant. It truly is the best and worst natural deodorant I’ve tried! If I did not get a rash when using this product, I would jump at repurchasing it again. However, I am now using a package-free deodorant from Lush that is better for the environment and my armpits.

What is your favorite natural deodorant? Let me know in the comments!

I Tried 8 Vegan Mascaras So You Don’t Have To | Vegan Mascara Mini Reviews

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Since going vegan in the summer of 2016, I’ve been on the hunt for my new Holy Grail mascara. While it’s been quite easy to find a vegan substitute for the majority of my makeup products, finding a vegan mascara has been a bit more challenging. Today I am going to share mini reviews of the eight different mascaras I’ve tried in the past couple of years. These mascaras range widely in both price and quality, and I will share my thoughts on them in the chronological order in which I tested them. Let’s go on a journey through all of the vegan mascaras I’ve tried!

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

Wet ‘n Wild MegaVolume Mascara – $2.99 [BUY]

The first vegan mascara I tried is the Wet ‘n Wild MegaVolume. I decided to start out with a very affordable option, as I always hope to find a product that is extremely budget friendly. I posted a full review of this mascara on my blog HERE. Overall, I thought this mascara was okay, but it didn’t provide me with too much volume or length. If you are looking for a natural-looking mascara that will give you just a little definition, the MegaVolume is a good option.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Volumizing & Defining Mascara – $2.90 [BUY]

I then decided to try another drugstore brand to see how that mascara would compare. I bought the e.l.f. Cosmetics Volumizing & Defining Mascara because I really enjoy this type of plastic wand as opposed to natural bristle wands. Unfortunately, this mascara was a huge disappointment! As I outlined in THIS blog post, the formula was extremely thick and heavy. Worst of all, it gave me the dreaded uni-lash, meaning all of my lashes stuck together in one clump. This was strike one for e.l.f., a brand I usually love!

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara – $23.00 [BUY]

After two frustrating rounds with drugstore mascaras, I tried my hand at a high end option from Tarte. I am happy to report that I really enjoyed the Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara. It provided me with longer and fuller lashes, and was definitely the best option I tried thus far. However, I prefer a drier mascara formula, and this one is a bit on the wet side. That being said, I do recommend this mascara, and I can see myself going back to it at some point in the future. I don’t like spending a lot on high end mascaras, but this one is worth it if you like a wetter formula.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara – $23.00 [BUY]

I next decided to try a cult favorite mascara in the beauty community – the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. Unfortunately, this mascara did not work out for me at all! I found the formula to be extremely heavy, and it made a huge mess every time I tried to apply it. I think the natural bristle brush combined with the wet formula was just a big no for my lashes. Despite so many people loving this mascara, I would not recommend it! It was back to drugstore formulas (and prices!) at this point.

e.l.f. Cosmetics 3-in-1 Mascara – $3.00 [BUY]

I decided to give e.l.f. a second chance, and purchased the 3-in-1 Mascara. Again, I went with a plastic mascara wand, and chose a formula advertised to define, lengthen, and volumize. This time, it wasn’t the mascara formula that went wrong – it was the packaging! The opening of the mascara was so narrow that the brush could barely fit through it. That meant that almost zero product made it onto the wand and onto my lashes. I consistently felt like I was putting absolutely nothing on my lashes with this mascara. I do want to mention that this product has since been reformulated, but I have no desire to try it again. We’ll call this strike two for e.l.f.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Volume Plumping Mascara – $3.00 [BUY]

I gave e.l.f. its third and final chance with the Volume Pluming Mascara. I grabbed this at Target, hoping that the promised “New Formula” would be good. Well, this was strike three for e.l.f. mascaras for me. Once again, the formula did almost nothing for my lashes. Remember how I said the Wet ‘n Wild MegaVolume looked very natural? This Volume Plumping Mascara did even less than that. I’ve now come to the conclusion that e.l.f. mascaras are not for me. I absolutely love e.l.f. Cosmetics as a brand, but I do not plan on ever trying another mascara from the company.

Wet ‘n Wild MegaLength Mascara – $2.99 [BUY]

At this point in the game, I did some thinking. I wanted to stick with a drugstore mascara to save money, but I also needed to stay away from e.l.f. I decided to go back to Wet ‘n Wild and try a different mascara formula. This time I got the MegaLength, and I was pleasantly surprised! This is by far the best vegan mascara I’ve tested, and it’s only $2.99 regular price! I like this mascara because it does a great job at lengthening my lashes. It doesn’t provide much volume, but I would rather have long lashes than clumpy ones. While still not a Holy Grail product for me, this is a mascara I’ve repurchased a few times already.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Gifted Mascara – $23.00 [BUY]

Last but not least, I got a mini size of the Tarte Gifted Mascara as a point perk  from Sephora. I really liked this mascara, too. It can be a bit messy, but I like how my lashes looked really full and long after application. That being said, I wouldn’t buy this mascara at the full price. If it went on sale, I would consider getting this again, and I do recommend it if you’re looking for a weightless yet effective mascara.

