makeup – Page 12 – Adventures in Polishland

Tag: makeup

Products I’ve Used Up #3

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

Happy Sunday! It’s time for another round of products I’ve used up where I share mini reviews about all of the different products I’ve used the last couple months. I actually finished these products up a few weeks ago, but am just now getting around to posting this entry. That means another one is probably not too far behind. Nonetheless, let me share my empties with you!

NAIL CARE

CVS Strengthening Polish Remover – I am always going through nail polish remover! This is the purple formula that you can find at the drugstore. It was alright, but I’ll be going back to normal acetone. That stuff really works!
Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Rockstar Pink – I went to use one of my all-time favorite nail polishes just to discover it was all dried up! What a bummer! I used this so much during my senior year of college that my suitemates knew it was my signature polish. At some point I’ll be repurchasing this. [BUY]

HAIR CARE

L’Oreal Triple Resist Reinforcing Shampoo – I really love this line from L’Oreal. It’s super affordable, and my hair reacts well to it. If you are looking for a good shampoo from the drugstore, I highly recommend this line.
Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment – If you’ve been reading Adventures in Polishland for a while, you know I love this hair oil! I’ve repurchased it again, so I’m currently working on my third bottle. I know this is expensive, so I always buy it when I get a percent off coupon from CVS! [BUY]

MAKEUP AND MAKEUP REMOVER

Benefit Gimme Brow in Light/Medium – I absolutely love this eyebrow gel! It fills in your brows while keeping them groomed. I used it on days where I wanted just a bit of color on my brows. I wish it wasn’t so expensive or I would repurchase it for sure. [BUY]
Urban Decay De Slick Setting Spray – You can tell it took me a long time to use up my De Slick setting spray because this is the old packaging! It lasted me nearly a year, and I’ve already repurchased the All Nighter version. I definitely recommend these setting sprays! [BUY]
Simple Cleansing Wipes – I haven’t been using makeup remover wipes as much, but I did go through another pack of Simple wipes. They’re not my favorite, but they get the job done! [BUY]
Almay Lash Care Eye Makeup Remover Pads – I loved these pads! They do an excellent job of removing that stubborn mascara, and they’re very gentle. I would definitely consider repurchasing these in the future. [BUY]

SKINCARE

Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips – These strips are amazing! I try to use them once per week to clean out my pores. I do recommend them, but read all of the instructions before use so you don’t damage your skin. I’m working on a new box now! [BUY]
Olay Fresh Effects Shine, Shine Go Away Cleanser – I got this free sample of this cleanser and I did like it, but wasn’t amazed by it. I didn’t see a huge difference in my skin when I used it, so I don’t think I’ll repurchase it. I do like the other products in the Olay Fresh Effects line, though! [BUY]

BODY CARE

CVS Hand Sanitizer – I always keep a small hand sanitizer in my purse or school bag. You never know when you’re going to need to clean your hands on the go!
Bath & Bodyworks Hand Sanitizer in Mango Paradise – I also used up the sanitizer that lives on my desk! I got this last year for free with a coupon at Bath & Bodyworks. It did smell nice, but I prefer unscented sanitizer. For that reason, I’m not going to repurchase it.
Lady Gage Fame Perfume Sample – I absolutely love Lady Gaga’s perfume! It smells amazing, and I’ve used up all the samples of it that I’ve gotten with Sephora orders. At some point I’ll probably purchase the full size. I highly recommend it! [BUY]
Philosophy Vanilla Birthday Cake Body Wash – I splurged on some Philosophy body wash a few months ago, and I’m glad I did! This one smells just like vanilla cake, and is a great treat. I would get it again during a sale event, but it’s a little expensive for every day. [BUY]
Dove Go Fresh Deodorant in Revive – I’ve used Dove deodorants for a long time since they are affordable and worked well for me. However, I think my body has become used to it, so I’m on the hunt for a great new deodorant. Let me know your favorite in the comments! [BUY]

And those are all of my empties for my third Products I’ve Used Up post! Please let me know what products you’ve recently used up that you are going to repurchase in the comments!

