Adventures in Polishland

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!

Manicure Monday | Wet ‘n Wild Chrome Stay Outta My Bismuth

Posted on July 13, 2015August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Manicure Monday! There are only a few more weeks in the Alphabet Challenge – I can’t believe it! For the letter W this week I had to grab a Wet ‘n Wild polish. Wet ‘n Wild is one of the most affordable brands at the drugstore, but I’ve never been disappointed with any of its polishes. When I first moved to New York three years ago, I found a bunch of the Wet ‘n Wild Chrome polishes in a clearance bin at Rite Aid for $1.00. I just had to purchase one! I wore it back when I first got it, but it’s been sitting in my collection ever since. I was excited to give it another wear!

Stay Outta My Bismuth is a metallic polish with a mix of blue and silver. The formula is awesome – it applies evenly and is opaque in two coats. Stay Outta My Bismuth is a really unique polish. It is both blue and silver at the same time, and almost gives off an ombré effect. I’m not usually a big fan of metallic polishes, but this one is beyond stunning. I’m regretting not picking up more of these beauties back in the day!

The Wet ‘n Wild Chrome line was limited edition, but there are a few listings for Stay Outta My Bismuth on Amazon HERE. While metallics are often popular in the fall, I think this one is perfect for summer, and the chrome finish just shines in the sunlight! I’m so glad I discovered it in my stash!

Do you own any of the Wet ‘n Wild Chrome polishes?! Let me know in the comments!

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

5 Ways to Save Money on Etsy | #PlanWithPolishland

Posted on July 11, 2015July 1, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Welcome back to another #PlanWithPolishland post! Thank you for all the support on my Erin Condren Life Planner Unboxing & Review (see it HERE if you missed it). Today I wanted to share some helpful tips on how to save money on Etsy. When I first joined the nail polish community, I was amazed with all of the indie nail polish makers. Now, as I explore the planner world, I am blown away by the stickers that are specifically made for the Erin Condren Life Planner (hereinafter “ECLP”). One of the reasons I wanted an ECLP was because I wanted to make my planner a hobby – I wanted it to be functional and helpful, but also a creative outlet. Stickers are a great way to dress up your planner, so I did a ton of research to decide which shops I was going to place orders with right off the bat. The only issue is, stickers can get really expensive, especially when buying from Etsy shops. I didn’t want to give up such cute stickers, so I came up with a plan to make this new sticker habit both fabulous and affordable!

1. Earn Cash Back on Ebates

If you’re a longtime Adventures in Polishland reader, you’ll know that I am a huge fan of the website Ebates. Ebates is a reputable website that allows you to earn cash back on many of the purchases you make online. All you have to do is sign up, log in to Ebates, and click on the store from which you’d like to purchase. Then Ebates tracks your order and gives you money! Etsy was recently added to Ebates, and you can earn 1% cash back on all Etsy orders. While 1% may not seem like a lot, it’s still money back in your pocket. I highly recommend signing up for Ebates, and if you use my referral link by clicking on the Ebates banner above, I get credit for you!

2. Always Use a Coupon Code

Etsy sticker shops are really great with coupon codes. There is almost always an active code available, and it’s really easy to find them! Make sure you are following Etsy shops on social media, specifically Instagram. Many shops have an Instagram specific coupon code listed on their profile. In addition, a lot of shops have Facebook groups that keep you informed of upcoming releases and sales. I highly recommend joining those groups. Not only will you get money-saving coupons, but you’ll get to know the shop owner and other planner lovers. If you’re not personally on social media, you can still visit a shop’s Instagram page through your web browser or do a classic Google search. Those few extra minutes of looking online could save you a few dollars!

3. Buy More Less Often

An added expense to shopping online is always shipping. This is especially true if you are located in a different country than the store from which you are purchasing. Thus, plan out your purchases and buy more stickers less often. This will ensure you pay the lowest shipping price, and you will get enough stickers to last you a long time. To keep track of the stickers you want to buy, keep a Pinterest Board or add stickers to your Etsy cart for later purchase. Focus on buying a large order from one shop at a time, and make use of those stickers before buying anything else.

