beauty – Page 6 – Adventures in Polishland

Tag: beauty

ELF Cosmetics Moisturizing Foundation Stick Review

Posted on August 10, 2016August 6, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I have a review of the ELF Cosmetics Moisturizing Foundation Stick. I really enjoy using foundation sticks for an everyday makeup look. Not only are stick foundations easy to apply, but they provide a nice amount of coverage. I wanted to test out ELF’s stick since it is really affordable, so I picked it up in my most recent ELF haul (see all the goodies I purchased HERE). Let me share my full thoughts on this foundation with all of you now that I’ve been wearing it for a few weeks!

I purchased the Moisturizing Foundation Stick in the shade Ivory, which is the lightest shade available. There are six shades available, which is a decent color palette for a variety of skin tones. This foundation is designed to provide adjustable and natural looking coverage. The formula is enriched with a variety of natural ingredients, such as Shea and Vitamin E, to help nourish the skin during wear. ELF claims that the skin will look smoother and softer because of this foundation’s moisturizing properties.

Foundation sticks are really easy to apply, because all you do is swipe it on the skin and then blend out with your choice of tool. I typically use my dampened BeautyBlender, but your fingers or our favorite foundation brush will work as well. Foundation sticks are perfect for travel, since you don’t need to fit this into your liquids bag. I really love how convenient this foundation is!

ELF Cosmetics Moisturizing Foundation Stick Review

I’ve been using the ELF Moisturizing Foundation Stick for a few weeks now, and am really enjoying it. I do wear this over primer, and I set it with a powder as I do tend to get shiny throughout the day. This foundation provides a light to medium coverage, and is extremely blendable and buildable. I usually do one layer on my entire face, and then cover up any imperfections with a second coat. I am very impressed with how well the foundation blends into the skin for a natural finish.

My one critique of this foundation is that it does stick to any dry patches on your skin. I recently had some dryness around my nose, and the foundation stuck to those dry spots and made them quite visible. Thus, I recommend this foundation for those of you with normal skin. I do find that this foundation helps to add moisture to my skin throughout the day. In fact, upon removal at nighttime I noticed my skin felt really soft. While I do switch up my foundation depending on my mood each day, I imagine that if I used this regularly I would notice a difference in my skin’s hydration.

All in all, I am really enjoying the ELF Cosmetics Moisturizing Foundation Stick. It is a great option for an everyday foundation, and is super fabulous and affordable. You can also use this product as a cream concealer in conjunction with your liquid foundation. It’s just a great product to have in your beauty stash! You can purchase this product at your local drugstore or department store for just $6.00, or online HERE. Please let me know in the comments if you use foundation sticks, and what your favorite brand is!

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

Wet ‘n Wild MegaVolume Mascara Review

Posted on August 8, 2016August 4, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I am excited to share a review of a fabulous and affordable mascara with all of you. I’m not quite sure why, but for some reason I typically walk by the Wet ‘n Wild display at the drugstore without giving it much thought. After discovering that many Wet ‘n Wild products are vegan (see the full list HERE), I decided it was a great place to start rebuilding my makeup stash since I’m on a tight budget. I began by grabbing the MegaVolume Mascara in the shade Very Black. Let me share my thoughts on this product with you, including some before and after photos!

The Wet ‘n Wild MegaVolume Mascara is advertised to provide five times the volume to your lashes with a natural-looking, enhancing effect. I purchased the shade C138 Very Black at my local Target. The regular retail price is just $2.97!

The applicator is a traditional mascara brush. I’m not a big fan of this applicator type. I find my eyelashes react much better to the silicone wands with spiky ends. Nonetheless, for under $3.00 I knew it wouldn’t be a huge loss if I wasn’t in love with this mascara!

