The last manicures of summer

Yep, it is finally getting cooler here in Southern California. By cooler, I mean it is finally in the 80's and 70's, LOL!

So this week, I'll be showing you my favorite colors and manicures from the summer. Bye bye hot temps and hello cool weather.

Here are two KBShimmer manicures that I wore several times this summer!

Here I paired the more recent KBShimmer "You're So Shellfish"  and "Sweet Waves" with "A Touch Of Glass" which is from Spring 2014.

"Sweet Waves", is "white, periwinkle and mint hex glitters swim among yellow and coral glitters in several sizes.  These glitters just pop against so many colors, from black to purples, pinks, and oranges". 

The glitter is the perfect link between the two colors.  Both of the cremes applied well, and the glitter applied well too, in two coats.   I topped this manicure with my usual two coats of top coat, and this manicure lasted me all week. :)

This is KBShimmer "Periwinkle In Time", "Inspired by blue hydrangea and periwinkle flowers, this soft cool blue has a purple undertone, making it the most perfect periwinkle color.  Accented by silver holo and violet holo circle glitters and holo glitters in teal, violet, marine blue and silver and a micro holo shimmer, this light blurple polish is sure to please.".

I am in love with this polish! I wasn't sure about it since it has a pastel base, but once I put it on, I was in LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! 

I think I may have to buy some back-up bottles, LOL!

Keep It Sweet!

*Product sent by PR for review. 

Mash-Up: Bar fight, with Spencer!

Yep, I'm BACK!   I've got my new camera and a new nail shape and I am back in business!

It's not exactly FALL here in Southern California, today will be a whopping 108 degrees. So since Mother Nature is stuck in the summer...so are my nails, LOL!  Today I combined a gorgeous creme from Zoya with a gorgeous Pixie Dust from Zoya.

I combined Zoya "Spencer" with Zoya "Bar".

I applied two coats of "Spencer" to the nails, and on the accent finger I applied one coat of "Spencer", and then one coat of "Bar".   After the manicure dried I applied my usual two coats of top coat to the entire manicure, and then topped the accent nail with one coat using a matte top coat.  I like the added texture the matte top coat adds to the Magical PixieDust polish.

"Spencer" is a rich camel cream from the Naturel Deux Collection for Spring 2014. I applied well in two coats and dried in the normal dry time.

"Bar" is a magical pixiedust in a glittery nude topaz from the Magical PixieDust Summer Collection for 2014. It applies best over another color in one coat. Applying a similarly matched base color before applying the pixiedust, not only allows for easier removal, but it requires less coats for opacity.

I love how well thee two color go together, as if they were made for one another.

Tomorrow, I will post my review of the two full collections, but I simply had to show you, my combo first.

Keep It Sweet!

*Product provided by PR for review. 

August Beauty Box 5:Radiant and Remarkable

This box had a lot of goodies in it, perfect for anyone wanting to retain their end of summer glow. :)

BB5 for August 2014



Let's start with the nail polish...of course!

I couldn't find anything about the nail polish online, but the brand is Style Essential Nail Polish. I received the classic black and white glitter top coat.  The glitters were matte,and had a nice matte finish to them, which really gave my manicure a toned down but fun vibe. :)  It applied well in one coat, but I applied two coats.

The base color I used is OPI  "You're So Vain-illa"  (from the Coco-Cola Collection)

Unfortunately, it did cause bubbles in my manicure, but because I used it over a nude color I didn't really notice the bubbles, too much :)

Nancoco Lip Gloss  -  I was hoping to get this lip gloss in a wearable color, but as you can see I received a bubblegum pink color...not for me!  Darn, another one bites the dust :(

Pur-lisse Pur protect SPF 30 sunscreen - This came just in time, because I used it for my trip second to Las Vegas. This was light and easy to apply, and was super wearable under makeup. PERFECT!

La Fresh Travel Lite Oil-Free Makeup Remover Wipes - Yep, these went to Las Vegas too. I love makeup remover wipes. They are in my vanity at home, by my bed, in my gym bag and they are used all the time! I used these in Las Vegas for those late nights when I came back to the hotel and was too tired to wash my face. I know, I now, you should ALWAYS wash your face at night, but some nights end with you and your makeup face passed out in the bed FULLY CLOTHED! With these wipes, I just grabbed one or two and wiped away the night, no fuss!

Novex Brazilian Keratin - I love a good hair treatment, and this is no exception. I haven't used it yet, but t says that  I should apply this post-shampoo and leave it in for 20-25 min. I can do that! :)

Overall, this box isn't bad! I know that the makeup items are always a gamble with darker skin tone, so I'll let those pass, but everything else looks, and was great! Thanks!

COUPON: Use coupon code HALFOFF to save 50% off your first box!

If you like what you've seen and you want a BB5 box of your own, go to http://www.beautybox5.com/

Keep It Sweet!

*Product provided by PR for review.

