vegan – Adventures in Polishland

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Zoya Nail Polish Naturel (5) Collection | Swatches + Review

Posted on January 23, 2022 by Adventures in Polishland

Today I am excited to share with you swatches and a full review of the Zoya Nail Polish Naturel (5) Collection. This transitional collection for 2022 includes five cream nail polishes and one Hot Lips Glossy Lip Balm. This installment to the Naturel family is replete with warm-toned neutral shades with pink undertones. I love the Naturel line because all of the polishes are appropriate for even the most professional of environments. They are also staples for any nail polish collection, and the shades work beautifully for any skin tone. Let’s jump into all of the polishes in the Zoya Naturel (5) Collection.

Zoya Nail Polish Naturel (5) Collection | Swatches & Review

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

I swatched all of these nail polishes over the Holo Taco Peely Base. I’m wearing two coats of each polish in the photos, and sealed in each shade with the Zoya Naked Manicure Ultra Glossy Seal Top Coat. The swatches are all photographed in natural lighting.

Chelsea

First up is Chelsea, a powdered blush cream polish. Like most of the polishes in this collection, Chelsea has a thinner formula that can be a bit tricky to apply. I recommend thin coats of this polish, as well as some patience as the watery formula can be a bit messy and streaky. Luckily, Chelsea is opaque in two coats, and my top coat helped to even out any texture and give it a beautiful finish. I really enjoy this light pink shade!

Sutton

Next up is Sutton, a muted pink-nude cream. Sutton also has a thinner formula, but it is opaque in two coats. If you are looking for a really warm neutral with a hint of pink, this polish is a great option.

Evan

The first brown-toned polish in this collection is Evan, what Zoya describes as a softened saddle cream. Evan also has a thinner formula, but you can see the result with the glossy top coat is quite stunning. Evan is such a gorgeous beige shade, and would work really well in nail art looks.

Parker

My favorite polish in the collection is Parker, a warm greige polish. Parker has an excellent formula that is opaque in two coats. This is more of the traditional cream formula I have come to expect from Zoya. I was so surprised when I applied Parker, because I did not expect to love it so much! This shade looks really nice with my fair skin tone.

Elyse

The last polish in the line is Elyse, a gentle aubergine cream polish. Elyse has an excellent formula that is opaque in two coats. I really like this purple shade, and I can see myself wearing this to the office and then dressing it up with a holographic top coat for some more bling.

Sweettart

The last item in the Naturel (5) Collection is a Hot Lips Glossy Lip Balm in the shade Sweettart. This is a shimmering purple mauve shade. It has a sweet candy scent that I really enjoy. The formula is unique in that it has a sticky consistency so that it stays in place, but it has a smooth, hydrating feeling on the lips. The shimmer in Sweettart is not too strong, which I personally like because it adds dimension without looking glittery. I don’t wear lip products often, but this one is very pretty!

Zoya Naturel 5 Collection Swatches + Review

All in all, the Zoya Nail Polish Natural (5) Collection is a solid addition to the Naturel family of products that Zoya offers. While the lighter shades do have thinner formulas that require a bit more patience to apply, all of the shades look beautiful with a glossy top coat. My personal favorites from the collection are Chelsea and Parker, but there is definitely a shade for everyone. As always, Zoya Nail Polish is a cruelty free brand, and all of the products in this line are vegan friendly. You can purchase the Naturel (5) Collection on the Zoya website.

What is your favorite shade in the Naturel (5) Collection?

Let me know in the comments!

Empty Product Reviews | My Go To Cruelty Free Skincare, Hair Care, and Body Care

Posted on July 7, 2021 by Adventures in Polishland

It’s been quite some time since I shared an Empties post here on the blog (it appears the last one was in 2017 – oops!). While I’ve shared snippets on my Instagram regularly, I thought it would be fun to share mini reviews with you on all of the products I’ve used up recently. The skincare, hair care, and body care items in this post are some of my go to cruelty free and vegan products that I repurchase regularly. You’ll also notice that I am quite loyal to both The Body Shop and Derma E! I love both of these brands because they offer effective products at prices I can afford.

