Beauty – Page 14 – Adventures in Polishland

Category: Beauty

ELF Studio Blush Palette in Light | Review & Swatches

Posted on July 20, 2015August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! We are taking a detour from Manicure Monday this week so I can show you the gorgeous blush palette I picked up at the ELF Studio here in NYC (see my haul post HERE). I’ve been loving this palette, and wanted to rave about the gorgeous pigmentation in each blush. I am still amazed that this palette of four blushes only cost me $6.00! Let’s jump right in and look at these fabulous and affordable blushes!

First and foremost, I want to take a quick look at the packaging. I love the sleek black packaging, and how sturdy it is. The palette closes well and, at the same time, is easy to open. Plus, the inside contains a huge mirror that is very useful, especially if you are traveling. You can definitely pay upwards of $6 just for the mirror alone! Here are swatches of the four blushes inside. I did label them in the photos because I, of course, had to swatch them out of order (whoops!). I will take a second and describe each blush below, but I do want to mention that each blush has an amazing formula. They are extremely pigmented, but you can easily control the application. They blend out beautifully as well. I like to use the ELF Blush Brush to apply them, but any blush brush you already own will be just fine! Now, let’s talk about these colors.

This is my favorite shade in the quad! It is a matte rosy pink, and it goes really well with my fair complexion. This blush can easily be worn any time of year, and I’m loving it at the moment for sure.
If you love pink, this is the blush for you! It may seem scary in the swatch above, but trust me, it blends out really well. This is a great blush for spring and summer, and will work with a multitude of skin tones. I would pair this with a nude lip color, as it’s definitely quite bright!
This is the one shimmer blush in the quad, and is a red-orange shade with gold shimmer. It’s definitely the more intimidating blush for me, but I’ve worn it once or twice and really liked it. I suggest a light hand with this one! I can’t wait to wear it during the holiday season!
Finally, we have a brownish-orange matte blush. I thought I could use this as a bronzer at first, but it is really too orange-toned for that. However, with a light hand it makes a beautiful blush. It adds warmth to my face without being overdone. I’m going to experiment more with it for sure!

All in all, I’m very impressed with this blush palette from ELF. I highly recommend picking it up if you are looking for some blushes that won’t break the bank, but are still great quality. I purchased the palette in Light, but there is also a quad with darker shades if you’re looking for that as well. You can buy this palette on ELF’s website HERE. I will continue to check out more of ELF’s products in the future, so please leave me your recommendations in the comments!

TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo Review

Posted on July 18, 2015August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! A few weeks ago I posted a review of the drugstore dry shampoo Batiste (read that review HERE). That review did really well views wise, so I thought I would share my thoughts on another dry shampoo that I just used up. As I mentioned in my Batiste review, I am currently on the hunt for the best dry shampoo from the drugstore. I found the TRESemmé Fresh Start on sale at Rite Aid for $4.99 a couple months back, so I decided to put it to the test. Let me share my thoughts on this product with you!

The TRESemmé Fresh Start is a very interesting dry shampoo. Usually I find that a dry shampoo either zaps oil or adds texture, but the Fresh Start did a little bit of both. While my oil did disappear quite a bit, this product left behind a lot of residue and left my hair feeling really gunky. My hair looked clean, but I felt gross. It was a weird dichotomy, and I couldn’t decide if I liked the product or not!

The more I used Fresh Start, the more I disliked it. I found the product difficult to wash out in the shower, and it tended to flake as well. If you have thick hair, this product would probably work better for you, but my thin hair felt weighed down. Despite the great price point, I don’t think I’ll be purchasing this dry shampoo again.

Alas, my hunt for the perfect drugstore dry shampoo continues! While TRESemmé Fresh Start was okay, it just didn’t measure up to my beloved Klorane dry shampoo. I’m not giving up, though! I will find a fabulous and affordable dry shampoo that I love at some point!

What dry shampoo is your favorite? Do you splurge on it?

Maybelline Brow Precise in Blonde | Drugstore Fail?!

Posted on July 16, 2015August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today I have a review of a new drugstore brow product from Maybelline called the Brow Precise. I was on the hunt for a new brow product, and decided to grab this one at my local Rite Aid about a month ago. I couldn’t wait to test out this product – it looked fancy with a spoolie brush on one end and the brow pencil on the other. Sometimes, looks are deceiving! Let me go ahead and share my thoughts on the Brow Precise with you.

