Thursday, February 28, 2013

Elevation Trift, Toubkal and Ubsunur at Night Swatches & Review!


Hello everyone! Sorry for going MIA a bit. A few nights ago, I accidentally stepped on my lap top, making a sweet footprint-shaped screen bleed right in the middle of the screen - totally unusable! We ran out and bought a new laptop but it was a huge process moving all my pictures, Photoshop, edits, etc. over. I finally finished moving everything over tonight. Thank God! 

Anywho, tonight I have some swatches and a review of an indie I have been absolutely drooling over lately. I've heard so much about Elevation Polish but could never catch an opening of her shop. I was super lucky enough to snag some polishes a few restocks ago: Toubkal, Trift and Ubsunur at Night.

Elevation Polish  Toubkal, Trift and Ubsunur at Night

Toubkal is a beautiful berry with gold flecks mixed in. It looks like there's also red/pink micro flecks in there as well.

From Elevation Polish:
Description: Darkened Red Purple with Gold, Red, Pink large irregularly shaped shimmer.
Finish: Jelly-Creme "Crelly" Hybrid/Shimmer
Inspiration: Part of the Morocco Collection. Toubkal has one of the most amazing summits. The view from the top is nothing short of spectacular. You can see for miles and miles but I got fixated on the valleys below and how all that green short grasses mixed with shadowing looks like it was glowing and shining purple.
This is two extremely smooth coats. Formula was perfection.

SQUEE! Look at those red and gold flecks. To die for!

Trift is a huge wintery mix of iridescent hexes in a clear base.

From Elevation Polish:
Description: Simple single glitter topper. Iridescent hexes in a medium size shift in the light from sheer almost invisible to a vivid blue. In some lights it may look gold.
Inspiration: Trift glacier is a small glacier around the area of Berne, Switzerland. This simple glitter was inspired by the look down and to the side from the trift bridge. the longest pedestrian only in the alps. The glacial waters shift from being sheer like regular water to an amazing blue glacier color.
This is one coat over (what I think was) Maybelline Colorshow Sapphire Siren. The little iridescent glitters seem to just glow like little lights. Again, absolutely no issues with the formula.

Also check out the subtle iridescent shimmer flash this polish has as well.

Ubsunur at Night is a blue-tinted base with blue, green and copper hexes of various sizes.

Description: Sheer Blue Based Glitter topper with micro hexes of gold, copper, green and bigger blue hexes
Finish: Glitter Topper
Inspiration: Ubsunur has a special place in my heart. A small portion of my friends ashes are scattered near ubsunur hollow in Mongolia on the boarder of Russia. She was an expert rock climber, mother of 6 beautiful children (my god kiddos), and a lover of all things blue including nail polish. At night ubsunur has the clearest view of the sky. The stars twinkle and glow like you have front row access. I really had never seen a sky so clear at night until I saw the sky at ubsunur. Ubsunur at night has a blue base but when applied to the nail is relativity sheer on it’s own. It’s meant to be a topper to all your favorite colors.

This is two coats over Maybelline Sapphire Siren. Seriously take a second to take this all in. I'm just so utterly amazed with these polishes. Their formulas are absolutely outstanding. 

This polish kind of reminds me of bubbles in water.

Overall: Ever see that one indie that always sells out in about 5 seconds and you wonder if they're really that awesome? Elevation Polish is definitely that awesome! The formula of these polishes were a dream to work with. I love polishes that always have something a little extra and Elevation has it. 

Elevation restocks every 7th and 22nd of the month. Make sure to check out their blog below for up-to-date lists on what will be restocked.

Stay connected with Elevation Polish:
Shop - Blog 
Friday, February 22, 2013

Press Release: China Glaze Avant Garden



China Glaze® Nail Lacquer Invites You to Visit the Avant Garden
Spring is here and China Glaze® is blossoming with vibrant color with its new collection, Avant Garden. The delectable palette flows between soft hues and vibrant pops of color, offering an unconventional bouquet of cheerful and vivid shades. Take a stroll down the China Glaze® path, passing a bubbling brook of light and bright blues. Take in the view of the mossy green meadow and stop to enjoy the fragrant flowers of soft pink and white. Let Avant Garden take you away to a playful, romantic field of color and innovation this Spring.

The Avant Garden shades include: 

• Budding Romance: moss green
• Sunday Funday: bright blue
• Fancy Pants: indigo with pink and purple
shimmer
• Snap My Dragon: bright red with pink
shimmer
• Passion for Petals: bright salmon-pink
• Mimosas Before Manis: coral with a light
wash of shimmer
• Life is Rosy: blushed mauve
• Pink-ie Promise: iridescent baby pink
• Tart-y for the Party: light lavender creme
• Fade Into Hue: periwinkle creme
• Keep Calm, Paint On: sea foam green
• Dandy Lyin’ Around: shimmery vanilla icing


China Glaze® Avant Garden is also available in:
6 Piece Collection of “Blooming Brights”
6 Piece Collection of "Pastel Petals"
12 Piece 3D Counter Display
36 Piece Rack

China Glaze® Avant Garden will be available March 2013. Individual shades retail for $7; 6-piece collections retail for $42.

