Makeup – Page 3 – Adventures in Polishland

Category: Makeup

Zoya Perfect Lipstick | Swatches + Review of Full 12-Piece Collection

Posted on February 20, 2017February 19, 2017 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I am excited to bring you swatches and a review of the complete Zoya Perfect Lipstick Collection. This line of 12 lipsticks is created with a hydrating formula designed to last 4-6 hours without drying or cracking. The Perfect Lipsticks are also vegan and environmentally friendly, and have a wide shade range to fit any skin tone. Let me share this lipstick collection and my thoughts on it with you!

The Perfect Lipstick Collection contains nine cream finishes, two mattes, and one frost. All of the lipsticks are unflavored and unscented.

First up is MatteVelvet Red, a cool-toned red with a matte finish. I am pleasantly surprised with how comfortable this lipstick is to wear. Even though it is matte, it feels very smooth and creamy on the lips. Plus, MatteVelvet Red is a classic red shade that I think is a staple in any lipstick collection.

Next up is Cameron, a light beige lipstick with a cream formula. Cameron has a great pigmentation for a lipstick that is so light in shade. It makes me look a bit washed out because of my very fair skin tone, but I otherwise really like how it wears. I can see this being an everyday color for many people!

One of my favorite lipsticks in the line is Paisley, a purple-toned mauve with a cream finish. Paisley does require about two coats for opacity on the lips, and it is a bit messier to apply. Otherwise, the shade is beyond gorgeous, and I can see myself reaching for this lipstick regularly.

If you’re looking for a red lipstick with a cream finish, Frankie is the pick for you! Frankie is a bright, true red, and it feels really comfortable to wear. It reminds me of my days as a competitive dancer when we were required to sport red lips at our performances. Whether you’re hitting the stage or simply running errands, Frankie is a stunning red!

Next up is Georgia, a bright berry shade with purple undertones. Georgia is a bit outside of my comfort zone, but it is a beautiful lipstick. It has a cream formula, and I do recommend about two coats for an opaque look. Georgia is a great shade to take you from winter to spring!

The next matte shade in the line is Maxwell, a deep plum shade with fuchsia glitter. Maxwell has a great formula, and it is surprisingly comfortable to wear despite containing glitter. However, it is one of my least favorite lipsticks in the collection simply because I don’t like wearing glittery lip colors. Maxwell is also a bit troublesome to remove, as the glitter gets all over the place without coming off my face. That being said, if glitter lipstick is your thing, Maxwell is a nice option.

The other glittery shade in the collection is Brooke, a mauve shade with pearlized glitter. Brooke is more of a tinted lip balm than a lipstick. Unlike the other shades in the collection, this one is not pigmented at all, and it barely shows up on my lips. Brooke does have a cream formula, but I’m not a big fan of it because it just makes my lips look oddly glittery.

Wren is another favorite for me in the collection. This is a pinky-peach shade with a cream finish, and I think it’s another everyday shade. Wren is a lipstick that can be worn any season of the year, and it’s a great choice if you are just getting into makeup and hesitant to wear bright colors.

Next up is Candy, a blue-toned bright pink lipstick with a cream finish. Candy is a Barbie pink for sure. It is extremely pigmented, and I know this will be a spring and summer staple for many people. I’m usually hesitant to wear bright pink lipsticks, but I’m excited to have this in my collection for sure.

Mellie is a the next cream lipstick that is somewhere between a red and pink shade. I think Mellie is a very wearable color, and it also feels really hydrating and comfortable on the lips. Mellie is a great lipstick for any skin tone, and it is work appropriate as well. This is a must have for your lipstick stash!

The one frost formula in the collection is Belle, a blue-toned pink with a golden frost finish. I do not like frost lipsticks, so Belle is not the shade for me. However, Belle is nicely pigmented and is a pretty color for those of you who do enjoy frosts. It reminds me a bit of cotton candy!

