makeup – Page 6 – Adventures in Polishland

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My Everyday Makeup featuring MAKE Beauty | Limited Time Coupon Code

Posted on April 6, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I am excited to share with you my everyday makeup look, and also review a couple of products from the brand MAKE Beauty. I first tried MAKE Beauty a few years ago through the subscription service Birchbox. I luckily got the opportunity to review some of the brand’s products for all of you, and I was so happy when they arrived because they perfectly fit into my normal makeup routine. This post will provide first impressions reviews of the MAKE Beauty Matte Finish Eyeshadow in Alabaster and the Silk Cream Lipstick in Taffy, and then conclude with an overall look at my full makeup. Make sure to stay tuned to the end of this post where I will share a coupon code for MAKE Beauty with all of you!

Matte Finish Eyeshadow in Alabaster [BUY]

MAKE Beauty Matte Finish Eyeshadow in Alabaster

First up is the Matte Finish Eyeshadow in Alabaster. I’ve swatched Alabaster on my hand, but you probably will have a hard time seeing it because it is my exact skin tone! I was so excited to discover that, because I don’t like to wear eyeshadow on a daily basis. However, I do have quite veiny eyelids, so I often use an eye primer just to cancel out the discoloration. Alabaster works perfectly to fully cover up my veiny lids. It is smooth, pigmented, and wears very nicely throughout the day. This eyeshadow formula also contains Vitamins C and E to help provide anti-oxidant protection to the eye area, and I think it does a great job because I didn’t experience any irritation. I’m in love with Alabaster!

Silk Cream Lipstick in Taffy [BUY]

MAKE Beauty Silk Cream Lipstick in Taffy

Next up is the Silk Cream Lipstick in the shade Taffy, a medium pink with purple undertones. Taffy just happens to be a ‘my lips but better’ shade. I couldn’t believe how well this fit my complexion! I also like how Taffy applies smoothy, and feels nice on the lips. I’ve had really dry lips lately, but Taffy still applied nicely and wore well throughout the day. Taffy did not add any moisture to my lips, but it also didn’t feel drying. I know I will be reaching for this lipstick often!

My Everyday Makeup Look

Here’s my completed makeup look! I’ll list all of the products for you if you’d like to learn more about what I use on the daily. Links to the MAKE Beauty products are above in each review.

Make Up For Every Step 1 Equalizing Primer [BUY]
Covergirl TruBlend Liquid Makeup in L2 [BUY]
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer [BUY]
Maybelline BROWdrama Pro Palette in Blonde [BUY]
Maybelline Great Last Mascara in Clear [BUY]
Rimmel London Scandaleyes XX-Treme Mascara in Black [BUY]
Rimmel London Natural Bronzer [BUY]
Benefit Cosmetics Dandelion Blush [BUY]
L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Eyeshadow Palette (I used the highlight shade) [BUY]
Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Translucent [BUY]
Urban Decay De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray [BUY]

All in all, I am really loving the products I received from MAKE Beauty, and am excited they fit into my daily routine. MAKE Beauty is a boutique brand with higher end prices, but I think these are great products in which to invest. From now until April 15, 2016, you can save 20% off your purchase at makebeauty.com with the code MAKEYOURSELF at checkout. I highly recommend snatching up these savings while you can!

What products are part of your everyday makeup look? Please share in the comments!

The products from MAKE Beauty were provided for my unbiased review. This post includes affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

February Empties | #365DaysofEmpties Update

Posted on February 29, 2016February 18, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! February is coming to a close, and it’s time to share my empty products with all of you. Last month I introduced a new project that I’m doing all year long called the #365DaysofEmpties. You can learn more about the project HERE, but my personal goal is to use up 100 products this year. This blog post will show you what I used up in the month of February, my mini review of each product, and a note on whether I’d repurchase the product. Let’s go ahead and jump right into the empties!

SKINCARE

NUDE Skincare Advanced Renewal Serum – 3 Sample Packs [BUY]

Mini Review: I finished up the remaining samples of this serum in February, and while I do like it, I didn’t see a major change in my skin. It felt nice and I had no adverse reaction, but it wasn’t a miracle product for me.
Would I Buy it Again? No. This serum is very expensive, and not worth the price.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel – 1 Sample Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: I’ve always been scared to try a peel, but I really like this one because it is a two-step wipe system instead of a mask that literally peels off the face. I did experience some tingling and a bit of tightness after using the peel, but it seemed to work fine. I think my skin really liked it!
Would I Buy it Again? I’m not sure! I have two more samples to try, and I’ll let you know the final verdict then.

