My latest manicure is brought to you by two of my favorite Spring shades: OPI's No Room For The Blues and Color Club's Warhol. Following the heavy trend for Spring, I wanted to create a color blocking manicure. No Room For The Blues is from OPI's 2009 Bright Pair collection, gorgeous collection full of bright colors. Warhol is from Color Club's Spring 2010 Poptastic Collection, one of the most electric collections I've ever seen. Both brands you can purchase at some drugstores or at any beauty supply store.
No Room For The Blues is a unique bright blue creme polish. This color is very vibrant and covers in just one coat. It is also one of my favorite pedicure shades for the summer. In the picture, I am wearing base coat, 2 coats of No Room For The Blues & finished with a high shine topcoat. PRICE: $8.50
Warhol is a fluorescent neon magenta polish and this picture doesn't do it justice. The camera couldn't capture how vibrant it is. It is BRIGHT! This polish dries as a matte but when you add a topcoat the color soaks in the gloss. I also received a relaxing pedicure and I'm wearing Warhol. I LOVE IT! I also LOVE this polish name- the perfect shade to represent the infamous pop art artist, Andy Warhol. In this picture, I am wearing base coat, 2 coats of Warhol & finished with a high shine topcoat. PRICE: $2.50
Hey fellow addicts! I can't believe how fast April is flying by and how close to summer we are. The warm weather we've been having here on the East Coast has tempted me to reach for my bright colors a lot sooner this year (which makes me the most happy.) March was a wonderful month for buying product, buying out new Spring beauty collections and reaching for my favorite Spring colors. Here are my faves of the month! ENJOY!
I WANT TO SCREAM ON THE TOP OF MY LUNGS HOW MUCH I LOVE THESE LIP BALMS! I am a huge lip balm, chap-stick, healthy moisturized lip person and this product has BLOWN MY MIND! Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm is seriously the best of the best. You can purchase at Sephora or Bloomingdales. I tried to create a pros and cons list for this and found NO CONS! Get these pros. It has an SPF of 25. (what lip product has such high amount of SPF for the ultimate protection.) They provide super-conditioning. It soothes irritated lips and instantly heals chapped or sore lips. It guards against windburn and extreme temperatures. Jack Black brand is CRUELTY FREE! The packaging is so convenient. The slanted tip applicator gives off the perfect amount of product. It provides a subtle, healthy looking, slight sheen (the opposite of sticky, goopy, ordinary lip balms.) They smell incredible. I think the all natural ingredients have much to do with the wonderful scents. This lip balm comes in 7 delicious flavors. I am currently using Grapefruit & Ginger and it's seriously mouth watering. Last and not least, my ultimate WOW from this product is how long wearing and long lasting it is. For example, if you apply this before bed (8, 9, 10 hours later) you will wake up and still feel it on your lips. INCREDIBLE! This Jack Black company is a men's company slowly going unisex because its so MAJOR, women are slowly catching on. This lip balm is the perfect product for both men and women! Now GO! RUN and get these! Your lips will thank you!
I am so grateful I have come across this miracle product. The name says it all! Pixi by Petra Eyebright Kit is the easy to use, must-have, go to product. Pixi says their products are for the multi-tasking, flaw-fixing, youth-enhancing for women on the go! Pixi says after using you will have the "just had a good night's sleep" look. (TRUTH!) This comes in 3 different shades (fair, medium & deep), I have been using and loving the medium shade. This kit allows you to mix and match the concealer shades to suit your seasonal skin color. This perfect, travel sized palette contains 2 concealers, a highlighter and a brightener. It is crease-free, fragrance free and hypoallergenic. The ingredients are all beauty enhancing and moisturizing, mimicking the skin's own hydration & is an effective natural moisturizer for the skin. This product is incredible and is super easy to use. Highly recommended for the 'quick & easy' roll out of bed days.
I have been on a major makeup brush craze lately. This is by far the cheapest in price, highest quality brushes that I have ever come across. ELF's Powder Brush is a multi-purpose, must-have makeup brush. This is a dead on dupe for Sigma's F80 (Flat Top Kabuki Brush). You can use this for liquid foundations, creme blushes or powder products. It's a perfect dense brush for blush, bronzer or contouring application. It's flat top holds taklon fibers that are 1 3/4 inches wide and 1 inch in length. ELF claims the fibers are anti-bacterial. My vegan friends will be happy to know that this brush is 100% synthetic and vegan-friendly. This brush is unbelievably soft, great quality, great price for such an amazing brush.
