I'M BACK....sort of.

Hello All...

I've been on a bit of a hiatus since spring break.  I definitely have a back-up of things to share.  I've tested out a couple of features on my blog, one of which was the scheduled post.  The came in handy while I was out of town on Spring Break...but that's not what I came to talk about.

In case you haven't noticed, I've added a couple of new features to my blog; the "Subscription" feature and the "Followers" feature.  I've been blogging for months now, with no way for you to follow my posts and now you can!! :o)

Feel free to subscribe/follow and tell your friends about it.  You can find those buttons in the upper right panel of this blog.  I look forward to posting more updates on beauty items galore!

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JC Penney is Giving Away Nail polish...or at least it seems that way!!

Surfing the net can give you a lot of information...sometimes it's what you're looking for and other time's you're not.  While surfing the net, I learned that JC Penney salons are selling OPI polishes, buy two or more at $6 each.  OPI polishes can set you back anywhere between $8 and $9, depending on the retailer.  I even came across a couple of sites where people were able to pick up polishes from OPI's Oz collection and take advantage of the 2 or more for $6 each.

 

 

Although I was actually on the hunt for polishes from the Oz collection (and didn't find any at JC Penney), there were some other colors that caught my eye.

First up...Eurso Euro.

OPI Eurso Euro, 2 coats, with Flash.

Is it blue? Is it purple?  Seems like a little bit of both.  It looks like a deep navy blue in the picture, but the bottle seems to give off a hint of purple.  This creamy polish went on opaque with one coat.  The second coat wasn't necessary for me.

 

OPI Suzi's Hungary Again!, 3 coats, with Flash.

"Suzi's Hungary Again!" is not as thick as "Eurso Euro", but it shares the cream formula.  My nails definitely required more than one coat.  I also noticed that this color went on a bit streaky.  "Suzi's Hungary Again!" gives off a nice coral color that I'm afraid my flash interfered with.

OPI My Vampire is Buff, 2 coats, with Flash.

I was especially drawn to "My Vampire is Buff".  It has almost the same consistency as "Suzi's Hungary Again!".  "My Vampire is Buff" sort of reminded me of "Skull and Glossbones" from OPI's Pirates of the Carribean collection.  I probably struggled the most with the decision to purchase this color. I was pleased to find out that the colors are different. 

Left to Right: Skull and Glossbones vs. My Vampire is Buff

 

If you haven't had a chance to check out the inventory at your local JC Penney, you may want to head on over while supplies last.

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A Manicure Fit For Travel

With travel season in full swing (even though the weather may not be), the last thing I want to do while on vacation, is fuss over my nails.  If I'm traveling on a get away, I'd like to spend my vacation soaking in the sights and not so much primping and prepping to soak in the sights.  To remedy this, I want a manicure that will last for days...heck...weeks!

It seems as though there has been a boom in the market for LED and UV products.  Since my nails are probably the MOST neglected part of my beauty regimen, having a low maintenance manicure is right up my alley.  Making the initial purchases to start off your UV/LED kits can be a bit pricey, but over the long haul, it might even pay off.

Last week, while browsing through Ulta's clearance section, I noticed they had a host of gel polishes on the rack.  It looks like Ulta is getting rid of their inventory of ProGel Supernail gel polishes.  These polishes originally retailed for $14.50 and have since been marked down to $6.99.  These polishes are fit for both UV and LED systems.  I picked up some colors that were still available at my local Ulta and headed over to Sally's Beauty Supply to grab a Gelish topcoat.

Gelish "Top it Off" Soak-off Gel topcoat

I have to admit that this was my first time trying these products.  I was familiar with the Gelish brand, but had never used their products before.  I haven't really ventured down the road of buying gel polishes, I think it's partly because I feel like I invested in regular nail polishes.  Nowadays, there's plenty of tutorials and testimonials out there of people being able to use their regular polishes in conjunction with the gel polishes. 

ProGel SuperNail 100% Gel Polish in Clean Linens

I decided to get "Clean Linens" because I thought it could work for a French manicure, or it could serve as a good base color, to make neon or jelly polishes pop.  I've had my share of unsuccessful experiences with trying to layer neons and jelly polishes over regular white polish.  With the capability of a gel polish to cure, it should make layering colors easier.



ProGel SuperNail 100% Gel Polish in Cactus Flower



ProGel SuperNail 100% Gel Polish in Beachy Pink

The biggest difference between "Cactus Flower" and "Beachy Pink" is the fact that "Beachy Pink" has a slight frosty finish.



ProGel SuperNail 100% Gel Polish in Obsidian



Although you may not be able to find the polishes on Ulta's website, you may have luck checking your local store. 



