Saturday, April 29, 2017

Nails for Polish Con New York


Greetings, dear readers, and happy Saturday! Polish Con New York is finally here for all the lucky Lacquer-aholics that came out to visit the city or who happen to already be here! I’m going to be covering the event on my social media platforms, so if you aren’t already here and wish you can see what all is going on, be sure to follow me as I post updates throughout the day! I’ll be writing up a blog post afterwards as well, tentatively going up Monday morning as long as I have no issues with my return home. Until then, how about a glimpse at the nail art design I created for the occasion? Check it out!

I knew I wanted something with a little bit of bling and a little bit of colour, and this is the final design I ended up with. It’s not even close to what I originally had in mind when I first started thinking of nail art ideas for Polish Con a week ago. Inspiration just took hold and I ended up going with something a little different from what I had planned. I am loving this look! It’s a little outside my normal comfort zone when it comes to nail art, but I had a lot of fun creating it!


I used a variety of products on my nails, and I’m going to break down the design by each nail to tell you how I accomplished this look. Starting simple: my middle finger is painted with Ever After Polish in Bonjour, Mon Amour, a polish created for the Indie Shop last May in Torrance, California. My silver nails are painted with Fair Maiden Polish The Final Countdown. I then stamped on a flower pattern from the Color Club Japan stamping plate using Born Pretty Store stamping polish is shade #8. I completed the design by adding blue stone accents from Bundle Monster. On my ring finger, I started off with Julie G polish in Cabana Boy. I used Girly Bits Cosmetics stamping polish in Silver Bells with an image from the Girly Bits stamping plate 1-01 and added accents with Julie G polishes in Oh Em Gee and Fierce & Fab before transferring the image onto my nails. I then sealed everything in with HK Girl top coat by Glisten &Glow.


Here is a closeup of my stamped nail. It’s pretty darn cute and I love how it came out!


I hope you’ve enjoyed a preview of my Polish Con nail art design! I’m going to start posting photos from the Grand Prospect Hall in just a couple hours. If you’re at Polish Con and you see me there, be sure to say hello!

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


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Friday, April 28, 2017

Show your mom you love her this Mother's Day with LINGER and help make those memories last longer!

Press Sample

Happy Friday, dear readers! I'm sneaking up a quick post today before I head off to the airport to cover Polish Con in Brooklyn! If you're not able to attend, follow me on social media (linked below) and catch all the photos and attend via me! I did want to get this post up before I left town so let's jump in!

If you've been following me, you may have seen my review on Linger this past summer. At the time, I had tried a sample but the final product had not yet been released for purchase. With Mother's Day just around the corner, I thought this would be a great time to reintroduce you to this genius product. Choosing Mother's Day gifts can be tricky, especially when it comes to scents. Perhaps your mom has a signature scent and already has an extra bottle or two of their favorite fragrance? Maybe your mom is like me and likes a variety of scents and you're afraid of picking out the "wrong" one. Now you can think outside the box, and instead of purchasing another bottle of perfume, you can give your mother a unique product to help their fragrances last longer: LINGER Lasting Fragrance Primer!


LINGER Lasting Fragrance Primer comes beautifully packaged in a glass 1.7oz container which is then placed inside a simple but classy box making this product truly worthy of giving. I personally like my perfume bottles to have simple shapes for tidy storage, and while this isn't a perfume, I'm happy that LINGER is contained in my preferred method. It makes it easy to store with my perfumes. The bottle is sleek and sexy, and the cap adds a nice artistic spin without being over-the-top.


Developed by ScentInvent Technologies, LINGER Lasting Fragrance Primer is a breakthrough product  that is sure to revolutionize the fragrance industry. LINGER is based on a fine matrix of polymers that create an invisible shield on your skin, working to hold the scent closer to your skin for significantly longer than normal use without the product. While the liquid spray is a milky colour in the bottle, it assimilates quickly into the skin leaving no sticky residue. Linger is used by first applying a spritz onto your skin wherever you prefer to wear your fragrance and smoothing it onto the skin. Fragrances are then applied over it for clinically proven, longer-lasting results.  What could be a better gift for mom than a one-of-a-kind product that allows their perfume to, well, linger longer and attach more memories to their preferred scents!


 LINGER Lasting Fragrance Primer will be taking the perfume industry by storm! This product is affordable, and you can now purchase it at a discounted price. Scent Invent Technologies, the company that has released LINGER Lasting Fragrance Primer, is currently raising funds for their new product, LINGER Pure Parfum Serum. They are raising funds on Indie GoGo, and one of the perks of contributing to their campaign is a bottle of LINGER Lasting Fragrance Primer at the discounted rate of $30. It's a great way to pick up a nice gift for your mom, or yourself if you are so inclined, and you're helping a small business grow. Pretty awesome, right?

