Adventures in Polishland

Author: Adventures in Polishland

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri | Halloween 2014 Collection

Posted on October 23, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Halloween is right around the corner, and in the next few days I’ll be sharing reviews of some fabulous and affordable polishes for the season. Sally Hansen has some awesome limited edition lines, and I’m going to start out by showing you the four Insta-Dri polishes. These polishes are the perfect base colors for the season. Let me go ahead and share them with you!

First up is OMGhost, a white creme polish. OMGhost has a watery formula, so I recommend three very thin coats. The final result is gorgeous, and the streaking is minimal. If you don’t yet own a white nail polish, OMGhost is perfect to pick up this time of year. It goes well with glitter on top!

Next up is Pumpkin Queen, my new favorite orange creme. This polish is perfection! Not only is the formula great, and opaque in two coats, but the result is awesome. Pumpkin Queen truly lives up to its name. I think this is a must buy in the collection!

Night Fright is up next, and it is a stunning black creme. Night Fright is nearly opaque in one coat, but I added a second coat to ensure a rich pigmentation. I love how glossy Night Fright is even without top coat. I highly recommend it if you need an affordable black polish for your collection.

Last but not least is Scaredy Matte, a matte black polish. Scaredy Matte has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. I do wish the matte effect was a bit stronger, as the finish is a bit shinier than I would expect from a matte. Nonetheless, this is a great polish for this time of year, and perfect to match with your leather jackets!

All in all, I think the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri polishes for Halloween 2014 are awesome! These are four core polishes that everyone should own, especially for this time of year. These polishes retail for just $4.99 and are available at your local drugstore or department store. Let me know in the comments which of these you’re going to pick up!

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

’50s Sock Hop Nails | Easy Halloween Tutorial

Posted on October 18, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! I got a great response from my last Halloween nail tutorial (see it HERE) that I decided to create another one! Growing up, one of my favorite Halloween costumes was a ’50s inspired Sock Hop outfit. My mom sewed me a custom poodle skirt and black bolero, and I was ready to rock to some doo-wop tunes! If you’re going to don this classic outfit idea on Halloween, I’ve got just the nails for you. Plus, stay tuned to find out how to take this manicure from ’50s Sock Hop to Punk Rock in one easy step!

All you need to create this look is a pink nail polish, black nail polish, dotting tool, and nail art brush. Start with a pink base, and let that dry. Then draw a straight line on your pointer finger using a nail art brush for the G-clef. Use the dotting tools to create the noteheads in any way you choose. Now comes the tricky part! Carefully draw on the rest of your G-clef and the stems for your notes. It’s okay if the lines aren’t perfect – mine aren’t! Finally, let your manicure dry and follow up with a glossy top coat.

Here are the exact products that I used in this tutorial, but feel free to use what’s in your stash!

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Fuchsia Flare [BUY]
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics in Tarred [BUY]
Born Pretty Store Nail Art Brush [BUY] (10% off with code FZL91)
Dragonpad Dotting Tools [BUY]

If you’re going for more of a Punk Rock costume this year, simply add a black and white glitter polish on top of the already existing manicure! That will add some pizazz to your nails and give the look a bit more of an edge. I used Milani in Sprinkles, but whatever you own will be great. For even more flare, use some holographic glitter as well!

I hope you enjoyed today’s Halloween nail tutorial! Whether you’re dressing as a ’50s Sock Hop girl or Punk Rocker, this manicure will be sure to add a little something special to your costume. Please let me know what you think in the comments, and let me know if there are any other tutorials you would like to see for Halloween!

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

ModelCo Party Proof Matte Lipstick Review | Get Naked & Kitty

Posted on October 16, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today I wanted to tell you about a line of lipsticks that I’ve been loving! Thanks to Birchbox, I’ve received two of the ModelCo Party Proof Matte Lipsticks in the past few months (one as a bonus with an order and the other in my monthly box). I’m not usually a big lipstick wearer, as I much prefer tinted lip balms, but I’m happily surprised with how awesome this lipstick range is. I thought I would go ahead and review the two I own for all of you!

First up is the shade Get Naked, the perfect peachy nude lipstick. One of the reasons I love these lipsticks is the formula. I love matte lips, but matte products tend to be very drying. The Party Proof line, however, feels very moisturizing and creamy on the lips. It does have a matte finish, but is glossier than other matte lipsticks I’ve tried. I really like that! Get Naked is also the perfect nude shade for my fair skin tone. It’s definitely a must have!

The other Party Proof lipstick I own is Kitty, a rosy mauve shade that is truly a “my lips but better” color. Kitty also has a creamy formula that stays in place all day. I feel much more polished and put together with this lipstick, but at the same time I still have a natural look. It’s a great every day shade, and the matte finish is perfection.