Empty Product Reviews | My Go To Cruelty Free Skincare, Hair Care, and Body Care

Products from Derma E provided for my unbiased review. This post includes affiliate links.

Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub | $15.50 | BUY

First up is the Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub with Activated Charcoal. I’ve used this scrub for many years. It’s gentle enough to use daily, but still effective at keeping the skin clear and free of dry flakes. I recently stopped using this on my face, as I was using a cleanser with a chemical exfoliant (more on that later). Instead, I’ve used this in my underarms about 1-2 times per week. This has really helped to get rid of any odors that I experience after working out in the humid summer months, all while using a natural deodorant.

Derma E Anti-Wrinkle Cleanser | $13.75 | BUY

The cleanser I used up is the Derma E Anti-Wrinkle Cleanser. This is a new-to-me product, but I absolutely loved it! As mentioned, this has glycolic acid in it to exfoliate the skin. I found that my face was much more even, hydrated, and clear when using this product. It was also nice to not have to use a physical exfoliant as an additional step in my skincare routine. I love testing out new cleansers, but I would definitely consider repurchasing this one.

The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Eye Concentrate | $32.00 | BUY

Next up is my all-time favorite eye care product, The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Eye Concentrate. This is an eye serum, and comes with a rollerball applicator. This is the only eye care product that works for me! I find that it helps to minimize my fine lines when I use it regularly. I do wish the packaging was more environmentally friendly, but I continue to repurchase this because I like it so much.

The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Essence-Lotion | $24.00

Another favorite product of mine is The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Essence-Lotion. I use this morning and night before I apply serum. My skin loves this product, as it helps to keep my skin hydrated, clear, and smooth. It’s currently not available on The Body Shop’s website, and I’m seriously hoping it hasn’t been discontinued! If you do ever see this back in stock, I highly recommend it.

The Body Shop Juicy Pear Body Scrub | $24.00 | BUY SIMILAR

Moving onto body care, I used up the Juicy Pear Body Scrub from The Body Shop. This was a limited edition holiday scent, but I really enjoy the scrubs from The Body Shop. This one was a sugar-based scrub, but I enjoy all of the available formulas as long as they are vegan. I typically like to grab a few scrubs during the Black Friday sale to save money and stock up for the year. They smell great, and keep the skin really smooth.

The Body Shop Make-Up Setting Spray | $6.00 | BUY

A hidden gem product at The Body Shop is definitely the Make-Up Setting Spray. This is by far my favorite setting spray ever! Not only does it keep my makeup in place throughout the day, but it helps reduce any cakey appearance. This spray has aloe vera in it as well, so it helps to keep the skin hydrated. My only critique with this product is that the bottle is only 60 ml. I would buy this in jumbo size if I could!

Derma E Thickening Conditioner | $9.99 | BUY

Last but not last is the Derma E Thickening Conditioner. I first tried this product when I received it from the brand for review, and now I’ve purchased it twice myself. I like this conditioner because it is gentle on the scalp and hydrating for my hair without making it greasy. I pair this conditioner with the Scalp Relief Shampoo for my go to hair routine.

That wraps up this round of empty product reviews! I hope you’ve found this post helpful if you are also on the lookout for cruelty free and vegan products that are worth the money. Please let me know in the comments if you would like to see regular empties posts here on the blog. I love sharing mini reviews of all the beauty products I’ve used up completely!

SALE ALERT | Tarte Cosmetics Custom Kit: 7 Full Size Products for $63.00 + FREE Shipping

Posted on June 15, 2021 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! Today Tarte Cosmetics is offering an amazing deal, and I wanted to share it with you. I made a purchase for myself, and am really excited to receive my order. This sale happens about twice per year, and it is the Tarte Cosmetics Custom Kit where you choose 7 full size items for just $63.00 with free shipping included. This post will share with you the sale information, and how to score added savings. This is a limited time deal for today only, June 15, 2021, so make sure to shop now if you’re interested in scoring some cruelty free beauty products at a huge discount!

This post includes affiliate links. I earn a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

Before you head over to the Tarte Cosmetics website, make sure to shop though Rakuten to earn cash back on your purchase! Today Rakuten is offering 5% cash back on Tarte’s website. That means you will get $3.15 back if you purchase a Custom Kit at $63.00 today. If you have not signed up for Rakuten yet, use my referral link HERE and we will both get a $30.00 cash back bonus with your first qualifying purchase.

