Monday, May 30, 2016

Made for Me Monday: le polish

Happy Monday, dear readers! It certainly doesn't feel like the typical Monday around here since the husband is off from work! We decided to stick close to home rather than attempt going on the highways over the long weekend. I had hoped to do some nail art for Memorial Day in honor of those that have sacrificed for our country, but time ran away from me and I couldn't figure out exactly what I wanted to do. Instead, I ended up leaving on a gorgeous polish made by le polish created for my Made for Me Monday series. Let's get to it!

If you're not familiar with my Made for Me Monday series, let me fill you in! I have partnered up with different indie brands and have provided either an inspiration photo or a prompt. They work their magic with very minimal input from me and I showcase the final product on my blog. Even though the series is called "Made for Me Monday", most of the custom creations have continued on to be launched by the brands, either as a core product or as part of a limited release. I have been thrilled at how this project has turned out so far, and I love that you can enjoy many of these creations as well! Now to today's post!
Source: Indulgy

This is the photograph I provided to Allison, the creative mastermind behind le polish. I adore this colour combination, and I was so eager to see what she would create with this. Presenting, A Secret Garden!

Two coats plus top coat

A Secret Garden is a beautiful light turquoise crelly with small dark glitters and purple glitter squares. It is a lovely interpretation of the photo, and the name is perfect! A Secret Garden had a wonderful formula that was easy to work with: not too thin or too thick for my liking, I did not have to dig for any of the squares and the glitters spread nicely on my nails.

This polish is gorgeous, and I am happy to report that it will be launched on the le polish store in the not-too-distant future. Until then, there are other lovely le polish shades to choose from to keep your digits pretty and colourful until this is released. Be sure to follow the le polish Facebook page and join the fangroup for updates as to when exactly this will be available. You definitely don't want to miss out!


What do you think of this polish? Is it on your wishlist? What other le polish shades do you love? I'd love to hear from you!

Until next time, dear readers, have a wonderful evening!
XO!


Saturday, May 28, 2016

HPB Presents Nail Art featuring KBShimmer

Happy Saturday, dear readers! I've been trying to finalize this post all day, but I'm just not feeling quite like myself today. I ended up taking a 2 hour nap today (WOWZA!) and then a shorter 30 minute nap. I never nap like this so we'll see if this means I'm getting sick or if I needed more rest than I realized. Let's get to today's post!

In a previous post, I shared swatches of some of the shades from the KBShimmer upcoming Summer 2016 Collection. I fell in love with Don't Play Koi, and it inspired some simple nail art using older KBShimmer shades that matched perfectly. It is actually perfect timing because I really wanted to participate in this month's Hobby Polish Blogger's May link-up, but I wasn't coming up with my own nail art look. Thankfully this one hit me in time! If you're not familiar with Hobby Polish Bloggers, let me fill you in! It is a group on Facebook filled with several bloggers, and we use the group to ask questions, opinions, and plan link-ups among other things. It's a great place to be whether you're starting out with blogging or have been at it for a while, and I encourage you to join here if this appeals to you. For May, the prompt is Neutrals & Neons, and I enjoyed creating this look. Check it out!
I've been wanting to do more nail art using stripes and dots, and I just had to put the two ideas together for this manicure! I started off with Don't Play Koi and How You Dune? and You're So Shellfish as my base shades. I then added stripes and dots with How You Dune? and You're So Shellfish. It is a very simple look that is easy to create, but this combination is fantastic. Of course my free-hand striping needs a little bit of work. Yikes! Maybe I need to just stick to using vinyls!

KBShimmer shades How You Dune? and You're So Shellfish are already available for purchase at
KBShimmer.comAmazon.com, and select salons and retailers. For sales outside the U.S., visit www.HarlowandCo.org. Don't Play Koi is part of the summer collection that launches June 1st; that's this upcoming Wednesday!

What do you think of this prompt and my interpretation? I'd love to hear from you! Also, please check out the other nail art looks created by my fellow Hobby Polish Bloggers linked below!

Until next time, dear readers, have a wonderful weekend!
XO!







Friday, May 27, 2016

Ellagee Polish: Burnished Skies and Vacation!

Press Sample

TGIF, dear readers! This has been the week that never ends and has lasted what feels like forever! I've been convinced it was Friday every morning since Wednesday, and now that it is here, it is a little underwhelming. At least it is almost a three day weekend! I'll be sticking close to home to avoid the craziness of the highways, but a nap is definitely on my agenda. Until then, let's get to today's blog post!

I have two new fabulous shades by Laura of Ellagee Polish to share with you this morning. First up is a Facebook group custom that is stunning! Check it out!

Burnished Skies
Two coats with top coat

A turquoise crelly with shades of bronze, gold, copper, and ultrachrome shifting flakes.

