Adventures in Polishland

Book Review | The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Posted on July 14, 2016July 14, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Published by Harlequin Teen on May 17, 2016

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 480

Source: Library

Goodreads: ★★★★

For some people, silence is a weapon. For Mallory “Mouse” Dodge, it’s a shield. Growing up, she learned that the best way to survive was to say nothing. And even though it’s been four years since her nightmare ended, she’s beginning to worry that the fear that holds her back will last a lifetime.

Now, after years of homeschooling with loving adoptive parents, Mallory must face a new milestone—spending her senior year at public high school. But of all the terrifying and exhilarating scenarios she’s imagined, there’s one she never dreamed of—that she’d run into Rider Stark, the friend and protector she hasn’t seen since childhood, on her very first day.

It doesn’t take long for Mallory to realize that the connection she shared with Rider never really faded. Yet the deeper their bond grows, the more it becomes apparent that she’s not the only one grappling with the lingering scars from the past. And as she watches Rider’s life spiral out of control, Mallory faces a choice between staying silent and speaking out—for the people she loves, the life she wants, and the truths that need to be heard.

REVIEW

I was drawn to read The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout from the moment I saw its stunning cover. After hearing great reviews from bloggers that I trust, I decided to pick up the book from the library. I was in a bit of a reading slump, and needed to read something I knew would be quick, yet heartfelt. The Problem with Forever is definitely the book I wanted at just the right time.

The story is told from teenager Mallory’s point-of-view. Mallory grew up in an abusive foster home, but was adopted four years ago by a loving couple. After being homeschooled, Mallory decides to attend public high school for her senior year. It is there when she comes face to face with her hero and best friend from childhood, Rider. Mallory and Rider quickly rekindle their friendship, and perhaps become something more.

The Problem with Forever opens with a bang and creates a lot of tension in the reader. This shocking opening scene immediately sucked me into the story, and I read the book at a very quick pace. I really enjoyed that this book focuses on the foster care system in the United States, and also mental health. While I am not highly educated on these topics, it felt like they were handled very well and with respect. I admire that Armentrout chose to wrote a book about such difficult topics in a non-preachy way.

In addition to the book’s subject matter, I really enjoyed the characters. Mallory is a very sympathetic character, but so is Rider and many of the teenagers Mallory meets at school. They have flaws, but they try to be better people for themselves and those around them. It is so nice to see a young adult book with realistic characters in situations that many teenagers are facing on a daily basis.

My one critique of the novel is the writing style. The Problem with Forever has a cliché feeling that many of the romance novels I’ve read share. There is something about it that makes me cringe at some points. For example, there are a few times in the book where Mallory is “worrying her lower lip,” and many others where she spends a bit too much time describing Rider’s body. While there is nothing wrong with this writing style, it is just not my cup of tea. That being said, I read Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout a couple years ago and I much preferred the writing in The Problem with Forever.

All in all, I really enjoyed my read of The Problem with Forever, and definitely recommend this book if you are looking for an emotional read. I laughed, and I cried, and I fell in love with the characters. I know I read this book at the perfect time, but I think it is one I would enjoy even when not in a reading slump. I am definitely interested in reading some of Armentrout’s other work now, after having a good experience with this book.

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When you buy a book through the Amazon or Book Depository links above, I earn a small commission through each website’s affiliate program. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Dare to Compare | Milani Color Statement Cupcake Icing vs Milani Cupid’s Touch

Posted on July 13, 2016June 4, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today’s nail polish comparison features two nail polishes from the same brand. Milani Cosmetics relaunched its nail polish line a couple years back, and understandably many of the nail polishes are quite similar from the brand’s old line. I wanted to test out two polishes that appeared very similar in the bottle. That way if you own the original polish, there is no need for you to purchase the new version. Let me show you Cupcake Icing and Cupid’s Touch both individually and side-by-side.

First up is Cupcake Icing from the Color Statement line, the range currently in drugstores. Cupcake Icing is a blue-toned pink polish and has a great formula. It applies well and it opaque in two coats. I think this shade of polish looks good on everyone no matter the skin tone. It is also work appropriate as it is just a step away from a neutral polish.

Next up is Cupid’s Touch from Milani’s older nail polish line. Cupid’s Touch is also a blue-toned pink, and has the same great formula of Cupcake Icing. I never reach for this polish, but I really like how it looks on me as I’m typing up this blog post. I’m going to have to make an effort to wear it more often!