Wet 'n Wild MegaVolume Mascara Review – BEFORE — *Before – no mascara*

Wet 'n Wild MegaVolume Mascara Review – AFTER — *After – two coats of Wet ‘n Wild MegaVolume*

Here is a before and after look at my eyelashes with the MegaVolume Mascara. I like to layer two coats of this mascara on my lashes, as I find it gives them a fuller effect. As you can see from the photos, this definitely isn’t giving me a ton of volume in my lashes. Instead the MegaVolume is a nice everyday mascara if you want to add definition without going too big with your lashes. I find I get a good amount of length with this mascara, and not as much volume as I would like. Luckily, the mascara does not clump much at all, and I rarely have to pull out my lash comb. My only issue with the MegaVolume is that it does get a bit messy during application, and that requires a bit of clean-up with a cotton swab.

All in all, I think Wet ‘n Wild’s MegaVolume is a great option for those of you looking for a more natural mascara. I personally like to go for more dramatic lashes, so while I probably won’t repurchase the MegaVolume again, I highly recommend it. The mascara lasts all day and doesn’t flake off the lashes, and you really can’t beat the quality for the price. I think my next Wet ‘n Wild mascara test will be on the MegaPlump, as it might give my lashes that extra drama I like. You can purchase MegaVolume at your local drugstore or department store, or online HERE. Please let me know in the comments if you’ve tried this mascara! I would love to know if you like it or not!

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

Huge ELF Cosmetics Haul! | Makeup + Brushes

Posted on August 5, 2016August 3, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I am excited to share with you all of the goodies I recently purchased from ELF Cosmetics. I am currently in the process of transitioning my beauty collection to include all vegan products, and ELF has a ton of options that are extremely affordable, but still great quality. I made a purchase during a sale event, and I scored big time. Let me show you all of the makeup and brushes I got at an affordable price!

As always, I shopped using Ebates to earn cash back on my order. ELF is usually 3.5% cash back, but I shopped during a double cash back event and earned 8% cash back on my order. If you are not an Ebates member yet, make sure to join HERE using my referral link. It is a free service and a legitimate way to earn cash back on many of your online purchases. I spent exactly $30 on ELF’s website, so I got $2.40 cash back for this purchase.

WHAT I PURCHASED

Let’s start off the haul with the products I purchased for myself. ELF had a promotion going on at the time where if you spent $30.00, you got a free mystery gift. I made sure my cart was $30.00 so I could use that coupon! Plus, you get free shipping at $25.00, so that worked out really well! I’ll quickly mention the products I purchased from left to right, starting with the two products in the top row.

Translucent Mattifying Powder – $3.00 – I use a translucent powder every day even if I’m not wearing makeup otherwise. It helps to keep my skin from getting really greasy, but not adding any additional coverage. I’m excited to see if this one keeps my skin matte all day!
Baked Highlighter in Moonlight Pearls – $4.00 – I’ve been wanting a new highlighter that isn’t overly sparkly, so I thought this one would be nice to try. Spoiler alert – I love it! The shade is really nice on my fair skin, and while this is a shimmery highlighter, it is not too glittery. I’m very impressed at this product, and I might get more in the future.
Makeup Remover Cloths – $3.00 – I had to try out the makeup remover wipes! I did try one already, and I’m loving how gentle they feel on my skin. I’m currently using up another pack, but I have a feeling I will be repurchasing these in the future.
Volumizing & Defining Mascara – $2.00 – I’m also on the hunt for a new mascara, so I figured I would pick one up while I was shopping. I went with this particular mascara because it has the silicone applicator I like instead of the standard brush.
Moisturizing Foundation Stick in Ivory – $6.00 – I wanted a replacement for the Maybelline Foundation Stick I’ve been enjoying, so I decided to try this one from ELF. Stick foundations are great for those days where you don’t want the high maintenance of a liquid foundation. I’m hoping this will provide nice coverage!
HD Powder in Sheer – $6.00 – I’ve been wanting to try a loose setting powder as well, and got this HD Powder after hearing good things about it. It is designed to blur lines, so I will be experimenting with this product. If you have brush recommendations for this powder, please let me know!
Clear Brow & Lash Mascara – $2.00 – Another staple item for me is a brow gel. You can’t go wrong with one that is only $2.00!
Beautifully Bare Stipple Brush – $4.00 – Finally, I picked up a stipple brush because I needed one for cream products like blush and highlighter. I’m excited to see how this one works!