Last but not least is Jasmine, a deep plum lipstick with a cream formula. Jasmine is absolutely beautiful and extremely pigmented. This shade is a bit outside of my comfort zone, but I think this is one of the best lipsticks in the collection. Jasmine feels so creamy and hydrating on the lips!

All in all, I think Zoya’s Perfect Lipstick Collection contains a great variety of shades and formulas. The majority of the line is well pigmented, and they all feel very comfortable to wear. My personal favorites are Paisley, Wren, and Mellie, but I recommend all of the shades except for Brooke. You can purchase the Zoya Perfect Lipstick Collection on the brand’s website HERE for $12 each. Make sure to follow Zoya on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for sale information and discount codes.

Which Zoya Perfect Lipstick 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.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo in Taupe Review

Posted on January 25, 2017January 22, 2017 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I have a review of the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo in the shade Taupe. I’ve been in the market for a new eyebrow product for several months now, and decided to splurge on this powder during the Sephora Beauty Insider Sale in December. I’ve never tried a product from Anastasia before, but when I discovered that the brand has many vegan options (see the full list HERE), I knew it was time to see why the brand is so well-loved.

I decided to purchase the Brow Powder Duo instead of the hyped Brow Wiz for a few reasons. First, my eyebrows are naturally wide and sparse, so I need a lot of product to fill them in, and powder looks a lot more natural than pencil. Similarly, brow powder is a lot more affordable for me, because a powder will last a lot longer than a pencil. While it was tempting to try the Brow Wiz, I knew the Brow Powder Duo would suit my eyebrow type a lot more.

Here is a look at the Brow Powder Duo packaging. I love the sleek black palette with rose gold accents. It also snaps closed and is very secure, so I know it will travel well.

The Brow Powder Duo comes with two shades, a light and a dark, so that you can get a perfect color match and also add dimension to the brows. I only use the dark shade in this duo, as it matches my eyebrows perfectly. I apply the powder using the EcoTools Angled Eyeliner Brush, and it does an amazing job. I also set my eyebrows using the ELF Cosmetics Clear Brow Mascara, as my eyebrows tend to get wild throughout the day. This product is advertised to be smudge proof and long-wearing, and overall I do agree with that. I do experience a very small amount of smudging while finishing up my makeup application, but my brows otherwise stay in place all day. I love how I can get a really natural looking brow with this powder, but I can also create sharp lines using my angled brush.

All in all, I am really happy that I purchased the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo in Taupe. This is the best brow powder that I’ve tried by far, and I think it is worth the $23.00 price tag even though I am only using one of the shades. I use this product every day that I wear makeup, and I’ve barely made a dent in the powder. I know the Brow Powder Duo will last me a very long time. Thus, if you are looking for a brow powder, I highly recommend trying out this one from Anastasia. You can purchase it on Sephora’s website HERE, and make sure to shop through Ebates to earn cash back. This product comes in 11 different shades, so there should be an option for you no matter your hair color!

Have you tried any Anastasia brow products? Let me know in the comments!

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

Top 10 Beauty Products of 2016!

Posted on January 6, 2017 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I am excited to share my top ten favorite beauty products of 2016. The products I’m featuring were not necessarily new for 2016, but they are things I discovered and really loved this past year. I decided to group together nail polish, makeup, and skincare for this year’s post, as I focused more on using the products I already own than trying new things. I also transitioned to a vegan lifestyle in June, so I wanted to only feature the vegan products I’ve loved this year. Without further ado, let me share my 2016 favorites with all of you!

10. Tarte LipSurgence in Energy [BUY]

My favorite lip product of the year is this lip gloss from Tarte. The LipSurgence in Energy is really cool because it goes on clear and adjusts to your perfect lip shade. I love how I get a beautiful pink with this lip gloss, and it feels really comfortable on the lips, too. This is a bit expensive, but I highly recommend it because I wear it all the time.

