Ashley*Nicole

China Glaze Crackle Nail Polish

2011-05-17T12:00:00.005-04:00

I was told about a new nail polish that was for sale at Sally's Beauty Supply. It's by China Glaze and you simply paint your nails any color with any nail polish, let it dry, then paint the Crackle Glaze over that polish, let it dry for at least 5 minutes and it has the appearance of crackled paint, then you throw on a shiny top coat and voila!

The paint I used for the under tone was an older polish from my collection. It's a shimmery coral color called Sunset Prisms made by Maybelline.

The Crackle glaze I selected was called "Crushed Candy", which is a beautiful turquoise blue!

I really like this nail polish, it took me a few tries to get it to look right because I was putting on too thick of a layer but once I got the hang of it, it turned out pretty cool!

I hope you liked this post, be sure to share it with all your friends on Facebook and Twitter! Follow me on twitter @ashNICOLEley for updates!! Happy Shopping XOXO!!

Dumb Blonde by BED HEAD - Not Just for Blondes...

2011-04-27T21:36:00.002-04:00

If you have dry or damaged hair due to coloring, chemical treatments, or heat; you might want to pick up a bottle of BED HEAD's "Dumb Blonde" Shampoo and Reconstructor. Don't let the name mislead you, it's not JUST for blondes! The name comes from the idea that Blondes do A LOT of coloring to achieve and maintain that bombshell look, and probably have gotten some damage along with it! But the truth is, with our conical wands, straighteners, highlights, and etc. almost all of us can admit to having damaged hair - no matter the color!

These are my absolute favorite products in the shampoo/conditioner category. I use them almost every day! The reconstructor is an EXTREMELY thick conditioner that works best if you can leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing. I can always tell a HUGE difference in my hair when I use this product as opposed to when I do not. My hair is softer, shiner, and much more healthy looking! I have been using the conditioner for a year now and absolutely nothing comes close in comparison!

The shampoo retails in salons for about $19.95 for a tall 750 mL bottle. However, JC Penny's Salon, TJ Maxx, and Walmart salons often have them on discount for about $13 bucks, or 2 for $20 so keep your eyes peeled for deals!

These bottles are quite large so they last a long time. If you can find them on discount it really is a deal!

The reconstructor retails at about $26.95 for a 750 mL pump bottle. Again, JC Penny's salon, TJ Maxx, and Walmart salons run sales and you can find them for about $15 bucks or 2 for $20.

I like to keep another set of shampoo and conditioner in the shower to use about once a week... just to mix it up and make sure there's not a lot of product building up in my hair as these products are quite thick.

I hope you found this post helpful! Be sure to share it with all your friends on Facebook and Twitter! You can also follow me on twitter @ashNICOLEley for more updates! Happy Shopping!! XOXO

P.S. - Leave a comment! I want to hear your opinion on these products!

My Personal Fav - YBF Eyebrow Pencil!

2011-04-15T17:22:00.001-04:00

YBF
(Your Best Friend)

I love this pencil because it is perfect. Really, no joke. If you press harder the color gets darker. If you use it lightly the color is lighter. It is great for any hair and skin color. It also doesn't need to be sharpened which is always a plus.

As you can see in the picture above it is dual ended. One side is the pencil and the other is a brush.

As I said before it doesn't need to be sharpened. I love this because sharpening cosmetic pencils is incredibly messy and just wastes product.

One of the best things about this pencil is the brush. After you fill in your brows you can go over them with the brush to shape them and it blends the pencil marks and makes it look even more natural.

Before:

In the picture above you can see some bald patches where my eyebrows are still growing in.

After:

The pencil perfectly filled in the bare spots and my eyebrows don't look drawn on!

My final look:

This is my current favorite of all my cosmetics!

You can find YBF cosmetics on HSN! Here's the link!

I hope you liked this post and love this eyebrow pencil as much as I do! Be sure to share this with all your friends on Facebook and Twitter! Happy Shopping XOXO!

Hot Guess Sunglasses - Poor Customer Service

2011-04-08T13:42:00.002-04:00

I have been a loyal customer of Guess for a while. Especially when it comes to their accessories. I am quite petite and have a hard time finding sunglasses that fit well. I can always find sunglasses at Guess that fit and look stylish. Last week I somehow managed to break my favorite Guess sunglasses so I immediately got on the web and ordered a new pair!

My poor broken sunglasses!

