Friday, July 26, 2013

Funky Pippa - Are You Drunk?

Today I wanted to do a look using an unconventional color combination. Something fun and funky and out of the box. This is what I came up with!

This manicure began with Zoya Anchor base coat. Next I added two lovely coats of Zoya Pippa, and then a layer of Zoya Armor top coat. I then let the polish dry and cure overnight.


The next day, I dabbed some China Glaze Scattered & Tattered onto a piece of cosmetic wedge sponge, and dabbed that to the tips of my nails, creating glitter tips.


I finished the look with two coats of Gelous gel top coat, and one layer of Seche Vite.


Products Used:
One coat Zoya Anchor Base Coat
Two coats Zoya Pippa
One coat Zoya Armor Top Coat
China Glaze Scattered & Tattered Glitter 
Two coats Gelous Advanced Gel Top Coat
One coat Seche Vite Top Coat

Monday, July 22, 2013

Color Club - Holiday Splendor

Today I am wearing Color Club Holiday Splendor.



Products Used:
One coat Beauty Secrets Moisturizing Base Coat
One coat Color Club Holiday Splendor
One coat Gelous Advanced Gel Top Coat
One coat Seche Vite Top Coat

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Jungle Stand Tasting BAR - July 2013



It's time for another Jungle Stand Tasting BAR! (Please see my original Jungle Stand post for all the subscription details.)

This month's theme is 'Taste Of Japan"


Front of the card: Welcome to the Jungle Stand. The nest stop on our summer-time "taste around the world", is Japan. They discovered the 5th taste, UMAMI, which means "pleasant savory taste". Did you know that soy sauce's taste is umami? It's an ingredient & taste that figures prominently on the Japanese palate. So welcome, or as they say in Japan....Yokoso!



Back of the card: Before you are 6 delights from the island nation known as the Land of the Rising Sun. More than any country, the Japanese revel in their delights. In this BAR, you'll discover that umami & sweet make a tasty pair. Although some of these tastes seem subtle, they DO have strong after-tastes. You'll probably need milk and/or water as an extra palate cleanser. Will any of these tastes change your life?



The Tastes:

Green - Baked Cake (Issa Tsutsumi Manju): Our Japan tasting begins w/ their version of a mini-baked cake. Called "Manju", it's prepared by steaming the cake after filling it with a sweetened white bean paste. As you taste, notice how the cake first tempers the bean flavor, then the sweetness takes over.

Yellow - Nori Koiwa: This taste is really unique. A rice cracker dusted w/ seaweed. It looks like it'll taste salty. But pop one in your mouth & you'll get a sweet surprise. The seaweed flavor comes on strongly in the after-taste. (umami & sweet) Arguably the best taste in the BAR.

Pink - Rice Cracker (Age Ichiban): Smells and tastes like sweet soy sauce. The texture is crispy and crunchy but it's not too hard. Japanese Rice Crackers are known as Senbei. They come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors. They're usually savory/sweet or sometimes both. Senbei are often eaten with green tea. (umami & sweet)

Red - Hitokuchi Kurobo: Never judge a taste by it's cover. This "Wheat-Cracker" doesn't look too appealing. But you'll never guess which of the 5 tastes it falls under...heehee.
**SPOILER ALERT** Give this a chance. Sweet after-taste. Cake-like texture & sweetened with brown sugar. Sweetest taste in the BAR.

Blue - Taruyaki Goma Senbei: The only pure salty/savory taste in the BAR, these crunchy rice crackers have a thin glaze of salty soy sauce on the outside and toasty black sesame seeds baked on the inside. After the previous sweet tastes, this is a nice change of pace for your palate.

Orange - Strawberry Caramel Corn: To finish our tour of Japan, we present their crispy, crunchy Strawberry and Caramel-flavored puffed corn taste! Open the bag, take a smell....that's strawberry heaven.


This subscription is $9.92 per month, charges at the beginning of the month, and ships your BAR via Priority USPS in the middle of the month.


Ipsy - July 2013

Ipsy - July 2013




Theme & bag


This month's theme is 'Beach Beauty', and the bag is hot pink, see-through plastic.


