Tag: covergirl

Summer 2014 Favorites | Beauty, Lifestyle, & More!

Happy Saturday! You may have noticed that this summer I didn’t post my usual monthly favorites. By the end of June and then July, I realized that I was reusing the same products over and over, and thought a combined summer favorites would be the best way to share my new favorite products with you. Plus, it’s a great way to reflect over the past few months! This was probably the last summer vacation I’ll ever have, since I’ve just embarked on my final year of school. Let me show you everything I loved the past few months!

NAIL POLISH 

L'Oreal – Jean & TonicL’Oreal Jean & Tonic [REVIEW]

I wore this textured shade from L’Oreal a ton this summer! In fact, I made a dent in the bottle because I loved it so much! Make sure to check out my review for more details. If you like this polish, make sure to check the limited edition displays at your local drugstore ASAP.

MASCARA

CoverGirl Clump Crusher in BlackCoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara in Black [BUY]

I finally tried the famous Clump Crusher and I’m so glad I did! It really separates my lashes for a full look. I do wish it had a bit more “va va voom,” but I can always layer a thicker mascara on top for a more dramatic look. If you’re looking for a great mascara to use on the daily, I recommend this one.

EYEBROWS

Milani Brow Fix KitMilani Brow Fix Brow Kit in Light [BUY]

I rediscovered this brow product over the summer, and pulled it out from the depths of my makeup collection! I’ve used it a ton, and I’ve found that the powder looks really natural and is easy to apply. I still use my eyebrow pencils sometimes, but in the hot summer sun, powder was the best option. Plus, this stuff lasts forever!

BLUSH 

NYX Cream Blush in NaturalNYX Cream Blush in Natural [BUY]

I finally reached for cream blush this summer, and I’m happy I got over my cream blush fear! It’s lightweight and extremely blendable, so I don’t look cakey. I definitely need to pick up more cream blushes for my collection, so let me know your favorites in the comments!

PRIMER

Dr. Brandt Pores No MoreDr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner [BUY]

I brought this sample size primer with me when I was traveling and fell in love! It’s just like my beloved Too Faced Primed & Poreless, but even better. Unfortunately, the full size is $45 (yikes), so I’ve been making this sample last as long as possible. If your budget allows for Pores No More, I say get it!

FRAGRANCE

Coconut Lime BreezeCoconut Lime Breeze Body Spray [BUY]

I love lighter scents in the summer, and reach for body sprays more than perfumes. I got this one during the Bath & Bodyworks semi-annual sale for just $1.50, and I love it! It’s sweet, but not sickening. I pretty much love anything with a coconut scent, though!

TV SHOW

Big Love 

I watched a lot of shows on Amazon Prime this summer, one of them being the complete series of Big Love. I don’t get HBO, so it was great to be able to watch some HBO shows for free this summer with my Prime subscription. Big Love was so addicting! It’s about a polygamist family in Utah. There is serious family drama, and it always kept me at the edge of my seat. I highly recommend it, but ask your parents if you’re under 18 since it has a lot of violence and some adult content.

BOOK

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa [BUY]

I also read a lot this summer, and one of my favorites was the Blood of Eden trilogy by Julie Kagawa. I’m always hesitant when it comes to vampires because of the whole Twilight thing, but gave this series a try, and I’m so glad I did! Kagawa does an amazing job of combining vampires into the dystopian genre. The trilogy follows teenager Allison as she decides to become a vampire, and the new life she must lead. The first book in the series is called The Immortal Rules (liked above). I highly recommend it!

EXPERIENCES

Las Vegas Strip 2014

West Coast Adventures – Los Angeles & Las Vegas

I had the amazing opportunity this summer to visit both Los Angeles and Las Vegas. My brother and sister-in-law live in LA, so I made sure to visit them and meet my new nephew for the first time! It was wonderful to see them! I also met up with my grandma and cousin out there, and we took a road trip to Vegas. I’ve never been to Vegas before and it was an unbelievable experience. I thought NYC was big! If you ever get the change to visit Las Vegas, go! There is something for everyone!

All in all, I had a great summer even though it went by super quickly! Please let me know in the comments some of the products you loved these past few months. Also let me know what your favorite moment of the summer was. Feel free to tag me on social media using the hashtag #PolishlandFaves so I can see your photos!

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

March 2014 Favorites!

Happy Friday! April is now upon us, and that means it’s time to share my March favorites with all of you. Let’s jump right into it!

NAIL POLISH

Zoya – Dot Zoya Dot [REVIEW] [BUY]

Dot is so beautiful! I just love the pastel pink shade. It’s subdued enough to be professional, but quite girly at the same time. I’ve been wearing it for over a week now!