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

Studio Gear Hydrating CC Cream | Review & Coupon Code

Posted on April 2, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! It’s time for another makeup review here at Adventures in Polishland. I got the opportunity to test out Studio Gear Cosmetics’s new Hydrating CC Cream, and can’t wait to share my experience with all of you. As you may know, I love keeping things more natural when it comes to my makeup, so CC creams are the perfect choice for light coverage. Let me tell you more about this product, and share my experience with you!

The Studio Gear CC Cream is designed to fight aging, retain moisture, and cover and treat blemishes all in one non-oily formula. It is also SPF 20, and is infused with Hydra-Extend technology that provides up to 72 hours of continuos hydration. With all of these amazing qualities, it almost sounds too good to be true! Plus, this CC Cream has a unique formula that you have to see to believe.

I experimented with this CC Cream, and found that my favorite way to wear it is over a primer and applied with my fingers. Because I tend to get oily throughout the day, I set the cream with some pressed powder. The result is an almost airbrushed look that lasts all day! I am really impressed with this CC Cream! It is lightweight and I definitely don’t feel like I’m wearing a full face of foundation, but I still get the benefits of a fine-tuned complexion. The only drawback with this product is that it only comes in three shades (I am using Linen, the lightest shade). Luckily, it does adjust to my skin tone quite well, but I think in the winter months I would need just a shade lighter.

Other than that, I am loving this product! It truly is hydrating, and does not cling to dry patches. If you suffer from dry skin, this is definitely a great CC Cream for you! It also does a great job of giving my skin a glowy quality while not looking shiny. I am definitely making this my go-to foundation in the summer months!

WHERE TO BUY

You can purchase the Studio Gear Cosmetics Hydrating CC Cream on the brand’s website HERE. The 1oz tube retails for $34, but you can save 10% off of your entire order with coupon code bloggercc at checkout. I really like this CC Cream, and think you will, too! Please let me know if you’ve tried any products from Studio Gear Cosmetics in the comments!

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

Whiplash Eyelash Curler Review

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

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Happy Tuesday! Today I’ll be sharing my thoughts on the Whiplash Eyelash Curler. I’ve actually never used an eyelash curler before, so I was nervous and excited to test out Whiplash. I luckily have naturally curled eyelashes (in fact, sometimes people ask me whether or not I’ve curled my lashes!), so I just never picked up a curler. When I had the opportunity to review Whiplash, I thought it would be fun to test it out. Let me tell you a bit more about the product, and show you the results!

ABOUT WHIPLASH

How cute is the Whiplash?! I love the box it comes in, and the pink detailing on the curler itself. Each Whiplash curler comes with five extra cushion pads, so you can replace the pad when you notice any wear. Here is what Whiplash has to say about the curler (I think it’s helpful to read the exact claims!):

“NEVER WEAR FAKE LASHES AGAIN! Get Dramatic Natural Looking Lashes In Seconds!

Designed with precision in mind, Whiplash increases the natural curl of eyelashes by 80%. It captures every lash to create dramatic, fully curled lashes that will stay curled all day long. Each Whiplash curler comes with 5 refill non slip cushion pads, which will prolong the life of the curler.

Features of Whiplash include:

– Ergonomic handle provides for full control and ease of use
– Captures each lash for fully lifted lashes
– Designed for all eye shapes and sizes
– Create dramatic lashes that last all day
– Closure latch makes it perfect for traveling”

MY EXPERIENCE

The first thing I noticed with Whiplash, is that it is really easy to hold. Having a steady grip is important when sticking something so close to your eye! Next, it was time to test it out!

Whiplash Eyelash Curler Results

To use the Whiplash, bring it up to your eyelid, as close to the roots of your eyelashes as possible. Gently press the curler together and hold for five to ten seconds. Repeat, and you’re done! Make sure to only use the Whiplash on clean eyelashes – put your mascara on after curling!

I used the Whiplash every day for about a week, and my results were consistent. I didn’t notice a huge change in the curl of my lashes, but I did notice that the Whiplash helped to spread out my lashes and give them a fuller look. As you can see in the photo above, the curled lash has more of a falsies effect, while the uncurled lash appears thinner and more scattered. I’m definitely pleased with the results! I don’t need a lot of extra curl, but I do like the polished look I get when I use the curler. I wouldn’t reach for it on a daily basis, but when I want a bit more va-va-voom it is the perfect choice. Plus, I think it is great for those of you who don’t have naturally curled eyelashes! I definitely recommend it!

