makeup – Page 5 – Adventures in Polishland

Tag: makeup

NYC New York Color Show Time Lip Balms | Swatches & Review

Posted on July 11, 2016June 7, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I am excited to share with you swatches and a review of the NYC New York Color Show Time Lip Balms. I absolutely love tinted lip balms, as they are easy to wear and also help add moisture to the lips. I am always up for trying out different brands, and NYC New York Color is a very affordable one. There are six shades in this line, and I received four of them to review. Let me jump right into the swatches!

The Show Time Lip Balms are formulated to be moisturizing, while at the same time providing a sheer wash of color. Each Show Time balm is infused with Vitamin C to minimize chapping and cracking. I definitely agree that these lip balms are moisturizing. They immediately feel very creamy on the lips, and even upon removal my lips feel hydrated. I’m impressed that the Show Time Lip Balms have such great moisturization! They also have a very light fruity scent.

Cool Nude

First up is Cool Nude, a tan shade packed with holographic glitter. Cool Nude doesn’t have much of a color payoff, and instead just adds sparkle to my lips. I really appreciate that the glitter in this lip balm is very comfortable to wear, and not gritty like some other glittery products. This is not a shade I would wear because I don’t like to have any glitter on my lips, but if you are looking for that this is a great option!

Trendy Peach

Next up is Trendy Peach, a light baby pink packed with glitter. Trendy Pink also has a very light pigmentation, and is almost a completely clear. I do wish there was more of a color payoff with these glitter balms, but they can certainly be layered over other lip products to add some shine.

Popular Pink

The Show Time line also includes lips balms without any glitter or shimmer whatsoever. Popular Pink is one of those shades, and it a blue-toned pink balm. Popular Pink feels amazing on the lips, and is very wearable. I think the pigmentation is very well done, because it’s sheer but still has a nice payoff.

In Vogue Red

Last but not least is In Vogue Red, a cherry red shade that also does not contain glitter. In Vogue Red is my favorite of the bunch! It looks so nice with my fair skin tone, and is a more comfortable option to the traditional red lip. Plus, it is really easy to apply!

All in all, I am quite impressed with the NYC New York Color Show Time Lip Balms. While I wouldn’t personally wear the glittery shades, I think they are great quality. Makeup transcends age, but I do think the Show Time Lip Balms are the perfect option for younger people first trying makeup. I would have been all over the glitter shades in my preteen years! I also recommend Popular Pink and In Vogue Red for anyone! These $1.99 lip balms are super fabulous and affordable, and a great option for my tinted lip balm fans. You can find these at your local drugstore or department store!

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

June Empties | #365DaysofEmpties Update

Posted on July 6, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! It’s time for my monthly check-in with all of you to share the products I used up towards my #365DaysofEmpties goal. I was getting a bit nervous in June, as I only emptied a few products at the beginning of the month. Thankfully, as the month came to a close, a bunch of my products did also. I’m excited to share my mini-reviews with all of you this month, as I emptied a wide variety of products. Let me share my thoughts on the products I used up in June!

BODY CARE

The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Cream Body Scrub – 1 tub [BUY]

Mini Review: I really enjoy body scrubs from The Body Shop. While I liked the Coca Butter scent of this one, I didn’t love the texture. It felt more abrasive than the sugar and gelee scrubs they also offer.
Would I Buy it Again? I wouldn’t get this particular scrub again, but others from The Body Shop.

Bath & Body Works Beautiful Day Shower Gel – 1 bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: While I loved the clean and fresh scent of Beautiful Day, I found it to be quite drying on my skin despite it being labeled as “Shea Enriched.” That being said, this bottle lasted me a few months because only a small amount of product was needed to get a nice lather.
Would I Buy it Again? No, I’m going to look for more natural cleansers in the future.

MAKEUP

Evian Facial Spray – 1 can [BUY]

Mini Review: I mentioned last month how much I love this facial spray. I use it to dampen my BeautyBlender, but also to freshen up in the hot weather. Last month it got really hot, and I was unable to use the air conditioning. This was a lifesaver!
Would I Buy it Again? I would not buy this travel size can again. The full size lasts me about a year, but the mini ran out in just a month. Go big with this one!

