Author: Adventures in Polishland

August Lifestyle Favorites!

Happy Thursday! I can’t believe it is the first day of September, and time to share my August favorites with all of you. I didn’t discover too many new products this month, but I do have a few beauty, haircare, and miscellaneous things to shout out today. Without further ado, let me jump into my August favorites!

August Lifestyle Favorites

NAIL POLISH

Zoya – Mallory

Zoya Mallory [REVIEW] [BUY]

I feel like every time Zoya puts out a new blue nail polish I end up falling in love with it! Mallory is just a stunning blue from the new Urban Grunge collection. It does stain the nails, so make sure to double up on your base coat to prevent that from happening. I think my next manicure will be with Mallory!

HAIR CARE

LUSH Brazilliant Shampoo Bar

LUSH Brazilliant Shampoo Bar [BUY]

I was in the market for a new shampoo, so I decided to head to LUSH for the first time in quite a while. I purchased the Brazilliant, as it helps to moisturize the hair but not weigh it down. I absolutely love the scent of this shampoo, and I find that it works really well. My hair is very clean after using it, but not dried out at all. It’s definitely worth paying a bit more for it!

FOOD

Gardein Chipotle Black Bean Burger

I was in the mood for a black bean burger, and luckily spotted these at my local grocery store. I couldn’t believe how amazing these taste! I’ve tried a lot of frozen black bean burgers before, and none have measured up to these ones. They are almost as good as the black bean burgers I get at restaurants. Plus, they are pretty affordable, too!

BOOK

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child [BUY]

There have been a lot of mixed opinions on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child since its release on July 31, but I really enjoyed it. I went into the script not knowing anything about the plot, and I think that helped me have a positive experience because I had zero expectations. The thing to remember is that this is not a new Harry Potter book – it is a script of a stage play. I can only imagine how amazing this looks performed live!

TV

Rio 2016 Olympics

Leading up to this year’s Olympics, I wasn’t too excited. There was so much bad press about the various issues going on in Rio that I didn’t expect to watch many of the events. However, I got really into the Olympics when they began, and stayed up late every night cheering on Team USA. My favorite sports to watch are always Women’s Gymnastics and Swimming, but I enjoyed whatever was on the TV each night.

That wraps up my August favorites! I know this post was pretty short, but I spent the majority of the month watching the Olympics and not discovering too many new things. Please be sure to let me know in the comments what you loved during August. I would also like to know which Olympic events are your favorite!

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. 

5 Beauty Must-Haves for Your Los Angeles Vacation

Happy Wednesday! Today I’m excited to share with you my top must-have beauty products for when I travel to Los Angeles. I visit Los Angeles about 1-2 times per year because I have family there, and I’ve become quite the veteran at packing for the trip. Los Angeles has a very unique climate, especially for someone like me who lives on the East Coast of the United States. The dry heat of LA can really affect your skin and hair, so I’ve put together a list of the absolute necessities to help you fill your makeup bag. Let me share my beauty must-haves for any Los Angeles vacation!

5 Beauty Must-Haves for Your Los Angeles Vacation

1. Face Wipes Travel Pack

Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Cleansing Facial Wipes

Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Cleansing Facial Wipes [BUY]

I am a huge cleansing wipe junkie, and that doesn’t change when I travel! I like to pick up a travel pack at Target so that I can use the wipes while traveling, and toss them before coming home. The reason I recommend the Yes to Blueberries wipes for Los Angeles is because they not only help to cleanse the skin, but they help moisturize as well. Wipes are perfect for cooling off in the sun, and keeping the skin clean while out and about. Keep this pouch in your beach bag so you can freshen up on the go!

2. Mini Dry Shampoo

Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo

Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo [BUY]

Next up is a travel size dry shampoo. My hair gets oily really easily, so I rely on dry shampoo to keep it looking fresh between washes. Whether you’re visiting the beach, spending the day at a theme park, or simply hoping to give your hair a boost before going out, dry shampoo is a must. I’ve never tried the Not Your Mother’s Dry Shampoo before, but I found it in Target’s travel section, so I decided to pick it up. Dry shampoo is one of those products you just can’t decant into a smaller bottle, so I spend a few extra dollars for a mini one.

