beauty – Page 9 – Adventures in Polishland

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December Favorites! | Beauty, Skincare, & More!

Posted on January 5, 2016January 4, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! December is over and January is in full swing, which means it’s time for me to share my December favorites with all of you. While I did post a Top 10 series featuring my year-long favorites for 2015, I wanted to highlight some products that I focused on in December. I have a good mix of beauty, skincare, and miscellaneous favorites, so let’s go ahead and jump right into the post!

December Favorites! | Beauty, Skincare, & More!

MAKEUP

Maybelline BROWdrama Pro Palette in Blonde

Maybelline BROWdrama Pro Palette in Blonde [BUY]

I spotted this brand new eyebrow palette at CVS a few weeks ago, and decided to pick it up because I had a coupon and Maybelline was on sale. I’m so glad I did! I’ve heard mixed reviews from other bloggers, but I’m really enjoying this palette. The color matches my brows perfectly, and I love that it comes with a spoolie and angled brush. I plan on doing a full review soon, so keep an eye out for that!

L'Oreal Paris True Match Super Blendable Blush in Baby Blossom

L’Oreal True Match Super Blendable Blush in Baby Blossom [BUY]

Another makeup product I’ve been loving is this blush from L’Oreal. I purchased this one specifically because of the light pink shade. I wanted a blush that looks really natural with my fair skin tone, and this one is perfect! It is a bit shimmery, but not so much that it’s over the top. I’m so glad I got this blush, because it is really wearable and has a great formula.

SKINCARE

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm in Black Tea and Blackberry

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm in Black Tea & Blackberry [BUY]

It’s no surprise that winter weather brings dry skin and lips! For some reason I didn’t own a medicated lip balm that wasn’t tinted, so I decided to pick up a Jack Black one after hearing so many beauty gurus rave about it. I got the Black Tea & Blackberry scent, and I have to say I really like it. The texture is different than a normal lip balm, but it’s not sticky or liquidy – it’s more of a gel. I’m glad I spent a little more on this product, as it works really well!

The Body Shop Vitamin C Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

The Body Shop Vitamin C Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 [BUY]

I began using a new moisturizer in December, and so far it’s been doing a great job! I like that this Vitamin C Daily Moisturizer is light and that it has sun protection. However, I don’t like the citrusy smell! I’ve used a few other Vitamin C products in the past, and none of them smelled like oranges. Luckily, the scent doesn’t linger once the product settles into the skin!

BOOK

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling – Illustrated Edition [BUY]

I’ve been a huge Harry Potter fan my entire life. I went to the book releases, movie releases, and I own perhaps too much memorabilia. Nonetheless, I just had to get the new illustrated edition, and I’m so glad I received it for Christmas. I started reading it on Christmas and finished it the next day. I’m not usually a fan of illustrated books, but it’s Harry Potter, and that made me love it. I can’t wait for the next book to come out in all of its illustrated glory!

HOBBIES

Shopkins Season 3

Shopkins [BUY]

I’ve been adoring Shopkins ever since I saw YouTuber Grav3yardGirl post her first unboxing video. They are so cute, but I had no purpose for them, so I decided to save my money. Flash forward to Christmas, when I found a blind basket in my stocking! I was so excited! I decided that I would get a small glass jar and keep my Shopkins in there. That way, I can take my time filling the jar, and stop when it’s reached the top.

Adult Coloring Book with Prismacolor Colored Pencils

Coloring

Adult coloring is so trendy right now, and I finally jumped on board, too. I got a Christmas-themed book at Barnes & Noble that is pictured above, and the Harry Potter coloring book is on its way (though it’s currently back-ordered!). I like to color while I’m watching TV at night. It’s a lot of fun!

That wraps up my December favorites! December is always a busy month, and I am glad it’s come to a close so I can focus on the new year. I’m excited to have a fresh start, and I hope your 2016 is going well so far! Please share your favorites with me in the comments!

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

Top 10 Beauty Products of 2015!

Posted on December 30, 2015December 29, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today’s Top 10 post is the last in this year’s series, and features my favorite beauty products of 2015. I used to wear makeup only for special occasions, and it’s amazing to me how I’ve really come to love beauty products. I tried out some amazing products this year, some from the drugstore and others that are high end splurges. I’m excited to share my Top 10 Beauty Products of 2015 with you, so let’s jump right into the post!