OPI Supports Breast Cancer Awareness with Eighth Annual Pink of Hearts Promotion

OPI announces the launch of its eighth annual limited edition Pink of Hearts promotion, a duo pack featuring a new pink confetti glitter hue The Power of Pink alongside the classic light pink crème shade Mod About You. Pink of Hearts 2014 will also include a pink glitter nail file with pink-ribbon charm. 

This duo pack is designed to raise awareness for the fight against breast cancer. In 2014, OPI will donate $25,000 to Susan G. Komen® in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October). OPI will also donate $5,000 to Rethink Breast Cancer in Canada.

 “OPI is proud to support Susan G. Komen and Rethink Breast Cancer with the eighth annual Pink of Hearts promotion,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder & Executive VP. “OPI’s breast cancer awareness campaign embodies our mission to empower women through color. The Power of Pink is a unique new shade that really celebrates the individual. This pink glitter gives nails a fun, playful look that represents the joyful feeling that comes when embracing life.”

Pink of Hearts 2014 includes two shades sold in one pack – the soft pink Mod About You and the glittery The Power of Pink. This sparkly lacquer features a sheer pink base packed with both micro and macro confetti in light and dark pink hues. The Power of Pink can be worn either alone or layered on top of Mod About You as an accent. Each bottle features a special pink ribbon cap wrap in support of breast cancer awareness. Pink of Hearts 2014 also offers a pink glitter nail file with pink-ribbon charm to keep nails perfectly shaped. 

Mod About You and The Power of Pink feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Pink of Hearts 2014 will be available September and October 2014 at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, beautybrands.com, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, ULTA and ulta.com for $16.95 ($21.50 CAN) suggested retail.

For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan!

*Info. sent by PR

Neon Tips by OPI

Hello and Happy Monday!

Today I have some cute neon tips did using OPI's neon polishes released earlier this summer, and some nail decal tips from the Born Pretty Store!

COUPON CODE: 10% off  when you use JS10K31

When I first saw all of these great colors, I couldn't decide which color I wanted to wear..so I wore them ALL! :)

Left to Right: OPI "Push & Pur-Pull", "Life Gave Me Lemons", "Juice Bar Hopping", "Hotter than You Pink", "You are So Outta Lime",  and "Down to the Core-al"

To get these colors to really pop, you have to use the base color, "Put a Coat On". It's your basic white, but not as "bright white" as most white polishes.  :)

I used two coats of the base color, and then I applied two coats of the neon nail colors using the guides. Theses are the same guides I used in my review post, HERE.

I used some of the same colors, but in a different order on my left hand.

This manicure was easy to apply and fun to wear.  The neon's dried amazingly fast, and they really POP with the white base color.  The guides were much easier to use the second time around. I guess practice does make perfect :)

Did you get the OPI Neon's? Which is your favorite color?

Keep It Sweet!

*Product provided by PR for review. 

OPI Launches Two Designer Series Nail Lacquers with NEW Polished Quartz Formula: Preview

This fall, OPI introduces a new Polished Quartz formula with two new semi-precious stone-inspired hues – DS Tourmaline and DS Titanium – to the Designer Series by OPI collection. Each Designer Series Polished Quartz nail lacquer features a semi-matte finish with intense three-dimensional sparkle. 

Designer Series by OPI offers a high-shine Top Coat and an assortment of 11 glistening shades, including the two new stunning additions: shimmery rose DS Tourmaline and glittery dark silver DS Titanium. DS Tourmaline and DS Titanium can be worn alone for a semi-matte look, or with DS Top Coat to give nails a high-shine finish.

“Jewelry has the power to transform a simple dress or tee shirt into a major fashion statement,” remarks Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder & Brand Ambassador. “These two new Designer Series shades create the eye-catching look of semi-precious jewels on your nails. Inspired by polished quartz, DS Tourmaline and DS Titanium instantly add glamour, thanks to the highly-pigmented formula and intense diamond-dust sparkle.”

Designer Series by OPI nail lacquer shades each feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. DS Polished Quartz lacquers should be worn without Top Coat for a semi-matte finish. DS Tourmaline and DS Titanium will be available beginning September 3, 2014 at professional salons, including Beauty Brands, Chatters, Dillard’s, Regis, ULTA and ulta.com for $12.50 ($14.95 CAN) suggested retail for each nail lacquer.

For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan!

*Info. sent by PR.

OPI Launches Peanuts Limited Edition Nail Lacquers for Halloween 2014: Preview

Peanuts by OPI brings to life Charles M. Schulz’s comic strip characters for Halloween 2014. Inspired by “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” the four new limited edition nail lacquer shades include seasonal yellow and black crèmes, as well as two black-based glitter hues. 

“‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ is a classic, beloved film,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder & Brand Ambassador. “Peanuts by OPI celebrates the fun, youthful nature of Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus and Snoopy with four limited edition nail lacquer shades designed to capture the spirit of Halloween. With two crème and two glitter options, you can switch between a cheery yellow or chic black look, or try adding a layer of glitter for a unique finish.” 

