Sunday, May 26, 2013

Quick Look: China Glaze - Creative Fantasy


This was one heck of a polish to photograph. My camera insisted on making it look blue, and even in this picture which is ALMOST the right color, it still looks bluer than in reality. Creative Fantasy is part of China Glaze's Cirque du Soleil Worlds Away collection which had a lot of fun colors, but of which I own only one.  This polish is described as neon purple, and has a jelly finish (which I love). I'm wearing three coats, and topped it off with Sally Hansen Insta-Dri top coat. Just one coat is horribly streaky, and two is almost right. Three is the magic number. 

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(Funny side note - my husband took it upon himself to see if he could get the polish to photograph correctly... future nail blogger in the works?)


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Thursday, May 23, 2013

Maybelline Color Show - Pink Shock

Hello! Happy Thursday - we're almost to the long holiday weekend! Woohoo! 

Today I've got a quick look at my nails. I'm wearing a Maybelline Color Show polish in Pink Shock


This is a fun, bright neon pink that is sort of like a creme and partially like a jelly finish - in between. I'm wearing two coats topped off with a coat of Sally Hansen Insta-Dri top coat, and as you can tell there is still some visible nail line. This color is fun for summer, and really that's about it...nothing special. I've been wearing it for a couple days now and it has chipped fairly quickly which is disappointing, however these polishes retail for something like $2.99 so it's not shocking. I'm not sure how much use I'll get out of this polish in the future; I'm pretty sure I have one or two other polishes that are very similar. 


What is your favorite hot pink color? 



Wednesday, May 15, 2013

May Birchbox

It's already that time again! I feel like I just wrote my April Birchbox blog, but alas - the time is just flying by! Forewarning - I have to say I wasn't impressed with this month's box. In fact, one of the items listed on the description card isn't even in my box! Note to self: contact Birchbox about that. Here's what May's box looks like:



Inside my Birchbox are the following items:

Amika Obliphica Nourishing Mask | Full Size: $12-40

This lush conditioning mask is supposed to boost shine and help repair split ends. I'm definitely down to try this. I actually have a sample of this laying around somewhere that I haven't used. I have tried Amika's hair oil before and I'm obsessed with the smell of it. If this mask smells anything like it, I just might have to get a full size. 

Marvis Classic Mint Toothpaste | Full Size: $6-10.50

An Italian toothpaste - MEH. I've seen this product circulating around the Birchbox circuit forever now - a.k.a. since I started following birchbox unboxing blogs over a year ago now. Nothing too exciting, but I'm sure it will eventually get thrown in a travel bag.

Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner | Full Size: set of 4 mini pencils for $21

This eyeliner is inspired by traditional Indian formulas and lasts for hours, according to the description card. It's hard to tell from the picture (and nearly impossible for me to capture on camera) but the color is a deep eggplant purple. With my pasty-white skin, I'm not sure if this will look good on me, but I'll give it a shot.

Runa Guayusa Tea | Full Size: $7

This is the "lifestyle extra" portion of this box. This tea boasts more antioxidants than green tea and is bursting with caffeine. I'm a tea drinker, myself, so I was pretty excited about this product probably more than anything else in my box this month. 


That's it! If you're interested in signing up to receive a Birchbox monthly, click this link to join: www.birchbox.com?raf=owwcv


** This post contains my referral link. If you click on the link and sign up, I will earn credit towards Birchbox products.

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Saturday, May 11, 2013

Quick Look: Gatsby-esque Nails

Here's a quick look at my Gatsby inspired polish combo - doesn't it make you think of a fancy 20's party? I should be holding a cocktail...



Products used:
--Base color: Sinful Colors - Vacation Time
--Glitter: Nicole by OPI - A Gold Winter's Night


On that note, I'm off to see The Great Gatsby this afternoon! Have a wonderful weekend, old sports! 

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Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Maybelline Color Whispers




So many awesome lip products have been calling my name in the drugstore lately, and I've had to use every bit of willpower to resist plucking all of them off the shelf! However, I gave in to one of those calls lately when I purchased my first Maybelline Color Whisper. 

It all went down like this... I was on a grocery shopping trip at Walmart, just happened to end up in the cosmetics aisle, and one of the Color Whispers looked so sad to have me pass it by that I just had to buy it and bring it home with me! Or something like that... 

I loved the formula of this product so much that I went out and bought two more. They provide sheer color that's buildable, and they're really moisturizing and light-weight on the lips. I'm positive they would be flattering on anyone. I have yet to try any of the berry or red colors, so I don't know just how vibrant those are, but I'm willing to bet they provide just the right amount of color. Another plus: these come in a huge range of colors. There is sure to be a color you like and that works for you in this line. I will warn you - these don't have a seal like many lipsticks do at the store, so take a peek at the lipstick to make sure no one else has rubbed their lips on it or touched it before you buy your own. (I'm a bit crazy about that...)