3. Foundation Stick

ELF Cosmetics Moisturizing Foundation Stick

ELF Cosmetics Moisturizing Foundation Stick [BUY]

I absolutely love bringing stick foundation with me on vacation. Not only is it really simple to apply with just your fingers, but it doesn’t need to be packed in your 3-1-1 bag because it’s not liquid! I like the ELF Cosmetics stick foundation because it has a moisturizing formula. My skin gets very dry on the flight to Los Angeles, and in LA’s natural climate, so every bit of added moisturization helps. You can see a full review of this product HERE.

4. Facial Sunscreen

Tarte TarteGuard SPF 30

Tarte TarteGuard SPF 30 [BUY]

Next up is a facial sunscreen, which is an absolute necessity if you are spending a lot of your vacation outside. I normally use a foundation or primer with SPF in it, as I’m not in the sun enough for a dedicated sunscreen. However, in Los Angeles I’m often at an outdoor park, eating outside, etc., so it’s nice to have a stronger SPF for my face. I got this Tarte sunscreen in a subscription box, and I love the light consistency.

5. Translucent Powder

ELF Cosmetics Translucent Mattifying Powder

ELF Cosmetics Translucent Mattifying Powder [BUY]

Last but not least is a translucent and mattifying powder. My skin gets really oily, even in a dry heat, so I like to set my face with powder every day. I recently got the ELF Cosmetics powder, and I love this compact for travel because it has a huge mirror that makes touching up easy. Plus, the packaging is slim and sleek to fit in my purse.

That wraps up my top beauty must-haves for any Los Angeles vacation! I hope you found this post helpful as you pack for your trip. If you need more travel tips, make sure to check out my Jet Away June series HERE for packing advice, airplane travel, and more. I hope you have a fun and safe vacation to Los Angeles!

What are your beauty must-haves for vacation? Share in a comment!

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

Book Review | Where She Went (If I Stay #2) by Gayle Forman

Where She Went (If I Stay #2) by Gayle Forman

Published by Dutton Juvenile on April 5, 2011

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 264

Source: Library

Goodreads: 

It’s been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam’s life forever.

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard’s rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia’s home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future – and each other.

Told from Adam’s point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.

REVIEW

I was very excited to pick up Where She Went, the sequel to Gayle Forman’s If I Stay, as soon as I finished the first book in this duology. If I Stay ended quite abruptly, and I just had to know what would happen next in Mia Hall’s life. Where She Went is told from Adam Wilde’s perspective, Mia’s high school boyfriend, three years after Mia decides to stay. Adam is now a famous rock star, and is struggling in a plethora of ways. Fame is not treating him well, and he is dealing with the grief he feels after Mia breaks up with him when she moved away to college, and after losing her family, too.

The story begins with Adam in New York City for his band. He is about to leave for a European tour, but he decides to go for a walk in the city, and finds out Mia is playing a concert at Carnegie Hall. The two reconnect after the show, and discuss the changes in their lives since they last spoke. Where She Went is written both in the current time, and in flashback scenes as well. This format helps to shed light on the events that Mia and Adam went through since the end of If I Stay.

Right off the bat I could tell Where She Went has a different tone than the first book, and not just because Adam is the narrator. This book is definitely more raw and sad in ways that If I Stay is not. For example, Adam suffers from depression after Mia dumps him. It is heartbreaking to see how much pain he is in, and how he had no one to truly comfort him besides his parents. I really admire Forman for being able to write about such devastating topics in a realistic way.

Similarly, I think Forman does an amazing job at capturing fame from the inside. It is eye-opening to see what Adam goes through on a daily basis as a rock star. He has absolutely no privacy, and he gets mobbed wherever he goes. I think Where She Went is a must read solely for this look at how celebrities are treated in our society today.

