Travel – Adventures in Polishland

Category: Travel

Oh, Hello Stationery Co. Makeup Bag Review

Posted on May 18, 2017May 18, 2017 by Adventures in Polishland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 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.

DIY Travel Nail Kit

Posted on November 18, 2015November 18, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Now that we are headed into the holiday season, I thought it was the perfect time to put together a DIY Travel Nail Kit! Whether you need a touch up on a weekend getaway, or some manicure options during a longer trip, I’ve got you (and your nails!) covered. I never used to travel with nail polish until college. During my winter break I was away from my nail polish collection for a few weeks, so I wanted to make sure I had a few options on hand. Let me show you everything I pack with me to keep my manicure in shape!

First things first, I highly recommend dedicating a small makeup bag to your nail kit. That way if things go wrong and your nail polish bottles break or spill, nothing else will get ruined. That being said, I always keep a spare piece of bubble wrap in my nail kit so I can keep everything secure. Don’t forget that if you are flying, you’ll need to put your nail polish in your checked luggage, or abide by the 3-1-1 rule (more on that HERE).

As for the items inside my kit, I make sure to have at least five things with me, four of which are pictured above for you:

Sally Hansen Double Duty – This is a base coat and a top coat in one! I’ve used it for years, and while it’s not my favorite top coat option, it’s a great one both for the price and the convenience. I often use it at home as a base coat, and it’s the logical choice for travel. Find it at your local drugstore, or online HERE.
Neutral or Pink Nail Polish – When traveling, it is best to find a nail polish that will work for any occasion and any outfit. I recommend a neutral shade, such as a beige or tan, or my go to polish color – pink! I love Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Peachy Breeze because it can work for a professional event, but is also fun for your beach vacation. Plus, a fast-dry formula is perfect for on the go.
Glitter Top Coat – Your manicure options will double with a glitter top coat! Keep one on hand for a night out, holiday party, or simply a change of pace. This can layer right over your other nail polish so you don’t need to worry about remover or touch ups. I grabbed Milani Color Statement in Club Lights, but choose any glitter you love for your kit!
Mini Emery Boards – I always keep an emery board in my purse, and I, of course, keep at least two in my travel nail kit. You never know when your nails will break, especially with the drying atmosphere of an airplane! I’ve used some of the tiny emery boards before, and those just don’t cut it. I received these black ones for review, and am in love! They are the perfect size at 3.5 inches long – they fit easily in my makeup bag, but are still big enough to hold easily. Plus, you can get a 50 pack for just $10 on Amazon HERE. I highly recommend grabbing a pack to keep you stocked up. They even make a great stocking stuffer!
Nail Polish Remover Pads – I don’t have any on hand to show you, but nail polish remover pads are perfect for travel! Who wants to carry a bottle of nail polish remover?! I’ve had great luck with the butterLONDON Scrubbers, which I think is worth splurging on for special occasions. I usually wait to take off my nail polish once I’m back at home, but these are a great option for those of you who want to switch it up on the road!

All in all, taking care of your nails while traveling can be super easy and non-stressful with a DIY Travel Nail Kit! This kit makes the perfect holiday gift for your friends and family, but don’t forget to create one for yourself! You can also feel free to add in hand cream for some added moisture during the winter months. It all depends on your personal needs! I hope this post brought you some inspiration, and I’m wishing you safe travels!

What’s in your Travel Nail Kit? Let me know in the comments!

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.

Back to School Week | What’s in My School Bag?

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

Happy Thursday! Today I am taking you inside of my school bag to see what I carried around with me as a student. I have both photos and a video for you, so you can really get a good idea of how I pack and organize everything. I tend to carry around just a little more than I actually need so that I’m prepared for any situation. At the same time, I make sure that my bag isn’t too heavy. It’s definitely a balance, and I’m going to share my tips and tricks with you. Let’s get started!

