NOTD: Summer Manicure

Essie's Fall 2012 Stylenomics Collection!

End of Summer Ulta Haul!

Essie Yogaga & Essie Mirror Metallics Collections!

Top 10 Summer Pedicure Polish Favorites!

Summer is the time to take risks with your pedicure colors. Bold, unique, vibrant colors are the way to go. Here are swatches of my favorite colors to dress your toes up for Summer! 

ELF Matte Lip Color (Tea Rose, Rich Red & Coral)

Today I finally got my hands on a few ELF Matte Lip Colors. These jumbo size lip pencils create great pigmentation with twist up applicators so you never have to sharpen. The rich color feels super smooth on the lips and provides stunning matte color. ELF says they are enriched with Vitamin A, C, & E formula that moisturizes and hydrates lips for beautiful healthy looking lips. The color is very opaque and rich. Matte products usually dry the lips and settle in the cracks of your lips, these do the opposite. They apply very creamy and continue to moisturize. The best plus about these lip colors are the quality for being so inexpensive, $3 each! I LOVE ELF for this reason! You can purchase ELF products at Target or on their website. ELF has released 6 shades and today I have 3 to show you!

PRICE: $3.00

www.eyeslipsface.com

Tea Rose is a light-plum toned pink. 

Rich Red is a vibrant, power red.

Coral is a light peachy coral.

ELF Matte Lip Color (Swatches L to R: Tea Rose, Rich Red and Coral)

July 2012 Favorites, Summer London Olympics & MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!

July is my absolute favorite month! Not only is it fun in the sun during Summer but July is my birthday month! July 25th is my Birthday and I LOVE being a Leo! One of the highlights of my July was the Summer London Olympics! I chat my thoughts about the games in this video. Lastly, I announce information on my FIRST GIVEAWAY! Very excited! Here are my July Favorites!

Nail of the Day: Essie's Boxer Shorts

August Birchbox

My August Birchbox! 

Beauty School Theme!

Nail of the Day: Orly's Glowstick

My latest manicure is brought to you by Orly's Glowstick. This polish was released in Orly's Summer 2012 Feel The Vibe Collection. I've kept a look out for this collection for quite some time and was so excited to find this color at ULTA. I am a major fan of neon polish. They are perfect for summer and they make everything more fun. This shade is as neon as you can get, practically glow-in-the-dark. Glowstick legit is blinding! It was very hard to photograph because you can't transfer how bright it actually is!

Glowstick is the BRIGHTEST BRIGHT! The NEONEST NEON! Glowstick is a neon yellow that does lean towards green. It is as vibrant as a caution sign, traffic stop yellow. Glowstick's formula is a bit troublesome and streaky. I needed 3 coats to get it opaque and it was still patchy. I could have definitely used another coat. I would absolutely recommend layering it over a white coat. It will be brighter that way and will save you the hassle of layering. If you love neons you must get your hands on this shade. You can find Orly polish and the Feel The Vibe Summer 2012 Collection at ULTA or Sally's now!

I am wearing OPI's basecoat, 3 coats of Glowstick and OPI's topcoat. Glowstick drys as a matte and even with the topcoat it began to loose it's shine so I used one coat of Essie's No Chips Ahead over top to extend manicure and give extra shine. 

PRICE: $8.50

www.orlybeauty.com

Nail of the Day: Essie's Borrowed & Blue

My latest manicure is brought to you by, one of my all time favorites, Essie's Borrowed & Blue. This polish was released in Essie's 2011 Wedding Collection. Pastels are beyond stunning for the summer and this shade in particular just POPS! Not only does it work for a Bride, but really compliments summer skin for a summer mani. I am seeing more and more of this blue bridal nail polish trend and I am loving. I always love Essie's annual wedding collection because Brides need more of an option then just the french manicure. What an unique shade for her special day and the name is just perfect. 

Borrowed & Blue is a beautiful, pastel baby blue with a very dense milky white base. It makes any skin tone seem tan by the vibrancy of the color. The first coat is a bit streaky but after 2 or 3 coats it covers the nail quite beautifully. This color has such a special place in my heart-this is my Tracy Turnblad manicure. I wear this color when I perform Hairspray. The muted pastel aspect just screams 1960's to me! LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! I am wearing Essie's base coat, 3 coats of Borrowed & Blue and OPI's topcoat. PRICE: $8.00 

Essie Fall 2012 Stylenomics Collection

Essie continues to WOW us in 2012 with their latest for Fall, 

Stylenomics Collection!

This season, leave nothing to chance. Consolidate your power with color that heralds the return of the woman of substance. Experience opulent color that lends an upscale look without breaking the bank.