I decided to go with the Daredevil sunglasses that I found on Guess.com. They were $85 which was about $30 more than my old ones but they came with a hard case so I figured they might last longer than my old ones, plus they looked cool and I knew they would fit great, so I went ahead and made the order. You can see the case below in a snapshot of the website as it appeared when I placed the order:

I received my sunglasses a few days later. Unfortunately the case they sent me was not the case shown on the website. In fact, the case does not fit the sunglasses at all. I called the customer service number given on my invoice expecting the issue to be resolved immediately and the right case to be sent out without a problem. I was wrong. I was asked to email photos of the case that I received to the customer service agent I was speaking to and she would fwd it to the warehouse. I took pictures of the case with the glasses inside so that it would show how they do not fit. I also sent the screen shot above so they could clearly see that the case I received was not the same. Here are the photos of the case I received and sent to the customer service rep:

After emailing her like I was told to do, I received no response. I waited a day and then called. She said she was still waiting to hear from the warehouse. That was on a Friday. Tuesday I emailed again when I still had not gotten any information. I told her I was very upset that I have not heard anything and that the issue had not been resolved. She informed me that she was still waiting to hear from the warehouse. I wait 2 more days and still hear absolutely nothing from anybody. It has now been a week since I first called and I decided to call the customer service number and ask to speak with a manager. Did I get to speak with a manager? No. The girl on the phone took my information, read that I had the wrong case and stated that she would email the warehouse. So here we go, in the same circle. I informed her that I will not be ordering from Guess again, and angrily stated how dissatisfied I am with this mess and their inability to simply send the product that I ordered and payed for. Her response was that she would email the warehouse and call me back today. I'll let you know if that actually happens.

In conclusion, I have decided not to order from Guess.com in the future. When you have loyal customers, take care of them. When you offer a product and people buy it, don't send a cheaper version that doesn't work. I expected Guess to be a nicer brand and a company that would stand behind their products and customers and I have been shown that, well, that just isn't the case.

UPDATE:

The customer service representative that took my phone number and promised to call me back that day did not call back that day or the next. I will be calling again Monday.

I never got the chance to call Monday, it is now Tuesday and while I never heard back from them I am happy to report that I finally received my case today in the mail!

I hope you found this post helpful! Be sure to share it with all your friends on Facebook and Twitter! You can follow me for updates on Twitter @ashNICOLEley! Happy Shopping XOXO!!

Long beautiful lashes! Easy!

2011-03-28T18:29:00.000-04:00

While shopping at my local drug store I came across these Ardell DuraLash false eye lashes. I have never been a fan of false eyelashes because they are a mess to get on and irritate me. These were only about 4$ and they seemed interesting because they are little clumps instead of a whole eye piece so I decided to give them a shot.

You can see the packaging in the pictures above and below.

On the back you can see the instructions and it states that you use LashTite adhesive to apply them.

The adhesive was about 3$ and you use very little so it will last a long time. I felt like it was a pretty good deal so having to buy the glue separate from the lashes didn't upset me.

You can see the packaging for the adhesive above and below. The adhesive also shows instructions on the back of the box. I like that, you can see what you are getting into before you buy it.

Below, you can see my eye before I applied the lashes. My eyeshadow was already on. I recommend applying the lashes before you put on makeup if you plan to wear the lashes for more than one evening. Doing it before will cause the makeup to get in the glue and will still be visible after makeup removal.

Below, you can see how many I used. That is the amount I used for BOTH eyes so they give you plenty of lashes to work with!

I applied them exactly as the instructions told me. I put a drop of glue on a piece of aluminum foil. I then used tweezers to grab a clump of lashes and applied them to my own lash a little away from my lid.

Above is one eye after applying the false lashes but before applying mascara. In the two pictures below, you can see how the whole look, with mascara.

I have used this product twice and definitely plan on getting more. They are easy to apply and the second time I used them I was able to put them on more quickly and evenly, so it really is a piece of cake. They could probably last 3 or so days but, I get irritated with them and remove them. The first time I took them off the next day. The second time I used them, I left them on for two days before removing them. They seemed to be attached very well both times I removed them, so it's safe to say they last several days. I personally don't care to keep them on that long and they are cheap enough to use and replace so if your like me you will want to grab a bottle of remover and several packages of lashes.

I hope you like this post and enjoy these lashes as much as I did! Be sure to share it with all your friends on Facebook and Twitter! You can follow me on twitter for more updates @ashNICOLEley!!

Happy Shopping!! XOXO

YBF Perfect Prep Face Primer!

2011-03-16T18:04:00.001-04:00

This is another great product from YBF, Your Best Friend!

Face Primer can be an important tool for people who suffer from acne and blackheads. Often times cosmetics, oil, skin cells, and dirt get down into the pores and cause inflammation and build up. It is good to use a primer to create a barrier between your face and your cosmetics to help reduce the flare ups.

I really like YBF's Perfect Prep Face Primer because it leaves a smooth, almost powder finish and has a light, fresh scent. Also, a little bit goes a long way so you can really stretch your dollar here!

This primer helps create a smooth, flawless look. It moisturizes and does not leave skin feeling sticky or oily!

I hope you enjoyed this post! Be sure to share it with all your friends on Facebook and Twitter! You can follow me on Twitter for updates @ashNICOLEley! HAPPY SHOPPING XOXO!!

Creating Unique Jewelry!

2011-03-15T17:56:00.001-04:00

Creating unique jewelry by selecting stones, settings, and pieces and assembling them into a personalized design is a great way to show off your creativity and to have something special that nobody else owns!

I get all of mine done at a local Jewelers called "The Jewelry Vault".

I like going to a locally owned shop instead of a retail chain because it helps support the local economy, you have great service with people who remember you and get to know your personal style, and because you can really find some great pieces that aren't commercialized and bought by thousands of people.

