Author: Adventures in Polishland

Zoya Charming Collection for Spring 2017 | Nail Polish & Lipstick Swatches

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I am excited to share with you the Zoya Charming Collection for Spring 2017. This collection contains six new nail polishes with fresh cream and dewy micro-sparkle formulas. Zoya also released a brand new Perfect Lipstick in the collection called Violette. This post will include swatches and a full review of the entire Charming Collection.

All of the swatches in this blog post were photographed in natural sunlight. I am wearing a base coat under each polish, but no top coat in any of the photos.

The Charming Collection begins with Jordan, a pastel pink polish with a cream formula. Jordan has a good formula, but as with many pastel polishes I did need three coats for full opacity. I am absolutely loving this pink shade! It looks great with my fair skin tone, but I think it will look beautiful with deeper complexions as well.

The next cream formula is Abby, a pastel purple shade. Abby has an excellent formula that applies smoothly and is opaque in two coats. This lavender purple shade has been a go-to of mine for many years now, and I’m excited to add Abby to my stash after getting rid of my old and non-vegan shades. I’m also loving how glossy this polish is with no top coat needed!

The last cream shade is Tina, what Zoya calls an amethyst purple. Tina also has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. While this is not a unique nail polish shade, it is definitely a nice polish for any time of year. If Abby was a bit too light for you, Tina is a darker option for sure.

Next up we have the three micro-sparkle polishes in the collection, starting with Millie, a violet shade. Millie also has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. I’m not a big fan of shimmery polishes, but I think the micro-sparkle options are just gorgeous! Millie has a lot of sparkle and dimension that shine bright in the sunlight.

Lacey is a light green micro-sparkle that reminds me of mermaids! This polish has a sheerer formula, and I applied three coats to get a full coverage look. Lacey is not my personal cup of tea, but the polish is still excellent quality and I definitely recommend it if you love the shade!

The last nail polish in the line is Amira, a light blue micro-sparkle. As with Lacey, Amira is on the sheer side and needs three coats for opacity. I think this blue polish is just gorgeous, and I like the green and purple accents with the sparkles in the polish. Amira would also work well in the winter, as the polish shade reminds me of the sparkling snow!

Finally, Zoya released a brand new Perfect Lipstick with the Charming Collection. Violette is an amethyst purple and has a cream finish. When I first saw Violette, I thought it would be too bright and look terrible on me. Imagine my surprise when this shade not only looked great with my complexion, but turned out to be quite wearable! Violette is still outside of my lipstick comfort zone, but I hope to wear it again very soon.

All in all, I’m really loving the Zoya Nail Polish Charming Collection for Spring 2017! I apologize for the delay in sharing my review, but I hope you enjoyed my post nonetheless. My favorites in the collection are Jordan and Abby, but all of the polishes and the lipstick are excellent quality. The Charming Collection is currently available for purchase on Zoya’s website HERE. Polishes are $10 each and lipsticks are $12 each, but keep an eye on Zoya’s social media for sales and coupons.

Which Zoya Charming shade is your favorite? 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. 

Beauty Favorites | Spring 2017

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I am excited to share with you the beauty products I’ve been loving this spring. I’m slowly trying new-to-me products as I use up what I already own in my beauty stash, and it’s always nice to discover something great. While I’m still using many of the same makeup products, I’ve found some nice skincare and hair care goodies these past few months. Let’s jump right into my current beauty favorites!

MAKEUP

e.l.f. Baked Highlighter in Blush Gems [LINK]

The one makeup product in this post is the e.l.f. Baked Highlighter in the shade Blush Gems. I tried and loved the shade Moonlit Pearls last summer, and I decided to purchase Blush Gems so I could have a pink-toned highlighter in my collection. These highlighters are great because they can be applied in two ways – with a dry brush for a light illumination, or a wet brush for a more intense highlight. I’ve been applying Blush Gems with a damp Beauty Blender and absolutely loving the result! Plus, I find the pink tone to be perfect for the spring season.

SKINCARE

Pacifica Kale Detox Deep Cleansing Face Wash [LINK]

My skincare favorite this season is a cleanser from the brand Pacifica. I keep the Kale Detox in my shower, and I really like using it with my FOREO Luna to get an even deeper clean.  This cleanser has a calming scent that is quite fresh and earthy. I also feel like my skin is a lot softer after each use. This is the first skincare product I’ve tried from Pacifica, and it definitely won’t be my last!