Final Thoughts: I’ve learned a few important things during these past 18 months of testing vegan mascaras. First, e.l.f. Cosmetics mascaras are to be avoided (at least, for me). Second, spending a lot of money on a mascara isn’t worth it for me. I like to change out my mascaras every three to four months, so keeping the cost down is important. In the same way, more money doesn’t necessarily mean a better formula. In the end, I’m going to continue testing out vegan drugstore mascaras to see if I can find my new Holy Grail. Until then, I highly recommend the Wet ‘n Wild MegaLength!

What’s your favorite vegan mascara? Let me know in the comments!

 

How to Eat Vegan at a Hotel Continental Breakfast Buffet | #WhatVegansEat

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today I am excited to share with you how I recently ate vegan while traveling. Many hotels offer a complimentary continental breakfast with your stay, and I definitely want to take advantage of that perk to save money on the go. While at first the breakfast buffet might seem intimidating, there are bound to be at least a few options for those of us with a vegan lifestyle. This post will share with you all of the vegan options I found at the Fairfield Inn & Suites during a recent stay.

I am not affiliated with the Fairfield Inn & Suites. Ebates referral link used. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

The Fairfield Inn & Suites is a business hotel with limited amenities. In fact, the location where I stayed was very simple. There is no restaurant, bar, pool, gift shop, or anything that you might see at a hotel aimed at tourists. I appreciated that the hotel is very clean and simple, and equips the rooms with things like free WiFi and a microwave and mini fridge. If you like efficiency, the Fairfield Inn & Suites is a great place to stay. Of course, I also appreciate that a continental breakfast buffet is included! I was very happy to see a handful of vegan options that allowed me to easily fill up before heading out the door.

Let’s begin with my favorite vegan option available – the oatmeal bar! I double checked with hotel staff that the oatmeal was prepared with water, and not a dairy product like milk. I was also super excited for all of the vegan toppings available. The toppings included are dates, apricots, walnuts, almonds, raisins, and brown sugar. There is even a bottle of agave next to the oatmeal bar (no honey here!). If you stay away from sugar that may have been filtered with bone char (more info on that HERE), avoid the brown sugar. Everything else in the oatmeal bar is vegan, though! I even added some maple syrup from the waffle area to my oatmeal for added flavor.

The buffet also includes a section with fresh fruit. There are bananas and apples available daily. The two domed cases held different fruit depending on the day. This day there was cantaloupe and grapes, but I also saw pineapple and mixed fruit during my stay. Whether I wanted to add some fresh fruit to my breakfast, or grab an apple for later, I was glad that fruit was always available for me.

The Fairfield Inn & Suites also offers a variety of breads and bagels for toasting. Bagels are almost always vegan, especially plain bagels. If you want to double check the bread’s ingredients before eating them, ask the staff at your hotel. During my stay, there was always a staff member available during breakfast who was more than happy to answer any questions I had. I absolutely love bagels, so I did enjoy a couple during my stay. Toppings for toast included peanut butter and fruit spreads.

Last but not least, I wanted to quickly mention the cereal bar. While the cereals can rotate depending on the day, the varieties available during my stay were Frosted Flakes, Kellogg’s Granola, and Raisin Bran. All of these cereal varieties do contain micro-ingredients that are not vegan. That being said, I like to follow PETA’s suggestion and not worry about these micro-ingredients, especially in situations like this one where this cereal might be your only food option. You can learn more about PETA’s stance on the organization’s website HERE. Of course, you have to do what you feel comfortable with, and I decided not to eat these cereals because there were other vegan options available to me at this particular hotel. I would love to see this hotel offer some dairy-free milk options, too!

In the end, I hope this blog post helped you to discover that vegan options can easily be found at a hotel continental breakfast buffet! As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, the hotel I stayed at is very basic, so there is a good chance that a larger hotel would have even more vegan options! While I am in no way affiliated with Fairfield Inn & Suites, I do recommend this hotel chain. I’ve had a great experience during each stay, and I love that my breakfast is included. Make sure you book your trip through Ebates HERE to earn cash back on your stay.

