Tag: real techniques

My Top 5 Makeup Brushes | What I Use Daily

Posted on 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!

My Top 5 Makeup Brushes | What I Use Daily

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.

Subscription Sunday | June Wantable Box

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Sunday! It’s been a while since I’ve written a Subscription Sunday post, but the series is back, and I’m excited to share my June Wantable Box with all of you! I first tried out Wantable back in October (see that unboxing HERE). I was so excited when Wantable asked me to review another box, because I really do love this subscription service. Let me tell you more about Wantable and show you what was inside of my June box!

June Wantable Box | Adventures in PolishlandWantable is a monthly subscription service that features beauty, intimates, and accessories boxes for $36 per month, or $40 for a one time purchase. I chose the beauty box, which comes with 4-5 full size products. I know many of us get aggravated by foil packets in sampling services, but with Wantable you never have to worry about that! Wantable always gives full size products that are customized to your own personal profile – just fill out a series of quick questions about your beauty preferences and Wantable makes a custom box just for you! Of course, you can always choose to be completely surprised if you’re feeling adventurous!

June Wantable Box | Adventures in PolishlandHere’s what I saw upon opening the box! Look at the goodies!

Real Techniques Retractable Kabuki Brush
Real Techniques Retractable Kabuki Brush

The first item in my box is the Real Techniques Retractable Kabuki Brush. I am so excited for this product! I’ve been wanting to try Real Techniques brushes for a while now, and this one is so cute! I absolutely love the pink color, and that it’s retractable. It’s so perfect for travel! The retail price of this brush is $10.

Vincent Longo Pressed Face PowderNext up is the Vincent Longo Pressed Face Powder in the shade Golden Banana. I love face powders, so this is always an excellent product to receive. I’ve never heard of Vincent Longo before, but this compact retails for $28! I’m wearing this today, and I like it so far.

Cailyn Tinted Lip Balm in CoralI’ll be honest – I groaned when I saw a Cailyn product in my box. Cailyn works with every subscription service I’ve tried, or at least it seems that way because I own so many of their products! While I don’t love the formula of the Cailyn Tinted Lip Balms (I actually find them quite drying), I have to admit I do love the Coral shade. It’s very pretty! This product also retails for $19.00.

Ofra HighlighterThe last product in my box is the Ofra Cheeky Cheekbone Enhancer. I’ve been wanting to try highlighting products lately, so I updated my profile to say I “like” them. I’m so excited to try this one out! It retails for $14.50

TOTAL RETAIL VALUE: $71.50

RATING (1-5, 5 IS HIGHEST SCORE): 4

OVERALL OPINION: I was disappointed to see a Cailyn product in my box, and I would have liked to see a nail polish or another one of my “loves” from my style profile. However, I do really like everything I got in my box, and will use each and every product. I am absolutely thrilled about the Real Techniques brush, plus, the retail value is amazing! Even if you spent the full price of $40 for the box you would get way more than what you spent.

Do you subscribe to Wantable? If not, be sure to sign up HERE! I’ve discovered some amazing brands through this box. In fact, I’m 100% obsessed with the Manna Kadar mascara I discovered in October! If you’re looking to test out some high end brands, this box is for you. Let me know what product you’d be most excited about receiving in the comments!



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.