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

Mini Review: I picked up this pack of makeup remover wipes specifically for my trip to Los Angeles in January. I finished using the wipes this month, and I really like them. They are the Target brand, but are formulated to compare with Pond’s. They work just as well!
Would I Buy it Again? Yes!

NAIL CARE

Beauty 360 Strengthening Nail Polish Remover – 1 Bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: I really liked this nail polish remover, but I am so mad at myself! I just noticed on the label (in big clear lettering) that this remover contains gelatin. I don’t consume products with gelatin because I’m a vegetarian, and I’d prefer not to use it in my other beauty products as well. Here’s your friendly reminder to always read the label.
Would I Buy it Again? No!

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

Mini Review: I use cotton rounds mainly to remover nail polish. It is definitely my product of choice for nail polish remover because it cuts down on the fuzzies, and does a great job. I’ve also been using cotton rounds to remove face cleanser as well.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I buy these in bulk at my local BJ’s.

MAKEUP

Avon Eyeshadow Sponge Applicators – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: While this is technically a makeup item, I use eyeshadow applicators in nail art! I’ve had this pack for years and just used up the last applicator. I need to get some more of these because they are the only thing that I can use for ombré nail art.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes, but from a different brand.

Dr. Jart Dis-A-Pore Beauty Balm – 1 Sample [BUY]

Mini Review: I got this BB cream in a subscription box, and I used it every once in a while. I really like this BB cream, but the shade isn’t perfect for me. That’s a bit disappointing because it is quite full coverage and wears really well all day.
Would I Buy it Again? No. It doesn’t match my skin properly.

BODY CARE

Raven’s Creek Ultra Soft Sugar Scrub in Pumpkin Pie Spice – 1 Tub [BUY]

Mini Review: I got this sugar scrub in a subscription box, and I did like it, but I didn’t love it. The smell was amazing, but the scrub didn’t exfoliate as well as I would have liked. I also had to use a lot of this product at once.
Would I Buy it Again? No.

FEBRUARY EMPTIES: 10

TOTAL 2016 EMPTIES: 19

That brings us to the end of my January empties! I am on track to use up 100 products by the end of the year, which is really awesome. I think March’s empties post will be pretty big, because a lot of my products are right at the end. It’s always fun when a bunch of products run out at once! Until then, let me know in the comments what you finished up in February. Also let me know if you use any of the products I mentioned today, and what you think of them.

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

Products I Buy High End!

Posted on February 26, 2016February 15, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Here at Adventures in Polishland I have always focused on living a fabulous and affordable life. However, there are a few products that I do save up for and splurge on because I think they are worth the money. I thought it would be fun to share with you the products that I tend to buy high end. Of course, I am always looking for affordable alternatives, but because these products work well for me, I don’t mind splurging on them. Let me go ahead and share with you the products I buy high end!

Dry Shampoo

I’ve tried what feels like a thousand dry shampoos from the drugstore, but I always come back to the Klorane Dry Shampoo, which unfortunately costs about $20 per can. This is the best dry shampoo I’ve ever used because it absorbs the oil and leaves my hair looking fresh and clean. Unlike other dry shampoos, it doesn’t add texture. It also brushes out well so that no white film is left in my brunette hair. I always buy this from Birchbox when there is a coupon code because I don’t like to go without it!

Face Primer

I’ve also tried a couple primers from the drugstore. While they’ve worked, they haven’t been as good as the high end primers I’ve used. My favorite primers are from Smashbox. The Photo Finish Light is oil free and great for sensitive skin or oily skin. I’m currently using the regular Photo Finish, and it’s great for combination or dry skin. I think it’s worth the price for sure!

BeautyBlender

I know, I’ve talked your ear off about the BeautyBlender, but it really is that good! Buying a sponge for $20 might seem ridiculous until you try it. The BeautyBlender is truly the best product for applying foundation and other cream products. It is worth the investment because it will last you a very long time so long as you wash it regularly. Trust me, you’ll love it! And don’t buy a cheap one – the ‘dupes’ are never as good.