I purchased the Brow Precise in the lightest shade, which is 250 Blonde. This product only comes in four shades, and I have to say I’m disappointed that this is the lightest shade. I have light brown hair, but even this blonde was too dark for me. I made it work by applying this shade with a light hand and using the spoolie to blend out the color, but I definitely need a shade lighter. If you have very light hair, this product will not work for you!

The Brow Precise is also a very soft pencil, which makes it apply easily, but that also means the pencil is prone to breaking, and that it runs out very quickly. I wore this off and on for about a month, and I’m nearly out of product already. I need to sharpen it at least twice each time I use it as well. That being said, I think this is just the wrong product for me. I have very sparse eyebrows that need a lot of filling in, so I used a lot of product with each use. I also found that this product does not look the most natural for me – it was pretty obvious I penciled in my brows (not cute!). Alas, as much as I loved that spoolie being on the end, that doesn’t justify a repurchase in my book.

All in all, the Maybelline Brow Precise was a bit of a fail for me. I wore it on days where I wanted to be out the door in a matter of minutes, and where I didn’t care too much about having perfect brows. I think this product will work really well for those of you that only need small touch-ups with your brows, and not a big overhaul like I do. You can find the Maybelline Brow Precise at your local drugstore for about $7.99. I will be sticking with my beloved Milani Brow Kit for now!

What is your favorite brow product?! Let me know in the comments!

Pure & Essential Minerals | Dead Sea Mud Mask Review

Posted on July 9, 2015August 8, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today I am excited to share a review of a new-to-me product from Pure & Essential Minerals. I’ve tried a few face masks over the past few years, but I’ve never tried a mud mask until receiving this one. When I got the opportunity to test out the Dead Sea Mud Mask, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was a bit hesitant, but I cannot wait to share my experience with you!

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

The Dead Sea Mud Mask is exactly what it sounds like – it contains pure dead sea mud! It is designed to draw out excess oils and impurities, and leave your face clean, fresh, and blemish free. The mask also has anti-aging properties, as it tightens pores and reduces wrinkles. Plus, this product can be used on the face or body, or to spot treat acne. It is really an all-around product that can be used to suit your needs!

Here is a quick look at the mask itself. It did have a slight odor, but the mask is definitely not fragranced. I did want to mention the slight scent just in case you have a sensitivity, but I’m sure the odor comes from the product’s natural ingredients.

MY EXPERIENCE

I really did have quite the experience with this mask! Let me start out with describing the texture – it is gloopy and slippery, and felt like what I always imagined Flubber would. That turned me off a little, so in the future I might use a mini spatula to help me out with application. Nonetheless, as I applied the mask, my skin began to react instantaneously. It was tingling, cooling, and burning all at the same time. I got a bit worried for a minute – was I having a reaction?! But I waited it out and after about 1-2 minutes the mask felt amazing. Yes, amazing. My face felt cooled and comfortable, and the mask slowly dried in about 10-15 minutes. I carefully rinsed my face, and couldn’t believe how great I felt afterwards! My skin was glowing and looked really clean and healthy! What the heck had I just been though?!

As you can see, I really had an interesting experience with the Dead Sea Mud Mask. It is very intense at first, so if you have very sensitive skin I would not recommend it. That being said, I absolutely loved the result, and felt hooked on the product after just one use. I’m definitely going to be using this at least twice a month to ensure I clean out my pores. This mask is truly invigorating!

WHERE TO BUY

You can purchase the Pure & Essential Minerals Dead Sea Mud Mask on Amazon HERE. As I type this post, the mask is on sale for just $24.77 (reduced from $59.99). Not only do you get a huge 6oz tub of product to last you a very long time, but each order comes with a free ebook called The Natural Skincare Guide to help get your skincare routine in tip top shape. I’d say that’s a great deal for such a luxurious product! If you’ve tried out a mud mask before, please share your thoughts in the comments! I would love to hear about your experiences!

