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Back to School Week | Drugstore Nail Polish Kit

Posted on August 24, 2015August 21, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! It is officially the first day of Back to School Week here at Adventures in Polishland! I thought it would be fun to share with you a drugstore nail polish kit for back to school. This kit contains six different nail polishes that I think are the absolute basics to have in your collection. If you have these six polishes, you will be able to create the perfect manicure for any situation! Instead of telling you specific nail polishes that I think you need, I’m going to tell you general categories and share a nail polish for each category. This will make more sense as the post goes along, so let me share this kit with you!

THE WHITE POLISH

SinfulColors – Snow Me White

First and foremost, every nail polish kit needs a basic white nail polish. White can be worn alone, it can be used in nail art, and it can be used under any nail polish to make the color more vivid. I highly recommend Snow Me White from SinfulColors because it retails for just $1.99 but has an amazing formula as well. I did a full review of this polish, so click HERE if you want to learn more!

THE NEUTRAL POLISH

Wet 'n Wild Megalast – Bite the Bullet Wet ‘n Wild Megalast – Bite the Bullet

The next necessity is a neutral polish, whether it be a beige, brown, grey, or taupe. Neutrals are perfect for interviews, your internship, or any other professional event. I like Bite the Bullet from Wet ‘n Wild Megalast because it is a mauve polish that is still neutral, but has a hint of color, too. The Megalast line is also $1.99 at drugstores, and comes in a wide range of shades.

THE GLITTER TOP COAT

Milani Cosmetics – Rainbow Prisms

It’s always great to have a glitter top coat at the ready as it dresses up any manicure. I layered one coat of Rainbow Prisms from Milani over Bite the Bullet, and you can see how my professional manicure turned into a fun one instantly. Whether you’re going from day to night, or simply want to change up your nails without redoing them completely, a glitter top coat is a must. I love any holographic glitter like the one shown here, but a multi-colored glitter is a good choice, too.

THE FAST-DRYING FORMULA

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri – Blue-Away Sally Hansen Insta-Dri – Blue Away

Make sure you have at least one polish with a fast-drying formula in your kit! We all have those moments where we are running out the door while simultaneously hoping our nail polish doesn’t smudge. This is especially true when going back to school, whether you’re the student or parent! My favorite fast-drying formula is the Insta-Dri line from Sally Hansen. The line offers a plethora of different shades, but I picked one of my favorites to show you here. I also recommend the NYC New York Color In a New York Minute range.

THE DARK AND VAMPY POLISH

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri – Night Flight

With fall around the corner, dark nails are sure to be on trend once again. You’ll want to have a dark and vampy polish in your kit, but it doesn’t have to be black. Feel free to choose dark purples, maroons, greens, or anything else that suits your tastes. I chose to go with Night Flight, a dark blue polish. Of course, it has the same Insta-Dri formula that I love as well.

THE PINK POLISH

Covergirl – Tickled Pink

Last but not least, I had to include a pink polish in this drugstore nail polish kit! Pink is my all-time favorite shade of polish. It’s classic, it’s fun, and it comes in a variety of shades. My favorite is a bright pink like Tickled Pink from Covergirl. I know red may be the ‘true’ classic nail color, but pink is where it’s at for me! Plus, pink is more youthful, so it’s great for the classroom. I even wore a bright pink on my first day of law school!

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That brings us to the end of this post! I hope you found it helpful as you do your back to school shopping. Make sure to hit the beauty aisle and the school supplies aisle! Use these categories to build your own personalized kit, and you’ll be set on nail polish for the upcoming school season.

What shade of nail polish will you wear to school? Let me know in the comments!

5 Easy Steps to Clump Free Lashes | What You Need & Techniques

Posted on August 14, 2015August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! I’ve been a mascara junkie for several years now, even before I really dove into the world of beauty. Mascara can really add a lot to your face – it draws people to look at your eyes just by adding a bit of definition. But mascara has one big downfall that we all experience from time to time, and that is clumping! No one likes clumpy lashes, and it can be really frustrating when you are rushing to get ready in the morning and your lashes decide to clump together. Today I’m going to share five easy steps to clump free lashes with all of you so you can avoid the dreaded clump. These steps can be used together or separately to maximize your clump free success rate!

