Archives for August 2012

Nail Challenge 2012 Day #4: Green Waves with Zoya, Sally Hansen, & Spoiled

August 29, 2012 By StephanieLouise 732Leave a Comment2012-08-29+13%3A03%3A00StephanieLouise

Let’s get this straight: I love green. I love green eyeshadows, nail polish, shoes, purses, plates, comforters…& just about everything else. I love green. So when my challenge was finally something other than yellow or orange, I was thrilled. Then I got overwhelmed. SO many options! I decided to go with something fun but simple…& green. I love this so much.

Colors used:
Base is I Only Eat Salads from Spoiled which is the bright lime
Lighter green is Parrot from Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure
Dark murky green is Evvie from Zoya
Metallic green is Meg from Zoya

Love love LOVE this pattern! I topped it with Seche Vite to seal it all together. I seriously want to do this a lot in the future! Woo!

Here is the list of Varnished Vixens joining me in the Challenge:

-Kimber at Kimber’s Lacquer Korner

-Kat at Hooked On Polish

-Diana at Nails By Diana

-Aly at Wonderland Beauty

-Meredith at Perfectly Polished

-Nicole at The Color Republic

-Kate at The Painted Pony Nails

-Cee at Absolutely Cee

-Sam at Polished Art

–Nail Narcotics

-Nicole at Nicole Gets Nailed

-Shelby at Shelby’s Swatches

-Stephanie Louise at All Things Beautiful

–Mixed Mama

-Joanna @ Sweet Polish of Mine

–Patty Greenberg

-Liz and Lisa @ Lozlosa

-Mari at Nailista

-Greta at How Was Your Day?

-Miss L at Beauty by Miss L

-Gini at Sassy Paints

–Chameleon Stampede

-Pam at Nail-E-Glance

If you want to join in on the 31 Day Challenge, just let Kimber know! She’s first on the list of participants 😉

In case you missed, Day #1 was RED Nails, Day #2 was ORANGE nails, Day #3 was YELLOW nails, & the next Challenge will be BLUE nails.

Birchbox for August 2012 featuring Juicy Couture, Sumita, & More!

August 28, 2012 By StephanieLouise 733Leave a Comment2012-08-28+20%3A40%3A00StephanieLouise

So this Birchbox had lots of paperwork attached! Also…it was longer, as proven on the video. Not crazy, it’s true. I liked the papers & presentation. I also love the cause, Pencils of Promise does some amazing things! Although I really love these addictions, I try to judge these boxes pureply on the products they contain & IF I can reuse boxes/bags & such.

What I got & first impressions:

– Lipstick Touch-up swabs from Beauty Fixation: LOVE these! I used them with a red lip I totally botched haha. Again, heard some complaints about these. Okay, so they aren’t super exciting or expensive, but I WILL use them & I can definitely afford them. The key to using these on the go is to put both a swab & a regular q-tip in your purse. Use the swab then follow it with the q-tip to remove the excess.

– High-Gloss Masque from GLOSS Moderne: I did actually use this! It made my hair shiny & clean feeling but its quite pricey!

– Viva la Juicy La Fleur from Juicy Couture: This I kind of count as an extra. I hear complaints about these ALL the time. While I DON’T agree they are a deluxe sample, they are a nice bonus extra. I love this scent, a really nice fruity blend.

– Sumita Brow Base Pencil: This is so creamy! A really fab texture! I’m still deciding how to use it though.

– Although the Schick Hydro Silk Razor is technically an extra, I’m totally counting it. These aren’t cheap & I already have one I love! I will pretty much never complain about a free razor haha. Plus, this came with a $4 off coupon for next time, woo!

What did YOU get in your Birchbox this month? If you haven’t signed up yet, its only $10 a month for a box of sample sized items (sometimes full-sized as proof above!) & its a fun way to surprise yourself every month. Here is my referral link for Birchbox: Birchbox Referral. If you use it, points go towards buying more products to feature here on the blog! I buy these boxes with my own money.

As always, feel free to link your Birchbox posts using the Comment Luv option on my commenting system! Don’t have a blog? I’d still love to know what you got!

Maybelline Limited Edition Color Show Nail Polish Swatches & Review Fall 2012

August 28, 2012 By StephanieLouise 734Leave a Comment2012-08-28+12%3A33%3A00StephanieLouise

So these are actually my first Maybelline Color Show nail polish swatches & I’m pretty impressed. These polishes were available alongside the more neutral 24 Hour Color Tattoo eyeshadows that I reviewed & swatched recently. Heads up: I found the other 4 today, the ones that are jewel toned! I’m getting them up ASAP! They’re STUNNING! [Read more…]

Maybelline NEW Jewel Toned Color Tattoo Swatches & Review!