All in all, I’m so glad I discovered the ModelCo Party Proof Matte Lipstick line through Birchbox! These lipsticks are available for purchase on the Birchbox website HERE in sets of three for $24 each. I think that is a decent price for three lipsticks! Both Get Naked and Kitty come in the Neutrals trio along with Dusk Till Dawn. There is also a Classics trio available for purchase. I think at some point in the future I’ll be snagging more of these lipsticks for my collection now that I know how much I love the formula! The sleek white packaging is a pure bonus! Please let me know if you’ve tried any ModelCo products in the comments!

Show Your College Student You Care with #AmazonWishList!

Posted on October 14, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias. #AmazonWishList #AmazonHasIt #CollectiveBias

#AmazonWishList #AmazonHasIt #shop #CollectiveBias Happy Tuesday! Today I am so excited to bring you information about the new #AmazonWishList feature! I am a dedicated Amazon shopper, and use many of the company’s features including Prime, the Rewards Credit Card, and, of course, Wish List. Now Amazon has made shopping with the site even easier. This post will explain the new #AmazonWishList feature, and also share how easy it is to shop for your college student through the site. Make sure to stay tuned through the end to find out how you can win awesome prizes from Amazon, too!

WHAT IS #AMAZONWISHLIST?

Adding items to your Wish List has never been easier! If you’re browsing Twitter and see an awesome product that you want to buy, now you don’t have to go searching for it on the web! So long as the Tweet contains an Amazon link, just reply to it using the hashtag #AmazonWishList and the item will automatically be added to your Wish List! To set up your account, simply link your Twitter and Amazon accounts together. Then, get adding! Here’s an example of how the program works.

Find a Tweet that Contains an Amazon Product Link
Reply to the Tweet Using #AmazonWishList

3. The Item is Now on Your Wish List!As you can see from the timestamps on my screenshots, this entire process took just one minute to complete! Keep in mind that your Twitter profile needs to be set to Public in order for Amazon to see your tweet. Feel free to read more about the program’s details on Amazon’s website HERE.

SHARE THE LOVE WITH YOUR COLLEGE STUDENT

This #AmazonWishList feature makes it easier than ever to send care packages to your favorite college student. As a student myself, I know how awesome it is to receive a package in the mail from a loved one. Goodies like candy and bath and body products are always nice, but Amazon has awesome practical gift packs that are ready to purchase at the click of a button. One care package that I think is a brilliant idea is the Proctor & Gamble Laundry Bundle. Not only is doing laundry a huge pain, but laundry products can be pretty expensive, especially when you’re a college student. I would love this bundle!

For just $32.99, you get everything you need for 70 loads of laundry: Tide Pods Spring Meadow, Downy Unstoppables Fresh, and Bounce Outdoor Fresh Sheets. Not only will you get great results with a fresh and clean feel, but you can also save an additional 5% when you sign up for a subscription to the Laundry Care Bundle Pack. That way, your college student will never have to worry about buying laundry products! Talk about an amazing gift! Head on over to Amazon HERE to purchase this bundle now!

I was so excited about this new program with Amazon that I decided to create some Tide inspired nails! One of the ways I stay sane during college is by painting my nails, and my suitemates and I used to meet up for nail painting parties in the common room. We would share our nail polish collections, swap nail art ideas, and just take a breather from work. I loved it! Let me know if you’d like a full tutorial of this look in the comments!

#AMAZONWISHLIST TWITTER PARTY

If this post has peaked your interest about the new features Amazon has to offer, I definitely recommend stopping by the #AmazonWishList Social Shopping Part on Wednesday, October 15 from 11:00am-12:00pm EST. During the party you’ll learn about the featured products and find out about special promotions. Plus, Amazon will be giving away 10 Kindles! How awesome is that?! Make sure to use the hashtags #AmazonWishList and #AmazonHasIt to take part and RSVP to the Twitter party HERE.

I hope you have enjoyed learning about the amazing new #AmazonWishList feature today, and that you will consider sending a care package to your favorite college student. Whether it’s the Laundry Care Pack or other goodies, I know he or she will appreciate the kindness. Please let me know in the comments what your favorite Amazon feature is, and if you’ll be testing out the #AmazonWishList program!

Zoya Nail Polish MatteVelvet Collection

Posted on October 12, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Sunday! Today I’m bringing you a review of the complete MatteVelvet Collection from Zoya Nail Polish! I absolutely love matte nails, especially in the colder months of the year. This year Zoya re-released the brand’s six, best-selling matte polishes, and I was extremely lucky to receive them for review. I’ve never tried any of Zoya’s matte formulas before, so I couldn’t wait to test these out. Let me go ahead and show you the stunning MatteVelvet line!