Created as an exclusive custom for the Gee I Love ellagee facebook group, Burnished Skies is a stunning shade! It is LOADED with gorgeous flakies and really looks like the gemstone turquoise. The formula was impeccable; this applied perfectly for me.
$10

Vacation!
Two coats with top coat

A medium toned nude with strong linear holographic shimmer

Vacation! was created for Laura's recent trip to Disney World. Some days you just want a nude shade as a palette cleanser, and this one is gorgeous! The formula was fantastic and the application was flawless.
This is a pre-order priced $12 at one dollar less than the regular price $13.

I used drop stencils from You Polish to combine these shades on my accent nail.

Burnished Skies and Vacation! are available for purchase on the Ellagee Polish website here. You do need to be a member of the Gee I Love Ellagee Facebook group to purchase Burnished Skies, so be sure to join here.

Which shade is your favorite? Do you prefer more colour or a nude? I'd love to hear from you!

Until next time, dear readers, have a wonderful day!
XO!



Wednesday, May 25, 2016

KBShimmer Summer 2016: Partial Collection Swatch and Review

Press Sample

Happy hump day, dear readers! I hope you have been enjoying your week thus far! It has been a painfully slow one around here filled with so much activity that it feels like a Friday. Yep, nothing will ruin your Friday like discovering it is Wednesday! Thankfully the rest of the week should be pretty low key around here, and then there is the three day weekend. I have a nap planned.....and nothing else! Ha! I'm starting to ramble so I better jump on in to today's post.

It's been pretty hot around here already with the mercury rising as the week progresses; what could be better to share than a summer polish collection! I had the pleasure of swatching a few shades from the upcoming Summer 2016 collection by KBShimmer. Christy certainly has a knack for putting out gorgeous shades with deliciously pun-y names; this collection does not disappoint! Let's check out the ones I swatched!

Don't Play Koi
3 coats plus KBShimmer Clearly On Top top coat

The softer side of summer, this muted white crelly has accents of coral, aqua and grey hex glitters. 2-3 Coats Recommended 

I'm just going to jump right on in with one of my favorites from the collection. While I normally tend to shy away from white crellies as they often look so harsh against my skin tone, it was love at first stroke with Don't Play Koi. Aqua and coral are some of my favorite shades so a polish that includes them together has to be a winner! The formula was fantastic- the polish applied beautifully and the glitters spread nicely over my nails.

Good Reef!
3 coats plus KBShimmer Clearly On Top top coat

That perfect summer, accent your tan color, Good Reef! is a stunning light peachy coral color with blue shimmer that pops in certain lights. 2-3 Coats Recommended

Good Reef! is another winner from this collection. I was already sold on this shade from the sexy peachy coral with flashes of blue shimmer, but as a huge fan of all things Peanuts, the name is an added bonus. This is a little on the sheerer side, but three coats covered any visible nail line flawlessly.

Playing With The Buoys
2 coats plus KBShimmer Clearly On Top top coat

A soft, green mint with blue undertones, this cream color covers perfectly in 2 coats.

As a mom with two little men at home, I certainly spend a lot of time playing with my buoys! Ha! I find a lot of mint shades tend to be too bright on me, so I am thrilled to see this slightly muted version in this collection. It is a gorgeous colour and the formula is so smooth and, well, creamy!

Mai Tai One On
3 coats plus KBShimmer Clearly On Top top coat

A lemonade yellow, this shimmery color has glints of yellow gold and soft green. 2-3 Coats Recommended

This may come as a surprise to you, but Mai Tai One On is arguably my favorite shade from this collection. While I don't normally consider myself a fan of yellow, I cannot get over just how happy this vibrant polish made me feel. If this sunny shade can't turn a frown upside down, nothing will! The formula was on point, and application was a breeze with three thin coats.

How Low Can You Flamingo?
2 coats plus KBShimmer Clearly On Top top coat

A steaming hot pink, this near neon shade will make you wish it was summer all year long. 2 Coats Recommended 

Wowza! This shade is HOT! I don't know if this is something I'd wear year-round, but this is definitely a colour I love on my toes over the summer. I suspect this will be on my toes when I go to Las Vegas this summer! The formula was fantastic, and I have no issues to report. 

Suit The Breeze
3 coats plus KBShimmer Clearly On Top top coat

This periwinkle blue color pops with shimmery pink and violet micro flakes, for a unique summer shade to make your pedicure pop! 2 Coats Recommended 

While I'm normally not drawn to periwinkle shades, I am smitten with this combination with the microflakes! This polish is stunning, and I am happy to report the formula is impeccable!

The KBShimmer Summer 2016 Collection launches on June 1st. Each polish will retail for $9.25 each at KBShimmer.comAmazon.com, and select salons and retailers. For sales outside the U.S., visit www.HarlowandCo.org.

I am blown away with how much I love these shades, including those that I tend to shy away from. The formulas for those that I've tried were absolute perfection, and I am certainly looking forward to the launch!

What shades are on your wish list? I'd also love to hear your favorites from older KBShimmer collections!

Until next time, dear readers, have a wonderful day!
XO!













Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Multi-blogger Giveaway: Zoya Sunsets and Seashells Collections!



I've joined with some of my favorite bloggers to bring you this amazing Zoya giveaway! 