WHAT I GOT FOR FREE

As I mentioned above, ELF had a promotion where if you spent $30.00 you could get a free mystery gift. Imagine my surprise when all of these products showed up in my package! ELF always has at least one promotion going on, so you’ll be sure to get added savings or freebies with your order, too.

Contouring Kabuki Brush – $6.00 – I’m not sure how I feel about this brush. It’s huge in size! I think I might use it for face powder and not just contouring, but I will try it out for sure.
Concealer Brush – $3.00 – The other free brush I got is a concealer brush. I’m really happy about this one! I can always use more brushes like this.
Pressed Mineral Bronzer in Tan Toffee – $5.00 – I’m so glad I got a bronzer because I almost purchased one! Bronzer is new to me, but it’s nice to experiment with them once in a while. I’ll get more confident with it in time.
Smudge Pot Cream Eyeshadow in Ain’t That Sweet – $3.00 – I don’t wear a lot of pink eyeshadow, but I’m glad to try out the ELF Smudge Pot formula. I know these are often available at Dollar Tree, so keep an eye out there!
Shadow Lock Eyelid Primer – $2.00 – I’m also really excited to try this eye primer! I wasn’t that happy with the one I was using, so hopefully this will work better for me.
Luscious Liquid Lipstick in Pink Lemonade – $1.00 – Last but not least, I received a lip gloss! I’m not a big fan of this particular shade, but I am happy to try out this formula. If I enjoy the wear of this gloss I will be sure to pick out some more wearable shades for me in the future.

That brings us to the end of this huge ELF Cosmetics haul! I can’t believe I only spent $30.00 and got so many amazing products. I’m in the process of testing all of these right now, and will be sharing reviews on some of the goodies in the future. If there is something in particular you would like more detail on, please let me know in a comment below! Please also share your favorite (and least favorite!) ELF products in the comments! I know I will be making more purchases from this fabulous and affordable brand in the future.

July Lifestyle Favorites!

Posted on August 2, 2016July 27, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! I can’t believe August is here and it’s time to share with you everything I loved in the month of July. This year is just flying by for me! I feel like each month ends before I can register it is beginning. Nonetheless, I discovered some new-to-me products this month that I am really loving, and I also have an older product I want to share as well. It’s time to jump right into the favorites!

NAIL POLISH

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics – Chlorophyll [BUY]

I love this green nail polish! It is perfect for any time of year, and goes well with my skin tone. Chlorophyll is not available for purchase any longer, but I linked OCC’s nail polish collection above if you would like to see what is currently available!

MAKEUP

elf Baked Highlighter in Moonlight Pearls [BUY]

I also purchased some products from elf this month that I’ll be sharing in a haul post later this week. One of my favorites so far is a highlighter that is surprisingly high quality for just $4.00! I wanted a new highlighter that is almost a gold shade, but would fit my fair complexion well. Moonlight Pearls is just perfect! I would be happy to share a full review if you are interested.

BODY CARE

The Body Shop Mango Body Scrub [BUY]

I’ve been using The Body Shop scrubs for about six months now, and my favorite of all the varieties I’ve tried is the Mango. Not only does it smell amazing, but the texture is really nice, too. I love when a scrub is abrasive enough that it removes dead skin cells, but doesn’t feel painful. That is exactly what you get with this one!

FOOD

Dates

I tried dates for the first time in July, and I’ve quickly become obsessed with them! I now understand why people refer to dates as “nature’s candy.” They are gooey and sweet, and remind me of caramel! I eat around 4-6 each day as snacks in between my meals, or as dessert. They are delicious and nutritious!

ETSY SHOP

Cricket Paper Co. [SHOP]

My new favorite Etsy Sticker Shop for planner stickers is Cricket Paper Co. This shop makes kits specifically for the planner I use, the Erin Condren Horizontal, but is also quite affordable. A two-page kit costs $6.00, which is a steal compared to competitor shops. Plus, the kits include the stickers that I actually use in each spread. I will definitely be back to this shop for more!