Next, visit Tarte’s website HERE to build your Custom Kit. Tarte allows you to pick 7 full size items from a selection of products on their website. Tarte is a cruelty free company, and many of their products are vegan. I built a vegan kit for myself containing products from Tarte that I’ve wanted to try for quite some time. Here’s what I added to my kit:

babassu foundcealer™ skincare foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20 – Retail: $39.00 [BUY]
hydrocealer™ concealer – Retail: $25.00 [BUY]
busy gal BROWS tinted brow gel – Retail: $18.00 [BUY]
big ego™ vegan mascara – Retail: $23.00 [BUY]
maracuja juicy lip in Orchid – Retail: $19.00 [BUY]
shape tape™ quickie blending sponge – Retail: $16.00 [BUY]
back to basics bag – Retail: $22.00 [BUY]

As you can see, the retail value of my Custom Kit is $162.00, so at the $63.00 price point I saved over 60%! I’ve had the Babassu Foundcealer and Busy Gal Brows Brow Gel on my wish list for over a year now, so I’m really excited to try them out at a discounted price. I can’t wait to get my kit in the mail and refresh my makeup collection!

Interested in buildng a Tarte Cosmetics Custom Kit? Shop today only, June 15, 2021 for just $63.00 HERE!

Zoya Nail Polish Dreamin’ Collection | Swatches + Review

Posted on May 31, 2021 by Adventures in Polishland

Today I am excited to share with you swatches and a full review of the Zoya Nail Polish Dreamin’ Collection for Summer 2021. This six piece collection contains a variety of shades and finishes that can be worn individually, or in a multitude of combinations for a bright, fun manicure perfect for the summer season. Zoya is a cruelty free brand, and all of their nail polishes are vegan. Let’s jump in and talk more about these polishes, and stay tuned to the end of the post for a simple nail art look!

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

I swatched all of these nail polishes over the Holo Taco Peely Base. I decided not to wear any top coat in these swatches, as this collection contains a few different finishes. I was also really impressed with how glossy the cream formulas are without a top coat! As always, these swatches are photographed in natural lighting.

Desi

The first polish in the Dreamin’ Collection is Desi, what Zoya describes as a vibrant geranium coral cream. Desi is opaque in two coats, and I’m loving the bright pop of color. The cream polishes in this line have easy to work with formulas that are self-leveling. I can see Desi being a staple polish in the warmer months!

Polly

Next up is Polly, described as a lush fruit-punch pink cream. Polly is opaque in two coats and has a smooth formula that applies well. While the color is beautiful, I find it brings out the red undertones I have in my fair skin. Nonetheless, this is a pretty polish and Polly would look great on many people!

Darla

The last pink shade in the collection is Darla, described as a Gerber Daisy pink cream. Darla is also opaque in two coats. This polish has some blue undertones to it. I do have a few similar shades in my nail polish collection, but I definitely recommend Darla if you’re searching for this type of pink!

Skipper

Next up is Skipper, a milky purple neon. This polish has the EasyNeon formula introduced earlier this year. You can read my full thoughts on the original EasyNeon Collection HERE. Skipper is opaque in three coats, and has my favorite EasyNeon formula thus far. I’m loving this purple shade, and the matte finish looks cool. Of course, you can apply a glossy top coat if that is more to your liking.

Mateo

One of my favorite polishes in the collection is Mateo, described as a cool-toned pacific blue cream. Mateo is opaque in two coats, and looks just stunning! I love blue nail polishes, and this one is no exception. Most of my bright blue nail polishes are not this cool-toned, so Mateo is a welcome addition to my collection.

Summer

Last but not least is Summer, a mermaid shimmer featuring flashes of green and gold with a blue base. Summer is opaque in three coats, and has a super smooth formula. This is surprisingly my favorite nail polish in the Dreamin’ Collection! I usually prefer cream formulas, but Summer is so beautiful and absolutely perfect for the summer season.

