Adventures in Polishland

Zoya Nail Polish Dreamin’ Collection | Swatches + Review

Posted on May 31, 2021 by Adventures in Polishland

Today I am excited to share with you swatches and a full review of the Zoya Nail Polish Dreamin’ Collection for Summer 2021. This six piece collection contains a variety of shades and finishes that can be worn individually, or in a multitude of combinations for a bright, fun manicure perfect for the summer season. Zoya is a cruelty free brand, and all of their nail polishes are vegan. Let’s jump in and talk more about these polishes, and stay tuned to the end of the post for a simple nail art look!

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

I swatched all of these nail polishes over the Holo Taco Peely Base. I decided not to wear any top coat in these swatches, as this collection contains a few different finishes. I was also really impressed with how glossy the cream formulas are without a top coat! As always, these swatches are photographed in natural lighting.

Desi

The first polish in the Dreamin’ Collection is Desi, what Zoya describes as a vibrant geranium coral cream. Desi is opaque in two coats, and I’m loving the bright pop of color. The cream polishes in this line have easy to work with formulas that are self-leveling. I can see Desi being a staple polish in the warmer months!

Polly

Next up is Polly, described as a lush fruit-punch pink cream. Polly is opaque in two coats and has a smooth formula that applies well. While the color is beautiful, I find it brings out the red undertones I have in my fair skin. Nonetheless, this is a pretty polish and Polly would look great on many people!

Darla

The last pink shade in the collection is Darla, described as a Gerber Daisy pink cream. Darla is also opaque in two coats. This polish has some blue undertones to it. I do have a few similar shades in my nail polish collection, but I definitely recommend Darla if you’re searching for this type of pink!

Skipper

Next up is Skipper, a milky purple neon. This polish has the EasyNeon formula introduced earlier this year. You can read my full thoughts on the original EasyNeon Collection HERE. Skipper is opaque in three coats, and has my favorite EasyNeon formula thus far. I’m loving this purple shade, and the matte finish looks cool. Of course, you can apply a glossy top coat if that is more to your liking.

Mateo

One of my favorite polishes in the collection is Mateo, described as a cool-toned pacific blue cream. Mateo is opaque in two coats, and looks just stunning! I love blue nail polishes, and this one is no exception. Most of my bright blue nail polishes are not this cool-toned, so Mateo is a welcome addition to my collection.

Summer

Last but not least is Summer, a mermaid shimmer featuring flashes of green and gold with a blue base. Summer is opaque in three coats, and has a super smooth formula. This is surprisingly my favorite nail polish in the Dreamin’ Collection! I usually prefer cream formulas, but Summer is so beautiful and absolutely perfect for the summer season.

Nail Art with Mateo and Summer

I loved Summer so much I decided to break out my nail stamping supplies. I used Born Pretty Store plate BP-L027 to add some wave designs using Mateo. The result ended up being really subtle, but I like the beach vibes! I finished off the manicure with Holo Taco Super Glossy Taco to seal the stamp in place. You can use code FZL91 to save 10% off your order at Born Pretty Store.

All in all, I’m loving the Zoya Nail Polish Dreamin’ Collection for Summer 2021! I did not have any issues with the formulas, and I am pleasantly surprised with my love for Summer! I like that this collection contains three different finishes. My only critique would be that I wish we had a bit more shade variation versus the three pinks that are included. Otherwise, I highly recommend all of the Dreamin’ polishes, and I look forward to using them more myself!

You can purchase the Dreamin’ Collection on Zoya’s website HERE. Individual polishes are $12.00 each.

Zoya EasyNeon Collection | Swatches & Review

Posted on April 18, 2021 by Adventures in Polishland

Today I am excited to share with you swatches and a full review of the Zoya EasyNeon Collection for Summer 2021. I love wearing neon nail polishes (evidenced by my fifth blog post ever in April 2012!), so I couldn’t believe my eyes when Zoya announced the EasyNeon Collection. This line contains six cruelty free and vegan nail polishes with a frustration-free formula. These polishes are designed to bring you the neon vibes you want without the difficult application process of the neons of the past. Let’s jump in and talk about this collection a bit more, and my experience with the polishes.

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

Each EasyNeon nail polish comes with the Zoya Z-Wide Brush to help with an even and streak-free application. In addition, Zoya states that the polishes are designed to be opaque in two coats. All of the polishes in this collection dry to a matte finish, and you do not need to wear a base coat. The idea is that the EasyNeon Collection simplifies a bright, neon manicure.