I like to carry a tote bag instead of a backpack, just because I find that it’s more my style, but also let’s me have more control over my belongings. If items are right under my arm, it’s easier for me to keep an eye on them than if they are behind my back. Plus, a tote bag can double easily for a carry on or regular purse. This one is from H&M and called the Shopper. It retails for just $24.99, but is super sturdy and can fit a LOT of stuff in it. I used it when I moved to carry two laptops, my iPad, my purse essentials, my planner, and a lot more. I highly recommend it! You can buy it HERE.

TECHNOLOGY

The type of technology you carry in your bag will be dependent on your schooling situation. In college, I used regular notebooks until I got my iPad. Then I used the app UPad to handwrite my notes using a stylus. That allowed me to cut down on what I was carrying, and easily transition from handwritten notes to electronic notes. You can download UPad HERE for $5.99 – it’s worth the price if you use it often! The stylus I use is from Boxwave, and comes in a variety of colors. It’s only $7.50 on Amazon HERE.

In law school, I used a 13-inch MacBook Air. It is very lightweight, but still makes typing up lots of notes really easy. You can use the education discount at Apple to get $100 off your purchase when you show proof that you are a student, or shop on Amazon HERE for a discount as well. As for your chargers, use a pouch to keep them organized. Otherwise, your wires will get tangled up in a mess!

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Despite using a laptop or tablet to take notes, I like to have a sturdy notebook on hand for meetings, or for those classes where the professor doesn’t allow computers. Five Star notebooks are my favorite because of the sturdy cover and high quality paper. They are a bit more expensive, but will last all year. Of course, I need to have my Erin Condren Life Planner (more info on it HERE). Lastly, I use a Sephora case for all of my school supplies, such as pens, pencils, highlighters, and more.

PURSE ESSENTIALS

My school bag doubles as a purse, so I keep all of my essentials in it as well. This includes my Firmoo Prescription Sunglasses (review HERE), an umbrella, an emergency beauty pouch, and my wallet. You can see everything I keep in my beauty bag by watching the video embedded in this post.

VERTICAL ORGANIZATION

When packing my school bag, I like to stand everything up vertically instead of just tossing in the pouches and such. That allows me to find whatever I need, plus it saves room in my bag. Pouches really help to keep everything in place as well. This system is especially useful for a bag like this one, where there are no pockets or zippered compartments inside.

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I hope you enjoyed seeing what I keep in my school bag, and how I pack it all. Of course, you will probably need to toss in a textbook or two depending on your program. That’s another reason why I love the MacBook Air and iPad – it lightens up your load! Definitely let me know in the comments what your school necessities are! I would love to know!

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

Jet Away June Wrap Up | It’s Time to Book Your Trip!

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

Happy Tuesday! Now that it’s July, Jet Away June has come to a close. I hope you all enjoyed the themed month! You can see all of my Jet Away June posts in one place by clicking on the Jet Away June category HERE. In June, I shared many of my own personal travel tips with all of you, so I thought it fitting that I wrap up the month by sharing the websites I like to use to book my trips.

MY FAVORITE AIRLINE

Flying can be very uncomfortable, especially if you don’t fly often. I’ve recently tried JetBlue for the first time, and it is now my go-to airline. Not only are the seats more comfortable than other planes, because you have extra legroom, but each passenger gets her own TV with several different channels to watch for free. Plus, you get free, unlimited snacks! How awesome is that?! JetBlue employees are also really nice. Like any airline, there have been some bad press about JetBlue in the news, but it’s honestly the best airline I’ve ever taken!

FINDING A CHEAP FLIGHT

My first step is always using Kayak to find a cheap flight. While JetBlue is definitely my personal favorite, I’m willing to fly on another airline if it is substantially cheaper. Kayak is a great tool that finds the most affordable flights from many airlines in one place. They also offer what is called “hacker” flights that combine flights from different airlines to save you even more money. I’ve neve purchased from Kayak directly, but I always use it to search before I shop.

THE PERFECT ONE-SHOP-STOP FOR BOOKING YOUR TRIP

If you’re looking for affordable flights, hotels, rental cars, and more, Orbitz is definitely a great option! You can book your flight and hotel separately, or pick a package deal. I used Orbitz for the first time a few months back and had a great experience. On top of the every day low prices, Orbitz also has a rewards program and they send out coupons all the time!