Moreover, I also really liked how this book incorporates the setting of New York City. It is rare that I read a book in which the characters interact so much with their setting. In Where She Went, Mia takes Adam around the city to visit her favorite places. Whether you are familiar with New York or not, I think you will feel so pulled in by the city’s atmosphere while reading.

There are a few things about this book that I did not enjoy so much, mostly a few aspects that seemed a bit too ridiculous. First, despite Adam being super famous, no one knows about his relationship with Mia. The couple was together over two years, and I’m sure Mia’s accident was publicized. I find it extremely hard to believe that this could be kept a secret from the media. In the same way, Adam, Mia, and Mia’s friend Kim all turn out to be famous. Sure, it could happen that three high school friends all become famous, but it seemed a bit outlandish to me, and detracted just a bit from the book’s credibility.

Overall, I still really liked Where She Went, and am glad I read it to receive the closure I did not get from the first book. I highly recommend picking this sequel up if you have not done so yet. Forman writes so beautifully, and she creates well-developed characters that will stay with me as a reader for a long time. I will definitely be picking up Forman’s other books in the future!

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.

5 Nail Polishes for a Job Interview

Happy Monday! With the new school year right around the corner, I thought it would be helpful to share with you my favorite nail polishes for a job interview. Whether you are interviewing for an internship or a full time gig, or simply looking for more office appropriate shades, this post is for you! You’ve probably heard it before, but whenever you head to a professional job interview, you want to make sure the interviewer is focused on you, and not on your makeup, nails, or fragrance. I personally like to wear neutral shades of nail polish that look very clean and subdued whenever I’m in a professional environment. This post will share my top five nail polish picks for a job interview that work with all skin tones!

5 Nail Polishes for a Job InterviewQuick disclaimer before I jump right into the post – make sure to use your own judgment before heading into your job interview! What polish is appropriate will depend on the job itself. For example, if you’re applying for a job at a beauty store you can probably get away with something more daring! I wanted to focus solely on the professional world in this post.

Julep – AlexandraJulep – Alexandra [BUY]

First up is Julep Alexandra, an off-white cream polish. I think this yellow-toned polish is perfect because it is really understated, and not bright like a true white polish is on the nails. Alexandra’s formula is great, and I applied three coats for an even, opaque manicure. If you like lighter colors, a cream shade will work really well for you no matter your skin tone. It always looks sophisticated in my opinion!

Zoya – Rowan

Zoya – Rowan [BUY]

Next up is Zoya Rowan, a taupe polish that dries to a satin finish. Rowan is a stunning polish, and I love how soft the finish is. Rowan’s formula is excellent, and opaque in two coats. It also dries really quickly if you’re in a bit of a rush. Taupe is a great color family for professional nail polish, so pick the shade that you prefer!

LVX – Cashmere

LVX – Cashmere [BUY]

This next polish is an interesting one, because whenever I look at the bottle I’m unsure of how to describe the color. LVX Cashmere is, according to the brand’s website, a cool grey polish. I find that it has a pink undertone, which I really like. Cashmere also has a nice formula that is opaque in two coats. If you want an off-white polish that isn’t a cream shade, then try a cool grey!

Wet 'n Wild Megalast – Bite the Bullet

Wet ‘n Wild Megalast – Bit the Bullet [BUY]

If you would like a bit more color on your nails, go for a mauve shade. I love Wet ‘n Wild Megalast’s Bite the Bullet. Not only is it super affordable, but it has a great formula as well. Mauve is another color family where the shades can vary widely. I really like the purple-toned mauves, but if you prefer the pinks that works well, too!

