My St. Patrick's Day Manicure

Yep...I know, I know..it's 7 days later, but I promised I would share it and here it is!


















Zoya "Holly" and "Ivanka"
2 coats, with top coat

I applied two coats of "Holly", and then topped it with two splashes of "Ivanka" at the top.  After a coupe minutes had passed I layered OPI "Top Coat", and Seche Vite to the manicure to make it last.

In direct sunlight it is difficult to see the difference, but in indirect light, you can really see it...

This is more accurate to how they appear the majority of the time. You can really see how "Ivanka" stands out against "Holly".  I loved this manicure, and I plan on wearing it again, even though it will not be St. Patrick's Day. :)

Keep It Sweet!

KBShimmer: Green Multi-Chromes!!

Let's keep this green train rolling!

I've had these colors FOREVER, like "November 2013 Forever"!  I can't even lie..and when I was searching for green colors to review and post about this week, these were at the top of my list!

I'm on a duo-chrome and multi-chrome binge right now, so if its flashes a different color..I WANT IT!

KBShimmer "Urban Camo" and "Pretty In Punk".

KBShimmer "Urban Camo"
3 coats, no top coat

Same polish in indirect light...

Super pretty, but not very saturated.  This is gorgeous in indirect lighting, the flash of purple is nice!  In the sunlight this polish seriously glows GREEN, but does appear a bit sheer.  Then it hit me...let's try the old "duo-chrome" standard and layer it over black...YEAH!...Wait...let's see the holo-version first. :)

KBShimmer "Pretty In Punk"
3 coats, no top coat

Yes...light and pretty!  My senses are on OVERLOAD seeing the holographic shimmer and the multi-chrome together, I like it, but again I wish the color was more saturated.

Okay, so "back to black".  I grabbed my newly shipped bottle of KBShimmer "Eclipse" and layered away!

1 coat of KBShimmer "Eclipse" (a black creme) and 1 coat each of "Urban Camo" (index and middle finger) and "Pretty In Punk" (ring finger and pinkie).

KBShimmer "Pretty In Punk" over "Eclipse" (black creme) GORGEOUS!

KBShimmer "Urban Camo" over "Eclipse" (black creme)

KBShimmer "Eclipse" is a deep rich and perfect black creme and is almost a one coater. So if you are wearing it underneath another color, one is probably best, but if you are wearing it alone, two is needed.

Basically, I love both of the greens layered over a black creme or maybe even a darker more opaque green.  The polishes both applied well, and are very stunning, but by themselves they are a bit too light for me, I prefer stronger colors for my holographics, duo-chromes and multi-chromes.

You can get all three (including the black creme) at KBShimmer.com :)

Keep It Sweet!

*Polishes provided by PR for review.

OPI: Glitter On...Glitter Off!

Today I am sharing my experiment using OPI Glitter Off "Natural Nail Base Coat".  I'm happy to see that OPI recognizes the horror of removing glitters from the nail, and took strides to present easier options for us.  It is a true LOVE/HATE relationship!

I don't know if you are familiar with the "white glue method".  Nail gals discovered, that if they applied regular white school glue to the nail ,before painting them with a glitter, that it could be peeled off with ease instead of the more difficult way of using a remover.  It was a genius discovery, and works very well, however you would need to buy the glue, find an extra empty bottle and thin it out to your preference. However, OPI has made that all easier for us. Now, you can buy their bottle and apply as a base coat...that's it!

I paired my bottle with "That's Mint" from KBShimmer's Misfit Collection.

I applied 2 coats of the Glitter Off.  The brush is a bit slimmer than the usual OPI brush and shorter.  The consistency is like a thicker version of a nail treatment.  The glitter off also takes about 5-10 minutes to dry.

 It looks like "white school glue", but doesn't have the same smell.  Once I applied the first coat on my clean nail,  the edges "shrunk away", like oil does to water.  Sooo, I applied a second coat and followed it with three coats of the glitter, and one coat of Seche Vite top coat.

This is what happened the next day...

Yep, I lost 3 nails by the next afternoon. Two from the right, and one from the left.   One fell off while taking off my seat belt, another while taking clothes out of the dryer and the third while taking out the trash, LOL! If it wasn't for the fact that they were neon green, I wouldn't have found them lying around the floor of my house and car.

Removal was super easy...of course! After three nails "popped off", I was no imagining this would be a difficult process, LOL!

I just grabbed my trusted "orange stick", found the "free edge" of the polish and nail, and POPPED them off!

After I was done, this is what I had. Not bad, there was some extra "Glitter Off" left over on my pinkie and around the cuticle of my other nails...

...but that was easily removed with remover. No worries!



Overall, this worked a little too well, but I think that was because I used a cream based glitter for my post. OPI says this is supposed to last a couple days, but mine didn't even last 24 hours, LOL! :) Soooo if you already use the "school glue" / PVA glue method and it works for you, then keep using it, no need to purchase this.

