back to school week – Adventures in Polishland

Tag: back to school week

Back to School Week Roundup & Giveaway!

Posted on August 17, 2013August 16, 2013 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! I hope you all enjoyed Back to School Week here at Adventures in Polishland as much as I did! After creating those posts for you, I’m actually quite motivated for my second year of law school! Today I just wanted to do a roundup of this week’s posts in case you missed any of my Back to School tips. Plus, stay tuned because at the end I’ll have a giveaway!

Monday

Get Back to Hogwarts with Kawaii Nail Lacquer

Tuesday

Makeup Bag Essentials for School

Wednesday

Cute & Casual School Outfits

Thursday

“No Makeup” Makeup

Friday

My Drugstore Nail Polish Picks for School

Back to School Giveaway!

A few months ago, I participated in the Spring Fling Giveaway, a collaboration amongst several bloggers and indie companies. Unfortunately, the organizer was unable to retrieve a winner for some of the participants, including me, due to some personal issues, and I did not receive a response to my emails until recently. With her permission I am hosting a new giveaway for the prize pack I donated. I sincerely apologize for the delay, but I am so glad that one of my readers will finally be able to win this prize! One winner will get everything in the photo below, plus a few bonus goodies that I will add in to apologize for the Spring Fling mess-up. Thank you for understanding! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rules

Who is eligible? USA residents who are 18 years of age or older. If under 18, you must have parental permission to enter.
Giveaway will run until August 31, 2013 at 12:00am EST.
All entries will be verified. Any false entries will result in disqualification.
The winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter and notified via email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or she forfeits the prize and a new winner is chosen.
The prize will be mailed within two weeks of receiving the winner’s shipping information. I am not responsible for lost or damaged packages.
I reserve the right to add or edit these rules at any time. Please check back or email me with any questions.

Back to School Week | My Drugstore Nail Polish Picks for School

Posted on August 16, 2013August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today is the last day of Back to School Week here on Adventures in Polishland, and I thought it would be fun to share some fabulous and affordable nail polishes! Each of the polishes showcased today can be purchased at the drugstore for under $6. I know students often have to pinch pennies, but with these great polishes you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank. Let me share my favorite drugstore polishes for back to school!

First up is Wet ‘n Wild Megalast in On a Trip. This is a gorgeous light purple polish. On a Trip as a great formula that is opaque in two coats. I was super impressed with this polish, and wore it for four days without any signs of wear at all. Not only is this polish pretty, but it retails for just $1.99 at drugstores! I highly recommend On a Trip, and it’s a great transition color from summer to fall.

Next up is one of my all-time favorites, Spoiled in Did I Dye It Too Blonde? Neons are still in this season, and this yellow is perfect if you really love fun nails. I layered one coat over white in the photos above to get a strong neon color, since Did I Dye It Too Blonde? is a bit sheer on its own. You can buy Spoiled nail polish at CVS stores for $1.99 each!

This post would be incomplete without a polish from Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear! It is probably my favorite brand of all time! I think the color Blue Me Away! is just perfect for back to school. Blue Me Away! has an amazing formula that is opaque in two coats. It really is the perfect light blue, and it retails for around $3!

Next up is a funky metallic polish from Maybelline Color Show in Amethyst Ablaze. This polish is purple and has a foil look when dry. The formula was good, though not perfect — let each coat dry completely or the polish will drag. I applied two coats to achieve opacity, and I’m loving the result! If you like an edgier look, Amethyst Ablaze is for you! It retails for around $4.

Milani is another fabulous drugstore brand, and I love the shade Quick Teal from the High Speed Fast Dry line. While marketed as a one coat formula, I do need two coats for opacity. The formula is great, though! Quick Teal is the perfect fall color, and can go with many outfits. It retails for just $4.99!

Last but not least is Covergirl Outlast Stay Brilliant in My Papaya. I love the Covergirl nail polishes, and this one is gorgeous. My Papaya is a coral pink shade, and has a hint of golden shimmer. The formula is flawless, and is opaque in two coats. My Papaya is a classic color, and will look great on almost everyone. It retails for $5.99 at drugstores.