This is one of my all time favorite drugstore lipsticks! (Just adding on the the fuchsia kick I am still riding.) Revlon's Colorburst Lipstick in Fuchsia is a very loud, bright but not neon, blue based fuchsia color. I love Revlon lipsticks and I am loving this new collection. (20 new shades in this collection) It has major pigmentation and with one swipe creates rich color. It's weightless formula feels like you aren't wearing anything but lip balm. The texture is very creamy and glides on easy to lips creating the most beautiful, high-shine look.
Continuing with my fuchsia addiction is NYX's Soft Matte Lip Cream in Addis Ababa. This product is so interesting, neither a lipstick nor a lipgloss, and for being a matte formula, it finishes very moisturizing. This color has major pigmentation and is very long wearing. This matte pout paint goes on super smooth and then sets to a matte finish. I have never seen a matte formula that is so soft and velvety. The color is a gorgeous hot pink that is very flattering for many skin tones. You can purchase NYX products at Ulta, Sally's or any beauty supply store.
MAC's Limited Edition PearlGlide Intense Eyeliner in Black Swan is stunning! Black Swan is a deep black with charcoal gray shimmer. It is incredibly soft to apply and a super smooth, rich color. Because of the micro-glitter, MAC doesn't recommend applying in your waterline, but to apply on either lash line. The formula doesn't fade and lasts a very long time. I always love me a MAC gem.
I was thrilled to come across this adorable 4 piece polish set, Limited Edition Sonia Kashuk A Powerful Punch 4 mini nail lacquers set. You can find this set at Target. These 4 classic creme shades in summery brights and a universally flattering neutral. Khaki Shorts, a sandy brown will naturally complement bronzed summer skin, or let your nails become the accessory of the season with statement-making color! Mix and match with Making Waves, a clean turquoise, Ooh La La, a vibrant fuchsia or Tutti Frutti, a juicy coral, on fingers and toes for a modern look for Spring or Summer. Sonia Kashuk's 3-free Nail Color formula delivers opaque color and a chip-resistant, high-shine finish.
Biore Steam Activated Deep Cleansing Cleanser is a spa facial at home. This face wash works with the steam in your shower for a deep clean. It is mint infused and contains "SteamActiv" beads to penetrate deep into your skin to clean away dirt, oil and makeup. It leaves your skin feeling extra soft, squeaky clean and super cool (thanks to the tingly menthol mint after sensation). The formula is a thick gel with a fresh scent. You can purchase at any drugstore. LOVING THIS!
This is one of the most invigorating scents of a candle that I have ever smelled! Mint Basil is the most welcoming, refreshing, perfect scent. You can find these candles at Target.
My latest manicure is brought to you by Revlon's Buttercup! ($7.99) SPRING HAS SPRUNG! This polish is absolutely one of my favorite new shades for Spring! This is from Revlon's latest Colorstay nail polish collection which could be found at Walmart, Target, any drugstore or beauty supply store. The quality of polish is a bit tricky. First coat is extremely streaky. Second coat still didn't cover fully. Third coat finally covered but gave a very thick finish. (3 coats pictured below.) This collection claims to have a "gel-like" finish and I believe this thick finished formula is meant for that reason. The major plus about this shade is that it's OPAQUE! I have searched for a non-bright, non-sheer, light yellow color for sometime now and I've found it.
Buttercup is a creamy, soft, pale yellow polish. The color is very pigmented and almost bright. This shade flatters any skin tone; makes medium skin look tan & would pop beautifully on dark skin tones. In the picture, I am wearing base coat, 3 coats of Buttercup & Essie's topcoat.
My latest manicure is brought to you by Sally Hansen's Xtreme Wear in Pacific Blue! ($2.50) BLUE ME AWAY! I've heard such great things about this collection and specifically this color. The quality of polish is incredible for such an affordable price! This shade is a part of Sally Hansen's permanent collection and can be found at Walmart, Target, any drugstore or beauty supply store. This blue is absolutely one of my favorite blues for Spring/Summer. LOVE!!!
Pacific Blue is a vivid, cornflower, royal blue creme polish. It applied unbelievably smooth, like butter and covered opaque in nearly one coat. The only con would be the brush is long in length and wide in width, making applying more difficult but the formula is so wonderful, it doesn't matter. In the picture, I am wearing base coat, two coats of Pacific Blue & Seche Vite over top as topcoat.
One of my favorite NEW collections of the season is MAC's Reel Sexy, released April 5, 2012. Within the collection, MAC has released 3 new show-stopping, must-see, must-have nail colors.