CoverGirl – Sapphire FlareCoverGirl Sapphire Flare [REVIEW] [BUY]

Once upon a time, I avoided dark nails like the plague. Now, I’m obsessed with navy nails! I’ve worn Sapphire Flare several times since I got it, and twice in the month of March. Plus, the formula is flawless. You need this in your collection!

SKINCARE

Sibu Beauty | Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial CleanserSibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser [REVIEW] [BUY]

I know I said I wasn’t going to use this until I used up the other cleansers in my collection, but I can’t put it away! It’s the perfect all-in-one product, and makes my skin happy. I definitely see a second bottle in my future when this one is empty.

Amara Organics Vitamin C Serum Review | Adventures in PolishlandAmara Organics Vitamin C Serum [REVIEW] [BUY]

I’m also applying this serum religiously! I’m onto my third week of use now, and all signs of breakouts are gone. My skin is just drinking up this magical potion!

LIP COLORBaby Lips – Just Peachy

Baby Lips in Just Peachy [BUY]

Surprise! I added a new Baby Lips to my collection. By now I have too many, but this is my first in the Dr Rescue line, and I’m loving it. It has the same great application and hint of color as the other Baby Lips products, but it is medicated to help your dry lips out even more.

FOOD

Cadbury Mini Eggs Cadbury Mini Eggs

It is that magical time of year when the Cadbury Mini Eggs appear at the store. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw this 18oz bag. Mini eggs are definitely my favorite candy of all time, and I have to get my fill this time of year. SO. GOOD.

BOOK

Something Real by Heather Demetrios Something Real by Heather Demetrios [REVIEW] [BUY]

I’ve been making an effort in my life to make time for reading outside of school this month, and picked up Something Real at my local Barnes & Noble. It is an amazing story about a girl whose family is the subject of a reality TV show. You can read more by checking out my review on Goodreads (linked above).

That wraps up my favorites for the month of March! Please feel free to share what you’re loving in the comments, or use hashtag #PolishlandFaves on social media.

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

Show Team Spirit with a CoverGirl Fanicure! #DRBigGame #CollectiveBias

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Happy Thursday! Today I’m excited to tell you all about a fun event I attended at Duane Reade last week. P&G and CoverGirl are celebrating female fans by offering team-inspired nail looks for spirit all season long, and to prepare for the Big Game, CoverGirl gave free manicures to Duane Reade customers. Let me tell you all about the Fanicure event, and show you how to create one of your own!

#DRBigGame #shop #cbiasThe Fanicure event was so much fun! I chose to get a Seattle themed manicure, since I’m still bitter about New England losing to Denver in the playoffs. My manicurist used three CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss shades in Sapphire Flare, Appletini, and Snow Storm to create the look. With a smooth finish, even color and glossy shine, this polish can last as long as a week with no top-coat required!

#DRBigGame #cbias #shopI also got to hang out with some other great bloggers! Make sure to head over to their blogs to see the Fanicures they got as well.

#DRBigGame #cbias #shopMomma D and Da Boyz, Beauty 101, and Adventures in Polishland

HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN FANICURE!

While I was at Duane Reade, I also picked up the shades that correspond with my favorite football team, New England. Each of the 32 teams has its own custom nail gloss bundle to ensure fans can really show team spirit. New England’s CoverGirl colors are Snow Storm, Ever Reddy, and Sapphire Flare. At the Duane Reade where I was shopping, the CoverGirl display was upstairs on the second floor in the Look Boutique.

#DRBigGame #cbias #shop#DRBigGame #cbias #shopNext, I got started on creating my own Fanicure. I began with applying Ever Reddy as a double accent nail, and Sapphire Flare on my other nails. Once that was completely dry, I used some striping tape and then finished up with Snow Storm. I am loving the completed look! It was easy to create, and I’m ready to support my favorite team in style.

#DRBigGame #cbias #shopAll in all, I had a great time at the Duane Reade Fanicure event, and I’m loving the New England Football Fanicure I created. You can create your own Fanicure by visiting the CoverGirl website HERE and seeing what nail polishes correspond with your favorite team. Either shop online, or stop by your local drugstore to pick up these fabulous and affordable polishes at just $5.49 each!

You can also catch up on Big Game news by stopping by the Duane Reade Big Game Social Hub HERE. This is a hub where Tweets, Instagram content, and Vine videos using the #DRBigGame hashtag are congregated in one place. Duane Reade is the perfect place for all your game day needs, including nail polish!

Be sure to let me know what you think of my Fanicure in the comments!

Winter Wonderland Week | Snow-Capped Nails

Happy Wednesday! Winter Wonderland Week continues today with another holiday manicure. If you’re looking for a festive look that is a bit more abstract, then stay tuned! I created a sparkly look that can be worn all winter long!