4. Only Buy What You Will Use

This sounds very straightforward, but sometimes this is not an easy rule to follow. There are so many cute stickers on Etsy, and I would love to buy them all. However, I have no need for stickers that are purely decorative. Sure, it would be fun to have macarons or princesses all over my planner, but I focus on buying stickers that are functional. That’s my personal planning style right now. How many times have you heard someone say, “I have no idea when I’ll use this, but I just had to have it!” Don’t be that person! We’re on a budget here! If you want those princess stickers make sure you have a use for them, even if it’s just to decorate. Be honest with yourself and realize that once you click that purchase button you can’t get that money back.

5. Get a Planner Buddy

Last but not least, find a friend with similar interests! I highly recommend having a planner buddy who is local. This will allow you to split shipping costs with her, and you can also split sticker sheets. For example, some shops have sampler sheets with a variety of different stickers, but you might only want to use half of them. See if your planner buddy will use the other half. If so, you just saved 50% on your purchase! A planner buddy will also hold you accountable for your purchases, and is someone who can share your hobby with you.

That brings us to the end of this #PlanWithPolishland post! I hope you found these tips helpful. The best part is, all five of these tips can be combined to save you the most amount of money possible. I’ll admit I’ve already made a few Etsy sticker purchases, but I’ve followed these steps and feel like each purchase is justified. I am uploading all of my sticker hauls on my YouTube channel, so make sure to SUBSCRIBE to know when those videos go live. My first haul will be embedded in this video below for your convenience!

Do you shop on Etsy? How do you save money? What are your favorite shops? Tell me 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.

Manicure Monday | Milani Vivid Violet

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

Happy Manicure Monday! It’s time for the Alphabet Challenge to continue with the letter V. I couldn’t find a brand that begins with V in my collection, so I went with a polish color from Milani called Vivid Violet. I got this polish last year, and haven’t used it in a while. I decided now was the perfect time to put this purple on again!

Vivid Violet is a creme polish in a beautiful purple color. The formula is absolute perfection, and is opaque in two coats. I just love this muted purple shade. It’s great to wear any time of year, and I don’t even feel the need to add top coat as it is naturally glossy! Vivid Violet is definitely one of my favorite Milani polishes!

Vivid Violet isn’t sold in stores any longer, but there are a few bottles for sale on Amazon HERE. I do highly recommend this polish if you love purples as much as I do. Plus, definitely check out Milani’s permanent nail polish line at your local drugstore. Despite the affordable price tag, this brand is 100% fabulous and high quality!

What’s your favorite Milani polish? Let me know in the comments!

The product in this post was provided for my unbiased review. This post contains an affiliate link. 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

Manicure Monday | Urban Outfitters Bright Lights

Posted on June 29, 2015August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Manicure Monday! The alphabet challenge continues with the letter U today, and I decided to go for one of my beloved Urban Outfitters polishes. Urban Outfitters has quite an extensive nail polish line, and they keep up with trends in the polish world quite well. Plus, they often go on clearance, and I’ve snagged plenty for under a dollar! I shared some of my favorite Urban Outfitters polishes on Possibly Polished a couple years back in a guest post (see that post HERE), but I thought I would share Bright Lights with all of you here, too.

Bright Lights is a jelly polish that has an off-white base filled with multicolored hexagonal glitters and a slight blue shimmer. It is on the sheer side, but I love the look I get in three coats. Plus, Bright Lights is very versatile, and can be worn layered over regular polishes as well. It also reminds me of cake frosting with sprinkles!

All in all, Bright Lights is an all-around great polish. Wearing it again definitely makes me want to visit Urban Outfitters and check out what’s in stock right now. The best part is, Urban Outfitters’s polishes are fabulous and affordable at just 2 for $8! I think that’s quite the bargain, especially considering how often they release new collections. You can shop in store or online HERE. Be sure to let me know in the comments what your favorite Urban Outfitters polishes are!