Before I share swatches of each individual shade, I did want to discuss my experience with the EasyNeon formula. Unfortunately, none of these polishes were opaque for me in two or three coats. I had visible nail line with all of these polishes, which is a bit disappointing seeing as the opacity claim is part of Zoya’s marketing with this collection. Nonetheless, I am very happy with the application process. The polishes are all smooth, fast-drying, and easy to apply. I did wear Holo Taco Peely Base while swatching, but I also tested the polishes without a base coat and did not experience staining. I do recommend applying thin coats, as a thicker coat can lead to streaks if you are trying to layer too much product on the nail at once. That being said, I am still in love with the neon shades in this collection, and I can’t wait to rock them this summer!

Oakley

The first polish in the EasyNeon Collection is Oakley, a fiery bright orange polish. I am wearing three coats in these swatch photos. Oakley is the perfect neon orange! I can see this shade being used in a lot of Halloween nail art, but it also makes a great manicure on its own.

Zelda

Next up is Zelda, described as a beaming coral-pink polish. Zelda is one of my favorites in this collection! I love this loud pink shade, and I am wearing three coats in the swatches. This shade is what comes to mind for me when I think of neon nail polish. Plus, look how smooth my nails look with this matte formula!

Janie

The other pink in this line is Janie, a hot fuchsia pink. I am wearing three coats of Janie in the swatches. If you’re a longtime follower of mine, you’ll know I love pink nails. Thus, it’s no surprise I adore Janie, too.

Banks

Next up is Banks, described by Zoya as a vivid violet polish. I am wearing two coats of Banks in the swatches. This polish does not pop as much as I would like for a neon, but I still like the rich, matte purple. Banks is a great transitional nail polish to take you from summer to fall as well.

Echo

Echo is the blue shade in this collection, described as a deep lagoon polish. I am wearing two coats in the swatches, and I’m loving the result! Echo reminds me of a blue raspberry slush, which definitely screams summer to me. I love the matte finish with this shade!

Link

Last but not least is Link, an electric, kelly green shade. I am wearing two shades in the swatches, and this is the most coverage I achieved from a polish in the collection. Link would look awesome in some slime nail art come Halloween! Of course, it looks nice on its own as well.

The EasyNeon Collection with a Glossy Top Coat

If you like neon nails but prefer a glossy finish, you can apply a glossy top coat to your manicure! I did a quick nail art look using the entire collection, and sealed it using Holo Taco Super Glossy Taco. I’m happy to report that these polishes work very well together. They layer nicely, and you can achieve a fun manicure quite quickly since the polishes are fast-drying.

My Final Thoughts

All in all, I think the Zoya EasyNeon Collection is a great summer collection for everyone looking for a bright and sunny manicure. While the polishes did not look opaque on my nails, that does not prohibit me from loving the shades and easy-to-use formula. Say goodbye to layering your neons over a white base and to the streaky application process! The EasyNeon Collection truly lives up to its name, and I’m excited to add these polishes to my collection.

You can purchase the EasyNeon Collection on Zoya’s website HERE. The polishes retail for $11.00 each.

Book Review | The Mall by Megan McCafferty

Posted on July 25, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

I received a free eBook copy of The Mall by Megan McCafferty for my unbiased review. This post includes affiliate links.

The Mall by Megan McCafferty

Published by W Wednesday Books

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary

Format: eARC

Pages: 320

Source: NetGalley

Goodreads: ★★★

The year is 1991. Scrunchies, mixtapes and 90210 are, like, totally fresh. Cassie Worthy is psyched to spend the summer after graduation working at the Parkway Center Mall. In six weeks, she and her boyfriend head off to college in NYC to fulfill The Plan: higher education and happily ever after.
But you know what they say about the best laid plans…
Set entirely in a classic “monument to consumerism,” the novel follows Cassie as she finds friendship, love, and ultimately herself, in the most unexpected of places. Megan McCafferty, beloved New York Times bestselling author of the Jessica Darling series, takes readers on an epic trip back in time to The Mall.

REVIEW

The Mall by Megan McCafferty is a young adult contemporary novel that takes place in the summer of 1991. I was excited to read this book because of it’s unique setting – a shopping mall! Our protagonist is Cassie Worthy. She has finally recovered from mono and is excited to spend her last summer before college working with her boyfriend at the mall. Unfortunately, when she shows up to work, “The Plan” that she and her boyfriend have carefully crafted quickly falls apart. Cassie must team up with her estranged best friend Drea Bellarosa in order to salvage her summer.

As someone who has spent summers working at the mall in college, I really enjoyed the mall culture aspect of this book. While my local mall did not have any secret underground parties, it’s true that the mall had its own unique community. McCafferty does a great job of demonstrating the fun relationships between the stores and their employees, and I could relate to the funny, and sometimes quite dramatic, interactions that Cassie has with the other characters in the book.