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water – 1 deluxe sample [BUY]

Mini Review: I’ve heard great things about this Primer Water, but I didn’t see much of a difference when I used it. It did feel nice on the skin, but it took a while to dry and added time to my makeup routine.
Would I Buy it Again? No. I didn’t see enough results for the price tag.

Revlon ColorStay Under Eye Concealer – 1 tube [BUY]

Mini Review: This is a staple concealer for me. I’ve repurchased it several times, and really enjoy it as a drugstore option. That being said, it does make my fine lines a bit more pronounced, and it’s expensive for the small amount of product.
Would I But it Again? No. I’m going to look for a better option that is more affordable

SKINCARE

Up & Up Refreshing Wet Cleansing Towelettes – 1 pack

Mini Review: I love these makeup wipes from Target! They are super affordable, but work well to remove my makeup. Plus, I find wipes really refreshing in the warmer months.
Would I Buy it Again? I’m using another pack right now!

StriVectin-SD Instant Retexturizing Scrub – 1 deluxe sample [BUY]

Mini Review: This scrub is awesome! It feels very creamy and gentle on the skin, but truly works to remove dead skin cells. I loved how clear and even my skin felt after using this scrub. Plus, this sample lasted much longer than just the 1.5 weeks it advertised.
Would I But it Again? Maybe. It’s very expensive!

Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield – 1 deluxe sample [BUY]

Mini Review: I’m not sure how I feel about this product! Invisiblur is part serum, part sunscreen, and part primer. I do love how it is a multi-tasker, but I didn’t like the smell. I also found that my foundation didn’t apply as well when I used this product.
Would I Buy it Again? No.

ORAL CARE

GUM Comfort Slide Flossers – 1 pack [BUY]

Mini Review: I love using flossers because they make flossing super easy! While they are a bit more expensive than traditional floss, it is 100% worth it if I floss more. I’ve made flossing part of my normal routine since using these!
Would I But it Again? Yes!

HAIR CARE

göt2b Rockin’ It 4Ever Stylestay Dry Shampoo – 1 can [BUY]

Mini Review: I got this dry shampoo because it was on sale and I had a coupon. Unfortunately, I really did not like it, but still used it all up. It was better than not using any dry shampoo at all, but really didn’t do much for my hair. I don’t recommend it!
Would I Buy it Again? No!

JUNE EMPTIES: 10

TOTAL 2016 EMPTIES: 55

We are now halfway through the year, and I am ahead of my goal to finish up 100 empties! It always feels great to use up a product completely. This month I focused a bit on my deluxe samples, and that helped to move them out of my collection. Plus, it saves me money to use my samples first! As always, please share your thoughts on any of the products I mentioned today with me in the comments.

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

June Lifestyle Favorites!

Posted on July 5, 2016June 30, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! July is here, and it is time to share my June favorites with all of you. This year is just flying by for me, and I can’t believe we are done with June already. I only have a few favorites to share with you this month. I haven’t been trying many new beauty products, but I do have some lifestyle loves to share. Without further ado, let me jump right into my June favorites!

MAKEUP

NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Taupe [BUY]

I’ve been wanting to try this brow pencil for a long time, and finally picked it up during a CVS sale. I typically use brow powder, but I thought a pencil would be perfect for days where I want to get my makeup done quickly. Ever since I tried this NYX pencil, I’ve only used brow powder twice! This pencil is natural looking, but still fills in sparse brows really well. I highly recommend it.

Physicans Formula Organic Wear CC Cream in Light [BUY]

I also wanted a lighter foundation option for summer. I love wearing a CC cream during the warmer months because it acts like a sunscreen and moisturizer in one. I’m very impressed with this one from Physicians Formula. It is a medium coverage, and it wears really well throughout the day. I plan on doing a full review of this CC cream later on in the month so you can see it in action.

FOOD

Eureka! Seeds the Day Organic Bread

I’ve been changing up my diet big time this month by trying to eat more whole foods and healthier options. I found this bread at the grocery store, and it is so delicious and nutritious! Not only is it organic and vegan, but it contains 9 grams of protein in just one slice. I love it for sandwiches and for toast. It’s a bit more expensive, but I immediately froze about 1/3 of the loaf so I could make it last.