Face SPF 20 Rose Essence Tint


Size Received: 0.23 fl oz
Value: $4.87

"Keep the sun and environment at bay with this SPF 20 broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen, a tinted, light Rose scented, Titanium Dioxide based formula (for those who are Zinc sensitive) made with 98% natural ingredients. Organic Acai Oil - high in Omegas-3/6/9, Vitamins B1/2/3, plus antioxidant Vitamins C and E - delivers a powerful defense against aging. Organic Sunflower Seed Extract promotes elasticity while organic Linseed Oil, containing Alpha-Linolenic Acids, reduces redness and irritation. The phyto-protector Plankton Extract rejuvenates, as organic Cucumber Extract calms skin."


Nailtini Nail Polish - Mai Tai



Size Received: Full Size
Value: $13.00

"Pure all-premium nail color in vibrant sunrise coral"


Pop beauty Pouty Pop Crayon - Coral Crush


Size Received: Full Size
Value: $4.17

"These extra-nourishing balms gently bounce onto lips, creating a plumped & pillowy pout and leaving them with luscious, long-lasting colour in a super-smooth texture."


BH Cosmetics Eye Shadow


Size Received: 3 pans
Value: $3.00

One shadow from each of the Hollywood, San Francisco, and Malibu eye shadow palettes.



Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray


Size Received: 1.7 fl oz
Value: $6.65

"Soy Renewal Beach Spray by Sexy Hair provides body, fullness and light hold while helping to nourish, protect and heal hair damage with the power of Argan Oil."


Bag Cost: $10.00
Bag Value: $31.69


Mai Tai Flowers

Today's manicure began with two coats of Nailtini Mai Tai and a coat of Seche Vite top coat.


To that, I added some stamped flowers using stamping plate M26 and Konad special white stamping polish.


Next, I used a dotting tool to dab some top coat in the center of each of the large flowers, and placed an orange rhinestone in that space.


I finished by sealing the design with a coat of Seche Vite.


Products Used:
One coat Beauty Secrets Moisturizing Base Coat
Two coats Nailtini Mai Tai
One coat Seche Vite Top Coat
Stamping Plate M26 + Konad Special White Stamping Polish + Small Orange Rhinestones
One coat Seche Vite Top Coat


Sunday, July 14, 2013

Ombre - Teal

Today's manicure is an ombre effect of different shades of teal from dark to light.. 


The colors I have used are, from thumb to pinkie:

Bondi New York - Tavern On The
Color Club - Wild Cactus
Sinful Shine - My Kryptonite
Bondi new York - Teal Magnolia
Bondi New York - Lady Liberty



Products Used:
One coat Beauty Secrets Moisturizing Base Coat
Two coats each Bondi Tavern On The, Color Club Wild Cactus, Sinful Shine My Krypronite, Bondi Teal Magnolia, Bondi Lady Liberty
One coat Seche Vite Top Coat



Thursday, July 11, 2013

Birchbox - July 2013

Birchbox - July 3012 (1 of 2)


"This month's box is dedicated to helping you take control of any situation, and to make the most of every minute - on the clock or off duty. We've even called in the experts - namely the characters off USA's hit series SUITS - who were the inspiration for some of this month's samples. Try their picks and don't forget to tune in to the season premiere with @Birchbox on Tuesday, July 16 at 10/9c. Happy Playing!"


LA Fresh Instant Body Soother


Size received: Two wipes
Value: $0.83

"From grueling workouts to grueling meetings, these minty wipes provide an instant refresh. Sweep across neck, shoulders, arms, and legs."


ModelCo Party Proof Lipstick - 'Get Naked'


Size Received: 1 of a Trio
Value: $8.00

"Long-lasting, non-drying pigment that won't come off on your drink (or significant other)."


Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect


Size Received: ? No volume on sample
Value: Estimated $4.50

" A sulfate-free leave-in conditioner that safeguards color and protects against UV rays. Mist evenly onto damp hair before styling."


