cruelty free – Adventures in Polishland

Tag: cruelty free

Empty Product Reviews | My Go To Cruelty Free Skincare, Hair Care, and Body Care

Posted on July 7, 2021 by Adventures in Polishland

It’s been quite some time since I shared an Empties post here on the blog (it appears the last one was in 2017 – oops!). While I’ve shared snippets on my Instagram regularly, I thought it would be fun to share mini reviews with you on all of the products I’ve used up recently. The skincare, hair care, and body care items in this post are some of my go to cruelty free and vegan products that I repurchase regularly. You’ll also notice that I am quite loyal to both The Body Shop and Derma E! I love both of these brands because they offer effective products at prices I can afford.

Empty Product Reviews | My Go To Cruelty Free Skincare, Hair Care, and Body Care

Products from Derma E provided for my unbiased review. This post includes affiliate links.

Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub | $15.50 | BUY

First up is the Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub with Activated Charcoal. I’ve used this scrub for many years. It’s gentle enough to use daily, but still effective at keeping the skin clear and free of dry flakes. I recently stopped using this on my face, as I was using a cleanser with a chemical exfoliant (more on that later). Instead, I’ve used this in my underarms about 1-2 times per week. This has really helped to get rid of any odors that I experience after working out in the humid summer months, all while using a natural deodorant.

Derma E Anti-Wrinkle Cleanser | $13.75 | BUY

The cleanser I used up is the Derma E Anti-Wrinkle Cleanser. This is a new-to-me product, but I absolutely loved it! As mentioned, this has glycolic acid in it to exfoliate the skin. I found that my face was much more even, hydrated, and clear when using this product. It was also nice to not have to use a physical exfoliant as an additional step in my skincare routine. I love testing out new cleansers, but I would definitely consider repurchasing this one.

The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Eye Concentrate | $32.00 | BUY

Next up is my all-time favorite eye care product, The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Eye Concentrate. This is an eye serum, and comes with a rollerball applicator. This is the only eye care product that works for me! I find that it helps to minimize my fine lines when I use it regularly. I do wish the packaging was more environmentally friendly, but I continue to repurchase this because I like it so much.

The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Essence-Lotion | $24.00

Another favorite product of mine is The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Essence-Lotion. I use this morning and night before I apply serum. My skin loves this product, as it helps to keep my skin hydrated, clear, and smooth. It’s currently not available on The Body Shop’s website, and I’m seriously hoping it hasn’t been discontinued! If you do ever see this back in stock, I highly recommend it.

The Body Shop Juicy Pear Body Scrub | $24.00 | BUY SIMILAR

Moving onto body care, I used up the Juicy Pear Body Scrub from The Body Shop. This was a limited edition holiday scent, but I really enjoy the scrubs from The Body Shop. This one was a sugar-based scrub, but I enjoy all of the available formulas as long as they are vegan. I typically like to grab a few scrubs during the Black Friday sale to save money and stock up for the year. They smell great, and keep the skin really smooth.

The Body Shop Make-Up Setting Spray | $6.00 | BUY

A hidden gem product at The Body Shop is definitely the Make-Up Setting Spray. This is by far my favorite setting spray ever! Not only does it keep my makeup in place throughout the day, but it helps reduce any cakey appearance. This spray has aloe vera in it as well, so it helps to keep the skin hydrated. My only critique with this product is that the bottle is only 60 ml. I would buy this in jumbo size if I could!

Derma E Thickening Conditioner | $9.99 | BUY

Last but not last is the Derma E Thickening Conditioner. I first tried this product when I received it from the brand for review, and now I’ve purchased it twice myself. I like this conditioner because it is gentle on the scalp and hydrating for my hair without making it greasy. I pair this conditioner with the Scalp Relief Shampoo for my go to hair routine.

That wraps up this round of empty product reviews! I hope you’ve found this post helpful if you are also on the lookout for cruelty free and vegan products that are worth the money. Please let me know in the comments if you would like to see regular empties posts here on the blog. I love sharing mini reviews of all the beauty products I’ve used up completely!

Zoya Nail Polish Dreamin’ Collection | Swatches + Review

Posted on May 31, 2021 by Adventures in Polishland

Today I am excited to share with you swatches and a full review of the Zoya Nail Polish Dreamin’ Collection for Summer 2021. This six piece collection contains a variety of shades and finishes that can be worn individually, or in a multitude of combinations for a bright, fun manicure perfect for the summer season. Zoya is a cruelty free brand, and all of their nail polishes are vegan. Let’s jump in and talk more about these polishes, and stay tuned to the end of the post for a simple nail art look!

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

I swatched all of these nail polishes over the Holo Taco Peely Base. I decided not to wear any top coat in these swatches, as this collection contains a few different finishes. I was also really impressed with how glossy the cream formulas are without a top coat! As always, these swatches are photographed in natural lighting.

Desi

The first polish in the Dreamin’ Collection is Desi, what Zoya describes as a vibrant geranium coral cream. Desi is opaque in two coats, and I’m loving the bright pop of color. The cream polishes in this line have easy to work with formulas that are self-leveling. I can see Desi being a staple polish in the warmer months!