APP

CRON-O-meter [BUY]

I rarely purchase apps, but I decided to swing for CRON-O-meter after hearing so many great things about it. This app helps you see if you are reaching your daily nutrient needs. You can scan the barcodes of prepackaged foods, or simply search for things like produce. Then you can see your daily total adding up! While CRON-O-meter is not 100% accurate, it is still very helpful. I’ve been balancing my meals a lot better now that I have a visual representation of the nutrients I need. It’s worth the $2.99 price tag.

PURCHASE

2017 Erin Condren Life Planner [BLOG] [BUY]

I am beyond in love with the new Erin Condren Life Planner line for 2017! I purchased my planner early and I’ve been using it for Listers Gotta List. It will transition into my full planner in January, but I’m glad I purchased it now. You can learn all about it in the blog post linked above, and I highly recommend splurging on one.

That wraps up my very quick June favorites! As always, please let me know in the comments what your favorites are. I love getting recommendations from all of you! If there is a product you would like me to review in the future, you can also let me know that as well. Here’s to a great July!

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

June Sephora PLAY! Unboxing | The Minimalists

Posted on June 24, 2016June 20, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I’m unboxing my June Sephora PLAY! box with all of you. It’s been a couple months since I shared this beauty subscription with you on the blog, and I’m excited to do so today. I did want to let you know that I’ve decided to cancel my PLAY! subscription, and this will be my last box. I am doing this for a plethora of reasons, but I first thought about cancelling simply because I haven’t been using the products. While the box is only $10 a month, and I’ve gotten the opportunity to try some great products, I’ve not used most of the products I’ve received over the past several months. Nonetheless, let me share the June box with all of you!

Here’s a quick look at my June Sephora PLAY! box. Last month Sephora changed up the packaging big time and replaced the box with a reusable bag. I love that Sephora created a more environmentally friendly packaging for its subscription. In the past, the products came in a box filled with paper shreds all packed in another box. Major thumbs up for providing us with reusable bags! I know these bags will come in handy during travel.

June’s theme is The Minimalists, and includes products to prove that sometimes less is more. Minimalism is very on trend right now, and it makes sense that Sephora is embracing it when it comes to beauty products!

bareMinerals BareSkin Sheer Sun Serum Bronzer – $2.80 [BUY]

The first product in the June box is a serum bronzer from bareMinerals. This is a really unique product that can be worn alone or mixed in with your foundation. I’m glad this came in the subscription box, as I never would have tried this on my own!

Benefit They’re Real! Mascara – $8.00 [BUY]

Next up is the well-known mascara from Benefit called They’re Real! I think this is a great product to include in the box, because it is definitely a favorite in the beauty community. I’m one of the few people who don’t like this mascara, because it is very thick and weighs down my lashes. This sample is definitely a great value!

BECCA Backlight Priming Filter – $7.60 [BUY]

I am really excited to try the BECCA Backlight Priming Filter, as I know this is a favorite product of Jaclyn Hill. This primer is designed to blur imperfections and give the skin an illuminated look. I don’t typically go for the dewy look, but it will be a lot of fun to try it!

Tarte Tarteguard 30 Sunscreen Lotion – $4.33 [BUY]

I am also really excited to try this sunscreen from Tarte. I was actually looking into this product on my own, as I’m looking for a new sunscreen. Now I get to try before I buy, which is perfect because this is quite the expensive sunscreen. I am definitely up for writing a full review of this product in the future, so let me know if you’re interested in reading one!

Bumble and Bumble Don’t Blow it Hair Styler – $3.10 [BUY]

Next up is a product from Bumble and Bumble that is formulated give your hair style without the need for a blow dryer. I haven’t had good luck with this brand in the past, so I’m not sure if I will give this product a try. I do lot my hair air dry daily, and then usually flat iron it. We’ll see if I put this product to use!

TOCCA Eau de Parfum Florence – $2.00 [BUY]

Last but not least is a perfume sample from TOCCA. As always, I’m not a big fan of perfume samples included in subscription boxes because you can get them for free at any Sephora. This one in particular is quite floral scented, so I definitely won’t be wearing it because of my sensitivity to flowers.

All in all, the June Sephora PLAY! has a value of $27.83, which is more than double the cost, but definitely a low amount compared to months past. I will definitely be using three out of the six products, which is good. I would love to know in the comments your thoughts on the Sephora PLAY! subscription service. Do you subscribe? Have you cancelled? Are you on the wait list? I would love to know!