WHERE TO BUY

You can purchase the Whiplash Eyelash Curler for $29 on the Crave Naturals website HERE or on Amazon HERE. As I write this, the curler is on sale for just $14.88 on Amazon – an amazing steal! While the curler is a bit more than what you would pay at the drugstore, I think the value is amazing due to the Whiplash’s great quality, and because you get the five refill pads. Plus, the pink color is just adorable!

Do you use an eyelash curler on a regular basis? Let me know in the comments!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Drugstore Foundation Review: Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse

Posted on February 19, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I have a review of the brand new Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation. I’ve been using the Stay Matte Pressed Powder for years now, so when I saw that Rimmel expanded the Stay Matte line I had to try it out. Since I have combination skin that gets oily throughout the day, I hoped this new foundation would help control that shine and keep me fresh faced all day long. Let me share my thoughts on this foundation with you!

The Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation comes in a squeeze tube at the standard foundation size of 1oz. There are eight shades in the line, and I got shade 091 Light Ivory. This foundation is advertised to be lightweight and control shine, as well as blend flawlessly for a natural look. It retails for around $5.49 at drugstores (I got mine at Duane Reade!).

As for the formula, I find it to be a bit on the thick side. It’s definitely a heavier consistency than I expected, but it blends out flawlessly. I’ve tried it both with and without primer, and I do prefer to use a primer just to have a smooth and flawless base. To apply the foundation, I use a damp BeautyBlender, which works perfectly! This is definitely a full coverage foundation, but it does not feel heavy on this skin. No cake face here!

The Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation also has an amazing wear time! I’ve tested this for about two weeks now, and when I get home after an eight to ten hour day, my skin still looks great. While I do get a bit shiny without any touch ups or oil absorbing sheets, I see a huge improvement when I use this foundation. It is definitely one of my new favorites!

All in all, I am really impressed with the new Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation. It is so affordable, and my skin loves it! I highly recommend it, and now want to try the other new products in the Stay Matte line. Let in me know in the comments if you’ve tried the Stay Matte BB Cream or Primer!

Products I’ve Used Up #2

Posted on February 17, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! It’s time for another “empties” post here at Adventures in Polishland. I think these posts are a great opportunity to learn about a lot of products in a short amount of time. Plus, they serve as a personal reminder since I can always look back and see which products I would repurchase in the future. Let’s get right into all of the products I’ve used up!

HAIR CARE

L’Oreal Paris Triple Resist Reinforcing Conditioner – I’ve been using this L’Oreal system for a while now, and I really like it. My hair seemed to strengthen a bit, and I have no complaints! Plus, this line is really affordable. With sales and coupons, I can find this for around $2-3! [BUY at the drugstore]
Not Your Mother’s Beat the Heat Thermal Styling Shield Spray – I picked up this heat protectant last year, and it lasted forever! This protectant was just okay. It worked to protect my hair, but it left my hair crunchy and has a weird smell. Despite it being an affordable $5.99, I don’t think I would repurchase it again. [BUY]

NAIL CARE

CVS Strengthening Polish Remover – This used to be my go to nail polish remover, and I snagged a couple bottles a few months back during a clearance event for just $0.55! After using pure acetone and the Julep remover, this just doesn’t cut it for me anymore. It’s good, but not the best. [BUY at CVS]
Julep Acetone Free Condition Nail Polish Remover – This is my all time favorite polish remover! It works really well, plus it leaves my nails feeling healthy and it doesn’t have a strong smell. Unfortunately, it is a tad expensive. I would totally buy this in large quantities if Julep had that option! I highly recommend this! [BUY]

SKINCARE

Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin – This is another product that lasted me a very long time. It’s a great cleanser for sensitive skin, and I used it whenever I wanted a gentle cleansing. I would repurchase it again in the future for sure. [BUY]
Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub – I got this scrub in an Ipsy bag a few months back, and I am in love. This is the best scrub I’ve ever used! My skin always felt so clear and healthy after I used it. Although it is a bit on the expensive side, I will definitely be repurchasing it after I run out of the scrub I’m using now. It is seriously worth it! [BUY]
Gold Bond Ultimate Skin Therapy Cream – I talked about this moisturizer in my December Favorites, and it made that list for a reason! This is a great lotion, and I would definitely repurchase it at some point. Read more about it HERE. [BUY]

Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes – I really do like these makeup wipes, and I am working my way through a few packs that my Mom got me for Christmas (thanks, Mom!). You can see all of my thoughts on these wipes HERE. Make sure to grab them during sale events, or shop on Amazon for a great price! [BUY]
Tatcha Aburatorigami Beauty Papers – I got these blotting papers in a PopSugar box, and was happy to try them out. Unfortunately, these were a flop for me. The blotting papers from the drugstore work much better than these high end ones for a much lower price. I wouldn’t repurchase them. [BUY]

MAKEUP

Too Faced Primed & Poreless – I’ve talked about this primer many times on Adventures in Polishland, so I won’t go on forever! This is my first bottle, and it lasted me several months so it is a good investment product. You can see my full review HERE. [BUY]
Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Luscious in Blackened Brown – This mascara was good, but not my favorite. I did like it on days where I wanted natural looking lashes, and I applied it with short and fast strokes. This did clump up rather quickly, but I’ve heard others have really liked it. I’m not sure I would repurchase it, but it’s not a bad product! [BUY]
Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transluscent – I love this powder, and have repurchased it several times! With coupons and sale events at the drugstore, I get this powder for next to nothing. Plus, it’s a great quality product. I wish I was able to make use of the residual product still left in the container, but at such an affordable price, I don’t feel bad throwing it out as is. [BUY at drugstores]

SAMPLES

REN Hydra-Calm Global Protection Day Cream – I got this as a free sample with a Sephora order, and loved it! It has a bit of an odor, but works so well to moisturize my skin. I considered purchasing the full size, but when I saw it was $45 I had to say no! If you have room for this in your budget, it’s a great product! [BUY]
Taylor Swift Enchanted Wonderstruck Perfume – I may not be a Taylor Swift fan, but I’m a huge supporter of this perfume! I loved this so much I asked for a full size for Christmas. I love the fruity yet musky scent. Plus, you can get a great price by purchasing this on Amazon instead of a department store! [BUY]
Versace Bright Crystal Perfume – I also loved this perfume sample by Versace. It smelled expensive! It also has a great mix of sweet and sultry scents together. I would consider getting the full size if it were more affordable. [BUY]
Benefit It’s Potent! Eye Cream – Finally, I got this eye cream in a Birchbox, and really liked it. It really is potent, so make sure to be careful when applying it so the cream doesn’t go in your eye. I’m using another eye cream now, but I would definitely consider purchasing the full size in the future. [BUY]

Phew! That is a lot of empties this time around! I hope you liked hearing more about these products. I always feel a bit accomplished when I finish up a product, since it makes me feel like I got my money’s worth. Do you agree? Let me know if you’ve tried out any of these products in the comments!

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

Dare to Compare: Maybelline Baby Skin vs Too Faced Primed & Poreless

Posted on January 17, 2014March 5, 2017 by Adventures in Polishland

Too Faced Primed & Poreless vs Maybelline Baby Skin

Happy Friday! I was so excited when I saw that Maybelline released the new Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser, and knew I just had to pick it up. If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’ll know that I just love Baby Lips, so my fingers were crossed that Baby Skin would be just as great. After trying it out, I couldn’t believe how much I liked it, and how similar it is to the Too Faced Primed & Poreless primer that I use every day. Today’s post is going to compare these two primers, and see which one is the best option.

MAYBELLINE BABY SKIN

Price: $6.99 (or $10.43 per oz) [BUY]

TOO FACED PRIMED & PORELESS

Price: $30 [BUY]

SIDE BY SIDE

As you can see from the swatches, the main difference between Baby Skin and Primed & Poreless is the formula. Baby Skin has a clear gel formula, and Primed & Poreless starts out as a nude tone with an almost lotion-like formula that becomes invisible once applied to the skin. Baby Skin is a bit thicker in consistency, but after application both are extremely similar. Are you ready for the results?

Voila! I seriously cannot tell the difference between these two primers! Once applied they both have the same exact smoothing effect on the skin, and both are amazing primers to wear under foundation. I find that both Baby Skin and Primed & Poreless last just as long throughout the day, and my foundation glides over each with ease during application. The only real difference in wear between the two is that Primed & Poreless is definitely better on its own than Baby Skin. Thus, if you’re looking for a primer that you can wear alone on no makeup days, I would recommend Primed & Poreless. Otherwise, Baby Skin is just as amazing as the high end primer I’ve spent a lot of money on!