1. Remove Leftover Mascara

First things first, make sure your lashes are clean before you attempt to layer on new mascara. This might sound silly, but mascara likes to stick with you even after removing makeup, washing your face, and taking a shower. We’ve all experienced the not-so-chic raccoon eye look after getting out of the shower! Leftover mascara can definitely contribute to clumpy lashes, so use an eye-makeup remover before doing your makeup to get rid of any residue. The Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover is an affordable remover that can be found at your local drugstore or on Amazon HERE. When you start with a clean base, you’re setting yourself up for clump free success!

2. Use an Eyelash Curler

I was never a fan of eyelash curlers because I have naturally curly lashes and thought a curler was an unnecessary tool for me. However, I got this pink eyelash curler to review from the brand Crave Naturals and fell in love with it. Not only does an eyelash curler curl your lashes, but it separates them. Your lashes will have a much more difficult time clumping together when they are separated. Don’t be afraid to break out a curler! It’s really not as scary as it looks! You can purchase my favorite curler online HERE and read my full review HERE.

3. Use a Lash Comb

A quick fix to a clumpy mascara application is a lash comb. This little tool comes in most brush kits, and I often set it aside without ever using it. One day I was desperate – I had messed up my mascara big time and didn’t want to redo my entire face of makeup. I grabbed this tool and lightly brushed it through my lashes, and it worked! The comb gently separated my lashes without ruining my makeup, and quickly become a go to for me. I use this one from ecoTools that can be purchased at Target or on Amazon HERE.

4. Test, Test, Test!

This next tip is one of the most important, and it is all about finding the right mascara for you. I call it “Test, Test, Test!” because that it what you have to do. All of us have different eyelashes, and some mascaras will clump them up, while others will work perfectly. You need to find the perfect formula and perfect applicator for your lashes, and that’s where the testing comes in. Here at Adventures in Polishland I’m all about the fabulous and affordable. If you are having trouble finding the right mascara for you, I suggest going to the drugstore and buying whatever mascara is on sale that week and testing it out. Keep trying inexpensive mascaras until you find one that works for you. Everyone has different lashes, but here are my favorite drugstore mascaras: CoverGirl Super Sizer (pictured above), CoverGirl Clump Crusher, and L’Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes.

5. Get a New Mascara

My last tip is very straightforward – if your lashes are clumping up it might be time to get a new mascara. Mascara should only be used for about three months before tossing it and getting a new one (another reason to buy affordable mascaras at the drugstore!). I know I am guilty of using mascara WAY past its expiration date, but when my mascara gets clumpy I know for sure it’s been too long. If your beloved mascara has suddenly dried up, it’s time to restock!

That brings us to the end of this post! I hope you found these tips helpful. I would love to know what else you do to ensure your lashes remain clump free. Let me know your tips in the comments, and please share your all-time favorite mascara as well. I would love to test it out!

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.

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel | Tribal Vibe & Boho Chic Collections

Posted on August 10, 2015August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I am so excited to share a review of four nail polishes from the new Sally Hansen Miracle Gel line. Around this time last year, Sally Hansen first launched the Miracle Gel line (see my first review HERE). I was a bit underwhelmed, but a few months back the brand updated its formula and I was obsessed with the Poolisde Paradise Collection (full review HERE). Now, Sally Hansen has upped the ante again! The Miracle Gel Top Coat has a new formula designed to deliver 2x the volume and shine. To coincide with the relaunch of the top coat, Sally Hansen is also releasing the Tribal Vibe and Boho Chic Collections. Let me show you the polishes topped with the new Miracle Gel Top Coat!