Moreover, I absolutely love it when a book includes a treasure hunt element. Drea explains to Cassie that, according to mall legend, there is a secret treasure hidden in the mall somewhere. This mystery kept me turning pages quickly, because I couldn’t wait for Cassie and Drea to find the next clue. I wish this treasure hunt played a bigger role in the story. Similarly I also enjoyed that Cassie is a vegetarian! It’s always great to read a book where vegetarianism is portrayed positively.

Unfortunately, I did feel like The Mall tried to do too much. This book touches on a lot of topics, but it does not have the time or pages to flush out each topic well. For instance, Cassie is portrayed as a feminist, but she backstabs Drea and makes a lot of derogatory comments towards the other female characters in the book. For instance, I really did not like how Cassie repeatedly calls her ex-boyfriend’s new flame ugly. Thus, I felt like some of the hot topics mentioned in this book were thrown in for brownie points.

Overall, I think The Mall is a quick and summery read that would make for a fun movie. If you also enjoy the nostalgic setting of a 1990s shopping mall, this might be a good pick for you. Plus, it’s fun to go back in time to when cell phones didn’t dictate teen communication! The Mall is available for pre-order now, and releases on July 28, 2020.

BUY THE BOOK

Wednesday Books | Amazon | Target

Zoya Nail Polish Splash Collection | Swatches & Review

Posted on June 13, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

Today I am excited to share swatches and a full review of the Zoya Nail Polish Splash Collection for Summer 2020. This 12-piece collection is designed to have a little something for everyone. The formulas include some richly pigmented creams, some micro-shimmers, and even a glitter topper. Zoya describes the Splash Collection as a cheerful line, and I have to agree! I absolutely love the mix of polishes in this collection, and have found some new favorite nail polishes.

The products in this post were provided for my unbiased review.

I am wearing the Holo Taco Peely Base in all of these swatches, as well as the Holo Taco Super Glossy Taco top coat. All of these photos are taken in natural light. As always, Zoya is a Logical Harmony Approved cruelty free brand, and all of the brand’s nail polishes are vegan.

Eclipse

First up is Eclipse, described as a glistening silver with holographic rainbow sparkles. I am wearing two coats of eclipse in the above swatches. I would describe this polish as a glitter topper, but it can certainly be worn alone if you like a sheer manicure. I really like that this formula applies very easily. You do not have to fish for glitters with this polish!

Jodi

Next up is Jodi, what Zoya describes as a pale ice cream pink cream. Jodi is a pigmented bubblegum pink polish. I had a little trouble with this formula, finding it a bit thick and goopy. I think part of the problem is this polish dries so quickly that it can drag upon application and create streaks. Thus, I recommend applying thin coats and working quickly. Jodi is very pretty, and opaque in two coats. My top coat helped to cover any imperfections.

Emma

The second cream polish in the line is Emma, described as a starfish coral with a touch of pink undertone. Emma has the same formula as Jodi, and was a bit difficult to apply. This is not uncommon in lighter shades of cream polish, which are often hard to get just right. Nonetheless, Emma is very pretty and opaque in two coats. It looks like a peach shade with my fair skin tone.

Leilani

Zoya also included some stunning micro-shimmer polishes in the Splash Collection. The first is Leilani, a glistening pink grapefruit with gold micro-shimmer. I’m not typically a fan of shimmer polishes, but Leilani is beyond beautiful! The formula applies like a dream, and this polish is opaque in two coats. I love this bright pink shade, and how well the gold shimmer reflects the light. Leilani is one of my favorite polishes in the collection!

Celi

If you prefer red nails, Celi is the polish for you! This is a sweet cherry red polish with gold micro-shimmer. Celi has the same great formula as Leilani, and is opaque in two coats. This polish would be fantastic in Fourth of July nail art, and I can certainly see this being used during the holiday season as well.

Greta

Next up is Greta, described as a ripe tomato red cream. Greta has an excellent formula that is opaque in two coats. I love this true red shade! Greta is definitely one of my favorite red polishes of all time. If you’re looking for a classic red nail polish for your collection, I highly recommend this one.

Kristie

Kristie is the next cream polish in the line, and is described as a deep magenta popsicle pink color. I have to admit I’m obsessed with this polish! Kristie has a great formula that is opaque in two coats, and I love the rich pigmentation. I’ve always loved a hot pink polish, and Kristie is no exception!

Jessica

Next up is Jessica, what Zoya describes as an African violet cream. Jessica has an excellent formula that is opaque coats. I can see some blue undertones in this polish, which make it a bit different than other purple shades in my nail polish collection. Jessica is also a great transitional polish from summer to fall.