Prize:
Zoya Sunsets 6 piece collection
Zoya Seashells 6 piece collection

Sponsored by:
Addicted to Polish
Ana's Manis
Bruised Up Dollie Nails
Mama Hearts Polish
Manicured & Marvelous
Manna's Manis
Mom, Mrs. & Me
Pish.Posh.Polish
Polish & Paws
Polish & Plates
Polished Hippy
Polished Pathology
Style Those Nails

Rules:
1. US only.
2. No giveaway accounts, spam, or empty accounts. Winning entries will be checked and those will be disqualified.
3. You must be 18 years or older.
4. You will have 48 hours to respond to email to claim your prize. After 48 hours another winner will be chosen. Make sure you sign up with an email that you check frequently.
5. Giveaway entries are OPTIONAL. The only required entry is your email. However, the more entries you do, the more chances you have for winning.
6. Giveaway runs from May 23rd until May 30th at 11:59 pm EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, May 23, 2016

The Indie Shop: A Shopping Extravaganza for Indie Polish Enthusiasts


Happy Monday, dear readers! As you already know, I had the pleasure of attending The Indie Shop event this past Saturday. It was so wonderful to meet new people as well as see old friends, and more importantly, support the small independent polish and supply owners we all know and love! Because there were so many that wanted to attend but could not, I snapped a few pictures and wanted to get a post written up about my experience. Ready? Let's do this!
Attendees were given a reusable tote bag, and these were very useful for the large hauls purchased at the event.
As many of you already know, several of the indie vendors present created exclusives for the event. This checklist was so handy to know who had an exclusive in addition to the name so you could find it quickly.
The exclusives and limited edition shades available at The Indie Shop came in a range of shades and finishes; there was certainly something for everyone! I particularly loved the Californian names for these. Perhaps someone will create a Santa Rosa for the next event? *hint hint*

Let's check out all the brands present! First up is Envy Lacquer, the brand that organized the event!

I spy an event exclusive!
Watermelon Madness and Mint Chip smell so delicious! I also dug the nail vinyl display!

The one thing missing from this photo are Yvette's fabulous heels!
San Diego was the Bliss Polish event exclusive.

Row and rows of beautiful polish!
You can't forget the cuticle care!

Natosha is all smiles for the camera!
I am currently fixated on these bubble vinyls so you can expect to see them show up here soon!

I've been loving indie body products lately and love these solid lotion bars and this gorgeous coffee scrub!

What goes better with polish than colourful hair! Alix and Lynnae make such a great team!
Customers got to spin the wheel to win a prize of discounts at the event, online discounts, or free polish. The Jackpot was the Baby Shower duo OH and Deer!, which yours truly won, I might add!

Yes, those are Girl Scout Cookies, and yes, I did try to buy them.
Malibu was the Stached Polish event exclusive.

Photo Credit: Rugger Productions

Lexi had a great display! I love the lights and the flowers! My photos of the Painted Polish booth turned out way too dark so I'm including one from Rugger Productions.

There were several bottles and refills of HK Girl top coat ready for purchase!
Who will win?!?

Welcome to holo heaven!
Packaging up a customer's order

Corona Del Mar was the Sea Lore Limited Edition shade available at the Indie Shop.
You can't travel without your mermaid mascot!

Waiting in anticipation for the grand opening of the Indie Shop event!
 LA Chismosa, the event exclusive

Another great polish display!

Taking care of another happy customer!

Vinyls and charms for your nail art needs!

So many ways to display polish! I adore this sweet little heart of event exclusive shade, Beverly Hills.

Calabasas was the Drip Drop Nail Paint exclusive.

The Exotic Sands Collection debuted at Indie Shop!
Event exclusive, Santa Maria

The Harry Potter May subscription box on display!
Mani squares, event exclusive polish, Cuticle Crelly and Hand Crelly, oh my!

SCLA was the Lavish Polish event exclusive.

With so much polish and other products to see and enjoy, it was easy to spend a small fortune in a short period of time! I also decided at the Indie Shop event that I really need to invest in a better camera and flash. With all the activity, many of my customer shots ended up blurred, but thankfully I have some from a photographer to include in this post.

Photo Credit: Rugger Productions
Photo Credit: Rugger Productions
Photo Credit: Rugger Productions
Photo Credit: Rugger Productions
Photo Credit: Rugger Productions
Photo Credit: Rugger Productions

Photo Credit: Rugger Productions

A photo of all the indie vendors!

In order to attend the Indie Shop, I flew in for just the day. I didn't check any luggage so I was limited to what I could bring in my carry on. I thought you might have a little giggle at my quart sized bag stuffed to capacity with polish. I don't think I could have fit any more in there if I tried; it barely closed for me! I'll have more coming soon on what I bought, swatches, and a little surprise for my readers!

The next Indie Shop event is currently in the works for in November, and it will be in California as well. Hopefully this post gave you a little taste of the experience and something to plan for in the fall!

Did you attend the Indie Shop event? What was your favorite part? I'd love to hear from you!

Until next time, dear readers, have a wonderful evening!
XO!















































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