Polly

Next up is Polly, described as a lush fruit-punch pink cream. Polly is opaque in two coats and has a smooth formula that applies well. While the color is beautiful, I find it brings out the red undertones I have in my fair skin. Nonetheless, this is a pretty polish and Polly would look great on many people!

Darla

The last pink shade in the collection is Darla, described as a Gerber Daisy pink cream. Darla is also opaque in two coats. This polish has some blue undertones to it. I do have a few similar shades in my nail polish collection, but I definitely recommend Darla if you’re searching for this type of pink!

Skipper

Next up is Skipper, a milky purple neon. This polish has the EasyNeon formula introduced earlier this year. You can read my full thoughts on the original EasyNeon Collection HERE. Skipper is opaque in three coats, and has my favorite EasyNeon formula thus far. I’m loving this purple shade, and the matte finish looks cool. Of course, you can apply a glossy top coat if that is more to your liking.

Mateo

One of my favorite polishes in the collection is Mateo, described as a cool-toned pacific blue cream. Mateo is opaque in two coats, and looks just stunning! I love blue nail polishes, and this one is no exception. Most of my bright blue nail polishes are not this cool-toned, so Mateo is a welcome addition to my collection.

Summer

Last but not least is Summer, a mermaid shimmer featuring flashes of green and gold with a blue base. Summer is opaque in three coats, and has a super smooth formula. This is surprisingly my favorite nail polish in the Dreamin’ Collection! I usually prefer cream formulas, but Summer is so beautiful and absolutely perfect for the summer season.

Nail Art with Mateo and Summer

I loved Summer so much I decided to break out my nail stamping supplies. I used Born Pretty Store plate BP-L027 to add some wave designs using Mateo. The result ended up being really subtle, but I like the beach vibes! I finished off the manicure with Holo Taco Super Glossy Taco to seal the stamp in place. You can use code FZL91 to save 10% off your order at Born Pretty Store.

All in all, I’m loving the Zoya Nail Polish Dreamin’ Collection for Summer 2021! I did not have any issues with the formulas, and I am pleasantly surprised with my love for Summer! I like that this collection contains three different finishes. My only critique would be that I wish we had a bit more shade variation versus the three pinks that are included. Otherwise, I highly recommend all of the Dreamin’ polishes, and I look forward to using them more myself!

You can purchase the Dreamin’ Collection on Zoya’s website HERE. Individual polishes are $12.00 each.

Zoya Nail Polish Bridal Bliss Collection | Swatches and Review

Posted on May 30, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

Today I’m excited to share with you a full review of the Zoya Nail Polish Bridal Bliss Collection. This is a 12-piece nail polish collection that was originally released in January of 2018. Bridal Bliss is a curated collection, meaning that Zoya hand-picked nail polishes from its existing product line to showcase the perfect polishes for brides. In addition, Zoya created one brand new shade to add some holographic bling to the range. The Bridal Bliss Collection is unique in that it is marketed to the bridal industry and not the average consumer. I personally find the nail polishes in this collection to be a bit hit and miss, so let’s jump into the review.

The products in this post were provided for my review. This post includes affiliate links.

I am wearing base coat and a glossy top coat from Pacifica in all of the swatches in this post. As always, Zoya is a Logical Harmony Approved cruelty free brand, and all of the brand’s nail polishes are vegan.

Leia

First up in the Bridal Bliss Collection is Leia, a sheer opalescent white with flecks of fuchsia, green, and gold. I am wearing three coats of Leia in the above swatches. Leia has a sheer finish when worn on its own, but it is also a stunning topper. I will show you what Leia looks like when layered over the other polishes in this collection at the end of this post. If you do wear Leia alone, I recommend thin coats.

Brighton

Next up is Brighton, the one brand new nail polish in this collection. Zoya describes Brighton as a full coverage, diamond holographic soft nude. Unfortunately, I had trouble with this formula. I am wearing three coats of Brighton in the above swatches, and I did not achieve opacity. Brighton’s formula is quite streaky, sheer, and patchy for me. I tried to use it as a topper since it is so sheer, but it didn’t work since it’s so streaky. Brighton does look nice in the photos, but because the formula is so difficult to work with I cannot recommend it.

McKenna

The first shimmer in the collection is McKenna, described as a refined pearl in a soft almond. I am wearing two coats of McKenna in the above swatches. This polish has an excellent formula, and I really like the subtle shimmer. I think McKenna is a great nail polish to add to your collection. The shade is work appropriate, but the hint of shimmer adds a nice touch.

Chantal

Chantal is the first cream polish in the collection. Zoya describes this polish as a delicious, full coverage French nude vanilla cream. While Chantal does look stunning once dry, I had a lot of issues with this formula. It is very streaky and messy, and required some cleanup in order to get a nice manicure. My glossy top coat really helped to even out Chantal. I applied two coats to achieve opacity. While the shade is beautiful, the formula was too tricky for me to recommend.