Maren

Now it’s time for my favorite polish in the collection – Maren! This is a vibrant nautical blue cream with a perfect formula. I am wearing two coats in the above swatches. I am always partial to bright blue polishes, but Maren is just amazing. If you’re looking for a vegan dupe for Essie Butler Please, Maren is a great option.

Harbor

Next up is Harbor, described as a tropical emerald sea green cream. Harbor also has an amazing formula that is opaque in two coats. I love how pigmented this teal shade is. I usually see this shade with a shimmer in it, so I’m very happy to have this cream formula!

Fisher

The Splash Collection closes with two more micro-shimmers. Fisher is a sun-kissed seafoam with a stunning gold micro-shimmer. Fisher is a sheer nail polish, and I did not achieve opacity even with three coats. The formula is good, but I do wish it was a full coverage polish. Fisher is a unique polish, as I don’t think I’ve ever seen a light blue with gold shimmer. While not my cup of tea, Fisher is a pretty polish.

Corinna

Last but not least is Corinna, what Zoya describes as a naked blush with a kiss of golden sheen. Corinna is a light pink shade that is opaque in three coats. I did not expect to like this polish, but it’s actually quite beautiful! I love how this is a neutral nail polish with a punch of sparkle.

Final Thoughts

*Zoya Maren and Harbor Topped with Eclipse*

Overall, I am really enjoying the Zoya Nail Polish Splash Collection! My personal favorites are Maren, Harbor, Kristie, and Leilani, but it’s difficult to narrow down my top picks. The only polishes I would hesitate to recommend are Jodi and Emma, just because the formulas are a bit tricky to apply. That being said, I really like the variety in this collection. The polishes work really well together, and I’ve already worn Maren, Harbor, and Eclipse together in a manicure.

You can purchase the Splash Collection on Zoya’s website. Individual polishes are $10.00 each.

Zoya Nail Polish Bridal Bliss Collection | Swatches and Review

Posted on May 30, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

Today I’m excited to share with you a full review of the Zoya Nail Polish Bridal Bliss Collection. This is a 12-piece nail polish collection that was originally released in January of 2018. Bridal Bliss is a curated collection, meaning that Zoya hand-picked nail polishes from its existing product line to showcase the perfect polishes for brides. In addition, Zoya created one brand new shade to add some holographic bling to the range. The Bridal Bliss Collection is unique in that it is marketed to the bridal industry and not the average consumer. I personally find the nail polishes in this collection to be a bit hit and miss, so let’s jump into the review.

The products in this post were provided for my review. This post includes affiliate links.

I am wearing base coat and a glossy top coat from Pacifica in all of the swatches in this post. As always, Zoya is a Logical Harmony Approved cruelty free brand, and all of the brand’s nail polishes are vegan.

Leia

First up in the Bridal Bliss Collection is Leia, a sheer opalescent white with flecks of fuchsia, green, and gold. I am wearing three coats of Leia in the above swatches. Leia has a sheer finish when worn on its own, but it is also a stunning topper. I will show you what Leia looks like when layered over the other polishes in this collection at the end of this post. If you do wear Leia alone, I recommend thin coats.

Brighton

Next up is Brighton, the one brand new nail polish in this collection. Zoya describes Brighton as a full coverage, diamond holographic soft nude. Unfortunately, I had trouble with this formula. I am wearing three coats of Brighton in the above swatches, and I did not achieve opacity. Brighton’s formula is quite streaky, sheer, and patchy for me. I tried to use it as a topper since it is so sheer, but it didn’t work since it’s so streaky. Brighton does look nice in the photos, but because the formula is so difficult to work with I cannot recommend it.

McKenna

The first shimmer in the collection is McKenna, described as a refined pearl in a soft almond. I am wearing two coats of McKenna in the above swatches. This polish has an excellent formula, and I really like the subtle shimmer. I think McKenna is a great nail polish to add to your collection. The shade is work appropriate, but the hint of shimmer adds a nice touch.

Chantal

Chantal is the first cream polish in the collection. Zoya describes this polish as a delicious, full coverage French nude vanilla cream. While Chantal does look stunning once dry, I had a lot of issues with this formula. It is very streaky and messy, and required some cleanup in order to get a nice manicure. My glossy top coat really helped to even out Chantal. I applied two coats to achieve opacity. While the shade is beautiful, the formula was too tricky for me to recommend.

Loretta

The Bridal Bliss Collection contains some nail polishes that are designed for a French manicure. While you wouldn’t necessarily wear these polishes alone, I did regular swatches so you can see what the polish looks like on the nails. Loretta is described by Zoya as a light beige with a sheer creme finish. I am wearing three coats of Loretta in the above swatches. What’s interesting about this polish is it gives my nails a high gloss finish with just a hint of beige color. However, you can see my natural nail underneath, and if you have any marks or imperfections, they will be visible. Loretta reminds me of a ridge filler base coat, but I can see its use in French manicures for sure.