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

Zoya Hydrating Cream Lipstick Review & Swatches | Mellie & Candy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May Lifestyle Favorites | Beauty, Skincare, & More!

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

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

BEAUTY

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

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

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

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

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

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

SKINCARE

StriVectin–SD Instant Retexturing Scrub [BUY]

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

ETSY SHOP

Whimsical Plans [SHOP]

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

MUSIC

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

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

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

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

May Empties | #365DaysofEmpties Update

Posted on May 30, 2016May 18, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I am excited to share with you my May Empties – all of the products that I used up in the month of May. We are now five months through the year, and I feel pretty good about the amount of products I’m emptying versus the amount of new products I’ve added to my stash. It is really helpful to focus on one product at a time, and also use mini products that I received as samples or in subscription boxes. Let me share all of the beauty, skincare, and nail care products with you!

NAIL CARE

Julep Acetone Free Conditioning Nail Polish Remover – 2 Bottles [BUY]

Mini Review: This is my all-time favorite nail polish remover! It does an amazing job at removing all the polish on my nails while still being gentle. Plus, it doesn’t have a strong smell. I do wish this was more affordable, but I use it whenever I can.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I would buy it in bulk if possible!

Berkley Jensen Premium 100% Pure Cotton Rounds – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: I use cotton rounds to remove my nail polish, and I’m still working through the huge pack I got from BJ’s last summer. I buy these in bulk to save money!
Would I Buy it Again? Of course!

SKINCARE

Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion Pore Perfecting Exfoliator – 2 Bottles [BUY]

Mini Review: I really enjoy this scrub, and think it works best when used regularly so you see the effects over time. It’s not the best at removing dead skin cells, but it does really help to clean out the pores and even out your skin tone.
Would I Buy it Again? I would, but the price is very high so I probably won’t.

Sephora Green Tea Eye Mask – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: This is the first sheet mask I’ve ever used for the undereye area, and I really enjoyed it! I felt really relaxed after using this, and my eye area did feel smooth. I’m so glad I tested this out!
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I also want to try different varieties.

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Original Formula – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: I am really enjoying this peel, because it is not intimidating. I can feel this peel working when I use it, but it’s not too intense. If you are looking for an easy, at-home peel, this is a great one.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes!

MAKEUP

I thought I would share all of the products I use during makeup application, removal, and makeup brush cleansing together in one category!

Evian Facial Spray – 1 Can [BUY]

Mini Review: I use this spray to dampen my BeautyBlender everyday, and sometimes to freshen up my face throughout the day. I know it might seem silly to use water in a can, but this can lasted me over a year and is specially designed so that bacteria cannot get into the can.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes!

Up & Up Refreshing Wet Cleansing Towelettes – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: These cleansing wipes are designed to remove all makeup while still leaving the skin moisturized. I really love these, and use them several times per week to remove makeup either before cleansing or instead of doing a full skincare routine.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I already have.

Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Hydrating Primer – 1 Tube [BUY]

Mini Review: I am in love with this primer! It has a liquid texture that is not slimy like other primers, and dries to a nice matte finish. I used this on days where I thought my skin was being oily, and it really helped to control that.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes, but I’m working through my other primers right now.

Johnson’s Baby Shampoo – 1 Bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: I bought a small bottle of baby shampoo to use for washing my makeup brushes. I’ve heard this was a good option, and it definitely works! It gets all the product out and leaves the brushes soft.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I purchased a big bottle.

MAY EMPTIES: 11

TOTAL 2016 EMPTIES: 45

I am on track to reach my goal of 100 empties in 2016, and I’m even a few products ahead! My newest goal has been to focus on sample size products whenever I run out of a big bottle, like I did with my PoreDermabrasion this month. Not only is that helping to clean out my stash, but it saves me money! Please let me know in the comments what products you used up in May, and if you are participating in #365DaysofEmpties as well!

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

April Favorites | 7 Springtime Loves

Posted on May 3, 2016April 25, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! May is here, and that means it’s time to share all of the things I loved in April with all of you. I’ve been trying a lot of new products lately, and thankfully many of them turned out to be amazing. I always love discovering new products and sharing them with you. In addition to the products, another favorite of mine has been the warm weather. I’m so glad spring is here! Let me share some of my springtime loves from the month of April!

