Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Happy New Year - 2014



Happy New Year Everyone! I hope you all have a safe and happy transition into 2014. Below is the manicure I will be wearing to ring in the new year :)


I am wearing black slacks with a red top and a silver clutch, so red with black and silver glitter just seemed like the right way to go!

This is two coats of Sephora X Flashy, with China Glaze Razzle Me Dazzle Me dabbed onto the tips, sealed with Sephora X Top Coat.

Moon Sugar Decals - Review

Today I will be sharing a nail product review! Moon Sugar Decals was nice enough to send me a sample of their water slide decals to try, below are my thoughts and several designs I created using their decals, and a discount code for your next purchase!


The water decals come in sheets of varying amounts, depending on the design you choose. I chose a sheet of Christmas decals that are normally $3.99 for 50 decals, my sample sheet contained 25 decals.

Step 1: Cut the decal to fit the nail. 


Step 2: Place your decal in a bowl of warm water. It will curl up and then straighten out again. Once they are laying flat again, they are ready to slide off the paper backing and onto your nail. 


I did not get the curling effect they say to watch for, so I just left my decal in the water for 30 seconds or so before fishing it out and sliding it off the paper backing. I couldn't find my tweezers, so I used the back end of a nail art brush to help me position the decal onto the nail.


Step 3: Place the decal straight onto the nail in desired position.

These decals are printed on clear film, so some can be very transparent depending on the decal. Moon Sugar recommends placing them onto a white or very light background for maximum effect. The Christmas tree was pretty dark in color, so I was able to place it on the light blue background without seeing any of the background through the decal.

I found that, depending on how wet the decal is when you apply it to your nail, you might have a few seconds to slide it into position before it fully sticks, but some of mine stuck immediately allowing me no time to slide them. Be sure you place the decal where you want it, just in case it will not slide for adjustments.

Step 4: Dab dry with a tissue and finish with a layer of clear acrylic or top coat to seal.


Below is another design that I created using the Christmas Decals. 


For this design, the decals definitely needed some white behind them to make them bright and vibrant (especially the snowman & santa). Using a dotting tool, I filled in some white where I wanted to place the decals. You can see that I was a bit off on the right side of my gingerbread man, you can tell that he would have looked very different with no white background.

Moon Sugar included a bonus strip of breast cancer awareness ribbon decals with my sample, so below is a design with one of them.


In conclusion, I found these decals to be of good quality, and reasonably easy to use. The decals fit my nails well, and lasted a long time with a layer of top coat over them. The edges stayed flat and did not lift and curl after the top coat was applied. I would personally prefer to use decals that were printed with white so I could use them over any color and still get the same effect, but that wouldn't stop me from purchasing more of these.

To receive 25% off of your next Moon Sugar Decals order, use 25DYNAMITE at checkout through 1/21/2014!

Big thanks to Moon Sugar Decals for the sample of their product, I very much enjoyed testing them out and can't wait to place my first order!

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Oh, Christmas Tree!


For this manicure, I began with a base coat and two coats of Sephora X Thrilling. Next, I used Zoya Chita to draw in the trees. For the ornaments, I dropped a little bit of white polish onto a metal stamping plate, and used a dotting tool to make white dots where I wanted ornaments to go. Then, I dotted each ornament color onto the white dots. I sealed the design with two coats of Seche Vite top coat.


Products Used

1 Coat Nailtek Foundation 1
1 coat Sephora X Base Coat
2 coats Sephora X Thrilling
1 coat Zoya Chita for the trees
Zoya Purity, Zoya Solange, Zoya Liberty, Zoya Chyna, and Zoya Destiny for the ornaments
2 coats Seche Vite Top Coat


Thursday, December 19, 2013

Deck The Nails With Pixie Dust

Deck The Nails With Pixie Dust.....Christmas Gradient!