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

3 Product Face | Bare Necessities Makeup

Posted on July 4, 2015August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! Today I thought I would share with you the makeup look I’ve been wearing most often this summer. Most days I am stuck inside studying, but may run to Starbucks or the grocery store quickly. While there is no need to put on a full face of makeup, I want to cover up just a little bit so I can feel confident when I walk out the door. There are three products that I reach for on a regular basis no matter what.

First and foremost is a brow product. It’s amazing how filling in your brows can really make you look more put together! Brows frame the face, and if they look lackluster it will be noticeable. Right now I am using the Maybelline Eye Studio Brow Precise in the shade Blonde. While this is definitely not my favorite brow product, it’s quick and easy to apply. I love that it comes with a spoolie brush attached.

Next, I grab a pressed powder to control the oil on my face. A pressed powder provides just a hint of coverage to reduce redness, but my main goal is to ensure I don’t turn into a grease ball in the summer sun (something my skin just loves to do!). Right now I’m using Wet ‘n Wild Coverall in the shade light, which I scored for 40% off at Rite Aid last week.

Last but not least, I set the look with my beloved Urban Decay De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray. As you can tell, I really want to control oil. It’s very humid this time of year! This setting spray is the best I’ve tried and 100% worth the expensive price tag. This full size bottle will last me just under a year, and I use it down to the last drop. Whether I’m applying a full face of makeup, or simply the bare necessities, setting spray is a must.

So whether you are stuck inside all summer like I am, or hitting the beach on a regular basis, the bare necessities are perfect to keep you feeling confident while still rocking a no-fuss look. I can be out the door in under five minutes with this makeup routine, as I’m really only spending time on my brows. I’m loving these three products, and it’s great that I can simply add a product or two if I feel like I want a bit more on any given day. Be sure to let me know in the comments what three makeup products you always grab even on ‘no makeup’ days!

FOREO LUNA for Combination Skin Review | #LUNAbyFOREO

Posted on July 2, 2015October 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today I’m excited to share with you a review on a luxury beauty product – the FOREO LUNA for Combination Skin. I’ve been wanting to try out a facial cleansing device for a few years now, but haven’t had the means to do so. When I got the opportunity to try the FOREO LUNA, I was ecstatic! I have really bad combination skin that likes to be dry in patches, and quite greasy in others, so I was excited to test out this device to see how it would work for me. Of course, I’ve done some research to ensure you can all score an amazing deal on the FOREO LUNA as well!

ABOUT FOREO LUNA

The FOREO LUNA is the only cleansing device with T-Sonic pulsations to effectively cleanse the skin with a nonabrasive silicone brush. When your LUNA first arrives, let it charge using the provided cable. Then, simply touch the center button and your LUNA is ready to go! It has several different speeds, but can reach up to 8,000 pulsations per minute to gently remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Once cleansing mode is over, simply press the button twice, and the LUNA will switch to Anti-Aging Mode. This mode helps to direct your regular skincare products into wrinkle-prone areas with lower-frequency pulsations. I think it’s fantastic that you are getting a product with two distinct uses!

MY EXPERIENCE

I’ve been using the FOREO LUNA for about 10 days now, and so far I’m really loving the results! I’m amazed at how easy the LUNA is to use. Every 15 seconds, the device will pause in its pulsations to let you know it’s time to switch to a different region of your face. Then, once the full minute is over, it pauses a few times. I did experience a couple minor breakouts on my chin and forehead, but that is normal when using a new cleansing device. That means this is working, and all of the dirt is being released from my pores!

I’ve found it’s most convenient to keep my LUNA in the shower, so I typically use it only in the mornings. It’s an invigorating way to wake up! I also love how it is made with silicone. Not only is it soft, but it is hygienic. Germs do not stick to silicone like they would to a brush, and to wash the LUNA all you need is a bit of soap and water. Finally, it’s great that you can use any cleanser you want with the LUNA. I’ve been using a gel cleanser, and it’s been working quite effectively. I can already see how my skin is evening in just the 10 days I’ve been using this tool.

WHERE TO BUY & SAVINGS TIPS

The FOREO LUNA is definitely an investment product at $199. That being said, I think it is worth the investment for sure. Unlike other cleansing devises, you never need to purchase a replacement brush for the LUNA. That saves you about $120 per year on brushes! In addition, if you shop with Ebates HERE you earn 7.5% cash back on your FOREO purchase. That means your price tag automatically drops to $184! Finally, FOREO has a deal this summer that when you purchase any LUNA device you will get a free beach bag! To snag that deal, make sure you shop on FOREO’s website HERE. If you’re in the market for a facial cleansing device, I highly recommend FOREO LUNA!