Here is a look at Cupcake Icing and Cupid’s Touch side-by-side. Can you tell a difference between the polishes? I can’t! It appears that Milani rebottled Cupid’s Touch for its newer nail polish line. That is completely understandable, as a relaunch will inevitably include some older polishes. I do find it interesting that the polish name was changed, but perhaps that was a marketing technique. Whatever the reason, it is not necessary to purchase Cupcake Icing if you already own Cupid’s Touch. I will be decluttering one of these polishes, and I think I’ll keep Cupid’s Touch since it can’t be purchased any longer.

All in all, I hope you found this post helpful whether you were looking for a dupe of Cupid’s Touch or you simply enjoy comparisons! Let me know in the comments how you feel about rebottled nail polishes. In this case the rebottling makes sense to me, because Milani revamped its entire nail polish line. I would also love to know if you own a blue-toned pink polish and if you wear it often.

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

Book Review | The Crown (The Selection #5) by Kiera Cass

Posted on July 12, 2016July 12, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

The Crown (The Selection #5) by Kiera Cass

Published by HarperTeen on May 3, 2016

Genres: Young Adult, Dystopian, Romance

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 279

Source: Library

Goodreads: ★★

When Eadlyn became the first princess of Illéa to hold her own Selection, she didn’t think she would fall in love with any of her thirty-five suitors. She spent the first few weeks of the competition counting down the days until she could send them all home. But as events at the palace force Eadlyn even further into the spotlight, she realizes that she might not be content remaining alone.

Eadlyn still isn’t sure she’ll find the fairytale ending her parents did twenty years ago. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you…and soon Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more impossible—and more important—than she ever imagined.

REVIEW

The fifth and final book in The Selection series is here, and I made sure to reserve it at my library so I could read it as soon as possible. I was excited to discover how the series would conclude, and who, if anyone, Eadlyn would choose as her husband. Unfortunately, The Crown fell flat for me, and I’m quite disappointed with it. Let me share why with all of you.

I’ll begin this review with the things I did enjoy about this book. First, I am beyond happy that Kiera Cass finally includes some characters in this series that are not heterosexual. The lack of diversity in this series thus far was one of the biggest drawbacks for me, and I’m so glad Cass not only included some LGBTQIA+ characters, but she also gives a quick explanation of how these characters are treated in Illéa both historically and currently. It is disappointing that one of the characters is written in a stereotypical manner, but it’s great we finally got this inclusion nonetheless.

In addition, I did enjoy the overall ending of the series. Eadlyn ended up with the boy I thought she would, and I think she made a great choice. I also liked finding out more about America’s siblings, and seeing Grandma Singer. However, that’s where my enjoyment of The Crown ends.

My first critique of this novel is the writing style. The quality of writing throughout this series changes with every book, and it is at its weakest point in The Crown. Eadlyn’s first-person-perspective is more colloquial than ever, including cringeworthy sentences such as “I followed his gaze, and he was right. It was seven ’til,” (p. 264). I do think that younger readers of this series will enjoy this writing style more than I do, because The Crown reads as if a teenager is telling you the story. For me, though, it is very annoying, and not the style I like to read.

Similarly, I became quite frustrated with the construction of the novel. Keeping in mind that The Crown is a work of fiction set in a dystopian world, I found that there is a lack of logic in the events of the book. The rest of this paragraph will include mild spoilers for The Crown. Please skip to the next paragraph if you do not want to be spoiled. An example of my frustrations is when Eadlyn takes over as queen for her parents. It makes no sense whatsoever for an 18-year-old girl, whom the general populace dislikes, to suddenly take over the throne when the current king is still alive and able to serve. Illéa is in distress and needs a strong ruler. Yes, this is a fictional world, but in ‘reality’ Eadlyn would never be allowed to suddenly take the throne. The same is true of Eadlyn and Josie’s magically mended relationship. Eadlyn absolutely despises Josie, and the feeling is somewhat mutual. However, when Josie shadows Eadlyn for just one day, the girls’ entire relationship changes. They become best friends and understand each other instantaneously. Again, this would never really happen, and because it did the book lost a lot of credibility for me.

Moreover, the epilogue of The Crown felt completely unnecessary to me. It is only half a page long, and instead of wrapping up the story or showing a glimpse of Eadlyn’s future, it included a series of cliché statements. Not one character name is mentioned, nor anything new learned. I would have really loved an epilogue that served a purpose, especially after the ending of the book. Perhaps Kiera Cass will write another one in the future.