Nail Art with Mateo and Summer

I loved Summer so much I decided to break out my nail stamping supplies. I used Born Pretty Store plate BP-L027 to add some wave designs using Mateo. The result ended up being really subtle, but I like the beach vibes! I finished off the manicure with Holo Taco Super Glossy Taco to seal the stamp in place. You can use code FZL91 to save 10% off your order at Born Pretty Store.

All in all, I’m loving the Zoya Nail Polish Dreamin’ Collection for Summer 2021! I did not have any issues with the formulas, and I am pleasantly surprised with my love for Summer! I like that this collection contains three different finishes. My only critique would be that I wish we had a bit more shade variation versus the three pinks that are included. Otherwise, I highly recommend all of the Dreamin’ polishes, and I look forward to using them more myself!

You can purchase the Dreamin’ Collection on Zoya’s website HERE. Individual polishes are $12.00 each.

Zoya Nail Polish Bridal Bliss Collection | Swatches and Review

Posted on May 30, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

Today I’m excited to share with you a full review of the Zoya Nail Polish Bridal Bliss Collection. This is a 12-piece nail polish collection that was originally released in January of 2018. Bridal Bliss is a curated collection, meaning that Zoya hand-picked nail polishes from its existing product line to showcase the perfect polishes for brides. In addition, Zoya created one brand new shade to add some holographic bling to the range. The Bridal Bliss Collection is unique in that it is marketed to the bridal industry and not the average consumer. I personally find the nail polishes in this collection to be a bit hit and miss, so let’s jump into the review.

The products in this post were provided for my review. This post includes affiliate links.

I am wearing base coat and a glossy top coat from Pacifica in all of the swatches in this post. As always, Zoya is a Logical Harmony Approved cruelty free brand, and all of the brand’s nail polishes are vegan.

Leia

First up in the Bridal Bliss Collection is Leia, a sheer opalescent white with flecks of fuchsia, green, and gold. I am wearing three coats of Leia in the above swatches. Leia has a sheer finish when worn on its own, but it is also a stunning topper. I will show you what Leia looks like when layered over the other polishes in this collection at the end of this post. If you do wear Leia alone, I recommend thin coats.

Brighton

Next up is Brighton, the one brand new nail polish in this collection. Zoya describes Brighton as a full coverage, diamond holographic soft nude. Unfortunately, I had trouble with this formula. I am wearing three coats of Brighton in the above swatches, and I did not achieve opacity. Brighton’s formula is quite streaky, sheer, and patchy for me. I tried to use it as a topper since it is so sheer, but it didn’t work since it’s so streaky. Brighton does look nice in the photos, but because the formula is so difficult to work with I cannot recommend it.

McKenna

The first shimmer in the collection is McKenna, described as a refined pearl in a soft almond. I am wearing two coats of McKenna in the above swatches. This polish has an excellent formula, and I really like the subtle shimmer. I think McKenna is a great nail polish to add to your collection. The shade is work appropriate, but the hint of shimmer adds a nice touch.

Chantal

Chantal is the first cream polish in the collection. Zoya describes this polish as a delicious, full coverage French nude vanilla cream. While Chantal does look stunning once dry, I had a lot of issues with this formula. It is very streaky and messy, and required some cleanup in order to get a nice manicure. My glossy top coat really helped to even out Chantal. I applied two coats to achieve opacity. While the shade is beautiful, the formula was too tricky for me to recommend.

Loretta

The Bridal Bliss Collection contains some nail polishes that are designed for a French manicure. While you wouldn’t necessarily wear these polishes alone, I did regular swatches so you can see what the polish looks like on the nails. Loretta is described by Zoya as a light beige with a sheer creme finish. I am wearing three coats of Loretta in the above swatches. What’s interesting about this polish is it gives my nails a high gloss finish with just a hint of beige color. However, you can see my natural nail underneath, and if you have any marks or imperfections, they will be visible. Loretta reminds me of a ridge filler base coat, but I can see its use in French manicures for sure.

Erika

Next up is Erika, described as a soft, girly pale baby pink with lots of fine gold shimmer. Erika looks more like a peach shade with my skin tone. I am wearing three coats of polish in the above swatches, and this polish is still very sheer. This is not my cup of tea because I like an opaque manicure, but Erika is a beautiful polish. I recommend three thin coats with this one.