Dr. Jart Ceramidin Cream


Size Received: ? No volume on sample
Value: Estimated $4.80

"Birchbox exclusive that repairs skin damage and provides hydration for up to 26 hours. Apply to freshly cleansed skin."


Birchbox Bobby Pins


Size Received: Two pins
Value: $1.67

"We designed these patterned pins to add style to summer hair with minimal effort. Jazz up simple ponytails, or use to secure errant bangs or layers."


Box Cost: $10.00
Box Value: $19.80



Birchbox - July 2013 (2 of 2)



Atelier Cologne Mistral Patchouli Cologne Absolue


Size Received: 1.2ml
Value: $1.50

"Zesty and woodsy, this enticing scent has notes of pepper, grapefruit, and Indonesian patchouli. Dab onto pulse points."


DDF Acne Control Treatment


Size Received: 0.5oz
Value: $12.95

"An overnight treatment with purifying salicylic acid to tackle blemishes and inflammation. Apply to clean skin at bedtime."


Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk



Size Received: 1.06oz
Value: $5.97

"An award-winning powder spray that absorbs oil and plumps up second-day hair. Shake can and spray 10 inches from roots. Let sit two minutes, then style as usual."


theBalm cosmetics InStain Long-Wearing Powder Staining Blush - Swiss Dot


Size Received: 0.018oz
Value: $1.98

"Inspired by the best-selling Stainiac, this budge-proof pigment lasts from sunup to sundown. Dust sparingly onto the apples of your cheeks. A little goes a long way!"

Comparison between full size Swiss Dot and Sample size




Birchbox Bobby Pins


Size Received: Two pins
Value: $1.67

"We designed these patterned pins to add style to summer hair with minimal effort. Jazz up simple ponytails, or use to secure errant bangs or layers."


Box Cost: $10.00
Box Value: $24.07



Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Square Hue - July 2013

Square Hue is a monthly nail polish subscription that sends you three of their own, full sized nail polishes each month. They release the name of each month's collection during the previous month, but don't give any other spoilers or sneak peeks, leaving the colors a total surprise when you receive your box! The cost is $21.99 per month, but right now they are running a special limited time offer price of $14.99 for your first box.


The theme for July was 'The Salute Collection: Nail Polish For Freedom'.


The colors are: (above from left to right) Valor, patriot, and Honor






Malia Tastes Like Snozberries!

Today's manicure began with base coat, two coats of Zoya Malia, and one coat of Zoya Armor top coat.



To that, I added two coats of Jindie Nails Taste Like Snozberries.



Over the glitter, I added one layer of Gelous gel top coat, and a layer of Seche Vite top coat to smooth everything out and seal the manicure.



Products Used:
One coat Beauty Secrets Moisturizing Top Coat
Two coats Zoya Malia
One coat Zoya Armor Top Coat
Two coats Jindie Nails Taste Like Snozberries
One coat Gelous Advanced Gel Top Coat
One coat Seche Vite Top Coat

Monday, July 1, 2013

Independence Day 2013 - Star Spangled

Happy Independence Day!

I love doing festive holiday manicures, especially for July 4th! *Bonus footage of last year's July 4th designs are at the bottom of the post.*


This year's 4th of July manicure began with one coat of white polish, Zoya Purity. When the white was fully dry, I created red, white, and blue stripes on each nail. With the pictorial below, I have attempted to show how I created the stripes using french tip guide stickers, Zoya America, and China Glaze Starboard.


After giving the stripes a while to dry completely, I then dabbed Lush Lacquer Snap Crackle Pop onto a piece of cosmetic wedge sponge, and gently dabbed that to the tips of each nail. Over that, I have applied two coats of Gelous gel top coat to smooth out the glitter, and one coat of Zoya Armor top coat to finish.


Below is a before/after of each step from base color to glitter tips!


Products Used:
One coat Beauty Secrets Moisturizing Base Coat
One coat Zoya Purity
Stripes of Zoya America & China Glaze Starboard
Glitter Tips of Lush Lacquer Snap Crackle Pop
Two coats Gelous Advanced Gel Top Coat
One coat Zoya Armor Top Coat


*Bonus Footage*
July 4th 2012 Designs