New Age Sponge Painting

Let's be honest. You've all sponge painted a wall, or a binder or fabric you turned into a scrunchie at some point in your life. Well now's your chance to bust those skills right out of your trapper keeper and onto your nails!

If you've been anywhere near a Pinterest board then you've probably come across ombre nails. So I wrote a little tutorial about it, like to read it? Here it goes....   *

Supplies: 

• Nail Polish. 1-3 colors. 
• Makeup sponge
• Top Coat
• Nail Polish Remover
• Q-tips
• Scrap paper or cardboard. I used the card from an E.L.F. product because it's a bit shiny so the nail polish won't just soak in. A paper plate works great. 
• Orange stick or pointy object like a toothpick.

Paint your nails with the lightest color

Paint the two, or three, colors close to each other on your paintable surface

Use your designated pointy object to swirl just the colors together just where they meet. 

Don't mix fully! Only right where they meet. 

Tap the sponge flat onto the polish. 

It shouldn't be dripping wet and it shouldn't be totally soaked in either.

Test it out on your paint surface to get the hang of it. 

Tap the sponge onto each nail. 

The first coat doesn't actually look like much. It feels like you're going to be here forever. Don't give up!

Repeat the Paint, Swirl, Sponge technique for all 10 nails. 

Flip the sponge and repeat for a second coat.

Touch up any edges or uneven areas with a few taps of sponge.

Use a Q-tip soaked in Remover to clean up around your nails.

Apply a top coat and viola!

Ombre Nails!

It actually goes extremely fast. And because you aren't putting on a top of polish, it dries fast between coats so there's isn't really any down time and you won't have to wait around for it to dry before putting the top coat on. 

However, here are some tips that might help you along.

Pro Tips:
1. I use the smaller sides of the sponge rather cutting it to a smaller size like many of the tutorials I saw said. I found I use one side for the first coat and the other side for the 2nd and it worked great.

2. I don't recommend using the large side on the thin end of the sponge because it's just too thin. When you push the sponge down on your nails it leaves an uneven surface from the pressure of your finger. Not the look we're going for. 

3. I found it easier to work with the wider side of the sponge at the tip of my nail. 

4. As you go through your fingers you will need less polish added to the sponge. So paint less on your surface as you go. 

5.  Don't sponge your nails too long because the polish will just come back up with the sponge rather than putting down more color. Instead, leave the nail alone, let it dry, then go back over as needed. 

These ombre nails were totally work it! I tried a lot of combos in my test runs, if you follow me on Instagram you might have seen them.  And I'll definitely be doing these again.

Fast, easy and anti-boring!

This Pinterest Proud Project gets an A+!

* Why yes, that is an In Living Color reference. Thanks for noticing!

Life Events

Sometimes a lot of big and important things have to happen and change in your life in order for you to grow. Very recently, one of those big and important life changing events happened to me.


I changed the shape of my fingernails.


GASP!!!  


I know. This brings out a lot of mixed emotions in you right now. It's ok.  Society puts come very heavy pressures on nail shapes and I think it's time we as people got together and talked about this. As adults. As people. As one.

There is no steadfast rule that says I am bound to a nail shape!
I didn't sign any papers and it's not a question on my credit check! (in 2013)

So when I let my nails grow long...aka I've been too lazy to cut and file them... I decided that I would try some Pinterest Projects for you guys to do some in depth 20/20 style reporting on nail art. Ya know...get into the heart of the story.  But my first project was the ever pinned Reinforcement Sticker Manicure.  Which is a quick and easy way to get a rounded french manicure.  

And here was the problem. It's gonna look better on round filed nails.   I don't have round filed nails. I'm a ride or die Squoval!

But what I needed was a Round or Almond shape.

So there, in the hot light of the bathroom one early summer night.  I took to my file and I rounded my nails.  That's right, I did it.  I went out the next day and ya know what......noooo one cared!!!!    Because seriously, who cares about the shape of my nails??  Well, Ali does, but she don't live here no mo'.

So they've been round for a few weeks now.  And it's going surprisingly well!! Except that I haven't quite gotten the filing down so I have to concentrate and it takes me a lot longer, which is why I haven't been filing them, which is why they are soooo long right now that I hate them.  So I did my Pinterest Project tonight so that I can cut these suckers tomorrow!

Pinterest Project: Reinforcement French Manicure

 Tools: Nailpolish(s), Reinforcement stickers, Polish remover (Not shown:) Tweezers, q-tip 

Reinforcements from any office supply aisle or store or old box of school things. Polishs Left: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Slick Slate Right: Color Club Wanderlust Collection in Reign in Spain

 Start with a DRY base color, or clear. 

 Get stickers in place on all 10 fingers. 

You don't want to adjust stuff with wet polish.  

I used 2 for my thumbs. 