Highlighter

My highlighter stash is composed of half high end products and half drugstore products, but I can definitely see a big difference in quality. I love my L’Oreal highlighters, but they tend to be a bit more glittery than I’d like. That’s why I think it’s great to invest in a few high end highlights. I absolutely love Cheeky from Ofra that is pictured here. It’s a bit more expensive than the drugstore, but lasts for such a long time.

Setting Spray

Last but not least is setting spray. This is the one product in this blog post that I’ve never tried from the drugstore! I purchased Urban Decay’s De-Slick for the first time about three or four years ago now, and I loved it so much I’ve never tried anything else! I did try Urban Decay’s All Nighter, but that’s the only other setting spray I’ve used. De-Slick is where it’s at for me!

All in all, while I love to bargain hunt and buy affordable products, it’s always nice to splurge on a high quality product every once in a while. I can’t justify buying mascara, blush, or other makeup products high end regularly because there are so many affordable options. That being said, I would love to know what products you buy high end, so please let me know in a comment!

Simple Glam Makeup Look featuring Rimmel London | All Drugstore Products

Posted on February 19, 2016February 11, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I have a makeup look to share with you featuring products from the drugstore brand Rimmel London. I was recently sent a package from Rimmel filled with products to create a glam makeup look. I couldn’t wait to test out all of the goodies and share them with you! In this post I’ll first be sharing each product individually and my first impressions of the product. Then I’ll share my completed makeup look at the end! Let’s go ahead and get started with this simple glam makeup look using all drugstore products!

THE PRODUCTS

Lasting Finishing Skin Perfecting Full Coverage Foundation – $7.99

I was really intrigued with this foundation. It claims to be a long-wearing, 25-hour formula, and it also is formulated to be full coverage. I received the shade Classic Ivory, which is a bit too dark for me right now. The formula is definitely a medium coverage, and I recommend it for those with combination or oily skin, because it does stick to dry patches. That being said, it dries to a beautiful semi-matte finish. I love the feel of it on the skin, and it wears nicely throughout the day. I think this is a good pick for a drugstore foundation!

Rimmel London Natural Bronzer Natural Bronzer – $5.99

I was a bit hesitant to try out this bronzer, but if you’re going for a glam look you might as well go all out! I’m really impressed with this bronzer. It applies so smoothly and blends out beautifully. It truly is a natural bronzer, and I highly recommend it for bronzer newbies like me. I received the shade Sun Bronze, which worked well with my fair complexion. I’m excited to continue using this product!

Rimmel Scandaleyes in Bulletproof Beige Scandaleyes Eyeshadow Stick in Bulletproof Beige – $4.59

I went for this shimmery gold eyeshadow stick for my entire eye look. I applied this cream shadow over the lid and into the crease. It’s a beautiful color, and because it’s shimmery it can stand on its own. I like that this is a no fuss product! Plus, because I was wearing a bold lip, I knew I could go lighter on the eyes.

Scandaleyes Xtreme Mascara – $6.99

I’ve had mixed luck with Rimmel mascaras in the past, but I have to say I am really impressed with this one! The brush has the rubbery texture that I like, and it definitely gives me both volume and length. The formula is a bit on the wet side, but I’m sure once it dries out a bit I will love it even more. I got the shade Black, and I highly recommend this one!

Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick Moisture Renew Lipstick – $7.99

Last but not least is the Moisture Renew Lipstick in Red Alert. While this shade is outside of my comfort zone, I am loving the formula! It definitely feels very moisturizing on the lips, and it applies very smoothly. I often feel weird when wearing lipstick, but I found this one very comfortable to wear. The red color is a bit staining, but I used a makeup remover wipe and that worked well. I will be checking out the other shades in this line for sure!

THE MAKEUP LOOK

Here is my final look! I used all drugstore products in this look, and I’m really happy with how it turned out. I would wear this for a special occasion or a night out, or I would wear a lighter lip color for a day look. All of the products I used will be listed for your convenience.