Loretta

The Bridal Bliss Collection contains some nail polishes that are designed for a French manicure. While you wouldn’t necessarily wear these polishes alone, I did regular swatches so you can see what the polish looks like on the nails. Loretta is described by Zoya as a light beige with a sheer creme finish. I am wearing three coats of Loretta in the above swatches. What’s interesting about this polish is it gives my nails a high gloss finish with just a hint of beige color. However, you can see my natural nail underneath, and if you have any marks or imperfections, they will be visible. Loretta reminds me of a ridge filler base coat, but I can see its use in French manicures for sure.

Erika

Next up is Erika, described as a soft, girly pale baby pink with lots of fine gold shimmer. Erika looks more like a peach shade with my skin tone. I am wearing three coats of polish in the above swatches, and this polish is still very sheer. This is not my cup of tea because I like an opaque manicure, but Erika is a beautiful polish. I recommend three thin coats with this one.

Bela

Bela is the other French manicure polish in this collection. Zoya describes this shade as a ballet slipper pink in a sheer, milky creme finish. I applied three coats of Bela in the above swatches. I was surprised at how white this polish appears on the nails since the polish looks quite pink in the bottle. If you prefer a more pigmented French manicure, Bela is a great option.

Avril

Next up is Avril, a soft neutral pink with light brown undertones. Avril has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. This polish is so close to my pink-toned skin shade that it gives me a “my nails but better” look. Avril is perfect if you want just a hint of warm pink on your nails!

Rue

Rue is one of my all time favorite Zoya polishes, and I’m excited to see it in this collection! Zoya describes Rue as a full coverage boudoir, blush cream. I used my original bottle of Rue for these swatches, and I’m happy to report the formula has not aged a bit! Rue has a stunning finish and is opaque in two coats. It is very similar to Avril, but leans more mauve.

Abby

Another favorite of mine is Abby, a light lavender cream polish. Abby is opaque in two coats and has an amazing formula. This purple shade is a spring staple for me! I think it looks stunning on everyone, and it’s a nice color for a bridal collection.

Blu

If you want your “something blue” to be on your nails, look no further than Blu! This is described as a soft and delicate pale baby blue creme. Blu also has an amazing formula that is opaque in two coats. This polish is definitely a great staple for any nail polish collection!

Snow White

The last polish in this collection is Snow White, a pure white creme polish. Unfortunately, this polish has a troublesome formula for me. I found Snow White quite streaky and patchy. The top coat helped to smooth it out a bit, but I’m disappointed in this polish. I remember when I first started blogging, Snow White was the go-to white shade for many nail polish lovers. Perhaps I got a bad batch, but I would not recommend this polish.

What Leia Looks Like as a Topper

I also wanted to show you what Leia looks like when layered over the other polishes in this collection. I layered one coat of Leia over all of the polishes (except Brighton) and added a glossy top coat. I absolutely love the effect that Leia gives to the nails! The first photo above starts with McKenna, and continues with Chantal, Loretta, Erika, and Bela. The second photo shows Leia over Avril, Rue, Abby, Blu, and Snow White. The moral of the story is Leia is a stunning polish that can transform your manicure!

Final Thoughts

Overall, I think the Bridal Bliss Collection was a great concept for Zoya. It’s an all-encompassing line of nail polishes that salons and bridal boutiques can have on hand for any wedding party. Unfortunately, the execution of this line left a little to be desired. Zoya is one of my favorite nail polish brands, and I feel like they had other options in their line with better formulas. In the end, my top picks and must haves from the Bridal Bliss Collection are Leia, McKenna, Avril, Rue, Abby, and Blu. The polishes I would not recommend are Brighton, Chantal, and Snow White. When it comes to Loretta, Erika, Bela, and Avril, I think these polishes have nice formulas, but they are not my own personal favorites. Thus, instead of purchasing the entire Bridal Bliss Collection, I recommend picking the shades that you like best.

You can purchase the Bridal Bliss Collection on Zoya’s website. Individual polishes are $10.00 each.

Derma E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask Review | #MayMaskChallenge

Posted on May 17, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

This month I’ve been participating in the #MayMaskChallenge hosted by Lisa Stevens. My goal is to use a face mask at least once each week, and so far I’ve really enjoyed giving my skin a bit of extra TLC. One of my favorite masks is the Derma E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask. I’ve used up almost an entire tube of it, and I already have a back-up ready in my mask collection. That being said, this mask can be a bit tricky to work with, so I thought it would be helpful to share my tips for using this mask.

Derma E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask Review

The product in this post was provided for my review. This post includes affiliate links.

The Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask from Derma E has a dual-action formula that deep cleans the pores and exfoliates the skin to leave it fresh and glowing. The mask contains Activated Charcoal, which helps to remove dirt, oil, and bacteria from the skin. Derma E recommends application as follows: “Apply generously to clean face, avoiding eye and lip areas. Leave on for five minutes or until mask is dry. Moisten fingertips, then massage gently in a circular motion to activate exfoliants” prior to rinsing off the mask and patting the skin dry. I mention the instructions written on the tube because, after using this product multiple times, I slightly alter the application to make the mask work better for me.

