Friday, November 30, 2018

Temporary tattoos are no longer just for kids: temporary tattoos by inkDaze

Press Sample


I love body art, from body piercings to tattoos, and I have a variety of each. That being said, I know not everyone wants to have ink permanently placed on their bodies for a variety of reasons. When it came to temporary tattoos, my mind used to automatically go to the cutesy images found on my kids' arms, but thanks to inkDaze, adults can now have a fun temporary tattoos to show off too! I had the opportunity to try out a few inkDaze temporary tattoos; let's check them out!

Size: Large


Size: Small


Size: Extra Large


The inkDaze tattoos are similar to the temporary tattoos you are probably used to: an image is printed onto a heavy paper backing and protected by a thin plastic piece. First, you want to start off with clean skin, preferably in an area with no hair as it will prevent proper adhesion. Simply peel off the plastic, place the temporary tattoo face down onto your desired location, and soak the paper backing with water while applying consistent pressure. After about 30 seconds, the image should be transferred onto the skin, and you can gently peel the paper backing away. Some of the temporary tattoos have protruding areas, like the Complex Arrow pattern, so you will want to be careful when pulling away the backing so you don't pull away and tear sections of the tattoos. Carefully blot off excess water and you are good to go!


I have really enjoyed wearing these tattoos, and they've even helped me getting a better sense of the more permanent ink work I would like to get done next. My only reservation about these temporary tattoos is they leave a sticky feeling on the skin. I've found the best way to combat it it to very lightly dust setting powder over my skin after it has dried completely. Otherwise, you might end up with sweater fuzzies sticking to your new tat. If anyone has any recommendations that might combat the stickiness issue, please chime in below!

Have you tried any of the temporary tattoos from inkDaze? What types of designs do you prefer? I'd love to hear from you!

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


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Wednesday, November 28, 2018

China Glaze: The Grinch Collaboration Nail Art


Press Sample
Greetings, dear readers! Today’s post is a continuation of the China Glaze x The Grinch Collaboration Collection that I started to share with you. My previous post included swatches of most of the collection, and today’s post features the nail art I created utilizing the remaining two shades in addition to the sharing the Nail Tips by China Glaze. Let’s jump in and check them out! First up, my own nail art!

When I first saw Lukewarm Wishes and Deliciously Wicked, I just knew I had to pair them together somehow! This was the simple look I created with them. My little snowflake stickers came from a regrettably unlabeled sheet in one of my nail art bins so unfortunately I cannot give you any more details on them, but the design is pretty simple and I’m sure you can find similar products on the market or stamp or even freehand your own! Let’s get a closer look at the remaining two China Glaze shades in this collection.
 Lukewarm Wishes
One coat plus top coat
I absolutely love polishes like this, so it’s not surprising that Lukewarm Wishes is one of my must have shades from The Grinch Collaboration. I have it shown over both bare nail and layered over China Glaze Don’t Be Shallow to give you a better idea of colour and opacity as well.
Deliciously Wicked
Two coats plus top coat
Deliciously Wicked is a pretty ice blue shade, although I have to admit I'm not overly fond of the finish. The glitters themselves are fine, but the base has itself has a frosty finish, something I've never been particularly fond of. This is entirely personal preference so it may be more to your liking.


In addition to the nail lacquers, China Glaze has release three new Designer Nail Tips for even easier Grinch-inspired nail art.

Each Designer Nail Tip package comes with 24 nails of various sizes and nail glue to affix them onto your own nails. Simply select the size that fits best and adhere. Once you are done with the nails, you can easily soak them off with acetone.
Have you picked up any of The Grinch Collaboration shades yet? Which ones are your favorites? Are you a fan of the Designer Nail Tips? Chime in below and let me know what you think!
Until next time, dear readers, have a wonderful day!
XO!


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Monday, November 26, 2018

China Glaze: The Grinch Collaboration

Press Sample


Thanksgiving has come and gone already! I know we have another month to go yet, but with my upcoming move only a few weeks away, I cannot help but wonder where 2018 has gone! It certainly feels like an eventful one, and being in the midst of holiday season, I couldn’t think of a better collection to suit my mood than the new China Glaze The Grinch Collaboration Collection!


Try as I may, the stress of the holidays compacted with relocating back to Arizona has tempered my holiday spirit, and I have been starting to feel a little Grinchy myself. Thankfully, The Grinch Collection has come at the time when I need it most and serves as a reminder that the holidays aren’t about the decorations or presents or even the food. It’s about being with loved ones and that is definitely something I still have going for me. Without further ado, let’s get a closer look at the polishes in this collection.