It all began when I picked up the Color Whisper in Petal Rebel (a much buzzed about shade in the beauty blog/vlogging world). 




Petal Rebel is a gorgeous light pink (I could not say no when I saw it) It looks sort of intimidating and neon, but it applies sheer and adds a nice springy glow to the lips. It looks more dark on my hand than it is once applied to my lips (the picture of it on my hand up top is a bit more accurate).



Nude Shimmer is a color I haven't seen everywhere, and it might be new (anyone know for sure?) as it was in more of a seasonal section of Walgreens and not with the other Color Whispers. I'll have to check in to that. Initially, I was turned off by the "shimmer" part of the name (I don't like glittery, frosty, or shimmery lips typically), but it actually has really small peachy gold shimmer that is hardly detectable; it just adds a nice sheen to the lips. This is a great product to keep in your purse for quick color that you don't need a mirror to apply.



My favorite of the three is undoubtedly Coral Ambition (I've been obsessed with corals lately!) It adds a perfect pop of color that's not too orange, not too pink - just right in between. This is another color that is fabulous for spring and summer, and can be applied without too much hassle or a mirror. 

As I said, I love this line of lippies. If I see a good enough deal, I will probably snag some more. If you're interested in trying them out, Maybelline products are buy 1 get 1 50% off at Walgreens this week. Gotta love a deal!


Saturday, May 4, 2013

Finger Paints - Blue Raspberry Taffy


Thursday, MAY 2ND we got 15.5" of snow in southern Minnesota. Hard, heavy, bringing-trees-down, knocking-power-out, cold, spring snow. One for the record books. So today, you can imagine I was in the mood for a spring nail color - something to make me forget that there is snow outside on May 4th. (Thankfully, the forecast shows mid-high 60s for the next week - buh-bye snow!)


This is two coats of Blue Raspberry Taffy by Finger Paints from the Spring 2012 Gumdrops & Lollipops collection (I got this on clearance recently, hence being a year late!). This is a lovely, creamy sky blue that is perfect for spring! There is not a whole lot that makes it unique (there are many colors just like this out there, in fact I'm sure I have a couple already in my own polish collection), but it is a pretty color, nonetheless. 


To jazz it up a little, I used an oldie but goodie, Last Friday Night by OPI from the Katy Perry collection (which I loved) on my middle and ring fingers. This is a super pretty blue glitter polish, filled with circular blue and silver round glitters, and a mix of micro glitter. I'm a big Katy Perry fan, so naturally I loved this collection, which I still pull out and incorporate in to my manicures now and then - which is saying something as I don't use many polishes over and over (total polish snob over here...). 

Hope you are enjoying your weekend as much as I am! Til next time! :) 

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Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Allure Beauty Box!

I am SO excited about what I'm going to show you today! I was lucky enough to snag an Allure Beauty Box when they went on sale a week ago. Within 10 minutes these babies were gone, and for good reason, too! For just $40, you get a bunch of full sized products valued at over $250! You read that right.... JUST $40!!!! And even cooler, a portion of the proceeds are donated to the Skin Cancer Foundation. If you didn't score a Beauty Box for yourself, don't worry - I'll give you all the details!


It came looking more organized than this, but I'd rifled through it a few times by this point.

BCBGMAXAZRIA Bon Chic 

According to the description, "Bon Chic celebrates style and joie de vivre." (whatever that means) This is a nice scent, but it's nothing unique and doesn't really stand out to me. I'm sure I'll use up the bottle, but I'm pretty sure it won't make it in to my favorites. 

Burt's Bees Lip Gloss in Spring Splendor

I've got a weakness for lip products, so I'm super excited to try this out. This is one of the new Burt's Bees lip glosses, made with natural oils and nutrients. 

Butter London Nail Lacquer in Bit Faker

Despite being a polish junkie, I have never tried any Butter London polishes as the high price is a bit of a deterrent. It appears to be full of bronze sparkles, and I can't wait to try it.

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

Cetaphil is a gentle daily cleanser that removes makeup, and oils without overdrying or irritating sensitive skin. I've tried this cleanser before and it's not bad, but with combination acne-prone skin, I often need something a bit stronger to keep things under control. 

Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Damage & Color Repair Shampoo & Conditioner

This is a relatively new product line, and I haven't given it a try so I'm excited to give it a go. I've heard good things, and I can certainly use some damage repair on my hair! 

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes

This is a product I'm excited to try! I already use Dickinson's witch hazel toner and have enjoyed it (aside from the smell, which is awful) so I expect these will be nice as well. Witch Hazel is great for the skin, especially for calming redness and blemishes. I'll probably throw these in my gym bag for a quick clean before or after my workouts!

GKHair Leave-In Spray

This leave in spray by GKHair protects hair while moisturizing and repairing split ends. I'm all about leave-in sprays, so I'm sure I'll use this down to the last drop.