My other hand was lined up better.

 Apply 1 coat of color. 

Try to make sure you're using a fairly opaque polish. You don't want to have 4 coats on the end of your nails, it will make a deep line and chip much faster. 

Apply 2nd coat to one hand. Remove stickers with tweezers.

Then proceed to 2nd hand for 2nd coat of polish. 

Clean up edges with remover and q-tip. 

Apply a good top coat and that's it!

Yeah, this hand has a bit of a widows peak happening on my thumb. My right hand is done much better. But if anyone actually complains about it, they are far too close to my personal bubble and we have a whole other set of issues besides my thumb nail. 

Conclusion:  SUCCESS!!   Super easy. Very fast. Tons of possibilities.   

However I'm cutting my nails immediately.   

I can't live like this. 

I'm A Greedy Gus

Shout out to Big D, aka my grandmother, for teaching me that phrase and countless other gems!

But yes. It's true.  I'm a Greedy Gus.  Because June's Birchbox arrived!!!

It actually got here last week, 2 hours before my shipping notification email came.  I'm not complaining. That was awesome.

June's Birchbox is titled Wanderlust.  

Because aren't we all itching to get somewhere this time of year?

1. Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo: a 2.5oz sample is a simple stubby travel bottle. The no fuss label makes me think this is meant for business! It says it has moisturizing Indian fig extract and olive oil.  

Are my homeland figs moisturizing?? I need to look into this. 

The label itself says for dry & frizzy hair. Oh, I'll be the judge of that, for sure.  The scent hits me at first like dish soap. Seriously, a dish soap. I can't put my finger on which one. So at first it's like...uh oh, but if you can get past the first 2 seconds, you can start smelling other things. Citrus and just light, very clean...something.  It's not bad! I could dig this. 

2. Davines Love Smoother Conditioner: Now this one says for Harsh & frizzy hair. I don't know that means. I've never heard of anyone refer to hair as harsh.  Is my hair harsh?? How do I find out?? Don't fail me now, Google!  I can't sniff this one because it's in a sealed little pack. 

3. Davines Oi/Oil Absolute Beautifying Potion: Well this sounds promising! It says it contains Roucou oil. You're killin me June Birchbox!! I have lots of things to Googlize. This says it's an "antioxidant-packed potion to instantly tame frizz and strengthen hair over time."    

It's a very small packet, but I'll give it go one day.  When my Moroccan Oil isn't looking. 

4. This might be my faaaav! LAQU & Co Lil' Lip Duo: This fat little lip pencil isn't like the rest. I can't compare these to my beloved tinted balms, because it's not! This comes out like a full satin finish lipstick! The color is amazing and rich and very pigmented, with one swipe I have complete full lipstick!  But, like the tinted balms, it's still got the mintyness that I love!  Recap; hot pink lipstick, in a small lip pencil, that is creamy and minty and feels amazing. There is nothing not to love here.

If you're hip to the Birchbox and have 'liked' their facebook page, then you already know that this product is exclusive to Birchbox and was one of the products that every member in June received! Birchbox sells these in a duo pack, exclusive to Birchbox, for $16! The one I received is called Pink Man and here's a photo to demonstrate just how awesome these colors are for every skin tone! 

5. Furlesse Elevens Frown Line Reducing Patches: So these are suppose to be patches that you put in certain spots on your face that reduce the appearance of lines as you sleep. This pack of Elevens is for the frown lines between your eyes. They have other patches; Crows, obviously for eye lines ; Lip-sticks, for lip and expression lines and Rows, for the forehead lines. 

I don't exactly have these lines, yet, so even if I try these, I'm not sure I could review them very well. 

There are 3 patches in this trial pack and each is shaped like an open Japanese fan. Just the right shape for between the eyes! Now I just have to find someone to try these out....

6. Color Club Nail polish: This is actually Birchbox + Color Club, who have come together to make a Wanderlust Collection just for Birchbox! And I am ecstatic about this color! It might not read very well on screen, but in person this color is a neon peach. And I am in such lust with it!   I have quite a few nailpolishes. More than I should, and of those, most are brights. This is the one color I don't have and I'm beyond excited to wear it! 

Again, if you were hip to The Box, then you would know already that every box contained one of the Wanderlust Collection polishes. I'm so happy I scored the one wanted.  50cent Bubble Prize Machine Vindication!!

7. To round out the Wanderlust box, Birchbox sent along 5 postcards of different cities around the world. Each one has a little blurb on the bottom called One Perfect Day where it gives you a great day's itinerary for each city.  Who doesn't love postcards??

If you're still unsure if you want to sign up for a Birchbox of your own, let me just say this...

DO IT!!!!   Seriously...have you not been paying attention?? Did you not see what I've been getting??