Bela

Bela is the other French manicure polish in this collection. Zoya describes this shade as a ballet slipper pink in a sheer, milky creme finish. I applied three coats of Bela in the above swatches. I was surprised at how white this polish appears on the nails since the polish looks quite pink in the bottle. If you prefer a more pigmented French manicure, Bela is a great option.

Avril

Next up is Avril, a soft neutral pink with light brown undertones. Avril has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. This polish is so close to my pink-toned skin shade that it gives me a “my nails but better” look. Avril is perfect if you want just a hint of warm pink on your nails!

Rue

Rue is one of my all time favorite Zoya polishes, and I’m excited to see it in this collection! Zoya describes Rue as a full coverage boudoir, blush cream. I used my original bottle of Rue for these swatches, and I’m happy to report the formula has not aged a bit! Rue has a stunning finish and is opaque in two coats. It is very similar to Avril, but leans more mauve.

Abby

Another favorite of mine is Abby, a light lavender cream polish. Abby is opaque in two coats and has an amazing formula. This purple shade is a spring staple for me! I think it looks stunning on everyone, and it’s a nice color for a bridal collection.

Blu

If you want your “something blue” to be on your nails, look no further than Blu! This is described as a soft and delicate pale baby blue creme. Blu also has an amazing formula that is opaque in two coats. This polish is definitely a great staple for any nail polish collection!

Snow White

The last polish in this collection is Snow White, a pure white creme polish. Unfortunately, this polish has a troublesome formula for me. I found Snow White quite streaky and patchy. The top coat helped to smooth it out a bit, but I’m disappointed in this polish. I remember when I first started blogging, Snow White was the go-to white shade for many nail polish lovers. Perhaps I got a bad batch, but I would not recommend this polish.

What Leia Looks Like as a Topper

I also wanted to show you what Leia looks like when layered over the other polishes in this collection. I layered one coat of Leia over all of the polishes (except Brighton) and added a glossy top coat. I absolutely love the effect that Leia gives to the nails! The first photo above starts with McKenna, and continues with Chantal, Loretta, Erika, and Bela. The second photo shows Leia over Avril, Rue, Abby, Blu, and Snow White. The moral of the story is Leia is a stunning polish that can transform your manicure!

Final Thoughts

Overall, I think the Bridal Bliss Collection was a great concept for Zoya. It’s an all-encompassing line of nail polishes that salons and bridal boutiques can have on hand for any wedding party. Unfortunately, the execution of this line left a little to be desired. Zoya is one of my favorite nail polish brands, and I feel like they had other options in their line with better formulas. In the end, my top picks and must haves from the Bridal Bliss Collection are Leia, McKenna, Avril, Rue, Abby, and Blu. The polishes I would not recommend are Brighton, Chantal, and Snow White. When it comes to Loretta, Erika, Bela, and Avril, I think these polishes have nice formulas, but they are not my own personal favorites. Thus, instead of purchasing the entire Bridal Bliss Collection, I recommend picking the shades that you like best.

You can purchase the Bridal Bliss Collection on Zoya’s website. Individual polishes are $10.00 each.

The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil Review | #EmptyProductReview

Posted on May 27, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

After a few bad experiences, I avoided using facial oils for quite a while. But as I got older and my skin got a bit drier, I decided to try The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil. This cruelty free and vegan facial oil is not only one of The Body Shop’s best selling skincare products, but it is formulated to deeply moisturize the skin and provide anti-aging benefits as well. I recently used up my bottle, and wanted to share my thoughts on this product with all of you.

The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil Review

This post includes affiliate links.

The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil is a unique blend of three precious nut seed oils: Black Cumin Seed Oil, Camellia Seed Oil, and Rosehip Oil. In the past I had used Argan oil based facial oils, and no matter which brand I tried, my skin would break out quite badly. I have combination skin that can overproduce oil while being dry and flaky at the same time. It can be tricky to find what products work best for me, but I’ve learned that moisturizing products can help to restore my skin’s hydration and reduce the added oils when used regularly. Thus, while I was hesitant to try the Oils of Life facial oil, I’m so glad I did! My skin never had a bad reaction, and instead loved this product’s hydrating properties.

