Tag: buxom

Top 10 Beauty Products of 2015!

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 CabosI 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 RoseI 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 DollyI’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!

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

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!

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

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

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

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 Forever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primer

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

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

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

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!

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November Favorites | Beauty & Lifestyle Loves

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

Homemade White Cheez-Its | Adventures in Polishland

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

Image courtesy of abc.go.com

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.

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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.

Sephora Favorites Give Me More Lip | Swatches + Review

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.

Sephora Favorites Give Me More Lip | Swatches + Review Sephora Favorites Give Me More Lip | Swatches + ReviewThe 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)

Fresh Sugar Tulip Tinted Lip Balm
Fresh Sugar Tulip Tinted Lip Balm

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)

Laura Mercier Creme Smooth in Milkyway
Laura Mercier Creme Smooth in Milkyway

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)

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Peony
Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Peony

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
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)

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Streak
Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Streak

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)

Bite Matte Creme in Cognac
Bite Matte Creme in Cognac

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)

Buxom Lip Polish in Sophia
Buxom Lip Polish in Sophia

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)

Tarte Energy Gloss in Clear
Tarte Energy Gloss in Clear

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)

Ciate Liquid Velvet in Risque
Ciate Liquid Velvet in Risque

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. 

Bimonthly Beauty Post: My Current Mascara Collection!

Happy Friday! Today I have another post in my beauty series, and I’m going to focus on my favorite makeup product — mascara! While I don’t wear a lot of eye makeup, I almost always put on some mascara before walking out the door. It is just enough to give me some extra “pop” without being over the top. I find that adding mascara can make me look more polished and ready for the day. I constantly find myself perusing the makeup aisle for new mascaras and great deals! Let me show you the mascaras I’m currently using, and the ones I will be trying out next!

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Here are the four mascaras I currently have in my collection! I think four is more than enough to have for everyday use, so I am focusing on using these up before I open any more. Once you open a mascara and expose it to the air, it has a faster chance at drying up in the tube. That’s why I keep my mascaras wrapped up until I’m ready to use them! As you can see, I have a good mix of both drugstore and high end mascaras. I always get a bargain when I can, though!

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Brand Name: L’Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes

Price: $7.00 on Amazon [Buy HERE]; also available at drugstores

Best for: Lengthening! I can literally see my eyelashes growing when I apply this mascara. This mascara also gives you very full eyelashes, just as the name “Million Lashes” suggests. This is probably my favorite all-around mascara of all time!

Dislikes: I really have nothing bad to say about this mascara! I’ve been using it for a couple years!

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Brand Name: Covergirl NatureLuxe Water Resistant Mousse

Price: $3.89 on Amazon [Buy HERE]; also available at drugstores

Best for: A natural, everyday look! I find that this mascara is perfect for adding color to your lashes and for providing some definition without it being too noticeable. It also does a great job at separating your lashes.

Dislikes: My tube is already starting to dry up after just two and a half months of use. That means clumping! It’s not too noticeable yet, but I think I will have to toss this one in another month or so.

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Brand Name: Buxom Sculpted Lash

Price: $18.50 on Amazon [Buy HERE]; also available at Sephora

Best for: Shaping and curling! Just as the name suggests, this mascara is amazing at sculpting my lashes. It separates and curls my lashes with ease. I like to turn the wand to get a different angle with the applicator as I use it for added definition. This really helps with my left eyelashes, which seem to be a bit wonky — it makes them look full quite easily!

Dislikes: This mascara does not add much length to my eyelashes, but that’s because it is geared towards shaping them. I love everything else about it!

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Because I’m a mascara hoarder, I already have a couple more ready to go for when I use up the ones in my current collection! On the left is Covergirl Clump Crusher, one that I’ve heard so many good things about! On the right is the brand new Revlon Lash Potion. I recently won the Revlon in a giveaway from the company, and can’t wait to try it!

I hope you enjoyed this post on my current mascara collection! Be sure to let me know what your favorite mascara is in the comments!

 

Some of the links in this post are Amazon Affiliate links. All opinions are my own. Please see my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

 

My March PopSugar Must Have Box!

Happy Saturday! Today I will be sharing with you a new monthly subscription program that I joined. The PopSugar Must Have Box is a lifestyle box filled with goodies from all different areas – beauty, home, fashion, and more! It is $35 each month, but the box is to have at least a $100 value. After doing some research, I decided to go for it and sign up! My goal was to use this box as an alternative to buying new products myself. I am loving my first box! Let me show you what was inside.

IMG_1032 IMG_1034First I’ll show you what the box looks like when you get it. I love the bright pink tissue paper and the “Enjoy” sticker! It’s adds a personal touch. You can also see the little booklet that explains all of the items in the box. Look at all those goodies! So much to see here!

IMG_1038IMG_1035In your box you will also have items from different “Must Have” categories. Here are my two Must Have Fashion items. On the left is a Sweater Saverfrom Hollywood Fashion Secrets. It’s a small brick that your rub over sweaters and blankets to remove pills without damaging the items. I definitely have a couple sweaters that could use this! The Sweater Saver retails for $5.99. I also got a beautiful necklace from Heather Belle. It is a long gold chain with an octagon and tassel designs near the bottom. I’ve been wanting to buy more jewelry, so this is perfect! I was unable to find out the exact retail value of this necklace, but others on the Heather Belle website are selling for $75!

IMG_1036For the Must Have Home category, I got two more items. On the left is the Corkatoo Corkscrewfrom True Fabrications. This is such a cute corkscrew, and while I don’t drink wine, this will make a great gift item! It retails for $15.99. I also got this Denim Washfrom The Laundress. I am quite excited about this item! It not only retails at $19, but it is non-toxic, biodegradable, and allergen free. I can use this in my washing machine to make sure my denim isn’t fading! I will definitely use this entire bottle, and it will make my current bottle of laundry detergent last longer.

IMG_1037Now onto Must Have Beauty! I am so excited about these next two items. First is the Buxom Sculpted Lash Mascara. This is a $19 mascara and I am so excited! I love buying mascaras because it is one of the few makeup items I wear every day. This one is a high end brand that I wouldn’t have bought otherwise, but now I get to try it. I can’t wait to see how it works! I am also super excited about the nail polish I got! This is a set from The New Black called Pardon My French. I got the color set called Havoc. I’ve been dying to try these nail polishes, but couldn’t bring myself to spend the money on them. This mini set retails for $10! I will admit that I squealed a little when I saw this in the box.

IMG_1039Last but not least are my Special Extras for the month! Holly Fashion Secrets also provided a Fashion Tape Assortment Pack. This is great for holding accessories in place or hemming pants quickly. Also included were some Peeps! I don’t like Peeps, so these will be getting sent out in some nail mail. These are special bonuses, so I didn’t find out how much they retailed for.

All in all, my items add up to about $70 not including the necklace and the Special Extras. If the necklace is worth around $75, my box is definitely over the $100 mark! I’m really happy with everything in my box. They are either items I will use myself or give as gifts. I am going to continue on in this program for sure!

If you would like to join, please click HERE! Enter code REFER5 at checkout to get $5 your first box.