Peanuts by OPI includes the following shades:

• Good Grief! - The sunny yellow of Charlie Brown’s favorite t-shirt.
• Where’s My Blanket??? - Linus awaits the Great Pumpkin in this orange and black glitter.
• WHO ARE YOU CALLING BOSSY?!? - This stormy black is no match for Lucy’s raven hair.
• To Be or Not To Beagle - Snoopy’s happy-dance of colors in a joyful glitter.

Each of the four shades is also available in the Little Peanuts mini pack, which is sold with ten nail decals ranging from popular Peanuts phrases like “Good Grief!” and “Pow!” to sketches of Snoopy and the signature squiggle of Charlie Brown’s shirt.

“These stickers offer a playful, kitschy way to add instant art to nails,” adds Weiss-Fischmann. “My favorite decal pays tribute to Snoopy’s many kisses – ‘Smak!’”

Peanuts nail lacquer shades each feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Peanuts by OPI and Little Peanuts mini pack will be available beginning September 2014 at Professional Salons, including Chatters, Planet Beauty and ULTA. Peanuts nail lacquers will retail for $9.50 ($11.50 CAN) each; Little Peanuts mini pack will retail for $13.95 ($17.50 CAN).

For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan!

*Info sent by PR.

Happy Days!

After weeks without a working camera, I have finally decided on one, and I ordered it today.

Once it arrives, I promise my blogging will be back up and running at it's normal posting speed.

Thanks for being patient, Candy Coated Freaks :)


Happy Friday and Keep It Sweet!

Having fun with Born Pretty!

Happy Friday!

Nail art is all the rage right now, and I have some fun nail guides from Born Pretty that will make nail art a little easier.

For the first manicure, I used Sally Hansen "Mellow Yellow" (the old version), and Butter London "Jack The Lad".

First I painted my nails with the yellow, two coats and I let them dry completely. Then I applied the nail guides, "French Manicure Wave Edge Tip Guides" , to the tips of the nails, with a small edge of nail left visible.

Painted the darker color on the edge, and after a minute, I carefully removed the guide.

I did a little cleanup after I removed the guide, and the manicure was perfect and amazingly easy.

Next....

"Mellow Yellow" and Shimmer Polish "Jasmine" and "Practical French Manicure Wave Edge Tip Guides"

Unfortunately, removing these guides from the sheet were not easy, and several of them ripped at the point. I used tweezers to remove each guide, but a couple ripped :(

 

But I managed to get a couple of them off the sheet safely to complete the manicure.

The glitter didn't work out the best, but you can see that with the guides you can get a clean line, without all the fuss. :)

Both nail sheets are a great deal at $1.58 a sheet.  I would suggest gently using tweezers to remove the stickers from the sheet, in order to make sure you get the guide off in one piece. My favorite is the french manicure wave edge, it's clean and easy and delivers a great smooth arch for your nail art.

COUPON CODE: 10% off  when you use JS10K31

Check out Born Pretty Store, for more nail guides and for all your nail art needs!

Keep It Sweet!

*Products provided for review.

Zoya:FALL 2014-COLOR SEDUCTION, ENTICE & IGNITE

Inspired by the classic wools, textured brocades and metallic accents of the season, Zoya's new  ENTICE & IGNITE collections create a palette of lush, deep color including wines, browns, navies and greys.

Zoya ENTICE delivers six new, glossy, intensely pigmented, full-coverage cream colors.

ZP748 ­ Nyssa: Milk Chocolate Brown, Full-Coverage Formula.

ZP749 ­ Claire: Rich Burgundy, Full-Coverage Formula.

ZP750 ­ Veronica: Brilliant Wine, Full-Coverage Formula.

ZP751 ­ Margo: Red Plum, Full-Coverage Formula.

ZP752 ­ Ryan: Classic Indigo, Full-Coverage Formula.

ZP753 ­ Genevieve: Leather Grey, Full-Coverage Formula.

Zoya IGNITE offers a six shimmering red, gold, copper and purple liquid metal metallics.

ZP754 ­ Autumn: Varnished Copper Liquid Metal.

ZP755 ­ India: Deep Red Gold Liquid Metal.

ZP756 ­ Teigen: Violet Plum with Copper Liquid Metal.

ZP757 ­ Sansa: Deepest Eggplant with Gold Liquid Metal.

ZP758 ­ Remy: Indigo with Copper & Gold Liquid Metal.

ZP759­ Yuna: Grey with Copper & Gold Liquid Metal.

COLLECTION PRE-ORDER STARTS August 12, 2014

ZOYA IS THE HEALTHY COLOR OF FASHION!

$9 (US) Available on Zoya.com and at finer salons and spas.

*BIG5FREE: Formula contains no formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, dibutyl phthalate, toluene or camphor.

*Info sent by PR