cosmetics – Page 2 – Adventures in Polishland

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Zoya Perfect Lipstick | Swatches + Review of Full 12-Piece Collection

Posted on February 20, 2017February 19, 2017 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I am excited to bring you swatches and a review of the complete Zoya Perfect Lipstick Collection. This line of 12 lipsticks is created with a hydrating formula designed to last 4-6 hours without drying or cracking. The Perfect Lipsticks are also vegan and environmentally friendly, and have a wide shade range to fit any skin tone. Let me share this lipstick collection and my thoughts on it with you!

The Perfect Lipstick Collection contains nine cream finishes, two mattes, and one frost. All of the lipsticks are unflavored and unscented.

First up is MatteVelvet Red, a cool-toned red with a matte finish. I am pleasantly surprised with how comfortable this lipstick is to wear. Even though it is matte, it feels very smooth and creamy on the lips. Plus, MatteVelvet Red is a classic red shade that I think is a staple in any lipstick collection.

Next up is Cameron, a light beige lipstick with a cream formula. Cameron has a great pigmentation for a lipstick that is so light in shade. It makes me look a bit washed out because of my very fair skin tone, but I otherwise really like how it wears. I can see this being an everyday color for many people!

One of my favorite lipsticks in the line is Paisley, a purple-toned mauve with a cream finish. Paisley does require about two coats for opacity on the lips, and it is a bit messier to apply. Otherwise, the shade is beyond gorgeous, and I can see myself reaching for this lipstick regularly.

If you’re looking for a red lipstick with a cream finish, Frankie is the pick for you! Frankie is a bright, true red, and it feels really comfortable to wear. It reminds me of my days as a competitive dancer when we were required to sport red lips at our performances. Whether you’re hitting the stage or simply running errands, Frankie is a stunning red!

Next up is Georgia, a bright berry shade with purple undertones. Georgia is a bit outside of my comfort zone, but it is a beautiful lipstick. It has a cream formula, and I do recommend about two coats for an opaque look. Georgia is a great shade to take you from winter to spring!

The next matte shade in the line is Maxwell, a deep plum shade with fuchsia glitter. Maxwell has a great formula, and it is surprisingly comfortable to wear despite containing glitter. However, it is one of my least favorite lipsticks in the collection simply because I don’t like wearing glittery lip colors. Maxwell is also a bit troublesome to remove, as the glitter gets all over the place without coming off my face. That being said, if glitter lipstick is your thing, Maxwell is a nice option.

The other glittery shade in the collection is Brooke, a mauve shade with pearlized glitter. Brooke is more of a tinted lip balm than a lipstick. Unlike the other shades in the collection, this one is not pigmented at all, and it barely shows up on my lips. Brooke does have a cream formula, but I’m not a big fan of it because it just makes my lips look oddly glittery.

Wren is another favorite for me in the collection. This is a pinky-peach shade with a cream finish, and I think it’s another everyday shade. Wren is a lipstick that can be worn any season of the year, and it’s a great choice if you are just getting into makeup and hesitant to wear bright colors.

Next up is Candy, a blue-toned bright pink lipstick with a cream finish. Candy is a Barbie pink for sure. It is extremely pigmented, and I know this will be a spring and summer staple for many people. I’m usually hesitant to wear bright pink lipsticks, but I’m excited to have this in my collection for sure.

Mellie is a the next cream lipstick that is somewhere between a red and pink shade. I think Mellie is a very wearable color, and it also feels really hydrating and comfortable on the lips. Mellie is a great lipstick for any skin tone, and it is work appropriate as well. This is a must have for your lipstick stash!

The one frost formula in the collection is Belle, a blue-toned pink with a golden frost finish. I do not like frost lipsticks, so Belle is not the shade for me. However, Belle is nicely pigmented and is a pretty color for those of you who do enjoy frosts. It reminds me a bit of cotton candy!

Last but not least is Jasmine, a deep plum lipstick with a cream formula. Jasmine is absolutely beautiful and extremely pigmented. This shade is a bit outside of my comfort zone, but I think this is one of the best lipsticks in the collection. Jasmine feels so creamy and hydrating on the lips!