BODY CARE

Sun Bum SPF 50 Original Spray Sunscreen [LINK]

I was on the hunt for a vegan sunscreen this year, and discovered the Sun Bum brand on a whim! What prompted me to purchase this sunscreen is that it is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and also dermatologist tested. I also love it when sunscreen comes in a spray variety, as it makes it much easier to apply and encourages me to take the time to use sunscreen. I’ve worn this product a few times so far, and it appears to be working as I haven’t been burnt! If you are looking to buy Sun Bum, I found mine at my local Target.

HAIR CARE

Tarte Hair Goals Dry Shampoo [LINK]

Tarte recently released some new vegan products, and I wanted to try the dry shampoo and deodorant in particular, but I didn’t want to spend a lot of money. Luckily, Sephora has a value pack called the No Shower Happy Hour Kit (LINK) that included sample sizes of some of these products. I am so far really happy with the Hair Goals Dry Shampoo. Not only does it zap the oil out of my hair and not leave a white cast, but it smells amazing! I’m not sure what the fragrance is, but it lasts all day and really smells great. While the full size is $19, if you are looking to splurge this is a nice product to try.

IGK Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm [LINK]

My last favorite is another hair care product, and that is a hair balm from the brand IGK. I got a deluxe a sample of Mistress in my last Sephora order using my Beauty Insider points, and I’m really enjoying it! This hair balm is designed to boost hydration, detangle, and smooth the hair. I’m really amazed that this product does not weigh down my fine hair, nor does it make it appear oily. My hair is always a bit shinier after using this product! I’m not sure that I would purchase the full size, as it is $27, but once I use up the sample I will report back in an empties post.

That wraps up my beauty favorites for this spring! I hope you enjoyed seeing the products I’m loving at the moment. As always, I would love to know your current favorites, and your thoughts on the products I showed today if you’ve used them in the past. I’m excited to see what new products I will discover now as summer begins!

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

Amy’s Rice Mac & Cheeze Review | Vegan & Gluten Free Mac and Cheese

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Food Friday! Today I am excited to share a review of the Amy’s Rice Mac & Cheeze with you. A few weeks back I had a craving for boxed macaroni and cheese. Yes, boxed mac and cheese specifically! I know there are some vegan varieties out there, but unfortunately my local grocery store doesn’t carry any. I luckily spotted the Amy’s Rice Mac & Cheeze in the freezer section, and internally squealed with joy! My mac and cheese craving was about to be conquered!

This box was a bit expensive at $3.69, especially when compared to what boxed mac and cheese normally costs, but it was worth it for a special treat! Amy’s Rice Mac & Cheeze is not only vegan, but it is gluten free and soy free as well, so it’s great if you have a lot of food allergies. This is, of course, a junk food, and it is very high in fat at a whopping 22 grams. Luckily, it has 8 grams of protein, which I think is pretty good for this small container. Once I got home I noticed that the product is made using Daiya cheese. I think Daiya has a very specific and acquired taste, so I was a bit nervous about how this would be. Luckily, I really enjoyed it!

Here is what the Mac & Cheeze looks like once it is cooked. I used the microwave, but it can also be made in a conventional oven. It may not look that appetizing, but it’s quite delicious and definitely satisfied my mac and cheese craving! I love how creamy the sauce is, and the pasta has a nice texture to it. I don’t think I’ve ever had rice pasta before, but it’s really tasty in this dish. I wouldn’t say this tastes exactly like non-vegan mac and cheese, but it is a close substitute for sure.

You can tell I am a big fan of this product because I repurchased it the next time I went to the grocery store! This time I added some sautéed broccoli and chickpeas to the pasta to add some more nutrients. It was absolutely delicious! I will definitely be experimenting with this more in the future. I bet there are a lot more combinations that would taste great and also make the meal a bit healthier.

All in all, I’m very happy with the Amy’s Rice Mac & Cheeze! If you need to satisfy a mac and cheese craving, this is a great way to go. I will be sure to buy this again in the future, but I’m also hoping my grocery store will get a boxed vegan mac and cheese, since that will be a more affordable option. I also plan to try to make my own mac and cheese at home, but sometimes I just love the boxed variety!

What is your favorite vegan mac and cheese? Let me know in the comments!