Next time I'll use a hard core glitter to put this to the TEST...any glitter suggestions?

Glitter Off features OPI’s exclusive ProWide Brush for the ultimate in application. Glitter Off will be available March 2014, at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, jcp Salons, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, ULTA and ulta.com for $9.00 ($10.95 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!

Keep It Sweet!

*OPI Product sent by PR for review.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  I love St. Patrick's Day, and if you lived in Chicago for 10 years, like I did, you would love it too!

Chicago is amazing  year 'round, but on this day, it comes alive, and EVERYONE is Irish for the day!  What I miss most are the Pub Crawls / Bar Hopping, the Green River (see below) and the constant Parades!

Everyone goes to work on that day, but that's only so you can unload your stuff and go outside to enjoy the festivities, it is soooo much fun!

So in honor of my beloved Chicago, and it's green waters, I give you a teal- green manicure!

I actually wore this last week ( I was feeling very Irish then) but I decided to post it today (today's manicure will post in a couple days)

This is Sally Hansen "S-Teal A Base" and "Shimmer Polish "Sarah".

This isn't the most GREEN inspired manicure, but I love how this polish leans green and blue at the same time. Sally Hansen "S-Teal Base" is a teal-green polish with a slight shimmer, that applies well in 2 coat. I applied 2 for this manicure.

Then I applied 1 coat of "Sarah" on top of my accent finger, and I was in LOVE with this manicure! So simple, yet so perfect!

Shimmer Polish "Sarah" is a tropical blue green glitter polish.  I paired this polish with a blue color and it leaned more blue, then I paired it with this color and it leaned more green. It is the perfect chameleon glitter. :)

The manicure I am wearing today is way more GREEN! I'll share it with you later in the week :)

Keep It Sweet!

*Shimmer Polish was provided for review

KBShimmer: 8 Glitters + 8 Creams = 1 Sparkly Spring

KBSHIMMER ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF TWO NEW COLLECTIONS

KBShimmer Spring Polish Line Set For Release March 14^th, 2014

KBShimmer is excited to announce the addition of 16 new colors to their 3-Free polish line.  Owner Christy Rose says “Spring has inspired the KBShimmer staff to create two collections filled with fun, vibrant color.  For the first time, we will also be offering cream polishes.  These polishes pair wonderfully with many existing KBShimmer polishes, but are also wonderful alone.”  

The Spring 2014 Glitter Collection includes one glitter top coat, one sparkling jellies, four glitter creally polishes, and two holographic polishes.  “Spring is such a fun time, with flowers in bloom, warmer weather, and Easter.  Though the snow is still around for many, we were inspired this spring by the thoughts of warmer weather, and the many different flowers that come with it.  Easter also played a part, with us borrowing many of the tones and colors you find in Easter candy” says Rose. 

The Spring 2014 Cream Collection offers 8 polishes in opaque, cream finishes.  Rose states “We are very excited to offer up polishes in cream finishes.  Not only can each of the 8 new colors be worn alone, those creams are ideal for layering.  We use creams not only for glitter top coats, but for under creally and jelly polishes too.”  Both collections are set for release March 14, 2014 at KBShimmer.com.  Polishes in the Glitter Collection will retail for $8.75 per 15 ml bottle, while polishes in the Cream Collection will retail for $7.50 per 15 ml bottle.  

Full Bloom Ahead- This white based polish is loaded with small, medium and large hex glitters in fuchsia, navy, teal, gold and orange; colors reminiscent of those floral tones that signal spring is near. Best in 3 Coats.

Belle Of The Mall- This coral toned pink polish is a fun color to brighten your day. This jelly like polish is loaded with holographic silver hexes in various sizes and is stunner in the sun.  Best layered in three coats, or worn over a coordinating cream.

Rush Flower Traffic- A metallic glitter top coat with fuchsia, gold, green, sapphire, and aqua glitters in hex and dot glitters fill this polish. Ideal as 1 coat over our Chick Me Out or Honeydew List creams, this topper can be worn over so many colors! 

Daisy About You- A pale green creally, this spring polish features neon green hex glitters swimming among purple and lavender hexes and a scattering of lavender daisy glitters.  Best in 3 Coats.

Laugh Myself Lily- A muted jade creally with holographic hexes in gold, pink, sliver, lavender and blue.  Pink and light aqua dots complete this muted polish.  To allow the glitters to shine this polish more sheer and is best layered in three coats.

Quick and Flirty- Every girl needs a good violet colored polish in their collection, and what better than one that comes with a rainbow!  This linear holographic offers full coverage in 2 coats, add a third for a deep lilac color. 