Zoya – Aubrey

Zoya – Aubrey [BUY]

Last but not least is Zoya Aubrey, a deep plum purple shade. If you really want to wear color during your interview, I recommend choosing a deep purple. This can be a purple like Aubrey, with a brown undertone, or something with more of a red undertone. I think Aubrey is a great choice, as the formula is awesome and opaque in two coats. Plus, the purple isn’t too noticeable. It’s a great, happy medium for when you want a color, but don’t want it too bright!

That wraps up my picks for job interview appropriate nail polish! I hope you found this post helpful whether you are a first-time interviewee or a seasoned veteran looking to change things up on the nails. I wish you all the best of luck on your interview!

What nail polish shade did you wear to your last job interview? Share in a comment!

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. 

Milani Power Lip Gloss Stain in Macaroon Review | $1.99 T.J. Maxx Find

Happy Friday! I recently went to my local T.J. Maxx store to pick up a bottle of dry shampoo, and decided to browse through the beauty section to see if there were any other goodies worth purchasing. I did grab some cleansing wipes from the brand Avalon Organics to try, but on the way to the checkout I spotted some Milani products! I’ve never tried the Milani Power Lip line before, and the shade Macaroon looked really pretty. It was just $1.99, so I decided to buy it as well. Let me share my thoughts on this product with you, as well as some swatches.

Milani Power Lip Gloss Stain in Macaroon Review | $1.99 T.J. Maxx FindMilani Power Lip is a really unique lip product that is part gloss and part stain. It is designed to have a non-drying formula that is also long-lasting. I was drawn in by the gorgeous color on the packaging, and thought it would be a nice shade to wear during the day.

Milani Power Lip Gloss Stain Review | $1.99 T.J. Maxx FindProbably the most interesting aspect of this product is the applicator. This is a twist-up product with a brush at the end. I wasn’t really thrilled with this applicator at first, but I must admit the brush is really soft and the application is surprisingly user friendly. My tip in using this applicator is not cranking out too much product at once. Less is more with Power Lip!
Milani Power Lip Gloss Stain Review | $1.99 T.J. Maxx FindMilani Power Lip Gloss Stain Review | $1.99 T.J. Maxx Find

Milani really nailed the description of gloss stain with this product! The Power Lip almost feels like a liquid lipstick, because it has an opaque yet super glossy appearance. While I did notice that the Power Lip sticks to any dry patches on the lips, the formula otherwise feels quite creamy and hydrating. If you do have dry lips, simply use a lip scrub before application.

The shade Macaroon is a true pink color. It is a bit brighter than I normally wear, and I was hoping for more of a peachy-nude undertone. However, I think the shade does look quite nice on me, and I hope to step outside my comfort zone and wear this often. I definitely appreciate how comfortable the product is during wear, and how the staining properties of the formula leave a nice tint to the lips as the actual gloss wears off throughout the day.

All in all, I’m really glad I found this Milani Power Lip Gloss Stain at T.J. Maxx! I think this is a fabulous and affordable lip product, and I am excited to wear it more. Unfortunately, the Power Lip appears to be discontinued since it is no longer listed on Milani’s website. Make sure to check out your local T.J. Maxx to see if you can score any at a discounted price! Please let me know in the comments if you’ve found anything exciting at your local T.J. Maxx or discount store!

Go Veggie Cheese Alternatives Pepper Jack Singles Review

Happy Thursday! Today I’m reviewing a food product here at Adventures in Polishland. I am a member of the website BzzAgent, and sometimes receive free products to try. Imagine my surprise when I got the opportunity to test out cheese alternatives from the brand Go Veggie just as I began eating a vegan diet! I got two coupons for a free product, and went grocery shopping right away. Go Veggie offers lactose free, soy free, and vegan cheese in a variety of styles and flavors. I could only find one vegan option at my local grocery store, the Pepper Jack Singles, and got those to try. Let me share my experience eating this cheese alternative with you!

