Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Incoco Nail Polish Strips in Penny Rose





I've got a first on Glazed Over today.... nail polish strips. There's a reason I have never featured nail strips before, and that's because I have tried and failed at them numerous times. I mean, so bad that I wouldn't even think to show anyone. Like, take off right away and use regular nail polish bad. But not anymore. Today I've got a complete and total success with nail polish strips.




These gorgeous, 100% real nail polish strips are from Incoco and they're in the shade Penny Rose - a glittering rose gold. What I love is that unlike most chunky glittery paint-on polishes like this (which tend to be total topcoat hogs), these are totally smooth. And the best part is, since they're a base, polish and top coat in one, there's no waiting for them to dry! These took me just 10 minutes to do (because I'm a perfectionist - but they could easily take you 5 minutes or less) and I've already been smacking my nails around and they haven't scratched or torn. 


Another cool thing about Incoco strips is that they're more concentrated than regular polish, so they're supposed to last longer (up to 14 days...check back, I'll keep you posted on wear time). And one more rave: they're 3 free, meaning they're free of DBP, toluene and formaldehyde (aka the bad stuff in many nail polishes).

Penny Rose retails for $7.99, and right now I believe the only place you can buy Incoco strips is on their website. I would definitely recommend picking some up if you like gorgeous nails that are quick and easy to achieve! 

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Product Empties!

If I had to pick a favorite type of video on YouTube, I think I'd have to say product empties vids are my favorite. (Click here or here to see what I mean) I love them because by the time you've used an entire product, you darn well know whether or not you like it. If you're unfamiliar with the format, click the links above, or keep reading to dig through my trash with me and get a quick review of each product.



1) Treat It Amazing Leave-In 12-in-one Hair Treatment - I'm pretty sure this is an off brand product that I picked up at Big Lots a long time ago. Despite that, I really liked it. I'd spray it in damp hair and I actually did notice my hair feeling silkier throughout the day. I would most likely repurchase this in the future.

2) Dove Refresh+Care Invigorating Dry Shampoo - I really liked this dry shampoo. It has a light clean scent and does the job of sucking up any excess oil in my hair. It also adds a nice bit of volume to the roots. Be warned fellow darker haired ladies, it does leave a white cast, but it can be brushed or massaged out sufficiently. I would repurchase this in the future.

3) L'Oreal Everstrong Deep Replenishing Masque - I cycle through deep conditioning masks like no one's business, as I use them typically once a week. I hadn't tried anything from this Everstrong line until this, so I figured, what the heck? I didn't hate it, I didn't love it. I don't really think it was as good as others I've tried, but considering it was something like $5, I wasn't super disappointed. I think this specific product is discontinued, but if you want to try something pretty much the same it is just repackaged differently and can be found in the drugstore. 


1) Jergens Natural Glow + Firming Lotion - As you can tell, I like this stuff. I've gone through two full bottles. Remember when this came on the market years back and the smell was completely unbearable? You don't have to worry about that anymore. I actually like the smell of it now. I use the medium to tan lotion despite being as fair as they come, but it actually builds up, and I don't feel like the fair to medium version makes much of a difference. The glow it gives is subtle yet noticeable and looks natural. I can't say I've noticed any firming action, but I keep thinking it can't hurt to keep using it in case it actually is doing something. This is a tried and true summer favorite of mine. I'll certainly repurchase this again.

2) Nivea Touch of Sparkle Cream Oil Body Wash - When I bought this, I thought it was going to be shimmery because it says "diamond powder." Then I realized, that is the scent. Are you kidding me, what does diamond powder smell like? If it smells like this body wash, it smells really good - kind of fruity and floral. This body wash is really moisturizing and creamy, and I enjoyed it. I'd repurchase it, but what's the point - there's always a new body wash out there to try!


1) Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer in Ivory Light - This product is so stinkin' old it's discontinued and probably has been for a long time. Don't get me wrong, I don't like to keep and use expired and nasty makeup, but I found this in the depths of my makeup the other day and immediately decided to throw it out. I haven't used it for a long time and I've actually always hated it. The mousse consistency is weird, it didn't cover well or stay in the area you applied it. Big huge fail. Goodbye gross concealer!

2) Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in Radiant - On the total flip side, here is an absolute WIN of a Maybelline concealer. I used this down to the last twist, and immediately repurchased it once it was gone. This is the first concealer I've ever used where I can actually tell a noticeable difference when I use it under the eyes. It brightens up areas that need it, and hides any tired dark circles. It's under $10 and you can find it at the drug store. I would highly recommend it.


Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Foundation in 20 Natural Ivory - This used to be my absolute favorite foundation, hence why I have two used up bottles. My skin is very prone to breakouts and blemishes and because I wear makeup nearly every day I wanted to use something that won't clog my pores. I liked this foundation because it finished matte on the skin and seemed to have decent staying power, but I can't say the acne fighting properties actually worked for me. It retails for around $12 and you can find it at most drugstores. Now that I've found a foundation I love even more, I don't think I'll be repurchasing this any time soon. 


1)  L'Oreal Clean Definition Telescopic Mascara in Blackest Black - I talked about this mascara in my June favorites, so check there for a full review. I liked this mascara a lot, it added volume and definition to my lashes without being clumpy. I'm not sure I can buy this exact kind of the Telescopic mascara any more, but I'd definitely purchase a Telescopic mascara again in the future.

2) ModelCo Fibre LashXtend Extreme Black Lengthening Mascara - I received this mascara in one of my previous Birchboxes and I was super excited to try it out, given that it's a full-size product. Much to my dismay, I absolutely hated it. I'm not sure if it was dried out by the time I received it or if that's just the formula, but it is awful. The fibery formula wouldn't stick and my lashes looked horribly spidery. It costs a whopping $28, which is kind of crazy for a brand without much recognition (correct me if I'm wrong, but I haven't seen much of anything from them.) I will not be purchasing this in the future.

3) Maybelline The Colossal Cat Eyes Mascara in Glam Black - Truth be told, I bought this mascara because I liked the packaging, but fortunately I also liked the product. I don't think it gave me "cat eyes" (whatever that means), but it applied easily and didn't clump. I also think it smells kind of good? I don't know, I'm weird. Click the link to see what the brush looks like. I don't know if I'd repurchase this because it didn't really thrill me, but it wasn't a bad product- some of you might love it!

4) Urban Decay Supercurl Curling Mascara - I got a little sample size of this mascara and holy COW, I fell in love. This might be my favorite mascara of all time. It was brilliant - it held a curl like no other, it separated my lashes and added volume and it did all of this without clumping. Click the link to see what the brush looks like. I was very sad to use this sample up. If I can get over the $20 price tag, I will most definitely purchase a full-size of this in the future.


1) Wet n Wild Mega Liner Liquid Eyeliner in Black - I talked about this eyeliner in my May Favorites, so check that out for a more thorough review. This is a long time favorite of mine, and probably the 50th time I've used up a bottle because I use it every single day, and I have for the last 8 or 9 years. I will continually repurchase this product until I find something that tops this (which I doubt is possible). 

2) Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent - This is another long time favorite of mine that I've repurchased time and time again. I use it to set my foundation, and I haven't found anything that compares. There are plenty of pricier powders that don't do half as good of a job. For under $5, you've got yourself one heck of a powder. It isn't transparent, as the name suggests, but it isn't cakey or overly powdery on the face. I've already purchased another of these, and will do so until I find some other better replacement.


1) Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes - I love a good makeup removing wipe, but unfortunately I didn't love these. I wanted to use something for sensitive skin, but I don't think they did much for me. Beware of the"simple" marketing, which often makes the mind think "natural" (a mistake I made myself), but there are parabens in these face wipes if you browse the ingredients. I won't be repurchasing these.

2) Pond's Evening Soothe Wet Cleansing Towelettes - I loved these. The wipes are quilted which helps scrub off makeup without being rough on the skin, and they smell absolutely amazing (I love chamomile scented products). These are so gentle and soothing on the skin. I will definitely repurchase these in the future. 


1) Bath & Body Works PocketBac Anti-Bacterial hand gel in Cucumber Melon - I love keeping these mini antibacterial gels in my makeup bag so I can use them before I start doing my makeup, that way I don't spread bacteria on my blemish-prone skin. I especially love these PocketBacs because they're small and don't take up a ton of room while traveling, and they come in a variety of scents. This cucumber melon scent smells just like you would imagine it to - nice and refreshing. 

2) Bath & Body Works PocketBac Anti-Bacterial hand gel in White Citrus - You know I love these already. White Citrus smells really sharp and fresh. It isn't my most favorite scent, but it's not repulsive or anything. I've already replenished my stash of these (in other scents) so I can keep on using them every time I do my makeup. 

3) O.P.I. AvoJuice lotion in Crisp Apple Juicie - OPI's AvoJuice is my most favorite lotion. It's lightweight but it is insanely moisturizing. It is seriously awesome. I have a bunch of full size bottles, and I also have some of these minis which I always keep in my purse for use on the go. This smells just like macintosh apples, and makes me think of fall. I would definitely repurchase this in the future. 

