Nail Flavor of the Week: Mauve and Glitter + Teal & Cocoa Stars

Hey there! So I totally skipped posting last week because I've been busy at work, as is typical for me this time of year. I come home feeling a bit run down and often want to just kick up my feet and relax. I am thankful for the couple of snow days I got recently due to Snow Storm Jonas. Uhh, when did meteorologists start naming snow storms? Do we feel better about these weather events if we address them on a first name basis?

Anyway, here's a look at this week's nail design:

Milani in Mauving Forward; accent nail is Wet n' Wild/Fergie in Flossy Flossy

It is a simple yet elegant look. I like the party on my ring finger. Every time I admire it, I am reminded of a festive occasion, like a New Year's Eve party!

Here is a quick look at last week's design:

Base color: Sinful Colors in Rise and Shine; stamp color: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Cocoa A Go Go; used Pueen stamping plate #100 from the 24M - Make Your Day collection

For the record, Sinful Colors is one of my least favorite polish brands because I usually experience severe chipping and tip wear only after a day or two! I noticed, however, that the polish lasted longer this go-round...probably because I used two layers of top coat: before and after stamping my nails. I liked the color combination and the stamp design; however, I was not pleased with the outcome of the stamps. It's funny because the polishes I have been using for stamping have worked much better with the small stamping plate by Essence. I may need to order some polishes made specifically for stamping to see better results with the Pueen stamping plates. If you know of any other easily accessible brands beside Wet n' Wild and Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri that are supposedly pigmented enough for nail stamping, please share!

Mini-Haul: Walgreens

I recently stopped by Walgreens on the way home from work to pick up some eye makeup remover and to see if this location had any items from Milani's spring '16 collection. I lucked up...I ended up getting what I needed and picked up a few other items to try!

From left to right: Wet n Wild's new small concealer brush ($.99!), Garnier's Nourishing Cleansing Oil (on clearance!), Milani's new Everyday Eyes shadow collection in Earthy Elements, Rimmel's new Brow This Way brow gel, Rimmel's oil-free eye makeup remover (my fave of this category).

Walgreens had all of the items from Milani's spring line except the foundation/concealer, brow gel, Eye Tech Define and the infamous Amore matte lip cremes (don't get me started). I wanted to pick up a lip treatment, but early reviews state there is no tint in this product, so I passed. I will have to try one from YSL or Sephora's brand, as I would like a little color in the lip product. I also considered the transparent face powder, but it seems to have no storage for a puff, so I held off on getting it. I will wait till I run low on my Black Radiance primer to try Milani's newest primer products. I would love to try the foundation/concealer product if and when it hits stores in this area.

I am now in the middle of trying all of these products...hope to share some reviews about some of them soon!

Nail Flavor of the Week: Blue Dry Brush Design

This week, I decided to try an abstract graffiti-like design using a dry brush method I learned about on YouTube. I love the way it turned out...especially for my first try! Despite it's intricate appearance, the design was easy to do and took little effort.

Base coat: Zoya in "Rocky"
Design: 
blue - Essie in "Mesmerized"
purple - Revlon in "Bold Sangria" 
black - Wet n Wild in "Black Creme"

REVIEW: NYX Intense Butter Glosses, round 2

One of my favorite makeup items to shop for is lip products, namely lipsticks and lip glosses. In today's world of beauty, those categories aren't so cut and dry anymore, with products like liquid lipsticks and lip tint oils having emerged. I am usually anxious to try new lip products that have claims like high pigmentation and long wear. I have more lip products than I could ever use up; however, I try to get as much use out of them as possible!

Having said that, I was happy to see NYX added additional colors to its line of Intense Butter Glosses. I tried some of the original Butter Glosses and wasn't too pleased, as the product did little for my pigmented lips, nor did it last long. When the company released the Intense version with claims high pigmentation, I bought some colors, loved them, and have bought a couple more since. When I learned of these recently added shades, I knew I had to get more! 

From left to right:
I first bought Toasted Marshmallow and Spice Cake, then got Tres Leches, and later picked up Funnel Delight. I got the new shades Apple Dumpling and Cherry Custard last weekend.

Swatches from left to right (with flash): 

Toasted Marshmallow, Spice Cake, Tres Leches, Funnel Delight, Apple Dumpling, Cherry Custard

Apple Dumpling is a peachy-toned nude (compared to Tres Leches, which is more tan). I can wear it with or without liner, whereas I always couple Tres Leches with a brown liner. Cherry Custard is a beautiful, vibrant red that is suitable for everyday wear.

I enjoy wearing these because they glide on easily, are comfortable on my lips, have high pigmentation and last for a decent period of time. The Intense Butter Gloss does come off pretty easily when eating or drinking, but it's a pleasure to reapply. I can't wait 'til the spring/summer season to get some of the brighter shades!

Nail Flavor of the Week: Pink Nails & Blue Floral Stamps

This week I decided to try nail stamping again. I did it once before, but wasn't pleased with the results. Since then I have learned more about techniques to make for a pleasant and successful nail stamping experience...and I am happy with the way my mani came out!

The stamp design came from a cute little kit by Essence I randomly discovered during a shopping trip at Ulta. I recently ordered a "real" stamp set...I am excited to try out more designs!

Base coat: Zoya in "Flora" 
Nail stamps: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in "Navy Fleet" 
Accent: China Glaze in "Go-Glitter"