Just click on this link and sign up. It's 10 bucks. That's less than 2 fancy coffees.  And you can stop them at anytime! You know you want to!

I'm Still On Target

Before I move on to regular priced things, I suppose I should share with you the rest of my Target Clearance section haul.

Yes...there's more.

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Hibiscus for $3.48 on clearance! 

Who can say no to on sale Burt's Bees? More importantly, who can say no to some clearance Burt's??

People are out there paying $7 bucks for this stuff. Chumps. 

I have to admit, that until very recently, I really thought the contents of these big paper tubes was some thick lip balm stick.  It wasn't until The Indian had one in her handbag one afternoon that I learned that they were just regular chapstick size tubes!

I haven't decided yet if I'm happy or not about that.

Though, The Indian made a good point, that the bigger case makes it easier for her to find in her Handbag Of Doom. 

Because, don't we all have Handbags of Boom?  

It really doesn't matter if I'm carrying a clutch or a giant tote, somehow it still takes me 5 minutes to find anything.  But more than likely I won't ever keep it in the paper tube. Handbag of Doom real estate is valuable.

 The tinted balm, as you know, is one of my favoritest things. And something that is natural and feels really good on the lips is a really great bonus! This color is a warm peachy, terracotta color. It's great for the summer but I only like this on my lips when I have absolutely no trace of anything else on them.
Sometimes, that's hard to come by, because I do love my stains and bright lipsticks. But even the slightest left over color of anything makes this color look awful on me. I can't truly describe why or how, but trust me. I wouldn't lie about such grave matters as tinted lip balms.

But my biggest haul of the ever loved clearance endcap are these high shine trophies...

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish On Clearance for $3.14!

From Left: #310 Slick State; #420 Lively Lilac; #150 Petal Pusher and #450 Lickety Split Lime

But wait, there's more!

Each one of the polishes came with a free gitft..

An Insta-Dri Nail Polish in #110 Clearly Quick

Just in case you didn't get that... that's 1 polish plus 1 clear coat for $3.14! These normally go for $4-$5 each.  So of course I picked up any I thought I had use for! (there was a blue color that I didn't pick up because my blue and teal polishes are getting out of hand)

Side bar: If any friend should happen to receive a clear nail polish in a gift for a birthday or something, I swear I paid handsomely and full retail for it!  Just because I taped it to a wine bottle doesn't mean I didn't put days of thought into it!

As for the nailpolishes. I hadn't used this particular collection from Sally Hansen beforee and I have to say I'm pretty impressed with them.

The brush is what Sally calls a "Perfectionist Brush". What she/they mean is that the brush isn't a flat bristled regular nail polish brush, this one is tapered and rounded and is more flat than round. This is so you can cover more area of your nail, but not have that square corner on the top to hold you back as you apply! In the past, tapered brushes and I haven't gotten along well. Mostly because I'm just not used to them. So at first try, I thought I was going to hate applying this, but I was wrong.  Hey, it can happen.   Turns out it really did help me put it on fast and make fewer mistakes!

The polishes have nice color and they're really opaque and thick formulas. The website says you should be able to do one coat and be done. And I found that true for the purple and green. But I'm a creature of habit and went for 2 coats.

I'm that girl that doesn't get to the door of the nail salon without messing something up.  Which is why I hardly go there. I've tried fast drying formulas before but most of them really just chip faster than dry faster. But this stuff really did dry very very fast. And not to that in between stage where you still get sheet marks and such. It dries almost completely in a minute. I was digging through paperwork in under 5.

The clear isn't a true top coat. Though I like how fast it dries, it doesn't keep the high shine that some other top coats give you.  But hey, if I wanted to reapply it every day I could because it dries so fast!

I love the green and the slate, as I knew I would.  The lilac however, I wasn't so sure of. But once I got it on, I really loved it. It's not a color I would normally go for, because it could very well fall under the pastel catagory and I don't do that category. But on my nails, with my darker skin, I really love it.

The Petal Pusher however, is a very slight peachy pink, almost white. It's very opaque and some might even call it a very 'shabby chic" color. It's terribly English Countryside.  I'm not into my makeup being very countryside. I'm more city brothel. Ok maybe not brothel... but I love a red lip.

Birch Hoarding

Ladies! and friends of ladies....

I know, I've apologized for being very neglectful about 6 times already...so let's just say I did and get on with it shall we?

Clearly some of you are wondering.....WHAT'S IN THE BOX?!?!?!  aka...the Birchboxes.

I've still been receiving them, but because of my absenteeness, I haven't shared their awesome contents with you.  But, if it makes you feel better, they've all been stacked up on my desk, unused, because I wouldn't allow myself to use them until I took the appropriate blog action first.

