This Month In Nails - March 2014

KISS Gradiation EM0311 Step 1





This is from a set of "ombre" colors I got in the Rose Vox Box from Influenster. My nails are obviously shortish again... it's still a struggle! So I went on the light side. I did enjoy just this color by itself- I think if I put just this over a darker polish, it would be really pretty!


MAC in Stage Red





I picked up this polish at a CCO in Gilroy at the outlets. It is such a beautiful red, and I can't wait to put it on my toes this summer. The formula on this polish is really nice! I did use three coats, but I could have gotten away with two.
The swatches on this suck, I realize. I don't know where all those dings came from, or why I didn't notice it until after the pictures were already taken. This is clearly still a work in progress!


MAC Double Trouble with an accent nail of OPI In True Stefani Fashion





I also picked up Double Trouble from the CCO. I love that it's so dark, but it's still obviously a blue nail polish. And it's such a beautiful shade of blue! The formula was a dream, and this is two coats. I did pay full price ($12.50 each) for these mac polishes and I'm not sure I'll be purchasing again, but they were definitely worth every penny!
The OPI is so gorgeous- it sparkled as much as my wedding band! I think it definitely went well with this dark polish, and I'm excited to try it some more. The formula was a little thick, but I've noticed that to be par for the course with these dense glitter polishes. 


Zoya in Channing



I love this color, but this formula was a little touchy to work with. I also got a nasty dent in my index finger nail. I definitely am going to be trying this out as a pedicure color soon, because I think it would look awesome on my toes. 



Urban Outfitters in Bohemian Summer



 

I stopped by the mall the other day to kill some time, and Urban Outfitters had all their nail polishes on sale for $0.99! This is suppose to be a dupe for the Deborah Lippmann nail polish in Rockin Robin. This is the only one I picked up, but I really like it. The formula took three coats to get opaque. I think it's a great spring color, and the light blue is really flattering on my skin tone.


I did much better about painting my nails this month, and my nails are finally starting to get to a length I love. I am still having some problems with my cuticles and it's my goal in April to stop picking and taking better care of my hands in general.



FTC: Please see above for how polishes were received. Unless stated otherwise, they were purchased by me with my own money. 

Birchbox February 2014

I pulled the trigger. I decided to sign up for Birchbox. And I picked a pretty good month, because February was the Birchbox collaboration with US Weekly!
I couldn't help myself and peaked at the contents of my box prior to actually receiving the box, but I was still really excited when I saw what was coming, and once I received it.

Side Note: I was given a light studio for my birthday from my super awesome Sister-in-Law and Brother-in-Law! I'm still playing with my set up a bit and trying to make sure there are no shadows and all that good stuff, so please be patient with me in the mean time!

(As usual, since this is my first box, I am showing the complete unboxing.)







Each box comes with a card that, on one side, details the "theme" of the box, and on the backside, lists all the products that are included.





Beauty Protector Protect and Oil
Exclusive Launch! This just-for-you hair oil defends against UV rays, heat, and breakage.
How To Use: Smooth one to three drops into damp hair, working from the roots to ends. Or, you can apply a small amount to the ends of dry hair to tame frizz and provide light conditioning.
How It Works: This nourishing formula uses star ingredient argan oil to protect, strengthen, and add a pretty gloss to strands—all without heaviness. Armed with UV and heat protection, it stands up to two of our favorite past times: heat styling and spending hours in the sun. The paraben-free formula is also cruelty-free.
Will I Use It?: Well, I do love a good hair oil, so I imagine I will be making use of this soon! It's getting pretty great reviews on the Birchbox website (It's about at a 4 1/2 out of 5 stars). I will definitely update you guys when I use it and get an idea of whether I like it or not! 




Harvey Prince Hello
Best-selling spritz that mingles cheerful citrus with floral notes. Well, hello there!
How To Use: Spritz on first thing in the morning and whenever you need a fragrance mood boost.
How It Works: Made with eco-friendly ingredients, this scent has all-day staying power. A top note of Meyer lemon captures the scent of fresh-squeezed lemonade, while Satsuma mandarin adds a double fruity note. Next up, summer forsythia and pink plumeria—traditionally found in Hawaiian leis—give the scent its heady floral layer.
Will I Use It?: I have tried it, and it is a really nice scent. It's definitely not something I would have purchased for myself, but after wearing it most of the day today after receiving my box, I like the way it mixes with my body chemistry, and it really lasts! I'll definitely keep using the sample!