IMG_3654 IMG_3656To create a snow-capped manicure, I began with one of my favorite blue polishes, CoverGirl Out of the Blue [see review HERE]. You can use any blue nail polish that you have in your collection, but I think it will look best with one that is bright! Once my base had dried, I took Shimmer Polish in Cassandra, a white and silver glitter polish, and tapped that all over the tops of my nails. No need to be precise here – just a few dabs and your nails will easily look as though you dipped them in snow! To customize your look, use any white or holographic glitter in your stash. The chunkier the better, since it looks like real snow! Seal your manicure with a top coat, and you’re ready for the next flurries!

IMG_3658All in all, I’m loving my snow-capped nails! The look is simple to create, yet looks stunning! Not only is this a wintery manicure, but it works perfectly for Hanukkah as well. Of course, you can customize the manicure using any colors you wish and rock the technique all year long. The possibilities are endless! As always, if you create my snow-capped manicure, feel free to share a photograph on my Facebook page HERE. Winter Wonderland Week continues tomorrow!

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.

Winter Wonderland Week | Glam Holiday Makeup #DRHoliday

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Happy Monday! Winter Wonderland Week continues today with a makeup look. To create my festive face, I grabbed some new products to get glam – Duane Reade Holiday shopping is not just for gifts! On an every day basis, I keep my makeup simple and natural, but for the holiday season it’s fun to be a bit more glamorous. If you’re a busy student, a mom on the go, or simply looking to spice up your beauty routine for a holiday party, I have a few tips for you!

#DRHoliday #shop #cbiasMy first step was going shopping for some new makeup. I headed to the Duane Reade store at 40 Wall Street here in New York City. If you’ve never been to that Duane Reade location before, definitely stop by. It has a huge beauty department called the Look Boutique, and you can even get a professional manicure right in the store! The photo below is just one section of the Look Boutique! Look at how gorgeous and bright the store is!

#DRHoliday #shop #cbiasI had a difficult time deciding which new makeup products I wanted to purchase for my holiday makeover because there was so much from which to choose. I finally settled on some goodies from the Boots No7 line. This brand is from the UK, and is making its way into Duane Reade stores around the city. The display (shown below) featured testers so I could swatch the colors on my hand before purchasing anything. Let me show you what I picked up from No7!

#DRHoliday #shop #cbias 

#DRHoliday #shop #cbias
#DRHoliday #shop #cbias

The first product I picked up is the No7 Lipgloss in Number One History. I’m always hesitant to try a red lipstick, so I thought this lip gloss would be perfect for the holidays and still be in my comfort zone. Plus, the packaging is adorable and was calling my name in the store. As for the formula, it is really nice, and feels creamy on the lips (no stickiness here!). This lipgloss is quite pigmented, so I wore it alone, but you can always layer it over a lipstick if you like. The retail price of the No7 Lipgloss is $9.99.

#DRHoliday #shop #cbias
#DRHoliday #shop #cbias

The next product I picked up was the No7 Natural Blush Tint Powder in Spice. I was sold on this blush as soon as I tried the tester in the store –the formula is so smooth and soft, and is extremely blendable. Spice was also the perfect shade for my skin tone. For just $9.99 I had to pick it up!

#DRHoliday #shop #cbias
#DRHoliday #shop #cbias

The last No7 product I grabbed for my holiday makeover is the Stay Perfect Trio Eye Shadow Palette in Cappuccino. This trio comes with gorgeous neutral and shimmery shadows – a bronze, a silver, and a light highlight shade. Just like the blush, these shadows have a super soft and silky formula. I’m also impressed with how pigmented they are. The shimmer adds a bit of sparkle, which I think is great for the holidays! This trio retails for just $7.99!

#DRHoliday #shop #cbias

I also picked up a new foundation because winter means that my skin is a bit lighter than it was just a few months ago! I’ve heard so many great things about the CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous foundation that I had to pick it up. I got the shade Classic Ivory (or 810 if you use the number system), and it matches my skin quite well. This is definitely a medium to full coverage foundation, and I’m impressed with how flawless my skin looked when I put this on. It’s also an amazing value at just $13.49. This is definitely going to be my new go to foundation!

#DRHoliday #shop #cbias
#DRHoliday #shop #cbias

Here is my completed holiday makeover! As someone who doesn’t wear a lot of makeup on a daily basis, I feel so glammed up! I used all of the products mentioned above, plus the Revlon Grow Luscious Lash Potion in Blackened Brown and Rimmel Stay Matte in Translucent (which can be purchased at Duane Reade as well). For my hair, I just twisted it across my head and secured it with a bow.