Top 10 Beauty Products of 2015! | Adventures in Polishland

10. Cargo Water Resistant Blush in Los Cabos [REVIEW] [BUY]

Cargo Water Resistant Blush in Los Cabos I got this bright coral blush in a Birchbox, and was surprised at how much l loved it! The blush is very pigmented, and has quite a bit of shimmer. Somehow it looked great on my fair skin! I wore it a ton this past summer. It is a high end product, but worth the splurge if you’re looking for an amazing blush.

9. L’Oreal True Match LUMI Powder Glow Illuminator in Rose [REVIEW] [BUY]

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Powder Glow Illuminator in Rose I was really excited to find a new highlighter line at the drugstore by L’Oreal. I had to get the rose gold one, just because I love anything rose gold. This highlight is no exception! It is quite shimmery, but it works. I wore it a lot in the summer and fall, and will definitely reach for it again once winter is over. Don’t forget to use coupons on this one!

8. CoverGirl TruBlend Liquid Makeup in L2 [REVIEW] [BUY]

My holy grail liquid foundation is the TruBlend from CoverGirl. It is a medium coverage, and perfect for everyday wear. I do mix it up with other foundations and bases, but I know I can always count on it. Plus, my skin loves CoverGirl products! I never break out. In fact, my skin stays clearer when I wear CoverGirl foundation on a regular basis. Of course, I love that it’s only around $10 at the drugstore!

7. Fresh Sugar Tulip Tinted Lip Treatment [REVIEW] [BUY]

I’ve been a huge fan of the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments ever since I got a free sample duo as a Sephora Birthday gift a few years back. I’ve never purchased a full size for myself because they are quite expensive, but I love them! The shade Tulip is a pretty pink. It has the same amazing smell and feel of the original, but with a sheer wash of color.

6. NYX Buter Gloss in Creme Brulee [REVIEW] [BUY]

Another lip product that I’m loving is the NYX Butter Gloss in Creme Brulee. It is a ‘my lips but better’ color for me, and it feels so nice on my lips. I definitely reach for lip glosses more often, simply because they are low maintenance when compared to a lipstick. I also love that this NYX gloss is super fabulous and affordable!

5. Luv2Kiss Invisible Lip Liner [REVIEW] [BUY]

Luv2Kiss Invisible Lip Liner Review

Can you tell I love lip products?! This one is a must have for any makeup lover, because it is an Invisible Lip Liner that can be worn under any lip product. It makes me feel more confident because I know my lip product will stay inside my lip line and will last longer. Make sure you grab one, too!

4. elf Studio Blush Palette in Light [REVIEW] [BUY]

ELF Studio Blush Palette in Light | Review & Swatches

I’ve been really into blushes and other face powders this year, and one of my favorite blush purchases is this elf Studio Blush Palette. Not only is this palette extremely affordable, but the blushes are fabulous quality, too. I definitely wear the shades labeled 1 and 2 on a regular basis. I highly recommend purchasing this palette!

3. Buxom Full-On Lip Cream in Dolly [HAUL] [BUY]

Buxom Full-On Lip Cream in Dolly I’ve become really obsessed with Buxom in the past couple of months, and my favorite lip product thus far is Dolly. It is the perfect shade of mauve-pink, and it is so easy to wear. Plus, it feels great on my lips. I’ve been reaching for this consistently since I got it, and even wore it for Christmas Eve!

2. BECCA x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop [REVIEW] [BUY]

BECCA x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop

I splurged on the Jaclyn Hill highlighter from BECCA because I had been hearing so many great things about it, and I am so glad I did! This product is just beyond stunning. I wore it nearly everyday for a month when I first got it, and have continued to reach for it regularly since then. Even if you are fair-skinned like me, I say go for it. I love how it looks!

1. elf Angled Blush Brush [HAUL] [BUY]

I never would have predicted that my favorite beauty product of the year would be a $3 makeup brush from elf! I bought this brush on a whim and it quickly became a go-to for me. It applies any blush evenly and beautifully. The angle helps to control the product, and can work for contouring and highlighting as well. Plus, the brush is super soft. I’m amazed by it, and highly recommend it!