Make My Gray – A pale shade of gray sets off glitters in turquoise, gunmetal, pale aqua and coral. Wear alone in 3 coats, or layer this over a grey like My Life’s Porpoise for a unique spring manicure.

Prism Break- This linear holo top coat was designed to bring maximum rainbow bling, while still allowing the color below to shine.  One light coat over any cream will turn your color into a holographic lover’s dream

The Creams – Ideal for wearing alone, under glitter polish, or for nail art.  For quick dry time, follow with KBShimmer Clearly On Top.

Life Rose On – This is my perfect pink, bright cheery, and it covers in 1-2 coats.  This vivid cerise polish has blue undertones, making it wearable for many skin tones.  Pair this with your favorite glitter topper or use in stamping for a girly manicure.

Chick Me Out- This bright yellow cream is the ideal shade to welcome warmer weather.  Full coverage in two coats, I love this under Rush Flower Traffic. 

Honeydew List- Just like ripe honeydew, this dusty pastel green is perfect for spring or summer.  This is the ideal color to wear under Rush Flower Traffic, or pair with Ice Queen for a sparkly spring manicure.  Full coverage in just 2 coats.

A Touch Of Glass-  This light aqua mint cream reminds me of tumbled sea glass.  A pastel green with blue undertones, this color is covers in 2-3 coats

Sky Jinks- I love those days, the ones when there is not a cloud in site, and the sky is the most stunning shade of bright blue.  This medium blue cream with a hint of dustiness, reminds me of those perfect days.  Sky Kinks covers in 1 coat with careful application and is perfect in two.

Pansy-Monium- This pansy purple cream offers full coverage in just two coats.  With a slight red undertone, this purple will look great even on warm skin tones.

My Life’s Porpoise- No matter if you spell it gray or grey, this pale shade is a neutral that is fun to wear alone, or under bright toppers like U Rock My Heart.  This creamy shade covers fully in two coats.

Eclipse- Black is a fashion staple, not only in clothes, but on your nails!  This is a true black cream, covering in 1-2 coats. 

 KBShimmer products can be found at Http://www.KBShimmer.com.  For sales outside of the US visit http://www.HarlowandCo.org.

KBShimmer was founded in 2008 by the husband and wife team of Jason and Christy Rose.  KBShimmer offers unique and colorful nail glitter nail polishes that are Big 3 Free, with all glitter formulas being completely free of chemicals such as toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate (DBP).  KBShimmer glitter polishes feature a flat glitter grabbing brush for easy application.  KBShimmer also offers a 2-free quick dry polish top coat, olive oil lotion, sugar scrubs, lip balms, cold process soaps and other skin care products.

*Info. sent by PR.

February BB5 Box: It's their Birthday Box!

Happy Birthday Beauty Box 5, you're 2 years old :)

Let's get this party started!

Another nail item, POLISH!

Let's start off with the fun stuff...

Rockstar Nails "Nail Polish" & "Nail Sprinkles" - I received a hot pink creme with added pink caviar beads. Woo Hoo! I always love a new nail item to add to my list! :) To apply the caviar you can either sprinkle the beads over your wet nail or you can put them in a bowl and lightly press your nail into the caviar, both applications work great.

Every Beauty "Make-up Remover Pads w/ Argan Oil Extract - To use simply add a few drops of water and remove your makeup. Do not squeeze the pad. No rinsing of the face is needed. It left my kin feeling clean and smooth, and not dry. I think I may get more of these and put them in my gym bag.  I like the fact that these start dry, so that there is no hurry to use them before they dry out.  I also like the fact that they are perforated, so I can choose the size I want to use. :)

John Frieda Luxurious Volume "Touchable Full Shampoo and Conditioner" - There were 2 packets of this product and both we filled to a good size, 0.28 oz each, definitely enough to wash and condition an average head of hair. Unfortunately, my hair is neither fine nor color treated so I did not use this.  I gave it to my co-worker, who was happy to get these and said, "I use this, it's great" :)

Elizabeth Mott "It;s So Big Volumizing Mascara" - This is the perfect sized sample to put in your purse for that quick touch up, small and it packs a PUNCH! Also the brush is not "mini sized", so it is the perfect size to do your lashes on-the-go!  I liked this mascara, it didn't smudge and it really lengthened my lashes quickly, which I loved!  I normally use Dior Show as my everyday mascara, and I have not plans on changing to another brand, but this one was not bad, and is in my purse now. :)

BONUS:

A gift card for a monogram necklace by MyNameNecklace.com for $10. Woo Hoo! I may use this, to get a birthday gift or Christmas gift for a friend. :)

That's it for the February Box.  I'm sorry I did not post it sooner, but I like to try each product out first (if I can), before I write a review, so that I can actually give an opinion, rather than show you the stuff :)

Keep It Sweet!

*Product sent by PR for review