As it turns out, this Birch hoarding turned out swimmingly for me! This weekend I opened them all up to take photos, forgetting what was in them, and had my own personal Christmas filled with tons of goodies and no dud gifts!!   No seriously. I cleaned up harder than a Walmart worker in a glass ketchup aisle.

February was all about being red carpet ready! The box was filled with everything you needed for a perfect Oscar Party!

1. Dermablend Quick-Fix Concealer.  A super concealer for all those paparazzi pics
2. Vasanti Brighten Up Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator. This cleanser is packed with tons of fine crystals to exfoliate and leave you looking bright and glowy! I haven't tried it yet, but the backs of my hands looked and felt amazing. 
3. Juicy Couture, Couture La La perfume. It's surprisingly fresh, with a good call into summer with floral and citrus scents
4. Twistband Thick Headband.  You all know the hair ties, now get into the full headhand!!  In person this is a nice dark teal color, that just happens to match everything I own!
5. Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate with Caramel filling square.  Because a piece of chocolate can simply make or break your red carpet readiness. This has been proven. I think I saw it on Animal Planet.
6.. Votivo Candle in Pink Mimosa.   Oh how I wish there was smellavision.  I don't even think I have the words for this candle. It smells so immensely heavenly that I've had to stop me from biting into it.  It smells like the most delicious pink lemonade you've ever encountered.  I'm scared to burn this. Because once that wax is flowing, I might be tempted to drink it.  
Mental note: this candle is only for sober use only.

 

March was Madness! as usual. But for Birch, it was all about the face-off. Because Birchbox is more than just their boxes, their Facebook page and blog shared some serious beauty faceoffs for the fans.  If you wanted to see who won between gel vs liquid, this was your time! 

1. Every box comes with the little paper gift pillow which I've come to love. I like that it's filled so that I get a gift, within a gift!(that I bought myself).  These little pillows are great to give your unloved items to a close friend. In March, my pillow was filled with Caldrea body lotion packs.  I'm so very excited about these because they have really ingenious flavors/scents.  Tea Olive Lime, Aloe Water Apricot and Coconut Fig. 

I drool just thinking about them.   Normally people would take these on a great trip with them, they're so nicely packed an ready to go, but I have a different approach to my special beauty items. I like to use my most luxurious products when I come home from a trip. Because isn't that when we need it the most? No matter how great a trip is, when you come home and have to get back to reality, that's the time to break out the good china. No one wants to explain how amazingly life changing their trip was wearing Vaseline and Chapstick.  

No offense Vaseline or Chapstick. 

2. Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream. I can already see this stuff being something addictive. It's rich and thick and seems really indulgent. But having moved from shaving to waxing some years ago, this will be gifted to a fine friend very soon. 

3. Madewell for Birchbox Emery Board.  A full size floral emery board. What's not to love?? Because it doesn't matter how many you buy, you always need one. 

4. Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow.  Ok. So we all know about BB creams, right? I've been doing my rounds with them, but this one, so far, seems different. It's full of tiny flashes of gold. Nothing glittery like a middle school dance, just soft bits of gold that leave you golden goddessy! I have exciting plans for this stuff this summer. And this size hold plenty of product! 

In this box, there was also a free gift with purchase card for Benefit's BADgal Lash Mascara. 

And also, I lied. Turns out I actually used a product from this box and never replaced it.  It's not pictured here but this box also contained Serge Normant Meta Revive Dry Shampoo. I used it to give my hair some volume for an updo for either the St. Patty's Day Ball or the niece's 1st birthday party. I'm not sure. Could be both. 

 In April, Birchbox teamed up with Women's Health Magazine to bring you their favorite products. Including a subscription card for Women's Health mag. Birchbox talked about making small changes to make a bigger difference in our lives. Pretty cool.

1. Nexxus Youth Renewal Rejuvenating Elixir. This tiny glass bottle is a serum that is said to cure dry hair and help with age related breakage, along with adding shine. I look forward to giving this a run!
2. BIRCHBOX FIND! Birchbox sent a full size  Simple Revitalizing Eye Roll-On.  This affordable eye roll brightens your eye area, while reducing puffiness and tired eyes.  Monday eyes. This is for Monday eyes. I think they'll agree.
3. Mirenesse Glossy Kiss Lipstick. This, I am so excited for! This is a full size glossy stick stain for your cheeks and lips. This color is called Cheeky Kiss and it's the perfect pinky nude color! When I re-opened the boxes this weekend, it was like my prayers were answered because I have been after a color like this for ages!
4. J. R. Watkins Hand & Cuticle Salve. I am in love with this tiny tin. I love anything in a tiny tin, really. However, this one is actually helpful. This lavendar scented salve is exactly what my cut up cuticles crave. And the DIY-er in my is craving that empty tin to fill with....so many possibilities!
5. Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate. Listen. If anyone ever hands you anything by Kiehl's for free, you take it!! This line reducing concentrate is a sure winner for sooo many that it makes me nervous to try it because I know I'll be hooked.  Though I don't have lines I need reduced, this serum is pure vitamin C and it's by Kiehl's. So i'm sure it's full of miracle brightening things that will make me curse them because I will want to give them my money.