China Glaze® is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde.

China Glaze® nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores
nationwide. For more information, please visit www.chinaglaze.com or follow China Glaze®
on Facebook (@ChinaGlazeOfficlal), Twitter (@ChinaGlaze) and Pinterest (pinterest.com/
chinaglaze).

China Glaze® is a division of American International Industries.

About American International Industries
For 42 years, AII has been the leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of innovative,
quality beauty and skin care products for men and women.  Our product lines include Andrea,
Ardell, Body Drench, Bye Bye Blemish, Checi, China Glaze, Clean + Easy, Clubman/Pinaud,
Duo, European Secrets, EzFlow, Fright Night, Gena, GiGi, Gypsy Lash, IBD, It’s So Easy, Jeris-
Lustray, LASH BeLONG, Nail Tek, No Tweeze/Micro Tweeze, 'N Rage, Poshe, Prolinc, RAW,
Seche, SuperNail, Surgi-Care, Waterworks, Winning Nails, Woltra, Woody’s, and Youthair. For
more information, visit our website: www.aiibeauty.com.
Thursday, February 21, 2013

2013 Milani Products!



Milani has launched more exciting new products for 2013!

Eyeshadow Primer 01 Nude - Intensifies and extends the wear of any shadow, over 8 hour wear. A lightweight invisible finish works on all skin tones. The primer helps provide a seamless canvas for eyeshadow application and minimizes creasing throughout the day.   Makes any cream or powder eyeshadow long-wearing! Available at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, Kmart, Meijer, Fred Meyer, HEB & Kroger. - Buy

 
Eye Tech Bold Liquid Eye Liner 01 Black - The next installment of our best-selling Eye Tech series goes BOLD! The bold felt-tip point creates a variety of dramatic winged looks in one stroke application.  Smear & smudge-proof, this liner lasts all day. Paraben-free. Available at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, Kmart, Meijer, Fred Meyer, & HEB. - Buy


Shade Extensions 2013
Liquid Eye Liquid-Like Eye Liner Pencil 06 Graphite & 07 Perfect Purple (Sharpenable) - Buy

Liquid Eye Liquid-Like Eye Liner Pencil 01 Black & 02 Brown (Propel) - Buy

High Speed Fast Dry One Coat Formula Nail Lacquer 24 Quick Teal, 25 Flaming Race, 26 Rapid Orchid, 27 Instant Pearl, 28 Pink Express, & 29 Move on Mauve - Buy

Can't wait to check these out! I'm pretty stoked for the nail lacquers and the primer. What are you all excited for? 
Thursday, February 21, 2013

Born Pretty and Swarovski Crystals - Review & Swatches


Hello gorgeous! Tonight on the blog, I have one of the coolest manicures I've ever attempted - rhinestone v-gap nails - using super sparkly Swarovski crystals from Born Pretty!

Born Pretty was nice enough to send me some gorgeous Swarovski Flatback crystals to review. Born Pretty is located overseas so it did take about a month to receive them, not that I minded - I needed as much time as I could get to come up with something cool but it's something to keep in mind when ordering from them. Other than that, I received amazing customer service! Born Pretty has so many nail art supplies from studs and rhinestones to tape and brushes! 

Color: Clear Crystal (001)
Quantity:144pcs 1Gross : 144 pcs
Size: SS 5 (Approx. 1.8mm-1.9mm)


How'd I do it? Super easy. 
1.) First I painted my nails with OPI DS Extravagance (Side note: Can I just say how beautiful this color is? Will definitely be doing a separate review on that!). 
2.) Taking some striping tape, I made a slightly opened "V" on my nails. 
3.) I painted the sides the sides with Hue Square High School Crush. Once slightly dry, take off the tape.
4.) I took my dotting tool and wet the end to pick up the little rhinestones. Applying a super thin coat of top coat for the rhinestones to stick to, I started placing the rhinestones on my nail.
5.) A dry fast top coat over the rhinestones seals them in.


Born Pretty already has awesome prices ($7 for these crystals + FREE SHIPPING - say what!?) but to sweeten the deal, Daisy has given me an extra 10% code for my readers! Use NSL91 at check out to receive the discount.

Stay Connected with Born Pretty:

* This product was sent to me for an honest review! You'll get the truth and nothing but the truth! :)
Friday, February 15, 2013

January Favorites!


Hi babes! I know it's already almost the middle of February but I finally have my January favorites up! I apologize for taking forever. For those who didn't know, I live in Connecticut and we just got about 40" of snow so I took the five days of no work and being snowed in to take pictures, swatch and edit like a crazy person. Back to January, I have so much exciting things going into the new year: being engaged and looking for a house, a Vegas vacation in June, an amazing blog that just celebrated a huge mark with amazing readers... y'know, just to name a few things ;) Without further ado, let's jump right into my favorites! Don't worry. It's not as long as my favorites normally are.