All in all, I think Zoya’s Perfect Lipstick Collection contains a great variety of shades and formulas. The majority of the line is well pigmented, and they all feel very comfortable to wear. My personal favorites are Paisley, Wren, and Mellie, but I recommend all of the shades except for Brooke. You can purchase the Zoya Perfect Lipstick Collection on the brand’s website HERE for $12 each. Make sure to follow Zoya on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for sale information and discount codes.

Which Zoya Perfect Lipstick is your favorite? 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.

Top 10 Beauty Products of 2016!

Posted on January 6, 2017 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I am excited to share my top ten favorite beauty products of 2016. The products I’m featuring were not necessarily new for 2016, but they are things I discovered and really loved this past year. I decided to group together nail polish, makeup, and skincare for this year’s post, as I focused more on using the products I already own than trying new things. I also transitioned to a vegan lifestyle in June, so I wanted to only feature the vegan products I’ve loved this year. Without further ado, let me share my 2016 favorites with all of you!

10. Tarte LipSurgence in Energy [BUY]

My favorite lip product of the year is this lip gloss from Tarte. The LipSurgence in Energy is really cool because it goes on clear and adjusts to your perfect lip shade. I love how I get a beautiful pink with this lip gloss, and it feels really comfortable on the lips, too. This is a bit expensive, but I highly recommend it because I wear it all the time.

9. LVX in Azzurrum [BUY]

I’ve really loved wearing dark nail polishes this year, especially in the fall months. I reached for an old favorite of LVX in Azzurrum on several occasions, as it is a stunning navy blue. It goes surprisingly well with my fair skin tone, and it matches nearly every outfit. I feel like it even looks nice when I wear a lot of black in the fall.

8. Zoya in Taylor [BUY]

At the other end of the nail polish color spectrum, I fell in love with Zoya in Taylor. This is a warm beige polish, and it is a go to neutral for me. I wore a lot of nail polish this fall, and Taylor was a staple in between all the dark shades.

7. ELF Clear Brow and Lash Mascara [BUY]

One of my daily staples is brow gel, and I’m so glad I found a super affordable option from ELF. For just $2.00, I can get six months worth of brow gel since this product is dual-ended. Plus, it works really well and keeps my brows in place without making them look really stiff. You need to try this if you haven’t yet!

6. ELF Baked Highlighter in Moonlight Pearls [BUY]

Another ELF favorite is the Baked Highlighter in the shade Moonlight Pearls. I was so surprised with how beautiful this highlight is since it only costs $3.00! I wear it regularly, especially on days where I want a natural look. This adds the perfect amount of light to an otherwise one-dimensional makeup look.

5. Hurraw! Lip Balm in Coffee Bean [BUY]

This lip balm has really been a savior these past few months for me. When the winter weather comes along, my lips and skin really dry out quickly. I put this lip balm on at night before I go to bed, and when I wake up my lips feel brand new. Plus, the coffee bean flavor smells absolutely amazing!

4. Zoya in Mallory [BUY]

My last nail polish favorite for 2016 is Zoya in Mallory. I am always obsessed with bright blue polishes, and Mallory is no exception. Of course, this polish has an amazing formula as well, and that encourages me to reach for it from my collection.

3. Yes to Cucumber Soothing Hypoallergenic Face Wipes [BUY]

I also rediscovered the Yes to Cucumber Face Wipes, and I’ve been using them exclusively for the past few months. If you are looking for really gentle wipes that remove all of your makeup, I highly recommend trying out this brand. While it is a bit more on the pricer side at the drugstore, Target often has the Yes to brand on sale on the Cartwheel app.

2. Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Taupe [BUY]

I was on the hunt for a new brow powder, and I splurged on the Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Taupe. I’m so glad I picked up this product! It fills in my brows beautifully, and it looks very natural as well. You also get a lot more for your money with brow powders because they last much longer than pencils.

1. Kat Von D Lock-it Foundation in Light 44 [BUY]

Last but not least, my absolute favorite beauty product of 2016 is the Kat Von D Lock-it Foundation! I purchased this foundation a few months ago, and I’ve quickly become obsessed with it. At first I was a bit underwhelmed, but the more I use it the more I love it. This is a liquid foundation with great coverage, and I personally love its mate finish. I’ve been reaching for it nearly every day I wear makeup!