This is a great simple piece. It is a stone that my mother brought back from over seas. We decided to go with a simple mounting so it wouldn't take away from the unique design of the stone. It is special to use things found in travels and given from loved ones but you can also find really great and unique stones at pawn shops, jewelry stores, antique stores, and you can even have the Jeweler special order things for you.

Below is my favorite piece. It was another stone that my parents brought to me from over seas. I wanted to do something really eye-grabbing so we flipped through some books until we found this spiral pendant.

We found a simple mounting for the stone and had it assembled into the curve at the bottom of the loop. It really fit well and made an awesome pendant.

This is going to make an excellent conversation piece!

You can get a better idea of the size in the picture below...

Choosing a chain can be difficult so I was very excited to find this piece below!

The size of the chain can be customized as the hook actually slides up and down the chain giving the option of wearing it long, choker style, or somewhere in between!

I also think it would look great with an open back dress as the chain would hang down in the back when worn more tightly around the neck!

Here are a few rings I had done a few years ago at the same location:

The middle stone in the ring above was brought home from overseas and given to me by my dad. The two side stones I picked out at the Jeweler's. We then selected mounts and a band!

I am excited about how well my ring matches my new pendant. The ring was also done at The Jewelry Vault. All three stones were selected in store and we found the mounts and band by flipping through books and ordering them.

I can't wait to show off my new unique jewelry!

I hope you enjoyed this post! Be sure to share it with all your friends on Facebook and Twitter! You can follow me for updates on Twitter @ashNICOLEley! Happy Shopping XOXO!

VS Lasting FX Eyeshadow Primer!

2011-03-10T11:21:00.001-05:00

I was recently browsing in Victoria's Secret when I saw this product:

I have never used a primer before because I had never thought I needed it. I don't have a problem with my eyeshadow staying on through out the day, but I do hate when I buy a new eyeshadow and the color is much more sheer than it appeared in the package. I decided to buy this product to see if it would help.

It's about 8$ for a small tube but you use such a small amount that the price seemed very cheap. I can imagine this product will go a very long way! It helped make the eyeshadow color appear truer because more pigment stayed on my eyelid. Also it helped with blending and really made my eyeshadow last. Although I wasn't looking to make my eyeshadow stay on longer I was surprised to find that when I was too lazy to wash my face before bed, my eyeshadow still looked pretty fresh the next day so it would probably work really well for people whose eyeshadow doesn't last.

I definitely recommend this product. I use powder eyeshadow and I never liked to wet my brush before because using the eyeshadow moist made it move to my crease and look silly. With this product that problem has disappeared, and I have been having fun using water to darken my eye-shadows and create new looks. I no longer own cream or liquid eye-shadows because they always ended up in my crease and looked awful. I'm hesitant to buy more and try it because I have had such bad luck with them in the past, but I'd love to hear if anyone else has used this product with any cream or liquid shadows!

I hope you found this post helpful! Be sure to share it with all your friends on Facebook and Twitter! You can follow me on Twitter for updates @ashNICOLEley. HAPPY SHOPPING!! XOXO

You can check out a video review of this product! I applied the primer and then went about my usual eyeshadow routine. I was hoping to show the difference in pigmentation on my video but because the lighting was so bright it was hard to see! Oh well, guess you'll just have to take my word for it and try it for yourself!

Waxing At Home? Might Not Want To Use This....

2011-03-08T12:00:00.001-05:00

Nair Roll-On Wax

First, I removed the product from the package and read the directions.

I unscrewed the roller top and removed the cap.

I screwed the roller top back on and placed it on a microwave safe plate and microwaved it according to the directions.

I then rolled it onto my leg in the direction of hair growth and placed a sheet over the wax, rubbing again in direction of hair growth.

I quickly pulled the sheet in the opposite direction of hair growth.

Up to this point I was highly pleased with the product as it was so much easier to heat and apply than other products I have used in the past, plus it didn't hurt that bad! However, after inspecting the used sheet I saw exactly why it didn't hurt! It only pulled out 3 hairs! I continued to try... and try... and try. Although, at times I was able to remove about 10 or 15 hairs it still wasn't worth it. I ended up giving up when my leg started swelling. I had removed less than half the hairs on my legs and already used most of my sheets. Sorry Nair, I'm going to stick with Sally Hansen's Spa Hair Removal Kit.

I hope you found this post helpful! Be sure to share it with all your friends on Facebook and Twitter using the buttons below! Follow me on Twitter for updates @ashNICOLEley!! Happy Shopping! XOXO

YBF! Royal Cosmetics!

2011-03-07T15:51:00.000-05:00

YBF

Your Best Friend

This makeup is sure to bring out everyone's inner princess!

Regal and Royal Flawless Neutralizing Powder:

I love YBF's Neutralizing Powder! As you may have read in one of my earlier posts, "YBF Neutralizing Powder and Desert Sun Bronzer Review", this neutralizing powder sets makeup, helps neutralize skin tone, and leaves a finished, oil-free look. I have replaced my Bare Minerals Mineral Veil with this product because, while I also love my Bare Mineral's Mineral Veil, I find that this product works better.