Grinchworthy
Two coats plus top coat
If there was ever a polish to be described as Grinchworthy, this nail lacquer certainly would be it! Not only did China Glaze nail it with the colour, the glitter composition gives a slight texture plus added illusion of dimension. I know this isn’t a colour that everyone enjoys, but I find Grinchworthy to be a standout from this collection and a shade I hope you would consider, even if greens aren’t your normal jam. Application was easy without issues, and I believe those with shorter nails or who paint with thicker coats may even find this to be a single coater with careful application.
Ho! Ho! No!
Two coats plus top coat
Ho! Ho! No! is another standout from this collection for me. The subtle pops of golden sparkle against the rich red base are truly glorious and add just that touch of something extra to already sexy red nails. Like the previous nail lacquer, it is densely pigmented and could potentially be a single coater with a thicker application or if you have short nails. Add to the colour the name, and I am sold!
Resting Grinch Face
Three coats plus tip coat (outer nails)
One coat over China Glaze Liquid Leather plus top coat (inner nails)
It would feel wrong for China Glaze to release a holiday collection without a glitter bomb, and Resting Grinch Face is their take on it this season. As shown above, you can reach opacity but applying as a normal polish with just three coats, although there is always the option of sponging it on instead if that is your preference. I have also shown it over a black cream so you can get a better sense of how dense the glitters are in a single coat. Ether way is pretty, so that’s just a matter of personal preference. If you opt to just all out with just this alone without a base shade, you likely will find a second coat of top coat is necessary for a smooth finish on the nails. 
Who Wonder
Two coats plus top coat
Who Wonder is another great addition to this collection! I’m feeling a little like a broken record with this post, but I feel like China Glaze totally nailed the inspiration as I can envision Cindy Lou Who when I look at this. It is also a welcome break from the darker fall nail shades and as some dazzle! It applied nicely to my nails without issue although it isn’t quite as densely pigmented as some of the others in this post: I definitely needed the two coats for opacity and don’t expect this to cover in one coat over average sized nails.
Merry Whatever
Two coats plus top coat
Merry Whatever was a surprising favorite for me. Even though yellow gold usually looks nice on my warm skin tone, I just don’t “feel” it and rarely pull them out from my collection. Merry Whatever, on the other hand, while it is a yellow gold, has pops of silvery glitters that makes it just a little less warm. I definitely see this being a go-to gold polish for me long after this season is over! I have no application issues to report about this beauty. 
You’re A Mean One
Two coats plus top coat
Is it possible to read the name You’re A Mean One without adding in the next part to the song? I know I cannot resist! Whatever the case, this stunning polish makes being mean look good! This is the perfect polish that allows you to embrace your darker, more defiant and sassy side, as my husband likes to call it, all while still being a sweet angel for Santa’s visit. The application was flawless with this one, so at least the formula plays nicely in spite of the name.

This is all I have to share with you today on the  China Glaze The Grinch Collaboration Collection. There are two more shades left, so stay tuned for my next post where I share with you the look I created with them in addition to easy nail art by China Glaze! 

Have you seen the latest The Grinch film or picked up any of these shades? Which ones are your favorites? I’d love to hear from you! Until next time, dear readers, have a wonderful day!
XO!

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Saturday, November 24, 2018

highlights from the beauty spotlight team


Pammy Blogs Beauty tries out the new IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream in their matte formula. Find out what she thinks! 

Jen from Laugh, Love, Contour has put together two beauty Advent boxes for two followers! Be sure to enter quickly since this giveaway ends soon! 

The Holiday Collection by ColourPop shows that dreams do come true. See what Shipra of Taneja's Bride says about this collection. 

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog LOVES cruelty-free eco-luxe beauty boxes, and highly recommends the Boxwalla December Earthwise Beauty Forest Bathing Box! With a $174.00 retail value, this $49.95 beauty box is an absolutely extraordinary value. #boxwalla #earthwisebeauty 

Never Say Die Beauty recently discovered a natural, organic, cruelty-free, and vegan skincare brand Skin And Senses. Plus she is enjoying her white jade facial roller from Skin And Senses, a beauty tool that she was amazed to find at the Chinese Empress exhibit at a local art museum, a roller from 1865! 

Prime Beauty has the perfect gift for your BFF! The new ybf (your best friend) Girlfriend Palette has everything you need for a pretty, polished look. 