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Skin Perfecting Full Coverage Foundation in Classic Ivory http://amzn.to/23ZBxvN
Rimmel London Natural Bronzer in Sun Bronze http://amzn.to/1V6Q7LO
NYC New York Color Blush in Riverside Rose http://amzn.to/23ZCnbY
L’Oreal True Match Lumi in Rose http://amzn.to/23ZBNL9
Maybelline BROWdrama Pro Palette in Blonde http://amzn.to/1Q9Z4jc
Rimmel London Scandaleyes Eyeshadow Stick in Bulletproof Beige http://amzn.to/1V6QVQZ
Rimmel London Scandaleyes Xtreme Mascara in Black http://amzn.to/1Kei2cq
Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent http://amzn.to/1V6Rieg
Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick in Red Alert http://amzn.to/23ZD6d8

All in all, I’m so glad I received these products from Rimmel to test out for all of you. I’m quite impressed with the great quality, especially with the mascara and lipstick. Rimmel is often on sale at the drugstore, and coupons can sometimes be found in the Sunday newspaper. I highly recommend trying out these products! Also, please let me know if you’ll be recreating this simple glam look!

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

Makeup I (Almost) Never Use!

Posted on February 17, 2016February 10, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I thought it would be fun if I shared with all of you the makeup products that I almost never use. I review all sorts of beauty products here at Adventures in Polishland, and I really love trying new things. However, the reality of the situation is that in my regular routine I tend to reach for the same products all the time! I’m comfortable with my daily makeup routine, and it’s rare that I step outside the box. Let me share with you the five makeup products that I almost never use!

5. Lipstick

This might sound crazy because I love buying and trying new lip colors, but I rarely wear lipstick! If I’m wearing a lip product I will reach for a tinted lip balm nine times out of ten. I feel really comfortable with a sheer wash of color, but when it comes to lipsticks I shy away. Lipstick is more high maintenance to apply and touch up throughout the day, and I just feel so aware of lipstick when I’m wearing it. There are a few shades that I use regularly, but the rest of my stash sits unused!

4. Eyeshadow

Despite my efforts to wear eyeshadow more often, my palettes still sit unused most days. I’d say I wear eyeshadow perhaps 1-2 days per month, and even that might be a stretch! Part of my problem is that I’m still not good at application, which can only be improved with more practice. I need to go through my stash and get rid of the shadows I never use for sure!

3. Eyeliner

You can tell I keep the eye area pretty basic, because I never wear eyeliner either! I recently paired down my eyeliner collection to one liquid and one (unopened) pencil. I probably wear eyeliner 1-2 times per year – if that! I just feel that it looks so harsh and overdone with my fair complexion. I’ve tried other shades besides black, but it’s just not my cup of tea. I basically keep them for the odd occasion where I reach for the eyeliner!

2. Bronzer

Next up is bronzer, a product that I’ve only tried to use a few times. I just don’t get it! I’ve watched countless YouTube tutorials, but I can’t get the hang of bronzer. Plus, I don’t mind my nice pale skin. I embrace it!

1. Contour

Finally, a makeup product that I never wear is contour! I don’t even own a contour powder to show you, so I grabbed a stock photo of this Anastasia palette. I definitely think contouring is really cool, and I love seeing how makeup artists use it to transform the face. I think one day I will give it a try, but it’s not in the near future for me.

I hope you enjoyed seeing what makeup products I almost never use! Believe it or not, but I am still very new to makeup. Besides wearing it for dance performances my entire life, I didn’t use makeup regularly until my early twenties. I’m still leaning the ins and outs of beauty products every day, and I think it’s a lot of fun! Please share with me in the comments if there are any makeup products that you rarely use! I would love to know!

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

Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeshadow Sticks in Paranoid Purple & Bulletproof Beige | Swatches & Review

Posted on February 10, 2016February 9, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! I recently received a bunch of new products from Rimmel, and wanted to jump right in with some reviews for all of you. First up I have two shades of Scandaleyes, Rimmel’s eyeshadow sticks. The Scandaleyes line is designed to provide a 24-hour wear and is formulated to be waterproof. I will be sharing Paranoid Purple and Bulletproof Beige with you today. Let’s jump right into the shadows!

I want to begin with my thoughts on the Scandaleyes in general. Both of these eyeshadow sticks have a really nice formula that provides an opaque look. While they do smudge out a bit, they are not very blendable, which is a drawback for me. I also wish these were twist-up sticks instead of sticks that need to be sharpened. Otherwise, I think the packaging is sturdy and sleek. These shadows also remove easily with eye makeup remover, which I really appreciate!