APP

Disney Emoji Blitz

I decided to get this new game from Disney after seeing it on Good Morning America and online. It’s basically a Bejeweled style game with Disney characters! It’s a ton of fun, and it’s free, so I recommend getting it if you like these types of games.

That wraps up my favorites for the month of July! As always please share what you are currently loving with me in the comments, or on social media with the hashtag #PolishlandFaves. Is there a new nail polish you recommend? A great book you just read? Be sure to let me know!

July Empties | #365DaysofEmpties Update

Posted on August 1, 2016July 26, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! It’s now August, and it’s time for me to share an update on my #365DaysofEmpties project. July was unfortunately a bit of a fail for me. I only used up three products! I think because I emptied so many products in June, I just wasn’t close to finishing that many others in my collection in July. Nonetheless, I’m happy to be sharing my mini reviews on these products with you!
I typically separate my empties out into different categories, but with only three products this month, I’ll discuss them all together. Also, I won’t be repurchasing any of these products for reasons I discuss in yesterday’s Upcoming Adventures, so you’ll get my mini reviews only this month.

Maybelline Fit Me Shine Free Foundation Stick – 1 tube [BUY]

Mini Review: I really like this foundation stick because it does a great job at providing my skin some coverage while being no fuss to apply. It does cling to dry patches, so I recommend only using this if you have normal or oily skin. I used it with a primer and set it with powder, and found that it lasted all day. It inspired me to look for other foundation sticks that I may enjoy more!

Julep Conditioning Nail Polish Remover – 1 bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: This is one of my all-time favorite nail polish removers. It takes off all my polish while not drying out my nails or cuticles. Plus, it doesn’t smell. Unfortunately, it is quite expensive and is often out of stock on Julep’s website. If you are looking to splurge on a remover that you know will work wonders, definitely check this one out!

Bath & Body Works Merry Cookie Hand Soap – 1 bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: It took me so long to finish up this hand soap because I had it in a bathroom I don’t use as much. I finally ran out of this Christmas soap, and I have to say there was nothing really special about it. Basically, the soap smelled like vanilla and cinnamon, which is nice but not so nice I’d rush out for it again. Sometimes I get sucked into the festive products that stores offer just because of the packaging!

JULY EMPTIES: 3

TOTAL 2016 EMPTIES: 58

Unfortunately I am now just slightly behind on my goal of finishing up 100 products this year. I hope next month I will use up more products in my stash! I know I am running low on dry shampoo and night cream, so perhaps you’ll be seeing those in my next empties post! Please let me know in the comments what you finished up this month. I would love to know what you liked or didn’t like! Here’s to using up more products in August.

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

Physicians Formula Organic wear CC Cream Review

Posted on July 22, 2016July 14, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I am excited to review for you a CC cream that I picked up at the drugstore a couple months back. In the summer months, I love to wear a BB or CC cream instead of my usual liquid foundation. Not only is it lighter on the skin, but CC cream contains moisturizing properties and sunscreen that can take the place of other products in my skincare routine. I decided to grab the new Physicians Formula Organic wear CC Cream during a sale at CVS, and I’m so glad I did! This is a great option from the drugstore, and I wanted to share my thoughts with you.

First, let me share a bit more about the product and its claims. The Organic wear CC Cream is of 100% natural origin and is 70% organic. I am definitely becoming more aware of the ingredients in my makeup, so it is always nice to know that I’m not putting harsh chemicals on my face when I use this product. As with any CC cream, this one has a few claims including color correction, instant hydration, and “naturally perfect skin.” This CC Cream also includes SPF 20, which is great.

The CC Cream comes in a silver metallic squeeze tube. I purchased the shade Light, and am very disappointed that in only comes in one other shade – Light/Medium. I really don’t know why Physicians Formula didn’t include, at the very least, a Medium/Dark and Dark shades. While CC cream does adjust to your skin tone a bit, it would be nice if more shades were made available so that all consumers may use this product.

