All Things Beautiful XO

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

Spookfest Day 2: Frankenstein Nails! Sinful Colors and LA Colors

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I am so in love with these today. Frankenstein was one of my favorite books in college, so I’m rocking him on my thumbs with some nail art!
 
 
DIY Frankenstein Nail Art:
1 Apply Gelous Advanced Nail Gel Coat to clean dry nails.
2 After nails are set, apply 2 coats of Sinful Colors Profession Nail Polish in Happy Ending, or to your wanted opacity. I chose this color because it adds a touch of sparkle and nice shine as your base coat meaning you can use muted colors for detailing as desired.
3 Start with using your finest nail art tool point ( I recommend the set I bought off amazon! Check the left bar on my most requested items!) and create the zig-zag line carefully using black polish. I highly recommend LA Colors Art Deco Polish and to use it with tools, simply add a bit to the top of a notecard/cardstock to use as an artists palette. Take your time as you want a clean line. My shade is LA Colors Art Deco in Black Sparkles which has a gorgeous silver sheen.
4 Apply 2 dots using a fine-medium nail art tool and white polish for the eyes. If your dot is too raised, use your smallest point to swirl lightly to even it out then fill in any green areas. I used LA Colors Art Deco Polish in White.
5 Dot 2 super shimmery silver dots at the base of your nail on either side for the bolts. I used LA Colors Art Deco Polish in Silver Glitter which I find to be SUPER condensed and awesome for this.
6 Make a line with a red (I chose sparkly) polish with your thinnest line. I used LA Colors Art Deco Polish in Red Glitter, once again a SUPER condensed glitter. Probably my most used I used LA Colors Art Deco Polish for holidays because its great for Halloween, Xmas, Valentines Day, 4th of July, etc. so if you haven’t tried these, seriously check this one out. This is my 2nd (possibly 3rd) bottle!
7 Finish off my using your smallest tool to literally dot the eyes haha. For this I used LA Colors Art Deco Polish in black which is different from the original black because it has no glitter. I think this makes it easier to see against the white and “blacker” as well.

For the rest of my nails, I did random lines using LA Colors Art Deco in Back Sparkles for a “mummy wrapping” type of effect.

I love love LOVE this today. I’m def going to be doing more nail art so definitely stay tuned if you’re seeking holiday ideas!
If YOU recreate this look or any others, please send me a picture either on 
twitter, posting to my facebook wall, 
or e-mailing it to Stephanie-louise@live.com  

Later on this month I will be posting my viewer variations and linking back to blogs if you have them!

XOXOXO

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Mani of the Day: WnW How I Met Your Magenta

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Before I open up into a tiny rant, let me say this is one of the most creative polishes from the Wet n Wild Television line. Pink jelly? Creamy semi-matte finish? Subtle golden sheen? Fluorescent pink? Definitely not a repeat in my collection. My issue? The name is SO off that I thought someone had mixed up the labels between How I Met Your Magenta and another shade! Just one of my tiny pet peeves. in fact, I’m working on putting together a list of mismatched beauty product names haha. 

Enough about that, check out these swatches! Gorg right? So different! 
No top coat, base coat is Gelous Advanced Nail Gel Coat. I haven’t been using my base coats the base few days, and my nails informed me of that today…. For that they are getting a Vaseline Cocoa Butter Treatment again this morning! Nice nails…

Seen here with 3 coats as I could still see through a bit after 2. I’m very happy with the outcome! The girls at my preschool are going to love this! They refer to my nails as Barbie Nails when I wear my pinkest pinks!

Do you have this polish and love it? Something similar?

Etsy Spotlight: Workshop760 Nail Polish Pendants

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Mixing stunning jewelry designs with eye-catching nail polish,  Workshop760 on Etsy is an original in the jewelry field. With over 20 years of jewelry making experience, Cara crafts each piece with extreme care and a detailed eye. 
My pendant contains a background of Color Club Alias and Nfu-Oh Nail Art Flakes. Both famous colors, they look infinitely more beautiful in natural lighting.
“Each one is polished by hand to high shine and captures the beauty of the nail polish permanently” writes Cara on her shop information, and I definitely have to agree! Absolutely a new way to display nail polish without worrying about chipping. Currently available in her shop is everything from ovals to hearts to crosses in an obscene amount of shades. Constantly changing, you need to favorite the shop to make sure you keep up with the inventory. Each pendant comes with a handmade necklace of beads to wear it with, however you can also choose to put it on your own chain. 
Some people have recently been using nail polish to create art, but not all pieces are created equal. “This is nail polish encased inside a polished resin gem, not just painted on the back of glass or acrylic, they are permanent and water resistant” provides Cara. This means unlike other forms (which can peel and flake) you can rock these pieces without worrying about damage and enjoying the 100% original design since no 2 will ever be the same. 
Check out the shaping above, round and smooth. Super shiny, but also extremely light in weight. These are also goo examples of how when viewed at a different angle, colors can look vastly different.
When asked what type I would like, I instantly knew. I have been working on putting together my Villainettes Series (still a work in progress, but soon!) and knew I had to go with something inspired by Maleficent, the evil queen from Sleeping Beauty. Look for this necklace in a future post along with a devious makeup look! Didn’t it come out perfect?
Here are a few other designs created for Workshop760 by Cara:
Jewelry lovers and nail polish enthusiasts alike need to check into Cara’s Etsy shop Workshop760. For questions about her work, feel free to e-mail Cara here: workshop760@yahoo.com

I’ve started Etsy Spotlight to support individuals with original and skilled crafts. If you would like to be featured or have any questions, please contact me by e-mail at Stephanie-Louise@live.com

Mani of the Day: Wnw Blue Moon + Sally Hansen Crackle in Antiqued Gold

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So here is my creation today! I used Wet n Wild in Blue Moon, a color new to my collection. I think I passed it up for so long because in the stores, it looked black. I held it up to the light and fell for it. So dark and mystical looking! 

So here it is looking navy/black….



Then with the light shining at the right angle!

I love it, really I do. Gorgeous and different, very mysterious.
Next, I’ll be showing you what Wet n Wild’s Blue Moon looks like with Sally Hansen’s Crackle in Antiqued Gold. I think this is definitely one of the most controversial crackles of any brand because most of us had issues. No, it doesn’t crack like I’d like, but I do think its still pretty. I didn’t return it, so I’m still using it right? What do you guys think?

So are you guys feeling the end result? Do you still try to mess with Antiqued Gold if you have it?

Hair Reviews: Pssssst! Dry Shampoo from Freeman Beauty + Special Deal

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Product Info: The original dry shampoo to refresh and rejuvenate hair by soaking up excess oil, removing product build-up and boosting volume. Hair looks, feels and smells freshly shampooed.  Cleans, deodorizes and conditions hair-without water!

Directions: Shake can well. Hold can 6” to 8” from hair.  Lift sections of hair and lightly spray scalp and roots of each section. Wait a few minutes, then brush hair well. Style hair as desired. 

My take: Dry shampoo is a staple for me, it makes my hair happy. Because my hair has a very delicate balance (oily-dry) its important for me to get rid of product buildup and oil, without completely STRIPPING my hair to make it dry. Pssssst! Dry Shampoo is great at making my hair healthy and shiny, removing the bad while keeping the good. A lot of my dry shampoos have a strong scent, especially my more expensive ones. This simply smells clean, which I definitely prefer.
Right now, they have a deal witht the full-size bottles where you get a super cute shower cap and a $1 off coupon on your next bottle. Cool right? They also have travel sized bottles and a version for curly/wavy hair which I think is pretty cool. I had issues with my Tresemme for straight hair dry shampoo (more on that later…trust me…) but I found I loved having a version for when my hair is wavy and such. Loving the variety of sizes from Freeman Beauty though, definitely a huge plus with the plan travel regulations and such.
Special Shout-out to Girls with Colored Hair: Using Dry Shampoo will help extend your coloring, including highlights! When I had purple streaks in my hair (oh the good ol days), dry shampoo was a life savior. Get the cleaning, volume boost, and color saving technology you need with dry shampoo, seriously.

Compare to: Both high-end and drugstore versions of dry shampoo.

Where to get it: CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and other similar stores. Also available at Freeman Beauty’s website. The free shower cap and coupon are for a limited time, released during early September 2011. You can pick up the full size for $6.99 and the travel size for only $2.99! 

Full review coming soon comparing my dry shampoos from Tresemme, Origins, Oscar Blandi, Freeman Beauty, and maybe a few more!

*Item(s) sent to me for review are featured in this post. This in no way guarantees coverage. All of my reviews and reactions are honest, I would never recommend something that didn’t deserve it. For more information, please see my disclosure policy in the top bar.*

Wet n Wild: Natural Blend Lip Shimmer Review + Swatches

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Wet n Wild Natural Blend Lip Shimmer in Spice.

Wet n Wild Natural Blend Lip Shimmer in Spice just applied with flash and without.

What it is: Adds brilliant shimmer and beautiful luminescent color to lips. Approved by the Natural Products Association, these lip shimmers are made of a natural formula infused with calming ingredients of vitamins and natural oils to keep lips moisturized and nourished.
Quick notes: Super moisturizing, non-waxy, shiny, applies like a lipstick, feels like a balm,  good lasting power for a balm, great pigmentation.
After 3+ hours.
My take: Very possibly my new favorite tinted lip balm! I don’t know how I had managed to pass this up in the stores, but I did. I think I wasn’t quite sure what it was? But Walgreens is holding a great deal (Instead of $1.99, those products are only $1.00!) so I snagged one to try. I’ll be getting more! Super moisturizing, they remind me of what I expected the Crest for Covergirl to smell/feel like. Refreshing, minty, and intense color! I only picked up “Spice” which I thought was going to be more orangey/red, but I love the pinky/coral color I have. I actually made sure to photograph my 3+ hours later coloring too, because I am in love with it as well. Its like 2 lip colors in one. Some people hate thicker tinted balms, but I love them because of their rich coloring and lasting ability. If you blotted it, the 3+ hour pictures would be close to what you get. A moisture rich lipstick and tinted lip balm in one, what a bargain.
 
Compare to: Bobbi Brown Tinted Lip Balm Gloss, Burt’s Bee’s Lip Tints, Palladio Tinted Balms,LipFusion Tinted Lip Balm, & MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner Stick.
Where to get it: Anywhere Wet n Wild is sold, but I took part in the Walgreens special right now. Instead of being $1.99, they are only $1.00 each.
Note: These pictures have not been edited other than cropping, all colors are accurate!

Mani of the Day: Pure Ice in Risk Taker

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 Pure Ice in Risk Taker. Both of these with flash. I’d love to show you without, but its terribly dreary out! Without flash, it is much more matte and wearable.

I love this shade! A mix of gray and silver, it is less murky than my grays but also not as glaring as my metallic silvers. Unique and high shine in the light, I almost wish I had saved this for my Halloween special coming up in October… In fact, I bet you’ll be seeing it in a design next month! What do you guys think> Do you ever rock grays or do you pass on those altogether? Will you be sporting anything like this for fall or even winter?

Mani of the Day: Sinful Colors in Feeling Great + WnW Party of Five Glitters

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Loveee SC Feeling Great, but I felt like it was time to add a bit of bling. I work with kids and they go NUTS over glitter! Party of Five Glitters was in my new Wet n Wild Minis Set so I rediscovered my love for it. I do thing this is one of my favorite chunky glitters, even though it isn’t one of the densest coats. This is 2 coats of Feeling Great and 2 coats of Party of Five Glitters. The reason I love this glitter coat so much is because I’ve still never had it snag on me. Normally chunky glitter (no matter the shape) ends up snagging on everything from my hair to my clothes but this one almost seems like it has a silicone type base surrounding the glitter. Something softer, but with great lasting power.

Mani of the Day: Sinful Colors in Feeling Great

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Sinful Colors in Feeling Great. No top coat or base.

 Say hello to one of my favorite HOT pinks. When I think of a vixen pink, this is what I see. You could get away with wearing one coat, but I applied 2 to ensure opacity. Gorgeous application and HIGH shine, no top coat here! Don’t forget, Walgreens has these polishes for only 99 cents right now, as opposed to $1.99. Definitely pick this one up if you like what you see here, its even better in person. 

Plus…C’mon how awesome is that name? “Feeling Great” was so meant for a Sunday morning!

My Morning Skincare Routine + Product Info!

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So if you saw my Morning Skincare Routine Video, then you know I had promised product info ASAP. Unfortunately, it seems like those green tea face wipes were on their way out of the discount store. Don’t panic, I have included my 2 favorite alternatives! Keep reading for all of my featured and tried & true product obsessions!
In order as presented on the video!
Sorry, no image because the website was down while creating this post. Will add at a later time!
What it is: Face wipes from Forever 21 (repackaged) that smell as good as they sound. They smell like roses, not potpourri. The only issue I had? I wanted to use them twice a day because they smelled and felt that good!
Feature: Includes 30 tissues in a cute foil packet printed with roses. Will remove eyeliner, shadow, lipstick, blush and even waterproof mascara, without skin irritation.
Length of use: I liked these so much, I went back for a second pack (online) so a total of 60 wipes, which usually lasts me 1.5 to 2 months.
Where to buy/Price: Forever 21 for $2.80 per 30 wipes.
What it is: Face wipe especially designed to remove makeup and grime.
Features: This is SO cooling. No lace or frills, PERFECT for after a workout. If you don’t like the floral/girly scents, this is for you.
Length of use: 6 months off and on.
Where to buy/Price: Target and the prices vary, but usually around $3 for 30 wipes.
What it is: An AHA cream that works miracles. Helped clear up my breakouts, dead skin, and brightened my skin. That glow they speak of? Yep. Its out there. I also wanted to let you guys know I started seeing a big difference within A WEEK. I cannot rave about this enough.
Features: A fragrance free skin treatment and exfoliator to help gently restore a fresh, healthy and more youthful appearance Alpha hydroxy acid removes dead skin cells, assists skin tone and skin texture. 8% AHA of 70% solution.
Length of use: I’m not even through 1/2 a container and its been over a year. Yes, seriously. Ok, so I do have TWO containers. I thought I had lost one and freaked out and repurchased it online lol. But yeah, you use a tiny layer all over your face (avoiding the eyes) and this will last you just as long.
Where to buy/Price: Walgreens $7.99 for 4oz, which is A LOT.
 What it is: An amazing invention that keeps my hands off my face while washing it while I’m barely awake. Easy to use, lots of variety, and effectively removes dirt and makeup.
Features: The Deep Facial Cleanser is a deep cleaning, high-foam gel, which unclogs pores as it removes oil, dirt and makeup. With refreshing notes of naranji, orange flower and mint. Oil free.
Length of use: 4 months of pure joy. I now own all of them and switch between each of them 1-2 times a day. I don’t use the scrub kind though, because I love changing around scrubs.
Where to buy/Price: Drugstores and Main stores for $4.99 each. Includes a scrublet with each bottle.
What it is: An effective defense against blemishes containing witch hazel, which I use at home to treat redness and itchiness anyway.
Features: Zap zits away with the unique blend of Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, Witch Hazel and Camphor.

This special clear formula helps to fight and prevent acne, reduce redness and swelling, minimize pore size and clear skin.

Length of use: Well over a year, I own at least 5 and keep one in my purse, 2 in my luggage, and however many around the house/throughout my collection lol. Lasts a long time.
Where to buy/Price: Select Target stores and eyeslipsface.com for $1 per .2 fl oz.
What it is: The poor girls savior for blemish treatment. Hardcore, no joking, effective treatment on a budget. I like it better than all the others I’ve tried so far, forget it. DO NOT OVERUSE, ITS POTENT!
Features: For the treatment of acne. CVS/pharmacy acne treatment gel benzoyl peroxide acne medication goes to work fast and deep into the pores where pimples begin. Benzoyl Peroxide has been prescribed by doctors and dermatologists for years. Now it’s available without a prescription.
Length of use: 1.5 years.
Where to buy/Price: CVS for $3.99 per 1oz.
What it is: Although its for aging, I love it for the cooling effect. It helps depuff my eyes in the morning. Lasts SO long.
Features: Anti-aging ingredients to effectively help reduce and prevent wrinkles and signs of aging.
Length of use: 3 years.
Where to buy/Price: Drug stores and Mega stores for around $9-10 for .5 oz.
What it is: It has my main 2 concerns, great moisturization and decent SPF numbers. I get sent a few moisturizers, but I buy AT LEAST 5x more than I am sent. I have moisturizer issues. I end up either oily, still dry, or its so thick my makeup won’t stay on my face. Gross. This one is my perfect balance and a splurge product that is worth every penny for me.
Features: This multi-tasking moisturizer handles the vital jobs of hydrating, energizing and protecting to maintain skin’s momentum all day. Gives skin the refreshing zing of antioxidant-rich Mangosteen. And adds a healthy hit of radiance that mimics the glow you get from a week’s vacation. All in 10 seconds max.  Slip it on first thing tomorrow – you’ll look like you eat right, sleep tight & don’t
have a worry in sight.
Length of use: 1 month.
Where to buy/Price: Origins or online at Origins.com for $35.00 for 1.7 oz.
What it is: Not waxy. Not sticky. Will not go without it. Thicker than a chapstick, thinner than a gloss, this soaks into my dry lips while I’m getting ready in the morning. Soaks into my lips and soothes the summer-winter burns I often end up with. Smells like roses! Also comes in mint and strawberry. I use EOS Lip Balm at night and this in the morning for the perfect balance.
Features: This cult-favorite, multi-purpose lip balm soothes dry lips, calms and heals irritation, and soothes the sting of minor burns. Try dabbing on dry elbows or knees to condition, and relieve dryness. Also an excellent remedy for the treatment of diaper rash.
Length of use: I can’t remember not using it so 5+ years.
Where to buy/Price: Sephora $6 for a tin full of .8 ounces. It will last you an insane amount of time, even if used for more than just your lips. Reuse the tin, its AWESOME!

*Item(s) sent to me for review are featured in this post. This in no way guarantees coverage. All of my reviews and reactions are honest, I would never recommend something that didn’t deserve it. For more information, please see my disclosure policy in the top bar.*

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