Paranoid Purple

Paranoid Purple is a deep purple cream shadow with purple shimmer. I am really impressed with how pigmented this shadow is. It would make a beautiful eyeliner, but also a great pop of color. Paranoid Purple would work well in a smokey eye if you are looking for an alternative to black and grey. It’s outside of my comfort zone, but is definitely a beautiful shadow.

Bulletproof Beige

Bulletproof Beige is a gorgeous yellow gold shade with bronze and green shimmer. Just as with Paranoid Purple, Bulletproof Beige has a pigmented formula with an opaque finish. I really like that this is a neutral shade that is very wearable. It can act as a cream base, or can be applied over another eyeshadow look to add a pop of shimmer. If you are looking to try out the Scandaleyes line, I think Bulletproof Beige is a great place to start.

All in all, I think the Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeshadow Sticks are great drugstore products. They are not comparable to high end cream shadows in terms of blendability, but they are long wearing and apply smoothly. You can purchase Scandaleyes at your local drugstore or department store for $4.49 each, or online HERE. Be sure to let me know in the comments if you’ve tried any Scandaleyes, or if you plan on picking some up in your next beauty haul!

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

January PLAY! by Sephora Unboxing | My Favorite Yet?!

Posted on February 8, 2016February 3, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I’m excited to share my January PLAY! by Sephora box with all of you. For those who are new to PLAY!, this is a $10 beauty subscription box curated by Sephora. I received my first box back in November (see that unboxing HERE), and have been overall pretty impressed with this subscription service. In December, however, I was a bit underwhelmed with the products, so I was interested to see if January’s box would be any better. I think it is my favorite box yet!

This month’s theme is No Appointment Necessary, and is filled with high-performing products that let you get expert-level results from home. I was immediately excited as soon as I lifted the informational magazine out of the box and saw the first product lying on top. As always, I’ll show you each product individually and share the sample’s retail value with you.

Sephora Collection Green Tea Eye Mask – $5.00

The first thing I spotted was this Green Tea Eye Mask. I’ve seen so many beauty vloggers use masks like these, and they look like a fun and easy way to treat your skin right! Sephora offers a bunch of different eye masks in this line, and the Green Tea one is designed to give a cool, fresh sensation to the eye area and provide a smoothing effect. I am so excited to try this!

Dr. Brandt Needles No More – $15.13

The skincare continues with a product from one of my favorite high end brands, Dr. Brandt. We did get a product from Dr. Brandt last month, but I am totally fine with another! Needles No More is a wrinkle relaxer, and is supposed to provide both instant and long-term effects. I’m really intrigued with this one!

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel – $9.60

The last skincare item in this box is a peel from Dr. Gross Skincare. I’ve always been nervous to try a peel, but there are three treatments in this box so I guess a peel is in my future! I do like that this peel is a two-step wipe process. This should be interesting!

TOCCA Isabel Perfume – $2.00

Next up is a perfume sample from TOCCA, which you all know I don’t like getting in this box. Sephora gives perfume samples away for free, both online and in-store. It’s ridiculous we keep getting these! Nonetheless, Isabel is a rose-scented perfume, which I cannot use because of my sensitivity to floral scents. This is my least favorite item in the box.

Living Proof Prime Style Extender Spray – $2.94

Moving on to hair care, we got a Living Proof sample in the box! I love this brand of hair care, so I’m happy that I received this. The Prime Style Extender Spray is designed for fine hair, which I have, and is supposed to make any style last 2x longer. I don’t usually style my hair, but I’ll be glad to have this on hand for when I do!

Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight in Hefty Highlight – $12.57

Last but not least is a makeup item from Clinique, which I am really excited to try. This is a cream highlighter in a beautiful pink shade. I think this will look beautiful with my fair skin tone. I’ve never tried a cream highlighter before, so I can’t wait to put this to use!

All in all, I am very impressed with my January PLAY! by Sephora box. I will use every item except for the perfume, and I am very much looking forward to the skincare and makeup. The retail value for this box is $47.24, which is also excellent. I’m going to continue my subscription for sure! If you are interested in subscribing, join the wait list HERE. I’ll be sure to share what I receive next month, too!