All in all, I’ve tried so many amazing beauty products in 2015! I hope this post helped you discover some new products. Be sure to let me know in the comments what your favorites of the year were as well. I’m looking forward to trying even more goodies in 2016!

Shop for the products mentioned using this widget! I earn a small commission when you do. Thanks for your support!

Some of the products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. This post includes affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

NYC New York Color Smooth Skin BB Créme and BB Radiance Perfecting Powder Review

Posted on December 18, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I have a review of two new products from NYC New York Color’s Smooth Skin BB line. I was really excited to test out the BB Créme and BB Radiance Perfecting Powder because each retails for a fabulous and affordable $3.99 at the drugstore. The Smooth Skin line is designed to give you perfect skin in an instant. Let me go ahead and share my thoughts on these new products with you!

NYC New York Color Smooth Skin BB Créme and BB Radiance Perfecting Powder Review

NYC New York Color Smooth Skin BB Créme 5 in 1 Skin Perfector

NYC New York Color Smooth Skin BB Créme 5 in 1 Skin Perfector First up, I tested the BB Créme, which is a lightweight and liquid product just like any traditional BB créme. This 5 in 1 product is designed to protect skin, minimize pores, erase imperfections, smooth the skin, and brighten the skin. I am the shade 01 Light, which is the lightest shade available. I tried it both with a face primer and without. I much prefer to use it with a primer, because I found that the product disappears into my skin without that extra barrier. In order to get any coverage at all, I have to use a lot of this product – way more than I would ever use my normal BB crémes. I also found that the product has a scent that was off-putting. While I didn’t smell anything while it was on my face, I definitely smelled something during application. It made me not want to use the product at all! I did find that the BB Créme wore nicely throughout the day, and I liked the appearance of my skin overall. If you’re looking for a really affordable BB créme option, you might try this one for yourself. I, however, wouldn’t repurchase it for my skin.

NYC New York Color BB Radiance Perfecting Powder

NYC New York Color Smooth Skin BB Radiance Perfecting Powder

Next up I have the BB Radiance Perfecting Powder. This little compact comes with a mirror and sponge, and I love the sleek packaging. This product is designed to improve the appearance of the skin and even skin tone by smoothing fine lines and minimizing the appearance of pores. BB Radiance also provides a matte finish. My first impression of this product was that it is necessary to use a sponge for application – even a light hand with a brush crumbles the powder into a big mess. Despite using the lightest shade in the line, which is 01 Naturally Beige, the shade is too dark for my skin. I attempted to try it despite it not matching my skin, but the powder actually enhanced my pores and looked terrible on my skin. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend it at all due to my experience.

All in all, I am a bit underwhelmed with the NYC New York Color Smooth Skin line. While the BB Créme is just okay for me, the BB Radiance did not work for my skin at all. As with any makeup products, my experience may vary from yours, because we all have different skin types. If you try out this line, please share your thoughts in the comments! I would love to know your experiences, as always.

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

Fleur D’ Extase Natural Soap Gift Set | Last Minute Gift Idea from Amazon

Posted on December 14, 2015December 14, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I’m excited to be sharing with you a last minute gift idea for those of you who may have waited until the last minute to do your holiday shopping. This time of year is super busy, and sometimes stressful. If you’re like me, you turn to Amazon whenever you’re in a pinch. I’ve been an Amazon Prime member for years now, and absolutely love the perks of the free two-day shipping. I recently received a great gift item to review, and am so pleasantly surprised that it’s available on Amazon Prime at a fabulous and affordable price! Let me share with you the Fleur D’ Extase Natural Soap Gift Set!

Fleur D'Extase offers a 9-piece natural soap gift set that is perfect for the holidays, and makes a last minute gift idea for those who have Amazon Prime The Fleur D’ Extase Natural Soap Gift Set comes in a sturdy gift box with a magnetic closure. I’m impressed with the nice packaging. I also feel like anything in French just sounds luxurious and expensive!