For this manicure, I began with a base coat and a layer of Sephora X White Matter, a white polish, to create an opaque background for the gradient. Over that, I added one coat of the lightest color in this gradient, Zoya Tomoko. Next, I dropped some of Zoya Chita, Zoya Chyna, and Zoya Tomoko side by side onto a metal stamping plate. I then took a piece of cosmetic wedge sponge and dipped it into all three colors at once, and dabbed that to my nails where I wanted the gradient to be. I repeated this process, giving the layers time to dry in between dabbings, 2 or 3 times until I had the desired gradient effect.


Monday, December 16, 2013

Birchbox - December 2013


Birchbox - December 2013 (1 of 2)



Hair Rules Quench Conditioner



Size Received: 2 fl oz
Value: $3.50

"This hair-taming conditioner has an impressive number of star actives. Honey and glycerin enhance your hair’s moisture intake while fortifying strands. Other moisturizers like shea butter, coconut, and olive oils give hair added sheen."


Willa Lavender Facial Towelettes


Size Received: 10 Wipes
Value: $2.33

"Each soft cloth comes pre-soaked with a botanic cleansing formula. Aloe hydrates and heals irritation, lavender calms, and antioxidant-rich green tea helps skin look fresh and glowing. Plus, willa™ never uses potentially harmful ingredients like parabens and sulfates."


Borchese Superiore State-of-the-Art Mascara



Size Received: 0.1 oz
Value: $6.50

"A silk-powder foundation binds to lashes for extended wear and definition—and no flaking, smudging, or clumping. The Acqua di Vita "Living Water" Complex®, a unique blend of minerals and botanicals, adds moisture and conditions. Available in black and waterproof black."


Pure Botanica Botanic Bath Infusions in Moments In Mint


Size Received: 1 Sachet
Value: $9.33

"Choose from four scented varieties: Stress-busting Lost in Lavender contains Bolivian sea salt from the Andes Mountains and hints of chamomile and lemongrass, and calming Moments in Mint utilizes mineral-rich salt from the Atlantic and notes of eucalyptus. Refreshing Pick Me Up blends orange, lavender, and pink Himalayan sea salts, and Rosé Retreat recreates the aroma of fresh roses while harnessing the restorative properties of Atlantic and Andes salts. Each fragrance comes with a set of three biodegradable pouches."


Emily's Chocolates Chocolate Covered Fortune Cookie



Size Received: 1 Cookie
Value: $1.00

"Each box contains six individually wrapped cookies. Choose from Love, milk chocolate dipped cookies featuring romantic messages; Friendship, dark chocolate dipped cookies packed with affectionate fortunes; and Truth or Dare, fortune cookies covered in creamy milk chocolate with cheeky messages inside."

Total Box Cost: $10.00
Total Box Value: $22.66


Birchbox - December 2013 (2 of 2)




Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk



Size Received: 1.06 oz
Value: $6.46

"Made with softening oat milk extracts, plus corn and rice starches, this ultra-fine powder spray leaves nary a trace of residue behind. It performs a heroic array of functions. For starters, it soaks up oil and sweat from your roots and helps revive second day hair. Next, it amps up volume and helps extend the life of blowouts. You can also use it as a texturing aide when you’re trying to perfect a tricky updo. We love taking it with us to the gym for a post-workout hair refresher, and it’s great for times when we’re on the road."


Bliss That's Incredi- 'peel'! Spa Strength Glycolic Resurfacing Pad


Size Received: 1 Pad
Value: Estimated $1.00

"Each that’s incredi-‘peel’ pad simulates a gentle-yet-effective facial as you sleep, thanks to a patented time-release technology. Glycolic acid targets wrinkles and dark spots, while witch hazel and licorice extract soothe."


Miracle Skin Transformer SPF20 Face


Size Received: 0.17 fl oz
Value: $4.80

"The formula uses a combination of active ingredients to improve skin tone and texture. Vitamins A, E, and K are rich in antioxidants, while Ecophysalis extracts, sourced from the Brazilian rainforest, create a shield against pollutants. It’s free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, wax, mineral oils and talc and comes in six flattering shades. (My shade is not marked on the tube.)"