I use this product after applying a facial serum. I take about 3-4 drops and gently massage the oil over my face and neck. Upon application, my skin does look greasy. However, once I go in with my moisturizer, the oil sinks deeper into my skin and the shininess goes away. I don’t use this product every day, especially in the summer months, but I know whenever I reach for this oil my skin will look and feel more hydrated. The Body Shop also claims this product can help with anti-aging and make the skin look firmer. I find that my skin does look firmer when using this oil, because any lines that appear due to dehydration are not as visible.

Overall, I absolutely love The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil! Not only do I really enjoy the formula and product effectiveness, but I think the price point is fair. It took me about two years to completely use up a 1.7 fluid ounce bottle that retails for $55.00. While that is a large investment up front, comparable products from other high end brands begin at around $72.00! Plus, you can often get this product on sale. I recommend using Rakuten (formerly Ebates) to earn cash back on your purchase as well. I will absolutely be repurchasing this oil once I work through what I already have in my skincare stash!

You can purchase The Body Shop Oils of Life Facial Oil directly from the brand’s website.

My Current Skincare Routine | Cruelty Free and Vegan

Posted on February 9, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

I recently shared with you my current makeup collection, and I thought it would be fun to share what skincare I am using right now as well. I have come to really love skincare over the past few years. While I am not the most knowledgeable about the science behind skincare and particular ingredients, I really enjoy trying new products. I find that when I stick to a skincare routine, my skin does look and feel much better than when I get a bit lazy. This is especially true in the winter months when my skin gets very dry and needs some extra TLC. As always, all of the products I mention today are cruelty free and vegan.

I received the Derma E products in this post from the brand for consideration. This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through those links, I will earn a small commission. Thank you!

Makeup Remover

The first step of my skincare routine, at least in the evenings, is makeup removal. I’ve been using The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter for a couple years now. This stuff is awesome! All you need to do is massage a small amount all over your face and it melts off your makeup. It is eye safe, so it gets off stubborn mascara. Plus, it comes in an aluminum container, so it’s a better option than removers that come in plastic.

Cleansers and Exfoliators

For cleansing, I keep the Pacifica Kale Charcoal Foaming Facial Detox Bar in my shower. I absolutely love this cleanser. It helps to keep my face clear from breakouts, and it works really well with my FOREO LUNA. I also use The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Cleansing Oil-in-Gel in the evenings. This cleanser is great if you have dry skin, but I may not repurchase since it is in a plastic bottle.

I am currently using two exfoliators from the brand Derma E that are two of my all-time favorites. First is the Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub. I’ve used at least two or three jars up before, and I love having it in my collection. I use the microdermabrasion once or twice a week at maximum. It gets all the dead skin off my face and is perfect in the winter! I also use the Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub regularly. This scrub is gentle enough for daily use, and the activated charcoal keeps my skin clean and clear of blemishes.

Toner, Essence, Serum, and Oil

I don’t always use toner, but I do if I feel like my skin needs a bit more of a deep clean. Right now I have The Body Shop Seaweed Balancing Toner in my collection. My skin used to be quite oily, so this toner was great, but as I’m getting older I think I may need a different option.

That being said, the other three products pictured above are all Holy Grail items for me. The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Essence-Lotion is the first step in my hydrating routine. It keeps my skin looking fresh and plump. Similarly, my favorite serum of all time is The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Concentrate. This keeps my skin looking clear, young, and hydrated. It sinks in immediately, and I love how it feels. I’ve gone through several bottles. Finally, The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil is the best facial oil I’ve ever used. In the past, facial oils have always caused my skin to break out (including well-known high end brands). This one simply hydrates my skin and aids in anti-aging. Applying essence, serum, and oil is my favorite part of my skincare routine.

Eye Creams and Moisturizers

When it comes to under-eye products, I am currently using the Derma E Firming DMAE Eye Lift and The Body Shop Drops of Youth Eye Concentrate. I haven’t noticed any firming results from the Derma E eye cream, but I really like how it sinks into the skin and I look forward to using it more regularly. That being said, I am obsessed with the Drops of Youth Eye Concentrate! This is an eye serum, and it is the only eye product I’ve ever used that made my fine lines lessen. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work well under makeup and pills up on me, so I only use it at night.