All in all, I’m loving my completed look! I used products that are fabulous and affordable, and went a bit outside my every day makeup routine for the special holiday season. If you like, you can spice up this makeup look by adding some eyeliner, darker lipstick, and some bronzer. It’s definitely customizable! These makeup products also make perfect gifts this holiday season, so stop be sure to stop by the 40 Wall Street Duane Reade during your holiday shopping to grab these (and many, many more) cosmetic products. Stay tuned for more holiday posts as Winter Wonderland Week continues tomorrow on Adventures in Polishland!

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. 

 

Macaron Day Inspired Manicure!

Happy Friday! Today I have a fun post inspired by the delicious French treats, macarons. Back in March, New York City hosted its annual Macaron Day, where bakeries around the city give free macarons to anyone who walks in! A percentage of any proceeds the shops make that day go to ending hunger in NYC. You can learn more about Macaron Day on its website HERE. I was able to stop by two locations, and snapped the Instagram photo below of the macarons my friend and I got. She suggested I do macaron nail art, so I gave it a try!

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I knew I wanted to use a light blue and a pink nail polish to create this look, so I grabbed Sinful Colors in Cinderella and Covergirl Outlast in My Papaya. Both are shimmery colors that reminded me of the sugary sweetness in the macarons. Plus, you can find both at your local drugstore for great prices! Sinful Colors retails for just $1.99 and Covergirl for just $5.99. If you hurry, you could also grab My Papaya on Amazon HERE for the low price of $3.89 (there are only two left as I type this!). Let me show you the cute and simply manicure I created!

 

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For my macaron manicure I did a color-blocked style. I painted two nails with Cinderella and two with My Papaya. For my thumb, I applied My Papaya, just because I liked that polish more. It was opaque in two coats while Cinderella was sheer and required three. Other than that, both polishes had great formulas, and I plan on using them again in the future! I just love how the shimmer in both catches the light and adds the perfect touch. I also included the business card for the Macaron Parlour in the photo. If you are in NYC, stop by and grab a tasty treat! You can see more on their website HERE. I highly recommend it!

All in all, I thought this was such a fun idea for a manicure! It was quite easy to create, but I enjoyed the sentiment behind it. Have you ever based a manicure on food?! If so, let me know in the comments!

 

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

Adventures in Polishland Celebrates her 1 Year Blogiversary with Covergirl Outlast Nail Polish!

Happy Wednesday! Today is my one year blogiversary! Exactly one year ago today I began this blog and uploaded my first post. I can’t believe how far I have come, and I am always so thankful for your support. I thought today would be the perfect opportunity to share with you some of my new favorite nail polishes. The Covergirl Outlast Stay Brilliant line has been catching my eye at drugstores lately, and I knew I had to try a few. I purchased two for myself, and then won two in a giveaway! I can’t wait to show you these fabulous and affordable polishes!

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Here is a quick photo of the four polishes I’m reviewing today! I love the square bottles, as they are eye-catching and great for storage. As you can see, I have four shades that are perfect for spring and summer, but Covergirl also offers dark colors, shimmers, and some glitters as well! There is so much to choose from!

 

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First up is Coral Silk, a bright peach creme. Coral Silk is the one disappointment I’ve had with these Covergirl nail polishes so far. The formula was a thick, streaky mess. Although it was opaque in two coats, I wanted to add a third to even everything out. I also found that this formula was very tacky, and would probably take a very long time to dry. It’s hard to tell in the photos above how messy it was! Alas, Coral Silk was no fun to deal with despite the pretty color.

 

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Up next is Out of the Blue, a stunning bright blue polish! This polish has an absolutely perfect formula and application and is opaque in just one coat! I love any one coat polishes, but Out of the Blue is so beautiful! It is just a great shade for spring and summer, and makes me happy when I wear it. The shade is also exactly the same on the nail as it is in the bottle. I highly recommend Out of the Blue!

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Mint Mojito is the next Covergirl nail polish I have to show you. This is a dusty mint green creme polish. The formula is a little streaky, but otherwise a good consistency. Mint Mojito is opaque in two coats, and dries very quickly! I love the color of this polish! It is right on trend for spring, and would look good on almost any skin tone. This is the first of the two polishes I won in the giveaway, and I am so happy to have it!

 

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Last but not least is Tickled Pink, the perfect bright pink nail polish! This has an amazing formula that is opaque in two coats. It also dries very quickly! Tickled Pink is a color that I think can be worn all year long and always look fabulous. As a pink aficionado, I am in love with this polish!

All in all, I am quite impressed with the quality of the Covergirl Outlast Stay Brilliant nail polishes. While Coral Silk was a dud for me, the other three had great formulas and beautiful colors. The best part is they retail for just $5.99 at drugstores, but are often on sale! Plus, you can use the Covergirl coupons that come in the Sunday paper for an even better discount. I find these are so fabulous and affordable that I went back to the store and purchased another for myself. Keep an eye out for that in a future post, and thank you again for joining me on my Adventures in Polishland!