Have you tried a cleansing device? Tell me about your experience in the comments!

The product in this post was provided for my unbiased view. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. #iFabboMemer

Batiste Dry Shampoo | Is it Worth the Hype?!

Posted on June 27, 2015August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! Today I have a review on one of the most hyped hair products on the market – Batiste Dry Shampoo! Ever since I discovered dry shampoo a few years ago I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect formula. I’ve tried about 10 different brands now, and my favorite is still the high-end Klorane Dry Shampoo at about $19 a bottle. I usually save up my Birchbox points to splurge on it once in a while, but I keep testing brands from the drugstore hoping I’ll find an affordable option. I decided it was time to put the famous Batiste to the test!

Batiste Dry Shampoo retails for about $5.99 at Target and other drugstores and department stores. There are several different scents and varieties (i.e. for blonde hair, brunette hair, etc.). I decided to test out the Original Clean & Classic. I definitely liked the fresh scent, and I loved how it absorbed the oils in my hair quickly. Any dry shampoo that can zap oil without adding texture is a winner for me! I have to say, Batiste is the only drugstore dry shampoo that came somewhat close to matching my beloved Klorane.

That being said, I did notice that my can of Batiste ran out of product very quickly. Batiste contains 6.73 fl oz of product, which is more than many dry shampoos. Right now I am using TRESemmé dry shampoo, which has a net weight of 4.3 fl oz, but it’s lasted me for a couple months already and is still going strong. When I compare that to the month or so I got from Batiste, I’m not sure why I ran out of Batiste so quickly. Perhaps it’s because I needed more product to get the result I wanted. Thus, even though I really liked Batiste, it might not be as cost effective as other drugstore brands.

All in all, I’m so glad I finally tried out Batiste. Is it worth the hype? Well, it’s a great product and it works well. However, it still isn’t my favorite dry shampoo. I am definitely going to keep searching for the perfect dry shampoo at an affordable price, and perhaps pick up Batiste when it’s on sale. Let me know your favorite dry shampoo in the comments – maybe I’ll test it out!

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

Huge Makeup Destash! | How to Clean Out Your Beauty Collection

Posted on June 6, 2015August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! I recently went through my entire makeup collection and decided to get rid of a lot of products. My main focus was throwing away things that were expired, but I also tossed products that I never use and couldn’t be given away to a friend. I’m moving in about two months, so the less I have to pack the better. I thought it would be fun to quickly show you all of the products I destashed, and share some tips on how I choose to get rid of things!

Here you can see the big box of products I decided to let go. I’ll show you the products by type so you can get a better idea of what I threw away, but I won’t mention each product specifically (that would take a long time!). Feel free to ask me any questions in the comments about a specific product!

EYE PRODUCTS

The easiest place to start with any beauty destash is with your eye products. Mascaras should be thrown away after three to four months of use. I regularly toss the mascaras I use on a daily basis, but colored mascaras tend to stay in my collection longer because I don’t use them often. It was time to get rid of this Maybelline Great Lash! Similarly, eyeliners tend to dry out even if they aren’t necessarily expired. This occurs most often with gel eyeliners, such as the ones here from Cailyn. I also tossed some pencils that were old and unusable.

It’s a bit more difficult to get rid of eyeshadows. I first destashed what was broken. Here, a NYX shadow was missing a lid, and my NYC palette was broken resulting in a messy compact that I didn’t think was salvageable. Then, I got rid of old eyeshadows, such as the Sephora single. Finally, I took out products I never use. I got the JCat and bhCosmetics palettes in subscription boxes, and they need to go!

LIP PRODUCTS

Lip products also tend to have a long shelf life, especially if they do not contain ingredients like SPF that expire quickly. First, I took out any lip stains and lip glosses because they were clearly expired and separating in the tube (yuck!). Then, I tossed the Cailyn lip products that were dried out. Finally, I simply reached for products that do not suit my skintone. I own more lip products than anything else, so I was really happy to get rid of a bunch!