Camille Beckman Body Butter in Morelia Monarch


Size Received: 0.25 oz
Value: $0.71

"Each body butter is packed with shea butter and sweet almond oil which leave dry skin softer, smoother, and healthier. Choose between three scents: Midnight Monarch has top notes of jasmine and bergamot over a base of patchouli and sweet vanilla amber, the fresh scent of Morelia Monarch features green tea and amber over a base of vanilla orchid, and the rich, earthy No. 25 has notes of green pear, pepper berry, and florals over herbal wood and amber resin."


Laqa & Co. Fat Lip Pencil in Ring of Fire



Size Received: 1 'Lil Lip' Pencil
Value: $8.00

"Formulated with a blend of oils and healing vitamin E, the pencil provides lasting moisture in addition to a glossy finish. Choose from five high-impact shades: Wolfman (a pale pink), Fairyblood (a polished pink), Lampchop (a neon fuchsia), Bossy Boots (a velvety red), and Ring of Fire (a bright red)."

Total Box Cost: $10.00
Total Box Value: $20.97

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Ipsy - December 2013

Ipsy is a beauty subscription service that delivers 5-6 deluxe and full-sized beauty items to your door for $10 per month, click here to subscribe!

Ipsy - December 2013



Bag & Theme


This months theme is "Celebration", and the bag is black with a quilted texture.


English Laundry Signature Fragrances


Size Received: No volume listed, estimated 5ml each
Value: Estimated $4.20 & $4.50 ($8.70)

"Signature Pour Femme By: English Laundry
Charming, Delicate & Elegant. Signature opens with quince, complimented by white chocolate and jasmine petals at the heart. For a purely peaceful scent, notes of orris roots, powdery musk and sensual woods have been composed at the base.

Signature By: English Laundry
Sophisticated, Masculine & Captivating. Signature is a fragrance with aromatic notes of bergamot, lemon, lavender and cedarwood. Nutmeg and coriander are composed in the middle. Signature reveals a base of sandalwood, vetiver, musk and amber."


Be A Bombshell - The One Stick in Flustered


Size Received: Full Size
Value: $16.00

"An all-in-one multiple stick with a smooth texture. Apply to eyelids, cheeks or lips for the perfect pop of color anywhere! Apply as you would regular eyeshadow, blush or lip gloss. Flustered is described as a bright, warm pink."


Nicka K New York Nail Polish in Ripe Apple


Size Received: Full Size
Value: $4.99

"Reformulated and Redesigned. Nicka K New York introduces a professional collection of nail lacquer - our Nail Colors - the answer to every manicurist's dreams. These quality polishes come in 44 on-trend variations, and are available in opaque, sheer, shimmer, bright and vampy shades. The exceptional formula will glide across your fingernails with minimal effort for vibrancy that is not only dazzling, but long lasting."


Pop Beauty Eye Shadow Trio in Smokin Hot


Size Received: Trio of 3 Full Size Pans
Value: $7.20


NYX Extra Creamy Round Lipstick in Iris


Size Received: Full Size
Value: $4.00

"NYX Extra Creamy Round Lipstick is our classic lipstick for all occasions. The mineral-based emollient formula offers a beautiful velvet texture, saturated color and it resists wear and smudging. It’s your go-to lipstick. From Pure Nude to Pink Lyric to Chic Red, Round Lipstick is available in a jaw-dropping variety of shades."


Total Bag Cost: $10.00
Total bag Value: $40.89


30 Mani Marathon Recap!

It took me a little longer than I'd planned, but I finally completed the 30 Mani Marathon! I had a blast creating these manicures, and I hope you also enjoyed following along :)

Here is a quick recap of all 30 designs, just click on the manicure name for more details.