This mask can be a bit intense since it is such a deep-cleansing mask. One time, I left the mask on my skin a bit too long, and my skin was a little red and irritated when I washed it off. I realized that instead of generously applying this mask, it is best to apply a very thin layer to the face. That is because the mask can take several minutes to dry. In the photo above, I show what the mask looks like upon application, and what it looks like after it dries. It took over 12 minutes to dry, and you can see there is a small patch where it is still wet. Thus, I now use a small amount of this mask, and wash it off immediately after five minutes has passed even though it may not be completely dry. While I do not follow the brand’s directions, I still get a great result from the mask! A little definitely goes a long way with this product.

I absolutely love the Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask because my skin not only feels vey clean and smooth, but I feel like I can visibly see a difference after each use. Of course, any dry skin is exfoliated away, but my pores are less noticeable and my complexion appears more even. I also love that this mask removes added dirt and oil, but it does not leave my skin feeling dry. It’s one of my all-time favorite masks to give my skin a deep clean!

The Derma E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask is available for purchase on Derma E’s website for $19.50 HERE. You can also purchase a sample packet for $4.00 if you want to test the mask prior to investing in the full size.

2020 Makeup Inventory | My Minimalist and Vegan Makeup Collection

Posted on January 5, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

Since discovering the online makeup world in 2012, my makeup collection has grown and changed a great deal over the last few years. While it can be a lot of fun to have a large makeup collection, I personally find that a small, curated collection of the products I actually use is best for me. As someone who typically wears the same face of makeup every day, there is no reason for me to have a lot of options. Instead, I focus on owning products I will use up to completion. This helps me eliminate waste, it saves me a great deal of money, and it allows me to choose my makeup collection with great care. I wanted to start off 2020 by sharing with you my current makeup inventory in its entirety.

2020 Makeup Inventory | My Minimalist and Vegan Makeup Collection

All of the products I share with you today are cruelty free and vegan. I will also be using affiliate links to share these products with you. If you make a purchase after clicking on a link in this blog post, I will earn a small commission. Thank you!

Face Products

I currently own one face primer, one foundation, and two concealers. I am very happy with this category in my stash! I am currently using a facial moisturizer from Derma E that works really well under makeup, so there is no need for me to have more face primers at the moment. I also haven’t been wearing a full face of makeup lately, so I rarely reach for foundation. Instead, I use concealer to cover redness in my T-zone, and having two concealers makes sense for me.

Setting Powders | Vegan and Cruelty Free

I currently have three face powders in my collection. That being said, two of these are basically empty right now! I need to repress those two so I can use them up completely. I only need one setting powder in my collection, and this one from Pacifica is a favorite of mine.

Eye Products

Eye Makeup Collection | Brows, Shadow, and Mascara

My eye makeup collection is one category where I’ve greatly reduced the amount of products I own. I fill in my eyebrows every day, so I have my one tried-and-true brow powder and one open eyebrow gel. I do have one eyebrow gel in my backup drawer as well. Since I do not wear eyeshadow regularly, there is no need for me to have more than a few basic items. I am currently using a concealer as an eyeshadow base, and I have one primer in my backup drawer. For eyeshadow, I have one duo and one holographic liquid shadow for the few times a year I want something more. Lastly, I own one mascara that I replace every three to four months.

Cheek Products

I think cheek products are my favorite part of makeup! I love blush and highlighter, and I am happy with the amount of products I own in this category. I have one blush palette, which is more than enough. But, I also love the matte Tarte blush I got from a kit, and The Body Shop Shimmer Waves palette is great for blush, highlighter, or eyeshadow. I also use my contour palette from The Body Shop for eyeshadow as well. The only product I probably don’t need is the liquid highlighter from NYX – I don’t use it often.

Lip Products

Just like eye products, I used to own a lot of lip products. However, I learned in the past few years that I really do not like wearing lip products! I am always drinking water, and I don’t like it when lip products transfer or wear off throughout the day. I currently have three lip products in my collection, and I could probably declutter all of them! I have an invisible lip liner, a lip oil, and a tinted lip balm. If I don’t grab for these throughout the year, I will declutter them and not buy anymore lip products unless it is for a specific reason or occasion!

Setting Sprays

Last but not least, I have three setting sprays in my collection. I am currently using one from elf, and I got two of my holy grail sprays from The Body Shop for Christmas this year. I love setting spray, but I know some people feel like it doesn’t do anything. For me, it is a must!

Total Inventory

As 2020 begins, I currently own a total of 27 makeup products! Overall, I am really happy with my collection. There are only a few products in my stash that I do not use regularly (mainly the lip products), but everything else is part of my regular routine and rotation. I like having my go-to products that work for me, with a few fun options in my favorite categories – blush and highlighter. The last time I did a full makeup inventory was in 2018, and at that time I owned 55 makeup products. I am amazed that my collection has shrunk in half! It shows I truly don’t need a large quantity of products.