9. LVX in Azzurrum [BUY]

I’ve really loved wearing dark nail polishes this year, especially in the fall months. I reached for an old favorite of LVX in Azzurrum on several occasions, as it is a stunning navy blue. It goes surprisingly well with my fair skin tone, and it matches nearly every outfit. I feel like it even looks nice when I wear a lot of black in the fall.

8. Zoya in Taylor [BUY]

At the other end of the nail polish color spectrum, I fell in love with Zoya in Taylor. This is a warm beige polish, and it is a go to neutral for me. I wore a lot of nail polish this fall, and Taylor was a staple in between all the dark shades.

7. ELF Clear Brow and Lash Mascara [BUY]

One of my daily staples is brow gel, and I’m so glad I found a super affordable option from ELF. For just $2.00, I can get six months worth of brow gel since this product is dual-ended. Plus, it works really well and keeps my brows in place without making them look really stiff. You need to try this if you haven’t yet!

6. ELF Baked Highlighter in Moonlight Pearls [BUY]

Another ELF favorite is the Baked Highlighter in the shade Moonlight Pearls. I was so surprised with how beautiful this highlight is since it only costs $3.00! I wear it regularly, especially on days where I want a natural look. This adds the perfect amount of light to an otherwise one-dimensional makeup look.

5. Hurraw! Lip Balm in Coffee Bean [BUY]

This lip balm has really been a savior these past few months for me. When the winter weather comes along, my lips and skin really dry out quickly. I put this lip balm on at night before I go to bed, and when I wake up my lips feel brand new. Plus, the coffee bean flavor smells absolutely amazing!

4. Zoya in Mallory [BUY]

My last nail polish favorite for 2016 is Zoya in Mallory. I am always obsessed with bright blue polishes, and Mallory is no exception. Of course, this polish has an amazing formula as well, and that encourages me to reach for it from my collection.

3. Yes to Cucumber Soothing Hypoallergenic Face Wipes [BUY]

I also rediscovered the Yes to Cucumber Face Wipes, and I’ve been using them exclusively for the past few months. If you are looking for really gentle wipes that remove all of your makeup, I highly recommend trying out this brand. While it is a bit more on the pricer side at the drugstore, Target often has the Yes to brand on sale on the Cartwheel app.

2. Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Taupe [BUY]

I was on the hunt for a new brow powder, and I splurged on the Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Taupe. I’m so glad I picked up this product! It fills in my brows beautifully, and it looks very natural as well. You also get a lot more for your money with brow powders because they last much longer than pencils.

1. Kat Von D Lock-it Foundation in Light 44 [BUY]

Last but not least, my absolute favorite beauty product of 2016 is the Kat Von D Lock-it Foundation! I purchased this foundation a few months ago, and I’ve quickly become obsessed with it. At first I was a bit underwhelmed, but the more I use it the more I love it. This is a liquid foundation with great coverage, and I personally love its mate finish. I’ve been reaching for it nearly every day I wear makeup!

That wraps up my top ten beauty products of 2016! I’m happy to see a mix of high end and drugstore products, as I feel like that really represents my beauty collection. Please share your 2016 beauty favorites with me in the comments! I would love to know what you are loving so I can try out even more new-to-me products. Happy New Year, everyone!

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

BH Cosmetics 75% Off Black Friday Sale | 2016 Gift Guide | #PolishlandPresents

Posted on November 23, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Black Friday is now just a couple days away, and many stores are beginning their sales early. BH Cosmetics is having a huge Black Friday sale starting tomorrow, November 24, 2016, running through Sunday, November 27. Products will be up to 75% off BH Cosmetics’s already fabulous and affordable prices. I’ve been eyeing up some of the brands goodies for quite a while, so I thought I would share my picks with all of you, as they all make perfect gifts this holiday season! BH Cosmetics is a 100% cruelty free brand, and many of the products are vegan as well. This gift guide will feature all of the vegan products I’m excited to try!

All of the images in this blog post are courtesy of BH Cosmetics. Affiliate links used. All opinions are my own.