YBF has taken their Neutralizing Powder to a new level with this fabulously embellished compact! It comes in a velvety soft pouch and has a red and white gems set in a beautiful crown design.

I love taking this compact everywhere I go! I not only use it to freshen up my face but I like to pull it out when I'm applying my lip gloss! It's a real conversation starter as it grabs everybody's attention! I truly feel like a princess when using this product!

I know you'll want to grab one for yourself so here's the link!

Royalty Collectible Pewter Lipstick:

Here's another eye-grabbing product from YBF!

I love this lipstick! It's called Princess Pink! It goes on smooth and I love taking it out on the town and applying it while using my Regal and Royal compact mirror!

It has three gemstones, one on the top and two on the sides. The gemstones match the color of the lipstick and the case is also embellished with royal swirls and the ybf logo.

Not only are these great for making yourself feel like royalty but they make excellent gifts as well!

(IF you can bare to part with it!)

This one is called "Royalty Red". Another thing I love about these royal products is how heavy they are! No plastic here! These are truely collectible pieces that can be passed on to your little princess someday!

The hue is a deep red with dimensional color that is reminiscent of a ripe pomegranate. The color can easily be lightened or darkened with different shades of lip gloss and I really had fun playing with different looks!

I would definitely recommend pairing this with a little black dress for a hot date night!

If you want to grab these for yourself (or a friend), here's the link!

I hope you enjoyed my post! Have fun pampering your inner princess with these amazing YBF products! Be sure to share this post with all your friends on Facebook and Twitter! You can follow me on twitter for more updates @ashNICOLEley!!! HAPPY SHOPPING!!! XOXO

Bare Minerals! A Shade For Everyone!

2011-02-21T06:00:00.003-05:00

As many of you already know, I am a huge fan of Bare Minerals makeup. On my last visit to the salon to pick up a new jar, I realized something else that is great about this product. Unlike many brands, Bare Minerals has a shade between "Fair" and "Medium".

Now, this may not seem like a big deal to some... BUT, for those of us who aren't quite vampires, yet fall short of the "medium" hue... during the winter months... where hibernation is the only way to avoid hypothermic weather conditions... this is FANTASTIC!

The more shades, the easier it is to find your PERFECT color. Which, results in a more natural, flawless look. Way to go Bare Minerals... Just sayin'.

I hope you enjoyed my post! Show your love by clicking the "Follow" button in the grey box on the left side of the page! You can share this with all your friends on Facebook and Twitter! Just use the buttons below! Happy Shopping! XOXO

Nexxus Pro Mend! Miraculous Hair Repair!

2011-02-19T15:27:00.000-05:00

I recently heard about a new product from Nexxus that is supposed to mend split ends. I figured I would be a perfect guinea pig for this product, since almost every hair on my head is split.

(I can blame that on some failed, at home coloring attempts....

I pretty much committed follicular homicide.)

Here's what went down:

This is the product packaging.

You can find this product at your local Walmart store, and it runs at about $14.

Pictured above is what the product "desires" to do. Sounds great right? I was skeptical at best, but I decided it was worth a shot anyway.

I was pretty excited to get the product. Not really expecting it to work, but still excited none the less. I mean it's supposed to bind back together 94% of my split ends while I am sleeping!

And it doesn't leave residue on bed linnens....

This is science at it's finest!

Ok, enough gawking! Promises are great, but I wanted proof!

I followed the instructions as they are stated on the bottle (pictured above). It says that you use a quarter sized amount on dry or damp hair. I decided to apply the product to my dry hair and then spritz it with water so that I could work it in more evenly. I focused mostly on the ends but I have layers so I also applied it throughout. I then went to bed and washed my hair as per usual the next morning.

So, what happened? .....A miracle! That's what flipping happened! I couldn't believe the results! I would say it repaired at least 94% of my split ends, probably more! I could only find a few pieces that were not mended. I was blown away, I didn't expect much and with my damaged hair, I would have been satisfied if it had repaired 50% of my split ends, but this was amazing!

My only regret? Not taking a "before" picture... but, the picture below will show you what it looked like one day after using Nexxus Pro Mend.

I used the product on a Thursday night and I did not see any split ends popping back up until Monday. My hair continued to return to its normal state throughout the week and by the next Thursday it was time to use it again. I used the product exactly as I had the week before and yet again, I am pretty much split end free!

So, my final report on this product..... It is a bit pricey at about $14 for a 1.9oz bottle. However, using only a quarter size amount once a week will ensure that this product lasts quite a while. I could use it twice a week to keep any split ends from showing. That is probably something that will vary depending on the individual's hair and how far they wish to stretch the product. At any rate, I highly recommend trying this. It took my hair from hopeless to fabulous over night and kept it that way for almost a week!

I hope this post helped! Be sure to share this will all your friends on Facebook and Twitter! You can show your support by clicking the "follow" button in the grey box on the left side of the screen.

Happy Shopping! XOXO

VS Shimmering Body Lotion!!