Physicians Formula Organic wear CC Cream Review

The CC Cream itself is quite thick in consistency, almost like a mousse texture. I like to wear it over a mattifying face primer, as I tend to get oily skin. If you have dry skin, you can probably go without a primer. I use a BeautyBlender to apply the CC Cream, and find that it does a great job at getting an even application. I am very impressed with the coverage in this CC Cream. As you can see in the photos above, it cancels out redness and blurs any imperfections. CC Creams are not designed to be full coverage, and I would describe this one as medium coverage. That being said, it is buildable! I go over some areas with a bit more product to get the coverage I want.

Moreover, the reason I really enjoy the Organic wear CC Cream is because it wears well throughout the day, even in hot summer weather. My oil is controlled, with the help of my primer and a setting powder. While you can tell I am wearing makeup, my face does not look cakey at all. In fact, the CC Cream dries to a nice satin finish that is not tacky to the touch. This is by far one of the best, and most affordable, CC creams I’ve tried!

All in all, I highly recommend the Physicians Formula Organic wear CC Cream. You can find it at your local drugstore for $14.95, or online HERE. Keep an eye out for sale events to score this product at a discount! Please let me know if you’ve tried this product from Physicians Formula, or if you recommend any products from this brand. I know I tend to look over Physicians Formula at the drugstore, as it can be more on the expensive side. I’ll be paying more attention from now on!

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

Disappointing Beauty Products!

Posted on July 18, 2016June 8, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today’s blog post is going to feature a bunch of products that I’ve tried in the past few months, but unfortunately didn’t love. I share my favorites with you every month, so it makes sense to spend some time discussing the products that left me underwhelmed. The products I’m sharing today are not bad products, but they simply didn’t work for me. In fact, I have a couple cult favorites to share that disappointed me! Without further ado, let me share the beauty products that didn’t make the cut for me these past few months.

MAKEUP

L’oreal Voluminous Miss Manga Mascara [LINK]

My biggest shock in this post is L’Oreal’s Miss Manga mascara. L’oreal is one of my all-time favorite mascara brands. My holy grail is the Voluminous Million Lashes, and I also love the Butterfly mascara. I heard good things about Miss Manga from other beauty bloggers, so I figured I would love it. Unfortunately, this mascara didn’t work for me at all! My lashes turned into one big clump, always resulting in me trying to solve a makeup disaster. I used this mascara for about two weeks before giving up on it.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Xtreme Mascara [LINK]

This next mascara is one that doesn’t work for me personally, but I know a lot of you will enjoy. Rimmel Scandaleyes Xtreme reminds me a lot of Benefit They’re Real mascara. It is thick and very black, and gives a dramatic look to the lashes. I prefer to use dry mascara formulas because heavier ones weigh down my lashes and tend to clump them. Thus, this mascara isn’t my cup of tea, but I know it’s a great product for others.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer [LINK]

I tried the cult favorite Instant Age Rewind Concealer from Maybelline and can’t believe how disappointed I am! This concealer only made the lines under my eyes look more pronounced. I tried it with primer and without primer, before foundation and after foundation, and nothing seemed to work. After going through about a quarter of the bottle, I gave up. This concealer is just not for me!

Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse BB Cream [LINK]

The last product in my makeup category is this BB Cream from Dr. Jart+. I’ve tried other BB creams from this brand in the past and really enjoyed the, but the Water Fuse did nothing for me! I felt like I had to apply a ton of this product to get any payoff whatsoever. Plus, this cream leaves the skin looking really dewy, which is a no-no for people like me with oily skin. After one use I said goodbye to this product! It’s a sample, so I don’t feel too bad about it.

SKINCARE

DDF Amplifying Elixir [LINK]

Another surprise for me was this serum from the brand DDF. I used an acne treatment from DDF in the past and really enjoyed it, so I thought this serum would work well, too. However, about thirty minutes after I applied the serum, my skin felt like it was burning. Sure enough when I looked in the mirror my cheeks were turning a bright red color. Needless to say I immediately washed my face and stopped using this product.