All in all, I’m so glad I’ve discovered Baby Skin! I still love my Primed & Poreless, but will definitely be reaching for Baby Skin on days that I’m wearing makeup. Thanks to Maybelline for creating an affordable primer at the drugstore! I will be sure to stock up during sale events. Let me know in the comments what your favorite face primer is, and if you’ve tried Baby Skin yet!

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

Rite Aid Beauty Hauls | How I Save Money!

Posted on December 24, 2013August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! I’ve recently scored some amazing beauty deals at Rite Aid, and they were too good not to share with all of you. Today I’ll be showing you two of my recent hauls, and sharing some tips and tricks on getting the most for your money. This post won’t contain any product reviews, but if you would like to hear more about any of these products, let me know in the comments!

HAUL #1

I took advantage of three sales in this haul. Rimmel Cosmetics were buy one get one for 50% off, plus you got back $5 in UP Rewards if you spent $15. SinfulColors polishes had an amazing deal – simply buy one at $1.99 and get back $1.99 in UP Rewards. That deal could be redeemed twice. Finally, Olay Fresh Effects products were 30% off regular price.

Here is a breakdown of all the products I purchased with the regular price listed first, and the sale price listed second:

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick – $6.99
Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder – $5.69
Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder – $5.69 – $2.84
Rimmel Soft Kohl Eyeliner – $3.99 – $1.99
SinfulColors Nail Polish – $1.99
SinfulColors Nail Polish – $1.99
Olay Fresh Effects S’Wipe Out – $6.49 – $4.54
Olay Fresh Effects S’Wipe Out – $6.49 – $4.54

Next, it’s time to use coupons! Here is what I used:

3 $1 off Rimmel Products (they were each a bit different, so I could use them all in one transaction)
$3 off when you buy two Olay cleansers

Finally, it’s time to add up the totals!

Retail Value: $39.39
Sale Price: $30.57
What I Paid After Coupons: $27.28
UP Rewards Earned: $8.98

HAUL #2

For this haul, I was looking at two sales in particular. Maybellie Cosmetics were buy one get one half off, plus you got back $4 UP Rewards if you spent $12. NYC products were 30% off, plus you got back $2 UP Rewards if you spend $5. I also kept an eye out for special clearance stickers throughout the store!

Product Breakdown:

Maybelline Fit Me Stick Foundation – $8.99
Maybelline Dream Matte Powder – $8.39 – $4.19
NYC Cheek Glow – $2.99 – $2.09
NYC Color Wheel Mosaic Powder – $4.99 – $3.49
L’Oreal Single Eyeshadow – $4.89 – $2.44

Coupons Used:

2 $1 off Maybelline Products (again, the coupons had different terms so I could use both at once)
$1 off any L’Oreal Eye Product

Totals:

Retail Value: $30.25
Sale Price: $21.20
What I Paid After Coupons and UP Rewards: $9.22
UP Rewards Earned: $6.00

As you can see, I only spent a total of $36.50 out of pocket for $69.64 worth of beauty products, and I still have $6 rewards for next time! The reason I take advantage of these sales is to stock up on products that I love, and try out some new things at a great price. I won’t have to buy any powder or makeup remover wipes for a long time now!

If you want to save money like I do, keep these simple steps in mind:

Always shop the sales
Add on coupons – you can use 1 manufacturers coupon and 1 store coupon on the same product if you have both
To earn UP Rewards, your total must meet the minimum amount before you add on coupons – for example, my Rimmel total in haul #1 was $17.51 before coupons, so even though I only spent $14.51 after coupons, I still qualified for the $5 UP Rewards

All in all, I hope you found this post helpful! I am not an extreme couponer, but I shop consciously and on a budget. It is so easy to save big at the drugstore, especially this time of year with clearance sales popping up. If you have any great savings tips, be sure to let me know what they are in the comments!

Manna Kadar Cosmetics | Beauty Simplified

Posted on December 20, 2013August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! I recently had a great opportunity to join Birchbox and the brand Manna Kadar for a Google Hangout. We got to hear from Manna herself as she shared great information about her makeup line, and answered our beauty questions. As part of the experience, Birchbox sent me some of Manna’s products to try, and I wanted to review them for all of you! I’m completely obsessed with this line!