Miss Fancy Pants: Greige under pressure. Refined, chic and executive privilege never looked so pretty.

Recessionista: When the chips are down, up the ante with a smart and savvy magenta.

Stylenomics: The new black, get rolling in a deep, opulent green.

Head Mistress: A bold, take-charge red that out-classes the competition and makes everyone hot for the teacher.

Don't Sweater It: Lavish yourself in a warm, cozy, cashmere-mauve that goes with everything.

Skirting the Issue: A slinky, sexy, subversive burgundy.

June Favorites & Fifty Shades of Grey!

Nail of the Day: Essie's Penny Talk

Purple Smoldering Beat

PRODUCTS USED:
Eyes
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Naked

Loreal 24 hr Infalliable Eyeshadow in Bottomless Java
MAC Eyeshadow in Mystery
Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Fishnet
Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Virgin
NYX Eyelashes
Maybelline Lash Discovery Mascara
Loreal Double Extend Eye Illuminator Eyeliner in Black/Crystal
Face
Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Creme Foundation 60 Beige
Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer in Medium
Milani Illuminating Face Powder in 02 Hermona Rosa
Cheeks
Hoola Bronzer by Benefit
MAC Powder Blush in Pink Cult
MAC Cream Colour Base in Pearl
MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Superb
Lips
NYX Lipliner Pencil in 857 Nude Beige
MAC Lipstick in Innocence, Beware


NOW..GO FIND YOUR INNER PURPLE GODDESS!


<3 Dani

Nail of the Day: Essie's Blue Rhapsody & OPI's Rainbow Connection

My FAB Birthday nails!

My MAC Birthday Cake!

Happy Birthday to me! My mom is the greatest in the world and surprised me with this incredible MAC Birthday Cake! How fabulous is this cake?! OBSESSED!! BEST BIRTHDAY EVER! 

Nail of the Day: OPI's Gargantuan Green Grape

Nail of the Day: Color Block Manicure

July 2012 Birchbox!

My Top 10 Favorite Concealers!

Nail of the Day: OPI's Just Spotted The Lizard

Review: Sedona Lace Midnight Lace Synthetic Brush Set

Nail of the Day: Milani's Dude Blue

My latest manicure is brought to you by Milani's Dude Blue. This is a product out of Milani's Neon Collection. 

Today's beat.

PRODUCTS USED:

Eyes

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Naked

Loreal 24 hr Infalliable Eyeshadow in Bottomless Java

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Fishnet

MAC Eyeshadow in Carbon

MAC Eyeshadow in Vanilla

NYX Eyelashes

MAC Fluidline Eye-Liner Gel in Blacktrack

Face

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Creme Foundation 60 Beige

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in Nude

Milani Illuminating Face Powder

Cheeks

Hoola Bronzer by Benefit

MAC Powder Blush in Pink Cult

MAC Cream Colour Base in Pearl

MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Superb

Lips

NYX Lipliner Pencil in 857 Nude Beige

MAC Lipstick in Innocence, Beware

juust beat.

<3 Dani

Summer 2012 Polish Favorites!

May 2012 Favorites!

This year is flying by faster than a speeding bullet! I can't believe we are halfway through the year! SO HAPPY it's June- Hello Summer. You are so close I can taste you. Spring into Summer maybe my favorite beauty season. The time when- the more color, design, texture, print, THE BETTER! I LOVE color and prints and luckily, with these enormous trends this season, it's the only way to go! As per usual, I have bought my faves from the newest collections and I am loving so many NEW products. Here are some new faves and some all-time faves! My May Favorites! (hilarious. The thunderstorm of the year took place while I was filming. Hope you enjoy the laughs.)

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation is a cream foundation in a Chanel black hardware compact. Vitalumiere Aqua is a medium coverage foundation that is very creamy and the most soft texture. It has an SPF of 15 which makes it a perfect foundation for your everyday for the Summer. I am in the shade 60 Beige, which is the darkest shade released. Chanel describes this as a fresh, hydrating creme, compact makeup. I love the finish. It makes you look radiant and glowing creating a natural, flawless complexion. 

PRICE: $58

www.chanel.com

MY NEW FAVE! NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl is an extremely intense, vibrant cherry red with pink undertones and a blue base. It's a very cool-toned and bright. It allows for a precise application given by a lip pencil with the easy application of a lipstick. Dragon Girl lasts and lasts and lasts-it stays on fully and strong for the duration of your wear. It's extremely opaque, matte, long-wearing and doesnt dry you out. It barely transfers, so it lasts through a cup of coffee easily. It's not moisturizing but isn't drying; by hydrating and moisturizing lips before application will give you the greatest wear. I AM IN LOVE!!!