On Facebook yesterday, OPI posted this picture of their upcoming Fall 2012 collection, Germany! I am crazy psyched for this collection because some of my all time favorite OPI's have come from OPI's country themed collections, ie: Jade Is The New Black from Hong Kong Collection or You Don't Know Jacques from La Collection De France. What are your thoughts on OPI creating another country theme collection? Are you as excited as I am? This collection will introduce 12 new shades! OPI never disappoints with inventing the most creative names for these new shades!
The idea of this collection gives me butterflies in my tummy and gets me all giddy. It brings me back to being a little girl, running around my house wearing ears and wishing I could be Minnie Mouse. OPI announced the launch of our favorite Disney icon, Vintage Minnie Mouse Collection, including four limited edition nail lacquers for summer. The inspiration for this collection was created in honor of Disney's beloved character, the colors capture Minnie Mouse's irresistible charm in playful, pretty shades of pink and red. I can imagine we will be bringing these back around for Valentine's Day 2013.
This collection features a pink creme lacquer, one frosted red shade, a shimmery fuchsia, and a heart glitter confetti.
Nothin' Mousie 'bout It - Don't squeak it - SHOUT IT! This confetti light pink is tops!
If You Moust You Moust - You gotta pink what you gotta pink.
I'm All Ears - Tell me how much you love this magenta fuchsia shimmer.
The Color of Minnie - You had this little mouse at "red".
"OPI is so excited to collaborate with Disney and draw inspiration from one of the world's most popular characters," explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. "This collection brings together the expertise of OPI and the iconic style of Minnie Mouse to inspire the distinct palette of vibrant, feminine shades for summer nails will pop against summer skin in these classic, saturated hues- holding their own alongside the bold prints of the season."
I am LOVING the idea of this collection and cannot wait for its release. The limited edition Vintage Minnie Mouse Collection will be available beginning June 2012.
Always love an up and coming OPI collection! OPI announces the launch of six limited edition polishes and a new Shatter, inspired by Sony Pictures' The Amazing Spider-Man. Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone will star in this highly-anticipated series that opens in theaters nationwide in 3D on July 3, 2012.
This limited edition green Shatter top coat, Shatter the Scales is inspired by graffiti art when painted over any dry OPI hue. When you add a top coat, it takes Shatter the Scales from matte to glossy instantly. This new collection features six nail lacquers in addition to Shatter the Scales.
Shatter the Scales - high fashion, mystic, new deep green shatter
Just Spotted the Lizard - Be seen in this reptillian yellow-green
Number One Nemesis - Show your metal in this sparkling nickel
Into the Night - A perfect midnight blue was made for prowling
My Boyfriend Scales Walls - Climb new heights with this cityscape white.
Call Me Gwen-ever - Girlfriend, be sure to pick up when this urgent coral calls.
Your Web or Mine? - A perfect pink for sticky situations
This limited edition Amazing Spiderman Collection will be available May 2012.
Happy Spring friends! I am beyond happy the season has arrived. It just means we are closer to Summer! My latest video is my favorite mani/pedi colors for Spring. Are any of these colors your favorites? ENJOY!
Green is the color of the season! My first pick is Orly's Fresh. Fresh is a bright, almost lime, green grass creme color. SUCH FUN and perfect for Spring! Fresh was released in Orly's Happy Go Lucky Back to School 2011 collection. The main reason I love this color is because I haven't seen another like it. The vibrance of the green makes for a really playful manicure or pedicure. I am currently wearing this on my toes and LOVING it! Orly nail lacquer has a great formula and covers the nail really well. Two coats will do the trick. You can purchase at beauty supplies or selected drugstores.
Kardashian's are at it again! Nicole by OPI released the Kardashian Kolor Collection in early 2012. Khloe Had A Little Lam-Lam (that name is too much) is a dark, teal creme polish. I am an absolute sucker for teal polish. The formula on this collection is wonderful and covers the nail in just one coat. This collection is super cute and I can't wait to buy a few more to try from this group. You can buy this collection at drugstores or wherever Nicole by OPI is sold. This collection is usually sold out whenever I see it's display, so happy hunting!
Wet n Wild Megalast Salon Nail Color is the newest polish addition to the Wet n Wild brand. My pick is a perfect Spring shade. On A Trip is a periwinkle, lilac creme polish. The formula is very thick and the brush is wide making it more difficult to work with but the color and affordable price make it all worth it. This polish covers the nail in two coats. A dupe for this color is Essie's Play Date, very similar. You can find this collection at any drug store.
The creator of nail polish, Revlon continues to WOW us with their new ColorStay collection. Revlon's Buttercup is a creamy, soft, pale yellow polish. This shade is very pigmented. The formula is super smooth and applies with a gel-like shine in two coats. Perfect Spring shade! Revlon advertises that this ColorStay collection will last you, with no chipping, up to 11 days. This color is phenomenal on dark skin tones and beautiful on medium skin tones.