Oh, Hello Stationery Co. Makeup Bag Review

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today I am excited to share with you a makeup bag from one of my favorite small businesses, Oh, Hello Stationery Co. I first stumbled upon this online store in the planner community, and have purchased the brand’s stickers for nearly two years now. Oh, Hello has since expanded its product line to include enamel pins, mugs, and more. One of the newest available products is makeup bags! I was sent one as a gift from the company, and couldn’t wait to show it off here on my blog. I think many of you will love these fabulous and affordable makeup bags!

The Oh, Hello makeup bags are made from neoprene material, similar to many laptop and tablet cases. Each bag features an original design from the brand on the front panel, and a solid black background. While there are 10 designs available for purchase on the Oh, Hello website HERE, if there is a pattern from the brand that you enjoy, you can email the shop for a custom order. I picked out the design called Sage Victorian, which is from a past sticker kit. In addition to choosing a design, you can also opt to customize the bag with your name or a short quote.

The first thing I noticed about the makeup bag is how big it is! The bag measures 9.5 x 5.75 inches, and I put a standard size Ipsy bag next to it in the photo above so you can see how it compares. I appreciate that the bag comes with a sturdy zipper as well, so I don’t need to worry about it opening in my suitcase during travel.

I wanted you to see the size of the makeup bag in action. I put together the makeup products that I would bring with me for a vacation, and they all easily fit into the bag with room to spare. When I travel with this bag, I will also put in my makeup brushes! I can’t believe how much easily fits into this bag. The one thing I don’t like about the bag, however, is also something I do like, and that is the lack of structure. I like to organize my items when packing, but with this makeup bag everything is just thrown in due to the stretchy fabric. That being said, this stretch allows you to pack products that are all different shapes and sizes, as the fabric adjusts to the shape of the items. Thus, while I would ideally like a bag with more structure or compartments, I also love that the bag easily fits everything I need and more.

All in all, I am beyond happy with my new makeup bag from Oh, Hello Stationery Co.! This will definitely be my new go-to bag for travel. The makeup bag retails for just $13.95 on Oh Hello’s website HERE. This is a great deal for any makeup bag, but especially one from a small business featuring a unique design you can’t get anywhere else. If you shop this weekend, May 19 – May 21, 2017, you can save 25% on your entire Oh, Hello purchase through the Planner Boss Collective Sale (full details HERE). If you miss the sale, you can still save 15% using my coupon code POLISH15 at checkout any time. I look forward to using this makeup bag and buying some as gifts for friends during the holidays!

Do you have a go-to makeup bag? Let me know in the comments!

The product in this post was a gift from the brand. This post includes affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

5 Skincare Products I Want to Repurchase

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I want to share with you some skincare products that I’ve used in the past and hope to repurchase sometime soon. I was recently thinking about a cleanser I used a few years ago, and how I really wanted to try it again. This prompted me to go back and look through my blog to find other skincare products I used in the past. I came up with a few products I know I want to give another chance, and I thought it would be fun to share this list with you. Here are the five skincare products I want to repurchase!

1. Sibu Beauty Polishing Facial Cleanser [REVIEW] [BUY]

First up is the product that inspired this blog post, the Sibu Beauty Polishing Facial Cleanser. I received this cleanser for review back in 2014, and I absolutely loved it. Sibu doesn’t offer the exact same cleanser any longer, but it has been reformulated and I think I will still enjoy it. What I liked best about this product is that is cleansed and exfoliated at the same time. Plus, it left my skin feeling clear without drying it out. I definitely want to grab this one very soon!

2. Amara Organics Vitamin C Serum [REVIEW] [BUY]

Next up is a serum I also tried for the first time in 2014, and that is the Vitamin C Serum from Amara Organics. This was one of the first serums I ever used, and it is also one of my all-time favorites! My skin absolutely loves skincare products that contain Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, and this serum contains both of these ingredients. I would love to go back and see if this serum will still measure up to the positive memories I have of it!

3. Derma e Hydrating Night Crème [REVIEW] [BUY]

One of my favorite moisturizers of all time is the Hydrating Night Crème from Derma e. I’ve come to love many products from this brand, but the night crème really worked wonders for me. I really liked the consistency of this product – it is light enough that my skin doesn’t feel greasy, but it is heavy enough to really hydrate the skin. This moisturizer also has a relaxing scent that is perfect for bedtime. If you are looking for a lighter night crème, I think you should give this one a try!