Erika

Next up is Erika, described as a soft, girly pale baby pink with lots of fine gold shimmer. Erika looks more like a peach shade with my skin tone. I am wearing three coats of polish in the above swatches, and this polish is still very sheer. This is not my cup of tea because I like an opaque manicure, but Erika is a beautiful polish. I recommend three thin coats with this one.

Bela

Bela is the other French manicure polish in this collection. Zoya describes this shade as a ballet slipper pink in a sheer, milky creme finish. I applied three coats of Bela in the above swatches. I was surprised at how white this polish appears on the nails since the polish looks quite pink in the bottle. If you prefer a more pigmented French manicure, Bela is a great option.

Avril

Next up is Avril, a soft neutral pink with light brown undertones. Avril has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. This polish is so close to my pink-toned skin shade that it gives me a “my nails but better” look. Avril is perfect if you want just a hint of warm pink on your nails!

Rue

Rue is one of my all time favorite Zoya polishes, and I’m excited to see it in this collection! Zoya describes Rue as a full coverage boudoir, blush cream. I used my original bottle of Rue for these swatches, and I’m happy to report the formula has not aged a bit! Rue has a stunning finish and is opaque in two coats. It is very similar to Avril, but leans more mauve.

Abby

Another favorite of mine is Abby, a light lavender cream polish. Abby is opaque in two coats and has an amazing formula. This purple shade is a spring staple for me! I think it looks stunning on everyone, and it’s a nice color for a bridal collection.

Blu

If you want your “something blue” to be on your nails, look no further than Blu! This is described as a soft and delicate pale baby blue creme. Blu also has an amazing formula that is opaque in two coats. This polish is definitely a great staple for any nail polish collection!

Snow White

The last polish in this collection is Snow White, a pure white creme polish. Unfortunately, this polish has a troublesome formula for me. I found Snow White quite streaky and patchy. The top coat helped to smooth it out a bit, but I’m disappointed in this polish. I remember when I first started blogging, Snow White was the go-to white shade for many nail polish lovers. Perhaps I got a bad batch, but I would not recommend this polish.

What Leia Looks Like as a Topper

I also wanted to show you what Leia looks like when layered over the other polishes in this collection. I layered one coat of Leia over all of the polishes (except Brighton) and added a glossy top coat. I absolutely love the effect that Leia gives to the nails! The first photo above starts with McKenna, and continues with Chantal, Loretta, Erika, and Bela. The second photo shows Leia over Avril, Rue, Abby, Blu, and Snow White. The moral of the story is Leia is a stunning polish that can transform your manicure!

Final Thoughts

Overall, I think the Bridal Bliss Collection was a great concept for Zoya. It’s an all-encompassing line of nail polishes that salons and bridal boutiques can have on hand for any wedding party. Unfortunately, the execution of this line left a little to be desired. Zoya is one of my favorite nail polish brands, and I feel like they had other options in their line with better formulas. In the end, my top picks and must haves from the Bridal Bliss Collection are Leia, McKenna, Avril, Rue, Abby, and Blu. The polishes I would not recommend are Brighton, Chantal, and Snow White. When it comes to Loretta, Erika, Bela, and Avril, I think these polishes have nice formulas, but they are not my own personal favorites. Thus, instead of purchasing the entire Bridal Bliss Collection, I recommend picking the shades that you like best.

You can purchase the Bridal Bliss Collection on Zoya’s website. Individual polishes are $10.00 each.

The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil Review | #EmptyProductReview

Posted on May 27, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

After a few bad experiences, I avoided using facial oils for quite a while. But as I got older and my skin got a bit drier, I decided to try The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil. This cruelty free and vegan facial oil is not only one of The Body Shop’s best selling skincare products, but it is formulated to deeply moisturize the skin and provide anti-aging benefits as well. I recently used up my bottle, and wanted to share my thoughts on this product with all of you.

The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil Review

This post includes affiliate links.

The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil is a unique blend of three precious nut seed oils: Black Cumin Seed Oil, Camellia Seed Oil, and Rosehip Oil. In the past I had used Argan oil based facial oils, and no matter which brand I tried, my skin would break out quite badly. I have combination skin that can overproduce oil while being dry and flaky at the same time. It can be tricky to find what products work best for me, but I’ve learned that moisturizing products can help to restore my skin’s hydration and reduce the added oils when used regularly. Thus, while I was hesitant to try the Oils of Life facial oil, I’m so glad I did! My skin never had a bad reaction, and instead loved this product’s hydrating properties.

