Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Halloween Nail Art Look with KBShimmer, Salon Perfect, and China Glaze

Happy Halloween, dear readers! I'd going to be a busy day with helping with two parties just during the day alone- one for my kindergartener and the other for my preschooler. Afterwards, we have another party to attend  before taking the kids out trick-or-treating. While it may be a busy day, I am so excited to see all the costumes and Halloween decorations! I did want to get a quick post up to share my final nail art look I went with for today. I hope you like it!


To create this look, I used KBShimmer Hide And Eek and added a layer of Salon Perfect's Glow All Out to make them glow in the dark. I sponged on Salon Perfect Shapeshifter and placed some of the limited edition nail decal by China Glaze on top. I used Salon Perfect's Ashes To Ashes on my simple black nails and topped everything off with top coat.


I'm a little sad to have not had much chance to go all out with crazy Halloween nail art ideas, but I'm glad to still take a little time for this simple look.


Are you doing anything special for Halloween today? I'd love to hear about your plans!

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

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Monday, October 29, 2018

Salon Perfect will help you feel Drop Dead Gore-Geous just in time for Halloween!

Press Sample


Halloween is only 3 day away! Are your nails ready? If you are still trying to pick out your favorite nail lacquer, do I have a treat to share with you today! The Drop Dead Gore-Geous Collection by Salon Perfect showed up at my house unexpectedly, and with the craziness of my impending move and putting the house up for sale, there was no way I could get them all swatched in time. That said, I still snapped some photos to share with you in addition to creating a cute look with several of them. 


The Drop Dead Gore-Geous Collection is a mix of standing core shades and limited edition options. They have also brought back their glow-in-the-dark shade, Glow All Out for those that prefer the glow effect to mark the spook-ation.


This is the design I came up with utilizing several Salon Perfect shades. I really wanted to play with the neons for an unexpected pop of colour and decided to give them a go with the water marbling technique. In the end, my nails are marbled, but it was a little difficult getting them to this point. That said, this design was apparently destined to fail from the beginning of the water marble stage as I could not find an important part. Before I get into that, let me step back a minute and fill you in on the process.


To create the look, I started off with Rica Whiteout as my white base for my nails I wanted the be marbled. I then added a coat of Salon Perfect's Glow All Out on top. As it dried, I carefully prepared my water marbling station with a small cup of room temperature distilled water and unscrewed my polish bottles in preparation for dropping onto the water's surface. This is where things began to go sideways. I had planned to use my clear water marble polish, Bar Mix by Top Shelf Lacquer, so ares of the white base plus glow-in-the-dark effect would show, but my bottle was sadly nowhere to be found. In the end, I decided to just use Rica White Out again in my marbling technique and then paint Glow All Out over the entire design.


In addition to Glow All Out, I used Oil Slick (black), Traffic Cone (neon orange), and Mood Ring (neon purple) for my marbled design. I had not used any of these for water marbling before to know how they would work, but Traffic Cone in particular was a marbling problem child. It didn't want to spread nicely on the water surface without a little effect, and one it did, it seemed slightly chunky and subsequent polish drops didn't spread easily when placed in the middle. I'm not sure if the Salon Perfect formula isn't ideal for water marbling in general, or if they just don't play well with the Rica that I was also using. I did manage to get a marbled look after a lot of effect and multiple attempts, but it isn't the sleek look I was going for. Also, because I ended up having to put Glow All Out on top for the glow-in-the-dark effect, it ended up slightly smearing some of the marbled design (Grrrrrrr) in addition to adding a haze over the other colours.

I completed my look by using Dust To Dust on my index and thumb nails. I then added Salon Perfect's top coat to seal everything in. Because Dust To Dust is packed with glitters, it dries to a textured finish on its own. I needed to apply two coats of top coat for a smoother surface.


Here is my nail art design in the dark! While this nail art look isn't my favorite, it has grown on me and I quite like the vibrant pops of colour, even if they ended up being less intense than I had intended.


If you are looking for a nail art look rather than a single polish and you just don't have the time to create the art yourself, Salon Perfect has released six limited edition press nail sets. Each set is perfectly coordinated for a no-fail look. All you have to do is attach to your own nails and you are on your way!


Each Salon Perfect artificial Nail Set package comes with individual nails in assorted sizes to fit different nail bed widths. The sets also come with the buffing board to gently buff your nails and the needed nail glue to affix the artificial nails to your fingertips. Simply apply an even coat to your nails, press and hold the artificial nails in place about 15 seconds, and then you are all done.



All six sets are really cute, although a major down side to them is the length. If you have very long nail beds or just long nails in general, these artificial nails may not be long enough to cover your nails without having bare nail exposed. While my nail beds are short, my nails themselves are currently too long to wear these. Since I'm not planning to cut them down substantially right now, these artificial nail sets don't fit me at the moment. Here's to knocking on wood that I don't end up with major breaks now that I said that! These nail sets are really cute though, so if your nails art already shorter, you just may love them!