That wraps up my top ten beauty products of 2016! I’m happy to see a mix of high end and drugstore products, as I feel like that really represents my beauty collection. Please share your 2016 beauty favorites with me in the comments! I would love to know what you are loving so I can try out even more new-to-me products. Happy New Year, everyone!

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

ELF Shadowlock Eyelid Primer in Sheer | Review + Swatches

Posted on November 7, 2016November 5, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I have a review of the ELF Shadowlock Eyelid Primer in the shade Sheer. I received this primer as a free gift in my last ELF haul (see that unboxing HERE). I’ve now used this product periodically for a few months, and I’ve really grown to like it. I wanted to share my review and application tips on this product with all of you. If you can get a quality eye primer for just $2.00, who wouldn’t jump on it?!

The Shadowlock Eyelid Primer is designed to provide crease-proof and longer-lasting eyeshadow. The formula is a lightweight liquid that dries quickly. It comes with a doe-foot applicator, similar to a standard lip gloss. I have the shade Sheer, but it also comes in Pearl, which is more of a white shade.

My application tip with the Shadowlock Eyelid Primer is to use a very small amount and lightly blend it out with your fingertip. Less is definitely more with this primer, and I typically use two coats to help cover up my veiny eyelids. The Sheer shade is a cool-toned beige with salmon pink undertones. When I blend it in, the primer tends to match my fair skin tone perfectly. I do think this will work well under eyeshadow for any skin color, but if you are looking to wear this on its own, I’m not sure I would recommend it for those of you with darker skin. That being said, I do enjoy wearing this on its own to add a bit of brightness and evenness to my otherwise veiny eyelids.

I absolutely love how my eyelids look and feel after applying this primer. It dries very quickly to a soft satin finish. When I wear eyeshadow on top, it does not crease as all throughout the day. I am very impressed, as my eyeshadow typically creases rather easily, even when I’ve tried other primers in the past. The Shadowlock Eyelid Primer even helps my eyeshadow to glide on and blend easier. I am extremely impressed with how amazing the quality is!

All in all, I highly recommend the Shadowlock Eyelid Primer from ELF Cosmetics. It is the perfect primer for me, as I can wear it both alone and with eyeshadow to get the look I want. I have not tried any high end eyeshadow primers, but this ELF primer is much better than the drugstore primers I’ve tried in the past. You really cannot go wrong for the $2.00 price tag! You can buy this primer at your local drugstore, or online HERE.

What is your favorite eyeshadow primer? Let me know in the comments!

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

Milani Power Lip Gloss Stain in Macaroon Review | $1.99 T.J. Maxx Find

Posted on August 26, 2016August 17, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! I recently went to my local T.J. Maxx store to pick up a bottle of dry shampoo, and decided to browse through the beauty section to see if there were any other goodies worth purchasing. I did grab some cleansing wipes from the brand Avalon Organics to try, but on the way to the checkout I spotted some Milani products! I’ve never tried the Milani Power Lip line before, and the shade Macaroon looked really pretty. It was just $1.99, so I decided to buy it as well. Let me share my thoughts on this product with you, as well as some swatches.

Milani Power Lip is a really unique lip product that is part gloss and part stain. It is designed to have a non-drying formula that is also long-lasting. I was drawn in by the gorgeous color on the packaging, and thought it would be a nice shade to wear during the day.

Probably the most interesting aspect of this product is the applicator. This is a twist-up product with a brush at the end. I wasn’t really thrilled with this applicator at first, but I must admit the brush is really soft and the application is surprisingly user friendly. My tip in using this applicator is not cranking out too much product at once. Less is more with Power Lip!

Milani really nailed the description of gloss stain with this product! The Power Lip almost feels like a liquid lipstick, because it has an opaque yet super glossy appearance. While I did notice that the Power Lip sticks to any dry patches on the lips, the formula otherwise feels quite creamy and hydrating. If you do have dry lips, simply use a lip scrub before application.

The shade Macaroon is a true pink color. It is a bit brighter than I normally wear, and I was hoping for more of a peachy-nude undertone. However, I think the shade does look quite nice on me, and I hope to step outside my comfort zone and wear this often. I definitely appreciate how comfortable the product is during wear, and how the staining properties of the formula leave a nice tint to the lips as the actual gloss wears off throughout the day.