First up is Totem-ly Yours, a beautiful beige nude with pink undertones from the Tribal Vibe Collection. Totem-ly Yours has an amazing formula that is opaque in two coats. The shade nearly matches my skin tone perfectly! This nude polish is to die for, and absolutely perfect for the fall. It looks professional, yet not boring, and the high-shine top coat really makes it look great. If you work in a corporate environment, you need Totem-ly Yours for sure!

Rhythm & Blue is the other polish I tried from the Tribal Vibe Collection. It is a sky blue polish that has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. I am once again beyond impressed with how awesome this polish looks! Not only is Rhythm & Blue a gorgeous color, but the Miracle Gel Top Coat applied with ease and added a lot of depth and shine to this manicure.

Beatnik is the first polish from the Boho Chic line that I reviewed, and it is a stunning cobalt blue. I am obsessed with Beatnik! The color is beautiful, and the formula is perfection. I will be wearing Beatnik again as the colder months approach.

Last but not least is Miss Wanderlust, a coral jelly polish with a mix of glitters. I was happily surprised with how well Miss Wanderlust applies – it goes on smoothly with a lot of glitter going onto the nail without digging. Of course, the Miracle Gel Top Coat adds a glossy finish to this already stunning polish. I’d love to see more glitters like this from Sally Hansen in the future!

All in all, the new Sally Hansen Miracle Gel collections are beyond fabulous and affordable! The polishes retail for $9.99 each, which is on the higher side for a drugstore line. However, the brand often goes on sale and I’ve seen coupons in the Sunday paper as well. I highly recommend investing in the new Miracle Gel Top Coat at the very least! The Tribal Vibe and Boho Chic Collections are now available at drugstores.

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

ELF Studio Blush Palette in Light | Review & Swatches

Posted on July 20, 2015August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! We are taking a detour from Manicure Monday this week so I can show you the gorgeous blush palette I picked up at the ELF Studio here in NYC (see my haul post HERE). I’ve been loving this palette, and wanted to rave about the gorgeous pigmentation in each blush. I am still amazed that this palette of four blushes only cost me $6.00! Let’s jump right in and look at these fabulous and affordable blushes!

First and foremost, I want to take a quick look at the packaging. I love the sleek black packaging, and how sturdy it is. The palette closes well and, at the same time, is easy to open. Plus, the inside contains a huge mirror that is very useful, especially if you are traveling. You can definitely pay upwards of $6 just for the mirror alone! Here are swatches of the four blushes inside. I did label them in the photos because I, of course, had to swatch them out of order (whoops!). I will take a second and describe each blush below, but I do want to mention that each blush has an amazing formula. They are extremely pigmented, but you can easily control the application. They blend out beautifully as well. I like to use the ELF Blush Brush to apply them, but any blush brush you already own will be just fine! Now, let’s talk about these colors.

This is my favorite shade in the quad! It is a matte rosy pink, and it goes really well with my fair complexion. This blush can easily be worn any time of year, and I’m loving it at the moment for sure.
If you love pink, this is the blush for you! It may seem scary in the swatch above, but trust me, it blends out really well. This is a great blush for spring and summer, and will work with a multitude of skin tones. I would pair this with a nude lip color, as it’s definitely quite bright!
This is the one shimmer blush in the quad, and is a red-orange shade with gold shimmer. It’s definitely the more intimidating blush for me, but I’ve worn it once or twice and really liked it. I suggest a light hand with this one! I can’t wait to wear it during the holiday season!
Finally, we have a brownish-orange matte blush. I thought I could use this as a bronzer at first, but it is really too orange-toned for that. However, with a light hand it makes a beautiful blush. It adds warmth to my face without being overdone. I’m going to experiment more with it for sure!

All in all, I’m very impressed with this blush palette from ELF. I highly recommend picking it up if you are looking for some blushes that won’t break the bank, but are still great quality. I purchased the palette in Light, but there is also a quad with darker shades if you’re looking for that as well. You can buy this palette on ELF’s website HERE. I will continue to check out more of ELF’s products in the future, so please leave me your recommendations in the comments!

TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo Review

Posted on July 18, 2015August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! A few weeks ago I posted a review of the drugstore dry shampoo Batiste (read that review HERE). That review did really well views wise, so I thought I would share my thoughts on another dry shampoo that I just used up. As I mentioned in my Batiste review, I am currently on the hunt for the best dry shampoo from the drugstore. I found the TRESemmé Fresh Start on sale at Rite Aid for $4.99 a couple months back, so I decided to put it to the test. Let me share my thoughts on this product with you!

The TRESemmé Fresh Start is a very interesting dry shampoo. Usually I find that a dry shampoo either zaps oil or adds texture, but the Fresh Start did a little bit of both. While my oil did disappear quite a bit, this product left behind a lot of residue and left my hair feeling really gunky. My hair looked clean, but I felt gross. It was a weird dichotomy, and I couldn’t decide if I liked the product or not!

The more I used Fresh Start, the more I disliked it. I found the product difficult to wash out in the shower, and it tended to flake as well. If you have thick hair, this product would probably work better for you, but my thin hair felt weighed down. Despite the great price point, I don’t think I’ll be purchasing this dry shampoo again.

Alas, my hunt for the perfect drugstore dry shampoo continues! While TRESemmé Fresh Start was okay, it just didn’t measure up to my beloved Klorane dry shampoo. I’m not giving up, though! I will find a fabulous and affordable dry shampoo that I love at some point!

What dry shampoo is your favorite? Do you splurge on it?

Maybelline Brow Precise in Blonde | Drugstore Fail?!

Posted on July 16, 2015August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today I have a review of a new drugstore brow product from Maybelline called the Brow Precise. I was on the hunt for a new brow product, and decided to grab this one at my local Rite Aid about a month ago. I couldn’t wait to test out this product – it looked fancy with a spoolie brush on one end and the brow pencil on the other. Sometimes, looks are deceiving! Let me go ahead and share my thoughts on the Brow Precise with you.

I purchased the Brow Precise in the lightest shade, which is 250 Blonde. This product only comes in four shades, and I have to say I’m disappointed that this is the lightest shade. I have light brown hair, but even this blonde was too dark for me. I made it work by applying this shade with a light hand and using the spoolie to blend out the color, but I definitely need a shade lighter. If you have very light hair, this product will not work for you!

The Brow Precise is also a very soft pencil, which makes it apply easily, but that also means the pencil is prone to breaking, and that it runs out very quickly. I wore this off and on for about a month, and I’m nearly out of product already. I need to sharpen it at least twice each time I use it as well. That being said, I think this is just the wrong product for me. I have very sparse eyebrows that need a lot of filling in, so I used a lot of product with each use. I also found that this product does not look the most natural for me – it was pretty obvious I penciled in my brows (not cute!). Alas, as much as I loved that spoolie being on the end, that doesn’t justify a repurchase in my book.

All in all, the Maybelline Brow Precise was a bit of a fail for me. I wore it on days where I wanted to be out the door in a matter of minutes, and where I didn’t care too much about having perfect brows. I think this product will work really well for those of you that only need small touch-ups with your brows, and not a big overhaul like I do. You can find the Maybelline Brow Precise at your local drugstore for about $7.99. I will be sticking with my beloved Milani Brow Kit for now!

What is your favorite brow product?! Let me know in the comments!

3 Product Face | Bare Necessities Makeup

Posted on July 4, 2015August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! Today I thought I would share with you the makeup look I’ve been wearing most often this summer. Most days I am stuck inside studying, but may run to Starbucks or the grocery store quickly. While there is no need to put on a full face of makeup, I want to cover up just a little bit so I can feel confident when I walk out the door. There are three products that I reach for on a regular basis no matter what.

First and foremost is a brow product. It’s amazing how filling in your brows can really make you look more put together! Brows frame the face, and if they look lackluster it will be noticeable. Right now I am using the Maybelline Eye Studio Brow Precise in the shade Blonde. While this is definitely not my favorite brow product, it’s quick and easy to apply. I love that it comes with a spoolie brush attached.