MAKEUP

L’Oreal Power Volume 24-Hour Mascara in Black – [BUY]

I’ve had really bad luck with mascaras lately, but thankfully this one from L’Oreal is amazing! I typically don’t like thick brush applicators, but this one is fabulous. I can see my lashes grow as I apply this mascara. It gives a really full look to my lashes, and wears all day. I got this during the CVS clearance sale back in December, and am glad I did. L’Oreal has some of my favorite drugstore mascaras for sure!

Rimmel London Natural Bronzer – [REVIEW] [BUY]

I can’t believe it, but I’m finally using bronzer! I’ve slowly started adding this bronzer into my daily routine, and I’m really enjoying it. If you have very fair skin, this bronzer is the way to go. It is very light, and perfect for beginners like me, because if you mess up a little you don’t need to redo your entire face of makeup. I’m so glad I finally gave this a try!

MAKE Matte Finish Eyeshadow in Alabaster [REVIEW] [BUY]

I’ve also been loving this eyeshadow from MAKE. Alabaster is perfect for cancelling out all the discoloration in my eyelids, and giving the eye a nice brightening effect without needing a full eyeshadow look. Feel free to read my full review by clicking the link above, where I include swatches as well. This is a high end product, but definitely worth the price!

NAIL CARE

Julep Conditioning Nail Polish Remover [BUY]

I went back to my all-time favorite nail polish remover this month, and that is this acetone free one from Julep. This remover is amazing. Not only does it not have a strong smell, but it removes my nail polish easily and it does condition my nails. It is on the expensive side, so I don’t buy it often. Luckily I’ve received a few as gifts lately! I highly recommend this!

BODY CARE

Bath & Body Works Shower Gel in Beautiful Day [BUY]

I got this shower gel for free last spring thanks to a coupon, but am just opening it up this year. I love to have seasonal scents going in the shower, and Beautiful Day is fruity and fresh. I absolutely love it! Plus, my bathroom smells great for a while after I get out of the shower. I do wish this product had more natural ingredients, but I still love Bath & Body Works.

TELEVISION

Dancing with the Stars

I am really loving this season of DWTS! I thought I would be rooting for Jodie Sweetin, since I am such a huge Full House fan, but I’m also loving Wanyá and Nyle DiMarco! I’m excited to see how the competition continues, and I am really glad Len is back as a judge this season.

FOOD & DRINK

Dunkin’ Donuts Cookie Dough Iced Coffee

My last favorite this month is Cookie Dough iced coffee! I typically drink my coffee black every morning, but in the warmer months I love a nice, sweet iced coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts. I’ve been treating myself to the Cookie Dough flavor recently, and I’m obsessed with it. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, I definitely recommend it!

That wraps up my monthly favorites for April! I hope you enjoyed learning more about my springtime loves. Definitely share your favorites with me in the comments, or use the hashtag #PolishlandFaves on social media so I can find your posts! If you’re watching DWTS, definitely let me know who you think will win the mirrorball trophy this season, too.

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

April Empties | #365DaysofEmpties Update

Posted on April 29, 2016April 25, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! April is coming to a close, and that means it’s time to share with you all of the products I used up this month. I used up a lot of big products in April, which is always a lot of fun. I’ve decided that once I use up a big bottle of something, I’m going to reach for a sample next so I can really focus on emptying those, too. Let me share with you all of my empties for April, and give an update on my #365DaysofEmpties project!

SKINCARE

GlamGlow Powermud Dualcleanse Treatment – 1 Sample [BUY]

Mini Review: I was so excited to finally try a product from the high end brand GlamGlow. I only got one use of this face mask from this sample, and to be honest, I wasn’t blown away. My skin felt really clean, but I didn’t have any amazing results. I would need to try this a few more times to see any changes in my skin.
Would I Buy it Again? No. It’s too expensive!

NAIL CARE

Berkley Jensen Premium 100% Pure Cotton Rounds – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: I primarily use cotton rounds to remove my nail polish, and I’ve been doing a lot of swatching lately. I purchase these in bulk from BJ’s to save money, but any pure cotton rounds are excellent. I also use them to cleanse my face sometimes.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes!

