Luminous Lacquer

Perlier Imperial Honey Body Butter Review

2013-12-26T16:38:00.000-07:00

Hello and Happy Holidays!

Today I have something just wonderful to share with you. You may recall a review I shared not too log ago for the Perlier's Lemon Sorbet Crackling Ice Water? Well, today I have another luxurious product from Perlier up for review, the Imperial Honey Body Butter.

You can find this on HSN, and here is what they say about it:

This exclusive melting body butter from the rare Honey of Black Bees, combined with Royal Jelly, is a true youth-elixir. It nourishes the skin, leaving it pleasantly scented with the sensual notes Honey and Oriental woods. Perfect to protect the skin from cold in winter and also ideal to help sooth the skin after sun exposure.

Formulated with the honey of black bees and royal jelly
Nourishes skin with moisture
Leaves skin pleasantly scented with the sensual notes of honey and oriental woods
Perfect for year-round use
Made in Italy

6.7 fl. oz. Imperial Honey Whipped Body Butter

You can purchase this item here on HSN http://bit.ly/GT2CdC and if you use the code IFabbo5 you will receive $5 off your first purchase of any Perlier products on HSN.

I have to start out by saying that I was instantly in love with the lovely honey scent when I opened it up. I immediately put some on, and I was pleasantly surprised. You start with a light creamy texture that "melts" like butter as you rub it in. You aren't left with that greasy-like residue on your hands when your finished either. One thing I really like, it seems to do very well with moisturizing as well. I tend to have VERY dry skin in the winter, much like everything else in AZ in this time of year. I can apply this in the morning before I leave for work - and I don't catch myself having to reapply lotion to my arms halfway through my workday. My other favorite part of using the creme, the wonderful rich honey sent and that it last as long as the moisture. If you love honey, and how it smells - you would enjoy this creme for sure!

The price on this is a bit on the higher side at $40 on HSN, however its far better than on Perliers site, there you will find if for $60. Its a bummer that its been sold out on HSN for a couple of weeks now, and I am sure that price difference might be the cause! While this isn't the best of the best that I've ever tired, it is definitely high up on my list. I could definitely see myself purchasing it (on HSN) when mine runs out. I use it a few times a week and since a little seems to go a long way, which make it easier to justify the price.

Have you tried any products from Perlier? Which was your favorite?

Press Sample

This is a free sample given to me by the manufacturer or from a PR company for review.

RJ Reviews HYD for Men Shaving Products!

2013-11-23T10:58:00.004-07:00

Hello Ladies AND Gentlemen!

Today I have something very fun to share that you may want to pass along to the men in you home!

No Shave November is coming to an end with the holidays immediately around the corner. Its time to shave away those scruffy beards and mustaches that you've been able to enjoy for the last few weeks. What a better time to try something new and change up your routine!

Ladies - Cant think of what to get the man that buys everything he wants? (I have one of those too!) Consider picking this up as a stocking stuffer! Hes going to love it!

I've brought my ever supportive husband, RJ, in to try these out and share his thoughts about the HYD For Men shaving products.

---------------------------------------

New shaving products to try out? Sign me up! Today I have the new HYD For Men shaving products to share with you. Three simple items, a Buffer Stick (face exfoliator), the Shave Cream, and the Razor Shield (razor oil.) With these items, it really keeps my shaving routine simple.

Where can you find these? HYD For Men
And if you use the code: SAVE20 you will receive 20% off your first purchase!

(These arrived in boxes, but RJ was so excited to try these out I never had the chance to grab them!)

First up, the Buffer Stick. With this, face exfoliation has never been easier. Just enough grit to work the skin, but not to much to cause irritation. Splash a little water on your face and go to town. Be sure to apply a little pressure to actually take advantage of the exfoliation. Rinse off with some cold water and it leaves you face feeling nice and refreshed.

Next, the Shave Cream. I really like this formula. It feels nice and light with the right amount of lather. It also has a very light and clean scent to it. The HYD For Men Shave Cream doesn't seen to go quite as far but that is expected. My shaving routine before consisted of a pre-shave oil and a more traditional shave cream. Shaving with this is nice and easy. Without using a pre-shave oil, this cream still helps the blades slide nice and smooth against the skin. The cream does not get all gunky in between the blades and rinses out with a breeze. If you are the type of person that just uses a shaving gel, you might want to give this a try. I've given up on using gel shaving creams over a year ago and I wouldn't go back. This Shave Cream would be a very nice and easy transition away from the gels.

Finally, the Razor Shield. Now, I've never used a product like this before but I love the idea of it and the science behind is something that I can really get behind and support. After every shave I've been applying this to the blades. I started off with a new set of blades about four weeks ago and to me, the blades still feel and look like new. My Razor doesn't seem to have very much, if any build-up on the blades at all. Take into account that I only shave about twice a week, but I usually start to feel some pull by this time from dulling. As soon as I’m done shaving, I rinse off the blades a final time and then apply the product to them.

Overall, this is a great line up. I would recommend the HYD For Men line to anyone that is looking into changing up their routine with better products. The ease and quality of these products makes for a great combination that is very hard to pass up. If you’re still using a gel shaving cream, it might be time to toss that can and get your hands on the HYD Shave Cream at the very least. Your face will thank you.