 Finally, May was about beauty diaries. Birchbox was all about sharing personal beauty tips and routines. 

1. BIRCHBOX FIND! Not only does The Box keep me on top of my beauty game, but now they've even found me a new pen! A Pilot Acroball PureWhite. Pens make me happy. New free pens make me down right excited!! If you received this pen also and wasn't as excited as I am, you're dead inside.
2. Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner. This speaks to me on so many levels. Indian formulas  Eyeliner. Trial size. I haven't tried it yet, but I've been itching to try out a Sumita eyeliner! How do you know Birchbox, how do you always know?
3. Speaking of always knowing. The Indian had been downright hounding  me to try out the Deva Curl No Poo shampoo. She kept informing me how life changing it would be, so I laughed rather loudly when I opened up my Birchbox not even days later to find this DevaCurl 3 Step System with No-Poo Shampoo, One Conditioner Conditioner and Light Defining Gel.  Hairdress Trish also loves Deva Curl products and has done all their specialized courses, so I'm excited to try this out and tell her how I love it. I'm assuming I'll love it. How could I not?
4. Coola Classic Face SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face. SPF!!!! You must know how much I love SPF by now.
5. Marvis Classic Mint Toothpaste. Ok, it's toothpaste. No one is so excited about this, but the old timey tube with the green label makes me smile. So it can stay.


See...when you open 4 Birchboxes at once you really clean house! I'm really considering hoarding the next few months to do this again.   But to save your pupils, I won't do that.  Especially in a week or two when June's box arrives.   Another box!! Thank you, Birchbox. Seriously.

Clearance Minx

Last week I snagged these Minx Nail Strips at Ulta on clearance for $5 instead of $18!

I had just been thinking how I never got any super gold or silver polish like I wanted last year. The really mirror finish ones. So when I saw these, I was pretty pumped. Well, on the inside. I can't be too excited in Ulta. I like to play it cool in front of the products.

The patterned set is called Technical Tribal and the silver is called Silver Moons. Both of which I can't find online so I guess they really are clearanced. 

I like the flat cd case type packaging that makes it easy to store. I also like how it opens up to perfectly sized slots for the strip sheets as well as 2 alcohol wipes that you can use to prep your nails. Great packaging for on the go!

These nail strips seem to be taking over really fast and I can totally see why. They're fun. They're easy. There's a great selection and more coming out every day. They're not permanent. But most of all, there's no mess, no nail polish smell and no drying time! As a chronic smudger, this is the best part.

I know a lot more companies have come out with nail strips. Maybelline has recently fallen into line and Essie has come out with some really special ones, complete with rhinestones and studs. Most of the drugstore brands run about$7-$10 a box/envelope, which isn't bad depending how many uses you get from them. I keep my nails short so I can easily get 3 full mani's out of a set but that's not true for all and it depends how careful you are with the strips to save the extra.

Minx is the first set I've seen that includes a set for your toes. Pretty cool! That means I can probably get a lot more uses out of these sets! And for $5 each?? That constitutes a pretty good beauty buy!  (though the regular price of $18 probably wouldn't have stopped me to look at these)

Pro Tip: if you only have tiny bits left, keep 'em! Cut those scraps into shapes or lines to make designs! Boom! Custom Nails!

My Best Of 2012

Everyone loves a Best Of List. Especially an End of the Year Best Of. 

I present...

 My Best Of 2012 Products:

1. Face Care

    Bare Escentuals Purifying Facial Cleanser

2. Skin Care

    C. Booth Multi-Action Body Lotion in Coconut Fig

3. Hair Care

    Aphogee 2-Step Protein Treatment

4: Foundation

    Bare Escentuals Ready Foundation

5. Eyeliner

    Femme Couture Gel Liner

6. Eye shadow

    Smashbox Master Class Palette

7. Mascara

    Cover Girl Lash Blast Fusion 

8. Blush

    Bare Escentuals Canyon Blush/Citrine Radiance All Over Face Color

9. Lips

   Tinted Balms by Tarte Lipsurgence, Revlon and Pixi 

10. Nails

      Bundle Monster Nail Stamping Kit

A Birchbox Box

My first Birchbox has arrived!

So Birchbox.com is this great website that offers tons of great beauty and lifestyle products for Women, Men, and as of late, Home. The website is filled with tons of products from high end, upcoming and everything in between including exclusive products and sets. The site also has a full blog, online magazine and videos. What more do you need?? As you shop and review products on the site you earn points that turn into credit for more products! And come on...who doesn't want more products??