Carli Bybel 14-Color Eyeshadow & Highlighter Palette [BUY]

The item at the top of my wish list is the Carli Bybel palette. I’ve followed Carli’s YouTube Channel for years, and I even got to meet her a couple years ago! My makeup collection is currently lacking big time in eyeshadows and highlighters, so this palette is perfect for me. I love that this palette includes all neutral tones and a mix of matte and shimmer formulas. This palette makes the perfect gift even if the person on your list doesn’t know who Carli is!

Illuminate by Ashley Tisdale: Beach Goddess 12-Color Eye & Cheek Collection [BUY]

BH Cosmetics also just launched a collection from Ashley Tisdale. I think the Beach Goddess palette is beyond gorgeous! If you love to look glowy, this is definitely the palette for you. It includes a blush, bronzer, highlighter, and eyeshadows to illuminate the entire face. I love the range of shades in the eyeshadows!

Glamorous Blush Palette [BUY]

The last palette on my radar is the Glamorous Blush palette. This contains ten blush shades in every shade you can imagine! My blush collection definitely needs to be replenished after I decluttered a lot of my non-vegan collection. This palette will give me the opportunity to test out which shades look best with my skin tone. Plus, it’s only $17 regular price!

11-Piece Pink-a-Dot Brush Set [BUY]

How cute is this brush set?! I love how this set comes in a polka dot holder, as it makes the set so easy to give as a gift. Any makeup lover could always do with new brushes, and this kit includes so many options. I’ve been wanting a fan brush, and it’s always nice to have extra eyeshadow brushes on hand. I’m very interested in trying out these brushes to see what the quality is like. They have a 5-star rating on the BH Cosmetics website, so I’m really excited to get them!

Metallic Liquid Lipstick [BUY]

Last but not least, I wanted to highlight an amazing stocking stuffer idea. Metallic Liquid Lipsticks are extremely on trend in the beauty community right now, so I think giving a few of these as a gift this year is the perfect idea! I know I might not buy these for myself, but it would be so fun to try these out and see what they look like on me. There are a variety of shades to pick from, ranging from wearable mauves to out-there purples and blues. Grab a few of these and wrap them in a bow for a great present!

That wraps up my gift guide for BH Cosmetics this holiday season! Make sure to shop the Black Friday sale, where these already affordable products will be up to 75% off! You can also save even more money by shopping through Ebates HERE. BH Cosmetics is 5% cash back every day, and we might see it double on Black Friday when many stores have special promotions. I’m so ready to pick up some of the products I’ve been eyeing from BH Cosmetics!

What are your favorite BH Cosmetics products? Let me know in the comments!

Disappointing Beauty Products | Fall 2016

Posted on November 21, 2016November 19, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I want to share with you some beauty products that disappointed me this fall. While it’s fun to share my favorite things with you every month, I think it’s also really helpful to share the products that didn’t quite work for me. As always, it’s worth mentioning that while I don’t like these products, that doesn’t mean they won’t work for you! We all have different skin types, hair textures, and product preferences, so I will do my best to point out when I think a product’s qualities will be effective for someone other than myself. Without further ado, let’s jump right into the disappointing beauty products!

HAIR

The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Hair Butter [BUY]

First up is a hair butter I purchased from The Body Shop. My hair type is really strange, and it’s difficult to find products that work for me. My scalp and hair are dry, but my hair also gets oily really easily. I thought the Rainforest Moisture Hair Butter would help to keep my hair moisturized, but unfortunately it is way too heavy for my thin hair. I experimented with this product, sometimes leaving it on for two minutes and others leaving it on for the suggested five. No matter what, my hair was always left with a really weird feeling that I didn’t like. Unless you have really, really dry hair, I’m not sure this product is worth the hefty price tag.