I use this product after applying a facial serum. I take about 3-4 drops and gently massage the oil over my face and neck. Upon application, my skin does look greasy. However, once I go in with my moisturizer, the oil sinks deeper into my skin and the shininess goes away. I don’t use this product every day, especially in the summer months, but I know whenever I reach for this oil my skin will look and feel more hydrated. The Body Shop also claims this product can help with anti-aging and make the skin look firmer. I find that my skin does look firmer when using this oil, because any lines that appear due to dehydration are not as visible.

Overall, I absolutely love The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil! Not only do I really enjoy the formula and product effectiveness, but I think the price point is fair. It took me about two years to completely use up a 1.7 fluid ounce bottle that retails for $55.00. While that is a large investment up front, comparable products from other high end brands begin at around $72.00! Plus, you can often get this product on sale. I recommend using Rakuten (formerly Ebates) to earn cash back on your purchase as well. I will absolutely be repurchasing this oil once I work through what I already have in my skincare stash!

You can purchase The Body Shop Oils of Life Facial Oil directly from the brand’s website.

Zoya Nail Polish Thrive Collection | Swatches and Review

Posted on May 23, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

Spring may be coming to a close, but I’m excited to share with you swatches and a review of the complete Zoya Nail Polish Thrive Collection. This collection was originally released in Spring 2018, and I finally tried all six polishes. Spoiler alert: I’m really impressed with this collection! It comes with two metallics, three creams, and one sparkly topper. Plus, all of the shades work really well together. The Thrive Collection is the perfect option if you’re looking for nail polishes that can take you from the office to a night out! I think there is something for everyone in the Thrive Collection!

Zoya Nail Polish Thrive Collection | Swatches and Review

The products in this post were provided for my review. This post includes affiliate links.

Zoya Nail Polish is a Logical Harmony Approved cruelty free brand, and all of the brand’s nail polishes are vegan. In the swatches below I am wearing a base coat, two coats of nail polish (unless otherwise noted), and a glossy top coat from Pacifica.

Darby

The first polish in the Thrive Collection is Darby, what Zoya describes as a dusty gray metallic. In the bottle Darby appears to be a light blue polish with royal blue shimmer. Once applied to the nails, Darby’s gray tone was much more visible. I wish the shimmer effect was a bit stronger, but I was pleasantly surprised with this polish! The formula is opaque in two coats, and it’s a unique take on a gray nail polish. Darby is one of my favorites in the collection!

Trudith

Next up is Trudith, described as a muted, wisteria purple cream polish. Trudith reminds me of the Natural Collections that Zoya released in the past. This polish reads very mauve on me, and I’m loving it! The formula applies well and is opaque in two coats. Trudith is the perfect polish to wear to work, as it can pass as a muted neutral, but has that nice pop of purple.

Brandi

Brandi is the first pink polish in the Thrive Collection. Zoya describes this shade simply as a blush pink cream. Brandi is the only polish in this collection that had a bit of a troublesome formula for me. It is on the thick side, but it was also runny at the same time. I had to do a bit of clean-up with this polish, which is unusual for me. I also had an air bubble on my manicure. Nonetheless, Brandi is a beautiful pink color, but I recommend thin coats with this formula.

Monroe

The other pink in this collection is Monroe, described as a glamour pink cream. I am obsessed with this nail polish! Monroe has an amazing formula that is opaque in two coats. I love how pigmented and bright this polish is. It is so much fun for the summer months, and great if you like a flawless pink nail that is nearly red.

Leisel

Next up is Leisel, a sheer, sparkling topper. I applied three coats of Leisel in the photos above, and you can see this polish is still not opaque. However, I think it’s great that you can wear this polish alone or layered on top of other polishes. I didn’t think I would like Leisel, but is surprised me! I love how it shifts from pink to purple to gold to blue depending on the light and the base color. I wouldn’t wear Leisel on its own, but I cannot wait to wear it layered!

Haruko

Last but not least is Haruko, a soft violet metallic polish. Haruko is a very pretty lilac shade with purple shimmer. The formula is a bit streaky, but that is common with metallic nail polishes. I am wearing two coats in the above swatches, and while the coverage is good, I would need a third coat for opacity. If you like subtle shimmers, Haruko is a nice option!

What Leisel Looks Like as a Topper

I wanted to show you how stunning Leisel is when used as a topper! I am wearing one coat of Leisel over all the other polishes in this collection and a glossy top coat in the above photo. From left to right, the shades are: Darby, Trudith, Brandi, Monroe, and Haruko. I am blown away at how stunning Leisel is! My favorite manicure is the one with Darby, but I also love Leisel with Brandi and Monroe. I also need to try Leisel over black and white. Let me know if you would like to see that test in a blog post!