HAIR CARE

Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-Powder [LINK]

Last but not least is a hair care product from high end brand Bumble and Bumble. This is supposed to work as both a dry shampoo and volumizer, but unfortunately it was a loss for me. I used it as directed, but the powder would not blend into my roots no matter what I tried. I even used the powder in my hands and then applied it to my hair and that didn’t work either. Putting the blending issue aside, I didn’t think this was very effective as a dry shampoo anyway. I might recommend it for blondes, but definitely not brunettes!

That wraps up this disappointing beauty products post! I hope you found it helpful if you and I have similar skin types and beauty preferences. The products in this post were all disappointing because I’ve tried other products from these brands and really enjoyed them, but that’s just how life works! Please let me know in the comments if you’ve tried any of these products and what you think of them. You can also share your disappointing products with me!

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

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.

June Lifestyle Favorites!

Posted on July 5, 2016June 30, 2016 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.

HASK Charcoal Purifying Hair Care Collection Review

Posted on June 29, 2016June 29, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I am excited to review a hair care collection from the brand HASK for all of you. If you’ve been reading my blog for any amount of time, you’ll know I am obsessed with charcoal skincare products. My skin absolutely loves charcoal, as it removes impurities from the skin and leaves it looking clear. I was hoping that a charcoal hair care line would really boost my hair’s health and appearance as well. Let me share my thoughts on the HASK Charcoal Purifying Hair Care Collection with all of you!

I received the shampoo, conditioner, and deep conditioner from the HASK Charcoal Purifying Hair Care Collection, plus a HASK hair brush. This line is formulated to give your hair a deep clean and remove all the impurities in your hair, whether it be from product use or anything else. Charcoal attracts and removes impurities, and the line also includes Vitamin C to clarify hair without stripping away moisture. The entire line is free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, drying alcohol, and artificial colors. I really appreciate that the line is more on the natural side!

I used this line for about three weeks, and unfortunately had to discontinue use because it was starting to irritate my scalp. After about 1-2 weeks of use, I noticed I had a lot of breakouts on my scalp. I figured this was because the charcoal was working, and all of the impurities in my scalp and hair were being released. At first I ignored the breakouts, because they weren’t bothering me at all. However, at about 2.5 weeks, my scalp got very itchy and it was bothering me all day long. I did one more use after that, but when the issue didn’t go away I decided to discontinue use immediately. After going back to my regular shampoo, my scalp already feels better after just a few uses. I do tend to have a sensitive scalp that gets dry and flaky, but I’ve never had an issue like this before, and I’m quite frankly surprised that this line irritated me. I’ve used charcoal products on my face and body regularly for a few years now without issue. Whatever the reason, I had to mention this experience with you in case you also have a sensitive scalp.

That being said, my hair itself did feel a lot stronger and cleaner than it normally does while I was using this system. It did get more tangly, but it looked more radiant. The shampoo and conditioner work up to a nice lather even though it is sulfate free, and it doesn’t have a strong scent. It’s too bad the system irritated my scalp, because my hair seemed to be enjoying it.

I used the Purifying Deep Conditioner twice during the three weeks I used the system – once in the first week and once in the second. I didn’t see a big change in my hair after using this deep conditioner, and my hair felt quite weighed down for the next day or two. I do have very fine hair, so it is weighed down easily. However, I don’t typically have an issue with deep conditioners. This one just didn’t seem to do much for me, although it could change my hair over time with regular use.

HASK Charcoal Purifying Hair Care Collection Review

The last product I received is also my favorite of the bunch! HASK included this small brush, and I’m loving it. The brush reminds me of my holy grail brush, The Wet Brush, but isn’t quite as gentle. I love the cute design on the brush, and the size makes it perfect for travel. I’m going to continue using this for sure!

All in all, I had a hit and miss experience with the HASK Charcoal Purifying Hair Care Collection. It’s difficult for me to say whether or not I recommend this line. If you have a sensitive scalp, I definitely think you should stay away from this range, but if you don’t you are probably okay to try it out. The good news is HASK is a very fabulous and affordable brand! The shampoo and conditioner retail for just $5.99 each, with the deep conditioner being $2.99. You can learn more on HASK’s website HERE and shop online at Ulta. If you’ve tried HASK, please share your experience in the comments!

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