All in all, I’m really glad I found this Milani Power Lip Gloss Stain at T.J. Maxx! I think this is a fabulous and affordable lip product, and I am excited to wear it more. Unfortunately, the Power Lip appears to be discontinued since it is no longer listed on Milani’s website. Make sure to check out your local T.J. Maxx to see if you can score any at a discounted price! Please let me know in the comments if you’ve found anything exciting at your local T.J. Maxx or discount store!

MAKE Beauty Product Reviews | Face Primer + Molten Shadow in Bronze

Posted on August 19, 2016August 24, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I am excited to review for you two products from the brand MAKE Beauty. I’ve tried a few products from MAKE in the past, and have really enjoyed them. I find that the beauty products offered are quite unique, but I also enjoy the company’s mission. MAKE is created in New York City, and donates 10% of sales to the We See Beauty Foundation, an organization supporting women-led and worker-owned cooperative businesses in the Americas. MAKE is also a cruelty free brand that offers a selection of vegan options. It’s always great to find a company that creates quality products, but is also focused on doing good in the world! Without further ado, let me share my thoughts on the Face Primer and the Molten Shadow in Bronze.

Face Primer

First up is the Face Primer with Broad Spectrum SPF 30. This primer is formulated to correct your skin’s imperfections while protecting against the sun. It can be worn alone, or used as a base before applying foundation, and dries to a velvet finish. I really like this primer for its sunscreen benefits. I noticed that the product does have a slight sunscreen scent, but it’s not too strong and I can’t smell it once I’ve completed my makeup. My skin does appear more even after applying the primer, but I do wish it smoothed out my skin a bit more. I have large pores, and typically use a pore-filling primer to smooth out the skin. With the MAKE Face Primer, my pores are still quite visible under my foundation. Thus, while I love using this product as an everyday face sunscreen, I do wish it aided with smoothing out my imperfections a bit more. I recommend this for those of you who are looking more for an SPF than a perfecting primer.

Molten Shadow in Bronze

Next up I have the Molten Shadow in the shade Bronze. This eyeshadow is really unique, because it is a cream gel formula that can be worn in a variety of ways. The Molten Shadow can be worn in a very defined manner, or it can be blended out for a more subtle look. The trick is in choosing the right tool. I find that when I use my finger I get a defined and pigmented application, but an eyeshadow brush helps to smooth out harsh lines and disperse the product a bit more. My biggest tip with the Molten Shadow is to use the tiniest bit, as this eyeshadow really packs a punch! Plus, Bronze is a stunning metallic shade with green, gold, and bronze shimmer. Whether you’re creating a look for day or night, you can make this eyeshadow work for any occasion!

All in all, I am really enjoying these products from MAKE Beauty. MAKE is a boutique brand, so the prices are a bit higher than I typically spend, but I love to support small businesses in the United States whenever I can. You can shop MAKE on the brand’s website HERE. Definitely let me know in the comments if you’ve tried any products from MAKE, or if you plan on doing so in the future.

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

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.

Zoya Hydrating Cream Lipstick Review & Swatches | Mellie & Candy

Posted on June 13, 2016May 18, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I am completing my reviews for the Zoya summer releases with the new Hydrating Cream Lipstick shades. I’ve been a fan of Zoya Nail Polish for four years now, but this is the first time I am trying the lip products the brand also offers. Zoya released both Mellie and Candy just in time for the summer season, and both are bright and pigmented shades perfect for the warmer months. Let me share my thoughts on these lipsticks with all of you!

Each lipstick comes in a black cardboard box and then in sleek black packaging. I really like the rounded tube, and the classic look to these lipsticks. The lipsticks do not have a fragrance, but they do have that typical ‘lipstick’ smell. It brought me back to my days of a dancer where we wore bright red lipstick for each performance!

First up is Zoya Mellie, a bright red lipstick. Mellie is extremely pigmented and it does feel very creamy and comfortable on the lips. I do recommend using a lip detailer brush to apply these lipsticks, as I had some difficulty getting a clean application. Mellie is a staining lipstick, which I like because even if it wears off you will still have a nice wash of color on the lips. I have not done a true wear test to see how these lipsticks wear over time, but they felt very nice on my lips.