2011-02-16T06:00:00.009-05:00

I snagged these two lotions during the Victoria's Secret semi annual sale!

I wasn't going to post about these. I initially bought them for use this summer since the shimmer lotion looks great in the sun, BUT I'm starting to think they won't last that long! I love the scents SO much that I am cheating and using them now!

HEAVENLY STARDUST

It is described as a "sensual blend of winter berries, honeysuckle, and liquid musk."

I absolutely love it. It smells sweet because of the berries and honeysuckle, but thanks to the musk, it doesn't make you smell like food which is a pet peeve of mine.

VERY SEXY NOW

This one is described as, "an exotic mix of Frangipani nectar, jungle lily, and purple orchid."

This one is my favorite. I've been using it before my yoga classes so I can stay smelling fresh. I'm not quite sure what a Frangipani is but I can tell you that it smells pretty dang good! The scent really is exotic. It's slightly sweet but more of a perfume scent. It's hard to explain so I recommend heading to your local Victoria's Secret to check it out for yourself!

I love love love these lotions. Hopefully I will still have some left when it's warm enough to show off some glimmering skin! If you like this post be sure to show your support by clicking the "Follow" button in the grey box on the left side of the page! Happy Shopping XOXO!

Psssst....

Don't know what a Frangipani is either? Check it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plumeria

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

2011-02-14T06:00:00.008-05:00

Who needs a date when you've got Victoria!?

Ok, so this isn't exactly a beauty product, BUT I did have to buy some to get it! No worries, you'll be hearing about those in the near future. Until then, have a beautiful Valentine's day and while you are out shopping for your special someone, don't forget to do a little shopping for yourself!

HAPPY SHOPPING XOXO!!

Show your support! Click the "Follow" button in the gray box on the left side of the page! <3

Nail Designs! Purple With Pink Polka Dots!

2011-02-10T20:58:00.004-05:00

This is a fun look that is sure to grab everyone's attention! I have painted my nails with this design twice and received TONS of complements so I decided to share the look with you!

CHECK IT:

First, I started with a dark purple background....

I used this China Glaze nail lacquer. It's called "Flying Dragon Neon" and it goes on with a flat look. It also has a bit of glitter in it. I think this would be a great color to wear on its own with a nice shiny top coat.

I used two coats and it was still sheer in some places so if you are wearing this color by its self you may want to do three coats. It dries quickly so it's not a hassle.

Let the dotting begin!

I used Claire's two way nail art pen and brush in a neon pink color. The first time, I used the pen top to quickly and easily draw the dots HOWEVER, this time the pen cap was clogged and I was unable to use it. I am very disappointed about this, I have several different colors of this product and they do clog from time to time, but I am usually able to unclog it by dipping it into nail polish remover. This time I was not and I hope this does not become a trend. Luckily, I was able to come up with a solution...

I had an extra pipette from another beauty product and I was able to use this to create perfectly symmetrical dots very easily! I am glad I had to find a last minute replacement because now I can easily use any nail polish to create polka dots! :)

Don't forget a shiny topcoat!

I found this website where you can get 100 disposable pipettes for only $8.99! Here's the link!

I hope you like this nail design! Be sure to share it with all of your friends on Facebook and Twitter! You can follow me on Twitter for more updates @ashNICOLEley! Happy Shopping XOXO!!

Show your support!! Click the "Follow" button in the grey box on the Left side of the page!

Eye Enhancing Smoky Mineral Shadow

2011-02-04T19:07:00.002-05:00

Physician's Formula has a fantastic line of eyeshadow palates that are specifically designed to enhance eye colors! I have been using the palate for brown eyes and absolutely love it! I decided to purchase one for hazel eyes since that is my true eye color. I saw that they had come out with a smoky collection so I gave it a try!
Check it:

I LOVE the brush included with this palate! It is PERFECT for lining the eyes and getting into the crease!

The packaging is great, it gives tips on how to apply the product. It's also easy to create your own image.

This is what the compact looks like outside of the packaging.

I love this! It comes with a great applicator, instructions, and beautiful hues. Not only do the colors pair well, but they are perfectly matched to make your eyes look their best! The colors go on just as they appear and aren't too sheer like a lot of other eyeshadow palates. The product is also mineral which is great for people with sensitive skin! I have been having fun mixing the colors and creating my own looks, stay tuned and I just might show you how I'm doing it!

I hope this post helps you find a great new eyeshadow palate to add to your beauty box! Be sure to share this with all your friends on Facebook and Twitter! Also, if you have any great looks that you have created by using this product, I want to see it! Check out my READER UPDATES page for instructions! Happy Shopping XOXO!

YBF Neutralizing Powder and Desert Sun Bronzer Review

2011-02-01T18:38:00.001-05:00

YBF (Your Best Friend) Cosmetics

As I stated in my previous post, "YBF Luscious Lipcolor!," I received a cosmetic gift set. The set is made by a company called YBF, which stands for Your Best Friend. I absolutely LOVE this company! All of the products are top quality and look excellent.