Next, I grab a pressed powder to control the oil on my face. A pressed powder provides just a hint of coverage to reduce redness, but my main goal is to ensure I don’t turn into a grease ball in the summer sun (something my skin just loves to do!). Right now I’m using Wet ‘n Wild Coverall in the shade light, which I scored for 40% off at Rite Aid last week.

Last but not least, I set the look with my beloved Urban Decay De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray. As you can tell, I really want to control oil. It’s very humid this time of year! This setting spray is the best I’ve tried and 100% worth the expensive price tag. This full size bottle will last me just under a year, and I use it down to the last drop. Whether I’m applying a full face of makeup, or simply the bare necessities, setting spray is a must.

So whether you are stuck inside all summer like I am, or hitting the beach on a regular basis, the bare necessities are perfect to keep you feeling confident while still rocking a no-fuss look. I can be out the door in under five minutes with this makeup routine, as I’m really only spending time on my brows. I’m loving these three products, and it’s great that I can simply add a product or two if I feel like I want a bit more on any given day. Be sure to let me know in the comments what three makeup products you always grab even on ‘no makeup’ days!

Batiste Dry Shampoo | Is it Worth the Hype?!

Posted on June 27, 2015August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! Today I have a review on one of the most hyped hair products on the market – Batiste Dry Shampoo! Ever since I discovered dry shampoo a few years ago I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect formula. I’ve tried about 10 different brands now, and my favorite is still the high-end Klorane Dry Shampoo at about $19 a bottle. I usually save up my Birchbox points to splurge on it once in a while, but I keep testing brands from the drugstore hoping I’ll find an affordable option. I decided it was time to put the famous Batiste to the test!

Batiste Dry Shampoo retails for about $5.99 at Target and other drugstores and department stores. There are several different scents and varieties (i.e. for blonde hair, brunette hair, etc.). I decided to test out the Original Clean & Classic. I definitely liked the fresh scent, and I loved how it absorbed the oils in my hair quickly. Any dry shampoo that can zap oil without adding texture is a winner for me! I have to say, Batiste is the only drugstore dry shampoo that came somewhat close to matching my beloved Klorane.

That being said, I did notice that my can of Batiste ran out of product very quickly. Batiste contains 6.73 fl oz of product, which is more than many dry shampoos. Right now I am using TRESemmé dry shampoo, which has a net weight of 4.3 fl oz, but it’s lasted me for a couple months already and is still going strong. When I compare that to the month or so I got from Batiste, I’m not sure why I ran out of Batiste so quickly. Perhaps it’s because I needed more product to get the result I wanted. Thus, even though I really liked Batiste, it might not be as cost effective as other drugstore brands.

All in all, I’m so glad I finally tried out Batiste. Is it worth the hype? Well, it’s a great product and it works well. However, it still isn’t my favorite dry shampoo. I am definitely going to keep searching for the perfect dry shampoo at an affordable price, and perhaps pick up Batiste when it’s on sale. Let me know your favorite dry shampoo in the comments – maybe I’ll test it out!

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

Top 5 Makeup Products Under $5.00!

Posted on March 4, 2015August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I’m excited to share with you some of my all-time favorite and most affordable beauty products! I’ve seen this type of post on YouTube countless times, and figured it was about time I go ahead and share my Top 5 Makeup Products Under $5.00 on my blog. After all, Adventures in Polishland is dedicated to fabulous and affordable beauty! Let me share some of my favorite makeup products with you!

Just a quick note before we get into the products – the prices reflect the retail price that I found online. Pricing varies by store and by region, so keep that in mind when you go to your local store. The good news is, you can buy each item online with the links provided!