Overall, I’m very disappointed with The Crown. If you’ve read The Heir and want to find out what happens, I recommend just looking up spoilers for this book and calling it a day. I don’t think it’s necessary to read this book, and I honestly wouldn’t recommend this series. I’m very glad that I read it, because it receives so much praise that I think my thoughts provide something different from the mass opinion. If you do enjoy The Selection, I fully understand why, and I’m happy you can get fulfillment out of these books. At this time I don’t think I will be picking up any of Kiera Cass’s other books in the future.

BUY THE BOOK

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NYC New York Color Show Time Lip Balms | Swatches & Review

Posted on July 11, 2016June 7, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I am excited to share with you swatches and a review of the NYC New York Color Show Time Lip Balms. I absolutely love tinted lip balms, as they are easy to wear and also help add moisture to the lips. I am always up for trying out different brands, and NYC New York Color is a very affordable one. There are six shades in this line, and I received four of them to review. Let me jump right into the swatches!

The Show Time Lip Balms are formulated to be moisturizing, while at the same time providing a sheer wash of color. Each Show Time balm is infused with Vitamin C to minimize chapping and cracking. I definitely agree that these lip balms are moisturizing. They immediately feel very creamy on the lips, and even upon removal my lips feel hydrated. I’m impressed that the Show Time Lip Balms have such great moisturization! They also have a very light fruity scent.

Cool Nude

First up is Cool Nude, a tan shade packed with holographic glitter. Cool Nude doesn’t have much of a color payoff, and instead just adds sparkle to my lips. I really appreciate that the glitter in this lip balm is very comfortable to wear, and not gritty like some other glittery products. This is not a shade I would wear because I don’t like to have any glitter on my lips, but if you are looking for that this is a great option!

Trendy Peach

Next up is Trendy Peach, a light baby pink packed with glitter. Trendy Pink also has a very light pigmentation, and is almost a completely clear. I do wish there was more of a color payoff with these glitter balms, but they can certainly be layered over other lip products to add some shine.

Popular Pink

The Show Time line also includes lips balms without any glitter or shimmer whatsoever. Popular Pink is one of those shades, and it a blue-toned pink balm. Popular Pink feels amazing on the lips, and is very wearable. I think the pigmentation is very well done, because it’s sheer but still has a nice payoff.

In Vogue Red

Last but not least is In Vogue Red, a cherry red shade that also does not contain glitter. In Vogue Red is my favorite of the bunch! It looks so nice with my fair skin tone, and is a more comfortable option to the traditional red lip. Plus, it is really easy to apply!

All in all, I am quite impressed with the NYC New York Color Show Time Lip Balms. While I wouldn’t personally wear the glittery shades, I think they are great quality. Makeup transcends age, but I do think the Show Time Lip Balms are the perfect option for younger people first trying makeup. I would have been all over the glitter shades in my preteen years! I also recommend Popular Pink and In Vogue Red for anyone! These $1.99 lip balms are super fabulous and affordable, and a great option for my tinted lip balm fans. You can find these at your local drugstore or department store!

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

Dare to Compare | Milani Popping Pink vs Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fuchsia Flare

Posted on July 8, 2016June 3, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! I am so excited for today’s Dare to Compare post because I’m sharing two of my favorite pink nail polishes. Pink polishes are definitely one of my most owned in my collection. I think it’s because bright pink looks great on me, and it goes with almost everything. Even though I wear it quite often, there is no reason for me to hoard multiple bottles of the same color. Thus, it’s time to test out Milani Popping Pink and Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fuchsia Flare together to see if it’s necessary to own both.

First up is Milani in the shade Popping Pink, a bright pink polish with peachy undertones. Popping Pink has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. It can be a bit streaky, but it evens out well. Popping Pink is a discontinued nail polish, so that always makes it difficult to declutter a polish. When I know I can never but it again, I always feel the need to keep it!

Next up is Fuchsia Flare from the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Collection. Fuchsia Flare is one of my most worn nail polishes for sure. The formula can be a bit streaky, but it is opaque in two coats and dries insanely quickly. In fact, I once applied this mere minutes before I had to meet a friend, and it didn’t smudge or ding once on my subway trip. Fuchsia Flare is my old faithful!

Here are the polishes side-by-side, with Popping Pink on my pinky and ring fingers and Fuchsia Flare on my middle and pointer fingers. It is very difficult to see any difference between the polishes in the photos, but in person Popping Pink is just slightly more peach-toned than Fuchsia Flare. Nonetheless, these polishes are nearly identical and there is no reason for me to own both! While I love both these polishes, I am going to declutter Popping Pink. I am sold by Fuchsia Flare’s quick dry formula!