Here are some of the products from the kit:

Pictured above and below are two compacts: one is "Safari Sunset Bronzer", and the other is "Safari Desert Sun Neutralizing Powder". Also pictured is the "Safari Glimmering Sunrise Body Powder Puff".

As you may know from my previous post, "How TO: Get a Flawless Look!! Bare Minerals!", my daily cosmetic application routine starts with a lightweight liquid foundation made by Almay, then I use Bare Minerals powder and Mineral Veil, and then I finish with my Bare Minerals bronzer.

Well, for the past month I have changed things up a bit to include these YBF cosmetics. I still use my Almay liquid and my Bare Minerals powder foundation but I replaced my Bare Minerals Veil with the YBF Neutralizing Powder. I also replaced my Bare Minerals bronzer with the YBF bronzer.

Pictured above is the brush I use to apply the Neutralizing Powder and Sunset Bronzer. This is an excellent brush made by LiLique. I would reccommend this brush to anyone! It is incredibly soft and all natural.

The neutralizing powder has definitely become a permanent part of my daily cosmetic routine. I like it better than the Bare Mineral's Mineral Veil. It does the same thing, but it actually does it better. Not only does it set the Bare Mineral foundation but it makes me look more awake, smooths out my skin, and really finishes the look. I also like the bronzer better. It works well with my winter fair skin and has a lot of reflective pieces to help brighten my face. The puff has shimmer powder in it. I like to use it around my eyes to brighten them, it also helps give a more awake look.

I may go back to the Bare Mineral's bronzer for summer but I am definitely sticking with YBF Neutralizing Powder. This product really blew me away with how well it worked and how great it looks! I know you will want to grab some for yourself! You can get it on HSN, here's the link!

I hope this post helps you find the perfect makeup! Be sure to share it with all your friends on Facebook and Twitter! You can follow me on Twitter for more updates @ashNICOLEley! Happy shopping! XOXO!

Great "Go-To" look: Rockstar Pink and Strobe Light

2011-01-26T16:45:00.002-05:00

Show off your inner party animal, with these great Sally Hansen nail varnishes!

Glitter is a great "go to" polish when you are short on time, but still want to have a rockin' look for a night on the town... or take your every day look and...

kick it up a notch!

CHECK IT:

This look came from a combination of two glitzy varnishes. One that is cram packed with glitter, and one with larger, but fewer pieces.

I started with the "cram packed with glitter" polish. Give each of the nails one or two coats, just eye it and make sure the amount of glitter on each nail is the same. If you get excess, just continue to brush over it, the brush will remove any extra clear coat and leave the glitter behind.

I used Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear nail color.

The label was "Rockstar Pink" as you can see below:

Let the first application dry for a few minutes and then do a coat of glitter polish that has larger chunks spread out with more clear coat. I did this to add depth with the larger pieces, but it isn't necessary. You can just use one glitter polish and a nice top-coat if you prefer.

For the 2nd varnish, I used the same brand from Sally Hansen.

The label was "Strobe Light" as you can see below:

I love glitter polish! It is super glam and great to just throw on and run, as it dries quite fast. PLUS if you bump into something, you can just smudge it back into place!

I hope you like this post! Be sure to share it with all your friends on Facebook and Twitter! You can follow me on Twitter for more updates @ashNICOLEley! Happy Shopping XOXO!!!

YBF Luscious Lipcolor!

2011-01-22T16:29:00.004-05:00

YBF - for Your Best Friend - Luscious Lipcolor

I received an AWESOME gift... A YBF cosmetics kit! I absolutely love this brand!

These are the lip products from the kit, the colors are supposed to make your lips look fuller.

Here is the result after applying these cosmetics:

I definitely feel like the color did exactly what it promised as my lips look much fuller!

Here's what went down...

First, I applied the lipstick:

This is a great nude color! It is slightly warmer in hue than my actual lip color which helps make my lips look fuller! The color is called "Tawny Terrain" as you can see in the image below:

Most people apply lip liner first, I apply mine second (after the lipstick) because I feel like the line is too bold when drawn on first. You can experiment and see which way works best for you!

Next, I applied the lip liner:

I love this lip liner because it goes on very smooth and feels luxurious. It also has a sharpener built into the cap, which is great because you can throw it in your bag for touch ups and not have to worry about it getting dull. The color is called "Safari Spice" as you can see in the image below:

Last, I applied the gloss:

The gloss is located in this compact underneath the eyeshadow. I used the light pink gloss because I have fair skin and did not want my lips to appear too dark. If you have darker skin you might prefer the darker gloss. The gloss is great because it adds shine and helps blend the lip liner and the lip stick!

You can find YBF cosmetics at HSN, Here's the link!

Also, If you would like to see exactly how I applied these, you can check out the video from my youtube channel below:

I hope you enjoyed this post! Be sure to share it with all your friends on Facebook and Twitter! You can follow me on Twitter for more updates @ashNICOLEley! Don't forget to subscribe to my page and my channel! Happy Shopping XOXO!!

UPDATE! Ditch the Marshmallow! J.F.