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That's all for now, folks. If you like these kinds of posts, let me know in the comments below. Also let me know if you've tried any of these products and and what you thought of them. Have a great rest of your weekend!

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Orly - Elsbeth's Rose


 Elsbeth's Rose by Orly is a beautiful color - kind of a muted pink creme (the Orly website classifies this as a dusty pink shimmer, but I don't see even a hint of shimmer on my nails.) Unfortunately, I don't love this on my nails. Can you tell the formula is hard to work with from these photos (take a good hard look at my pointer and middle fingers.) Application was mediocre at best because the formula is really thick and sticky. It dries quick and in some cases the second coat sort of dragged along and ruined the nice smooth look. 


Overall, I'm calling this a failed manicure. It looks okay to the average eye, but for the picky folk (like me!) out there, this just isn't going to cut it. I have plenty of other polishes which apply much smoother than this, so I'm not sure I'll ever reach for this one again.

If you like this color but want something a bit easier to work with, Elsbeth's Rose reminds me so much of a more muted Splash of Grenadine by Essie

To be fair, every other Orly polish I've used has been wonderful, or at the very least - manageable. I love the grip-top applicators, and they have a great selection of colors.  I'd definitely encourage you to try the brand out for yourself. You can find a wide variety of Orly polishes at your local Sally Beauty. 


Monday, July 22, 2013

e.l.f. Haul!

Last week Eyes Lips Face, also known as e.l.f., had an awesome 50% off online sale. Initially, I just wanted to browse the website and see if there was anything intriguing. Remember how I said initially? There would be no point in this post if everything ended right then and there. Clearly I found some goodies, and I just had to share with you! The awesome thing about e.l.f. is the products are dirt cheap, but you get so much value! All in all I spent just $24.45 - quite a steal! If you're looking to find some e.l.f. products of your own, you can typically find them at Target.


  • Waterproof Eyeliner Pen in Black - I love eyeliner pens, so I figured I'd give this a shot considering it was only $1. Much to my surprise, this eyeliner pen blew me away. It's really dark and vibrant and super easy to use. At the store, this is $2, and you just can't beat the price for the high quality product you get.


  • Long-Lasting Lustrous Eyeshadow in Soiree and Gala - These eyeshadows are creme based and have a very light whipped texture. I wouldn't use these as a base by any means, but as the packaging suggests, these are perfect for highlighting the eyes or adding extra shine. Soiree is a gorgeous glittering mauvey pink, and Gala is a sparkling deep brown.


  • Eye Refresh - I'm not entirely sure if this does anything, but I was enticed and couldn't pass it up. I've used it a couple times, and the metal rollerball feels nice and cool on the eyes but I haven't noticed any brightening effects as the packaging suggests it will provide.
  • HD Blush in Headliner - Regardless of the fact that I always gravitate towards powder blush, I always find myself buying cream blushes! The swatches I've seen of these are gorgeous, so I wanted to try one out. The color pay off is really something, but I haven't tested it out to see how long it lasts. I also really love the packaging of these blushes - the pump applicator is fab. 
  • High Definition Powder in Translucent - Long have I lusted over this powder since Meg (ciaobellaxo on YouTube) said she uses it. This powder costs $6 at Target, and I was feeling stingy... but for $3 during this 50% off sale, count me in. I've heard it can cause a white-cast in picture taken with flash, which is definitely something to be careful of.
  • Radiance Enhancer in Spotlight - Hello, my name is Brianna and I'm a highlighter junkie. There I said it. Sadly, I swatched this on my hand and I don't know if I like it. It's very thick and creamy - it almost feels like a lotion, and it doesn't seem to give much "enhancement" in the light. I need to play around with this more to see if I like it.
  • Brush Shampoo - Who doesn't need brush shampoo? (ME! - I have plenty) I'm a sucker for makeup brand brush cleaner? I don't know... don't judge me. 
  • Body Shimmer in Cosmic Coral and Golden Glow - Recently I've become obsessed with body shimmer, like this is 3rd grade all over again. I saw swatches of these and decided I needed not one, but two and I don't regret it for a second. I think Cosmic Coral would work best as a cheek tint or highlighter, and Golden Glow is wonderful for a summer body shimmer.


Have you tried any of these products? Let me know what you think!


Friday, July 19, 2013

Mint Mani for Talia Joy


Whether you immerse yourself in the beauty world often or not, I'm sure you've heard of Talia Joy Castellano - the YouTube beauty personality who passed away this week after a 6 year battle with cancer. Talia was only 13 years young, but was an incredibly talented makeup artist. You've probably even seen her on the Ellen Show (if you haven't - click the link). 