PRICE: $24.00

www.narscosmetics.com

Michael Kors rollerball is the perfect product for a quick freshening up touchup. This is half perfume and half lipgloss. I do not wear any other scent but Michael Kors. It is my all time fave and I wear it every day. It's absolutely my "signature scent.

PRICE: $20

www.michaelkors.com

I recently picked up the Tarina Tarantino eyeshadow palette in Magical at Sephora and I am loving it! 

PRICE: $32

www.sephora.com/tarina-tarantino

MAC Hey, Sailor! Collection Haul!

Nail of the Day: Essie's Blanc (Polka Dot mani)

Happy Summer! I am so psyched Summer has arrived! Tis the season to be spunky. My latest manicure is brought to you by Essie's Blanc; accompanied by Color Club's neon polishes to create polka dots. I did this by hand by using the end of a bobby pin to create the polka dots. The summer allows us to take risks with our manis and pedis & with this manicure I did just that. I am calling this my "Wonder Bread" manicure because it reminds me of Wonder Bread's packaging. Right?!

June 2012 Birchbox!

This month I received my June Birchbox (without a Trident gum wrapper)! It was a 'Jet Set' themed box which is perfect for the summer!

Nail Of The Day: Color Club's Lava Lamp

My latest manicure is brought to you by Color Club's Lava Lamp. Today I spent the day at the beach (SO HAPPY IT IS SUMMER!) and I came home with some nice color  which motivated me to wear a neon. Color Club has an incredible line of neon polish & Lava Lamp is a WOW color! It was unbelievably hard to photograph. My camera couldn't possibly capture the brightness of this shade. It was funny. When I left the nail salon, I walked by a traffic cone and my polish was the exact shade. As you can see in the photo below, I stopped to pose with the traffic cone to show you!


Lava Lamp is a BRIGHT, NEON orange. The cream is nice and applies evenly. In 2 coats I had full opacity. The formula was a bit thick, almost gel-like, but covered even. I am wearing Essie's basecoat, 2 coats of Lava Lamp & OPI's topcoat. 
PRICE: $8.00
Color Club's website

Nail Of The Day: Essie's Mojito Madness

My latest manicure is brought to you by Essie's Mojito Madness. This shade is an addition to Essie's newest collection, Summer 2012 Collection. Essie rarely makes green polish and when they do, they're a hit! This and Bikini, So Teeny are absolute standouts in this Summer Collection. Whenever I see a display of this line out in stores, Mojito Madness is either 1 left or sold out! It is the perfect 'kelly' green and very appropriate for Summer. Also the name is adorable and named after one of my favorite adult beverages! 


Mojito Madness is a preppy, green grass creme color. It is absolutely one of my new favorites of the year! Also it is the exact shade of green as the Starbucks green (so meant to be!) The color is very flattering and would look beautiful on any skin tone. It's just the most gorgeous green! The formula is wonderful, the perfect consistency. It nearly covered the entire nail in just one coat. I am wearing Essie's basecoat, 2 coats of Mojito Madness & Essie's topcoat. Now I am craving a Mojito..

OPI Preview- Outrageous Neons Collection for Summer 2012

• Ridiculously Yellow: So yellow, it’s beyond understanding
• Formidably Orange: Brace yourself for this powerful orange
• Riotously Pink: This pink has been known to create a scene
• Seriously Purple: I really mean it…it’s really purple!

HAPPY SUMMER!! Beyond stoked for this surprise OPI Limited Edition Summer collection that will be released early July 2012. A Mini Pack of 6 polishes will be $19.95 ($24.95 CAN). You will be able to find at ULTA, JCPenny, Dillard', Trade Secret or wherever OPI is sold. 

COMPANY'S DESCRIPTION

OPI launches its first neon nail lacquer with the Outrageous Neons mini pack, including four limited edition neon shades, a neon white base coat, and OPI Top Coat. The four fluorescent hues include vivid shades of yellow, orange, pink and purple. The essential step for achieving the best results is to prep nails with one coat of neon white base, followed by two coats of neon lacquer. Colors dry matte, but adding one layer of OPI Top Coat results in bright, bold color with a shiny finish.

Nail of the Day: Essie's Bikini So Teeny

My latest manicure is brought to you by Essie's Bikini So Teeny. This shade is an addition to Essie's newest collection, Summer 2012 Collection. It was love at first sight. When I first saw the entire collection displayed in person, I was instantly drawn to this color. STUNNING! It just screams summer-reminds you of a gorgeous summer day sky. Absolutely a new favorite! 