FACE PRODUCTS AND TOOLS

Last but not least, I threw out a face product that was expired, and some broken beauty tools. This was easy! If they don’t work, throw them away! There is no use to keep products that are taking up space and serve no utilitarian function. Make room for better things!

All in all, I hope you liked seeing what makeup I destashed. The products in this post were not bad products, but they simply needed to be thrown out because they were expired, old, or not in use. I felt so good after getting rid of all these products! It allowed me to see all of the useable products I own better, and gave me a better idea of what products, if any, I need to buy. I highly recommend going through your stash at least 1-2 times per year.

Do you have any tips for destashing your makeup collection? Share them in the comments!

Luv2Kiss Invisible Lip Liner Review

Posted on May 23, 2015August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! Today I’m excited to share with you a review of the Luv2Kiss Invisible Lip Liner. I’ve been looking to try out an invisible lip liner for the longest time, so it was perfect when I got the opportunity to test this one out for all of you. Let me go ahead and jump right into the review!

The Luv2Kiss Invisible Lip Liner is just what it sounds like – it’s a colorless lip liner that is designed to go with any lip product no matter the formula or color. The pencil is designed to prevent bleeding or feathering, and it even enhances the color of your lip product. Plus, it is long-lasting and free of any mineral oil, paraffin, preservatives, and animal-derived ingredients.

Here is a closer look at the Invisible Lip Liner. As you can see, the pencil itself appears white, but goes on clear. It has a light feeling that makes my lips feel a little waxy, but that truly locks in your lip color. I’m happy to report that I love this lip liner! It works with all sorts of lip products – glosses, balms, lipsticks, etc. I’ve used it so much that I’ve had to resharpen it for this blog post! I’m also impressed with its long-wearing formula, and I’m glad that it does not dry out my lips. It even makes it easier for me to apply my lip color because the product has something to stick to, if that makes any sense. I’m definitely reaching for this on a daily basis now!

All in all, I’m loving the Luv2Kiss Invisible Lip Liner and highly recommend it! It’s a fabulous and affordable price of $9.99 on the brand’s website HERE. I think this is a must in any makeup collection, and will be repurchasing it in the future for sure. Please let me know if you’re going to snag one in the comments!

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

Beautiful NYC | ELF Studio Haul

Posted on May 21, 2015May 17, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! It’s been quite a while since my last Beautiful NYC post. I haven’t been buying much makeup at all since I’m on a tight budget (and also because I already have so many beauty products!). That being said, I stopped by the ELF Studio store on Broadway in Manhattan this past weekend with a couple friends and just had to grab a few things. ELF is definitely my definition of fabulous and affordable! Let me show you what I picked up while at the store.

ELF Studio – Located at 741 Broadway in Manhattan

The ELF Studio is quite small inside, but sells all of the ELF products you could want! In addition, the store offers makeup classes and there are professional makeup artists on hand to do your makeup as well. All of the products were organized well, and I had no problem finding anything. I do wish there were more price labels near the products, however. Luckily, everything at ELF is super affordable, so I wasn’t worried about breaking the bank!

I was also excited when I got a reusable tote with my purchase! You can never have enough tote bags, right?! Look how cute this one is, too!Now, onto the haul! I kept it pretty small, but got some goodies for sure. First up, I got two makeup brushes. I’ve heard great things about ELF brushes even though they are crazy affordable at just $3 each. I decided to go with the Eyeshadow “C” Brush and the Angled Blush Brush. I’ve definitely been on the hunt for eyeshadow brushes, and I decided to press my luck with this one. I also thought the angled brush would work well for both blush and bronzer. Next, I got the Blush Palette in Light, which retails for $6 and comes with four blushes! I own one ELF blush now, and absolutely love it. I can’t wait to test out more! Finally, I picked up the HD Lifting Concealer for $3 as well. I’ve been wanting to try a green concealer, as they are designed to counteract redness. I think it will be great for my skin!

All in all, I’m so excited about my new ELF products! I only spend about $16.00 tax included, and got four new goodies to try. Please let me know if you would like a full review of any of these products. I would be happy to let you know what I think once I’ve tested out these products! Also, please let me know which ELF products are your favorite in the comments. I’d love to check them out as well!