I'm intrigued by their upcoming LINGER Pure Parfum Serum as well! This product is the world's first fragrance in serum form. Designed with an alcohol-free formula encompassing state-of-the-art ingredients, this product promises to deliver silky smooth serum in a pump-style system, providing consumers a whole new fragrance experience. Other Indie GoGo perks include these parfum serums in addition to other items based on contribution amounts. While I tend to be skeptical of claims, especially when money is involved, I've had such a wonderful experience with LINGER Lasting Fragrance Primer than I am willing to put my normal reservations aside and see what the new innovation by Scent Invent Technologies is all about. While I can't speak for the Parfum Serum, I have done a side-by-side comparison of the primer; not only does it live up to its claim of longevity, it exceeded my expectations. Now that, dear readers, does not happen often so you know this is a good product!

You can purchase LINGER Lasting Fragrance Primer HERE for the discounted price of $30 per bottle.

See LINGER Lasting Fragrance Primer today on the Home Shopping Network (HSN) at 1pm and 5pm EST.

Have you tried LINGER Lasting Fragrance Primer? Is it a product that appeals to you? What is your preferred fragrance you would wear over this? I'd love to hear from you!

That's all I have for today, and I'm about to head to the airport for a long day of travel to New York City. Be sure to follow me on social media (linked below) for Polish Con updates!

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

Helpful Links
Store: www.lingerfragranceprimer.com (Use for full priced product)
Indie GoGo: www.indiegogo.com/projects/linger-pure-parfum-serum (Use for discounted pricing)

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Thursday, April 27, 2017

JulieG: Spring 2017 Trios and a Giveaway

Press Sample

Greetings, dear readers! The weekend is SO CLOSE, and I hope you have something fun planned! As for myself, I've gone into overdrive trying to tie up loose ends before I head out to Brooklyn for Polish Con on Saturday. I'm still trying to decide how I want to do my nails, and I leave tomorrow morning. At least I have a long flight that I can sleep on if I'm up late tonight! With Polish Con so close, I really wanted to get this posted beforehand. While the event is predominantly geared towards indie nail polish, polish fiends will also be able to get their hands on polishes by JulieG as well! Sold by Jesse's Girl Cosmetics, this brand can also be found at select Rite Aid stores.


Just in time for spring, Jesse's Girl Cosmetics is currently having a promotion for three different trios of Julie G shades! The trios consist of Core Collection colours and a few Cruise Collection for added measure. While each polish retails for $3.99, these trios are only $10! Now that's a great deal! I have the pleasure of swatching and reviewing all three trios so brace yourself- this is one photo-packed post! Let's check them out!

Spring Trio 1

Tropical

A matte finish neon turquoise mint nail polish

I'm swooning over this gorgeous colour! New to the Julie G lineup, Tropical is one of my favorite colours from these trios! The first two coats were a little uneven and patchy, but it evened up nicely with three coats. Shown with three coats plus top coat.

Dream in Pretty

This pretty pinky-purple is sure to make your dreams come true!

Dream in Pretty is just that: pretty! It's not a colour I am personally drawn towards, but the colour is lovely! It's definitely one of those shades that will make you stare at your nails and try to decide "Is it pink? Is it purple?" I know I certainly pondered it for a little while! The formula was nice although it is a bit thinner than the polishes I normally use. I used two coats plus top coat for these photos.

Bikini

Look sharp on or off the beach with this light salmon pink neon (matte).

I definitely need to fire my camera after photographing this polish! Bikini is actually a little less pink and more of a neon pinky-coral than these photos are showing. It was a little uneven with the first two coats, but it leveled nicely with a third coat. Photos shown are with three coats plus top coat.


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Spring Trio 2

Julie's Fave

Julie's signature color, a lovely coral creme.

I love coral polishes, especially this time of year, so Julie's Fave is also one of mine! This coral is of the pinker variety, so if you prefer the orange-leaning corals, this isn't quite for you. Of course you can always try something a little different and make this one of your favorites too! Shown with two coats plus top coat for these photos.

Santorini

From the Cruise Collection, Santorini is a periwinkle blue with a subtle hint of silver shimmer. While this isn't a colour I am generally fond of, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved this polish. The formula was fantastic to work with and I only needed two coats for opacity. I've also added top coat for these photos.

Rio De Janeiro

Rio De Janeiro is a muted orchid creme from the Cruise Collection and another fabulous addition to the trio. I love the formula of this beauty, and I have it photographed above with two coats plus top coat. Some readers may find they need a third coat for opacity, and if so, it's well worth it!


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Spring Trio 3

Cabana Boy

Enjoy poolside service with this attention-grabbing cobalt creme.

Who says you need to have a pool to enjoy this beauty? Certainly not me! Between the gorgeous colour and superb formula, this is going to be a go-to shade for me this spring and summer! Shown with two coats plus top coat.

Oh Em Gee

This hot pink neon (matte) will have everyone saying OMG!