Go Veggie Cheese Alternative Pepper Jack Slices Review

Go Veggie Cheese Alternative Pepper Jack Slices ReviewI found Go Veggie in the produce section of my local grocery store. Unfortunately for me, the Pepper Jack Singles was the only vegan option available. I’m not a big fan of Pepper Jack cheese, so I knew I wouldn’t love the flavor of this cheese. However, I still wanted to give it a try to see what the texture was like, and get a good idea of what the Go Veggie Cheese Alternatives are like. What I love about Go Veggie products is that they are non-GMO and plant-based. Plus, the Pepper Jack Singles contain more calcium and less fat than traditional cheese. One slice is only 35 calories, but 20% of your daily calcium!

Go Veggie Cheese Alternative Pepper Jack Slices ReviewThe Pepper Jack Singles are packaged just like regular cheese singles, and look like Pepper Jack, too. I tried the cheese on its own, on homemade pizza, and in sandwiches. Unfortunately, I did not care for this cheese very much. The flavor itself tastes just like Pepper Jack, which I appreciate but don’t enjoy too much because of the spicy kick. My biggest issue, however, is with the texture. It’s difficult to describe what Go Veggie feels like, but it is not like traditional cheese at all. It felt a bit grainy and stiff, and not gooey or creamy. It also didn’t melt very well. Part of the problem I had with the taste is because I was overanalyzing the cheese on all my food – I knew I was using a cheese alternative and not the “real thing,” so with each bite I had the mindset of: “Does this taste like cheese?!” If I wasn’t concentrating so hard on tasting the vegan cheese, I might have enjoyed it a bit more.

While I’m not the biggest fan of Go Veggie’s Pepper Jack Singles, I still want to try the other available vegan options if I can find them. Not only are there three other flavors of cheese singles, but there are shreds and dips as well. If you are looking for a cheese alternative, whether you are vegan, lactose intolerant, or soy free, I do recommend trying out Go Veggie to see how you like it. Pepper Jack wasn’t the best cheese for me to try, but I went for it because that’s all I had available. You can visit the Go Veggie website HERE to learn more about the available products!

Have you tried vegan cheese? Share your favorite brand or flavor in the comments!

The product in this post was purchased using a coupon for a free product. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Zoya Nail Polish Urban Grunge Collection for Fall 2016 | Metallic Holos

Happy Wednesday! Today I am excited to share with you the six metallic holographic polishes in Zoya Nail Polish’s new Urban Grunge Collection for Fall 2016. You can see my full review of the cream shades HERE, which I posted earlier this week. Now it’s all about the super trendy and unique polishes that make up the rest of this line. If you are looking for some edgier polishes to wear, the metallic holos are for you! Let me share my thoughts on these six shades!

Zoya Nail Polish Urban Grunge Collection for Fall 2016 | Metallic Holos

Zoya – Alicia Zoya – Alicia

First up is Alicia, a silver linear holographic polish. Alicia has an excellent formula, but it is a bit sheer, so I applied three coats to achieve opacity. I am beyond impressed with how stunning the holographic effect is on this polish. If you are a fan of holo nail polish, Alicia is a must for your collection.

Zoya – Finley Zoya – FinleyNext up is Finley, a deep purple polish with a scattered holo. Finley has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. I am really loving this polish! It reminds me of Aurora from Zoya’s Ornate Collection (see review HERE), but in a purple color instead of pink. Finley also has a lot of dimension because of the scattered holo effect.

Zoya – Merida Zoya – Merida The other scattered holo in this collection is Merida, a deep green shade. Merida also has an awesome formula that is opaque in two coats. I am ready to wear this polish through to the holiday season! Merida is the perfect transitional shade from fall to winter.

Zoya – Britta Zoya – BrittaNext up is Britta, a berry red metallic polish with red and fuchsia shimmer. Britta has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. I do find metallic polishes a bit messier to work with, but I’m happy that there are no brush strokes visible with this one. Britta is a really unique nail polish, and one I’m sure I don’t own anything else like in my collection!