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

My hunt for the perfect drugstore dry shampoo continues. This one from Not Your Mother’s really baffles me! I used a travel size one during my trip to Los Angeles, and I really enjoyed it, so I bought the full size when I got home. For some reason, it doesn’t work for me at all anymore! Clean Freak is supposed to instantly absorb excess oils, leave no residue, and give fresh volume to the hair. What I do like is that there is no white residue left on my hair when I use this product. Unfortunately, that is the only good thing about it! It doesn’t absorb oils, and instead it weighs down my hair and makes it look worse than it did in the first place. Basically, I feel like this dry shampoo does absolutely nothing for me.

SKINCARE

The Body Shop Seaweed Pore-Cleansing Facial Exfoliator [BUY]

Next up is a facial exfoliant that I also feel is quite ineffective. When I buy a face scrub, I want it to clean my pores and remove dead skin cells from my face. At first, I really liked this Seaweed exfoliator. It leaves my face feeling really clean and soft. However, I noticed that it does not remove the dead skin cells on my face at all! I still have a lot of dry patches when I use this product. Plus, it smells really weird. I’ll probably use up this bottle, but I will not be repurchasing it. I do recommend this if you want a really gentle scrub.

MAKEUP

Milani EasyBrow Automatic Pencil [BUY]

I am always on the hunt for my perfect brow product, and unfortunately the Milani EasyBrow is not the one! I was drawn to purchase this because of the spoolie brush on the end (I’m a sucker for any brow product that includes a spoolie). While I do really enjoy the color match and staying power of this pencil, my issue is that I cannot get a precise line with it. The formula is very waxy and the pencil is soft, so getting a nicely shaped brow is difficult for me. My brows are very sparse, and I need to fill them in a lot to get my desired look. Thus, if you only need a bit of added definition, this product may work well for you.

ELF HD Lifting Concealer in Adjusting [BUY]

I’ve had my ups and downs with this color-correcting concealer from ELF. This was my first foray into color-correcting, so at first I thought this product was amazing. However, the more I use this concealer, the more I see its flaws. I purchased it to help cover the redness in my skin, but I find my skin absorbs the green pigmentation and the redness still shows through my final foundation routine. I’m glad I tested out this product, but I’m not happy with the results.

ELF Smudge Pot in Ain’t That Sweet [BUY]

I got this cream eyeshadow as a free gift with my last ELF purchase. I knew this particular shadow wouldn’t be a favorite of mine because it is a pink glittery shade, but I was excited to see what the formula was like. I’m sad to report that the formula is not well done. Not only is the shadow extremely sheer, but it gathers and clumps when I attempt to apply it. The shadow also flakes off and contains some chunky glitter. This is just not a product I can recommend to anyone!

ELF Volumizing & Defining Mascara in Jet Black [BUY]

Last but not least is my biggest disappointment of the bunch. I has such high hopes for this mascara from ELF, but it let me down. This mascara is very thick and heavy, and leaves my lashes really crispy. The worst thing, though, is this mascara gives me the uni-lash! In other words, my lashes all stick together in one bunch. That is just not okay with me. I tried to make it through the three month time period for this mascara, but I can’t do it. I’m happy to toss this now!

That wraps up all of my beauty product disappointments for the fall 2016 season. I hope you found this helpful if you were curious about any of these products. As I mentioned at the beginning, just because I don’t like these products doesn’t mean they won’t be beneficial for someone else. I still love shopping from all of these brands, but sometimes there are a few duds. Here’s to discovering the next awesome beauty product!

Have you tried any of these products? Let me know how they worked for you!

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

Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation Review

Posted on November 18, 2016November 17, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I am excited to share my thoughts on the Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation. If you’ve been reading Adventures in Polishland for any amount of time, you’ll know that I am a drugstore beauty girl, and it is very rare that I splurge on high end makeup products. That being said, I decided to treat myself to the Lock-It Foundation during Sephora’s Friends & Family sale this fall. I love wearing liquid foundations in the winter months, and when I discovered this foundation is vegan, I knew I had to give it a try.