Next up is Candy, a bright pink lipstick that I would call a fuchsia shade. Candy also has a rich pigmentation and glides onto the lips well. I don’t like how it looks with my fair skin tone, but I think it will look amazing if you have a darker complexion. Of course, it is all personal preference! I will say that Candy does tend to make the teeth a bit yellower than they actually are, so keep that in mind. Nonetheless, it is a great summer shade with a nice formula.

All in all, I’m so glad I finally tried the lipsticks offered by Zoya. I really love the formulas and the texture of these lipsticks, and I want to check out the other shades in the range for sure. These lipsticks retail for $12 each on Zoya’s website HERE. I definitely recommend the Hydrating Cream Formulas! Make sure to let me know in the comments if you’ve tried any Zoya lipsticks and which ones you recommend.

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

May Lifestyle Favorites | Beauty, Skincare, & More!

Posted on June 2, 2016July 14, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! June is here, and that means it’s time to share all of the things I’ve loved all May long. May went by so quickly for me, and I feel like I barely had the time to discover new products. I did get acquainted with some beauty goodies that have been in my stash for a while, and I was super surprised with a new song release this month. Let me share all of my lifestyle favorites with you!

BEAUTY

Rimmel Lasting Finish Skin Perfecting Foundation in Classic Ivory [REVIEW] [BUY]

I’ve been reaching for this Rimmel foundation nearly every time I wear makeup lately! I wasn’t a huge fan of it at first, but the more I wear it the more I like it. I use a damp BeautyBlender to apply it, and I find I get a beautiful medium coverage that is buildable for a higher coverage. My skin seems to be reacting to it well, because it’s cleared up a lot and I have a lot less redness on my face. I don’t know if the foundation is helping, or if it’s simply better than the other foundations I use. Nonetheless, this is a great drugstore foundation! I just wish it had a pump.

Laqa & Co. Cheeky Lip in Cray-Cray [BUY]

I got this cream blush from Laqa & Co. in a Birchbox order several months ago, and finally pulled it out for the spring season! I love wearing this orange-coral shade, and it’s very wearable once blended. I apply the blush on the back of my hand, and then use a damp BeautyBlender to pick up the color to dab on my cheeks. It works really well to get a well-blended look. This is a high end product, but it’s worth the price if you wear it often!

Cynthia Rowley Creamy Lip Stain in Sugar [REVIEW] [BUY]

I did go back to an old favorite this month in my Sugar lip stain from Cynthia Rowley. This is a ‘my lips but better’ shade with a creamy formula that enhances my natural lips. I love how this feels and it applies so easily that it’s really easy to grab on the daily. I also don’t have to worry about it wearing off because it is a stain, so the color stays put throughout the day.

SKINCARE

StriVectin–SD Instant Retexturing Scrub [BUY]

I got this scrub in a Sephora PLAY! box and I am really glad I got the opportunity to test this! This scrub is really creamy, and while it doesn’t feel abrasive it does an amazing job at removing dead skin cells. My skin definitely looks a lot smoother and more even than it did before I began using this product, so I might be getting it again in the future!

ETSY SHOP

Whimsical Plans [SHOP]

I recently made my first purchase from the Etsy sticker shop Whimsical Plans, and I’ve been using my new stickers all May long! Not only are the stickers amazing quality, but they are super cute as well. I love that she makes stickers specifically for the Erin Condren Life Planner in the Horizontal layout, as many shops only offer vertical stickers. I will definitely be back for more stickers in the future! Make sure to follow my YouTube and Planner Instagram to see the stickers in action!

MUSIC

Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake [BUY]

My ultimate favorite for the month of May is Justin Timberlake’s new song, Can’t Stop the Feeling! He dropped the single on May 6th, and I’ve been obsessed with it ever since. It is one of my favorite JT songs of all time, and is the perfect summer anthem. If you haven’t heard it yet, definitely check it out! I’m sure it will have you dancing!

That wraps up my favorites for the month of May! As always, please share your current favorites with me in the comments below or on social media by using the hashtag #PolishlandFaves. I always love hearing your product recommendations and what’s been going on in your life!

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