All Things Beautiful XO

Stephanie Louise Telford & her guide on beauty, style, & glitter!

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

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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!

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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:

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

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& after I added a top coat of Seche Vite:

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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:
-Diana at Nails By Diana
-Meredith at Perfectly Polished
-Sam at Polished Art
-Stephanie Louise at All Things Beautiful
-Liz and Lisa @ Lozlosa 
-Mari at Nailista

 
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

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PhotobucketI 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:

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AFTER the last coat of Frida:

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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

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PhotobucketSo, 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.
 

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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!

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No liner or mascara.
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Liner added to inner rims & done very close to the lashes in a thin line.

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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.
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With mascara. The finished look.
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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!

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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:

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

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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:

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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!

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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

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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.

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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!

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What do you guys think?

Here is the list of Varnished Vixens joining me in the Challenge:
-Diana at Nails By Diana
-Meredith at Perfectly Polished
-Sam at Polished Art
-Stephanie Louise at All Things Beautiful
-Liz and Lisa @ Lozlosa 
-Mari at Nailista

 
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!

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

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…]

She Wears It Well Palette from Anastasia of Beverly Hills Swatches & Review

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This nude eyeshadow trend is taking over & I’m bathing in it. Seriously. Shimmery, matte, metallic…I’ll take em. Nudes are just so timeless, I urge you to find a more classic look with eyeshadows that can be worn day & night, work & play, & everywhere in between. Go nude or go home.

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The She Wears it Well kit from Anastasia of Beverly Hills is no exception to the obsession & has some unique additions as well. First, these shades can be worn dry OR wet giving you 18 shades instead of 9. Woohoo! Double your money & color selection. Another note is the brush which is what I’ll be using to create my eye look from this palette this week/ I honestly love it. Its small, precisely what a palette needs, & is anything but a throwaway.

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From the Anastasia of Beverly Hills site:
Classic Hollywood glamour with modern moxie. Nude meets knockout with these nine pigment-rich, matte and shimmer shadows that give your eyes enough sophisticated smolder to woo them, every time.
No matter how you wear them, you’re sure to wear them well.

 

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Flash

 

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Trophy- a shimmering light taupe

Glow- shimmering (almost metallic even dry) golden bronze
Latte- shimmery peachy nude
Foxy- shimmering (again almost metallic even dry) coppery brown

Sunset- a shimmering gold with bronzey hues

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Frosting- shimmery pink
Almond- a very light nude…its more pigmented but honestly blends into my skin
Onyx- a matte black (any shimmer you see is overspray from other shades)
Toffee- a rich medium brown

PhotobucketPhotobucketPlease keep in mind all swatches are on BARE skin, NO primer. Each applied like butter. Almond was a bit less buttery but still easy to apply & blend. Great base shade for my coloring. The shadows make my blue eyes pop like crazy! First photo is dry swatches & second is wet ones after they’ve dried. I swatched them as they appear in the palette.

At $34 the She Wears It Well palette is more reasonable than many others out there currently. The shades are versatile & I love that they can all be worn wet or dry. I especially love using wet shadows as a liner, pigment galore.I think they really listened to what feedback was given for other palettes because 1/3 of the shades are matte including a black. This was a common complaint. Also, I love that Sunset is large since I always fear “running out of that main shade” & then the palette becomes less inviting to use. The huge mirror, pigmentation of shades is superb, & the packaging is sturdy while still being different from everything else I own. If you love nudes as much as I do or if you’ve been looking for a palette that makes getting ready effortless, I urge you to check this out.

The She Wears it Well Palette from Anastasia of Beverly Hills is available from their website & Sephora.

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Nail Challenge 2012 Day #1: Red with Sally Hansen’s Ruby Stilettos

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I have one of the most nostalgic polishes I own to show you for Day #1 of the 31 Day Nail Challenge I’m starting. If you want to join, do check out Kimber’s Laquer Korner! My camera has never liked it but I honestly still can’t believe it hasn’t made it onto my blog. At one point, I owned 4 bottles. Used one up, gave one to my mom, & now I have this one & my backup. This is the older version of the Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear polishes & on the top it say 19 Ruby Stilettos. Also, its mine. Mine mine mine. I did see when trying to research this shade (no info about when it was released or anything unfortunately!) that they have some available on Ebay for only $3. Something to keep in mind if you like it!

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Ruby Stilettos from Sally Hansen- A very hot pink toned red with visible red micro glitter. 2 coats.

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This is saturated enough that I used to wear one coat all the time now I just always do 2 within the last 3 years or so. Its gorgeous. I tried to photograph the glitter so you can see that its not shimmer but ACTUAL glitter. In the shade it appears to have almost a cool tone but in the light, well, it will blow you away with its glory.

Normally I’d like to go all out with a challenge, but this shade is always worn on its own. Always. It just makes me so happy. Now I want to eat a candy cane & put bells on my dogs. What? Nail polish doesn’t do that to you?

Be sure to check out all the fabulous Red Nails everyone is posting today! Just click on the links below:

-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 

CHALLENGE DAY #2 2012: ORANGE NAILS

Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly

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First Look: Coastal Scents Creative Me #1 Palette Eyeshadows!

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So this isn’t a review..yet. This is one of many of my Coastal Scents palettes involving the “hot pot” method & I haven’t shown them yet. I’m slowly but surely testing them out but I want to show you the basics. This is the Creative Me #1 Palette from Coastal Scents & it really is lovely.

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 Here it is fresh out of the packaging before use. Look at how huge that mirror is! LOVE that!

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So why am I showing you this? When I went to IMATS LA 2012 I passed by the Coastal Scents booth & bought this palette. I also checked out all the new single hot pots coming out & was impressed. Not all of them were as pigmented as I’d like but some of them blew my expectations out of the water. Basically, I have a new single eyeshadow obsession. I have a huge amount of Coastal Scents palettes now including one just for singles. Excited to share them with you!

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So what do you think of the shades in this palette? Have you tried any Hot Pots from Coastal Scents yet? There are tons of colors & pre-made palettes available on their website which is where I bought mine! Look for a detailed review with swatches coming up! XO

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