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OPI: Oz The Great and Powerful

Not only did the month of March bring us the highly anticipated film, Oz The Great and Powerful, but OPI made sure to release its supporting cast in nail polish form.  I'm convinced these ethereal looking shades will work well for any season.

With this collection, OPI released 3 soft shades with jelly-like formula, and 4 glittery shades (one of which is the "liquid sand" formula), for a total of 7 shades.  It took me a while to come around to this collection because, after purchasing my share of "jelly" polishes, I know that I prefer opaque polishes; however, the almost neutral tones to the jellies in this collection has inspired me.  The jelly shades seem like they will be great for layering polishes and making very natural looking French manicures.  I am anxious to play around with the bunch.

First up...the "jellies".

Don't Burst My Bubble, 3 coats, with flash

"Don't Burst My Bubble" is a pinkish white shade.



I Theodora You, 3 coats, with flash

"I Theodora You" is a pastel pink shade.



Glints of Glinda, 3 coats, with flash

"Glints of Glinda" is a neutral/light tan shade.  With the name, I thought there would be flecks of glitter, but all three of the "jelly" shades have a cream finish.  This particular shade just might rival "Samoan Sand" as my go to neutral.

I describe these shades as jellies because they have a very thin/watery consistency.  These are very sheer polishes and will take a few coats to build up.  They apply like a dream and in my opinion, they leveled well.  I didn't find that the polishes went on streaky.

The "glitters"...



Lights of Emerald City, 3 coats, with flash

"Lights of Emerald City" is a unique polish with a mix of square shaped white glitters and clear iridescent glitters.  It was a bit challenging to spread out the white glitter chunks over the nail.  How difficult of a task it is probably depends on the way you would wear it.  I wanted to see if I could build up the opacity of the polish.  It may be more helpful to allow time for the polish to fully dry between coats, if you choose to build up the opacity.



Which is Witch?, 3 coats, with flash

"Which is Witch?"  This polish contained another mixture of glitter textures and tones.  I noticed some holographic pieces, medium size hexagonal glitters, and micro bar glitters...almost a nod to last year's "Save Me", from OPI's Nicki Minaj collection.  "Save Me" was a color that I passed on, but the bar glitters in "Which is Witch" seem to be much more subtle.



When Monkeys Fly, 3 coats, with flash

What makes "When Monkeys Fly" unique is the large round gold foil pieces suspended in the clear polish.  I had a similar experience, with the application, as I did with "Lights of Emerald City".  It took some work to spread the glitter pieces over the nail, but would probably look exquisite over a dark polish.



What Wizardy is This?, 3 coats, with flash

"What Wizardry is This?" was the liquid sand shade that was released with this collection.  This polish dries down to a semi matte finish with glitter flecks that glisten noticeably.  This combination of brown and gold makes this shade live up to its texture...liquid sand...very reminiscent of a moonlit stroll on the beach.  This polish would look great with or without a topcoat.

These polishes are listed as being formaldehyde free and toluene free.  These polishes are priced at $9 each.  I was able to purchase these shades with the use of my Ulta Rewards program.  I just happened to check an e-mail account that I rarely ever use and noticed that I received two coupons from Ulta; both of which expire this coming Saturday.  I applied a 20% coupon and a 5X bonus points coupon.  I absolutely LOVE Ulta's points program, because they translate into dollars that I can use to discount items that I've been eyeing.  These points/dollars can be used on most of the products in the store. 

I went through quite a bit of a struggle to get my hands on the entire collection of polishes, but it looks like they are all still available at Ulta.com.  We all know that status can change at any moment...who knows if they'll still be available by the time I post this.

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China Glaze Ombre Sets

 

 

Just in time for the warm weather, China Glaze releases their ombre sets with fun and fashionable colors.  The latest nail craze all packaged and ready to go, leaving the guess work behind you.  China Glaze offers three sets with a mix of "permanent" and new shades.

 

This past weekend, I paid a visit (literally) to Sally's Beauty Supply, to pick up the three ombre sets which were on sale for $12.99 (regularly priced at $14.99).  I was able to also use a 15% off coupon from a recent visit to the store, making these sets just over $11 each.  At $14.99, these sets are still a steal because you're essentially getting the polishes at $3.74 each when China Glaze polishes typically retail around $6-$7 (depending on where you find them).

Grape Expectations:

Left to Right: Sweet Hook, Spontaneous, Grape Pop, and Crimson

Sweet Sensations:


Left to Right: Angel's Breath, Something Sweet, Dance Baby, and Make an Entrance

Wait Teal You See!