These and other Salon Perfect products are available for purchase from Walmart stores and Walmart.com. Salon Perfect nail lacquers retail for $3.98 per bottle, and the artificial nail sets are $4.98.

Are you excited about Halloween? If you've already made decisions, I'd love to hear about your costume picks, makeup ideas, and nail designs! My Halloween has been sadly much more low-key than I would like thanks to the upcoming move, so I would love to live vicariously through you!

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



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Friday, October 26, 2018

Highlights from the beauty spotlight team


Lola's Secret Beauty Blog is thoroughly obsessed with the new holiday Shu Uemura La Maison du Chocolat Ganache & PralinĂ© Eye Shadow Palette in Dark Cacao. One look at the swatches and you will see why we are absolutely in love with this limited edition beauty. #shuuemura #lamaisonduchocolat 

 
With Halloween only days away, are you still trying to pick out your perfect polish? Jen from Laugh, Love, Contour has the Paint It Black Collection by China Glaze on her blog to help you pick out your perfect black shade to wear for the occasion! From glitters to mattes to holographics, this collection has you covered for one spooktacular holiday! 

Prime Beauty brings you all her favorite fall beauty products in this weeks Makeup Wars! 

Pammy Blogs Beauty gets a Fresh Fall makeup look with Honest Beauty

Makeup and chocolate are two of Christa from Realizing Beauty's favorite things so how could she not fall in love with the new Shu Uemura La Maison du Chocolat Collection

Never Say Die Beauty is hosting a Fashion Flash Halloween Beauty and A Book giveaway! The romance suspense novel, Buried Truth, by Jannine Gallant will keep you wondering and also checking your door locks. And the stunning BH Cosmetics Zodiac Eyeshadow & Highlighter Palette with 25 shimmers and mattes will see you through almost any occasion. Enter to win! 

Time for another giveaway, this time on Beauty Info Zone. See the fabulous L.B.K. Nail Lacquers to see what makes them stand out from the crowd and enter to win one of these beauties.


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Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Halloween Beauty Buzz: Getting into the Halloween Spirit with Paw Palette, Skinesque, and Kocostar


I love Halloween! It is my absolute favorite holiday, and I love setting up decorations, creating fun nail art, and playing with makeup and designing costumes. Unfortunately, Halloween is having to be a very low key event for me because of my big news...... we are moving! My family will be Arizona bound in less than two months, and between starting to pack and putting our house on the market, I've not be able to decorate or do any of the other things I love to do so much this time of year. That being said, I've found a few beauty products to help get me in the Halloween spirit, even if I can't go all out like I might want to. They can also be used any other time of year, not just for Halloween, and I think you may end up with a few new favorites yourself! Ready to check them out? Let's do this!


Paw Palette is the original hands-free makeup mixing palettes, and as soon as I laid eyes on this adorable bat, I knew this was the one for me! I may love things to be glittery, and best believe they have other shapes that are sparkled, but I truly am a goth girl at heart.


When it comes to makeup application, I really dislike applying foundation streaks directly to my face. Instead, I pump out what I need onto my Paw Palette and apply with my brush or beauty blender. The palette is also handy for when I need to mix drops to adjust my foundation shade or when I want to mix together my own custom lipstick blend for the day.


It stays in place with an adjustable strap and is really comfortable to wear. This particular one is stationary, but Paw Palette does offer magnetic/detachable options if that is what you would prefer. Cleanup is quick and easy, and I can then be off with my day. This particular one retails for $22.


Masks are all the rage for Halloween, and I have two great options for those as well!


First up is a 3-step face mask by Skinesque. This particular mask is their "Brightening" mask. This charcoal mask is pretty awesome, and I had so much fun wearing it!


As with any other face mask, the first step is to start off with clean skin. What makes this one different is that is actually comes with a cleanser rather than you having to use your own. Even with my sensitive skin, this was gentle on my face and would love it if Skinesque offered this cleanser as it's own item one day!


Step 2 is application of a hydrating essence. There was plenty of product in this little pouch for my face and neck, and I even applied some onto the back of my hands. It took a few minutes of patting for this to be fully absorbed into my skin, so I probably could have stretched it even further; what can I say, I want my skin hydrated!


The final step is placing the Brightening Charcoal Black Mask to your face. The mask itself is actually black, so it makes hiding and scaring visitors to the house all the more fun. You're welcome!


The only drawback I had with this particular mask was the cut. With all the potential shapes of faces and locations of key features, it's practically impossible to create a truly one-size-fits all face mask. This one left a substantial part of my nose exposed and untreated. In spite of that, I would totally pick up another and use these again! Each 3-step mask can be purchased for $7.50 or in a box of 5 for $35.00.

You know how there is a "sexy" version of just about everything when it comes to Halloween costumes? Now you can complete your look easily with knee-high "boots"! Ok, so these Longboots by Kocostar aren't exactly for outdoor wearing, but I have a feeling I'm not the only one that could get used to a leg and foot treatment!