Lastly, I am using two different moisturizers from Derma E right now. In the morning I use the Skin Restore Advanced Peptides & Collagen Moisturizer. I’ve been using this for a few months now, and I absolutely love it! The lotion is very creamy, but sinks right into the skin and makes my face look super smooth. It also works really well under makeup, and I go without a face primer a lot of the time! In the evenings, I use my all-time favorite moisturizer, the Hydrating Night Cream. I’ve gone through multiple jars of this cream. In addition to being very hydrating, it is very soothing and firming.

As you can see, my entire skincare routine is comprised of products from The Body Shop and Derma E, with one Pacifica item thrown in as well. I love these brands because they offer products that are high quality, yet still at a great price point when compared to high end brands. I always stock up during sales, and I shop through Rakuten to earn cash back. I also love that these brands are available in many brick-and-mortar stores, making them accessible to the masses. Shopping cruelty free and vegan skincare can be much easier than you think!

What are your favorite skincare brands?!

What I Ate Last Week as a Vegan | Easy Meals to Last the Week

Posted on February 8, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

The past few weeks have been tough for me, as I’ve been dealing with an upper respiratory virus that really knocked me off my feet. Thankfully, I was on the mend last week, and I was able to do some meal prep. I wanted to keep it easy, so I made two recipes that I knew would last me for the majority of my meals. If you are looking to cut down on your cooking time, choosing simple recipes that yield a lot of food is always a great idea!

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through those links I will earn a small commission. Thank you!

What’s better when you’re sick than soup?! I made a batch of my favorite lentil soup, which I enjoyed for three dinners. This recipe is from The Spruce, and I love it because it is super easy to make and also quite healthy. I ended up leaving the bay leaves in the soup while it sat in the fridge, and that added so much flavor! I think I will leave them in more often. I also had avocado toast on the side.

The other meal I cooked this week was Thanksgiving Bowls. I absolutely love the traditional side dishes served at Thanksgiving, namely stuffing, mashes potatoes, and vegetables. One of my favorite things to do is make a few sides and throw them together in one bowl for a complete meal. This time around I made cornbread stuffing, mashed sweet potatoes, and sautéed spinach with cannellini beans. These bowls are so delicious, easy to whip together, and easily customizable. I also highly recommend the Country Crock Plant Butter for the stuffing and mashed potatoes! Because I’m making a full batch of each side, I got four meals from this recipe!

To fill in the gaps last week, I enjoyed the Progresso Lentil Soup, which is actually quite delicious and an easy-to-find vegan option. Plus, it was on sale for $1.00 at the grocery store. I also had some Nature’s Path Dark Chocolate Chip Waffles for breakfast. I think you can tell I just didn’t have my normal energy last week! I definitely relied on convenience foods a bit more than usual.

Overall, I hope this post helped you find some easy recipes that you can make if you need to cut down on your time in the kitchen. Maybe you’re dealing with getting over a sickness, or you are just having a bad week and need some simple options. Whatever the case, not every week will be filled with a lot of homemade recipes, and that’s okay.

What was your favorite meal last week?

Dr. Bronner’s All-One Hemp Tea Tree Pure Castile Bar Soap Review | #PlasticFreeJuly

Posted on July 1, 2019June 30, 2019 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Welcome back to Adventures in Polishland! I am excited to be back on the blog for the first day of an event called Plastic Free July. This month-long challenge is a global movement encouraging people to ditch single use plastics for the entirety of July. This is the first year I am participating in the challenge, and I thought I would celebrate by sharing some reviews of my favorite plastic free products with all of you. My zero waste journey truly began last year, and I’ve slowly continued transitioning over my beauty collection, and the rest of my life, to be more eco-conscious. Today I have a review of one of the first plastic free products I introduced into my routine, and that is the Dr. Bronner’s All-One Hemp Tea Tree Pure Castile Bar Soap.