First up is Loredana, a gunmetal grey polish with silver shimmer mixed throughout the base. Like all of the polishes in this collection, Loredana is opaque in two coats and has a perfect formula. The shimmer is quite pronounced in this polish, which gives it a cool metallic look. Loredana is great if you don’t want a super dark polish this fall.

Next up is Savita, my absolute favorite in the collection! Savita is a beautiful deep purple polish with a subtle red and gold shimmer. I am just beyond obsessed with this polish! It looks so classy and divine. I can’t wait to wear Savita a lot in the coming months!

Posh is up next, and it’s a red polish with red shimmer. Posh is definitely one of my favorite red polishes of all time. The matte finish compliments my fair skin tone really nicely, and the red shimmer gives the shade an added dimension. I can see Posh working for many Halloween looks, as well as Christmas manicures as well!

Next is Veruschka, an emerald green matte with green and gold shimmer. I love the rich pigmentation in this polish, and how flawless it looks on my nails. I’m not sure that I would wear Veruschka on a regular basis, but it’s perfect for the holiday season!

Zoya – Harlow Next up is Harlow, a polish that’s somewhere between pink and purple, and packed with silver shimmer. The shimmer is really vibrant in Harlow, and I actually wish it was more subdued. Nonetheless, this is a feminine polish that’s wearable in all seasons.

Last but not least is Dovima, a charcoal polish with silver shimmer. Dovima is definitely my second favorite in the MatteVelvet line after Savita. I love the deep shade, and the subtle shimmer. Plus, it is a manicure that can go with any outfit and it looks really cool. I’m wearing it as I type up this blog post!

All in all, I am loving the Zoya MatteVelvet Collection! Matte polishes are some of my favorites to wear, and I love when polish formulas in and of themselves are matte so I don’t need to apply a special top coat. Not only do these polishes dry quickly, but they don’t chip easily. I highly recommend each and every shade in the collection! You can purchase the MatteVelvet polishes directly from Zoya HERE for $9 each. Be sure to let me know which MatteVelvet is your favorite 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.

Zoya Matte Cloud Nail Art | Fall 2014

Posted on October 9, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today I have a fun fall manicure to show you that I created using some of the Fall 2014 Zoya Nail Polish colors. I’ve been wearing Margo a lot lately, and decided to add some bling to the beautiful creme by adding in the Ultra PixieDust shades. Let me show you how I combined these polishes!

First, I started off with a base of Margo and let that dry. Then, I used each of the Ultra PixieDusts one at a time to create an ombré cloud. I began with Oswin, and then added on Arianna and Noir letting each coat dry in between. Finally, I used a matte top coat over the top to create a uniform finish. The ombré is subtle, but really pretty!

All in all, this manicure is super easy to create, but really nice for fall! You can learn more about the polishes I used in this post be reading my full reviews HERE and HERE. Let me know how you like to rock the Zoya polishes seen here 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.

Abstract Floral Nails with Born Pretty Store Water Decals

Posted on October 7, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! Today I have a review of some floral water decals from Born Pretty Store. Water decals are such a fun and easy way to create a nail art look, and I’ve always enjoyed testing them out in the past. You can see the other manicures I’ve created with water decals HERE, but let’s jump right into today’s look!

This set of water decals contains a beautiful floral pattern with red flowers. There are two rows of five blocks that can be cut into any shape you desire. I love that these decals are quite customizable. You can shape them to fit your entire nail, or cut them into funky shapes. The sheet itself retails for just $1.99 and can be purchased HERE.

I decided to go with an abstract look, and began with a base of Jordana Merry Mint (full review HERE). Once my green base was completely dry, I began adding on random pieces of the decals. I finished with a glossy top coat, and I’m loving the result! It reminds me of vintage wallpaper, and looks like a collage project. I know it won’t be everyone’s style, but the colors and pattern are really cool to me.

All in all, I love using water decals to easily dress up any manicure! As always, you can find these decals and many other nail art products on Born Pretty Store’s website at amazingly low prices. Use my discount code FZL91 for an additional 10% off! Let me know in the comments how you would use these water decals!

DIY Ghost Manicure | 3 Easy Steps

Posted on October 5, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Sunday! Now that it’s October, I’m in the mood for everything Halloween related. I decided to create a super easy manicure to get the season going, so if you’re looking for some spooky inspiration look no further! All you need to create this cute little ghost is a black nail polish, white nail polish, and a dotting tool. I created an iconographic so you can see the tutorial step-by-step.