All in all, I’m glad I tested out these polishes together to discover a near dupe for all of you! I know Popping Pink is discontinued, but you might still be able to find Fuchsia Flare at your local drugstore. Definitely let me know in the comments what your favorite bright pink nail polish is! I am always happy to learn your nail polish loves both here and on social media.

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

Book Review | Homecoming (The 100 #3) by Kass Morgan

Posted on July 7, 2016July 7, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Homecoming (The 100 #3) by Kass Morgan

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers on February 24, 2015

Genres: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopian

Format: Paperback

Pages: 340

Source: Library

Goodreads: ★★★★

Weeks after landing on Earth, the Hundred have managed to create a sense of order amidst their wild, chaotic surroundings. But their delicate balance comes crashing down with the arrival of new dropships from space.

These new arrivals are the lucky ones—back on the Colony, the oxygen is almost gone—but after making it safely to Earth, GLASS’s luck seems to be running out. CLARKE leads a rescue party to the crash site, ready to treat the wounded, but she can’t stop thinking about her parents, who may still be alive. Meanwhile, WELLS struggles to maintain his authority despite the presence of the Vice Chancellor and his armed guards, and BELLAMY must decide whether to face or flee the crimes he thought he’d left behind.

It’s time for the Hundred to come together and fight for the freedom they’ve found on Earth, or risk losing everything—and everyone—they love.

REVIEW

I was beyond excited to finish The 100 trilogy by reading Homecoming! This book picks up immediately after Day 21 closes out, with the Colonists on the dropship crashing down on Earth. I really appreciated that the author includes a lot of quick recaps in Homecoming, so that if you forgot the details of the first two books you get a refresher in this one. While these reminders were included a bit too much throughout the novel, they were very helpful. If you’ve read the first two books in the series and it’s been a while, don’t hesitate to jump right into book three!

Moreover, it took a while for me to get into the story, which I found surprising. However, because Homecoming is such a quick read, once I was about 100 pages into the novel the rest flew by. I did really enjoy the inclusion of new characters, and as always I had no idea what was going to happen next in the story. Morgan is great at crafting intricate plot lines that don’t reveal themselves until everything comes together in the end.

The ending, however, was a bit of let down for me. While I like the way the trilogy wrapped up, I was left wanting so much more! I would have appreciated an epilogue to include more of an explanation for something that happens and to check in on the characters. Similarly, the ending was quite cheesy and some things worked out a bit too easily. I’m able to look past a lot of the cliché moments in this book because the characters do go through intense challenges and are going through things I can’t even imagine experiencing. Thus, I think the cheesy moments are understandable in an otherwise bleak world.

All in all, I am happy with how The 100 trilogy concluded, and if you’ve read the first two books I definitely recommend picking up this last one. While this is more of a 3.5 star read for me, I did bump it up to a 4 star rating because I enjoyed it so much. I’m so glad I gave this series a read, as it’s one of my favorite young adult dystopians thus far. I will be watching the television show at some point, and hopefully getting my own copy of this trilogy so I can reread it in the future!

BUY THE BOOK

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

June Empties | #365DaysofEmpties Update

Posted on July 6, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! It’s time for my monthly check-in with all of you to share the products I used up towards my #365DaysofEmpties goal. I was getting a bit nervous in June, as I only emptied a few products at the beginning of the month. Thankfully, as the month came to a close, a bunch of my products did also. I’m excited to share my mini-reviews with all of you this month, as I emptied a wide variety of products. Let me share my thoughts on the products I used up in June!

BODY CARE

The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Cream Body Scrub – 1 tub [BUY]

Mini Review: I really enjoy body scrubs from The Body Shop. While I liked the Coca Butter scent of this one, I didn’t love the texture. It felt more abrasive than the sugar and gelee scrubs they also offer.
Would I Buy it Again? I wouldn’t get this particular scrub again, but others from The Body Shop.

Bath & Body Works Beautiful Day Shower Gel – 1 bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: While I loved the clean and fresh scent of Beautiful Day, I found it to be quite drying on my skin despite it being labeled as “Shea Enriched.” That being said, this bottle lasted me a few months because only a small amount of product was needed to get a nice lather.
Would I Buy it Again? No, I’m going to look for more natural cleansers in the future.