The Fleur D' Extase Natural Soap Gift Set comes with nine luxury soaps in wonderful smelling scents. Here is a look at the nine soaps in the gift box. The Fleur D’ Extase set includes all natural soaps scented with natural essential oils. I love that the soaps are all natural, free of harmful chemicals, and not tested on animals. If you’ve been reading Adventures in Polishland for a while, you’ll know that I absolutely love bar soaps. I think this set is a perfect gift idea because the recipient gets to test out a bunch of different scents. The soaps can also work well for guests who stay at your home during the holidays, or as a part of your travel skincare kit. The possibilities are endless!

The Fleur D' Extase Natural Soaps in the Gift Set are 25 grams each, and fit easily in the palm of my hand. Each soap in the set is 25 grams. I wanted to show you the size by placing one in the palm of my hand. As you can see, it is quite small, but I think it’s a great size as it allows you to test the scent. These soaps smell amazing, too. They are definitely fragranced as perfume is, so if you are sensitive to smells I wouldn’t recommend these. However, the fragrance fan in your life will love these! I also noticed that each soap has a distinct scent even after being packed in the same box. The embossed detailing on each bar of soap is gorgeous as well.

All in all, I think the Fleur D’ Extase is a great gift this holiday season. It has a retail value of $32.00, but is on sale on Amazon for just $11.99 HERE. Of course, Amazon Prime members will receive free two-day shipping, making this the perfect option for last minute holiday shoppers. If you need a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime, you can use my affiliate link HERE. Happy Shopping!

The product in this post was provided for my unbiased review. This post includes an affiliate link. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

November PLAY! by Sephora Unboxing | $40 Value for $10

Posted on December 14, 2015December 1, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I am so excited to share with you a brand new subscription service from Sephora called PLAY! by Sephora. As you might now, I’ve tried out a few $10 beauty subscriptions in the past, but ultimately cancelled all of them because I wasn’t impressed with the products, or I got the same items all the time. When I heard that Sephora had its own $10 beauty box, I had to try it out right away. I figured that if all the products were found at Sephora, it had to be good. I joined the PLAY! by Sephora wait list, and was able to get the November box. Let me show you what I got inside my first box!

My November box arrived in the cutest packaging! I love the lipsticks on the box. PLAY! comes with a magazine that details the products inside and how to use them. Plus, it comes with a coupon for a free one-on-one learning session at Sephora that also gives you 50 Beauty Insider Points with any purchase!

PLAY! by Sephora is a sample subscription, and I received six samples in my November box. I’ll be sharing my thoughts on each product in turn!

Stella McCartney ‘Stella’ Perfume – $2.70 retail value

The only product that I’m quite disappointed with in my box is this perfume sample. Sephora gives away these samples for free in store and online, and the packaging even says “Free Sample” on the back. I also won’t be using this perfume because it is a floral scent, which aggravates my allergies. Nonetheless, it has a $2.70 retail value and I can give this to a friend.

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil – $4.52 retail value

Next I got a deluxe sample of Josie Maran Argan Oil. This is an amazing sample, but it’s one I’ve tried before and it doesn’t work for me. This argan oil is just a bit too heavy for my skin, and I tend to break out when I use it. That being said, I know so many people who would love to get this product. I’m giving mine as a gift for Christmas!

Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primer – $5.76 retail value

I am so excited about this Make Up For Ever primer! I love trying out new primers, and this is a high end product I would never purchase without trying first. I might save this sample for travel, but it’s definitely great to have on hand. This is exactly the type of product I was hoping to get in my subscription!

Sephora Collection Contour Eye Pencil 12h Wear in My Boyfriend’s Jeans – $4.25 retail value

The next item is a blue eyeliner from Sephora’s own brand. This is something I’m not going to use, simply because I never wear eyeliner, and blue eyeliner is definitely not my style. I think it’s great that Sephora included this, though, because many makeup lovers might not want to buy a blue eyeliner, but would perhaps want to try one. It’s a great idea, just not my taste!

Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in Rhubarb – $13.33 retail value

Sephora included two lip products in this box, which I absolutely love! The first is this lipstick from Bite Beauty. The shade is stunning, and a bit more daring than I usually wear. I am so excited to be able to wear such a high end lippie for such an affordable price. It’s amazing that this sample alone is worth more than the $10 I paid for the box!

