Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Enjoy responsibly

"Nailtini, the only line of nail lacquer developed to maximize the creativity of the user by 'cocktailing' different shades. With its peerless performance, hip sensibility and clever, tongue-in-cheek attitude, Nailtini was an instant hit".

I am a little bit obsessed with a new Nail Lacquer I've discovered... Nailtini Nail Lacquer 311 Millionaire from Tini' Beauty Lounge Speakeasy Lacquer Collection.  This high quality glitter infusion is PACKED with rose gold micro glitter and teal and gold "tinsels" (bar glitter).  This lacquer is unlike any glitter polish I have ever seen before, TRES unique and SO eye catching... I find myself staring at my nails all the time.  I feel like it's a wonderful way to bring some luxe into the everyday or to amp up your look for a holiday party.

For my nails, I did a base coat of Essie's "Little Brown Dress" and then added 2 coats of "Millionaire".
This glitter lacquer is so versatile, you can layer it on your favorite color or a generous 3 coats will give you enough coverage for it to stand on it's own.  I did not run in to any problem with clumping or glitter distribution, and each brush stroke allows for a good variety of glitter-types.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

A little bit of luxury for your lips



I am crazy for FRESH Sugar Lip Treatments... they are just awesome.  The texture is like buddah! so superb and applies like a dream.  I love how nourishing they are; hey feel so wonderful on the lips and the smell is heavenly... a smooth blend of mellow lemon-y goodness with just the slightest hint of rose.  Your lips will immediately feel soft and supple. 

FRESH Sugar Lip Treatments' formula blends reparative oils (meadowfoam seed, black currant seed, advocado and jojoba) and waxes with real sugar (which is a natural humectant to seal in moisture) along with antioxidate rich grapeseed polyphenols and vitamins A, C and E...All sorts of hydrating goodness with the added benefit of SPF 15. 

You can pick this up in a few colors - the Rose is my favorite, it's a sheer rosey hue that supplies your lips with a hydrating splash of subtle color, or a buildable shade for more impact.  The applicator is beautiful and the cap screws on so there's no worry about purse mishaps.  The only downside is the price tag - a whopping 22 bucks!  But it's totally worth it for a little bit of lip-luxury and you get a ton of product.  Sephora offers Fresh gift sets including this gem, which makes the hit a little easier to stomach.

Purse Perfects


Nobody wants a purse that weights 10 pounds - that being said, it can be a bit of a challenge whittling down what you carry to lighten that load.  I've comprised a list of some of the tried-and-true products I like to always have on hand.

Hello Kitty Compact: Well, obviously yours doesn't NEED to be Hello Kitty but every purse needs a compact, so why not have a cute one?  This adorable Hello Kitty Compact from Sephora contains 2 mirrors: 1x (regular magnification) and a 3x magnification for close ups.
 
Smith's Rosebud Salve: I cannot sing the praises of this product enough!  Moisturizes chapped lips, conditions dry spots, calms irritated skin, and soothes minor burns.  Not to mention it smells just Divine.  The vintage-y tin is not only lovely, it stays closed and keeps your purse, or makeup bag, mess free.  Talk about a master multi-tasker!
 
Lumene Sensitive Touch Make up Removing Towelettes: These towelettes work wonders in a pinch.  I don't usually use these day to day but you never know when you may need them so I always have them on hand... these wipes are super gentle and do a fairly good job of removing makeup.  Leaves skin clean and refreshed and non-greasy. 
 
Mission Skin Care Chapstick in Peppermint:  I always wear chappy under my lipstick and this chapstick is a perfect base as it isn't heavy or greasy.  It is Paraben free and keeps lips super moisturized with the added benefit of SPF 15.  The light mint smell is refreshing.

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Cake Beauty Milk Made Hand Cream:  Dry hands can be uncomfortable.  Milk Made is one of my all-time favorite skin-care lines.  This hand cream is so moisturizing and soaks in quick - plus the smell is heavenly: warm vanilla with just a hint of raspberry.  You're totally spoiling your hands.