All of the products arrived in an adorable pink and white chevron pouch, along with a catalog to tell me a bit more about the brand. As I’ll explain more throughout this post, one of the reasons I love Manna Kadar products is because they are easy to use, labeled well, and really simplify my makeup routine. Plus, the products are amazing!

Sheer Glo Shimmer Lotion

The Manna Kadar Sheer Glo Shimmer Lotion in Birchbox Love is a Birchbox Exclusive shade! This is an incandescent liquid that can be mixed with foundation or used alone to give the skin a glowy, illuminated look. I was a bit nervous to try this, but I’ve worn it a few times as a highlighter on the tops of my cheekbones, and I’m loving it! The product is a light pink shade, but blends right into the skin. What’s left is a beautiful glow that has a slight shimmer in the light! Perhaps soon I’ll be brave enough to mix it in with my own foundation!

Concealer Trio

Next up is the Concealer Trio in the shade Warm Front. These cream concealers have an amazing formula, and are extremely blendable. The lightest shade is almost invisible in the swatch photo above because that is how well in blends in with my skin tone! I love that this trio has different shades, so if my skin gets a bit darker in the summer I won’t have to purchase a brand new product. Manna really thinks of everything!

Eye and Lip Primer

If you’re looking for a great two-in-one product, the Eye and Lip Primer is for you! I have the shade Light Medium, and it is perfect for me! I haven’t tested this as a lip primer yet, but it is amazing as an eye primer. It goes on smoothly, and really makes eyeshadow pop. As with all Manna Kadar products, it is long lasting as well. I am really liking this so far!

Lip Gloss

I’ll be honest, I was very nervous to try this next product! The Lip Gloss in Hot Lips is a bright pink color packed with lots of shimmer. I absolutely loved the color, but was afraid of how it would look on me. Turns out I actually like it! The sparkle isn’t overboard, but the gloss is very pigmented. It is a bit sticky, but I don’t mind that. I also can’t help thinking what a gorgeous nail polish Hot Lips would be!

Mascara

Last but not least is the Curling & Volume Mascara in Black. I actually decided not to open this mascara yet because I already own a Manna Kadar mascara that I love (pictured to the right in the second photo). In fact, that mascara made my October Favorites post! I’m sure this new mascara will be just amazing as the one I’m wearing now, but if you would like a full review sometime in the future let me know in the comments!

Makeup Look

I am using all of the products mentioned in this post for this makeup look! I feel like my skin looks great with just a touch of the concealer, and my lips look nice even though I’m not used to such a bright color. I went a bit fancy with my makeup here because I was headed to an event that you will hear about soon, and I’m glad I got to see the eyeshadow primer at work. I’m really happy with everything!

All in all, I am truly enjoying all of the products I’ve tried from Manna Kadar Cosmetics. This is definitely more of a high end makeup brand, but if you are looking for really high quality products, I think these are worth the splurge. Everything reviewed in this post retails from $19-34, and can be purchased on Birchbox’s website HERE and Manna Kadar’s website HERE. Have you tried any Manna Kadar products? Let me know in the comments!

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

Products I’ve Used Up #1

Posted on December 6, 2013August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I have my first ever “empties” post, where I talk about products I’ve completely used up. I love watching these types of YouTube videos, and thought I could share my empties with you in blog form! This is a great way to learn about a lot of products in a short amount of time! Let me share my empties with you, and let you know if I would repurchase them!

HAIR CARE

L’Oreal EverSleek Intense Smoothing Shampoo – I’ve used this shampoo and conditioner set from L’Oreal many times! I love that it is sulfate free, and really leaves my hair feeling soft and healthy. It retails for around $6 at the drugstore, and is a shampoo I return to every once in a while. I definitely recommend it! [BUY]
Klorane Dry Shampoo – After getting a sample in a Birchbox, I just had to get the full size version of this dry shampoo. It is amazing! It zaps the oil right out of my hair and makes it feel clean. It’s the best dry shampoo, and worth the $18 price tag. The only drawback is it does run out rather quickly. I plan on getting another one soon, though! [BUY]
Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment – This is a new holy grail product! It has changed my hair for the better! My hair is much healthier now that I apply this oil, and I just love it. This travel size lasted me about six months, and it is worth it. I’ve already repurchased it! [BUY]