Zoya – Ash Zoya – AshAsh is the other metallic shimmer in the collection, and is a cherry red shade with red and gold shimmer. If you are looking for a brighter version of Britta, this polish is for you! Ash has the same great formula that is opaque in two coats, and is super sparkly. I don’t wear a lot of metallic polishes, but Ash will certainly come into play during my holiday manicures!

Zoya – Troy Zoya – TroyLast but not least is Troy, a pewter shade with a foil finish and touch of black and gold shimmer. Troy has a good formula but I did find it to be a bit messy, so be prepared for a bit of clean up around the cuticles. I love this shade of polish for fall, as it pairs nicely with dark clothing and the soft texture of sweaters. It does remind me of last year’s polish called Tris (seen HERE), but contains that gold sparkle that makes it different.

All in all, the Zoya Urban Grunge Collection contains a nice selection of holo, shimmer, and metallic polishes. While I don’t wear these formulas often myself, I do highly recommend these based on the great quality. My favorites are definitely Alicia and Finley, so those are my top picks. You can shop the Urban Grunge polishes on Zoya’s website HERE. Each polish retails for $10, but keep your eye out for deals and coupons! Let me know in the comments what your top picks of the Urban Grunge collection are!

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

 

My Top 5 Book Buzzwords

Happy Tuesday! Today I thought it would be fun to share with you my top five book buzzwords. These are the words or phrases that, when used to describe a book, prompt me to pick it up as soon as possible. The cool thing about buzzwords is that they can fit into multiple genres. For example, you can find some of my buzzwords in fantasy, contemporary, science fiction, mystery, and more! This blog post will list my top buzzwords and provide a bit of an explanation as to why I get so excited to read books that fit into these categories. I will also share some books I recommend for each buzzword, so you can read them if you have not already.

My Top 5 Book Buzzwords!

5. Heart-wrenching Books

I love books that are extremely emotional, but it’s not enough for a book to just make me cry. If a book can provide me with well-developed characters who find themselves in really difficult situations, then I get sucked in easily.

4. Competition Stories

I will admit I’m a very competitive person, and I love to read about characters who are also battling against one another. The competition can be the central plot of the book, or one scene in a longer novel, but if there is any sort of competitive aspect advertised about a book, you bet I will give it a read.

  

3. Secret Societies

I am so intrigued with the idea of secret societies, whether they exist in a world like our own, or in a fantasy world. There is just something so interesting about this concept to me. Perhaps it’s the idea that they are hiding in plain sight and have so much power over mainstream society without anyone knowing it.

   

2. Cults / Fundamentalist Religions

Similar to secret societies are books about cults or fundamentalist religions. I haven’t read too many books in this category yet, but I love television shows and movies about this topic. I think it is fascinating to learn about people who grow up in fundamentalist religions, but I also like to learn about those who get sucked into a cult later in life. I have a lot of books on my to read list that fit this category!

1. Unreliable Narrators

Finally, my most-loved book buzzword is an unreliable narrator. I love when books are written in the first-person, and you don’t know whether you can trust the character and anything he may tell you. Sometimes it is apparent from the start that a narrator may be lying to you, but it’s even better when a plot twist comes in to show the narrator’s deceitfulness to you as a reader.

  

That wraps up my top five book buzzwords! I hope you enjoyed learning more about my reading habits, while at the same time getting some book recommendations from me. I would love to know in the comments if you have any book buzzwords. You can also let me know if you have any book recommendations that fit my categories of choice. I’m always excited to learn more about the books you all love!

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

Zoya Nail Polish Urban Grunge Collection for Fall 2016 | Creams

Happy Monday! Today I am beyond excited to bring you a review of the new Zoya Nail Polish collection for this fall. Grunge is super trendy this year, and Zoya made sure to put a modern spin on this old school style with the Urban Grunge nail polish line. The full collection contains six cream formulas and six metallic holographic formulas. I will be sharing swatches of the creams with you in this post, and make sure to stay tuned for the holographic polishes on Wednesday.