To honor Talia, many in the beauty blogging/nail blogging world are sporting mint manis (her last instagram photo was a picture of her mint manicure) today in honor of her beautiful spirit, and I felt compelled to join right in. In honor of this bright, spirited young girl, I'm wearing two coats of Gem Green by Petites (a brand that sadly went out of business this year.)


Rest in peace, Talia Joy.




Thursday, July 18, 2013

Quick Look: Essie - Jamaica Me Crazy


Here is a polish I've been lusting over for quite some time. It's nothing new or unseen, but it's just something I've had my eyes on. This is two coats of Essie's Jamaica Me Crazy. Don't you just love that name? This color is a beautiful, bright magenta filled with shimmer. I feel like the pictures I've seen make the shimmer look so much more pronounced than it actually looks on my own nails. It has a shimmery quality to it, but it doesn't take away from the color or catch the light intensely. I want to see how great this would look on my toes next.

Overall this is a great formula. It applied easily and smoothly, and didn't chip for 3 or 4 days. I couldn't ask for much more. 


What do you think?

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Battle of the Subscription Boxes: Birchbox vs. Ipsy

I've been a subscriber of Birchbox for nearly two years. Up until a couple months ago, I've been pretty satisfied with the boxes and samples I received. That is, until I started watching Eleventhgorgeous on Youtube and saw their Ipsy bags (formerly known as Glam Bag), another subscription beauty sample service, and realized that there are other "beauty bags/boxes" out there that may even give you more bang for your buck.

Basically, Ipsy is a subscription service just like Birchbox. It costs $10 per month, and you get mailed five or six samples to try out and you're typically offered some sort of discount on purchasing a full-size of the products. One cool difference? You get a different bag each month that all your products come in. Those little things always come in handy, especially when travelling.

 So, I signed up for Ipsy, and for now I've kept my Birchbox subscription so I could bring you this battle of the subscription beauty boxes! So here are both my July Birchbox and my July Ipsy glam bag - and we'll get to the bottom of who has the best value. 


July Birchbox


The products

100 % Pure Nourishing Body Cream | Full-size: $15

These body creams by 100% Pure are organic, and filled with anti-aging properties. These little packets have .066 fl oz  in each one. I hate using lotion out of little packets like this, because there is too much product for one use and it's annoying to keep them around without getting things all lotiony. I've never heard of this brand before, but it looks interesting. 


Benefit Cosmetics Girl Meets Pearl | Full-size $30

I hate to kill the excitement already, but this is the best sample in this entire box. Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl is a gorgeous peachy rose-gold highlight that is SO stunning. I own many highlighters, but nothing comes close to this. And the super cute packaging? I'm in love. (If you think this packaging is cute, check out their entire line. It's fabulous.) Benefit can do no wrong.


Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect | Full-size $32

 This is Number 4's sulfate-free leave-in conditioner that protects against UV rays. I won't lie... I love these mini leave in conditioners for traveling. With my long hair, I'll willingly try every brand's detanglers. Keep 'em coming.


Benta Berry G-1 Moisturizing Face Cream | Full-size $22

Okay, remember last month when I said I was loving that modern packaging on the Davines products? And then it shows up again this month with the Number 4 product above? Well, it appears that's kind of a trend - and frankly, I'm over it. This is Benta Berry's (a French brand) hydrating and purifying face cream. It smells really fresh and finishes really light on the skin. I'm really looking forward to trying this on my face.


Birchbox Bobby Pins | Full-size $5

These are two cute patterned large bobby pins. I don't typically purchase hair pieces like these for myself, but I'm happy to try these out since they're something a bit different for me.


July Ipsy Glam Bag


The Products

bh cosmetics California Collection Eyeshadow | Full-size $9.99

This is an awesome sized sample. These three bh cosmetics eyeshadows are all rather pigmented, and perfect for summer. Hollywood might be a bit too purple for my light skin, but I'm sure I can find a use for it. The other two colors are a gorgeous warm brown and shimmering gold that I know I'll get plenty of use from.

Sexy Hair Weather Proof Humidity Resistant Spray | Full-size $18.95

Sexy Hair is a brand I've seen everywhere and never ever tried, so I'm looking forward to testing this bad boy out. This is an awesome 1.4 oz sample that will serve me well while traveling, but also it's big enough to really test the product out and get a feel for whether or not I'd purchase it in full-size in the future.

Coola Mineral Face SPF 20 Unscented Moisturizer | Full-size $36

I am all about this sample. Being as fair skinned as I am, I can never get enough SPF face creams. This is a great size to throw in my purse for use on a sunny summer day. I know I also received a Coola cucumber-scented sunscreen in a Birchbox earlier this year, and I haven't actually tried it, as it's for the body and it's the same size (.23 fl oz) sample as this one (aka there's not enough to make it worth it).