All in all, I love drugstore nail polish, and these are some of my favorite polishes for heading back to school. Keep an eye out for sales and coupons, so you can snag these polishes at even better price. I hope you enjoyed this post and Back to School Week! If you’re heading back to school soon I hope you have a great year!

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

Back to School Week | “No Makeup” Makeup

Posted on August 15, 2013August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today’s Back to School post is the perfect, easy makeup look for the classroom. To be honest with you, I didn’t wear much makeup at all when I was in high school, and even in college. Now I’ve mastered what DJ Tanner aimed for when she headed to Junior High. As Aunt Becky advised: “The trick to wearing makeup is to make it look like you aren’t wearing any.” I totally agree! Let me show you what I use to do my every day makeup!

BB Cream or Foundation: Having even and clear skin is the main reason I even put makeup on! I really like a light coverage foundation or BB cream, just to ensure I cover up any imperfections without looking like I have a ton of product on. [Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup & Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream]
Pressed Powder: If you’re prone to oily skin like I am, add a light dusting of pressed powder to your finished look. I am obsessed with the Rimmel Stay Matte that can be purchased at the drugstore, and have repurchased it several times. I get the shade transparent so I’m not adding more color to my face. [Rimmel Stay Matte]
Concealer: For days you have to cover up blemishes or dark circles, grab a concealer! I love the new Covergirl + Olay one that looks like a nude lipstick. It is so hydrating and covers my imperfections quite well. [Covergirl + Olay Concealer Balm]
Brow Pencil/Powder: Eyebrows frame your face, so make sure yours are looking great. I have one eyebrow that is much thinner than the other, so I use powder to even everything out. It looks natural, but makes me look more put together. I love this kit from Milani because it includes powder, a highlighter, and even tweezers! [Milani Brow Fix]
Blush: I rarely wear blush, but a little bit can add some color to your face and make you look more alive and ready for the day. Blush is perfect when you want a little something extra, or on days when you’re feeling “blah.” [Be a Bombshell Blush in Sweet Cheeks]
Tinted Lip Balm: Wearing a tinted lip balm is the perfect way to add some color to your lips for school. Lipsticks are just a bit much in the classroom on a daily basis. With all of the amazing options out there, grab your favorite lip balm and you’re ready for the day! [Pacifica Color Quench Lip Tint in Sugared Fig]
Mascara: My most-loved beauty product is definitely mascara. It brings focus to your eyes, and makes you look more awake. A great option for a more natural look, is to get mascara in the shade blackened brown. I’m loving this new one from Revlon! [Revlon Grow Luscious Lash Potion]

These are all of the products I need for my “no makeup” makeup look! As you can see, I stay away from eyeshadow, eyeliner, bronzer, and all of that fun stuff. While you can certainly play around with your own makeup look, I prefer to just look like me when I’m at school! Be sure to let me know what your makeup necessities are in the comments, and stay tuned for the last day of Back to School Week tomorrow!

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

Back to School Week | Cute & Casual School Outfits

Posted on August 14, 2013August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today’s post is a first on Adventures in Polishland — fashion! One of the best parts of going back to school each year is putting together some cute, new outfits. Whether you’re going on a shopping spree, or searching through your closets, they key to the perfect school ensemble is feeling comfortable and looking great, too. I usually keep it pretty casual at school since I’m there to learn above everything else. Let me show you a couple outfits I plan on wearing this fall, plus some of my favorite clothing stores and back to school must haves!

First up is my go-to look — jeans and a t-shirt! Whether you’re in middle school, or law school like I am, you can never go wrong with the basics. To liven my outfit up a bit, I chose a feminine floral top, and added a necklace. I’ll share the product details below.

Top: Forever 21 – $13.80 – not sold online
Necklace: Forever 21 – $10.80 – CLICK
Jeans: American Eagle – $44.95 – CLICK
Shoes: Converse – $49.90 – CLICK

For days you want to look a bit more polished, swap the sneakers out for some flats, and choose dark colored denim. I’m totally ready to hit the law library in this outfit! Below I’ll link to the products I’m wearing, but since the jeans and shoes are from older brands I’ll find similar items for you.