The Lock–It Foundation is a liquid foundation formulated to provide full coverage for a full 24-hour period. It dries to a matte finish, and is designed to stay in place without any transfer. This foundation is available in 33 shades, which is absolutely fabulous! I love it when a beauty brand creates products that can be enjoyed no matter what skin shade you are. I got the shade Light 44.

Kat Von D recently upgraded the Lock-It Foundation’s packaging, and I wanted to give it a quick shout out. I absolutely love the sleek bottle design. Here is a look at the bottle from the top. You can see the cool ‘KVD’ that is the foundation’s pump. According the the brand’s website, the bottle now features an airless chamber design that prevents contamination and maintains the foundation’s consistency. I love how the packaging is functional in addition to being gorgeous!

I’ve been using the Lock–It Foundation for a few weeks now, and I have to say I am really pleased with it. I apply it using a damp BeautyBlender, and one pump provides coverage for my entire face. I will say that I do think one layer of the foundation is a medium coverage, and not the advertised full coverage, as I can still see freckles and other imperfections showing through the makeup. However, the Lock-It Foundation is definitely buildable, so I typically add another layer to the parts of my face I really want the full coverage look.

The formula itself is really nice. It does tend to cling to my dry patches, so I recommend exfoliating well before use, and perhaps avoiding this product if you have really dry skin. However, it dries to a beautiful matte finish, and maintains its integrity throughout the day. The wear is extremely comfortable as well. I also wanted to mention that you can definitely tell you are wearing foundation when you look in the mirror, but it’s not a “cake face” scenario at all. I’ll definitely be wearing this on the daily this winter!

All in all, I’m so glad I splurged on the Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation! While I do have a few small critiques of the product, I think it is worth the money for sure. I’m excited to continue using this product, and explore more of Kat Von D’s line in the future! You can purchase the Lock-It Foundation for $35 on Sephora’s website HERE. Make sure to shop with Ebates to earn cash back on your purchase!

Have you tried products from Kat Von D? Let me know what you recommend in the comments!

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

ELF Shadowlock Eyelid Primer in Sheer | Review + Swatches

Posted on November 7, 2016November 5, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I have a review of the ELF Shadowlock Eyelid Primer in the shade Sheer. I received this primer as a free gift in my last ELF haul (see that unboxing HERE). I’ve now used this product periodically for a few months, and I’ve really grown to like it. I wanted to share my review and application tips on this product with all of you. If you can get a quality eye primer for just $2.00, who wouldn’t jump on it?!

The Shadowlock Eyelid Primer is designed to provide crease-proof and longer-lasting eyeshadow. The formula is a lightweight liquid that dries quickly. It comes with a doe-foot applicator, similar to a standard lip gloss. I have the shade Sheer, but it also comes in Pearl, which is more of a white shade.

My application tip with the Shadowlock Eyelid Primer is to use a very small amount and lightly blend it out with your fingertip. Less is definitely more with this primer, and I typically use two coats to help cover up my veiny eyelids. The Sheer shade is a cool-toned beige with salmon pink undertones. When I blend it in, the primer tends to match my fair skin tone perfectly. I do think this will work well under eyeshadow for any skin color, but if you are looking to wear this on its own, I’m not sure I would recommend it for those of you with darker skin. That being said, I do enjoy wearing this on its own to add a bit of brightness and evenness to my otherwise veiny eyelids.

I absolutely love how my eyelids look and feel after applying this primer. It dries very quickly to a soft satin finish. When I wear eyeshadow on top, it does not crease as all throughout the day. I am very impressed, as my eyeshadow typically creases rather easily, even when I’ve tried other primers in the past. The Shadowlock Eyelid Primer even helps my eyeshadow to glide on and blend easier. I am extremely impressed with how amazing the quality is!

