Monday, July 8, 2019

Next Vacation Destination: Tokyo! Visiting with the Nomad Cosmetics Tokyo Harajuku Palette

Press Sample

Good morning, dear readers, and happy Monday! Summer is in full swing, and that can mean only one thing: vacation season! Whether you are going somewhere fun and exotic or sticking close to home, you can always let your makeup transport you to a new destination. The brand that comes immediately to my mind when I think of cosmetics and traveling is Nomad Cosmetics.


Founded by husband and wife Felicia and Antti Rintanen, this dynamic duo has traveled to over 70 countries and experienced the culture of beauty in each destination. With over 25 years in the beauty industry, they delved into creating palettes inspired by their favorite destinations. While the colours capture the essence of these locations perfectly, what really sets this brand apart from others is each palette is infused with an oil that is specific to each location. That is certainly a unique approach to the design of these palettes and certainly worth mentioning.


For today's blog post, let me and Nomad Cosmetics transport you to Harajuku, Tokyo. New to the brand lineup, this palette celebrates the vibrant pastels of kawaii unicorns and candy fruit found within the eclectic and trendy hotspot. Infused with local Camellia Japonica Oil, this palette consists of 10 intense eyeshadows: 5 matte and 5 satin shades. This palette also introduces the new Snowflake formula: 5 new multi-chrome toppers that can be used on lids, lips, cheeks or eyebrows for a sheer crystal effect. Let's get a closer look at this palette!


Nomad Cosmetics showed attention to every detail with this palette. Just check out the images on these pressed eyeshadows!


I'm really digging the variety of shades and finishes in this palette!


If you've visited Harajuku before, some of these names may seem familiar. This is because each of the shades are pulled from an actual part of Harajuku. While the names are in English on the palette itself, the Japanese spelling can be found on the outer carton packaging.

I have been playing around with this palette quite a bit since it landed in my mailbox and wanted to share some of the looks I have created with you.


Keeping my pastels subtle with a touch of mint, pink, coral and grey for this look.


This was not a great eyeliner day for me, but since most of us have them, I'm still going to share this look. I'm not sure which I prefer more: the brighter yellow and orange lid or the pop of vibrant lavender under my eyes.


Because this palette is all kawaii, I wouldn't help but snap this super cute photo!


The Toyko Harajuku Palette is available for purchase directly from Nomad Cosmetics here. This palette retails for $37. What a create way to transport yourself to Tokyo for only a fraction of the price! It is also vegan and cruelty-free, so you can be happy about that as well!


Have you used any of the palettes from Nomad Cosmetics? If so, which are your favorites? Where are you hoping to see Nomad Cosmetics take us next? I'd love to here from you!

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

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Thursday, July 4, 2019

4th of July Design with Harunouta Stamping Plate from Born Pretty Store

Press Sample

Happy 4th of July to my readers in the USA! It has been 4 years since I have actually done any nail art for the holiday, so I'm pretty excited to have a design to share with you.


I just received a samples package from Born Pretty Store to test and review, and one of the items was the Harunouta L078 stamping plate. While this plate is not specific to any holiday, the pulsating star image jumped out at me and had to get on my nails ASAP. Let's check out my design!


I wanted the design to utilize a range of finishes, although the added stones was a last minute addition. While this image stamped well for me, the larger "full nail" image was too small to cover my nails. Rather than leaving open gaps on my nails, I opted to add in stone clusters.


The Harunouta L078 Stamping Plate can be purchased from Born Pretty Store here. The full price is $3.49, but at the time of this post, it is on sale for only $1.99.


While you are shopping for your nail art needs at Born Pretty Store, be sure to use discount code QWL91 to save 10% off full priced items.

Other products used:
Alter Ego Nail Enamel: Armed Forces Vet
Pueen: Pure White Stamping Polish
Zoya: Dallas, Marcy, and Walker

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

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Tuesday, July 2, 2019

KBShimmer Launches Limited Edition Nail Polish Duo in Collaboration with Emily Liebert and Pretty Revenge

Press Sample


Bestselling author Emily Liebert writes compulsively readable novels that plumb the depths of female relationships. KBShimmer creates vibrant and distinctive nail polishes that spark confidence and self-expression. Together, Liebert and KBShimmer have collaborated on an exclusive duo of polishes inspired by Liebert's new book, Pretty Revenge, a novel of psychological suspense that explores just how far someone will go for vengeance.

The polishes, a daring red and a shimmering silver, are named after Liebert's two main characters, Kerrie and Jordana, and reflect their personalities and dualities. Wear red if you're feeling bold and dangerous. Try silver for a look that's dazzlingly chic.

Jordana

I love a dazzling polish, and Jordana delivers just that! With never ending sparkle, this beauty will keep you and everyone in the vicinity staring at your nails! The formula is easy to work with, and the polish applies flawlessly to the nails. The finish is textured due to all the sparkled goodness, but it is evened out nicely with a coat of top coat.

Photos are shown with two coats for opacity and top coat.

Kerrie

I have a particular weakness for red nails and always love sporting such a bold shade on my tips! As if the colour wasn't swoon-worthy enough, the formula was  incredible. Super smooth and creamy, this polish practically applies itself to the nails. I was also impressed with the pigmentation. While I needed two coats to cover any visible nail line, it was almost a one coater for me. Those with short nails or normally apply polish with a heavier hand may find one coat will suffice.

Photos are shown with two coats and top coat.


Are you a Kerrie? A Jordana? Or both? Pick up both shades NOW and keep people guessing this summer! This set is limited edition, with a limit on the number that has been produced. You can pick up this duo on the KBShimmer website here for $20. Both shades from the duo are stunning, and you do not want to miss out!

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