Buxom Full-On Lip Cream in Dolly – $9.50 retail value

Last but not least is a Buxom lip product in the most gorgeous shade. I’ve really come to love Buxom products, and this one is no exception. It can be worn alone, or layered over the Bite Beauty lip product, so that’s awesome that they work together if you wish. I’ve worn this lip gloss already, and absolutely love it!

All in all, my November PLAY! by Sephora box is a $40.06 retail value! I am really excited about the two lip products, and the Make Up Forever primer. Even if I just consider the retail value of those three products, that is $28.59 and nearly triple what I paid. I’m super happy with this box, and will continue subscribing for sure. If you’d like to join, head on over to Sephora’s website HERE. Definitely let me know if you sign up for the subscription!

Shop this month’s PLAY! by Sephora box!

What’s in My Shower? featuring Shower Bouquet Loofahs

Posted on December 7, 2015December 7, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I’m going to share with you all of the products that I’m currently using in the shower. I got the Shower Bouquet Loofahs to review, and I thought it would be fun to take a little tour of my shower. I keep what’s in my shower pretty basic because I don’t like to have too many products open at once. My hair care routine hasn’t changed, so be sure to check out THIS blog post for more information on my current shampoo and conditioner system. Let’s go ahead and take a peek at what’s in my shower!

Shower Bouquet Loofahs

The idea for this blog post came about when I received the Shower Bouquet Loofahs for review. This is a four-pack of loofahs in yellow, pink, blue, and purple. I could immediately tell that these loofahs are more luxurious than the ones I typically snatch up at the drugstore. They are larger and denser than other loofahs I’ve tried in the past, and they also include soft lace in addition to the mesh fabric. I thought the lace would be scratchy, but I am amazed at how soft these loofahs are! Not only do they hold a lot of product, but they feel so nice on the skin. I never knew how amazing a loofah could be!

Shower Rack Overview

I recently got this shower rack at The Container Store for just $6.99. I was looking for one everywhere, but they were so expensive! I was so glad to pick this one up, as it’s great quality at a super affordable price. You can also get it online HERE. I keep all of my body products and face products on this rack, and hang my loofah on the hook.

Top Rack:

Venus Razor – I’m not too picky about the razor I use, but I’m currently using a Venus Divine blade. [BUY]
Bath & Body Works Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Shower Gel – I keep one shower gel open at all times, typically in a seasonal scent. I’m about halfway through this pumpkin one, and I really love it. I highly recommend keeping just shower gel open at a time. Otherwise, you could turn into a goo hoarder! [BUY]
Michael Todd Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser – I’m currently using my Michael Todd cleanser, and really love it. This bottle is going to last me a very long time, and you can read my full thoughts on it HERE. [BUY]
Dr. Brandt PoreDemabrasion Pore Perfecting Exfoliator – I use a facial exfoliator about once or twice a week. The Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion is definitely a current favorite. It is on the more expensive side, but worth the price. You can read my full review HERE. [BUY]
FOREO LUNA for Combination Skin – I keep my FOREO LUNA in my shower and use it with whatever face cleanser I’m using at the moment. It is truly an amazing device, and my skin loves it. I think it’s definitely worth the splurge! You can read my full review HERE. I highly recommend this is a holiday gift. Make sure to shop on Ebates because you can earn 7.5% cash back on every Foreo purchase! [BUY]

Bottom Rack:

Dial Soap – I keep an unscented bar of soap in the shower for any sensitive areas, such as underarms, that I don’t want to wash using a fragranced shower gel. I get this affordable Dial Soap from the drugstore, but I don’t really have a preference on the brand. [BUY]
The Body Shop Coconut Body Scrub – Finally, I always keep a body scrub in the shower that I use about once per week. I’m currently using a coconut one, but I change the scents up seasonally. [BUY]

All in all, I hope you liked this little tour of what I keep in my shower. Perhaps I inspired you to keep it basic, or maybe you found a new product to test! I definitely recommend the Shower Bouquet Loofahs. You can get the pack of four loofahs for $15.95 on Amazon HERE. While this is a bit more pricey than what you will find at the drugstore, the quality is amazing and definitely worth it. The Shower Bouquet makes an amazing stocking stuffer, or break up the pack for use in holiday gift baskets! They truly make any shower more luxurious!