The specific products that I used for my ghost manicure are as follows:

Michael Marcus in Once You Go Matte [BUY]
Milani Color Statement in Spotlight White [BUY]
Dragonpad Dotting Tools [BUY]

Of course, use whatever polishes and tools you have in your own collection. I went with a matte black base because I thought the glossy finish on the white would stand out more, but the finish is up to you! My only added tip to the tutorial above is to let each layer dry before continuing on. That’s all there is to it!

All in all, I hope you found this DIY Ghost Manicure a cute and fun way to kick off the Halloween season!I love the simplicity in this look, as it is festive yet not over the top. If you have any requests for seasonal looks, let me know using my Review Request Form HERE. I hope to create a few more festive manicures this fall!

This post contains affiliate links and a product that I was sent for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

September 2014 Favorites!

Posted on October 3, 2014September 28, 2014 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! September has come to a close and that means it’s time for my monthly favorites. I’ve been loving a lot of products this month, but I narrowed it down to a few that I want to recommend to all of you. Let me go ahead and show you my September favorites!

NAIL POLISH

Zoya Entice Collection | Adventures in Polishland Zoya Entice Collection [REVIEW] [BUY]

I’ve worn the Zoya Entice Collection so much this past month that I decided to include all of the polishes in my favorites! Margo, Ryan, and Genevieve have been living on my nails, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

PRIMER

Smashbox Photo Finish Oil-Free Primer [BUY]

I pulled this primer sample out of my collection and haven’t been able to stop using it! It is so light, and really makes my foundation look amazing. Plus, the oil-free formula is perfect for preventing acne. This is an expensive product, but I highly recommend it!

LIP PRODUCT

Alima Pure Lip Tint in Holly Berry [BUY]

I got this lip tint in a Birchbox a while back, and I’ve been loving it this fall. The main ingredient is organic cocoa bean, so it smells just like chocolate! Plus, it’s so hydrating!

BLUSH

Pür Minerals Hot Rocks Blush Pür Minerals Hot Rocks [BUY]

My cousin gave me this blush as a gift, and I’ve worn it a lot recently! The shade is a gorgeous dusty rose. The cover of the product does get quite dirty-looking, as that’s where I dust off the excess product. If you’re looking for a beautiful blush, I definitely recommend this one!

MAKEUP REMOVER

No7 Beautiful Skin Quick Thinking Wipes [BUY]

I decided to try a new brand of makeup remover wipes, and I’m loving these ones! They really do take off all makeup, including waterproof mascara, and they are so refreshing. Plus, there are 30 wipes in a pack and they are very affordable.

That’s it for my monthly favorites! I hope I introduced you to some new products! I noticed many of these products are high end this month, so it’s a bit of a change from my normal drugstore go-tos. It’s always good to change it up every now and then! Please let me know in the comments what you loved this September. Feel free to use the hashtag #PolishlandFaves on social media so I can see your photos!

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

Sally Hansen MiracleGel Review | All Chalked Up & Wine Stock

Posted on October 1, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I have a review of two of the new, Sally Hansen MiracleGel polishes. I was so excited when I heard about this new range of gel polishes at the drugstore. Not only are there 47 shades available, but they are designed to give 14 days of color in just two easy steps. I couldn’t wait to put these polishes to the test. Let me tell you all about my experience!

The key to the MiracleGel system is the Top Coat that needs to be purchased separately. After applying two coats of the MiracleGel polish, use the Top Coat as you normally would to seal the manicure. The polish contains a patented Tube Technology to help cure your polish without the need of any LED/UV lights.

The first polish I tested from the line is All Chalked Up, a beautiful lilac creme shade. All Chalked Up has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. I am loving this color, and hoped it would last at least a week. Unfortunately, I started getting tip wear after just two days, and substantial chipping on the third day. I was super bummed!

Next up is Wine Stream, a burgundy red that is just stunning for fall! Wine Stream has a “crelly” formula (creme and jelly mixture) that was opaque in two coats, but could use a third for an even darker look. I’m wearing two coats in the photos here. I again only got a few days of wear out of this polish before it started chipping, and was so disappointed! I even tried out Wine Stream again with my normal base and top coats, but it didn’t prolong the wear at all.

All in all, I’m quite disappointed that I didn’t have better luck with the new Sally Hansen MiracleGel polishes. If you’ve tested these polishes, please let me know your results in the comments. Maybe the formula just doesn’t work well with my body chemistry for some reason! My recommendation for the line is to snag any shades that you really want, but to leave the Top Coat on the shelf. It didn’t work any better than my normal top coat, so I can’t say it’s worth the money. You can find the MiracleGel line at your local drugstores and department stores. I’m going to continue experimenting with the Top Coat, and will definitely report back if I find something that works!

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