Overall, I am loving the Zoya Thrive Collection! Not only do all six nail polishes compliment each other extremely well, but there is a little something for everyone. Plus, I love that I can dress up any polish in this collection by topping it with Leisel! Individually, not all of these polishes are unique. However, if you are looking to grow your nail polish collection with some go-to shades, I think the Thrive Collection is a great option. This would also make an amazing gift!

You can purchase the Thrive Collection on Zoya’s website or on Amazon for $60.00. Individual shades retail for $10.00 each.

What’s your favorite polish in the Thrive Collection?

Derma E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask Review | #MayMaskChallenge

Posted on May 17, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

This month I’ve been participating in the #MayMaskChallenge hosted by Lisa Stevens. My goal is to use a face mask at least once each week, and so far I’ve really enjoyed giving my skin a bit of extra TLC. One of my favorite masks is the Derma E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask. I’ve used up almost an entire tube of it, and I already have a back-up ready in my mask collection. That being said, this mask can be a bit tricky to work with, so I thought it would be helpful to share my tips for using this mask.

Derma E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask Review

The product in this post was provided for my review. This post includes affiliate links.

The Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask from Derma E has a dual-action formula that deep cleans the pores and exfoliates the skin to leave it fresh and glowing. The mask contains Activated Charcoal, which helps to remove dirt, oil, and bacteria from the skin. Derma E recommends application as follows: “Apply generously to clean face, avoiding eye and lip areas. Leave on for five minutes or until mask is dry. Moisten fingertips, then massage gently in a circular motion to activate exfoliants” prior to rinsing off the mask and patting the skin dry. I mention the instructions written on the tube because, after using this product multiple times, I slightly alter the application to make the mask work better for me.

This mask can be a bit intense since it is such a deep-cleansing mask. One time, I left the mask on my skin a bit too long, and my skin was a little red and irritated when I washed it off. I realized that instead of generously applying this mask, it is best to apply a very thin layer to the face. That is because the mask can take several minutes to dry. In the photo above, I show what the mask looks like upon application, and what it looks like after it dries. It took over 12 minutes to dry, and you can see there is a small patch where it is still wet. Thus, I now use a small amount of this mask, and wash it off immediately after five minutes has passed even though it may not be completely dry. While I do not follow the brand’s directions, I still get a great result from the mask! A little definitely goes a long way with this product.

I absolutely love the Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask because my skin not only feels vey clean and smooth, but I feel like I can visibly see a difference after each use. Of course, any dry skin is exfoliated away, but my pores are less noticeable and my complexion appears more even. I also love that this mask removes added dirt and oil, but it does not leave my skin feeling dry. It’s one of my all-time favorite masks to give my skin a deep clean!

The Derma E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask is available for purchase on Derma E’s website for $19.50 HERE. You can also purchase a sample packet for $4.00 if you want to test the mask prior to investing in the full size.

Zoya Nail Polish Jelly Brites Collection | Swatches and Review

Posted on May 16, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

Today I have swatches and a review of the Zoya Nail Polish Jelly Brites Collection. This trio of nail polishes was originally released in 2018, but I finally got around to testing them myself and watched to share my thoughts with you. The Jelly Brites Collection contains three special edition polishes in a jelly formula. Jelly nail polishes are sheer and have a shiny finish. They are great for layering and nail art, and work well in the classic jelly sandwich manicure. Zoya is also a Logical Harmony Approved cruelty free brand, and their nail polishes are vegan friendly!

Zoya Nail Polish Jelly Brites Collection (Swatches and Review)

The products in this post were provided for my review. This post includes affiliate links.

I swatched all three nail polishes in this collection over a base coat and finished with a glossy top coat from Pacifica. I applied two coats of polish in the swatches. As you will see, these jelly polishes are not opaque in two coats, but that is to be expected with this sheer formula. I recommend applying thin coats of this polish and letting it dry completely between layers, as jelly polish can drag easily when tacky.

Molly

The first polish in the Jelly Brites Collection is Molly, what Zoya describes as a red/pink jelly. Molly is the brightest of the shades in the collection. This polish applies well to the nails and dries to a shiny, non-streaky finish. Molly is such a great shade for the summer months!

Paris

Next up is Paris, what Zoya describes as a fuchsia jelly polish. I’ll be very honest when I say that Molly and Paris are nearly identical nail polishes. I will show you a side-by-side photo later in this blog post, but the only difference is that Paris is slightly darker in shade and leans a bit more purple than pink. Paris does apply well, and the coverage with two coats is nice.