Bikini So Teeny is a cornflower, sky blue color with tiny, silver micro-glitter inside. The shimmer is visible when looking at the polish through the bottle but when applied to the nail it's invisible. I was a tad surprised at the formula-Essie's are usually flawless for me. The formula was less streaky but a bit watery and thin. I may have just received a faulty bottle but the finish product looks gorgeous. I am wearing Essie's basecoat, 3 coats of Bikini So Teeny & Essie's topcoat. Happy Summer!

Nail of the Day: NARS Space Odyssey

My latest manicure is brought to you by NARS Space Odyssey. This polish was originally released in celebration of Fashion's Night Out 2011 in New York City this past fall. NARS released Silver Odyssey, a coupling of two limited edition products, both unique, richly pigmented, metallic silvery hues- Crispi Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner and this polish, Space Odyssey. After it's fast sell out it was rereleased in NARS 2011 Holiday Collection, although it still remains a limited edition shade. Yes, it is rather expensive for a nail polish but the color is well worth it!


This polish is like pouring liquid metal across your nails. Space Odyssey is a super-gleaming tinsel silver hue, filled with ultra-fine metallic shimmer that levels to a smooth finish and leaves behind a mirror bright shine. I LOVE this polish for all year around and for all skin tones. It would be beautiful for the holiday months or the perfect accessory for any summer look. After applying I looked at it and thought this would be a stunning shade for a Bride on her wedding day. It's just the perfect amount of glitz. GORGEOUS! I am wearing Essie's base coat, 3 coats of NARS Space Odyssey, and Essie's top coat. PRICE: $18.00

Nail of the Day: Essie's A Crewed Interest & Sally Hansen's Mint Sorbet

My latest manicure is brought to you by two of my favorite Spring shades. Essie's A Crewed Interest and Sally Hansen's Mint Sorbet. I have been loving a color blocking manicure this season & following with the pastel trend for inspiration. A Crewed Interest has been one of my all time faves this season and is from Essie's Spring 2012 Navigate Her Collection. Mint Sorbet is from Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear line.


A Crewed Interest is a luminous peach creme polish. It is the perfect pastel shade for the "night out" manicure or the "work" manicure. The first coat goes on sheer so for an opaque finish you need 2 to 3 coats. The polish is super shiny and finish is gorgeous. I am wearing Essie's base coat, 3 coats of polish & finishing with Essie's topcoat. PRICE: $8.00


Mint Sorbet is a mint green pastel creme polish. It is simply stunning. This polish, not only represents the pastel trend but the popular green trend for Spring. The formula for this brand is incredible for being so inexpensive. The first coat goes on super smooth and the second coat creates a flawless finish. I am wearing Essie's base coat, 2 coats of Mint Sorbet & finishing with Essie's topcoat. PRICE: $2.50

May 2012 Birchbox!

I recently received my May Birchbox and I found a gum wrapper in my box. Here's the story. 

Nail of the Day: Essie's No More Film

My latest manicure is brought to you by Essie's No More Film. ($8.00) This shade was produced in Essie's recent 2012 Resort Collection. I have had my eye on this color since Essie mentioned it's possibility. At first glance, it reminded me of one of my favorite Essie releases of the year, Bobbing for Baubles. It was difficult to photograph, every picture came out too blue. It is one of those shades you have to see in person to witness the beauty of it. Essie is NAILING IT this year and releasing hits!


No More Film is blurple. No not violet. Blurple. Blue Purple. Purple Blue. LOVE IT! It is a highly pigmented, deep, creamy blurple with an exceptionally glossy finish. It covers beautifully and the formula is spot on. In my photo, I did finish with Essie's topcoat, but I didn't even need it. The finish was so impressive without it. You can definitely get away with wearing one coat, but I am wearing two below.

My First Birchbox!

Newest Video: My First Birchbox! 

April 2012 Natural Wonders Birchbox

April 2012 Favorites!

Spring is in the air & we are so close to Summer! I love this time of year because I can pull my favorite colors to wear into the most fun beauty season. I have been buying new product like crazy. I'm just an addict. But here are my favorites for the month of April. ENJOY!

I love me some Yankee Candle! I am absolutely LOVING this new summer scent from Yankee Candle. Beach Walk is incredible; a mix of refreshing salt water & sea musk warmed with sunny notes of tangerine and orange blossom. Again, it comes in 3 sizes (small, medium & large jars.) It is super yummy and the perfect scent to bring in the Summer!