4. Sukí Face Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser [REVIEW] [BUY]

Another exfoliating cleanser that I really enjoyed is the Face Exfoliate Foaming Clanser from Sukí. I got a small sample of this in a Birchbox back in 2013, but I still think about it to this day. This cleanser is quite unique because it applies like a scrub but foams up once mixed with water. It also has an invigorating lemon scent that I really enjoyed. I’ve thought about repurchasing this many times, but the high price tag always stops me. One day I will splurge on it when I have the extra funds!

5. Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub [REVIEW] [BUY]

Last but not least is the Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub from Michael Todd. For some reason I absolutely love trying new face scrubs. In fact, I’ve tried several new scrubs in a row without repurchasing any of them! However, I still think about this scrub often. I remember absolutely loving this product, mainly because the scrub itself was gentle, but the charcoal really helped to clear my skin. At some point I will return to this product, too!

That wraps up the five skincare products I want to repurchase! I’ve really enjoyed using all of these products in the past, but for one reason or another never returned to them. I love trying out new products, but I think it’s nice to have staples in your beauty routine as well. I would love to know if you stick to the same skincare products, or if you switch up the products you buy regularly. I would also like to know what skincare products you recommend!

Some of the products in this post were originally provided for my unbiased review. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

Kashi Amaranth Polenta Plantain Bowl Review

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Food Friday! Today I’m excited to review another vegan food product with all of you. I recently spotted some new Kashi bowls at my local grocery store, and decided to pick one up to have on hand. I don’t know about you, but I always keep what I call “emergency meals” stashed in my freezer. There are just some days where I’ll be too tired to cook, or maybe I’m in a rush and don’t have time to cook. That’s when freezer meals really come in handy! The Kashi Amaranth Polenta Plantain Bowl not only sounded delicious, but it looked quite hearty for a microwavable meal. Let me share my thoughts on this product with you!

I found the Amaranth Polenta Plantain Bowl for $3.29 regular price. While that is a bit pricy for a frozen meal, it’s much more affordable than ordering takeout! This particular meal is inspired by Central American cuisine, and contains polenta mixed with plantains, black beans, sweet potato, and kale in an ancho chili sauce. I really appreciate that Kashi mentions it is vegan right on the front of the box so I don’t have to pay close attention to the ingredients list. It’s also great that this small bowl contains 7g of fiber and 9g of protein! I think that’s pretty good for one of my “emergency meals.”

Here is what the meal looks like after it is cooked in the microwave. I admit it doesn’t look too appetizing, but that’s mainly because of the stirring it goes through while cooking. I’m actually quite impressed with how delicious the Amaranth Polenta Plantain Bowl tastes! It is a bit spicy, so keep that in mind if you don’t like spicy food. The plantains are definitely the main part of the meal. The taste and texture almost remind me of the fried chicken I used to get at Chinese food restaurants! Overall, I think the mix of flavors is delicious. You get spice from the sauce, but the plantains and sweet potatoes add a nice sweetness to the dish as well. I’m quite happy with how yummy this quick and easy meal option is!

All in all, I definitely think you should give the Kashi Amaranth Polenta Plantain Bowl a try! I’ve repurchased this meal a few times now, and it is great to have on hand. Make sure to keep an eye out for sales and coupons as well – I scored these for 2 for $5.00 a while back! I hope you found this review helpful if you’ve been curious about this Kashi meal. I think it tastes great for a frozen dinner, and I’m going to continue to try more options from Kashi in the future.

Have you tried a Kashi bowl? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Maddieloos Cinnamon Ginger Pumpkin Vegan Facial Mask Review

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I am excited to share my thoughts on a new-to-me skincare brand. Maddieloos is a naturally vegan skincare company run on Etsy. I received the Cinnamon Ginger Pumpkin Facial Mask in a package from The Pumpkin Batch, and couldn’t wait to try it! I’ve really been slacking with my face masks lately, so this was a perfect opportunity to treat my skin and let you know what I think of this product. Without further ado, here is my review of the Maddieloos Cinnamon Ginger Pumpkin Vegan Facial Mask!

Each Maddieloos face mask is designed to be used as both a mask or as a scrub. I decided to use this as a mask, since I’m currently using another scrub. The Cinnamon Ginger Pumpkin mask is formulated to remove dead skin cells, fight acne, and promote new cell production. According to the brand, pumpkin contains natural enzymes that help to dissolve dry skin cells. The mask also contains vitamins A, C, E, and T, and is part of the brand’s acne-free skincare system.