MAKEUP

Evian Facial Spray – 1 can [BUY]

Mini Review: I mentioned last month how much I love this facial spray. I use it to dampen my BeautyBlender, but also to freshen up in the hot weather. Last month it got really hot, and I was unable to use the air conditioning. This was a lifesaver!
Would I Buy it Again? I would not buy this travel size can again. The full size lasts me about a year, but the mini ran out in just a month. Go big with this one!

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water – 1 deluxe sample [BUY]

Mini Review: I’ve heard great things about this Primer Water, but I didn’t see much of a difference when I used it. It did feel nice on the skin, but it took a while to dry and added time to my makeup routine.
Would I Buy it Again? No. I didn’t see enough results for the price tag.

Revlon ColorStay Under Eye Concealer – 1 tube [BUY]

Mini Review: This is a staple concealer for me. I’ve repurchased it several times, and really enjoy it as a drugstore option. That being said, it does make my fine lines a bit more pronounced, and it’s expensive for the small amount of product.
Would I But it Again? No. I’m going to look for a better option that is more affordable

SKINCARE

Up & Up Refreshing Wet Cleansing Towelettes – 1 pack

Mini Review: I love these makeup wipes from Target! They are super affordable, but work well to remove my makeup. Plus, I find wipes really refreshing in the warmer months.
Would I Buy it Again? I’m using another pack right now!

StriVectin-SD Instant Retexturizing Scrub – 1 deluxe sample [BUY]

Mini Review: This scrub is awesome! It feels very creamy and gentle on the skin, but truly works to remove dead skin cells. I loved how clear and even my skin felt after using this scrub. Plus, this sample lasted much longer than just the 1.5 weeks it advertised.
Would I But it Again? Maybe. It’s very expensive!

Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield – 1 deluxe sample [BUY]

Mini Review: I’m not sure how I feel about this product! Invisiblur is part serum, part sunscreen, and part primer. I do love how it is a multi-tasker, but I didn’t like the smell. I also found that my foundation didn’t apply as well when I used this product.
Would I Buy it Again? No.

ORAL CARE

GUM Comfort Slide Flossers – 1 pack [BUY]

Mini Review: I love using flossers because they make flossing super easy! While they are a bit more expensive than traditional floss, it is 100% worth it if I floss more. I’ve made flossing part of my normal routine since using these!
Would I But it Again? Yes!

HAIR CARE

göt2b Rockin’ It 4Ever Stylestay Dry Shampoo – 1 can [BUY]

Mini Review: I got this dry shampoo because it was on sale and I had a coupon. Unfortunately, I really did not like it, but still used it all up. It was better than not using any dry shampoo at all, but really didn’t do much for my hair. I don’t recommend it!
Would I Buy it Again? No!

JUNE EMPTIES: 10

TOTAL 2016 EMPTIES: 55

We are now halfway through the year, and I am ahead of my goal to finish up 100 empties! It always feels great to use up a product completely. This month I focused a bit on my deluxe samples, and that helped to move them out of my collection. Plus, it saves me money to use my samples first! As always, please share your thoughts on any of the products I mentioned today with me in the comments.

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

June Lifestyle Favorites!

Posted on July 5, 2016April 12, 2026 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! July is here, and it is time to share my June favorites with all of you. This year is just flying by for me, and I can’t believe we are done with June already. I only have a few favorites to share with you this month. I haven’t been trying many new beauty products, but I do have some lifestyle loves to share. Without further ado, let me jump right into my June favorites!

MAKEUP

NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Taupe [BUY]

I’ve been wanting to try this brow pencil for a long time, and finally picked it up during a CVS sale. I typically use brow powder, but I thought a pencil would be perfect for days where I want to get my makeup done quickly. Ever since I tried this NYX pencil, I’ve only used brow powder twice! This pencil is natural looking, but still fills in sparse brows really well. I highly recommend it.

Physicans Formula Organic Wear CC Cream in Light [BUY]

I also wanted a lighter foundation option for summer. I love wearing a CC cream during the warmer months because it acts like a sunscreen and moisturizer in one. I’m very impressed with this one from Physicians Formula. It is a medium coverage, and it wears really well throughout the day. I plan on doing a full review of this CC cream later on in the month so you can see it in action.

FOOD

Eureka! Seeds the Day Organic Bread

I’ve been changing up my diet big time this month by trying to eat more whole foods and healthier options. I found this bread at the grocery store, and it is so delicious and nutritious! Not only is it organic and vegan, but it contains 9 grams of protein in just one slice. I love it for sandwiches and for toast. It’s a bit more expensive, but I immediately froze about 1/3 of the loaf so I could make it last.