HAIR CARE

L’Oreal Advanced Haircare Triple Resist Reinforcing Shampoo & Conditioner – 2 Bottles [BUY] & [BUY]

Mini Review: I absolutely love the Advanced Haircare collection from L’Oreal. I’ve tried several different lines, and the Triple Resist is a great one. It’s designed to help strengthen fragile, breaking hair. It definitely lives up to its name, and my fine hair loved it. Keep an eye out for coupons and sales!
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I’m currently using a different line from this collection, though.

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk – 1 Can [BUY]

Mini Review: Friends, this is my holy grail dry shampoo. I purchase it whenever I can because it gets the job done better than any of the other dry shampoos I’ve tried. It truly zaps the oil right out of my hair, giving it a fresh and clean feeling. It is super expensive, but worth every penny.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! Yes! Yes!

BODY CARE

Dove Advanced Care Cool Essentials 48-Hour Antiperspirant – 1 Tube [BUY]

Mini Review: This is my favorite deodorant from the drugstore, and really the only one that works for me. I would love to find a natural deodorant that works, but so far I haven’t had any luck. I prefer the unscented version, but this Cool Essentials was nice, too.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes!

Olay Ultra Moisture with Shea Butter Moisture Outlast Body Wash – 1 Bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: I received this travel size bottle of body wash from PinchMe for review, and I am pleasantly surprised with how much I love it! This body wash truly does add moisture to the skin while still cleansing. I noticed a big difference when I switched back to my other body wash – my skin was a lot drier. Plus, I love the soothing scent of Shea butter.
Would I But it Again? Yes, but I’m currently using up the other body washes in my stash.

MAKEUP

Covergirl truBLEND Liquid Makeup in L2 Classic Ivory – 1 Bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: This is one of my favorite foundations from the drugstore! It is a light-medium coverage for everyday wear, and is buildable for sure. My bottle looks disgusting here, because once the pump stops working I take it out and flip the bottle upside down so the last bits of foundation fall into the cap. It helps me use up all the product!
Would I Buy it Again? Yes!

APRIL EMPTIES: 8

TOTAL 2016 EMPTIES: 34

I’m glad I used up so many big products in April, but I am a bit nervous looking at my total number of empties for the year! I am still on track to reach my goal of 100 empties in 2016, but I am now only one product ahead of that number. I’m going to work really hard in May to focus on products, and hopefully I can maintain a steady pace. Definitely let me know in the comments if you’ve used any of the products I mentioned today, and your mini review of them!

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

NYX Eye Shadow Base Review | ‘Skin Tone’

Posted on April 18, 2016March 21, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I have a review of the NYX Eye Shadow Base in the shade Skin Tone to share with you. During my most recent makeup declutter, I tossed the two bases I owned because they were expired. I was going to splurge on a MAC Paint Pot, but while at Target I saw that NYX had an affordable option. I purchased the shade Skin Tone to try. Before I jump into the review, I did want to note that I am quite unhappy with the shade name as Skin Tone. Not everyone has the same skin tone, of course, and it’s quite disappointing that a brand would use a name that is so excluding. I hope that in the future NYX will use other descriptors for skin toned products. Nonetheless, let me share my thoughts on the actual product with you.

NYX Eye Shadow Base Review | 'Skin Tone'

The NYX Eye Shadow Base comes in a pot, and I really liked that it was wrapped in clear plastic on the outside and had a safety seal on the inside so I know the product wasn’t opened or tested by another customer. This base is formulated to keep your eyeshadow in place, and maximize the color as well. I like to wear a base like this to cover the veins in my eyelids even if I’m not wearing eyeshadow. It just creates a cleaner and brighter look for me.

Here is a swatch of Skin Tone. It is a bit darker than I would have liked, but on the eyes it does a great job of evening out the discoloration while still looking very natural. The formula is good, and very creamy. I like to use a concealer brush to apply it so I’m not constantly dipping my fingers into the pot. I did notice some creasing on the lids at the end of the day, and this product does wear off throughout the day, too. My eyelids do tend to be on the oily side, so I think this product would work much better for someone who doesn’t have oily lids. I think this is a good product for the price, but I will be trying out another base next time around.

All in all, I have mixed feelings about the NYX Eye Shadow Base. I love the formula and that it is cruelty free, but I am still aggravated with the name choice and the fact that it creases with my eyelids. I will continue to use this base until I find a better option for me, and will be sure to check in with you when than happens! If you have a favorite eye base, please share with me in the comments!