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation in Porcelain/Light Ivory W1-2 - Buy
I never in a million years thought I'd ever say this but I'm in love with this foundation. It's perfection and amazing for me. The color matches my skin perfectly (super surprise because I'm pale) with amazing coverage. Feels really light on the skin. I recommend this highly!

Bath & Body Works Bali Mango Body Spray - Buy
This perfume right here - ah, it's amazing! It reminds me so much of summer time and fruity drinks. I've gotten so many compliments on this. Top notes: Sparkling Tangerine, Asian Apple, Peony. Mid Notes: Thai Lychee, Passion Flower, Pink Rose, Nectarine. Dry notes: Raspberry Coulis, Skin Musk, Sugar Woods.

 
Geodeo Island Natural DeodorantBuy
Kind of an odd favorite, but I can't get over how good this smells. I'm usually a Dove girl, but this was in my Influenster Winner Box so naturally I had to try it. I'm constantly running around working at a daycare, so I really need a deodorant that works. This does and smells likes yummy fruit at the end of the day.


Maybelline The Rocket Volum Express Mascara Buy
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this mascara! I think I might do a mascara showdown so you all can see this compared to others. I was so hesitant to buy this because I really didn't think this was anything special at first. Then Jess (at Love for Lacquer) told me to try it so I did. There was so much volume in this, my eyelashes touched my eyelids. LMAO. I swear!

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Spot Corrector Buy
So I have dark spots. Whenever I get a pimple and it goes away, it's shadow lingers for a while on my face (almost always on my freakin' chin!). So frustrating. This baby is a lifesaver! In almost the exact shade as my skin (surprisingly), this has medium coverage. It has a weird sponge applicator which I know weirded some people out but I didn't mind it - it evenly applied the corrector to my skin.


  • Liquid Lacquer Revenge Is So Sweet - A gorgeous grey jelly with magenta and turquoise hexes. Full swatches and review here.
  • Zoya Aurora - A plum polish with micro holographic glitters strewn in.
  • Zoya Bela - A sheer ballet pink polish. I actually really like using this when I'm going for a super polished and clean look. It's a classic!
  • Candy Lacquer Cold Hearted - An icy mix of white hearts, squares and hexes. Swatches and review coming this week!
  • Essie Funky Limelight - Do I need to say more? I'm so happy I crushed this lemming of mine this month. I'm a HUGE fan of neons.


Nestle Buncha Crunch - Buy
I have no clue why but I've been lovin' these this month! I passed by them at Dollar Tree and was like, "AJSADJA I need these!" I remember having these when I was younger. Basically, it's a Crunch bar in a tiny ball. Yummmmm!

Favorite Music:
I Knew You Were Trouble - Taylor Swift
Mama's Broken Heart - Miranda Lambert
Make Me Wanna - Thomas Rhett

So, what were your favorites of January? 
Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Square Hue February Box: Vintage Love Collection - Review & Swatches


Hey love muffins! Tonight I bring you your newest addiction: Square Hue with their February box the Vintage Love Collection. You can thank me later! ;)


The Lowdown: Square Hue is a monthly nail polish subscription (think Julep but with a twist). 
  • $21 per month gets you three full size (.50 oz) bottles. 
  • SH promises all polishes are 4-free (no Formaldehyde, Toluene, Camphor or DBP) and not tested on animals. 
  • Each month, you are sent a collection. No sneak peeks. No options. I like this, but some may not.
  • You can skip or cancel whenever you like with no hassle.
Let's check out these colors! I really love them and think they fit perfectly into the vintage love theme they have going for February. Perfect colors for Valentine's Day!


Square Hue Wartime Romance, High School Crush & Dear John

High School Crush is a soft pale pink polish.

Unfortunately, I had some issues with this one. The first two coats were a super streaky mess. For some reason, the third coat seemed to do the trick and smoothed everything out. I've read other reviews that had the same issues even on the fifth coat. Maybe I'm just lucky! The color itself is gorgeous. The perfect delicate pink. If you don't mind working with it, it isn't a huge issue.

Wartime Romance is a juicy raspberry polish.

LOVE. L-O-V-E! No issues with this one! This is two super smooth coats. I love everything about this color. I really can't rave enough about this.

Dear John is an incredible black cherry with a sexy red shimmer polish.

If this doesn't woo you, I don't know what will. I can't even begin to describe how hardcore in love I am with this. Granted my polish collection isn't huge but I have nothing like this in my collection. No issues with. As soon as I put this on, I ran to my mom and was like, "Holy crap. Do you see this?" This polish is S-E-X-Y. Ow ow!

Macro to see that gorgeous red shimmer. I DIE. 

Andddd a little nail art using the Vintage Love Collection polishes! Nail tutorial will be out next week for my guest post at Love For Lacquer. I'll make sure to post a link :)

Overall: I really love this monthly subscription. This may fill the void I've been having since canceling Julep. 

* This product was sent to me for an honest review! You'll get the truth and nothing but the truth! :)

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