The mask smells absolutely divine when I open the jar. It’s somewhere between a baked good and an intense candle! The texture of the mask is quite chunky, but it is easy to smooth out over the skin. I got a nice layer on for my face mask without using too much product! I allowed the mask to set for about 10 minutes (Maddieloos recommends 5-15), and then gently rinsed it off with warm water. I am absolutely in love with how my skin felt after use! Not only was my skin extremely soft, but it felt clean and firmed as well. This mask is definitely an all-in-one type product, as it’s rare my skin feels so moisturized after a mask that also exfoliates well. Of course, I will need to use this regularly to see a big change in both acne breakouts and pore size, but I am really loving the mask even upon its first use.

All in all, I am very impressed with the Maddieloos Cinnamon Ginger Pumpkin Vegan Facial Mask. If you are looking for a mask that will refresh your skin and provide lasting moisture, I think you should give this a try! You can buy a 4oz jar of this mask on the Maddieloos Etsy store HERE for $17.95. While this is more than I would typically spend for skincare, I think it is a great value for the money. I didn’t need a lot of product to get full coverage with the mask, and I also don’t mind spending a bit more when I’m supporting a small business. I know I will be checking out the other products Maddieloos has to offer in the future!

UPDATE: The owner of Maddieloos has graciously provided a coupon code! Use JUST4U at checkout to save 5% on your order.

What is your favorite face mask? Let me know in the comments!

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

Zoya Cuddle Season Duo Giveaway | Day 5 of #5YearsinPolishland

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today closes out my 5 Year Blogiversary celebration with the last of five giveaways. I’m ending the week with a giveaway of the Zoya Cuddle Season Duo. This duo contains the Zoya Perfect Lipstick in the shade Paisley, and a nail polish in the shade Rue. I purchased this product with the intention of giving it away here on the blog, as I love Zoya’s products and talk about them regularly here at Adventures in Polishland. Rue is one of my favorite Zoya nail polishes of all time, and I’m excited for one of you to be able to wear it, too.

You can find more information on #5YearsinPolishland and enter the Day 1 giveaway HERE.

Day 2 Giveaway: CLICK

Day 3 Giveaway: CLICK

Day 4 Giveaway: CLICK

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

This giveaway is open only to those with a United States shipping address. The giveaway will run for two weeks, and the winner will be announced via the Rafflecopter widget and contacted through email. Please read the full Terms & Conditions on the Rafflecopter widget before entering. If you have any questions, please email them to adventuresinpolishland@gmail.com. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

e.l.f. Cosmetics Giveaway | Day 4 of #5YearsinPolishland

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! My 5 Year Blogiversary celebration continues today with another giveaway! Today I will be giving away a three products from one of my favorite brands, e.l.f. Cosmetics. One winner will receive the Illuminating Mist & Set, the Contour Palette, and the Cream Eyeliner in Coffee. These products were a free gift with purchase with my last order from e.l.f.’s website, and I thought they would make a nice giveaway prize pack since I wasn’t too interested in any of these products myself. I hope the winner will enjoy these e.l.f. goodies!

You can find more information on #5YearsinPolishland and enter the Day 1 giveaway HERE.

Day 2 Giveaway: CLICK

Day 3 Giveaway: CLICK

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

This giveaway is open only to those with a United States shipping address. The giveaway will run for two weeks, and the winner will be announced via the Rafflecopter widget and contacted through email. Please read the full Terms & Conditions on the Rafflecopter widget before entering. If you have any questions, please email them to adventuresinpolishland@gmail.com. Good luck!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Derma e Hydrating Serum Giveaway | Day 3 of #5YearsinPolishland

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! It’s the third day of my 5 Year Blogiversary celebration, and it’s time for another giveaway. You can learn more about #5YearsinPolishland, as well as enter the first giveaway in THIS blog post. You can also enter yesterday’s giveaway HERE. Today I’m giving away one of my favorite skincare products at the moment, and that is the Derma e Hydrating Serum with Hyaluronic Acid. I was sent two of these serums to review, and I thought I would share one of them in a giveaway! You can learn more about this product and why I love it in THIS blog post. As always, the winner will receive a brand new serum.

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

This giveaway is open only to those with a United States shipping address. The giveaway will run for two weeks, and the winner will be announced via the Rafflecopter widget and contacted through email. Please read the full Terms & Conditions on the Rafflecopter widget before entering. If you have any questions, please email them to adventuresinpolishland@gmail.com. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway