All Things Beautiful XO

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

6 Amazing Products to Beat Summer Feet!

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So yesterday I got some questions about products I love for foot care after posting my recipe for Pumpkin Foot Scrub. Here are some of my absolute favorites!!!
1. Freeman Bare Foot Repair! for Callus Softening

What it is: Gently exfoliates rough, dry skin without the use of harsh abrasives. Paraffin helps to smooth and soften leaving skin feeling buttery soft and touchable. Urea, Karanja Oil, and Rosemary Oil provides intense hydration to restore skin’s moisture.
Why I love it: I freely admit I get calluses. I have a flip-flop addiction year round so this is to be expected. The oils in this make my skin super soft and gentle. It also “fills in” between rough areas while dissolving and moisturizing tough spots. My favorite way to remove calluses without risk of damage to my feet like shavers/blades. You apply it, let it dry, then rub until dead skin falls off. Super simple!
Where you can get it: Drugstores, online, and Mega Stores for around $6.00 for 3.4 oz. 

2. Earth Therapeutics Foot Scrub

What it is: Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil is a natural antiseptic that heals and deodorizes. Natural Wild Mint refreshes and stimulates circulation. Natural Chamomile soothes and comforts. Natural Pumice granules exfoliate gently yet effectively. Smooths away calluses and rough, flaky skin. Also works on hands, knees, elbows, and other dry skin areas.

Why I love it: The mint in this is what sets it apart. I love the minty, energetic scent of this! Works like any foot scrub should, but with very fine pumice. Big chunks of exfoliates tend to irritate my skin so this is a big bonus for me. Plus, they added things like fennel, geranium, marigold, and apricot shells making this truly unique.

Where you can get it: Drugstores, online, and Kohls for around $6.00 for 6 oz.

3.AHAVA Dead Sea Mineral Foot Cream
What it is: This relaxing foot cream moisturizes, softens, and smoothes rough soles. Apply this tea tree oil leaf oil enriched cream, to wrap your feet and legs in soothing comfort. Massage a small amount into clean feet and legs, until absorbed.

Why I love it: This smells incredible!  Dead Sea mineral mud formula relieves itchiness, redness and scaling all at once.With shea and coconut, it has less of a medicinal smell which definitely helps. Thick and creamy, the smaller bottle is fine because you don’t need as much for big results.


Where you can get it: AHAVA Stores & online for $26.00 for 3.4 oz.

4. Earth Therapeutics Tea Tree Oil Foot Balm

What it is:A natural herbal conditioning treatment specially formulated with the properties of Australian Tea Tree Oil, the soothing combination of Aloe Vera and Chamomile, and nourishing botanicals to comfort, replenish, and revive dry, damaged feet. Also works on other dry skin areas.

Why I love it: Like AHAVA this is a great great cream. This has a stronger smell, tea tree and chamomile. I like to put on socks over this to let it sink in.


Where you can get it: Drugstores, online, and Kohls for around $6.00 for 6 oz.
5. Freeman Bare Foot Repair! for Cracked Heels
What it is: Intensive foot balm with Urea, Karanja Oil, Neem Oil, and Rosemary penetrates deeply to replenish skin’s moisture and deliver instant relief to severely dry, cracked heels. Apply as needed to maintain healthy, beautiful feet.

Why I love it: Amazing! I love this stuff! Lately I’ve been living in a seriously hot/dry climate (Las Vegas anyone?) and it has done a number on my sensitive heels. Extremely rich, light rosemary scent, and VERY good for my poor little heels when they some TLC.


Where you can get it: Drugstores, online, and Mega Stores for around $6.00 3.4 oz.
6. Dr. Scholl’s for Her Rub Relief Strips
What it is: Cushions sensitive spots and helps prevent rubbing from shoes. Adjust to any length.

Why I love it: I have very sensitive feet, mainly on the tops and heels. I seriously have scarring! These have been my favorites so far in my search for “no more blister/cuts/friction marks” search. You simply use it like you would tape except its a soft foam with adhesive on one side. 
One thing I really like about these is the fact that the strips have a perforated line down the middle. You can simply pull it apart if you want a finer line and then use both pieces, one for each shoe. You can also cut them to fit areas, like my strappy sandals for instance. Some people don’t like that they are “thin” but for me, that’s perfect. If you want something the size of a pillow in your shoe…best of luck to you!


Where you can get it: Drugstores/Mega Stores for around $7.00 for 3.4 inch x 30 inches.

*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.*

Mani of the Day & CND Nail Lacquer Removal!

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Unfortunately the time has come to say goodbye to my CND manicure 🙁

As you can see, my nails have grown significantly, so its time to take it off and apply something new! For everyone who was concerned about my nails being damaged afterwards, I’m glad to say my nails are great! No visible difference from any other manicure! I simply let them soak in 100% acetone and they it all came off after about 10 minutes. I moisturized and was ready to repaint!

This is Ulta Nail Lacquer in Envy. Over this is Sinful Colors in Call You Later. No additional top coat. What do you guys think? Its hard to tell but Call You Later has lime green, medium green, and golden green glitter in it which I love!

7 Nail Polish Shopping Tips

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These are just 7 basic tips for nail polish shopping success! Please let me know your tips in the comments section below!

 1. Know What You Want
Now, this only applies when you are actually SHOPPING and not just BROWSING. You’d be surprised how many times I’ve had people ask, “What is the best orange?” Is it a valid question? Yes. But here’s the issue: There are a billion different orange-ish shades. Its all about what YOU consider orange. Do you want something sheer, metallic, golden, deep, fluorescent…
Here I’m showing you 4 completely different versions of a form of coral:
Left to right: 1.Revlon Nail Enamel in Craving Coral,  2. ELF ail Polish in Mango Madness, 3. Sinful Colors Profession Nail Lacquer in Hazard,  4. Revlon Scented Nail Polish in Mad About Mango.

Now, if you don’t care about the specifics, then pick up any of these corals. But the differences are easy to pick up when you hold them next to each other in the store. Coral 1 is clearly much darker and contains more red. Coral 2 is mixed with some bright pink giving it less of an orange tone. Coral 3 has a slight shimmer to it and IMHO is my version of a creamy coral. Coral 4 is what I think of when someone asks me about a true coral color. Color specifics are up to the viewer.

If you want a SPECIFIC type of color, use this little help list:
  • Sheen/Shimmer/Glitter/Chunky Glitter/Flakie/Glitter Shapes
  • Creme
  • Matte/Suede/Satin
  • Bright/Florescent/Neon
  • Dark/Light Undertones
  • Metallic/Foil/Pearl/Frost
  • Jelly/Sheer
  • Holographic/Duochrome
Mix & match until you find EXACTLY what you want…its out there! If you don’t know what some of these are (yes, every single one is different) then educate yourself by checking out this amazing blog post from Lacquerized HERE.

 Shades of Silver Left to Right: LA Colors Color Craze in Silver, Sinful Colors Professional Nail Lacquer in Out of this World, Revlon Nail Enamel in Silver Screen. Polishes are placed from thickest metallic to the thinnest from left to right.

2. Separations/Color Discrepancy
So this may seem obvious, but I still think its super important. I’ll keep this short and sweet: Stores that care for their nail polish will show in the coloring/structure of the polish. 
See separation? Remember, separation happens when a nail polish has been sitting for two long causing the ingredients to sift.
See stripes? This is a sign that the nail polish hasn’t been standing upright and instead laying on its side.
Is the color the same as the rest? If you pick up your shade and compare it to the others, is it the same? If not, it is very possible it has been opened and/or not resealed properly. Pick another one.



Left to right: Sally Hansen Maximun Growth in Inspired Orchid, Mini Divas Nail Polish in Star, Sally Hansen Maximum Growth Plus in Beautiful Berry.  
                

3. Bottles Lie
You’d be surprised how many nail polishes go on completely different than it looks in the bottle. Take this example from Sinful Colors:

Sinful Colors Profession Nail Lacquer in Savage.

This is Sinful Colors in Savage, a color I truly love. I did my research on it, so I knew it would be a matte shade. However, looking at the bottle/packaging, you would never know that! If you had wanted this shade with shine (like the rest of the Sinful Colors line) you would be sadly disappointed. This also goes for sheer shades and bottles without a viewable color source like Sally Hansen Chromes. These have a type of covering on the bottle for that metallic finish which isn’t always exactly right on with whats inside the bottle. 

Sally Hansen Chrome in Purple Sapphire.
The internet lies as well, more on that in #7.

4. Do You Have it Already?

This might sound silly but seriously, do you already have that color? Are you picking up duplicates or near-identical twins? Check out my example below from Color Club and Icing. I love them both and use them both, but I might as well have bought two of the same kind. 

Left to right: Color Club Professional Nail Lacquer (no name) and Icing Nail Polish in Butta.


My main advice to make sure you don’t end up with triplets when you only want one shade? Walk around the store and find polishes you already have and hold them up next to each other. Look up swatches online if you aren’t sure, that will help you become more educated on how it wears too. 

Other Twins/2nd Cousins:

Left to right: Essence Color & Go in Walk of Fame and ULTA Salon Formula in Fine Pruned.

 Left to right: Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro in Violet Metal and Wet n Wild Wild Shine in Eggplant Frost.

 Left to right:Love & Beauty Nail Polish (no name) and ELF Nail Polish in Twinkle.

Now, on the flip side, you might just THINK you have it already. Remember, finishes/opacity/application can all make two very similar polishes completely different. Ok, maybe not completely, but if you don’t hoard them like I do you won’t necessarily want to judge a bottle by what you think it will look like.  
 
5. Check for Stickers/Labels/Packaging
For some people this won’t be a major issue, but it definitely is for me! I’ve walked out of a store numerous times thinking I had the color I wanted. Later on I discover it is missing its label/labeled wrong/scratched somewhere. If you don’t think you need to remember the shade you’re buying and aren’t worried about buying doubles, then forge ahead. Lesson learned: Don’t trust store labels. Check for yourself that the polish you’re purchasing has the correct label/sticker/name/shade/number and always check to see that the bottle is in good shape.
 
6. Can You Return it? 
Did you know you can return nail polishes to many stores? If you order from  Walgreens, Sephora, CVS, Walmart, Rite Aid,  Avon, ULTA,  MAC, then you can return your item within 30 days with a recipt. This goes for other cosmetics purchases as well. For all other stores, simply call and politely ask if they do returns/exchanges. Usually if you treat them how you would like to be treated, they let you work it out. 

Brands want you to be happy with your purchase and so do the stores. Hassle-free returns are especially handy if you picked up something defective accidentally. When Sally Hansen Crackles first came out I bought them and my red was defective from possibly being opened beforehand. I loved being able to return it for a refund instead of throwing that money in the trash!

 
7. Check for Deals & Reviews
Get in the habit of checking out blogs/brand sites to get the best deals. Sign up for e-mails, updates, and helpful websites for the best deals. Follow bloggers like Nouveau Cheap which updates readers about bargains and new lines as well as providing reviews/swatches. Dive into awesome programs that reward you like the CVS Beauty Card and Sephora Beauty Club to get even better deals/perks. This usually signs you up for e-mails as well!
Reviews are crucial when it comes to nail polish. Swatched polishes look so different from the nail polish in the bottle 75% of the time. When buying online, be ready to take a major risk if you don’t see swatches beforehand. I very rarely am able to get a polish that matches the picture. Forever 21’s Love & Beauty polishes are a good example of inconsistency. Don’t forget that reading a review is also a good way to see how well it applies and lasts. When shopping and not sure about a brand/color, simply jot it down and research it when you get home to avoid some hassle!

I hope these tips were helpful! Please subscribe & follow! Feel free to share any of your tips in the comments section!

Spoil Yourself Saturday: Lush Godiva Shampoo Bar

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What it is:
  • Vegan
  • Jasmine Scented
  • Ultra-Moisturizing
  • Environment Friendly
  • Cruelty-Free
  • Travel-Friendly
  • Contains cocoa & shea butters for rich lather
  • Softens Dry Hair
  • Fresh, Always Made by Hand
  • No Excess Packaging

What LUSH says about this product:

Shea and cocoa butters moisturise dehydrated hair.

Give your hair the moisturizing boost it needs with softening, conditioning butters. Your hair will be left so beautiful no one would notice you were riding the streets naked. It’s a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner that’s now completely vegan. It creates a richer feel to the lather when you wash your hair. Smoothing, shine inducing camellia oil makes hair manageable.

Sexy, jasmine-scented, two-in-one Shampoo (and conditioner) Bar.

Godiva is named after the woman who famously rode through the streets of Coventry with only her long flowing locks to cover her modesty. She was protesting against the taxes which her husband was planning to introduce.
(From LUSH website)
How to use it: Wet both hair and the shampoo bar. Glide the shampoo bar down the length of your hair about three times (right, left and back). You may need additional swipes depending on hair volume. Work into a lather and rinse thoroughly. Follow with LUSH conditioner. Keep your solid shampoo in a cool, dry place between uses; we recommend using a LUSH shampoo bar tin.
(From LUSH website)


Why I love it: First of all, this type of shampoo was totally new to me only a few months ago. I go through shampoo and conditioner like crazy, so I was very intrigued by this form of solid shampoo. Considering that this is an eco-friendly, animal-friendly, & handmade alternative, I knew I had to have it. I talked with an employee, who are always SO helpful at LUSH, and that’s how I decided which bar was for me. They have some for dry hair, curly hair, oily hair, etc. I have thick+fine hair, but I don’t have any major issues like frizz or color damage. 
          I went with the Godiva bar pretty much immediately, even before I found out what hair type it was for. I am a jasmine addict and it wafts off this bar like crazy. Along with the bright, sunny colors (I’m pretty dead in the morning) I was thrilled to find out this is best for dry hair which is really one of my only hair concerns. This is also a 2 in 1 bar, shampoo + conditioner, but my hair gets crazy tangled so I always use a conditioner later. However, if I was camping/traveling I would totally trust using this on its own because it leaves my hair so soft and manageable.

          I tend to opt to not get my products from LUSH naked (without packaging) because I reuse them & will eventually recycle them. Packaging is recyclable & compostable for this product, but I put them in my drawers to scent clothing/towels beautifully. So on first use, I fell for this product. Lathered well, scented my hair and bathroom with only a few swipes, & left my hair moisturized and super shiny! What more could a girl ask for?


Product information: Godiva Shampoo Bar is 1.9oz & will last between 2-3 months. It lasts a lot longer if you wash your hair every 2-3 days. Contains no animal products of any kind. Removed by 505 customers on their website with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Where to get it: LUSH stores & LUSH website for $10.95.

For a full ingredients list, customer reviews, & much more click the banner below!


LUSH Bath & Body Products



If you aren’t familiar with LUSH, I just wanted to let you guys know why I post about it so much. Look forward to an upcoming post about LUSH and their wonderful way at looking at our world!
Check out my LUSH Walkthrough and Demo HERE on my Youtube Channel, StephLouiseATB!

LUSH Walkthrough & Demo!!!!

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You guys know I’m a LUSH fanatic! Please check it out and subscribe on Youtube as well, the next video is a HUGE Lush Haul! I have tons more videos coming up, its just been busy!

Please check out StephLouiseATB on Youtube!
Also, don’t forget to follow me on Twitter at @StephLouiseATB ! I post everything first there, including deals when I’m out shopping, pictures, and lots and lots of randomness!

MEGA Summer Fruity Beauty!

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Freeman Feeling Beautiful Pineapple Facial Enzyme Mask

What it is: Gently exfoliates and moisturizes with Pineapple extracts and AHA’s for a more radiant and glowing complexion. Revitalizing enzyme mask for normal to combination skin types.


Why I love it: This is the only pineapple product I’ve ever had that smells like FRESH cut pineapple! Besides the amazing scent, it leaves my skin feeling soft and residue-free. I just have to remember its not edible.

Where to get it: Drugstores/Mega Stores for around $4.00. Also HERE on their website.
Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate

What it is: This rich butter leaves lips deeply moisturized, supple, and kissably soft. Korres Lip Butters are formulated with natural oils and extracts to soothe and condition lips. Shea butter and rice wax provide lasting hydration and softness. This shiny, juicy pop of color comes in an array of “flavors” and is ideal for dry lips.
Why I love it: In conveinant packaging with clean-cut font, I always keep this on hand. Tinted beautifully, no shimmer, light shine, and extreme hydration. The perfect medium between lipstick and tinted lip balm, it really does melt into my lips like butter.
Where to get it: Sephora/Specialty Stores for $12.00. Pick it up from Sephora or check out other flavors HERE.
Wet n Wild Megalo Illuminating Powder in 
Spotlight Peach 

What it is: Create a luminous glow with a subtle iridescence on any complexion. Swirl the pearlescent hues together or use each individually to highlight face, neck, chest, and body.

Why I love it: This color is the perfect body highlight without being bronze, white, or pink. I used it on my neck and shoulders and go out without looking glittery or overdone.

Where to get it: Drug Stores/Discount Stores for around $3.99.

EOS Lip Balms in Strawberry Sorbet & Lemon Drop 

What it is: Adorable lip balms in enticing flavors within a sphere.
Why I love it: Not too thick, moisturizing, & its the only lip balm I don’t lose in my purse. With a wide range of scents/flavors, you’re bound to find one (or more!) you love. We have them in every room, usually twice or more.
Where to get it: Drugstores/Mega Stores for around $3.50. Also available HERE on EOS website.
Philosophy Melon Daiquiri Shampoo, Shower Gel, 
& Bubble Bath

What it is: Happy hour favorite, melon daiquiri, is a refreshing bath treat. Our shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath cleanses and conditions skin and hair.
Why I love it: With a sweetly melon scent and rich lather, this takes me to the beach sipping a melon daiquiri myself. I also have the lip gloss and body souffle. One of my absolute favorite summer scents. How cute is the recipe on the front?

 Note: I have never used this as a shampoo.

Where to get it: Sephora/Specialty stores & Philosophy’s Website for $16.00.
Freeman Feeling Beautiful Guava Body Salt Scrub 

What it is: Grapefruit and Vitamin C replenish moisture while sea salt exfoliates dull, rough skin leaving it soft and velvety smooth.
Why I love it: With a guava/kiwi type scent, this is a tropical wonder capable of polishing my dry skin to perfection. I also love to use this before pedicures, my feet have never smelled so good!

Where to get it: Drugstores/Mega Stores for around $4.00. Also HERE on their website.
 The Body Shop Fuzzy Peach Bath & Shower Gel
The Body Shop 

What it is: Enjoy the rich lather of a soap-free, cleansing gel that leaves your skin feeling clean, soft, supple and scented with the sweet and fruity scent of fresh peaches.
Why I love it: Fresh peaches absolutely fill my bathroom with this shower gel! I love the lather and scent, plus it doesn’t have that chemical smell some shower gels can have!
Where to get it: The Body Shop store or website HERE for $5.99.

Origins Never a Dull Moment 

What it is: When top layers of cells are evenly aligned, skin reflects light, shows a youthful glow. But over time, cells become sluggish and ragged. Light scatters. The result is strictly dullsville. Finely ground Apricot and Mango seeds plus nature’s potent extract from Papaya, dissolves lackluster skin cells and gobbles them up with no irritating friction and polishes skin to perfection. Skin beams with youthful exuberance. Looks radiant, innocent, untarnished by time or the elements.
Why I love it: Made with apricot and mango seeds and fruit extracts, this is a fruity powerhouse for your skin. Smells amazing and will leave your skin absolutely glowing, no matter your age. 100% of customers who have reviewed this product on their website would recommend this to others.

Where to get it: Origins stores, department stores,  and HERE on their website for $26.00.

ELF Essential Super Glossy Lip Shines in Party Peach, Strawberry, & Honey Do

What it is: This Super Glossy formula leaves your lips with a healthy glossy glow. The delicious flavor and sweet scent will leave you licking your lips in delight! The perfect on the go tube that is mess proof for anywhere and anytime!
Why I love it: With SPF 15 and an amazing shine, these stand against many of my high end lip gloss tubes without a problem. Some shimmer, some pearl, some shine, you’ll find colors you love at an amazing price. I’ve collected them all and happily given many as gifts! If you don’t like overly sweet glosses, this is a must have. All of these tubes are scented with a pleasant vanilla-grape flavoring.

Where to get it: ELF website & certain Targets/Dru/Discount stores for $1 each.

 Revlon Scented Nail Enamel in Passion Fruit, Peach Smoothie, & Orange Pop
What it is: Scented when dry. Gives up to 10 days of lasting color and shine. Exclusive silk-protein shield works to instantly help even out the surface of the nail while rising above color to automatically smooth away bubbles, streaks and brush marks.
Why I love it: I love this when I’m short on time. I pick a fun color, apply, and go…all without that “nail polish” smell! No one will even know you were in a rush!

Where to get it: Mega Stores & Drug Stores for around $4.00.

*Some products were sent for review, however that in NO way means I am giving a false review or reaction.*

FAB Friday: F21 Fedoras & Why You Need One!

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FAB Friday=Fabulous Accessory or Bauble Friday

So I was never a fedora person. Heck, I was never even a summer hat person! But this summer, I fell in love with a fedora. Although I have two (one tan and one black) they are the same style and can both be found for $6.50 from Forever 21 HERE. The tan is still available in some stores, but has sold out online.
5 Reasons You Need a Fedora:
1. You don’t get hit in the face with sunlight or any other kind of light. Consider this if you’ve ever had a sunburn on your hairline or scalp!
2. Adds visual interest to an outfit. Low cost and easy to throw on, add something else to your shorts and tank top. 
3. All you have to do is tie a ribbon around it to style it yourself. Flowers aren’t your thing? Think skulls, strawberries, or polka dots. The options are endless.
4. Easy to pack and holds its shape. They have become my travel hats because they’re more versatile than floppy hats and more stylish than a cap. Also lets my head breathe slightly while still shielding me from the sun’s rays!
5. Never worry about a bad hair day! My friend Sarah wore this at least every other day when she was here. Waking up early to head out she would throw one on and rock it! Consider this when your friends want to hit the beach early or for that Sunday brunch after a long night!
If you want this style look for: a flexible body, light but sturdy lining, basic color, nothing too edgy or frilly so its versatile, and a relaxed fix in case you style your hair beneath.

CND Nail Laquer: Day 7 Update!!!

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So, if you missed my post about CND Shallec Manicures, then you really need to check it out HERE. Its very detailed and goes through the process!
I promised to keep you guys updated, and here we are at the halfway point! I’m still in shock. No chipping, splitting, or flaking? Whattttt! Yeah you heard me right. I can honestly say this is the only professional manicure to last at least a week. I can’t wait to see it at 14 days!
As you can see, still looking good! The only issue so far is my nails growing…which I really don’t complain about! Zero color fade, no visible changes, and no indentations. 
Color me impressed!

CND Nail Laquer: Professional Polish That Truly Stays Put!

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Missing my Mani of the Day posts? Well here is why you haven’t seen them the past few days! So if you read my update post (HERE) then you know it has been a very busy week for me! Once again, so sorry for the silence, but I am back and ready for action! Here is my manicure I recieved at the IFabbo event from CND! Isn’t it gorgeous?

Believe it ladies: we are lucky enough to be in the middle of a beauty revolution. This nail laquer is revolutionary, lasting for up to 14 days!!! Yes, we have all tried bottled brands who promise this yet never deliver. Well, this isn’t your run of the mill manicure.
So here is the low-down on CND and the beauty behind this company! I was lucky enough to meet the Co Founder/Style Director for CND and was absolutely blown away. Jan Arnold was outgoing and truly passionate about her company, while being completely down to earth and personable. She told us the story of how CND began and you could just feel her excitement fill the room. I walked the event and was excited to watch the whole process. How did they set these beauty blogger’s nails before they did my own? How was the color range? Would it hurt? Would it feel heavy or strange? 
After watching the pros and chatting with the other girls, I was in awe. It was simple, straight forward and lovely. Then I spotted Jan and we began to chat. We talked colors, nail gripes, and trends. Nails are HUGE this season, check your upcoming fashion shows and CND will be popping up everywhere. From Isaac Mizrahi to Jen Kao, CND is taking the nail world by storm
and impressing nail artists and nail admirers alike. Jan showed me some of her favorite designs from within her Fall-Winter 2011 guide and gushed about the wonderful IFabbo event she was so proud to be a part of. She explained to me how important it was to her to support salons everywhere for their creativity and technique. I usually paint my nails myself (you guys know I play nail polish musical chairs!) but this really struck a chord with me. I think it truly shows her passion and work ethic within the beauty community.
When it was my turn, I was practically giddy. I seriously still had not chosen a color. Would I go wild? Professional? Dark? Summer? Brights? So many options! When I sat in the chair I had blurted out “The dark purple with the chrome sheen!” My manicurist broke into a grin. She told me she had been doing neutrals and pinks for most of the events and was “finally going to be able to go a little wild” which I had no issue with. She quickly began removing my metallic gold and silver manicure then made sure my hands were ready for the process. She worked quickly and we chatted about our favorite trends and her colors. She told me about mixing them to get different looks and designs which was definitely fun for me.
I noticed she had jewels on each of her fingers. I was intrigued and thrilled when she told me the CND manicure mounts the stone when its still tacky so it doesn’t come out until you remove your nail polish. Then she asked me if I would be interested in adding something to my manicure? I told her “If it glitters, sparkles, shimmers, or anything else glam, I’m in.” She pulled out a clear bag full of containers of foils and designs and I probably squealed. While my left hand was in the light drying, I decided on a beautiful flakey effect with green and blue tones. After discussing my husband’s job (Air Force) she eagerly showed me that design and I knew I had to have it at least as an accent. As you can see, I love the dramatic and I think it came out beautifully.