What’s in your shower? Let me know in the comments!

Some of the products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. This post includes affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

November Favorites | Beauty & Lifestyle Loves

Posted on December 1, 2015November 24, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! It’s December now, and that means it’s time to share with you all of the things I loved in November. I feel like November flew by extremely quickly! To be honest, I didn’t change up my beauty or skincare routine much at all this month, so I don’t have too many new products to share. This time around I’ll be letting you into my daily life a bit more, so you can learn more about what I love in all aspects of my life. Let me jump right into my November Favorites!

FACE PRODUCT

elf HD Lifting Concealer – $3.00 [BUY]

My skin has been in a bad mood this month! I’m not sure if it’s the change in weather, the food I’m eating, or something else, but I’ve gotten some nasty breakouts and redness. I purchased this elf concealer on a whim back in May (see the haul HERE), and it does a great job at balancing my redness. Of course, it’s not a miracle worker, but for a $3 product it’s a great item to have in your collection when you need it.

LIP PRODUCT

Buxom Full-On Lip Polish Lipgloss in Sophia – $19.00 [BUY]

I got a mini size of this lipgloss in the Sephora Favorites Give Me More Lip Kit I purchased last month (full review HERE), and I’ve been reaching for it more than any other lip product recently. The pink shade is absolutely perfect with my skin tone. It’s just a great everyday color, and the formula feels nice on the lips, too. I do wish it wasn’t minty, because that hurts my throat a bit, but I can deal with it. I love this color so much!

HAIR PRODUCT

Macadamia Healing Oil Spray – $13.95 [BUY]

The winter weather is creeping in, and my hair and skin are slowly drying out. I reached for this oil spray this month to add in a bit more moisture and shine to my otherwise dull hair. I spray just one or two times on my wet hair after showering, and then brush it through to spread the product. I find that this works really well, and it also smells great. Definitely make sure to use only a tiny bit, though, as it can be heavy!

ACTIVITY

Baking – Homemade White Cheez-Its Pictured

I’ve been really into baking lately, and I’m trying to make something new about once per week. I’ve been focusing on healthier options, but with the holidays around the corner I know the snacks will get sweeter and sweeter. My first treat was homemade Cheez-Its, which turned out amazing! I’ll be sharing some of my recipes with all of you soon.

ETSY SHOP

Caitlin and Co. Designs [BUY]

I discovered a new Etsy Sticker Shop completely on a whim, and made a HUGE purchase. I’m so glad I ended up splurging on these. The quality is beyond top-notch, and the colors are so vibrant and beautiful. These stickers have really helped me and my planning routine. I cannot recommend this shop enough, so be sure to check it out. If you buy something, let her know I sent you in the Notes to Seller section!

TELEVISION SHOW

Dancing with the Stars

I go back and forth with loving Dancing with the Stars (“DWTS”), and not watching it at all. I got into this season towards the latter half, and it’s been a lot of fun. I’m writing this blog post on the day of the DWTS finale, so I don’t know who won yet! Right now I’m rooting for Bindi. I think she is a beautiful dancer, and she seems like such a genuinely nice person. I also enjoyed watching Nick Carter on the show despite being a diehard *NSYNC fan.

SONG

Justin Bieber – What Do You Mean? [BUY]

Dancing with the Stars also turned me on to this Justin Bieber song! I’ve never been one to listen to Justin Bieber, but I’m loving this song. It has a great beat, and is just so catchy. I’m loving the reinvented JB!

I hope all of you had a great November! Please share your favorites with me in the comments, too. I love to hear what you are all loving, especially new beauty products. There is just something fun about sharing the things we’re loving most!

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

Rimmel London Keep Calm and Lip Balm | Swatches & Review

Posted on November 25, 2015November 18, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I am very excited to share with you three new products from the drugstore brand Rimmel London. I absolutely love tinted lip balms, because they are really easy to apply and wear. Rimmel just released a new line called Keep Calm and Lip Balm. Not only is the packaging extremely adorable, but the product is designed to increase lip moisture by 22%. With the colder weather in full swing, I couldn’t wait to test these out! Let me show you swatches of the three colors I received, and share my thoughts on them.