All in all, I highly recommend the Shadowlock Eyelid Primer from ELF Cosmetics. It is the perfect primer for me, as I can wear it both alone and with eyeshadow to get the look I want. I have not tried any high end eyeshadow primers, but this ELF primer is much better than the drugstore primers I’ve tried in the past. You really cannot go wrong for the $2.00 price tag! You can buy this primer at your local drugstore, or online HERE.

What is your favorite eyeshadow primer? Let me know in the comments!

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

September Empties | #365DaysofEmpties Update

Posted on September 30, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Now that September is coming to a close, it is time for an update on my #365DaysofEmpties project. September went by so quickly for me, and part of that is because I did some traveling in the middle of the month. Thankfully, I still emptied out a good amount of products! I’ve really been concentrating on using up products, and haven’t purchased anything new in a while. I hope to continue doing that for the rest of the year! Let me show you the products I did empty out this month!

MAKEUP REMOVER

Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Cleansing Facial Wipes – 1 travel pack [BUY]

Mini Review: I purchased this pack of wipes for my vacation in Los Angeles. I loved having this on my trip because they helped refresh my skin during the day, and also made for a simpler cleansing process at night when I was exhausted. I had a few left after my trip, so I took the pack home to finish.
Would I Buy it Again? Maybe! I liked these, but I do prefer the Yes to Cucumbers wipes.

ELF Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths – 1 pack [BUY]

Mini Review: At first I really loved these wipes because they are super soft and do an amazing job at removing all of my makeup. However, I then read the directions and noticed that you are supposed to rinse your face with water after using them! I know that makeup wipes are not supposed to substitute for washing your face, but many times I want to use them without needing to rinse afterwards. That extra step basically means the wipe is pointless for me.
Would I Buy it Again? Probably not.

Almay Eye Makeup Remover Pads – 1 pack [BUY]

Mini Review: These pads are excellent at removing that stubborn eye makeup like mascara. That being said, I used these very rarely, and would like to find a vegan cleanser that is safe to use on the eyes so I don’t need an extra step like this in the future.

MAKEUP

Hourglass Ambient Light Correcting Primer – 1 sample [BUY]

Mini Review: I liked using this primer sample from Hourglass, but I’m not able to tell if I really like it based on one use. Perhaps I can try some more from my local Sephora at some point!
Would I Buy it Again? Not based on this one use.

Covergirl + Olay Concealer Balm – 1 tube [no longer available]

Mini Review: I did like this concealer, but it is definitely not the best quality. In fact, I think this is a discontinued product! I used up the entire tube because it did the job, but I wouldn’t buy it again even if it were vegan.

BODY CARE

When on vacation I used up two travel sized body washes from my collection. Unfortunately I don’t have the bottles to show you, but I still wanted to give you mini reviews!

Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash – 1 bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: This is a good body wash that does not dry out the skin. I appreciate that it gives a nice clean without being harsh. This is also a good option if you do not like scented body washes!

Beauty Protector Beauty Wash Body Cleanser – 1 bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: This body wash smells absolutely amazing! I would have liked a bit more foam while washing, but I still felt clean afterwards. However, I do think this is a bit too expensive for what you get. A full size bottle is $16.00!

SEPTEMBER EMPTIES: 7

TOTAL 2016 EMPTIES: 75

As September comes to a close, I am exactly on track to complete my goal of 100 empties in 2016! I am so proud of myself for really focusing on using up the products in my collection this year. I know I can get really excited about new product releases, and it can be difficult to refrain from splurging. That being said, if you would like to save some money, I definitely recommend giving yourself an empties challenge. It’s fun and it gets you to use your collection!

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

August Empties | #365DaysofEmpties Update

Posted on September 2, 2016August 26, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I’ll be sharing my August empties with all of you, and I’m excited to do so. July was a bit of a fail – I only used up three products (see that post HERE). Luckily, I used up a bunch of products in August, and I hope to be back on track for my goal of emptying 100 products this year. Let me share with you all of the beauty, skincare, and more that I used up in August!