Please share with me in the comments if you prefer to have a small or large makeup collection. If you are looking to be more minimalistic and mindful with the things you own, I find your makeup is a great place to start. If you would like to see a full review of a product I mentioned today, please let me know in a comment as well!

What’s on My Sephora Loves List?! | My Current Beauty Wish List (Vegan and Cruelty Free)

Posted on March 19, 2018May 24, 2018 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! I recently saw a YouTube video from JAMBeauty89 in which she discussed the products on her Sephora Loves List. I thought this was a really fun idea, and wanted to share what is currently on my own Beauty Wish List with all of you! I love perusing the Sephora website, but it is rare that I actually make a purchase. Instead, I add products I’m interested in to my Loves List on the website so that I can easily find them again at a later date. I have ten products on my Loves List right now, some I may purchase in the future, and others that I may take off the list at some point. Let me show you the vegan and cruelty free beauty products on my wish list right now!

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

You can use the widget below to view all of the products I’m mentioning today. Simply click on a product to purchase it online!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Blush Trio in Berry Adore | $30.00 [BUY]

I’ve been on the hunt for a purple, berry-toned blush for a while now. I think this trio from Anastasia contains the perfect shade, but I’m hesitant to buy it because of the price, and because I only want one of the blushes in the trio. I might pick this up once the fall months roll around, but I’m currently still looking for a more affordable option of this purple shade.

Cover FX Power Play Foundation | $44.00 [BUY]

Cover FX just released this new line of vegan foundations, and I’m definitely curious to try it. In addition to buying vegan cosmetics, I’m also trying to be aware of supporting brands that cater to a wide variety of skin tones. I love that this line offers 40 different shades, including a variety of shades for those with deep skin tones. Of course, I love that this foundation is formulated to be matte and long-wearing, too.

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick | $46.00 [BUY]

I was really disappointed when e.l.f. discontinued its foundation stick, and I’ve been looking for another option these past few months. This one from Hourglass has amazing reviews, but I cannot get over the price tag! I don’t think I could ever spend so much on a stick foundation, but I keep it on my list just in case it ever goes on sale.

IGK Low Key Cleansing Walnut Scalp Scrub | $36.00 [BUY]

I recently used up a deluxe sample of this scalp scrub from IGK, and I really enjoyed it. Because I have a flaky scalp, using a scrub helps to remove dry skin and excess product while providing a soothing cooling sensation. I use the IGK Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm every time I wash my hair, so I’m a huge believer in this brand’s effectiveness. I am looking for a more affordable scalp scrub, but I do see myself grabbing this one in the future.

Smashbox Iconic Photo Finish Foundation Primer | $49.00 [BUY]

Sephora now has a section on its website for Value Size products (shop HERE), and I saw one of my all-time favorite primers listed there from Smashbox. While $49.00 is a lot to spend at once, this jumbo size is a great value, and it’s also better for the environment to buy larger sizes and use less plastic. I currently have a few primers in my beauty stash, but I will probably purchase this one during a Sephora coupon event to get even more savings.

Smashbox Super Fan Mascara | $19.00 [BUY]

I typically do not buy high end mascaras, but Smashbox just released the Super Fan Mascara, and it looks amazing! I really like rubber mascara wands, and this mascara is designed to give long lashes without any clumps. I’m hoping Sephora will offer a mini size as a Point Perk sometime soon, because I would really like to try this mascara without spending nearly $20.00!

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask | $48.00 [BUY]

This face mask is taking over Instagram, and it has definitely piqued my interest. The Jet Lag Mask is a hydrating mask, inspired by how airplane travel dries out the skin. What’s really cool about this mask is that it can be worn in a variety of ways. I’m definitely hesitant to buy this mask because of the price tag, but the hype surrounding this product is so strong that I want to keep it on my wish list!

The Ordinary High -Adherence Silicone Primer | $4.90 [BUY]

I’m very curious to try out some products from the ultra-affordable brand The Ordinary. I’m not sure where to start with a lot of the skincare products, but this primer sounds amazing to me. Whenever Sephora restocks The Ordinary, the products seem to sell out instantly. That leads me to believe it is worth the hype! Plus, who can resist trying a mattifying and blurring primer that is under $5.00?

Too Faced Peach Perfect Comfort Matte Foundation | $36.00 [BUY]

I had no intention of picking up anything from the Too Faced Peaches and Cream Collection, but I keep hearing glowing reviews of this foundation from YouTubers I trust (namely Kelly Gooch and Love Heatherette). This foundation is supposed to provide medium coverage that stays matte all day. While it is on the expensive side, you do get 1.6 fl. oz. of product, as opposed to the standard 1 fl. oz. that comes with most foundations. I hope to pick this up once I’ve used the other foundations in my collection!

Verb Hydrating Mask | $16.00 [BUY]

My hair is very dry, and I want to start using more hydrating products on it. This mask sounds great, as it is formulated to be weightless and suitable for all hair types. I haven’t heard anyone talk about this product yet, but the price seems very fair, so I might pick it up soon.