SKIN & BODY CARE

Sukí Face Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser – I got this sample in a Birchbox, and I loved it! This is a two-in-one cleanser and exfoliant, and it smells like lemons. It was pretty gentle as a scrub, and my face always felt great afterwards. The only reason I am not going to repurchase this is because the full size is $32.95. Otherwise, I love it! [BUY]
Lulah Body Wash in Magnolia Fig – I am just using up my subscription box products! I got this body wash in a PopSugar box, and it was so nice and luxurious. I loved the rich scent, and even the packaging is cute. At $11.25 I’m not sure I would repurchase this for myself, but it would make a great gift! [BUY]
Whish Exfoliating Body Wash – This is a body wash I wasn’t too thrilled about. While it had a pleasant scent, I didn’t like using a body cleanser with an exfoliant added in. I just prefer to do that separately. Plus, I had to use a lot of product to feel clean. I’m going to pass on this one! [BUY]
Burt’s Bees Hand Salve – This little tin contained a medicinal hand cream. I really enjoyed it for days where my hands really needed some extra help. It is quite greasy, but works well. It’s not my favorite hand cream, but definitely a good product. [BUY]

NAIL CARE

Rite Aid Renewal 100% Pure Acetone – For some reason I’ve never used pure acetone to remove my nail polish before. Now, I’m hooked! This is the best nail polish remover I’ve ever used, and it didn’t damage my nails or cuticles. Plus, this bottle lasted me a long time because I didn’t have to use as much remover. I am definitely going to be buying this again! [BUY at Rite Aid]
Sephora Collection Base Coat – This is hands down the best base coat I’ve ever tried as well! It dries really quickly, and I love the large, flat brush. The only downside is that it can only be purchased on Sephora’s website, but I’ve already gone ahead and repurchased another bottle. At $6, I think it’s a steal! [BUY]

MAKEUP

CoverGirl Natural Lash – I use this clear mascara to keep my eyebrows in place! Now I don’t have crazy hairs anymore! Unfortunately I dropped this, and it dried out rather quickly. I did repurchase, though, and I love this product! It’s around $5 at drugstores. [BUY]
CoverGirl NatureLuxe Mascara – I also used up a black mascara from CoverGirl. I absolutely loved this one because it gave me natural and clump-free lashes. Unfortunately this line has been discontinued, but you can still purchase it on Amazon. I highly recommend it! [BUY]
Buxom Sculpted Lash Mascara – Last but not least is another mascara! This is a high end one that I got in a PopSugar box. I absolutely loved it, and I was amazed how well it curled my lashes. I was so sad when it dried up because I’m not going to repurchase it at $19. It’s worth it if you can afford it, though! [BUY]

Those are all of the empty products I have to share with you today! I hope you enjoyed learning more about these products. Please let me know if you would like to see more Products I’ve Used Up posts in the future!

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

Ho-Ho-Holiday Giveaway!

Posted on December 3, 2013December 3, 2013 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! It really is the season of giving, and I am celebrating with you by participating in another mega giveaway hosted by fellow blogger Beauty Pop Stop. First up, let me show you the eleven prizes you have a chance at winning. Then stay tuned for the entry form!

ADVENTURES IN POLISHLAND

BEAUTY POP STOP

Enkore Makeup Pro Ultra Brush Soap, Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Crash, Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Mini Body Butter, Make Up Forever Aqua Shadow 28E, LUSH Ickle Baby Bot Bath Bomb

BEYOND BEAUTY LOUNGE

COSMETIC SANCTUARY

Colors by Llarowe – Behead the Drama Queen, Zoya London Pixie Dust, 2oz Zoya Remove+

THE LACQUEROLOGIST

WORK / PLAY / POLISH

Zoya Matte Velvet Jewels LE Gift Set Trio

ENTER HERE

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mobile Friendly Link: http://bit.ly/15NXhdJ

Thank you as always for following Adventures in Polishland! It really means a lot to me, and I hope this giveaway is a special way to give back for the support I’ve received over this past year and a half. Please make sure to visit all of the other amazing bloggers who are participating in this giveaway as well! Have a wonderful holiday season!