Top: Forever 21 – $15.80 – CLICK
Necklace: Forever 21 – Spring Collection
Jeans: PLNDR – $24.99 – CLICK
Shoes: Delias – $19.90 – CLICK
Bag: Michael Kors – $103.50 – CLICK
Casebook: Amazon – $125.49 – CLICK

Back to School Fashion Must Haves!

Sperry Top-Siders are my favorite shoes! They’re comfortable, cute, and come in a ton of colors.

To carry those books, sport a cute bag! I love leopard print — it never goes out of style.

Don’t be late! Invest in a stylin’ watch to get you to class on time. I love my rose gold one from Michael Kors!

Best Stores for Bagainistas!

JCPenney – Arizona jeans are my favorite! They come in all sizes and lengths, not to mention colors and styles, too.
Forever 21 – Always super affordable, and always trendy!
Delias – Cute, comfy, and cool clothing! Seriously!
Express – Shop during clearance events and you’ll snag amazing deals. They have beautiful dresses!
BaubleBar – Gorgeous jewelry and great prices. I love their statement necklaces!

That wraps up my fashion post for Back to School Week! I hope you liked the outfits I put together, and the pieces I picked out. When you head back to school, remember to wear what you like and what makes you feel most confident. Respect your school dress code (and your parents!), but let your real style show through. Let me know your favorite stores to shop at in the comments!

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

Back to School Week | Makeup Bag Essentials for School

Posted on August 13, 2013August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! Now that I’ve officially accepted the fact that I am heading back to school next week (ah!) it’s time to start putting together my book bag. While I don’t tote a ton of cosmetics to school, it’s important to carry the essentials just in case the unexpected happens. Let me share with you the goods I’ll have in my makeup bag this school year!

Here is the makeup bag I will be using! I got mine from Ipsy, and I just love the leopard and neon print. The reason I am choosing this bag in particular is because of its flat shape — it will easily fit into my book bag without taking up much space! I know this can’t be easily purchased, so I would definitely recommend these:

Forever 21 “Leopard Print” – CLICK
Sephora Collection “The Night is Young” – CLICK
Sonia Kashuk “Yarn Print” – CLICK

Now onto the essentials inside! I think these items are needed, and yes, they all fit in the bag!

Hand Lotion: You never know when your hands will be dry! Keep a travel size lotion on you at all times, especially in the winter. Plus, having lotion is a great way to meet people — I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve been asked if I had lotion! Pick a brand and scent you’ll like, and one that won’t bother those around you. [Julep Age Defying Hand Brightener]

Powder Compact: Women historically go to powder their noses for a reason! Pressed powder is the perfect touch up, and keeps your skin looking great all day long. I like to have a compact with a mirror in it as well. This one from Covergirl also has a sponge inside so I don’t have to carry a brush! [Covergirl Fresh Complexion Pocket Powder]

Hair Ties: If it gets too hot or starts to rain, you’ll want to pull your hair up! While I love ribbon hair ties, it’s good to have a plain black one, too. It goes with every outfit! I find that Goody from the drugstore is the perfect go-to brand (and it’s affordable!). [Goody Ouchless Elastics]

Colgate Wisp Brushes: If you decide to have a garlic-filled lunch at the last minute, you’ll want to be able to freshen your breath before class resumes. No one wants to be embarrassed about her breath, that’s for sure! You can grab these Wisps at the drugstore and keep them for when you’re in a pinch. [Colgate Wisp Brushes]

Perfume / Body Spray: Everyone gets stinky once in a while, so I like to carry a perfume or body spray in my makeup bag. I get so many perfume samples from Sephora, so instead of purchasing a travel size product, I just stick a sample in my bag! If you prefer lighter scents, opt for a body spray instead. [Juicy Couture Couture La La]

Oil Absorbing Sheets: Heading back to school in August means the heat and humidity are sticking around for a while. To make sure I don’t look like a grease ball, oil absorbing sheets are necessary! These are great because they don’t mess up your makeup, but they leave your skin looking great. Any brand will do, but I suggest Clean & Clear and the CVS brand. [Clean & Clear Instant Oil Absorbing Sheets]