Each product has a sheer wash of color in addition to its moisturizing qualities. I do really like the formula of these lip products. They glide on easily and feel very soft and nourishing on the lips. I don’t find that these work as well as a medicated lip balms – while my lips feel nice while wearing the lip balm, they are not healed upon removal. Nevertheless, these are a great option if you want an affordable tinted balm that will not irritate your dry lips. Let’s jump right into swatches of the three I received!

Keep Calm and Kiss is a pale pink shade that Rimmel describes as Pink Blush. It’s not highly pigmented, but adds a nice wash of color. I think it’s perfect for the winter months. It looks great with my fair skin tone, but I think it can work on anyone! I should also mention that each of these balms has a sweet candy smell. It’s not overpowering, but I love it!

Next up is Keep Calm and Rock, a berry shade with purple undertones. I’m so impressed with the rich pigmentation of Keep Calm and Rock! This is the perfect product for those who want to try out darker lips, but may be intimidated by a lipstick. I love this for the holiday season as well!

Last but not least is Keep Calm and Play, what I would describe as a rosy coral shade. It has a light pigmentation, and is a ‘my lips but better’ shade for me. This is definitely the shade I would wear on the daily!

All in all, I am loving the Keep Calm and Lip Balm line from Rimmel London! While these are not a replacement for a healing lip balm for me, they are the perfect product to wear all day for a hint of color and a moisturizing feel on the lips. These will make an excellent stocking stuffer this holiday season, and are a fabulous and affordable $2.50! Keep an eye out at your local drugstore and department store, or use the store locator on Rimmel’s website HERE.

Will you be grabbing any of these? Let me know 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.

Sephora Favorites Give Me More Lip | Swatches + Review

Posted on November 11, 2015November 10, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! I recently shared with all of you a huge Sephora haul (see that post HERE). One of the items I splurged on is the Sephora Favorites Give Me More Lip set. Sephora puts together value kits called Sephora Favorites that include a variety of high end items in a particular category. I love trying lip products, but I usually stick with affordable drugstore options. I thought this was the perfect time to splurge on some high end lip products and give them a try! I won’t be keeping all of these lip products for myself (it is the holidays!), but I have swatches on all of the products I’m keeping. Let me go ahead and share more about the kit with you.

The Give Me More Lip set comes with fifteen different lip products, four of which are full size, and 11 deluxe sample sizes. They range from lipsticks to lip glosses to lip crayons and more, and range in shade as well from dark and vampy to barely there pink. The set comes in a gorgeous metallic gold gift box, which can definitely be reused. I couldn’t wait to dig in and decide which I would keep for me, and which I would give as gifts!

Fresh Sugar Tulip Tinted Lip Treatment (Deluxe Sample)

I really love the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment line, and I’ve already worn Tulip a few times. The formula is so smooth and soothing, and I like that there is just a hint of color. While the full size is definitely very expensive, I might splurge on one in the future. I know it is a trusted product, and I highly recommend them!

Laura Mercier Creme Smooth in Milkyway (Deluxe Sample)

I’ve never tried a Laura Mercier product before, so I was excited to put this lipstick to the test! It is definitely creamy and smooth, and feels very moisturizing on the kips. Milkyway is a nude shade that leans towards a brown-beige. It reminds me of the coveted Kylie Jenner lip shade that people try to replicate. I’m not sure it’s for me, but it’s very fun to try it!

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Peony (Deluxe Sample)

I’ve been wanting to try this line from Too Faced for over a year now! So many beauty gurus love these, and I can see why. The formula is amazing, and applies so cleanly. I don’t think Peony is the perfect shade for me, but now I know that I love the formula and feel of these lipsticks. If you have a favorite shade, please share it with me in the comments!

Clinique Chubby Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Strawberry (Deluxe Sample)

Clinque Chubby Moisturizing Lip Color Balm in Strawberry

I always seem to love lip crayons like this one from Clinque. In my daily life, I prefer a tinted lip color that looks really natural. That’s just what you get with Strawberry. It has a nice wash of pink tint, and wears nicely throughout the day. I’m definitely interested in seeing what other shades are available!