RIMMEL STAY MATTE PRESSED POWDER

$3.97 on Amazon [BUY]

I’ve loved the Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder for years, and I’ve repurchased it time and time again. It does an excellent job of controlling my shiny skin, and it’s never cakey. I use the shade 001 Transparent, which does not add color to the face. It’s perfect over any makeup look, or on days you just want to reduce shine. I’ve tried other pressed powders, but always go back to this one. I’ll need to purchase a new one soon!

e.l.f. STUDIO BLUSH

$3.00 on e.l.f. [BUY]

This is the first blush I purchased when I started trying out makeup in my everyday life a couple years ago. I grabbed it because of the cheap price, and I’m so glad I did! The shade you see above is Pink Passion, and while it may look very bright and intimidating, it’s actually quite wearable because it blends out flawlessly. I also love the sleek packaging. I hope to try out more shades from this line very soon.

PHYSICIANS FORMULA MATTE EYESHADOW

$4.37 on Drugstore.com [BUY]

I don’t wear eyeshadow often, but when I do I automatically reach for this quad. The matte formula is great, and I can create a complete eye look with these four shadows. In fact, I only use three – the dark grey is not my style. I picked this up during a coupon deal at Rite Aid a while back, and I’m so glad I did! It’s a must if you’re seeking affordable matte shadows.

JORDANA FABULINER EYELINER

$2.49 at Kmart [BUY]

This eyeliner is such an insane bargain! I first learned about it from my favorite YouTubers EleventhGorgeous a couple years back. I have trouble applying eyeliner, and I thought this marker-like tip would be helpful. It’s definitely easier to apply, and it leaves a nice, black line. I appreciate how affordable the Jordana Fabuliner is, because I very rarely use eyeliner and don’t have to worry about wasting my money on a product that’s almost never touched. If you’re looking for a perfect eyeliner, you need to try this one!

BABY LIPS TINTED LIP BALM

$3.68 on Amazon [BUY]

I’m a Baby Lips superfan, and if you’ve followed Adventures in Polishland for a while I’m sure you know that already! Lately I’ve been loving the Dr Rescue line because of the added moisturization (the shade Berry Soft is pictured above), but I honestly love them all and wear them so frequently. I have 13 Baby Lips in my collection, and it pains me that I don’t own them all! The light wash of color is just perfect, and Baby Lips are definitely one of my all-time favorite product lines.

That’s it for my Top 5 Makeup Products Under $5.00! I hope this post helped you discover something new at a great price. Keep in mind that these items often go on sale, plus you can use coupons for an even cheaper price. How awesome is that?! Share some of your favorite affordable products in the comments, and let me know if you’d like a nail polish edition of this post as well!

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

NYC New York Color Limited Edition Fashion Queen Collection | In a New York Minute Polishes

Posted on September 18, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! This fall the brand NYC New York Color released an amazing, limited edition line called the Fashion Queen Collection to bring runway style to the street. I got the opportunity to review the polishes, and can’t wait to share them with all of you. Today’s post will feature the three In a New York Minute shades that are designed to be quick-dry formulas. Let me show you these fall polishes!

First up is Royal Chic, a deep brown creme shade that reminds me of chocolate! Royal Chic has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. I think this is quite a daring polish, but great if you want a deep polish that isn’t as harsh as a black. I also am impressed with the high-gloss finish Royal Chic has even without top coat!

Next up is Queen of the City, a stunning burgundy polish with undertones of black. I am obsessed with Queen of the City! Not only is the formula amazing, but there is almost a duochrome effect in this polish. Queen of the City is the perfect polish for fall, and I feel super fabulous when wearing it!

Last but not least is Crown Gold, a yellow gold, metallic polish. Crown Gold also has an amazing formula and is opaque in two coats. This is one of my favorite gold polishes of all time. It looks so rich, and the pigmentation is great!

All in all, I’m really impressed with the three In a New York Minute polishes from the new Fashion Queen Collection. Of course, NYC New York Color is the perfect brand for those of us who are fabulous and affordable, since these polishes retail for just $1.99 each! You can purchase this line at your local drugstore or department store, so be sure to look for the limited edition display. Find a retailer near you by visiting the NYC New York Color website HERE. Stay tuned to see the six glitter polishes in this line – you don’t want to miss it!

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