For the cutest snow globe face and eye palette you could ever see, tune into Polarbelle’s new Petite N Pretty 9021-SNOW video. 

Marcia from Beauty Info Zone has a giveaway with the name of OOPS. What is OOPS? Better look to find out and hopefully be one of two winners.

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Friday, November 23, 2018

Product Flop Friday: Candy Color Hair Chalk

I'm sure you know the feeling all too well: there is a product you pick up that you are excited to try and it ends up being a big, fat failure. While I like to keep things positive here on my blog, I still want to be honest with you when I come across things I don't like. I recently picked up a product I was excited about, and I don't even know if I have the words to properly express my utter disappointment when I used it. In light of shopping season officially in full swing for the holidays, I thought it would be a good time to share a product failure with you so that you aren't spending your hard earned money on it.


I recently popped into my Kohl's store and my eye was drawn almost immediately to this tin of Candy Color Hair Chalk. While they had both this and a pastel version, I was feeling the brighter hues from this collection and snapped it up. Working outside the house and occasionally having important customers on site means I cannot go too crazy with my hair. I saw this hair chalk as a fun way to temporarily play with colour on my days and weekends off without having to worry about being presentable at work.


For $15, the tin includes 12 pieces in shades of purples, magentas, blues and greens. Most of the shades are richer in colour although there are a few lighter shades in the colour lineup. They are individually wrapped to protect each colour, so you will need scissors to cut them open as you go. As you already know, because this is a product flop post, I ended up not being a fan of these at all.


While it is hair "chalk", the texture was anything but chalky. I found the texture to be more akin to oil pastels, with the slightest melting into my fingers from my body heat. To apply, I would hold a section of hair against the chalk with my index finger, and using my thumb underneath my hair to give a firmer surface, I pulled the chalk down my hair. The darker colours had pretty decent colour payoff in my hair, so that was a plus for me. Unfortunately that is where it stopped.


As you can tell in the photo above, the chalk broke up into my hair into the tiniest of chunks, leaving an uneven appearance in colour and just a truly unflattering look. While the chalk is more akin to oil pastels in my hands, it left my hair with a waxy feeling, making it impossible to sit nicely with the rest of my unchalked hair for a seamless blended look. I attempted to brush my hair for a smoother transition, and my hair brush just got stuck. When I was able to work it all, so many of the tiny chalk pieces fell out of my hair and onto my shoulders, onto my face, and onto my vanity.


Thankfully this was able to wash out of my hair with some warm water and shampoo without much trouble, and the chalk that had melted colour onto my fingers washed off with a thorough scrub. Thankfully I wasn't wearing white and had shoulders exposed so I didn't have to find out whether or not it would stain or ruin my clothing.


As much as I really wanted to like this product, I just was not a fan of Candy Color's Hair Chalk. I suspect those with really light hair would have an easier time with it as you could get away with using less for the colour payout, but I don't know that it's even worth trying. While the $15 price tag isn't steep, it just wasn't worth it to me, and I even took it back to the store for a refund. Hair chalk is a great idea for a fun way to add easy and temporary colour to your hair, but unfortunately the quality of this set left a lot to be desired and I cannot recommend it.

Have you tried hair chalk? If so, I'd love to hear what you would recommend! Until next time, dear readers, have a wonderful day!
XO! 

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Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Thanksgiving Nail Art thanks to Born Pretty Store

Press Sample


Do I have the cutest Thanksgiving-inspired stamping plate to share with you! While I'm generally not gung-ho about turkey day as I am about Halloween or even Christmas, there is no doubt that Born Pretty Store has come up with a winner with this plate!


I was feeling a simple, more natural look to go with this design, and I'm pretty happy overall with how it turned out. I definitely had some serious shrinkage from my top coat though, although thankfully my turkey day images were left intact.


To create this look, I started off with Precision Nail Lacquer in Sandstorm. I then sponged on Precision You're In De-Nile River and OPI Chocolate Moose on opposite ends of my nails. I then used Rica Blackout with the stamping plate to transfer images onto my nails.


How adorable is this look! I'm happy to report that all the images I tried on this plate stamped easily for me. The images are etched deeply and my stamper picked up crisp images on the first attempt.


The stamping plate can be picked from Born Pretty Store here. While it is normally $5.99, it is currently marked down to $3.99.


While you are there, be sure to check out what all Born Pretty Store has to suit your nail art needs.


Also, don't forget to use discount code QWL91 to save 10% on full priced items in your cart!

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



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