August 27, 2012 By StephanieLouise 7351 Comment2012-08-27+12%3A21%3A00StephanieLouise

These shades are totally what I wanted for fall! Okay, seriously, I’d take these shades anytime. I love the in your face feel of these. I already know some people will immediately look at them & say “No freaking way” but wait! Remember, these are super long wearing…consider using them as eyeliner! I wear them that way often & they are perfect…& I am finding it hard to beat the staying power!I think if you love color, these are just as impressive as the fabulous neutrals from the other Maybelline Fall 2012 Limited Edition displays! [Read more…]

Nail Challenge 2012 Day #3: Yellow Crazy Stripes with the Spun Sugar Method

August 26, 2012 By StephanieLouise 736Leave a Comment2012-08-26+13%3A49%3A00StephanieLouise

So maybe its not so new to you guys, but its definitely new to me! I found it on the nail blog “The Nail Buff” & thought I’d give it a go for the Yellow part of our challenge. I considered redoing a manicure I did way back in the day which was the clean cut black & yellow bee like stripes, but this seemed so much edgier & fun!

This method was easy once I got the hang of it, but it definitely takes some time. It reminds me of pulling sugar strands like its namesake but thankfully its not as delicate. Thank goodness. I used my cheapest black…which also happens to be my most used in general which is my standby Wet n Wild Wild Shine in Black Creme. A one coater black. My base is Color Club’s Almost Famous which is a great medium yellow: not too bright but not too light. Overall…I think it looks pretty wicked.

Here it is about 2/3 the way done. I made a slight barrier with the yellow polish (ok a major one) because I didn’t know if it would pool up on the sides or anything:

Then completely finished. I didn’t clean up as well because I was too excited haha:

& after I added a top coat of Seche Vite:

Next time, I think I’ll use a thinner top coat & do multiple coats. Or a thin top coat then Seche Vite. It has held up amazing but I fill like Seche Vite had to struggle a bit to fill in all the grooves.

What do you think? I will definitely be doing this again…its original enough that the extra effort is totally worth it! Any idea on some yellows I should pick up? Will YOU be trying the Spun Sugar manicure?

Here is the list of Varnished Vixens joining me in the Challenge:

-Kimber at Kimber’s Lacquer Korner

-Kat at Hooked On Polish

-Diana at Nails By Diana

-Aly at Wonderland Beauty

-Meredith at Perfectly Polished

-Nicole at The Color Republic

-Kate at The Painted Pony Nails

-Cee at Absolutely Cee

-Sam at Polished Art

–Nail Narcotics

-Nicole at Nicole Gets Nailed

-Shelby at Shelby’s Swatches

-Stephanie Louise at All Things Beautiful

–Mixed Mama

-Joanna @ Sweet Polish of Mine

–Patty Greenberg

-Liz and Lisa @ Lozlosa

-Mari at Nailista

-Greta at How Was Your Day?

-Miss L at Beauty by Miss L

-Gini at Sassy Paints

–Chameleon Stampede

-Pam at Nail-E-Glance

If you want to join in on the 31 Day Challenge, just let Kimber know! She’s first on the list of participants 😉

In case you missed, Day #1 was RED Nails, Day #2 was ORANGE nails, & the next Challenge will be GREEN nails.

Nails: Fish Scale Mani With Zoya Frida & Mattese Elite Je Taime

August 25, 2012 By StephanieLouise 737Leave a Comment2012-08-25+13%3A57%3A00StephanieLouise

I literally wore this mani to go fishing! I got Je Taime from my Mattese Elite haul from Ricky’s NYC. It is GORGEOUS & pretty much looks incredible over any color. With some small hols, large holos, & then the bulk of the glitters being small almost beige/gold looking glitters that throw off a sheen that is gold & green. The holos give this an especially unique look since they throw off every color imaginable in certain lighting.

Zoya’s Frida is from their new Gloss Trio for Fall 2012. Since there are so many swatches of these on the net, I wanted to show them to you layered…plus layering is just plain fun.

I did 2 thin coats of Frida, 1 coat of Je Taime, 1 Coat of Frida, 1 Coat of Frida. Then I left my ring finger bare of the last coat of Frida so I had 1 ulta-sparkle nail.

BEFORE the last coat of Frida:

AFTER the last coat of Frida:

What do you think, does is look like something oceany/fish scaley? I love it. It was SO pretty on.

*Zoya polish was sent in consideration of review, Je Taime from Mattese Elite was purchased with my own funds.

Eyes: My SUPER Long-Wearing Bronze & Blue Eye Look

August 24, 2012 By StephanieLouise 738Leave a Comment2012-08-24+13%3A00%3A00StephanieLouise

So, summer brought about many things: our first summer in Nebraska, my first summer not visiting home, & the horrible humidity. What does this mean to you? I’ve searched far & wide for the best of the best long-wearing eye products. Here is my current favorite duo: Milani Shadow Eyez 12 Hour Wear Eyeshadow Pencils & Maybelline 24 Hour Color Tattoos. I love all of the shades in both ranges, but blue & bronze are just so fun.

I wore this look out 3 times so far to active events! Bowling, intensely competitive laser tag, mini golf, & just general living in humidity proved it to be a winner. I mean it, I put it through the ringer. I was nice kind & I am overly judgmental. I am so impressed. I didn’t use eye primer at all & did use Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Makeup which I’m reviewing soon. Milani Eyez will be reviewed sometime next week! The Anastasia of Beverly Hills Lash Genius is another miracle product, it makes ANY mascara waterproof! Hello holy grail item!

No liner or mascara.

Liner added to inner rims & done very close to the lashes in a thin line.

See how close it is? I only apply it this one so it will last much longer. Note I also don’t always go to the inner corners.

With mascara. The finished look.

On the eyes: Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 Hour Eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze, Milani Shadow Eyez 12 Hour Wear Eyeshadow in Aquatic Style, L’Oreal HIP Cream Eyeliner in 905 Black, L’Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara, & Anastasia of Beverly Hills Lash Genius.

5 products total, not bad! What do you think? Do you dig the blue & bronze? Have you tried any of the Milani Shadow Eyez Pencils out?

July 2012 Glossybox USA: I HAVE THEM BOTH!

August 23, 2012 By StephanieLouise 739Leave a Comment2012-08-23+17%3A08%3A00StephanieLouise

Yes. This is very VERY late. Why? Because I have 2 Glossyboxes & before I showed them to you guys, I wanted to know why? Turns out I bought one (which is the given answer since I have been for awhile) & was sent one. I didn’t know I was getting it clearly. The cool thing? I got one of EACH of the varieties instead of 2 of the same one. Full of win about that, seriously. I think this is like my 3rd month of GLOSSYBOX? Maybe? Either way I’ve been happy with it & their customer service has been fab. Shelling out $21 hasn’t been easy though, I must admit, especially when Birchbox & MyGlam have both stepped up their games. This month, both boxes were pretty great though, read on to find out why!

Here is the front card which is the same for each box, only the contents were different:

Don’t forget to subscribe to my youtube channel on the right! Lots of stuff coming up!GLOSSYBOX #1 THOUGHTS:

The Sebastian Color Ignite Multi Tone shampoo & conditioner are both packaged really nicely, perfect for travel. They both also smell great, that clean scent some hair products have. Haven’t tried them yet! The Alessandro International Pedix Heel Rescue Balm is a freaking delight. I seriously love it. SO minty & energizing smelling & works great on my constantly-sandaled feet.

The Figs & Rouge Lip, Face, & Body Balm has a sweet geranium scent that doesn’t seem strong but honestly lasted hours. I haven’t used it on my lips, but works great on my cuticles/elbows/hands. I haven’t opened the Blushed fragrance towelette from Ruddy Water yet because honestly, you guys have me scared too. I really haven’t heard many good things about it & my office is an enclosed space so…

The Senna Cosemtics Mineral Eyes Shadow (yes read the card, its written like that) Trio I got is in Satin Doll. Unfortunately, these are just not my colors but I saw some that others got that would have interested me. These are all mauve/raisin toned. Meh. They feel nice though, not chalky but almost too soft.