APP

CRON-O-meter [BUY]

I rarely purchase apps, but I decided to swing for CRON-O-meter after hearing so many great things about it. This app helps you see if you are reaching your daily nutrient needs. You can scan the barcodes of prepackaged foods, or simply search for things like produce. Then you can see your daily total adding up! While CRON-O-meter is not 100% accurate, it is still very helpful. I’ve been balancing my meals a lot better now that I have a visual representation of the nutrients I need. It’s worth the $2.99 price tag.

PURCHASE

2017 Erin Condren Life Planner [BLOG] [BUY]

I am beyond in love with the new Erin Condren Life Planner line for 2017! I purchased my planner early and I’ve been using it for Listers Gotta List. It will transition into my full planner in January, but I’m glad I purchased it now. You can learn all about it in the blog post linked above, and I highly recommend splurging on one.

That wraps up my very quick June favorites! As always, please let me know in the comments what your favorites are. I love getting recommendations from all of you! If there is a product you would like me to review in the future, you can also let me know that as well. Here’s to a great July!

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

Easy July 4th Nail Art | My Independence Day Manicure

Posted on July 4, 2016June 7, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! It is Independence Day here in the United States, and I wanted to share with you the manicure I created to celebrate. I’ve always loved July 4th, and what a better way to wear the red, white, and blue than on your nails! I reached into my nail polish collection to create this really easy nail art look, which can be customized to fit your tastes and skill level. Let me share my Independence Day manicure with all of you!

What You Need // What I Used:

Red Nail Polish // KBShimmer in Chilly Papper [LINK]
Blue Nail Polish // Covergirl Outlast Stay Brilliant in Out of the Blue [LINK]
White Nail Polish // LVX Fantom [LINK]
Scotch Tape
Born Pretty Store Star Stamping Plate [LINK]
Stamp and Scraper Tool // Born Pretty Store Stamp Set [LINK]
Top Coat // Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat [LINK]

I began my manicure by painting all of my nails red with the exception of my ring finger, which I painted blue. I made sure to let this dry completely before continuing on with the nail art look. If you are in a rush, you can simply leave your manicure like this, or add some glitter on top to dress it up a bit! A white glitter over the blue accent nail would look great.

The final step was adding on some white stars using my stamping tools. I decided to block off part of my nail using Scotch tape, and left only the middle triangle open for the stamp. Make sure to choose a really pigmented white polish so that the stars will really stand out on your nail. Feel free to stamp over the whole nail, or just a portion like I did! Follow up with a glossy top coat once the stamp is dry, and your manicure is complete!

All in all, I am loving my July 4th nail art! It was really easy to create, but looks super festive. If you don’t own a stamping plate with stars, you can substitute nail stickers or simply a glitter polish. Of course, if you’re really fancy you can freehand some stars as well. Make the look your own with whatever you have in your collection! I hope you are having a fun and safe Independence Day! Please tag me on social media so I can see your festive nails!

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.

Upcoming Adventures | July Blog Chat

Posted on July 3, 2016June 13, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Sunday! We are now officially halfway through 2016, and July is here. I can’t believe how quickly the year is going! Today I’m here with another Upcoming Adventures, to share what you can expect to see here at Adventures in Polishland this month. Let’s have a chat about July!

July will still follow my regular blog schedule, but perhaps the biggest thing to expect is the end of my Dare to Compare posts! I’ve been decluttering my nail polish collection for the past few months, and I’ve documented the process with you here on the blog. While I will continue to post nail polish comparisons whenever I get in new shades, I’ve now gone through my collection and swatched all of the similar shades. I am excited for you to see the last of the comparisons this month!

Of course, you will also be seeing a lot of book reviews this month on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I’ve still been reading up a storm, and I really enjoy sharing my thoughts on the books I’ve read with you. I do plan on writing some other lifestyle posts for you all later this summer, but for now the book reviews are in control. Please let me know in the comments if you enjoy reading my book reviews, or if you’d like to see less of them!

Finally, I want to quickly mention that I will have a lot of Plan With Me videos up on my YouTube Channel this month! I post planner related videos every Tuesday and Saturday, so make sure to subscribe if you like planner decorating, organization tips, and paper crafts in general. I really enjoy sharing my planner hobby with all of you over there!

That wraps up this month’s Upcoming Adventures! I hope you all have a wonderful July!