Left to Right: White on White, For Audrey, Aquadelic, and Turned Up Turquoise

After leaving Sally's Beauty Supply, I took a stroll next door to Ross.  I didn't expect to find so many nice things, so I went a little crazy and purchased some dresses.  There was one dress in particular, that jumped out at me and I knew I had to have it.

 

Does this dress remind you of anything?  I KNOW, I know.  How coincidental is this, to find a dress that is a precise match for the China Glaze ombre set I just purchased minutes before?  I absolutely can't wait to wear this dress and create matching nail art!

 

The extra bonus with these sets is that there's no need rush out and buy makeup sponges to complete the ombre designs.  These kits come with 10 hexagonal sponges and instructions on the back. 

 

Click to enlarge

 

 

The beauty in this product is that with all the various new nails trends out, one constant remains...gradient color changes.  Again, this product removes the guess work of what colors would go well together.  The colors are even gorgeous enough to be worn alone.  This is also a "price friendly" way of building up your nail polish collection.  I'm looking forward to creating new looks with these fabulous polishes.

 

 

 

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More Hello Kitty?!?!?!?! Is that possible?

Last week, I decided to venture into a store that I hadn't visited before.  My mission was to just look around, but with all the cuteness screaming at me, I had to leave with something.  Character World is a store that I wasn't too familiar with.  I had often walked by it and noticed the huge plush Hello Kitty in the window.  After much curiosity and a little bit of time to spare, I decided to venture into the store.  As I walked along the perimeter of the store, I noticed an all too familiar Sanrio character...TUXEDO SAM!!  Growing up, this little penguin had to be my absolute favorite, but he has since been hiding in retirement, only to make appearances every once in a while.  I can recall when Sanrio celebrated their 50th anniversary; they displayed some special edition products in Target stores.  That's when I found a small Hello Kitty plush doll in a Tuxedo Sam costume.  That's about as close as I could get to my little blue friend.  During my visit to Character World, I stumbled across some Tuxedo Sam earrings and had to get them. 



Tuxedo Sam stud earrings. $4.99 USD

I also lucked up on a very edgy set of Hello Kitty earrings in black and gold.  The earrings didn't have a price tag on them and there were none left to compare them to.  I accepted the price quote of $12.99 from the owner.  I took to the internet to try to find out if any other retailers carry them and happened to come across a couple of sites.  It looks like I got a little bit of a deal because the sites I came across wanted a little bit more money for the earrings.  I found the earrings online here, here, and here.  I have to say that I am not too familiar with those sites and haven't ordered anything from them before, but it is a little comforting to know where to find them in case Character World doesn't get more in stock. 



Hello Kitty earrings by Loungefly. $12.99 USD

I don't know how long the earrings will hold up in my sensitive earlobes, but I'll be sure to check back in with more updates.

Since I was in a Hello Kitty sort of mood, I decided to go down to Sephora and check out the Tokyo Pop collection.  I took the opportunity to swatch the newest palette and fell in love, but instead set my sights on some old items I wanted to get my hands on.  While at Sephora, I tried my luck with one of the Sales Associates and asked if there were anymore products from the "Wild Thing" collection.  To my surprise, the associate was able to locate an item that I had on my wish list.  I was excited and annoyed at the same time.  I was excited to learn that they still had items available, even though they were no longer on the salesroom floor.  I was annoyed because I called for two items in particular WEEKS ago and were told that they didn't have them.  Sometimes, it may be more beneficial to actually visit the store location.  I went ahead and purchased the Hello Kitty "Wild Thing" comb and decided to order the makeup bag online.




Sephora Hello Kitty Wild Thing Wide Tooth Comb.  Originally priced $12. On sale, $7 USD

I am familiar with the durability of this comb because I have the silver one that was released with the Noir collection.  It offers wide teeth, a heavy grade plastic, and is large in size.  I have used it for detangling on both wet and dry hair.

Yesterday, my Sephora package finally arrived.  I have been slowly picking up items from this collection that launched late last year.  This is probably the final accessory piece from the "Wild Thing" collection that I didn't own.  One thing I noticed about this makeup bag, compared to some from previous releases, is that it does not have pockets/pouches inside, but it makes up in the amount of room that it gives.  I can't wait to test out the durability of this bag.  Maybe I'll take it on my upcoming vacation.




Sephora Hello Kitty Wild Thing Bag.  Originally priced,$29.  On sale, $15 USD 



Sephora Hello Kitty Wild Thing Bag



Sephora Hello Kitty Wild Thing Bag

I had a little bit of an issue placing my order online, so I had to call Sephora's customer service to complete the order.  The service rep picked out a few samples for me.

Head over to Sephora's website and check out what's on sale.  These items don't stick around for very long.

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