Shop for the products in this box using the widget below and I’ll earn a small commission throug ShopStyle affiliates.

My Top 5 Makeup Brushes | What I Use Daily

Posted on February 3, 2016January 31, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I thought it would be fun to share with you my favorite makeup brushes. I noticed that I use the same brushes every day for the most part, and they work really well for me. In true Adventures in Polishland fashion, all of these brushes are super fabulous and affordable with the exception of one splurge that I think is worth every penny. Let me share with you my top five makeup brushes in no particular order!

1. BeautyBlender – $20 [BUY]

Let’s jump right in with the splurge item, which is the BeautyBlender. I’m sure you’ve heard of this cult favorite by now. It is the $20 sponge that somehow is formulated to apply liquid and cream products flawlessly. I avoided the BeautyBlender for a while because I couldn’t justify the price. I even went so far as to purchase a BeautyBlender “dupe” from Ricky’s NYC (see my comparison post HERE). When I received the real deal in a PopSugar box, I couldn’t believe it. The BeautyBlender is truly worth the money, and I use it to apply foundation and blend out concealer daily. I need to pick up a new one after a couple years of constant use and washing.

2. EcoTools Angled Eyeliner Brush – $3.99 [BUY]

I haven’t had much luck with the brand EcoTools, but one brush I do really love is the Angled Eyeliner Brush, which I use for my eyebrows. The brush size is great, and I like have the long handle that my eyebrow kits do not. The bristles are tightly packed in order to give a precise application, too. It’s a really great brush for an affordable price.

3. Real Techniques Setting Brush – $7.99 [BUY]

When it comes to highlighter, I always use the Setting Brush from Real Techniques. It is the perfect size, and I love that the bristles are fluffy so I can blend everything out well. This brush can be used for many other purposes as well, such as setting concealer or blending out cream products. I highly recommend it for highlighter, though!

4. Real Techniques Buffing Brush – $8.99 [BUY]

Another Real Techniques brush I love is the Buffing Brush, which is essentially a small kabuki. I use it to apply my translucent powder, and it does an excellent job. The flat top helps to blend and get a nice, even finish. It’s also great for mineral foundations if that’s your cup of tea.

5. elf Angled Blush Brush – $3.00 [BUY]

Last but not least is the elf Angled Blush Brush, which should come as no surprise to regular readers of my blog. This $3 brush is beyond amazing. It is super soft, but applies any blush I own beautifully. The angle allows me to control the product more, and can also double as a contouring brush. You need this brush in your collection!

That wraps up my favorite makeup brushes! As you can see, I stick with affordable brushes but add in a splurge product where it counts. I think that’s a great way to build your beauty collection, whether it be makeup products or tools. Definitely let me know in the comments what makeup brushes you use daily. I would love to hear your recommendations as well!

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

January Empties | #365DaysofEmpties Project

Posted on January 27, 2016January 26, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I am excited to be sharing my first empties blog post in quite a long time. For those of you who may be new to the concept, an empties post is where I share with you all of the products that I’ve used up recently, and also give a mini review of the product and whether I would purchase it again in the future. I recently discovered the hashtag #365DaysofEmpties on Instagram, and knew it was something I wanted to do in 2016. This is a project that I believe was started over at The Imaginarium of Makeup last year (though please correct me if I’m wrong in the comments!). The goal is to use up 365 products in the year! I am adapting this challenge for myself. My goal is to use up 100 products, simply because I go through things slowly and am always trying new things for review. Every month I’ll be showing you what I used up, and quickly share my thoughts on each product. Let’s jump right into my January empties!

January Empties | #365DaysofEmpties Project

SKINCARE

January Empties | Skincare

NUDE Skincare Advanced Renewal Serum – 4 Sample Packs [BUY]

Mini Review: I like this serum, but I haven’t seen any major differences in my skin. It feels nice upon application, and I haven’t had an adverse reaction. So far, so good!
Would I Buy it Again? No. It’s too expensive for my budget.

Up & Up Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: These makeup remover wipes compare to the Neutrogena brand, and I absolutely love them! They feel so nice, take off all my makeup, and don’t leave a residue on the skin. Plus, the Up & Up brand works just as well as Neutrogena.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I already have purchased a small pack for traveling.