What vegan options have you found at a hotel breakfast buffet?

Let me know in the comments!

Follow me on Instagram HERE for daily vegan lifestyle posts.

 

 

All the Vegan Options During the Ulta Beauty Spring Haul Event | April 2018 Sale Event

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! Today I am excited to share with you all of the vegan options during the Ulta Beauty Spring Haul Event. This event is taking place now through April 21, 2018. The event is split up into two weeks, with different promotions occurring each week. I apologize for not having this post up sooner, but there is still time to take advantage of all the current deals. As always, I hope this post is helpful in making your shopping experience at Ulta easier. Finding fabulous and affordable vegan beauty products is not as complicated as one may think!

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

You can find complete information about the Ulta Spring Haul event on the retailer’s website HERE.

Week 1 Deals – April 8 – 14, 2018:

  • Ulta Beauty Collection Implements – $1.25-$8.00 [BUY]
  • Eyelure and Ardell False Lashes – $3.59-$8.39 [BUY]
  • Makeup Revolution Select Eyeshadow Palettes (Vegan Option: Fortune Favors the Brave Ultra 30 Eyeshadow Palette) – $9.00 [BUY]
  • Bh Cosmetics Carli Bybel Deluxe Edition 21 Color Eyeshadow & Highlighter Palette – $16.88 [BUY]
  • Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Line – $2.99 [BUY]
  • Pacifica Skincare Mists – $5.00-$6.00 [BUY]
  • Hempz Haircare (Vegan Options: Vanilla Plum Herbal Moisturizing & Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner, Original Herbal Shampoo for Damaged & Color Treated Hair, Herbal Dry Shampoo & Style Extender, Triple Moisture Rich Daily Herbal Replenishing Shampoo and Conditioner & Hair Mask,  Pomegranate Daily Herbal Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner, Herbal Workable Hairspray, and Pure Hemp Ultra-Hydrating Healthy Herbal Hair Mask & Deep Conditioner) – $5.00-$13.50 [BUY]

Week 2 – April 15 – 21, 2018:

  • Yes To Towelettes – $1.50-$4.25 [BUY]
  • Real Techniques Sponges and Kits – $3.59-$11.99 [BUY]
  • EcoTools Sponges and Kits – $2.99-$8.99 [BUY]
  • Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer, Highlighter, and Blush (Vegan Options: All Butter Bronzer shades are vegan. All Butter Highlighter shades are vegan except for Pink. I cannot confirm if any Butter Blush shades are vegan) – $6.59-$8.99 [BUY]
  • Models Own Eyeshadow Palettes (Vegan Options: Barely There, Rockstar, Vintage Rose, Wonderland, Supernatural, and Colour Chrome) – $7.50 [BUY]
  • Wet ‘n Wild Photo Focus Foundation – $3.59 [BUY]
  • Winky Lux Glimmer Balms – $7.00-$8.00 [BUY]

*Please Note: I have done my best to provide an accurate and complete list of all the vegan products available during the sale. If I could not confirm that a product is vegan, I did not put it on this list. If you have any questions or further information, kindly leave me a comment.

Will you be purchasing any products from the Spring Haul Sale? Let me know in the comments!

Follow me on Instagram HERE for daily vegan content!

What’s on My Sephora Loves List?! | My Current Beauty Wish List (Vegan and Cruelty Free)

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! I recently saw a YouTube video from JAMBeauty89 in which she discussed the products on her Sephora Loves List. I thought this was a really fun idea, and wanted to share what is currently on my own Beauty Wish List with all of you! I love perusing the Sephora website, but it is rare that I actually make a purchase. Instead, I add products I’m interested in to my Loves List on the website so that I can easily find them again at a later date. I have ten products on my Loves List right now, some I may purchase in the future, and others that I may take off the list at some point. Let me show you the vegan and cruelty free beauty products on my wish list right now!

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

You can use the widget below to view all of the products I’m mentioning today. Simply click on a product to purchase it online!


Anastasia Beverly Hills Blush Trio in Berry Adore | $30.00 [BUY]

I’ve been on the hunt for a purple, berry-toned blush for a while now. I think this trio from Anastasia contains the perfect shade, but I’m hesitant to buy it because of the price, and because I only want one of the blushes in the trio. I might pick this up once the fall months roll around, but I’m currently still looking for a more affordable option of this purple shade.

Cover FX Power Play Foundation | $44.00 [BUY]

Cover FX just released this new line of vegan foundations, and I’m definitely curious to try it. In addition to buying vegan cosmetics, I’m also trying to be aware of supporting brands that cater to a wide variety of skin tones. I love that this line offers 40 different shades, including a variety of shades for those with deep skin tones. Of course, I love that this foundation is formulated to be matte and long-wearing, too.