But besides all that goodness, Birchbox.com has The Birchbox. A small box of beauty and lifestyle products samples that are mailed right to you for $10 a month! Seriously. It's only ten bucks. With no contract. Every month there are new samples sent right to you, and if you love a product  you can purchase a full size right on the website. So smart.

This is like the ultimate adult beauty grab bag. How exciting!!

I signed up with them about a month ago and it took a few weeks for me to get an invite to join the monthly Birchbox club, but you can shop on the site at any time. Novemeber's box arrived yesterday and I'm still beaming about it!  Here's what I got!....

 It all arrived in a small pink box. I thought, 'how cute!" but it got better!

 It opened up into a brown box all nice like! 

The Contents:

1. A holiday gift guide complete with things for men and women. 

2. Oscar Blandi Pronto Texture and Volume Spray

3. ModelCo Fibre Lashxtend Lengthening Mascara

4. Shea Terra Organics Whipped Shea Butter Ultimate Moisturizing Body Creme

5. Twist Band Hair Tie

6. Color Club Nail Polish in Put A Pin In It

7. John Varvatos Artisan Perfume

8. A Coupon for $15 off Chromatic Heels

9. A Giving Pouch specially made to be packed and given to someone else, complete with cute sayings on the back!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, November's box theme was Give. The small note inside explains the theme and the nonprofit organization that Birchbox is working with, The Art of Elysium which encourages actors, artists, designers and musicans to dedicate their time and talent to children who are battling medical conditions. Such a great cause and such a wonderful effort! 

 To help out The Art of Elysium simply by doing some shopping and/or gift giving, check out: birchbox.com/promotion/artofelysium

So not only is Birchbox sending me tons of awesome things to play with, but they're doing good too?? So amazing!

I'm excited to try out all these products and already can't wait until next month's box! Until then, I'll be an artisan smelling, volumized ponytail wearing, mascaraed, soft skinned beauty with metallic nails.

I see a great future together with Birchbox, but in this relationship, I could share. So go now and sign up! 

PS....don't forget your guys either. There's plenty of stuff for him and a Men's Birchbox!

Stamped Manicure

A few weeks ago I ordered a nail stamping kit. At the time I just shared with you some trial runs. After some more testing and playing I've gotten a real hang for it and I'm loving the outcome! 

My first stamped manicure!

I apologize for the crude photo, complete with unavoidable pen mark. I know I could have done better but it seems I've accidentally erased the good photos and have since taken this off my fingers. 

What I Used:

Blue: Dare nail polish, no name

Green: Dare nail polish, no name.......(I got both of these colors in a kit of 5 neon colors from Walmart but $7, which I can't seem to find online anywhere)

Grey: NYC In A Minute in Sidewalkers $2, most drugstores

Pink: Sinful Colors in 24/7 $2 at Walgreens and select stores

Yellow: Sinful Colors in Pull Over $2 at Walgreens and select stores

Black: Sinful Colors in Black On Black $2 at Walgreens and select stores.

Pattern created by Bundle Monster stamp plate # 20 

I've since used a few other patterns from the plates and have loved them, as do people out in public. The only problem is picking colors. For me, picking nail polish colors is something I truly agonize over. I know it's ridiculous because it's not permanent but I love ALL the colors! That's why I usually end up with at least 2 colors. 

Since my nails chip often from working with my hands, I change my nail polish a lot. This Bundle Monster kit should keep me busy for a good while. Who knew stamp collecting could be so fun??

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Polish Strips

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips $10

So the legend said that there would one day be an easy way to have ones nails polished without the messy smells and drips of polishes and removers. That day came has some with the advent of Nail Polish Strips, particularly the Sally Hansen Salon Effects.

I tried these on for size a year ago after visiting my friend Tiffany and seeing her perfectly polished hounds tooth nails. She explained her process of using the Sally Hansen Salon Effects and was very pleased with the results and how well they kept.  So naturally, I had to get them immediately!

I bought a small box of a gold and black fishnet pattern called, "Misbehaved". The application is completely foolproof. You find the right size strip for each nail from the MANY that they give you in each box. You peel it off the sticker paper and apply it to clean, buffed nails. Press firmly with your finger and enclosed orange stick to adhere it to your nail and buff the end to get rid of any excess. That's it! No drying time. No going back over for another coat. Not even a top coat!! It's by far the fastest manicure out there. 


They strips aren't very thick and feel exactly like nail polish and not like thick stickers on your nail. I had a completely polished manicure for a full 10 days with these strips and that's including the painting and moving of a garage! They give you 2 full sets, so long nail wears would probably get 2 uses per box, but with my short nails I was able to use only half of each strip and save the rest and got 4 full uses from 1 package. Not a bad buy for $10, and they comes easily with regular polish remover.