That wraps up all of the current products on my Sephora Loves List! I would love to hear from you in the comments – have you tried these products? Do you recommend them? Please let me know! I think sharing our wish lists is not only a lot of fun, but it can be very helpful as well. If you would like to know what is on my Ulta Favorites list, let me know in a comment! I would be happy to share those products as well.

What is on your Sephora Loves List? Let me know in the comments!

Shop this blog post with ShopStyle! Click the photo below to see all of the products.

5 Beauty Brands I Wish Would Go Vegan!

Posted on March 12, 2018May 24, 2018 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I thought it would be fun to share with you my top five beauty brands that I wish would go vegan. Of course, in a perfect world, all brands would stop testing on animals and using animal ingredients and byproducts. That being said, there are a handful of brands that I really miss using now that I’m vegan. While I can almost always find vegan replacements for products I used to enjoy, there are a few things that I would love to be able to repurchase with a vegan formula. Here are the five beauty brands that I wish would go vegan!

1. Sally Hansen

Adventures in Polishland began purely as a nail polish blog, and my favorite brand was always Sally Hansen. Not only does Sally Hansen have extremely budget friendly options, but the quality of the polishes is excellent as well. From the ultra-affordable Xtreme Wear line, to the stunning Miracle Gel formulas, I could always find a polish I loved from this drugstore brand. I would love to see Sally Hansen go vegan, as it can be difficult to find affordable vegan nail polishes at the drugstore.

2. CoverGirl

Another drugstore brand I miss using is CoverGirl. My favorite product was the TruBlend Liquid Makeup foundation. I went through several bottles of this product, and it was my go to foundation. I also really liked the Clump Crusher mascara. While I have been able to find a drugstore foundation from Wet ‘n Wild that I like, it still doesn’t compare to my old faithful TruBlend. Plus, it would be great if this classic makeup brand would take a stance against animal cruelty, and provide customers with affordable and vegan products.

3. Benefit

The one high end brand on this list is Benefit. I liked testing and trying a lot of Benefit’s products, but the ones I miss the most are the blushes. My go to shade for years was Hervana, and I even had a Benefit blush palette that I used all the time. I currently love the blushes I use from Tarte, but the vegan shades I own are all limited edition. I would love for Benefit to stop testing on animals and begin creating product formulas that do not contain any animal derived ingredients.

4. L’Oreal

When it comes to hair care, I really miss the L’Oreal shampoos, conditioners, and styling products I used to use. Not only are L’Oreal hair products really affordable, but they were also very effective in caring for my hair. Since going vegan, I’ve struggled to find products that work as well at the same price point. I don’t mind spending more if it means getting a vegan product, but it would be awesome if L’Oreal would commit to going vegan. I also need to mention that the L’Oreal mascaras were some of my absolute favorites. Wouldn’t it be awesome if I could buy the Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara again?!

5. Rimmel

Last but not least is Rimmel, another budget friendly brand from the drugstore. The main reason I miss Rimmel is because the brand makes my Holy Grail setting powder in the Stay Matte Pressed Powder. I went through several of these powders, and am having a hard time finding a vegan dupe. Of course, I also loved the Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation and the Keep Calm Lip Balms. I hope that Rimmel will take a stance against animal cruelty, and go vegan very soon!

Some Final Thoughts

It’s important to note that many of the brands I mentioned today either claim to be cruelty free, or write misleading animal testing policies on their websites. I highly recommend checking out sources like Ethical Elephant, Logical Harmony, and Cruelty Free Kitty if you are ever unsure about a brand’s cruelty free or vegan status. Please click HERE to learn more about why Benefit, L’Oreal, and Rimmel are not cruelty free.

Moreover, while I do miss using some non-vegan products, particularly the ones mentioned today, going cruelty free and vegan is overall quite easy and always worth the extra effort. There are so many brands that are either 100% vegan, or offer a lot of vegan products. I can still go to the drugstore or Target and pick up many of the products I need, or I can place an online order with Ulta, Vitacost, or Sephora if I have trouble finding things in the store. I highly encourage you to transition to a cruelty free and vegan lifestyle, and I think you will find it is much easier than you expect!

Follow me on Instagram HERE for daily vegan beauty and lifestyle tips!

If All My Makeup Disappeared | Rebuilding a Vegan and Cruelty Free Makeup Collection for $100

Posted on March 10, 2018May 24, 2018 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! I recently saw a YouTube video from Jacks Lorraine where she built a makeup collection from scratch for $100. I really liked this idea, and wanted to share which products I would pick if all of my makeup disappeared, too. Some of the products I’m mentioning today are ones I’ve already tried and loved, and others are brand new to me. The idea is that if I only had $100 to spend, I could go out and purchase everything I needed to create the makeup looks I like. Of course, all of the products I am choosing are vegan. I hope this goes to show that being vegan can actually be extremely affordable!

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

You can use the widget below to view all of the products I’m mentioning today. Simply click on a product to purchase it online!