GLOSSYBOX #2 THOUGHTS:

I’m not going to repeat my opinions so let’s look at the 3 products I got in this box & not in the Glossybox #1. The Caswell-Massy Hans & Body Emulsion in Almond & Aloe is amazing, I really love it. These two packets were extras but I’m totally hoping they have deluxe samples from them in the future. I’m kind of an almond lover though, so perhaps I’m a bit bias. The OFRA Eyebrow Pencil in Universal is a nice pencil. I actually like the waxy base but if my brows were darker, I worry it wouldn’t be so universal on me. This is a tad dark so I use a light hand then brush it through well. The Senna Cosmetics Double Dose Lip Lacquer in Dreamglow isn’t something I would have ever picked out for myself, but its nice. The mauvey side is packed with silvery shimmers. The very golden pink side almost looks coral on because of those two shades. Both are pretty sheer & not long lasting. I prefer a more opaque gloss or a more sheer gloss whereas this hits somewhere in-between. Its noted to be moisturizing & conditioning but I don’t feel it doing anything special.

Overall, I would have been happy with either box. I haven’t tried the shampoo/conditioner yet but the packaging is nice. I’ve had a few people tell me the textures are weird but I say bring it on. I’ve tried some wacky hair products in the past that have done freaking wonders so I’m up for it. The Senna products were both pretty, but maybe the colors just weren’t for me. I see them as being wearable across the board though! Everything else I like so far, especially the cuticle balm. Oh, its a lip, face, & body balm? Right, well now its a cuticle balm. You’re not the boss of me.

The UK boxes this month had products from all over the world, kind of like the press box I received in the beginning so I’m really hoping our next GLOSSYBOX is fabulous. I also have a $10 off coupon on the lower right of my blog if you’re interested in signing up! Its pricey but if you like what you see, totally worth it!

So, sidenote…I love the Glossyboxes themselves. In fact, I’ve been saving them all because I just know I will use them for something wonderful. They are sturdy, classy looking, & nice quality. What would YOU use them for?

GLOSSYBOX This post contains affiliate links. By using them, you help to keep this blogger up & running! Like I said, I bought one box & one was provided.

Nail Challenge 2012 Day #2: Glittering Orange Slice with Zoya’s Arizona

August 22, 2012 By StephanieLouise 740Leave a Comment2012-08-22+15%3A42%3A00StephanieLouise

Ah Day 2 of the Nail Polish Challenge 2012 is upon us. The topic: Orange. What to do…what to do…

I have some fab fall oranges stacked up but instead I went with Arizona from Zoya (see swatches of the entire Zoya Beach collection from Summer 2012 here!) since it has quickly become a favorite. Its a creamy dream colorwise & that really didn’t translate in these photos due to the other elements. For an accurate swatch click here.

So orange is the topic…so I went literal. I took Arizona as my base, added two orange slices, & then topped my nails with a bit of ridiculously reflective orange glitters. Orange overload no? I kinda love it which was unexpected. Is it super logical? Probably not. Not exactly work appropriate either. However, for a BBQ, pool party, or other social get together it would be fun!

What do you guys think?

Here is the list of Varnished Vixens joining me in the Challenge:

-Kimber at Kimber’s Lacquer Korner

-Kat at Hooked On Polish

-Diana at Nails By Diana

-Aly at Wonderland Beauty

-Meredith at Perfectly Polished

-Nicole at The Color Republic

-Kate at The Painted Pony Nails

-Cee at Absolutely Cee

-Sam at Polished Art

–Nail Narcotics

-Nicole at Nicole Gets Nailed

-Shelby at Shelby’s Swatches

-Stephanie Louise at All Things Beautiful

–Mixed Mama

-Joanna @ Sweet Polish of Mine

–Patty Greenberg

-Liz and Lisa @ Lozlosa

-Mari at Nailista

-Greta at How Was Your Day?

-Miss L at Beauty by Miss L

-Gini at Sassy Paints

–Chameleon Stampede

-Pam at Nail-E-Glance

If you want to join in on the 31 Day Challenge, just let Kimber know! She’s first on the list of participants 😉

In case you missed, Day #1 was RED Nails & the next Challenge will be YELLOW nails.

NEW Maybelline Fall 2012 Limited Edition 24 Hour Color Tattoo Swatches & Review!

August 22, 2012 By StephanieLouise 7412 Comments2012-08-22+12%3A58%3A00StephanieLouise

So as promised, here are the swatches of the 4 NEW LIMITED EDITION (like what I did there…with the CAPS key?) Maybelline 24 Hour Color Tattoo swatches & review! WOO! I’ll have comparisons up of all the tattoo swatches soon as well since I’ve picked up some more. To see swatches of the 6 original shades I began with (including Bad to the Bronze which is the only repromote in this display) then check out my Maybelline Color Tattoo Swatches & Review post from February. [Read more…]