OMG is right! This polish is HOT HOT HOT! This photographed a little on the warmer side for me than it actually is, so expect this to look cooler in person. I'm wild about this colour, and I loved how easily this applied for me. Shown with three coats plus top coat

Fierce & Fab

Stay sassy with this amazing purple neon (matte) sure to keep you fierce AND fab!

What another fabulous shade in this trio! I'm really feeling purple neons lately, and this polish will make you ROAR! The formula was on point and applied to opacity in three coats. Also shown with top coat.


I am really loving these polishes! While some colours are a little patchy at first, they even out nicely with another coat. Even at the full price of $3.99 each, I think these are well worth it! It's even better when you pick up the trios for just $10 each (posted in the Special Offers section here)- not too shabby for a drugstore polish! This deal with end on May 31st, so if you're interested in picking up these trios and saving a little moolah, get those purchases in within the next five weeks!

I'm not sure if these trios specifically will be available for purchase at Polish Con this weekend, but after my experience with the brand, I'm definitely eager to checking out what they have in store for everyone!

If you want to try your luck, you might win a trio of your choice! Jesse's Girl is hosting a giveaway starting now until May 4th with four winners drawn. I've included the rafflecopter below for your convenience.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you tried any JulieG polishes? Which ones are your favorite? Is there a trio you're hoping to win? I'd love to hear from you!

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





Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Ellagee Polish Pickup: She Blinded Me With Science

Press Sample

Good afternoon, dear readers! Has you favorite indie polish brands contributed to collaborative subscription boxes and you had to miss out on it? Perhaps you only wanted a single polish from the box offerings, or maybe the box was just too expensive for your budget? Maybe it's a little bit of both? Trust me, dear readers, I have been there many times, and I know just how frustrating it is to try and determine whether or not your desired nail polishes are worth the extra cost. It's not always easy to find others to split the subscription boxes with you, and I have been burned a few times when it comes to people backing out after I've already paid the initial costs. It is not a fun situation to be in AND NOW YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT ANY OF THOSE THINGS!! Thanks to Polish Pickup, you can now purchase only the indie polishes you want!

Adrienne and Sarah of Fair Maiden Polish recognized the dilemma faced by many lacqueraholics, and the result is the Polish Pickup. A theme suggestion document is put on the website each month, and individuals can submit up to three suggestions for consideration. Once the time frame for submissions ends, the top 10 suggests can then be voted on to determine the next upcoming theme. Indie makers then take the selected theme and create a polish. There is no set list of indie makers that participate every month so if your favorite indie brand isn't participating this month, you may see them in the future!


The May theme for Polish Pickup is "Science", and as a scientist by trade, or at least before I hung up that hat for my blog, I approve of the choice! Today's blog post features a beauty inspired by the building block of life, DNA. Introducing the beautiful She Blinded Me With Science by Ellagee Polish!

She Blinded Me With Science was inspired by this art of the DNA molecule and named for Rosalind franklin, the first person to photograph DNA. Her credit was stolen by male scientists who used her work to determine the structure of DNA and later won the Nobel Prize. 

"Franklin's image of the DNA molecule was key to deciphering its structure, but only Watson, Crick, and Wilkins received the 1962 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for their work." - National Geographic


She Blinded Me With Science is a smokey blue jelly polish loaded with microglitters in a rainbow of colours. Shown with three coats plus top coat, this polish is all about the sparkle! Even with all the glitters, this applied like a dream come true, and I have no issues to report. Unsurprisingly, it does dry to a slightly textured finish, but it smooths out easily with top coat. I used two coats of HK Girl top coat for an even finish on my nails.

With all the microglitters in this beauty, I naturally needed to add matte top coat to tone down the shine but make the colours POP! Check it out!
While I am the first to admit the matte look isn't exactly my favorite with this polish, I do love that you can easily make out what all is going on with this finish!

She Blinded Me With Science and other polishes created for May's Science-themed Polish Pickup can be purchased from the Polish Pickup website located here. The shop will be live from Friday, May 5th at 11am EST until May 8th midnight EST. Please note that the shop will ONLY be open during this time, so if you want any of the polishes from the May Polish Pickup, please mark the dates on a calendar so you can get those orders in! Also to note, all purchases are made as a pre-order. Please allow two to three weeks after the preorder has closed for polishes to be shipped to you. Choose as many or as few shades as you want!

List of makers participating in the May Polish Pickup:

Alter Ego Body Care Products
my indie polish
BLUSH Lacquers
ellagee
Sassy Pants Polish
Night Owl Lacquer
Lollipop Posse Lacquer
Chirality Polish
Contrary Polish
Leesha's Lacquer 
Turtle Tootsie Polishes
le polish
Seventy Seven Nail Lacquer
Ms.Sparkle
Anchor & Heart Lacquer
Toadarrific vinyls


Are you excited about the May Polish Pickup? Have you seen other offerings for May that you need? Do you prefer She Blinded Me With Science shiny or matte? I'd love to hear from you!

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


Helpful Links
Facebook Group (Polish Pickup Pack): www.facebook.com/groups/polishpickuppack

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