2011-01-10T19:22:00.003-05:00

Reader: Jason Fee

Post: Fashion Find! Ditch The Marshmallow!

Product: Mountain Hardwear Men's Nitrous Jacket

After reading the post, "Fashion Find! Ditch The Marshmallow," Jason decided to get one of the featured Nitrous jackets made by Mountain Hardware. I was glad to hear that he was happy about his purchase! Check out these pics of him in his stylin' new coat and read what he had to say...

"The jacket is much lighter than you think, is very flexible, and great for outdoor activities."

"It is a really good camping jacket..."

"It is fitted so your arms and chest are covered well, without worrying about having hot air escape through the bottom like on many coats because the arms aren't long enough..."

"It is very plush feeling and the goose down keeps you very warm."

"The fabric it is made of makes it pretty water resistant and causes the wind to break on it, so you don't feel anything."

Well, Jason, you are definitely rockin' that Nitrous dude! Love the red btw! Definitely your color!

You can also find this jacket in my post, "Hiking, Climbing, Skiing... Layers Keep You Warm!"

If you have an update for me please check out the "Reader Update" page for instructions on how to submit!

If you liked this post, be sure to share it with all your friends on Facebook and Twitter! You can follow me on twitter @ashNICOLEley! Happy Shopping!! XOXO

OPI Nails! "Let Me Entertain You"

2011-01-05T11:44:00.002-05:00

So, yesterday I had a "girl's day" with my beautiful friend Aubrey. We started our adventure at the salon getting manis and pedis. After being directed to, "Pick a color," we found one of the most beautiful nail varnishes. It's OPI's "Let Me Entertain You."

CHECK IT:

This photo doesn't even do it justice! It's like a rockstar meets Dorothy in her ruby slippers kind of color. I love it!

P.S.

Best quote of the day...

"You might be a redneck if... you compare your nail polish to the paint on a Bass Tracker!"

Want this boat? Here's the link! lol

Jeff Foxworthy would be so proud....

Hope you liked this post! Be sure to share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!! You can also subscribe to my page using the follow button on the left side! Happy Shopping! XOXO

How TO: Get a Flawless Look!! Bare Minerals!

2011-01-01T23:26:00.001-05:00

Every woman desires a flawless face, but let's face it... nobody has perfect skin. We try every cream, moisturizer, gel, foundation, and powder that we can get our polished little hands on, but we never quite reach perfection. Well, for the past few months I have been using Bare Escentuals' Bare Minerals and I can tell you that my skin hasn't looked this great in a long time!

CHECK IT!

THE PRODUCTS:

On the top I have my foundation. I use the matte version because I have somewhat oily skin and this really helps control shine. My color is medium. In the back in the left is the same foundation but in Medium Beige. This one is for when I am out in the sun and get a bit darker. I probably wont be using that one again until spring. In the back on the right is the mineral veil. This is used after the foundation and it fills the pores and lines and really finishes the look. In the front on the left is a product called warmth. This is lightly used all over the face to give a sun kissed look. I am not currently using it because I am too fair in the winter, I'm sure I will put it to good use this summer though. The product in the front on the right is Honey Bisque. I use this as a bronzer/blush.

THE TOOLS:

These are the brushes I use. They all came in a kit with some makeup to get started. It is a better deal to buy the kit instead of purchasing everything individually. It is somewhat expensive, but after you buy the kit and get started it is not that pricey to buy new tubs because the only ones you use a lot will be the foundation and veil. The bronzer/blush should last you a long time if used sparingly. Here's the link to the kits, I purchased the Customizable Get Started Kit!

FULL FLAWLESS FACE BRUSH:

This is the largest brush in the kit. It is used to apply the foundation and the mineral veil. I like to apply the foundation all over my face, then I use the max coverage brush to cover my problem areas. I then go back to the full coverage brush to apply the mineral veil. In the video, included in the kit, they tell you to apply the veil last, but I prefer to apply it before the bronzer/blush.

MAX COVERAGE BRUSH:

This brush is used for covering problem areas such as acne, redness, scars, etc. You use the same foundation that you applied all over with the Full Flawless Face Brush. This step can be done before or after application to the entire face, however I find it best to do this after.

FLAWLESS FACE BRUSH:

This brush is used for the bronzer/blush. It is smaller than the Full Flawless Face brush. When applying this I use a figure 3 shape sweeping over the temple, cheeks, and chin. I pay extra attention to the cheek application, applying this just below the cheekbone and upward toward the temple. I also include the apple of my cheeks in this application. This is the final step in my Flawless Face look!!!

CHEATER!!!

Ok, so... I cheat a little bit. I have always used a liquid foundation and I kinda feel naked without it. Before applying any of my Bare Minerals makeup I use my fingers to apply this all over my face and blend in to my neck. I chose Almay's Smart Shade Makeup because it is really light weight and blendable. The cost ranges between $11.97 and $12.54. I purchase mine at Walmart but I'm sure you could find it at any local drug store as well. Here's the link!