The Long Boots Fitting Pack utilizes 3 mint* complexes and menthol* ingredients (*INGREDIENT ALERT* I know some of my readers can't use these products and wanted to make sure you were aware these are in this product) to help reduce swelling in your legs and feet, leaving them feeling refreshed and hydrated.


The fit will vary depending on how long your legs are, and since my legs are short, these actually do go up to my knees. I also have wide calves that prevent me from wearing average-sized calf-high boots, but these still fit me. The fit is a little snug but still comfortable. These are also attached stickered tabs on three locations along the height of these "boots" so you can tighten and secure as necessary.


After being on my feet all day at work, the slight cooling and tingling sensation feels incredible, even if it does admittedly feel weird wearing something similar to snug garbage bags on my legs. After removal, I gently rubbed in the extra serum found within these boots and my legs let out an almost audible "ahhhhh".


Now this is my kind of relaxation! I just might have had an early start with a margarita in hand already. I definitely recommend the Long Boots treatment after taking the little monsters out for trick-or-treating this Halloween! The Long Boots Fitting Pack can be purchased for $12 for each set or as a pack of 5 sets for $60. We're always treating our faces to masks, and it's about time out feet and legs get some extra special treatment as well!

Are there any special beauty products you are enjoying this Halloween? I'd love to hear your picks!

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


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Monday, October 22, 2018

Get Your Nails all Spooked Out for Halloween with China Glaze Paint It Black Collection

Press Sample

It is the most wonderful time of year- Halloween is only 10 days away and everywhere around me, houses are decorated with their own spooky fashion for the occasion. To celebrate in the festivities, China Glaze has launched their new Halloween collection that is sure to add a spooky and edgy spin to your every day look. The Paint It Black Collection consists of 6 nail lacquers all in a shade of black so you are sure to find your perfect touch. Because several of these shades look deceptively similar in the bottles, I wanted to share swatches of the most similar looking shades side-by-side so you can easily see how these really compare. Ready? Let's plunge into the darkness and check them out!

Pret-A-Potion vs Night and Slay
Pret-A-Potion - Matte black micro glitter
Night and Slay - Black and iridescent glitter blend

These two shades are the most similar from the Paint It Black Collection with only one key difference. Night and Slay contains with same matte black micro glitters as Pret-A-Potion, but is also includes holographic glitters in both smaller and larger sizes. When shown as a single coat over white, they appear much more similar, but when you build up to opacity, it's easy to see the difference between these two. I had no issues with either polish, and I was able to achieve opacity in just three coats. Please keep in mind that because these are glitters, they will dry to a textured finish and will need top coat to become smooth. Also, they will require a little extra time for removal, but they came off easily with the foil method for me. Alternately, you may prefer to use a pell off base coat.

Maliboo-boo vs Shadies & Gentleman
Maliboo-boo - Black holographic
Shadies & Gentleman - Black matte

While a matte polish and a holographic polish are obviously different, I paired these two together for the sake of this post as these were the two "basic" black shades without any extra bells and whistles like shimmers or glitters. Both shades are pretty and easy to work with, although when it comes to Shadies & Gentlemen, take note that you will want to work fast! As often seen with matte nail lacquers it dries quickly and isn't the most forgiving if you end up overworking it. I don't usually need a ridge filler when I apply polishes, but I think the look would be a little smoother had I used one. Both nail lacquers are shown with two coats for opacity.

Wicked Liquid vs Ash & Burn
Wicked Liquid - Black gold metallic
Ash & Burn - Black base with copper micro glitter

Wicked Liquid and Ash & Burn looked much more similar in the bottle (although definitely not the same), but wearing them on the nails really shows just how different these two look. The addition of the gold metallic gives Wicked Liquid an almost dark olive look whereas Ash & Burn has more pops of copper against a black base. When it comes to choosing between these, I suppose it's a matter of picking your preferred metallic shade! Both applied easily to the nails with two coats needed to cover any visible nail line.

If all black nails aren't quite your jam or you want to mix it up with a fun accent nail, China Glaze has also released their limited edition Spider Nail Decals. Whether you want your Halloween nails to be cute, spooky, or just a little bit vampy, these decals will help you achieve your preferred look. These decals apply like a sticker: simply peel with tweezers and place on your nails and seal with top coat. No extra steps are needed, so your manicure can be ready to go in no time!

The China Glaze Paint It Black Collection is available for purchase now at Sally Beauty Stores and online at Ulta.com. The MSRP is $7.50 for individual shades. The MSRP for the Spider Nail Decals is $6.99.

I love black polish, so I am excited to see China Glaze release an all black collection this Halloween season! Wicked Liquid, Ash & Burn, and Maliboo-boo are my favorites although Shadies & Gentleman likely would win me over more with a glossy top coat.

Do you have a favorite shade from this collection? I'd love to hear your top picks! Also, please chime in below with how you would use these decals! I'm always eager to here how products inspire others!

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




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