OPI Sheer Tints in Don't Violet Me Down
This tinted top coat gives nails a wash of high-shine, translucent color.
How To Use: Wear the tinted top coat over bare nails for a sheer wash of color or customize your shade by layering to achieve your desired outcome.
How It Works: The translucent colors take your polish to the next level: Make solid nail lacquers pop by brightening or darkening, accent glittery or dark polishes, transform crème and shimmery shades, reveal imbedded colors in your favorite hues, and layer to create the ultimate ombré look.
Will I Use It?:  I tried this on one of my bare nails, and to be honest? It's not my thing. I think if I had received the pinker color, it might be a little better for me, but overall I'm not really into this. I might try it over a couple polishes to see what kind of look comes out, but I haven't decided yet.




Harney & Sons Fine Teas (Black Tea in Paris (Caramel and Citrus), and White Vanilla Grapefruit (White Tea infused with Vanilla and Grapefruit))
Rich and flavorful tea blends from the family-owned craft brand.
How to Use: Steep sachet in boiling water according to directions.
How It Works: Harney & Sons has a robust range of teas. Try one of their black teas: Organic English Breakfast is a classic black, Early Grey Supreme adds citrus for a twist on the original, Hot Cinnamon Spice blends orange, cinnamon, and cloves, and Paris is fruity with vanilla and caramel flavors. Then there are the green teas: Japanese Sencha has light accents of citrus, Organic Green with Citrus and Ginkgo brings added health benefits, and Organic Bangkok blends green tea with ginger, lemongrass, coconut, and vanilla. And the herbal teas: Chamomile is mellow with very subtle apple flavors, Rooibos Chai brings spicy, earthy flavors with a hint of nuttiness, and Mint Verbena is a refreshing mix of mint and citrus. Finally, the flavored teas: Pomegranate Oolong is a tangy fruity brew, Caribe blends black and green tea with tropical flavors, Tilleul with Mint mixes peppermint and woodsy tilleul, and White Vanilla Grapefruit is a sweet brew with a white tea base.
Will I Use It?: I love tea, so I will absolutely be trying these. I'm not at all familiar with this brand, but depending on how I like these two samples, I will definitely be checking out their Earl Grey (my fave tea type) and the Caribe. And the Pomegranate Oolong. Okay... so I may just buy all of them!


If any of you are interested in signing up for Birchbox, please click there and use my affiliate link! I receive points which I will exchange for products that I can review on this blog.



FTC: This box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. All product descriptions were taken directly from the Birchbox card included in the box.
This post contains Amazon.com affiliate links and a birchbox affiliate link. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
The individual product links to the birchbox product page are not affiliate links.

This Month in Nails - December 2013

I think my nails are sufficiently grown out enough to post pics... but I didn't paint my nails much. Here's what I got.


OPI in Kiss Me At Midnight with an accent nail of It's Frosty Outside



(with flash)


(without flash)

These are two colors from this year's Mariah Carey holiday collection and they are also both Liquid Sand colors. This is my first time ever trying Liquid Sand, and I'm actually really impressed! I didn't know what I thought the texture would feel like, but I was convinced it would be scratchy or catch on my clothes or something, and that simply isn't the case. I like that it's sparkly but also matte. They're both just gorgeous colors!
This also removed a lot easier than I anticipated- I had less trouble then I do with standard glitter polishes. I was extremely impressed!


Butter London in Jack the Lad




My friend Jeanette gave me this and another Butter London polish for Christmas, and they are my two firsts. I don't do much for New Year's Eve (my friends and I just hang out and watch Star Wars), but this is my New Years mani. Overall, I wasn't super impressed with the formula of this polish, and this is two coats but I feel like I probably should have used three. For the price you pay for a bottle of this, I expected to be wowed by it. But it was on par with pretty much every other polish I own that is a little tricky to work with.


FTC: OPI polishes and the Butter London polish were Christmas gifts. All thoughts and opinions are my own.