Zoya Nail Polish Urban Grunge Collection for Fall 2016 | CreamsZoya describes the Urban Grunge creams as one coat polishes. I agree that these polishes are highly pigmented, but I applied two coats of polish in all of the swatches seen here. If you use a thicker coat of polish, you will definitely be able to get away with one coat. However, I prefer to use two thin coats of polish to ensure a manicure that dries evenly. Either technique works, so choose what is better for you!

Zoya – Mallory Zoya – MalloryFirst up is Mallory, a bright blue polish that is definitely my favorite of the bunch. Mallory has an excellent formula that applies smoothly, but this richly pigmented polish will stain your nails, so make sure you wear a healthy layer of base coat. Mallory looks much lighter on Zoya’s website than it does in person, so keep that in mind. I used natural sunlight when photographing these swatches to ensure I got true-to-life pictures for all of you.

Zoya – August Zoya – August

Next up is August, a grey polish with blue undertones. August also has a great formula, and I think this grey shade will work well with many skin tones. Sometimes grey can be difficult to wear, but the blue undertones bring August to life. I can also see this paired with a glitter polish to dress it up a bit!

Zoya – Wyatt Zoya – Wyatt Another one of my favorites is Wyatt, a Hunter green shade. Wyatt has an amazing formula that is super smooth and shiny without a top coat needed. I absolutely love this polish color for the fall and winter months. It goes with all of the earthy clothing I’ll be wearing very soon!

Zoya – Courtney Zoya – Courtney Next up is Courtney, a deep burgundy polish. Country’s formula is a bit different from the rest of the Urban Grunge creams, and is more of a “crelly” (cream and jelly) formula. This shade is perfect for fall, and will work for nearly every situation. Courtney is great if you want a twist on the traditional red manicure.

Zoya – Tara Zoya – TaraTara is up next, and this is a deep purple shade. If you are looking for a richly pigmented plum, you should definitely check out Tara. The formula is excellent, and it looks beyond gorgeous on the nails. I think Tara will look stunning on everyone, and I can’t wait to wear this one again.

Zoya – Noah Zoya – NoahLast but not least is Noah, a warm taupe polish. Noah has a good formula, but I did find it to be a bit tacky. I recommend thin coats with this polish so you can achieve an even finish. If you work in a professional environment, or simply love neutral polishes, Noah is a great option for you.

All in all, I am really loving the cream polishes in Zoya’s Urban Grunge collection. You all know I am a huge fan of cream formulas, and Zoya has done it again with this line. I know I will be wearing Mallory and Wyatt quite often, plus I need more Tara in my life! Honestly, I recommend all of these shades, and am loving the rich pigmentation. You can purchase the Urban Grunge collection on Zoya’s website HERE. Each polish retails for $10, but keep an eye out for sales and coupons! Let me know your favorite polish in the Urban Grunge Collection 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. 

$300 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Happy Friday! I am so excited to announce my participation in an amazing collaborative giveaway with fellow bloggers! This time it is for another $300 Amazon Gift Card, and I couldn’t be more excited for you to enter. Whether you’re buying textbooks for school, food for your pantry, or a treat for yourself, this gift card will give one of you a nice shopping spree. Please remember to read through the rules below, and best of luck!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Prize: $300 Amazon Gift Card

Co-hosts: Jenns Blah Blah Blog // Coupons and Freebies Mom // Pretty Thrifty // A Better Me // The Mommyhood Mentor® // Taffeta & Tulips // Top Free Mmorpg 2017 // SWEETHAUTE // Surviving Mommy // Lauryncakes // A Wandering Vine // Novelstyle // A Labour of Life // It’s Naptime Somewhere // Bill Hiatt’s Author Website // It Girl Accessories // Heartfully Heather // Misadventures with Andi // Purple Patch DIY // The Sophisticated Life // Fashion Fairy Dust

Giveaway organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!

Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 9/16 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.

Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!

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