Alia

Last up is Alia, what Zoya describes as a plum jelly. Alia is definitely the most sheer polish in the collection, which surprised me because it looks like a deep purple shade in the bottle. I also found Alia to be a bit streaky. I recommend adding a third coat of nail polish to Alia to even out the finish and increase the pigmentation.

Ombré Skittle Manicure

Since jelly polishes are great for layering, I decided to create an ombré skittle manicure using the three shades. I applied three coats of nail polish on each nail in the above photo. Note that the polish is still not opaque in three coats, but the coverage is good. Here is how I layered the polishes in the manicure:

Pinky: 3 coats of Molly
Ring: 2 coats of Molly topped with 1 coat of Paris
Middle: 3 coats of Paris
Pointer: 2 coats of Paris topped with 1 coat of Alia
Thumb: 3 coats of Alia

I really like the way the Jelly Brites Collection works together in this manicure! The shades are very complimentary, but I will reiterate that the difference between Molly and Paris is marginal. Overall, I think this is a nice trio of jelly nail polishes, but unless you are looking to add a lot of jellies to your nail polish collection, I would pick the shade you like best. My top pick is Molly!

You can purchase the Jelly Brites Collection on Zoya’s website or on Amazon for $30.00.

What’s your favorite shade in the Jelly Brites Collection?

March Reading Wrap Up | Rereading My Mary-Kate and Ashley Collection

Posted on April 5, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

March started out as a great reading month for me, but as things changed rapidly in the world, my reading routine got off track as well. If you’ve followed my reading updates for a while, you’ll know that I usually read pretty heavy books. My favorite genre, for example, is dystopian, and I certainly don’t feel like reading a dystopian book right now when the current state of life feels much like one. Thus, I decided to start a fun and light-hearted project. Like many people my age, I grew up a huge Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen fan. I watched the movies and the television shows, I sang the songs, I had the dolls and merchandise, and, of course, I read the books. My Mary-Kate and Ashley book collection brings me so much joy that it always survived rounds of KonMari decluttering. I knew one day I would finally reread them, and now is the perfect time. Today I’ll be sharing with you my March reading wrap up, and the start of rereading my Mary-Kate and Ashley collection.

This post includes affiliate links. I will earn a small commission if you make a purchase through those links. Thank you!

I began the month really excited to finally begin reading the Chaos Walking trilogy by Patrick Ness. I’ve wanted to read this series for years, and March was going to be the month for it! I picked up The Knife of Never Letting Go, and really enjoyed it. This is a science fiction and dystopian novel that follows a boy named Todd. He lives in a society where only men have survived, and they can hear each other’s thoughts. It took me about 50 pages to become accustomed to the writing style, but I soon got sucked into the story. This book is very adventurous, and quite violent for a young adult novel. I also read the majority of the second book in this trilogy, The Ask and the Answer, but I put it down when everything got serious. I look forward to finishing this trilogy at some point, but I’m not sure when that will be.

I then spent the rest of the month working through all of the books I own in The Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley series. There are ten books in this series, but I own four of them: The Case of the Mystery Cruise, The Case of the U.S. Space Camp Mission, The Case of the U.S. Navy Adventure, and The Case of Thorn Mansion. I’ve written more thoughts on each of these books on Goodreads, but overall I think these mysteries are a little ridiculous, but a lot of fun. I am constantly amazed at how nine-year-old kids are allowed to wander around by themselves to solve crimes. I am also bewildered that the Trenchcoat Twins are able to get involved with governmental investigations!

Overall, March was not the reading month I hoped it would be, but I’m taking advantage of this time to reread childhood books that I’ve always wanted to revisit. Now that I’m working from home, I’ve found it very difficult to find reading time. I’ve become accustomed to reading only during my long commutes to and from work, and now my commute is nonexistent. With at least another month of work-from-home life ahead of me, I hope to make more time for reading. Next up on my agenda, The New Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley!

Desi

Polly

Darla

Skipper

Mateo

Summer

Nail Art with Mateo and Summer

Oakley

Zelda

Janie

Banks

Echo

Link

The EasyNeon Collection with a Glossy Top Coat

My Final Thoughts

Eclipse

Jodi

Emma

Leilani

Celi

Greta

Kristie

Jessica

Maren

Harbor

Fisher

Corinna

Final Thoughts

Leia

Brighton

McKenna

Chantal

Loretta

Erika

Bela

Avril

Rue

Abby

Blu

Snow White

What Leia Looks Like as a Topper

Final Thoughts

Darby

Trudith

Brandi

Monroe

Leisel

Haruko

What Leisel Looks Like as a Topper

What’s your favorite polish in the Thrive Collection?

Molly

Paris

Alia

Ombré Skittle Manicure

What’s your favorite shade in the Jelly Brites Collection?

What are you currently reading?