Neutrogena MicroMist Sunless Tanning Spray

Due to the fact I'm basically blinding people with my pasty white skin, I am overjoyed to receive this in my beauty box! This MicroMist airbrush sunless tan is supposed to apply streak and missed-spot free. This fair-skinned redhead can definitely use a product like this!

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 15

Buying moisturizer is one thing I hate doing. I absolutely need it, but hate shelling out $10-15 for it. Luckily, this moisturizer came included in my beauty box, sparing me a moisturizer shopping trip any time soon! This moisturizer is 100% alcohol, fragrance, dye and oil-free. 

Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm SPF 20

This is a product I will always skip over in the cosmetics aisle because the packaging is so boring. It's true to Neutrogena's brand, but there are a million other lip balms that will catch my eye before this one (even if this product rocks!) As you can see I already opened it up and tried it, and I have to say I like it! It has a sheer tint and goes on nicely - I just wish it wasn't shaped in an oval; it's kind of uncomfortable to put on because of the shape.

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser

The thing that catches my eye about this product, is it claims to clean sensitive skin and remove 99% of dirt without stripping skin of it's natural moisture and softness. I will definitely be giving this a try soon!

Nexxus Youth Renewal Rejuvenating Elixir

You might recall I got a sample of this product in my April birchbox, and to be honest, I haven't even tried it yet! I've heard nothing but good things about this product so far, so tomorrow I'm going to try this out and see just how great it is. 

Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Hair Cream

This product claims to give hair a sexy tousled wavy look with a matte finish. I can see this being a great summer product to help control frizz and give the hair some volume.

Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen in No. 6 True Teal

I absolutely love Pixi products, so naturally, I'm thrilled to receive one of their long-wearing and waterproof eyeliners! This teal color will be bold and bright for summer.

Pureology Colour Stylist Supreme Control Maximum Hold Zero Dulling Hairspray

I don't go through hairspray quickly, but I'm looking forward to trying this product out - even if it's for color-treated hair (which I don't have). It claims to provide maximum hold with extra shine. 

Redken Control Addict 28 High-Control Hairpsray

I think I now have enough hairspray to last me a lifetime. This Redken hairspray claims to hold hairstyles for 24 hours! If this is true, I will certainly be impressed. It also says it won't flake, will dry fast, and is brushable without being stiff. 

Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Leave-In Treatment

According to the description, this is Redken's #1 selling treatment which reduces breakage and minimizes split-ends, AND serves as a heat protectant! This is a product I'd normally skip past for a cheaper alternative, so I'm looking forward to trying this out!

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in #400 Get Juiced

We all know I love a good nail polish! I've tried out one or two from this line of Sally Hansen polishes, and didn't love or hate them, so this will be a good addition to my collection. I love a good coral color!

Sally Hansen Salon Manicure Dry & Go Drops

I have to admit, I'm pretty curious about this product. A good topcoat should pretty much eliminate the need for something like this, but perhaps they work well in tandem? Needless to say, I will definitely be giving this a shot.

Sally Hansen Zero Bumps Bikini Spray

This product helps keep skin soft and smooth between shaving and waxing by reducing bumps, irritation and in-grown hairs. Interesting that it's scented...

Sation Nail Lacquer in Love at First Byte

I have never tried the Sation brand of nail polish, although I believe I do have one sitting in my "untrieds" pile, and I know I've seen them at Wal*Mart. I wish this was a different color, as it's pretty darn close to the Sally Hansen polish, but I'll give it a shot!

Simple Kind to Eyes Eye Makeup Remover Pads

I love the Simple brand. I've tried a few of their products, and I'm currently using their cleansing pads (even on my eyes - oops!) so I can only assume that this will be another great product!

Suave Moroccan Infusion Styling Oil

Suave has stepped it up recently, eh? This product conditions without weighing hair down and smooths the cuticle for a long lasting shine. The conditioners in this product line weighed my hair down like no other (but smelled amazing!) but I'm willing to give this product a chance.

Tan Towel The Original Self-Tanning Towelette for Face & Body

I have to admit, I am REALLY skeptical of the product. How can a towelette have enough product on it to make your whole body evenly tan? I've also heard bad things about this (it's streaky, uneven, etc.) I would maybe attempt this on my legs while using another self tanner, but it will take some courage!

Tresemme Platinum Strength Strengthening Heat Protect Spray

I've used the Tresemme Heat Protect spray for years, only to change it up in the last couple months because I wasn't sure it was doing anything. However, I haven't tried this Platinum Strength version. I've been intrigued by this line of products, and even bought the shampoo and conditioner (which I have yet to try) - but I've heard good things and I can definitely get some use out of this product.


Well, that's all folks! Quite the steal, eh? Have you tried any of these products? Let me know in the comments below! 
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