EARN CASH BACK

Finally, don’t forget to use Ebates when you book your trip online! Many websites, such as Orbitz, offer you cash back when you book your vacation. Flights and hotels can be very expensive, so every bit that you can save counts!

Well, that wraps up my Jet Away June month! I hope you enjoyed all of my posts and found them helpful. Let me know in the comments where you’ll be traveling this summer. I’d love to hear all about your trip!

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

Jet Away June | Airport Security 101

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

Happy Wednesday! It’s time for another Jet Away June post! If you’re traveling via airplane this summer, it’s inevitable that you’ll have to go through airport security. For those who don’t travel very often, airport security can be a frightening unknown. There are what seems like endless rules to follow, and everyone dreads the long lines. I’m hoping that my post today will help ease your stress. I’ve come up with three simple steps to ensure you airport security success!

1. Know the Rules and Process

As I mentioned in my What’s in My “Liquids” Bag? post, the Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) is the governmental agency in charge of airport security. Of course, the most important step for anyone to take before flying is to become familiar with the TSA website HERE. That’s where you can find the official rules. If you have any questions that this post leaves unanswered, definitely contact the TSA directly, as this post is just regarding my own personal tips and experiences. The TSA agents at the airport will also help you if you have any last minute questions. Just remember to be polite!

The process at security is simple. First, you show your ID and boarding pass to an agent. Then, you place your items into bins and onto the conveyer belt. This requires you to remove your shoes, take out your liquids bag, and remove your laptop from your carry-on (tablets and cell phones can remain in you bags). Next, an agent will direct you through the body scanner. Then you can retrieve your belongings. That’s it!

2. Plan Ahead

To make your visit at airport security as easy and painless as possible, have a plan. Here is what my plan is when I fly:

Have ID and Boarding Pass in Hand – As soon as I get to the airport, I take out my ID and Boarding Pass. The first checkpoint through security will look at both of these documents, so if you have them ready the process will move quickly.
Create an Order – Once your ID is checked, you usually only need to wait a few minutes before you start putting your belongings in the bins and on the conveyer belt. I plan the order in which I do things so I don’t scramble at the last minute: backpack/carry-on goes first, then a bin with my laptop and liquids bag, and finally a bin with my purse, shoes, and jacket.

Once your items are on the conveyer belt, a TSA agent will ask you to step through the body scanner. Then, all you need to do is retrieve your belongings and you’re done! Because you planned ahead, you’ll be able to grab your things and make room for the next person.

3. Be Patient

My last tip is simple – remain calm and be patient! Remember that the TSA agents are there to keep you safe, and will encounter thousands of passengers in a single day. If you have a question, ask politely and they will help you. If something goes wrong, which it shouldn’t, patience is key.

Always anticipate that the lines at airport security may be long. If you give yourself extra time, you’ll have no reason to panic. There are several factors that can affect how early you should arrive at the airport, such as time of day, time of year, and geographic location. I like to be at the airport about 1 hour and 30 minutes before my flight leaves. I would rather spend some extra time at the gate than miss my flight!

That’s it for my three simple tips to airport security! I hope you found them helpful. If you have any extra tips, please share them in the comments!

Jet Away June | What’s in My “Liquids” Bag? (3-1-1 Rule)

Posted on June 2, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday, and welcome to the first official day of Jet Away June here at Adventures in Polishland! If you missed my Jet Away June announcement, you can read it HERE. I decided to start off this themed month with a fun take on the “What’s in My Travel Makeup Bag?” series that many beauty gurus do. I’ll be sure to show you my makeup bag at some point during Jet Away June, but first we’re starting with the liquids bag that we’ll all have when getting on an airplane.

The Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) has what is known as the 3-1-1 rule. You can read the official rule on the TSA’s website HERE, but the basics of the rule is that all liquids in your carry-on luggage must be 3oz or less, put into 1 quart size plastic bag, and there is only 1 bag per person. You can put larger size liquids into your checked luggage, but if you’re like me and like to travel without checking a suitcase, you’ll need to follow the 3-1-1 rule carefully. Let me show you what I included in my liquids bag during my recent trip to Los Angeles!