HAIR CARE

January Empties | Hair Care

TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer – 1 Bottle [BUY]

Mini Review: I’m not a brand loyalist when it comes to heat protectant, so I purchased this because it is super affordable. Luckily, it seemed to do a good job protecting my hair as I straightened it every day.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes, but I didn’t immediately repurchase it. I found a L’Oreal Heat Protectant on sale and used a coupon.

BODY CARE

January Empties | Body Care

Dove 24hr Invisible Solid Anti-Perspirant Deodorant – 1 Tube [BUY]

Mini Review: While I would like to use a more natural deodorant, I’ve found that the only brand that truly works for me is Dove. This is one of the more affordable options, and it got the job done.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes, but I’ve purchased a different Dove line for now.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Wash (not pictured) – 1 Travel Size [BUY]

Mini Review: This body wash was just okay. It did a fine job at cleansing, but it was unscented and overall ‘blah.’
Would I Buy it Again? No. It is very overpriced for just a plain body wash.

ORAL CARE

Flossups (not pictured) – 1 Pack [BUY]

Mini Review: I love using flossers because they encourage me to floss my teeth. They are so much easier to use than standard floss.
Would I Buy it Again? Yes! I’m already using a new pack.

JANUARY EMPTIES: 9

TOTAL 2016 EMPTIES: 9

That brings us to the end of my first empties post as a part of my new #365DaysofEmpties project! I plan on posting at the end of every month. Please let me know if you will be joining in on this challenge in the comments. Also let me know if you like the format of this empties post and if you find it helpful!

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

New Covergirl Product Reviews | Oh Sugar! Vitamin Infused Lip Balm + Plumpify blast PRO Mascara

Posted on January 22, 2016January 15, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I am super excited to be sharing full reviews of two new products from the brand Covergirl. I received these products from Influenster, and I am really glad I did. I am a huge Covergirl fan, and I love that the brand’s products are fabulous and affordable. The two products I received are the Oh Sugar! Vitamin Infused Lip Balm and the Plumpify blast PRO Mascara. I have full reviews and swatches of each of these products for you, so let’s jump right into the post!

New Covergirl Product Reviews | Oh Sugar! Vitamin Infused Lip Balm + Plumpify blast PRO Mascara

Oh Sugar! Vitamin Infused Lip Balm

First up is the Oh Sugar! Vitamin Infused Lip Balm in the shade Soda. I am so impressed with this lip balm! It reminds me of the high end Fresh Sugar lip balms – it even has the same smell! I got the shade Soda, which is a berry mauve shade. I’m very impressed with how pigmented this lip balm is, and it feels really nice on the lips!

Here are swatches both on my arm and on the lips. Soda is a bit darker than I would normally wear, so I’m hoping there are other shades in this line. The formula is just amazing! I highly recommend this for sure.

Plumpify blast PRO Mascara

Covergirl Plumpify blast PRO Mascara in Very Black Covergirl mascara is always hit or miss for me, so I was a little nervous to try this one. I received the shade Very Black, which is what I wear regularly. The Plumpify blast PRO is designed to give extreme plump and life with a 50x volume claim. I like that there is an actual before and after photograph right on the box!

Here is a look at the packaging, which is a sleek black and red color. I am in love with the red applicator! It is my favorite type of brush, and has a unique swirly form. The brush also has a rounded tip similar to Benefit’s They’re Real! This tip helps to push apart stubborn lashes, and works wonders on bottom lashes.

Covergirl Plumpify blast PRO Mascara in Very Black The formula for me is a bit on the heavy side. This is definitely a wet mascara, and I much prefer dry formulas. Nonetheless, I do get great volume with the Plumpify. My lashes did clump a bit because of the heavy formula, but I am liking the look. I also love that this mascara is hypoallergenic and removes with soap and water. Any time a mascara comes off with a makeup remover wipe I know it’s a good one!

All in all, I am very much loving these new products from Covergirl! They are both amazing quality, and I recommend them. If you prefer a dry mascara, Plumpify might not be for you, so take that into consideration. Otherwise, I know I’ll be using both of these products on a regular basis! Keep an eye at your local drugstore, or shop online using the widget provided. Definitely let me know in the comments if you’ll be purchasing these!

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