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

I purchased this bar soap for the main purpose of cleaning my BeautyBlender. I’ve heard great things about the BeautyBlender BlenderCleanser Solid, but that comes wrapped in plastic and is a bit pricey at about $16.00. Thus, I decided to try the Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Bar Soap, which also has excellent reviews. I love that this product is vegan, and that it comes in a 100% post-consumer recycled wrapper that is biodegradable. Plus, it is very affordable at just $4.69 at Ulta. Dr. Bronner’s offers a few different varieties of bar soap, but I purchased the Tea Tree scent since tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic, and I thought that would be a great option for cleaning my BeautyBlender.

I kept this bar soap on my sink in a vintage carnival glass dish that I purchased at an antique store. I found the exact one on Etsy HERE if you would like to match me! I love using a bowl as a soap dish, because it allows the soap to sit an an angle and not get soggy. In fact, this Dr. Bronner’s soap held up really well! It lasted me a few months, and did a great job at cleaning my BeautyBlender. I wash my BeautyBlender before each use, and this soap kept it looking stain-free. In addition, the scent on this soap is very light, and I would describe it as a bit herbal or earthy. However, the scent does not linger once rinsed off, which I personally enjoy. I will say that the formula of this soap can be a bit drying for the hands, but that isn’t a problem when you’re using it as a makeup brush shampoo.

All in all, I’m so glad I finally tried this cult favorite product! The Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Bar Soap is a budget-friendly option that is widely available at drugstores and department stores. I have yet to repurchase this product because I’ve been enjoying testing out other bar soaps, but I would definitely grab this again in the future. If you are looking for a vegan and zero waste bar soap that won’t break the bank, I highly recommend it!

What is your favorite plastic free product for cleaning your BeautyBlender or makeup brushes? Let me know in the comments!

You can purchase this product and support my blog by using one of the following affiliate links:

Amazon | Ulta | Walgreens

Why I Returned the Lush Cosmetics No Drought Dry Shampoo | Lush Dry Shampoo Review

Posted on May 27, 2018January 10, 2024 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Sunday! Today I am excited to share my thoughts on the Lush Cosmetics No Drought Dry Shampoo. One of my goals this year is to go as zero waste as possible, and that includes my beauty products. When it came time for me to buy a new dry shampoo, I decided to purchase the one from Lush. I wanted a dry shampoo that was not in aerosol form (learn why that is bad for the environment HERE), and also one with ethical packaging. I love that the Lush plastic bottles are made with 100% post-consumer plastic, so I decided to try No Drought. Unfortunately, I made the decision to return this product to the store when it did not work for me.

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

The No Drought Dry Shampoo claims to be a formula that absorbs excess oils and adds volume to the hair. I spoke with a sales associate at my local store before purchasing, because I was concerned the white powder wouldn’t blend in well with my light brown hair, and she assured me that wouldn’t be a problem. She also mentioned that this product does a great job at absorbing oils. While I was able to get the dry shampoo to blend in just fine with my hair color, this product was, unfortunately, quite ineffective in my hair. In fact, my hair looked and felt even dirtier and greasier whenever I used this product!

The issue, for me, lies in the fact that this is a texturizing dry shampoo. Over the years I’ve found that dry shampoos fall into one of two camps: dry shampoos that absorb oil and dry shampoos that texturize. I steer clear of texturizing dry shampoos because I have very fine hair. When texture is added, it weighs my hair down, and makes it cling together. I tried a few different techniques with No Drought in an attempt to get it to work for me, but my hair always came out feeling very heavy and greasy. After about a month of use, I made the decision to return this product to the store. I try to never return used beauty products, as I know they cannot be resold to other customers, but I was very let down that I spent $15.95 on a product that was not living up to its claims. I certainly did not achieve the promised matte finish!

In the end, I would only recommend the Lush Cosmetics No Drought Dry Shampoo if you enjoy using texturizing hair products. For instance, if you have thick hair, this may work better for you than it did for me. That being said, I will still continue to purchase other products from Lush, especially those that come packaging free. As for dry shampoo, I am now testing the one from Verb sold at Ulta (shop HERE).

Have you tried a non-aerosol dry shampoo? Let me know in the comments!