I'm doing something new today and including my first video. This video is somewhat long (I had to split it into two parts) but it shows exactly how I apply this makeup and achieve my look. I hope you find It useful! Be sure to share this with all your friends on Facebook and Twitter. You can follow me on Twitter @ashNICOLEley. Happy Shopping!! XOXO

From My Beauty Box: Moisturizers!

2010-12-28T21:16:00.000-05:00

Winter is hard on the skin... here are some of my favorite moisturizers to fight off the flakes!

BODY:

MALIBU TAN

HEMP BODY MOISTURIZER $5 -$7

After showering, I use Malibu Tan's Hemp Body Moisturizer. It can be found in original scent, or in several other scents including Tropical Mojito, Acai Berry, and Cherry Almond. I purchase mine at Walmart and the prices range between $5 and $7.

FACE:

CLINIQUE

DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT $24

I use this product every day after cleansing my face and before makeup application. It can be found in two consistencies, lotion and gel. I have tried both and my personal preference is the gel. I purchase this product at a local department store. If you want to check it out for yourself, here's the link for the lotion, and here's the link for the gel!

CLINIQUE

MOISTURE SURGE $34

For extremely dry patches, such as the T-Zone or around the nose after a cold, I use Clinique's Moisture Surge. After a day or two of using this, my skin is back to it's healthy state. At 34 bucks for only 1.7oz, this product is a bit pricy. However, if it is only used for extreme dryness it will last quite a while. Also you can use this product rather sparingly as a little will go a long way. I also purchase this product at my local department store. If you would like to read more about it, here's the link!

~H20+

FACE OASIS HYDRATING GEL $34

I received this moisturizer as a gift and have been using it after cleansing my face, before going to bed. I absolutely LOVE this product! It is a bit pricy at 34 bucks for 1.7oz so I am using it sparingly. If you are looking to splurge on an EXCELLENT facial moisturizer, this is the product for you! Here's the link!

HANDS:

BATH AND BODY WORKS

LAY IT ON THICK HAND CREAM $13

Use this product before bed and your dry, cracked hands will become soft and smooth! Get it at your local Bath and Body Works! Here's the link!

LIPS:

~H2O+

LIP MENDER $10

This is the BEST lip mending product I have ever used! Put it on before bed every night and kiss those chapped lips goodbye! Find it online, here's the link!

I hope to be trying out more of the ~H20+ products! Stay tuned for updates!

These moisturizers should help you get through the winter without the irritation of dry skin! If you like what you see, be sure to post it on Twitter and Facebook using the buttons below! Happy Shopping! XOXO

Nail Designs! Snowmen!

2010-12-20T18:33:00.002-05:00

It's time to get festive! Today I decided to show off my creative side with some DIY snowman nails!!

CHECK IT:

First, I started with a background color. I picked a bright blue hue! I did one coat, waited for it to dry, then applied the second coat. This varnish is named "Fresh Water" and I picked it up at Claire's.

Next, I used a white two way nail art pen and brush to draw two circles for the snowman's head and body!

Once the white circles had fully dried, I used a black two way nail art pen and brush to draw two stick arms, two dots for buttons, two dots for eyes, and then a smile. I then used the same product, but in pink, to draw a top hat and scarf!

Once the nails are fully dry, apply a topcoat for shine and longevity!

I used the pen part on the two way varnishes. Simply pull the lid straight up instead of unscrewing!

PRODUCTS USED:

White - $5.50 Blue - $4.00

Black - $5.50 Pink - $5.50

SALE: BUY 1 GET 1 50% OFF

I was lucky enough to score these on a discount! They make excellent stocking stuffers so be sure to grab some while they are still on sale!!

Comments are welcomed! If you like what you see here be sure to share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter using the buttons below! You can follow me on twitter for updates @ashNICOLEley! Have a very merry Christmas and happy shopping!! xoxo

It's T-shirt Time!!! And I'm not talkin' Jersey Shore...

2010-12-14T21:57:00.001-05:00

On my latest interwebz surf sesh, I decided to hunt down a site that sells the best T's! But don't worry Franchize Boyz, you can still "hit the mall in your white tee"... Although, I think you might be bringing back one of these instead...

DESIGNBYHÜMANS

I chose this website because... well... it's pretty much awesome! Artists and T-shirt lovers alike submit their designs, giving the rest of the world an opportunity to purchase a work of art to wear! Here are a few of my favorites, you can check out the entire collection here!

FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX    $21

By Studio8Worx from Philippines-Hong Kong.
Here's the link!

THE SIREN SONG    $21

By sirensong from Philippines + India.
Here's the link!

HOLY MAN    $21

By amscime from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Here's the link!

WONDERLESS    $21

By SheViper from Japan.
Here's the link!

THANK YOU    $19

By robsoul from San Diego, CA.
Here's the link!

"...Whoever that you might see
I know they got a white tee
Uncle brother sister mother dad or ur wifey
Hanes or fruit of the loom be the
Name of my white tee
I gotta change man its a stain on my white tee..."

If you like what you see, be sure to repost it on Facebook and Twitter using the buttons below!
Follow me on Twitter @ashNICOLEley !!! Happy shopping! Ciao!