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Streak (Full Size)

I’ve also been excited to try the Revolution Lipstick collection from Urban Decay! I’m really enjoying this lipstick and the creamy formula. The application is a bit tough due to the large lipstick size, but I think I might use a lip brush for a better line in the future. I’m also swooning over the amazing packaging on this lipstick!

Bite Matte Creme in Cognac (Deluxe Sample)

One of the more adventurous lipsticks in the bunch is from Becca. This super dark shade reminds me of the 1990s. The lipstick itself is a skinny crayon, and a bit difficult to apply. I’ve heard great things about this product range, so I think I’ll be experimenting with this some more!

Buxom Lip Polish in Sophia (Deluxe Sample)

Another one of my most worn in the kit so far is this Buxom gloss. It is so wearable, and the formula is great. I hesitate to describe it as sticky, because I know people don’t like sticky glosses, but it is long-wearing and stays on the lips. Plus, it makes the lips look really full. This product can be worn alone or over a lipstick.

Tarte Energy Gloss in Clear (Deluxe Sample)

This Tarte lip gloss is really unique. It applies almost clear, but has a slight pink tint that adjusts based on your skin tone. On me, it is a true pink, and I really love it. It feels so silky on the lips, too.

Ciate Liquid Velvet in Risque (Full Size)

Last but not least is one of my favorite products in the kit, Ciate Liquid Velvet in this amazing red color. I fell in love with this matte finish the first time I tried it. While I’m not one to rock a red lip normally, I am obsessed with this lip color. I had no idea Ciate was into lip products, and that they are incredible!

All in all, I highly recommend picking up the Give Me More Lip kit from the Sephora Favorites collection! It is definitely expensive at $59, but it’s a $197 value, and I think 100% worth the price. The products in this kit make perfect gifts this holiday season, and, of course, you can keep your favorites for yourself! I hope this post was helpful in terms of seeing some swatches of the products. Make sure to pick up Give Me More Lip on Sephora’s website HERE before it sells out!

What lip product is your favorite in this kit? Let me know in the comments!

The products in this post were purchased by my. This post contains an affiliate link. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

BECCA x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop

Posted on November 6, 2015November 4, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I am excited to share my thoughts on the stunning highlighter created by BECCA Cosemtics and YouTube beauty guru Jaclyn Hill. I don’t typically spend a lot on makeup products, but I just had to gave this limited edition product, especially because I love Jaclyn and knew anything she created would be amazing. I decided to purchase the Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop in my latest Sephora Haul (see everything I got HERE). I’ve been using it nearly every single day since! Let me show you this stunning product, and share my thoughts with you.

First things first, I wanted to mention the stunning packaging in which Champagne Pop comes. The box is a beautiful rose gold that is so metallic and shiny I had issues taking a decent photograph of it! I normally don’t keep boxes, but I think I will be hanging onto this one because it is a special product, and a huge splurge item for me. I just had to point out the beautiful box to all of you!

The product itself is also well packaged. Champagne Pop comes in a sturdy compact with a large mirror. Moreover, the highlighter is beyond beautiful. It is a golden shimmer that truly packs a punch. I used to be really afraid of shimmering skin because I tend to be oily, but Champagne Pop is so gorgeous that I feel confident whenever I wear it! The formula is so soft and satiny, and blends out beautifully. I use a very light hand during application because I have very fair skin, but it shows up well and looks stunning. I really can’t praise this product enough!

BECCA x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop

Here are swatches of Champagne Pop both in artificial light (left) and natural sunlight (right). I do blend out the product much more when wearing it on my face, but I wanted to show you how strong the shimmer effect is on the skin. You can 100% control how much the product shows up on your face. I recommend using the Real Techniques Setting Brush, which is perfect for powder products.

All in all, I am obsessed with Champagne Pop. I don’t wear makeup every day, but when I do I’ve been reaching for this product nine times out of ten. I’m so glad I decided to purchase it! Champagne Pop is a splurge product at $38, but I highly recommend it. If you have a makeup lover in your life, this also makes the perfect holiday gift! You can buy it exclusively at Sephora HERE.

Have you tried Champagne Pop? Let me know in the comments!

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