Mini Nail Files: We’ve all been there — that awful moment when (gasp!) you break a nail! I just love these mini nail files. They are cute and disposable, and save you in an emergency situation. These are also perfect to share with a girlfriend when she’s in nail trouble. [Tweezerman Matchbox Files]

Lip Balm: Every girl needs a good lip balm with her at all times! I like to have both a clear balm and a tinted lip color just to be sure I’m set for every occasion. Keep those lips soft and moisturized with your lip balms of choice. [C.O Bigelow Lemon Lip Cream & Baby Lips Cherry Me]

Antibacterial Lotion: My last must have is probably the most important, and that is antibacterial lotion. You never know when you’re going to touch something gross and won’t be able to wash your hands. I personally love the unscented lotions like Purell, but Bath & Bodyworks has tons of scents if that’s your thing! [Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer]

These are all of my makeup bag essentials for school! As you can see, I like to stick to the basics and ensure I’m ready for the unexpected. I hope you found this post helpful as you put together your backpack for the new school year. Be sure to let me know what items will be in your makeup bag in the comments!

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

Back to School Week | Get Back to Hogwarts with Kawaii Nail Lacquer

Posted on August 12, 2013August 16, 2013 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday, and welcome to Back to School Week at Adventures in Polishland! This is a sensitive time of year for those of us who are heading back to class, and I thought it would be fun to focus on some of the best parts of going back to school instead of dwelling on the forthcoming homework and exams. I will have a new post up every day from Monday to Friday featuring nails, makeup, fashion, and more. I thought I would kick things off with a review of some Harry Potter themed polishes from the indie brand Kawaii Nail Lacquer. Back to school time would be super awesome if I was going back to Hogwarts! Let me show you these magical polishes!

First up is Gryffindor! You might be in Gryffindor if you are brave and chivalrous. Its house colors are crimson and gold, and this glitter polish fits the mold! Griffindor is a glitter polish in a clear base, and is full of fine glitters, small hexagons, squares, and bars in a mix of red and gold. I layered one coat over L’Oreal Breaking Curfew to get this look. I wonder if Hermione would sport this polish… Maybe not, but I sure do like it.

Next up is Hufflepuff! Students in Hufflepuff are loyal and exceptionally good finders. Its house colors are black and yellow, but don’t be fooled — its animal is a badger (not a bee)! In polish form, Hufflepuff contains black, yellow, and gold hexagons, fine gold and black glitters, and black bar glitters. I layered one coat over OPI Skull & Glossbones. While no one wants to end up in Hufflepuff, at least you’ll have this gorgeous nail polish to wear!

Ravenclaw is up next, and I couldn’t be more excited! Why, you ask? It’s because I am a Ravenclaw! Students in Ravenclaw are wise individuals, and its house colors are blue and bronze (not blue and silver as seen in the movies!). The Ravenclaw polish has bronze fine glitters, hexagons, and bars, and blue hexagons as well. I layered one coat over ncLA’s Malibu Beach Babe. While this manicure may not be whimsical enough for Luna Lovegood, it’s perfect for me!

Last but not least is Slytherin. Join the ranks of the Malfoys and Blacks if you’re cunning and resourceful. With house colors like silver and green, I knew this polish would look awesome. It’s filed with small and medium hexagons, and I layered one coat over Julep Brandt to get the look in the photos. You’ll be ready for Defense Against the Dark Arts with this polish!

All in all, I am loving these Harry Potter themed polishes from Kawaii Nail Lacquer! They all have amazing formulas, and they represent the Hogwarts Houses perfectly. Unfortunately I won’t be going back to Hogwarts this year (my owl hasn’t showed up with my acceptance letter yet), but I think these polishes are super fun to rock on your nails this fall. You can purchase these polishes from the Kawaii Etsy shop for $8.50 each HERE and follow Kawaii on Facebook HERE.

Be sure to let me know which Hogwarts House you would be sorted into in the comments!

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