Simple and chic, but with just a little something extra – a dash of Millionaire!
So I finally tried out the half-moon manicure trend, also sometimes called a moon or reverse french. Personally, I’m really loving it – at least with this pair of polishes and it looks gorgeous in person.
The only thing I forgot to do was apply a layer of top coat over the glitter polish before applying the black, so the black did not come out as smooth as I would have preferred it to be, but I just didn’t feel like starting over
I hadn’t cleaned them up yet, so pardon the messy nails…
What’s on my nails:
Sally Hansen Nailgrowth Miracle Salon Strengthener as my base coat, since I recently trimmed my nails down very short and wanted to get a little length back for the holidays.
Nailtini “Millionaire” Lacquer (2 coats) – you can read my thoughts on this polish in my last post.
Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro “430 Black Satin” Lacquer – love these polishes!
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat
Have a very Happy & Safe New Years!! See you in 2013 ♥
Hope everyone’s holidays have been amazing and sorry for this post being so delayed.
Party Perfect… huh – I guess – well that was the theme of the Ipsy November Bag. The products didn’t exactly scream “party perfect” and well, I just wasn’t thrilled with some of the products.
Okay, so first off, this is a very red based brown liner and in fact, I wouldn’t call it brown at all, but auburn (swatch below) and just not a color I have use for very often. On top of that, sorry Starlet, but this liner was kind of crap! If it weren’t for the other poor qualities, I would love to be able to recommend this as a brow pencil for auburn hair, but I just can’t.
Nearly useless color aside, the liner blends smoothly, but that was the only good thing about it. It literally doesn’t set at all and is easily wiped away just with the slightest swipe of a finger. No staying power and doesn’t apply well to the waterline at all. You’ll need to set this with a shadow for any hopes at long-wear.
Definitely loving this polish! It is part of the Nailtini Speakeasy Lacquer Collection – loving the collection name!
It has been perfect for the holidays and new years. Plus, I have been getting compliments and questions on where to get it. The shade (swatch below) represents its name with gold and rose gold flecks with money/ink teal-green glitter, but not too over the top when its applied.
As with most glitter polishes it sets very quickly and looks great layered on every color I have tried so far (nudes, red, plums, and black)!
As with many of theBalm powder products I have been introduced to this one does not disappoint. It is a deep mauve-based grey matte shadow and applies smoothly. It has great color payoff and good staying power!
The mauve grey color (swatch below) is perfect for a smok(e)y eye, crease contouring and a more subtle liner look.
The minor downfall about this, may be that you can only get the color in the Meet Matt(e) Palette.
Full Size Value: $34.50 (9 piece eyeshadow palette)
Okay, sorry Chella, but this product is ridiculous. $18 for a sub-par clear brow gel, which hardly set my brows at all. Yeah, that’s all – just not worth it to me. Far more economical and quality brow gels out there.
My sample also contained hardly any product at all, and the alternate sample to this one this month was the Benefit – they’re real! beyond mascara – too bad I didn’t get to try out that one.
I’m a bit undecided on this product, it has some good qualities, but a couple disappointments. From the name, its minty scent and cooling feeling I had thought it was a plumping lipgloss, but its not. It does claim to volumize your lips with vivid color, long-lasting mirror shine and hydration.
It applies for the most part non-sticky, but does get tacky to longer it is on. It does apply fairly sheer (heavilyswatched below), though you can build it up, but the more you add to darken the color – the more gooey it can feel, something I am not a fan of.
So, yeah, I’m still on the fence. It does have some great qualities as far as its natural ingredients, exotic oils, botanical extracts, and antioxidants, but I wish it had the vivid color payoff it claims to and didn’t go tacky considering it is supposed to be long-wearing.
Full Size Value: $18
Product swatches below…
So, if I don’t get to post again before the new year, HAPPY NEW YEARS to everyone – wishing you all a great start to 2013 and I’ll be back soon with A LOT of reviews and more…
Okay, so first off, sorry for the lack of proper posts, my life has been sucked into the black hole of holiday madness and job hunting. Oh my gosh, I’m tired already…
Anyways, in case the world doesn’t go poof! in the following days – hehehe, my apologies to the Dec 21 doomsday prepper’s on high alert, but I find it mildly amusing 😉 – so, back to it, you may be like me, in that you are still holiday shopping, especially for some of the most difficult of the bunch – guys!
Whether he’s into crime, mystery, history or fantasy, if he likes to read and its a topic he loves – a good book is always appreciated. Maybe get him a new one he hasn’t read or perhaps an old favorite that he’s lost somewhere between high school and a life full of moving boxes.
Men are fairly transparent in their interests, but when in doubt cross reference the NY Times, Amazon and Barnes & Noble Bestsellers lists.
Featured Books Above: The Millenium (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) Series by Stieg Larsson, Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand, On the Road by Jack Kerouac and The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien.
2. For the scent conscious guy
If he likes to smell good, cares for his place enough to own cleaning supplies, and isn’t afraid of a dash of feminine, then he might love a man-friendly scented candle to warm up his place.
Bath & Body Works have had some yummy candles lately that really do smell like men’s cologne!
Featured Candles Above: Mahogany Teakwood, Fireside and Black Pepper Bergamot.
3. For the guy in need of a little pampering
Guys often neglect their skin and especially their hands, unfortunately, so sometimes they need a little push – next thing you know – they’re hooked!
Nowadays, there are some great men’s skincare lines and around this time – gift sets galore!
Featured Items Above:Kiehl’s Men’s Refueling Kit and Helping Hands Essentials.
4. Movie/TV Junkie?
Easiest thing ever! His favorite show’s latest season or perhaps a special edition blu-ray.
Featured Item Above: The Dark Night Trilogy Blu-Ray Limited Edition (just got this exact one – thanks to my awesome brother – for $27!!)
5. The Gamer
If he is a gamer, no doubt he has been raving about the latest game out that he just has to have, but maybe just can’t afford at the moment.
If you’re unsure – get him a points/gift card for his most used game console.
Featured Games Above: Call of Duty Black Ops II and EA Sports Madden NFL 13.
6. For the workaholic and the traveler
Whether he commutes, or just has that never ending job that requires him to mainline coffee – a quality insulated travel mug that could take a beating and his favorite coffee is guaranteed to be welcome!
Featured Items Above:Starbucks Blonde Veranda Blend Whole Bean Coffee and Stainless Steel Insulated Travel Mug.
7. For the sports fanatic
No brainer – his favorite team gear!
Featured Items Above: San Antonio Spurs T-Shirt and Chicago Bear Cap.
8. For the musician
Why not opt for the unexpected, but totally awesome gift! Maybe hunt down a vintage record shop, or a bio on his favorite musician, or maybe just a nerdy novelty gift you know he would just love.
Featured Item Above: DIY Guitar Pick Punch from ThinkGeek.
9. Guy friendly Coziness
Whether he is unprepared for the cold/dry weather or maybe you just want to spruce up his winter wardobe, pick up some non-holiday guy-friendly gear.
Featured Items Above: Lightweight sweater from Old Navy and Scarf from Gap.
10. And for the man who loves a good beer
If he enjoys the beer craft and is practically on his way to becoming a beer connoisseur, why not get him a new beer sampler?
This isn’t for the drunk guy in the bar, who you should NOT encourage with more beer, this is for the man that likes to buy 2 very good beers at the bar with a quality steak; and enjoys discovering new brews.
Featured Sampler Above:World Market’s Winter Brews 9-pack Seasonal Beers.
Well guys – and ladies – hopefully that helps out, in case you are still in need of a few gift ideas 😉
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