Primer | Wet ‘n Wild Photo Focus Matte Face Primer | $4.99 [BUY]

While I haven’t yet tried this primer, I have a feeling it is very similar to the one I am currently enjoying from Milani, but at a smaller price point. I have large pores in my T-zone, and my skin gets oily throughout the day. I think this matte primer will tackle both of those concerns well!

Foundation | Wet ‘n Wild Photo Focus Foundation | $5.99 [BUY]

I currently use this foundation from Wet ‘n Wild, and really enjoy it. I find this is a medium and buildable coverage, and I believe it will work well any time of year. I do find that it can enhance dry skin, but it should work well when paired with the primer I chose.

Concealer | Wet ‘n Wild Photo Focus Concealer | $3.99 [BUY]

I decided to complete my face base routine with the Wet ‘n Wild Concealer. I currently use this concealer, and I really enjoy the formula. The lightest shade matches my skin tone exactly, so while I can’t use this for highlighting, I want this in my makeup collection for covering blemishes. I also use this alone on days where I don’t want to use foundation, but have some redness to cover.

Brows | Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo | $23.00 [BUY]

My one high end product in this list is my Holy Grail eyebrow product – the Brow Powder Duo from Anastasia. This is the only product I’ve used for my brows since I purchased it over a year ago. I find it is very natural looking, and does a great job at filling in my sparse but wide brows. While expensive, this product lasts forever! I’ve used the same one for nearly a year and a half now, and it still works beautifully with a lot of product remaining.

Brow Gel | e.l.f. Cosmetics Clear Brow and Lash Mascara | $2.00 [BUY]

The other half of my beloved eyebrow routine is the ultra-affordable brow gel from e.l.f. I use this clear mascara to set my powder in place, and it does a great job. I use each side of this product for about three months, which means this $2.00 eyebrow gel lasts me half a year!

Eyeshadow | ColourPop Double Entendre Pressed Powder Shadow Palette | $16.00 [BUY]

Believe it or not, but I have not tried any products from the cult favorite brand ColourPop! Now that it is available at Ulta, that will probably change very soon. That being said, I would be very excited to add the Double Entendre Palette to my stash. This neutral eyeshadow palette contains twelve shades – cool tones, warm tones, mattes, metallics, and a satin, too! While I don’t wear eyeshadow all that often, this will be perfect for the days I wish to do so. Plus, I can easily use my concealer as an eyeshadow primer and save myself a few dollars.

Mascara | Wet ‘n Wild MegaLength Mascara | $2.99 [BUY]

I’ve tried seven different mascaras since I’ve gone vegan, and the best by far is the MegaLength from Wet ‘n Wild. This mascara lives up to its name, and makes my lashes very long. I find that I get fuller-looking lashes without any clumps. Even though this doesn’t add too much volume, it is my go-to mascara and I would absolutely buy it again (and again!).

Blush | e.l.f. Powder Blush Palette in Light | $6.00 [BUY]

I owned this blush palette a few years ago, and absolutely loved it. I ended up decluttering it because it was very old, but I would definitely recommend this product. The blushes from e.l.f. are extremely pigmented, and they blend really well. Plus, having a blush palette means I can wear a variety of shades, and also get a custom shade by mixing them.

Highlighter | bh Cosmetics Nude Rose Highlighter Palette | $11.99 [BUY]

I decided to go the same route with highlighters, and chose this palette from bh Cosmetics. I’ve never tried highlighters from this brand before, but the shades look absolutely gorgeous! The palette also has good reviews online, so I think this would make a great addition to my makeup stash. I’m especially loving the rosy pink shade!

Setting Powder | Pacifica Neutralizing Mattifer Soft Focus Translucent Powder | $12.00 [BUY]

To set my face I am grabbing a new favorite product from Pacifica. This powder applies easily and looks beautiful on the skin. I use a fluffy blush to set my face, and so far I think it does a great job at keeping my oil in check. I also love that this comes in a cardboard compact that can be recycled better than plastic.

Lips | Pacifica Color Quench Lip Tint in Guava Berry | $5.00 [BUY]

When it comes to lip color, I typically wear a tinted lip balm or some other subtle product. I used to own a Color Quench Lip Tint from Pacifica, and used it until it expired. I would love to try another shade from this line and have it be my daily color. It’s an added bonus that this lip tint moisturizes the lips, too!

Setting Spray | The Body Shop Make-Up Setting Spray | $7.00 [BUY]

Last but not least, I will lock everything in place with this setting spray from The Body Shop. I recently started testing this, and I’m really loving it! Not only does it help keep my makeup in place, but it helps to soothe the skin with aloe vera. The mister also works very well when applying the product.

What’s not included? You may notice I don’t have an eyeliner, bronzer, or contour on this list. That’s because those are products I don’t use regularly, and could easily leave out of my daily makeup routine. I’ve made sure to pick out everything I need with my budget!

THE GRAND TOTAL: $100.95

If you’ve done the math with me, you’ll know I’m technically over my budget by $0.95. I am totally fine with that, though, because some of these products can almost always be purchased on sale or with a coupon.