There has been MAJOR BUZZ about this color and for good reason. Adding to the glitter trend, Revlon has released this gem. Revlon's Whimsical is a very sheer light blue jelly base coat packed with light blue and pink hex glitter & small blue glitter. A dead on duplicate of this color is Deborah Lipmann's Glitter In The Air ($18), which is triple the price of Whimsical.
(left: Whimsical right: Glitter In The Air)
I looked for Whimsical for such a long time. I searched and searched and finally found it at Walmart, with only one left, and snagged it. This color is very sheer. For opaque coverage you will need a few coats. For a more opaque look, I recommend layering Whimsical over a light blue or matte gray polish. As usual I recommend waiting a few minutes in between layers to allow glitter to set into nail. I have major love for this polish. You can begin your hunt at any drugstore or beauty supply wherever Revlon is sold.
Rimmel London makes great nail polish. My next Spring pick is Rimmel London's Lasting Finish Pro Nail Polish in Crushed Pearl. Crushed Pearl is a metallic, duochrome, pale pink/lilac pearl shade. The picture above, doesn't do it justice. This color is stunning and perfect for someone looking for an everyday, natural, work color. The Rimmel London formula applies like a dream. Nearly opaque in one coat and completely opaque in two coats. The one and only con is the brush is a little wide making application more difficult. You can purchase Rimmel London products at any drugstore.
I am still loving Loreal's newish Colour Riche Collection. My pick from this fab collection for Spring is Loreal's Tangerine Crush. Tangerine Crush is a gorgeous, orange sherbet color. This polish is a subtle beautiful shade for Spring. I love the formula on this collection. Two coats leaves you opaque. GORG!
Milani has become one of my favorite drugstore brands. They have great cosmetics and great nail polish. My Spring pick from Milani was released in Milani's Spring 2012 collection. Milani's Mint Candy is a pretty turquoise creme polish with lots of light turquoise shimmer. The shimmer is subtle which I like. The formula is great and covers opaque in two coats. Duplicates of Mint Candy are Essie's Mint Candy Apple or Essie's Turquoise & Caicos.
OPI released the Holland Collection for Spring 2012. The 12 new shades are all stunning and getting a lot of buzz. One of the only creme polishes out of this collection is Kiss Me On My Tulips (adorable name) a bright, magenta hot pink with major blue undertones. Two coats is perfection. Nicole by OPI's Kardashian Kolor Collection has an exact dupe of this color called 'All Kendalled Up' (which is a tad less bright then Kiss Me On My Tulips). Gorgeous pedicure color and perfect shade to ring in Spring.
Also from OPI's Holland Collection is Thanks A Windmillion. Thanks A Windmillion is a muted sage sea green creme polish. This shade is perfect for following in on the Spring green polish trend. I also mentioned this color in my Green Polish Galore Video. The formula works well and looks greatest with 3 coats. OPI's Mermaid Tears is a dead on dupe to Thanks A Windmillion.
My last OPI choice, also from the Holland Spring 2012 Collection, is my favorite of the collection. Did You 'Ear About Van Gogh (LOVE the name) is a light beige creme polish. This shade is a beautiful, neutral color. The formula is very nice and shows of the color best with 3 coats. Overall, the Holland Collection is stellar and one of my favorite NEW collections of Spring.
I couldn't do a "favorites" video without mentioning one of my favorite nail polish brands. Also so hard to choose just one Essie color, but here is my pick. Splash of Grenadine is a red based pinky-purple creme polish. It's not quite purple and it's not quite pink. The formula is fabulous and looks terrific with two coats. This color is also a perfect, subtle pedicure color for Spring. Essie's Play Date is similar but a bit more purple. This color screams Spring and shouts Easter. SO DAINTY!
Butter London is a popular, high-end polish brand, loved by polish junkies everywhere. Butter London's Spring-Summer 2012 collection has some unbelievably gorgeous new shades. Slapper is a very bright, bold, true teal creme polish. STUNNING! I love, love, love this color. It makes any skin tone pop. The formula is remarkable but does chip quite easily (even with a top coat). I think that is just how Butter London formula goes. It's a perfect shade for Spring and I will absolutely be bringing it into Summer 2012.
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. My last Spring pick is from the company Color Club. Almost Famous is a vibrant (not neon) banana, yellow creme polish. This polish is the ultimate sunny day and would look stunning with a tan. One coat is thin and streaky but this formula is meant to look perfect with three coats. I just love yellow nail polish.