Sally Hansen offers tons of patterns and colors now and even puts out seasonal patterns but I've noticed many other brands popping up. Sephora has a line, along with NailPatch.net and just about every drugstore an beauty supply store has their own version, all ranging in price from $3-$12.  

The convenience factor can't be beat. You can do your nails anywhere and never have to factor in your drying time. They take no special tools or skills and are safe for kids or mess-prone adults alike. 


Don't forget, these can even be cut and used to make shapes, stripes, or your own patterns! Easy nail part that's even customizeable for $10 or less, that lasts? Don't mind if I do!

Stamp Collecting

My love of infomercials is only beat by my love of the Price Is Right.  The commercial about an at home nail stamping kit kept popping up, but made it seem like it was for women with full acrylic nails that possibly drive mini vans. I didn't think much of it until I came across some photos online of stamped nails in great patterns and colors created by the Konad Nail Stamping kits, the more professional version of the As Seen On Tv brand but exact same concept:  metal plates; scraper; stamper. 

Konad is great, but they are not cheap. Each plate is around $7, which can add up, unless you want the same image on your nails, always. If not, it's going to add up fast.  I did my research and found that there are other brands out there with the same quality but with a smaller price tag. I opened up my Amazon account and got to clicking. My package arrived yesterday and I wasted zero minutes before trying it out. 

I purchased the Bundle Monster 21 Piece Plate Set. Totalling out at 139 designs, this pack for $18 is a great value! I also picked up the Konad Double Ended Stamper and Scraper for under $5, all from Amazon.com 

The designs range from curved designs; perfect for the tips of long nails, full nail designs, and also accent images like small cupcakes, flowers or holiday designs. From geometrics to full floral, there is something for everyone!

Each plate comes with a protective film on top that you need to remove before using and each plate is numbered clearly. ie. BM21

Out of all 21 plates, only one was slightly mis-manufactured, but it seems it's only off center a bit and won't make a difference in the performance.

 Stamping: 1.) Paint polish on the image 2.) Scrape off excess 3.) Press stamper on image 4.) Roll onto nail              5.) Seal with a top coat. 

It's actually that easy.  Well...once you get used to it. 

TIPS:

• Wipe off the image and stamper with a remover soaked Q-tip after each stamp.
• The plate edges can be sharp so use with caution!
• Glittery polishes generally don't work, and neons work best.
• You need a thick polish with very saturated color. Konad makes a special nail polish just for this which you can get on Amazon for fairly cheap. 
• There are lists on many sites of polishes people have used with success. Like here and here.
• Some colors only get intense when you apply a few coats, since you won't be doing that, those polishes won't work, keep those for your base coat.
• There are plate holders available but my research suggested that it wasn't worth the trouble. It seems to work great simply on a paper towel, which is also easy clean up!
• Trial and error is your best friend in this game! Play around with your technique. Some images need to be applied on the stamper from image plate by rolling it across, some work better when stamped straight up and down.
• Here is a great video on the application technique.

So far, I've found my cheap, Sinful Colors Nail Polishes ($2 at walgreens!) and NYC In a Minute work the best.

The only reason I didn't do a full, newly stamped manicure is because I ran out of nail polish remover (sadface) but I'm excited to try out new combinations and styles! Who knows, maybe I'll start decorating my nails per holiday and move on to holiday themed clothing as well!  *shudder* maybe not. 

Plaid Nails

Anyone with access to Pinterest or the internet itself has been seeing these photo tutorials about making your own nail stickers or strips with nail polish and scotch tape. I decided to give it a try.

It's a pretty straight forward process, here's what I did:

I painted some scotch tape with nailpolish. I did this first to give them time to fully dry. Then I painted my nails in a neutral grey and let them dry completely. A simple clear coat would work just as well.

Once the polish on the tape was dried, I cut the colors into very thin strips so I could create a plaid.  This was way more time consuming than regular stripes or shapes. Next time, I'll stick with something easier. For now I kept the same pattern on every nail. Tad overload?? Maybe. But it's only nail polish!

The long ends that were left I cut off with cuticle scissors and then pressed each nail well to make sure everything stuck.

I covered everything with a good top coat and VIOLA!! 

Plaid Nails!!

Colors I used:

Base grey: Petite Color Fever in Vintage Grey, Turquoise: L'Oreal Color Riche in Club Prive, Lime Green: Sinful Colors in Innocent, Hot Pink: NYC In A Minute in MoMa, Orange: NYC In A Minute in Spring Street, Silver: Milani Nail Lacquer in Ms Milani, Top Coat: Sally Hansen No Chip Acrylic Top Coat

Oh Scotch Tape...turns out you are so much more than just something to create funny faces and tape up my hands with when I'm bored. 