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick | $46.00 [BUY]

I was really disappointed when e.l.f. discontinued its foundation stick, and I’ve been looking for another option these past few months. This one from Hourglass has amazing reviews, but I cannot get over the price tag! I don’t think I could ever spend so much on a stick foundation, but I keep it on my list just in case it ever goes on sale.

IGK Low Key Cleansing Walnut Scalp Scrub | $36.00 [BUY]

I recently used up a deluxe sample of this scalp scrub from IGK, and I really enjoyed it. Because I have a flaky scalp, using a scrub helps to remove dry skin and excess product while providing a soothing cooling sensation. I use the IGK Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm every time I wash my hair, so I’m a huge believer in this brand’s effectiveness. I am looking for a more affordable scalp scrub, but I do see myself grabbing this one in the future.

Smashbox Iconic Photo Finish Foundation Primer | $49.00 [BUY]

Sephora now has a section on its website for Value Size products (shop HERE), and I saw one of my all-time favorite primers listed there from Smashbox. While $49.00 is a lot to spend at once, this jumbo size is a great value, and it’s also better for the environment to buy larger sizes and use less plastic. I currently have a few primers in my beauty stash, but I will probably purchase this one during a Sephora coupon event to get even more savings.

Smashbox Super Fan Mascara | $19.00 [BUY]

I typically do not buy high end mascaras, but Smashbox just released the Super Fan Mascara, and it looks amazing! I really like rubber mascara wands, and this mascara is designed to give long lashes without any clumps. I’m hoping Sephora will offer a mini size as a Point Perk sometime soon, because I would really like to try this mascara without spending nearly $20.00!

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask | $48.00 [BUY]

This face mask is taking over Instagram, and it has definitely piqued my interest. The Jet Lag Mask is a hydrating mask, inspired by how airplane travel dries out the skin. What’s really cool about this mask is that it can be worn in a variety of ways. I’m definitely hesitant to buy this mask because of the price tag, but the hype surrounding this product is so strong that I want to keep it on my wish list!

The Ordinary High -Adherence Silicone Primer | $4.90 [BUY]

I’m very curious to try out some products from the ultra-affordable brand The Ordinary. I’m not sure where to start with a lot of the skincare products, but this primer sounds amazing to me. Whenever Sephora restocks The Ordinary, the products seem to sell out instantly. That leads me to believe it is worth the hype! Plus, who can resist trying a mattifying and blurring primer that is under $5.00?

Too Faced Peach Perfect Comfort Matte Foundation | $36.00 [BUY]

I had no intention of picking up anything from the Too Faced Peaches and Cream Collection, but I keep hearing glowing reviews of this foundation from YouTubers I trust (namely Kelly Gooch and Love Heatherette). This foundation is supposed to provide medium coverage that stays matte all day. While it is on the expensive side, you do get 1.6 fl. oz. of product, as opposed to the standard 1 fl. oz. that comes with most foundations. I hope to pick this up once I’ve used the other foundations in my collection!

Verb Hydrating Mask | $16.00 [BUY]

My hair is very dry, and I want to start using more hydrating products on it. This mask sounds great, as it is formulated to be weightless and suitable for all hair types. I haven’t heard anyone talk about this product yet, but the price seems very fair, so I might pick it up soon.

That wraps up all of the current products on my Sephora Loves List! I would love to hear from you in the comments – have you tried these products? Do you recommend them? Please let me know! I think sharing our wish lists is not only a lot of fun, but it can be very helpful as well. If you would like to know what is on my Ulta Favorites list, let me know in a comment! I would be happy to share those products as well.

What is on your Sephora Loves List? Let me know in the comments!

Shop this blog post with ShopStyle! Click the photo below to see all of the products.

All the Vegan Options During the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Sale | Spring 2018

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! This year I’ve been doing a lot more of my makeup and beauty shopping at Ulta. I love that I can shop from drugstore, high end, and indie beauty brands all in one place. Plus, Ulta has amazing sales going on all the time. One of the store’s biggest events is the 21 Days of Beauty Sale, which is taking place this spring from March 18, 2018 through April 7, 2018. I thought it would be helpful to put together a list of all the vegan options available during Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty so you can easily plan ahead and fill those shopping carts!

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

Please note that I referenced THIS blog post from BeautyBudgetCollection while creating this list. Thank you to Ashley for the helpful information!