PRICE: $27.99

www.YankeeCandle.com

My latest obsession has been concealers! I have been obsessing over finding the perfect concealer formula & this is one of my favorites I have come across. Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer is a heavy duty, highly pigmented, water resistant, multitasking concealer that comes in 8 shades. It is great quality. The formula is very creamy and easily blend-able. It is super heavy duty and provides ultimate coverage. The coverage is so durable it is proven that it can cover tattoos. I haven't used it to cover my tattoos but I have read reviews on other's success. It does work wonders on dark under eye circles and blemishes. After application, applying a setting powder, gives perfect flawless coverage. This is absolutely ranked in my top 3 all time favorite concealers!

PRICE: $25.00

www.sephora.comkat-von-d

I have wanted this bronzer forever and I finally purchased it making my dreams come true! Hoola by Benefit Bronzer is cult favorite amongst bronzer lovers. It's pure color, no sparkle, no shine, just an incredible matte bronzer. Benefit has incredible products and their packaging is super cute. It comes with a soft, natural bristle cheek brush for contouring and/or blending application. This is just an incredible must have buy for any bronzer lover and the perfect shade for all year round.

PRICE: $28

www.benefitcosmetics.com

What will Skinny Girl come up with next? Sangria to vitamins to beauty products. I love me some Bethenny Frankel and was so excited to find her entire cosmetics line at Walmart. I decided to try the Skinny Girl Lip Scrub first and I am LOVING IT! This is a gentle sugar scrub that is the perfect exfoliant while maintaining soft and moisturized lips. The main ingredients amongst the amazingness of this formula are Cocoa Seed Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Mango Seed Butter, Sunflower Oil and Peppermint Oil. (Doesn't the sound of that make your mouth water???) It is perfect to use for every season and extremely inexpensive for what it does. Bravo to Skinny Girl for not testing on animals. You can purchase the entire Skinny Girl cosmetics line at Walmart.

PRICE: $5.49

www.bethenny.com

2 words instantly come to mind. MIRACLE PRODUCT! Origins Drink Up is a 10 minute mask that quenches skin's thirst. Origins is a natural skin care line that provides organic ingredients that bring out the best in your skin. I am so happy I came across this product because it is the perfect cure for dry skin and/or combo skin. When your skin is clean and free of makeup you put a layer of Drink Up on your skin. It's a clear that smells like oranges that is super refreshing. Algae extracts deliver an extra helping of hydration and apricot kernel oil acts like a "fountain of youth". You actually feel your skin drink in the softness and moisture. Another plus is Origins is animal friendly and cruelty free. It's the perfect product for dry skin. The greatest part is how wonderful your skin goes on the next day. You can find Origins products at Sephora.

PRICE: $22.00

www.origins.com

A less inexpensive favorite of the month comes from ELF! ELF's quality for being so inexpensive is incredible. ELF Mineral Infused Mascara is a great mascara. It creates fuller, healthy looking lashes. It enhances lashes for a naturally thicker and more voluminous look. I love the unique silicone brush which helps create a clump free look. And I mean c'mon, YOU CAN'T BEAT THIS PRICE!

PRICE: $3.00

www.eyeslipface.com

Super trend of the moment, printed sunglasses. I recently bought these super cute, printed shades that have been the perfect accessory for any outfit. It adds Spring and Summer flair to any look. I recently came across these at Forever 21.

PRICE: $5.50

I can't do a favorites list without adding a favorite from my ultimate, MAC! MAC Kissable Lip Colour is a newer formula that was recently re-released in MAC's Limited Edition Shop MAC, Cook MAC Collection that evolved earlier this year. I am loving this MAC Kissable Lip Colour in the shade Scan-Delicious; a pink-red with fuchsia shimmer (adding to my fuchsia kick). It is a super unique formula that applies like a lip gloss and looks creamy & rich like a lipstick. Scan-Delicious is super pigmented, glossy & shiny. It is long wearing and very light weight. They are vanilla scented with a doe-foot applicator. I can't wait for MAC to release more shades of this product. 

PRICE: $19

www.MACCOSMETICS.COM

In April 2012, MAC released the In Extra Dimension Collection. Within the collection, MAC released a new product, an Extra Dimension Highlighter. I purchased the medium shade, SUPERB, out of the 3 shades released. This product is amazing. MAC describes this as a liquid-powder highlighter with prismatic reflections that sculpts, highlights and models face. The cool, creamy, near-fluid formula creates a luminous finish that wears all day long. Superb is a soft, peachy nude. It's a champagne beige with a little hint of rosiness and a champagne metallic sheen. It has a soft, dry texture thats really smooth. There is a high shine metallic finish that reflects light really smoothly. Its the most gorgeous finish that gives you a dewy, glowy look. My absolute new favorite invention of the season!

PRICE: $29.00

www.MACCOSMETICS.COM