Return of the MAC

I don't believe anyone should be stuck with anything they doesn't work for them: Clothing; furniture; relationships; and beauty products. As much as I love acquiring new products, I love seeing money in my bank more, and have no problems returning things that don't work for me.

Return policies are crucial to one's Beautiful Lifestyle. I live by one rule* : always ask about the return policy. Return policies give you the freedom to take a product home, try it out under different conditions and make an informed decision about that products place in your life. 

I've put together a list of stores whose return policies I have used personally for all beauty products. Skincare, makeup, hair care and nails.
-----Please note that these are policies as of July 2012 and could change at any time. 

Amazon - The return policy varies by vendor, so make sure to check things out fully before confirming your order. I like to use Amazon for beauty staples that I know I won't be returning unless it's damaged in some way.


Bare Escentuals - Accepts opened or used products with receipt within 30 days of purchase.

Bath & Body Works - Accepts opened or used products with receipt, or store credit without receipt at anytime.

The Body Shop - Accepts opened or used products with receipt, or store credit without receipt at anytime.

CVS  - CVS boasts a 'no questions asked policy' on beauty products and they have delivered well. Accepts opened or used products with receipt, or store credit without receipt at anytime. No questions asked! They also have the same policy for all CVS Brand items in the store.

MAC - Accepts opened or used products with receipt within 30 days of purchase. 

Macy's - Accepted unopened products with receipt up to 6 months of purchase, or store credit after 6 months or without receipt.

QVC - Accepts opened or used products with receipt within 30 days of purchase.

Rite-Aid - Accepts opened or used products with receipt within 30 days of purchase, or store credit without receipt.

Sally's Beauty Supply - Accepts opened or used products with receipt, or store credit without receipt at anytime. Some items, such as clipper blades and some electronics do not apply. 

Sephora - Accepts opened or used products with receipt within 60 days of purchase.

Target - Accepts unopened products with receipt, or store credit without receipt within 90 days of purchase. If you make your purchase on a credit card, Target can refund the purchase to the card without the receipt, but this feature might be subject to location. 

Ulta - Accepts opened or used products with receipt within 60 days of purchase, or store credit without receipt or after 60 days of purchase. 

Walgreens - Claims to accept opened or used products with receipt within 30 days, but cosmetics returns are subject to the managers' discretion.  Unopened products are accepted with receipt within 30 days of purchase.

Walmart - Claims to accept opened or used products with receipt within 90 days, but my experience is that beauty items are subject to the managers' discretion. Unopened products are accepted with receipt within 90 days of purchase, or store credit without receipt. 

• Returns require that you keep all the original packaging. Except for plastic that doesn't have a bar code, IE: the wrapper on top of an eye liner. 
• The online stores in conjunction to these may have alternate policies, so please check before placing orders. 
• All policies are subject to change so when in doubt, ASK! 
• Even if you think you're sure, ask. It never hurts.

* I lied. I live by many rules.
** I also apologize for the title of this post, but come on, you'd do the same. 

Nerd Nails

Last September I tried out a new nail technique that I graciously call Nerd Nails.I even out a tutorial on my tumblr blog. That was back when I refused to do a Beauty Blog. ( I know Ali...I know)

And now...I present to you....Nerd Nails!

I came across these on the interweb and had to have them.

As in do them on my own nails. Not take someone’s hand like some weirdo in a Law & Order episode. Just thought I should clear that up.

They’re way easy to do so I put together my first How-To. 

What you need:   Nail Polish, top coat, rubbing alcohol, small container, newspaper(it’s much easier to work with small pieces), polish remover and q-tips (not shown)

STEP 1: Base coat (optional but it’s just what I do) and 2 coats of color.

***LET DRY COMPLETELY.  You’re going to have to push on your nails so they have to be very dry or you’ll get those marks and such, girls you know what I’m saying, boys, why exactly are you reading this??

I used a grey, you could use any color you want but I would think light colors work best. This is the only non-ridiculously bright or dark color I own.

STEP 2:  Pour enough alcohol in a container to cover your nail. (I’ve heard vodka works too, but I’m not about to go wasting vodka).  Dunk a finger in there for about 4 seconds.

Carefully put a piece of newsprint on the nail. Use a finger to press on the newsprint and rock your finger side to side instead of picking up your finger and re-pressing. That way the paper won’t slide around and give you fuzzy text.

Peel back the newspaper like a pudding cup lid. 

STEP THREE: Give the newsprint a minute or 2 to dry and then hit it with a top coat. 

**without a top coat the print will just wipe right off. Make sure your brush has enough top coat on it so that it doesn’t smudge the text.

Clean up the newsprint that will inevitably get all over your cuticles with a little remover on a q-tip and VIOLA!! Nerd Nails.

It also worked on a bright color!