Demeter Salt Air Perfume Oil Roll-On | Full-size $39.50

I am so freaking excited about this sample I can hardly even type this. I've wanted to try a Demeter fragrance since forever and finally I have my very own - and in a rather large sample size, too! (.29 fl oz) Salt Air smells so summery and tropical, it is just perfect for any warm weathered day. Also, it's in a rollerball container which I love. Easily the best sample in this Glam Bag, hands down. 


POP Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon in Fuchsia Flirt | Full-size $25 (set of 6)

Another giant sample! This pouty pop crayon is a full-sized product (0.1 oz)!! I love lip crayons, and this color is super easy to wear, creamy, and beautiful. I'm really excited to pop this (no pun intended!) in my purse for use on the go!

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So there you have it - the Birchbox vs. Ipsy showdown! To me, there is a very clear winner. But before I spill the beans, I'm curious to know which box you think wins this July Battle of the Subscription Boxes? Let me know in the comments below!

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Makeup Mail: Pixi Large Lash Mascara in No. 2 Best Brown


This week I received some exciting Makeup Mail from Pixi Beauty, a brand I absolutely love. I received this Large Lash Mascara in no.2 Best Brown because I won a Twitter giveaway Pixi was sponsoring. All I did was retweet their Friday Giveaway tweet and I lucked out and won this mascara! A nice surprise. 



Pixi's Large Lash Mascara retails for $18 and you can find it on their website, or at Target. I am really excited to try this mascara out. I've loved everything I've tried by Pixi and I think they're a great brand. Also, how cute is this packaging?! (All of their packaging is adorable) 

Let me know if you've tried any Pixi products and what you thought! I'd love to hear from you. 



Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Maybelline Color Tattoo Pure Pigments Review & Swatches - Buff & Tuff and Barely Brazen



Maybelline has some fun brand new products in their Color Tattoo line for fall 2013! Say hello to Maybelline Pure Pigments, something different in the drugstore cosmetics selection. Pigments have come and gone in popularity throughout the years, but these are pretty unique considering the current selection. These come in 0.05 oz pots for $5.99 each - I found mine at Target.

There are a multitude of colors, ranging from bright, pigmented purples, pinks, yellows - you name it, to gorgeous neutrals. And if you're a fan of everyday neutrals (like myself), you're in luck. And the two I'm about to show you are must-haves for the neutral fanatic.


#60 Buff & Tuff

Buff & Tuff is a really pretty bronze-brown with golden glitter that pops. This is a decently pigmented shade, however I did experience lots of fallout from the glitter, even using a primer and applying the pigment with a wet brush. I did wear it over Tease from the Naked 2 palette, so I'm not sure if it was due to that, or if the glitter was bound to fall regardless. While  this applied really fresh and bold, it did show signs of wear and fading within 4-5 hours. With enough playing around, I think the perfect balance can be found to negate the fading and fallout.  


#55 Barely Brazen

Barely Brazen is my favorite of these two colors. In the pot it appears to be more peachy gold than it does in the swatches. It shows up on the skin as an ultra-shimmery peachy nude pink that really catches the light. This color makes for an excellent sheer highlight, or inner corner pop on the eyes. You have to be careful about fallout with this color as well, however the entire color is shimmery unlike Buff & Tuff which has extra glitter that is prone to major fallout. Barely Brazen is a fast favorite.

The other neutral I didn't grab is called Breaking Bronze, and from the images I've seen, it's equally as gorgeous as these two colors. I'd give these two colors a thumbs up, and recommend giving them a try if you're in the market for some awesome eye colors.

What are your thoughts? Will you give them a try? Let me know in the comments. 

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

OPI - Big Hair... Big Nails


Today I've got an oldie but a goodie, and one I've never tried. It's called Big Hair...Big Nails (LOVE that name) and it's from OPI's Texas Collection which came out in spring of 2011. 


To me, this color screams SUMMER not spring, but that's really beside the point. This is a gorgeous pinkish orange jelly. The application was very smooth and easy to work with. As with most jellies, one coat would not be enough, unless you like the streaky nail look. I used three coats and as you can see, I still have some visible nail line (jellies like Big Hair...Big Nails finish kind of see through).


If you like this color, you might also like Kate by Zoya or Coraline which is also a Zoya polish. I think the plain old jelly fad has kind of passed (now on to jelly sandwiches - layering glitters with jellies) but I still think they're really fun, and this color is certainly really pretty. What do you think?


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