I wanted to give you a quick reminder before I jump into the mini reviews that I won’t be repurchasing any of the non-vegan products shown in this post. Thus, I will only let you know if I will repurchase a product when it happens to be vegan.

HAIR CARE

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Wild – 1 can [BUY]

Mini Review: I’ve had mixed experiences with Batiste Dry Shampoo in the past, but I grabbed this one at my local T.J. Maxx on sale. I got the Wild scent, which smells amazing, but is a bit overpowering. I like this dry shampoo, but I don’t love it. That being said it is the best dry shampoo I’ve tried from the drugstore.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes. I’ve repurchased the standard clean scent, which I’m currently using.

L’Oreal Blow Dry It Quick Dry Primer Spray – 1 bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: I absolutely loved this heat protectant. It made my hair look really smooth and shiny without weighing it down, and it smells really nice. I got this on super sale at CVS several months ago, and used up the bottle really quickly. I think it’s because I really enjoyed applying this product!

MAKEUP

Urban Decay De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray – 1 bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: I used up my holy grail setting spray this month! This bottle lasted me 9 months (yes, I checked by using my blog!). I always see a difference in the longevity of my makeup on the days I forget to apply this spray. It’s worth the price tag for me!
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I already did!

NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Taupe – 1 pencil [BUY]

Mini Review: I did enjoy this eyebrow pencil, and think it is a great product for the price. However, I think my brows are much better suited to brow powders. I have wide brows, but they are quite sparse, so I need to do a lot of filling in each day. This pencil was good for days I was in a rush, but not for a really precise look.

Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation Mattifying in Shell – 1 packet [BUY]

Mini Review: I got one use out of this sample foundation, and I’m really impressed with it! This is a true liquid to powder foundation, and I think it works wonders if you have combination or oily skin. I think I might need a different shade, as Shell seemed a bit off, though still wearable. I might need to head to Sephora to do a color match.
Would I Buy it Again? I’m not sure. I loved this sample, but would like to try it more before I invest in a high end foundation.

NAIL CARE

Berkley Jensen 100% Pure Cotton Rounds – 1 pack [BUY]

Mini Review: I used up another pack of cotton rounds that I buy in bulk from BJ’s! I use these to take off my nail polish and, sometimes, to wash my face. These are a necessity for me!
Would I Buy it Again? Yes!

Sally Hansen Double Duty Base & Top Coat – 1 bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: I’ve used up as much of this base coat as I possibly can, but the bottle is not completely empty. I’ve used this product for several years, and think it is a great option for an affordable base coat. It is not a great top coat, however.

SKINCARE

Up & Up Refreshing Wet Cleansing Towelettes – 1 pack

Mini Review: I really liked these towelettes for removing my makeup. They are gentle on the skin and do a great job at getting off all the stubborn makeup. If you are looking for an affordable option, you can find these at Target for just over $3!

Derma-e Hydrating Night Creme – 1 tub [BUY]

Mini Review: I love this night cream! This ultra-hydrating moisturizer is somehow really light on the skin. I can also feel some firming properties in this cream. It also smells nice and smoothing, too.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes!

ORAL CARE

Colgate MaxFresh Toothpaste – 1 tube [BUY]

Mini Review: I’ve used this toothpaste several times, and really like it because it leaves my mouth feeling really clean. Plus, the little breath strips are pretty invigorating. I’ve really enjoyed this toothpaste when I’ve used it!

AUGUST EMPTIES: 10

TOTAL 2016 EMPTIES: 68

I am so excited to now be back on track with my goal of using up 100 products this year! It definitely helps to use sample products along the way. I recently decluttered all of my samples, so I hope to focus on using up the ones I kept. As always, if you’ve tried any of these products, please let me know your thoughts on them in the comments!

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

5 Beauty Must-Haves for Your Los Angeles Vacation

Posted on August 31, 2016August 31, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

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!

1. Face Wipes Travel Pack

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 [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 [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 [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 [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.