After the top coat dries in the light, yoou can immediately touch it. Zero drying time, no sitting around unable to answer your phone, no worrying about smudging. I eagerly ran my fingertips over the shiny polish and was in love with the smooth, thin polish feel. Basically, the feel of acrylics without all the bulk/weight. I would have been in love with the color on its own, but the additions definitely took it to a whole new level. Is it for a wedding? No probably not. But to see how much you can do with this polish that I hadn’t thought possible was incredible. She was so glad I was adventurous as I was her last manicure, and I was absolutely honored to wear her beautiful work. I couldn’t be more thrilled.

It is now Monday morning and not a chip in sight. This is definitely a first for me. Stay tuned to see how my manicure holds up for the full 14 days and to see the removal! Check out cnd.com for more information and color swatches, you won’t be sorry you did!
CND is a salon brand which means you can have this done at a salon bi-weekly, monthly, or for special events! I can’t wait until I need to travel for another wedding, no more panicking over shipped polish for me! If these amazing ideas had been around 8 years ago, I would’ve never tried false nails nor damaged my own. When these are removed, you are left with healthy and natural nails instead of disfigured and thin nails. If you simply love your acrylics, you can also wear this over it! My nails are definitely stronger and I have gotten loads of questions from people about them. I don’t mind telling them about CND, in fact, I’d love to shout it from the roof tops. I love when I’m done explaining and they get the same look I had last Thursday: I must have that CND manicure!
 I am in no way affiliated with CND, I am just that thrilled with the experience!

Update: So Sorry I’ve Been Gone, Here’s What’s Up!

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So, I’m back after around a week of ultra-busy! As some of you know, we have a military move coming up so we’ve been prepping for that. I had my best friend Sarah come out to stay with me for a week, then I went home for a major IFabbo event and to visit family. Then my parents brought me back to Las Vegas and visited with us! Woo, busy busy busy! 
While Sarah was visiting, we saw Penn & Teller at the Rio and Mystere at Treasure Island. Amazing! We also visited Roos N More which lets you get up close and personal with all kinds of animals like kangaroos, lemurs, and otters! Check out Nala showing me some love and a few other awesome animals there! What an amazing place! Then it was off to Huntington Beach to see the rest of my friends and family!

I attended the IFabbo event in San Diego at the beautiful Robert Cromeans Salon last Thursday. Talk about a beauty event that I’ll never forget! Some of the participants were Stila Cosmetics, Dermalogica, Paul Mitchell and CND! Incredible! So many new items hit my wishlist like Stila’s Custum Color Blush in Coral and Dermalogica’s Redness Relief SPF20! I also got a sneak peek at Stila’s upcoming holiday sets which I know I’ll also be picking up! They are incredible! Get ready to see my CND manicure (LASTS UP TO 14 DAYS!) and lots of California hauls! 

Robert Cromeans Storefront in San Diego, California.


I’ve had to take a short hiatus from eyeshadow or I would be showing you guys looks left and right! I picked up the Milani Infinite eyeliners and have gotten tons of compliments on them as well as a new perfume from The Body Shop! Also a few items from Hard Candy and Organic Beauty Now which is a new brand to me. However, I have some kind of eye infection which is extremely painful. Pretty sure my husband is taking me into the emergency room today 🙁

The most exciting news is our new addition to our family! Meet Zeus, a rescue dog who now has a forever home! He is 4 years old and believed to be a Poodle/Bichon Frise mix! He is such a happy boy and a wonderful companion for our Boxer/Shar Pei Cobo. Here I am with him before I put the finishing touches on his grooming! Isn’t he a doll?
Want to know what’s coming up next? Don’t forget to follow me on twitter and facebook! Some posts to look forward to: CND Nail Laquer HUGE Review, Origins/Freeman Beauty Party, Ulta Haul, and tons more! Lots to look forward to here on Stephanie Louise-All Things Beautiful!
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