New to the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Sale? Here’s how it works! Each day during the sale there are a few products on a big discount. These sales only last for one day, so make sure to plan your shopping accordingly! At the end of this post will be the Hot Buys, which are available for the entire duration of the sale while supplies last.

March 18 | Tarte Lights, Camera Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara – $10.00 [BUY]

March 19 | No Vegan Options

March 20 | Pür Cosmetics 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 15 – $14.75 [BUY]

Online Only Deal: Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer – $35.00 [BUY]

March 21 | Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water – $16.00 [BUY]

March 22 | No Vegan Options

March 23 | Urban Decay Eyeshadow Singles (Vegan Shades: Bender, Blackout, Buck, Bust, Chase, Darkhorse, Deep End, Desperation, Easy Baked, Faint, Foxy, Haight, Half Baked, Hijack, Kush, Laced, Loaded, Lost, Maui Wowie, Midnight Cowboy Rides Again, Mildew, Mushroom, Naked, Peace, Roach, Smog, Tease, Twice Baked, Uncut, Virgin, Zephyr) – $10.00 [BUY]

March 24 | No Vegan Options

March 25 | It Brushes for Ulta Airbrush Smoothing Foundation Brush #102 – $11.00 [BUY]

March 26 | BECCA Backlight Priming Filter – $19.00 [BUY]

Online Only Deal: First Aid Beauty Love Your FAB Skin – $22.00 [BUY]

Online Only Deal: DERMAdoctor Kakadu C Peel Pad – $39.00 [BUY]

March 27 | Online Only Deal: St. Tropez In-Shower Gradual Tanning Lotion – $12.50 [BUY]

Online Only Deal: Kopari Coconut Melt – $14.00 [BUY]

March 28 | Tarte Tarteist Double Take Eyeliner – $12.00 [BUY] 

Online Only Deal: Skin Laundry Select Cleansers – $10.00 [BUY]

March 29 | No Vegan Options

March 30 | Online Only Deal: Lime Crime Hi-Lite Palettes – $19.00 [BUY]

March 31 | Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz – $10.50 [BUY]

Online Only Deal: OFRA Banana Powder – $6.00-$9.50 [BUY]

April 1 | No Vegan Options

April 2 | Butter London Glazen Eye Gloss – $12.00 [BUY]

April 3 | No Vegan Options

April 4 | No Vegan Options

April 5 | Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (Vegan Varieties: Anti-Aging, Fix) – $10.00-$12.00 [BUY]

Juice Beauty STEM CELLULAR Anti-Wrinkle Booster Serum – $40.00 [BUY]

Online Only Deal: Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Cream – $22.50 [BUY]

April 6 | Tarte Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint (Vegan Shades: Adorbs, Bae, FOMO, Frenemy, Hangry,  Lovespell, Manbun, Namaste, Selfish, So Fetch, TBT, Twerk, Yaassss) – $10.00 [BUY]

Tarte Tarteist Glossy Lip Paint – $10.00 [BUY]

Tarte Tarteist Lip Crayon – $10.00 [BUY]

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant – $28.50 [BUY]

April 7 | Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara – $11.50 [BUY]

HOT BUYS (As mentioned, these deals last for the duration of the event, or while supplies last)

DERMAdoctor Kakadu C High Potency Evening Oil – $44.40 [BUY]

Tarte Ready, Set, Radiant Skin Mist – $15.00 [BUY]

Pür Cosmetics Miracle Mist Hydrating Spray – $10.00 [BUY]

Cover FX Anti-Aging Primer – $22.00 [BUY]

The Better Skin Co. Better Skin Lava Magik – $19.20 [BUY]

Organic to Green Great Barrier Chap Guard – $10.80 [BUY]

Special Sale from Tarte: Buy any Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Foundation at $39.00 [BUY], and Get the Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Contour Concealer for $15.00 [BUY]. Only the Matte foundation (not the Hydrating foundation) is vegan. The concealer line is all vegan.

Special Sale on Minis: Buy 3, Get 1 Free [MORE INFO]. 

Vegan Mini Products are:

  • Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Pore Minimizing [BUY]
  • Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer [BUY]
  • Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water [BUY]
  • Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 [BUY]
  • Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray [BUY]
  • Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara [BUY]
  • Tarte Brazilliance PLUS+ Self-Tanner [BUY]

*Please Note: I have done my best to provide an accurate and complete list of all the vegan products available during the sale. If I could not confirm that a product is vegan, I did not put it on this list. If you have any questions or further information, kindly leave me a comment. Make sure to visit the Ulta website HERE for complete sale information closer to the event’s start.

Will you be picking up any products from the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty?

Let me know in the comments!