L'Oreal Elnett Hairspray:  L'Oreal Elnett is my favorite hairspray, hands down.  Non-sticky and will not leave you with helmet head.  I love to keep a travel size of this killer product in my bag for on the go touch ups.

theBalm the balm girls lipstick mai billsbepaid & Clinique "Almost Lipstick" lip color Flirty Honey: I like to keep wearably neutral shades in my bag at all times and these are just perfect for day-to-day use.  Mai billsbepaid is a totally flattering nude that gives you that "my lips only better" look.  Flirty honey is a totally moisturizing true sheer pink with a dewy finish.

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Clinique High Impact Mascara: I always keep a travel sized high end mascara in my purse - you can usually find them in the bins by the register at Sephora.  This Clinique Mascara is great for touch ups.  Minimal clumping and high-impact lashes.

Covergirl Outlast Lip Liner: A liner close to your lip color is an under-rated product in your makeup arsenal.  Mastering the art of lining your lips *just right* can make your lips look plumper and your makeup look finished. 

True Religion Hippie Chic Perfume: I've been really feeling this fragrance.  This simple perfume is a light floral; slightly sweet without being over the top.  I like to keep a perfume or two in my purse in case I forget or I need a quick refresher.

True Match Pressed Powder Compact:  I've been using this pressed powder for years and have yet to find one I like better.  The packaging is durable and travels well and I've never had the cake shatter (and my bags take some punishment!)  Great for on-the-go touch ups as multiple applications don't leave you with cake face... you know what I'm talking about.

Blistex Moisture Melt: I keep this in my bag in case I need a heavier moisturizer for my lips (hello cold season, UGH).  Leaves lips SO soft and it wears forever.  Can be layered on top of drying lipcolor for renewed wear.

Secret Clinical Deo Trial Size:  A tried and true deo I depend on!  This deo has some serious strength and will keep you dry and smelling sweet no matter what!  Great for days when you -whoops!- forget, or need a little extra freshening up.

boscia blotting linens: These 100% natural linen, preservative-free facial blotting papers will keep you looking shine-free and lovely all day long without removing your makeup. They are fairly sizable so one sheet is all you need for mattifying.  Their compact holder slips easily into your purse and STAYS CLOSED!  The way it dispenses makes it super easy to just grab one for de-shine-ification.

Bliss Daily Detox

I'm really loving the Bliss Daily Detoxifying Facial Toner I've been using lately.  Finding a good toner for sensitive, easily irriated skin can be a bit like locating the holy grail so I was just pleased as punch when I picked this up on a whim and it was a total success!  So many toners do nothing more than dry out skin leaving it red and irriated (def NOT cute) but this one is so hydrating and makes my skin look (and feels) amazing.

Bliss Daily Detoxifying Facial Toner

This gentle toner smoothes moisturizes and provides potent antioxidant protection against smoke, smog and other environmental toxins (which are known to wreak wrinkle related havoc on your skin). Don't think of this product as merely another "step"- Daily Detoxifying Facial Toner balances skin's pH level to allow for maximum moisturization. so while it may be one small step for you, it's a giant "leap" for your skin.

Benefits:
  • Calming rose water and free-radical-fighting malachite.
  • Sodium hyaluronate to bind moisture to skin.
  • Alcohol-free formula gently tightens pores.
  • Preps skin to accept moisturizer better.
  • Sublime citrus scent.
  • For all skin types.
Truth be told, this toner is definitely a little bit unusual in composition: instead of being watery consistency, it is almost slightly slimy and leaves a light residue behind.  Much like a moisturizer this residue soaks in after a minute or so and leaves skin soft and smooth.  There is no stinging or drying like most alcohol-based toners and the light citrus smell is very refreshing.

The uber hydrating quality of this Bliss toner makes it a wonderful addition to your routine this time of year as the windy days and drop in temperatures can leave your skin feeling especially parched.

As much as I like it, I'm pretty sure it is not for everyone.  People with oily skin should steer clear of this toner as the "extra moisturizing" quality I enjoy so much may be a bit much for you.  Also, if you're the type who enjoys a harsher toner, this really isn't for you.