Here is an example of how my prices would fall today, March 10, 2018:

Purchase Wet ‘n Wild Mascara in-store at Target – $2.99
Purchase bh Cosmetics Palette in-store at Urban Outfitters – $12.00
Purchase The Body Shop Setting Spray in-store – $7.00
Purchase everything else at Ulta online – $75.47 (using $3.50 off $15.00 coupon; free shipping at $50.00)

TOTAL: $97.46

Ta da! I’m now under budget! Today’s sales are not even that great either! Nonetheless, if all my makeup disappeared, I would be happy purchasing everything on this list for under $100.

I would love to know how you would rebuild your makeup collection!

Leave me a comment sharing your picks!

Support other Vegan and Cruelty Free YouTubers/Bloggers Who Have Done This Tag:

Jacks Lorraine: LINK
Unnatural Vegan: LINK
Too Much Tash: LINK

Shop This Blog Post with ShopStyle! Click the Photo to See all the Products Mentioned.

FOREO Black Friday Sale 2017 | The Best Luxury Skincare Gift

Posted on November 23, 2017November 22, 2017 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today is Thanksgiving for all of us in the United States, and that means Black Friday sales are about to be in full swing. A couple years ago I received a FOREO LUNA to review for my blog (see that post HERE), and I’ve been loving it ever since. This product is by far my favorite luxury skincare item, and I think it makes the perfect holiday gift. Today I will be sharing information about FOREO’s 2017 Black Friday Sale with all of you, and letting you know why I think the LUNA is worth every penny.

This post includes affiliate links. The product was originally provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

This year you can get up to 25% off select products at FOREO.com. Use code BFAFF17 from November 23 through November 29, 2017 HERE. You can also get cash back on any FOREO purchase when you shop through Ebates HERE. While this may not seem like a big discount, it is a huge savings when products range from $39.00 – $6,500.00!

As mentioned, I’ve used the FOREO LUNA for Combination Skin since receiving it in the summer of 2015. I absolutely love this device because it is made with nonabrasive silicone. Unlike competitor skincare devices that require you to change the brush head every 3-4 months, you never have to change anything on this cleansing tool, which saves you hundreds of dollars in the long run. Plus, the FOREO LUNA is cruelty free, unlike the leading competitor brand.

I also love that the LUNA keeps its charge for a long period of time. I have never had to charge it since I first got it, and I’ve been using it for over two years! I keep mine in the shower, which I am able to do since it is waterproof. The benefits seem endless with this product!

Of course, I also love how my skin feels with this device. It is effective at cleansing and exfoliating my skin, yet gentle at the same time. I like that there are a variety of speed levels, so I can set the LUNA to the speed that works for my skin. I use the blue model, which has a brush formulated for combination skin, but there are also models for normal, oily, and sensitive skin as well. The LUNA is also available in mini size, which is great for travel and if you want to save some money.

In the end, I highly recommend the FOREO line of luxury skincare devices. While they are an investment, they make a huge difference in my skincare routine, and I’m happy to report how much I’m still loving this product after over two years of using it regularly. Whether you are looking to purchase one for yourself or as a gift this holiday season, I hope this post was helpful!

Have you tried the FOREO LUNA? Let me know in the comments!

Wet ‘n Wild Crease Brush Review | Dollar Tree Find

Posted on March 22, 2017March 19, 2017 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! I recently spotted a bunch of Wet ‘n Wild makeup brushes at Dollar Tree, and decided to pick one up to try. All of the brushes in this line are cruelty free, gluten free, and vegan. I figured even if I didn’t love the brush, it was worth it for just $1.00! I picked up the Crease Brush, as I tend to always need a clean crease brush whenever I’m doing an eyeshadow look. Let me share my thoughts on this Wet ‘n Wild Crease Brush, and let you know if it’s worth the dollar.

Here is a quick look at the Crease Brush in the packaging. It comes in a reusable plastic sleeve, and has a white handle with white and pink bristles. All of the makeup brushes in this line have the same coloring, so it’s easy to spot them in the store. My Dollar Tree had a display of these brushes on the end of the makeup aisle, but if you don’t find them right away definitely do a search of the full store. Sometimes items are placed randomly at dollar stores!

The first thing I noticed about the brush is that it has a bigger head than the other crease brushes in my collection. The bristles do feel very soft to the touch, and there are a good amount of bristles on this one brush. While the Wet ‘n Wild Crease Brush does not do a great job at picking up shadows, it does nicely blend them. This is definitely a great brush to have on hand purely for blending. If you are looking for a brush that will apply a lot of shadow, this is not the brush for you. However, I’m very glad I own this for blending purposes. It is a great find for just $1.00!

All in all, I’m happy I grabbed the Wet ‘n Wild Crease Brush. It is definitely worth the money, and I am interested in trying out the other brushes in the line. Next time I go to Dollar Tree I will be sure to purchase one of the eyeshadow brushes designed to apply shadow to the lid. I’m interested to see if they will pick up a lot of shadow. I recommend visiting your local Dollar Tree and seeing what makeup products you can find for $1.00!

Have you tried any Wet ‘n Wild makeup brushes? Let me know in the comments!