HAIR CARE

PRODUCTS:

Beauty Protector Protect & Shampoo [BUY]
Beauty Protector Protect & Condition [BUY]
Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle [BUY]

I’ve gotten the entire Beauty Protector line in my Birchboxes over the past several months, so I decided to take it along with me! I like to take the very basics with me when I travel, so all I needed was a shampoo, conditioner, and heat protectant.

Helpful Tip: Pack products that are multi-use to cut down on the number of products you need to pack. For example, the Protect & Detangle product I used is a heat protectant, detangler, and frizz-fighter all in one.

SKINCARE

PRODUCTS:

Paula’s Choice Resist Serum [BUY]
Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen [BUY]
Menza Daily Face Wash [BUY]
Fresh Soy Face Exfoliant [BUY]
Michael Todd Damascus Rose Moisturizer (not pictured – used a foil packet!) [BUY]

I used many of my travel size items from subscription boxes in my liquids bag! Many of these products are high end, so I was sure to pamper my skin when traveling. This is also a great opportunity to use up those darn foil packets!

Helpful Tip: Lotions are considered liquids! When in doubt, include the product in your liquids bag just to be safe. It will cut down on your time going through security.

MAKEUP

PRODUCTS:

L’Oreal Lash Out Butterfly Mascara [BUY]
Maybelline The Elixir Lipgloss in Nude Illusion [BUY]

I keep my makeup routine very basic when I’m traveling. I’ll show you all of the makeup products I took with me on this trip when I share my travel makeup bag, but these are the only liquid products I took.

Helpful Tip: To cut down on the number of liquid makeup products, bring a stick foundation, cream concealer, and lip crayons. They’ll get the job done, and won’t fill up your liquids bag!

BODY CARE

PRODUCTS:

Herbal Essences Body Wash in Hello Hydration [BUY]
Bath & Bodyworks PocketBac Antibacterial Hand Gel in Rainforest Sugarcane [BUY]
Bee Kind Body Lotion [BUY]
Crest Toothpaste (not pictured) [BUY]

I always like to bring my own body wash and body lotion with me even if I’m staying in a hotel. It’s better to be prepared ahead of time even if you don’t end up using the products you brought with you!

Helpful Tip: If you’re traveling for a long period of time, consider bringing two body washes, i.e. That way you won’t have to repurchase anything during your trip.

These are all of the items I took with me in my liquids bag! Of course, you can customize your bag to bring all of the liquids that fit into your own skincare and bath and body routines, but I hope this post helped you plan for your next vacation. Don’t forget to skim the official TSA 3-1-1 rule to make sure you’re ready for airport security. I also recommend bringing an extra quart sized bag (or two) just in case yours rips during the trip. Stay tuned for more Jet Away June posts, and let me know what you have in your liquids bag in the comments or by using the hashtag #JetAwayJune on social media!

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

Jet Away June | Announcement & Welcome

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

Happy Sunday! Today is the first of June, and I’ve decided to make June a special month here at Adventures in Polishland. Summer is a time when many of us like to travel, and because I’m making a couple trips to Los Angeles this summer I was inspired to write a series of blog posts all about traveling. Thus, welcome to Jet Away June!

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during June I’ll be writing posts related to traveling, with, of course, an emphasis on beauty. Get ready for packing tips, fashion ideas, and even airport security 101 – I have a lot of fun and interesting things to share with you during Jet Away June! Plus, in addition to my Jet Away June posts, I will still be posting my regular beauty and nail polish reviews on the other days of the week when I have something else to share with you.

I hope you are as excited for Jet Away June as I am! This themed month will officially begin tomorrow with my first post. If you have any questions related to travel, or any blog posts that you would live to see during Jet Away June, please let me know in the comments! Plus, feel free to use the hashtag #JetAwayJune on social media to connect with me throughout the month.