Have you tried any products from HYD?

Press Sample
This is a free sample given to me by the manufacturer or from a PR company for review.

Beautifully Disney Nail Polish - Wickedly Beautiful Villains Collection

2013-09-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Lovelies!

Today I return with the Wickedly Beautiful Villains Collection. I really enjoyed these polishes. They all have a wonderful formula and were fairly easy to use. My only complaint with these polishes would be the bottle/lid shape. Being mini bottles the brush is very short, which is fine, but the size of the lid makes it a little uncomfortable to use.

I love the Villain references on the caps!

Beautifully Disney Wickedly Beautiful - Midnight Hour
3 Coats - No Top Coat
Inspired by Lady Tremaine of Cinderella.
A devious blood red

Beautifully Disney Wickedly Beautiful - Mistress of Evil
2 Coats over Midnight Hour - NYC in a New York Minute Top Coat
Inspired by Maleficent of Sleeping Beauty.
A gunmetal grey hex glitter in a clear base

Beautifully Disney Wickedly Beautiful - Diva Of The Deep
3 Coats - No Top Coat
Inspired by Ursula of The Little Mermaid.
A lovely purple with a pink/red shimmer

Beautifully Disney Wickedly Beautiful - Just One Bite
2 Coats over Diva Of The Deep - NYC in a New York Minute Top Coat
Inspired by Queen Grimhilde of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.

Pink glitter in a clear base

Purchase:
This product is an item I purchased with my own money. I was given no special consideration or compensation for writing about or using this product.

Beautifully Disney Nail Polish - Wickedly Beautiful Princess Collection

2013-09-21T09:25:00.000-07:00

Hello Lovelies!

Back in April my husband and I spent our honeymoon at Disneyland. Yes, we are still kids! While we were there I found 2 mini polish sets from The Beautifully Disney cosmetic line. Nail polish and Disneyland?! I was ecstatic!

So today I have the Wickedly Beautiful Princess Collection to share. I really enjoyed these polishes. They all have a wonderful formula and were fairly easy to use. My only complaint with these polishes would be the bottle/lid shape. Being mini bottles the brush is very short, which is fine, but the size of the lid makes it a little uncomfortable to use.

I love the princess references on the caps!

Beautifully Disney Wickedly Beautiful - Ocean Mist
3 Coats - No Top Coat
Inspired by Ariel of The Little Mermaid.
A Green/Gold shimmer full of flash!

Beautifully Disney Wickedly Beautiful - Enchanted Kiss
3 Coats - No Top Coat
Inspired by Aurora of Sleeping Beauty.
A beautiful Pink creme

Beautifully Disney Wickedly Beautiful - Off To The Ball
3 Coats - No Top Coat
Inspired by Cinderella.
A lovely blue creme

Beautifully Disney Wickedly Beautiful - Looking For My Prince
3 Coats - No Top Coat
Inspired by Aurora of Snow White.
An awesome apple red!

Have you tried any products from the Beautifully Disney cosmetic line?

Purchase:
This product is an item I purchased with my own money. I was given no special consideration or compensation for writing about or using this product.

Perlier Lemon Sorbet Refreshing Ice Granita Review

2013-09-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Lovelies!

Today I bring you a very fun product! Perlier brings us something a bit out of the norm with their Lemon Sorbet Refreshing Ice Granita!

It's a "refreshing crackling ice body water." Now, I know you're thinking, "what the heck is that?" I did too, but it's just that!

You spray it on your skin and you're immediately greeted with a cold crackling feeling. It's almost like a light fizzy sensation, and when you touch it or rub it on it crackles more. It dries within a few seconds leaving your skin cool and smooth to the touch. It lightly moisturizes as well, but I wouldn't use it to replace my daily lotion.

Now, the crackling and cold feeling is really neat, but my favorite part about Perlier Refreshing Crackling Ice Body Water, is the scent! It really does smell like Lemon Sorbet. It has a light sweet scent of lemons, and that stays on your skin for a few hours.

The whole experience is perfect after your out in the heat, or feel a little run down. The cold crackling along with the yummy lemon sorbet scent cools you off and really helps you feel refreshed. It was suggested to store the can in the fridge for an even cooler experience. You don't have to do this, but if you want to try it please do! It amplifies the cooling experience!

This is really a fun product! While its not something I would use daily - it is a nice refreshing pick me up after running errands in the Arizona sun, or even a long tiring day. I would reach in the fridge and spray it on my neck, chest and arms for a quick refresher.

I was given this special offer for my readers! You can receive $5 off your first order of Perlier on HSN.com by using the code iFabbo5 at checkout!

#PerlieronHSN

Press Sample

This is a free sample given to me by the manufacturer or from a PR company for review.

Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Round Up - August 17th, 2013

2013-08-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

Mama Fashionista: Find out why Quinn says it's a Lavanila Summer!

TheFabZilla: Hello Gorgeous! TheFabZilla reviews Alima Pure makeups- for the naturally gorgeous you.

Beauty Professor: The Beauty Professor interviewed Australian beauty line creator Napoleon Perdis...read all about it here!

BeautyTidbits: Harshleen reviews one of the new arrivals from Midnight Velvet's Fall collection and is also giving away a $50 gift certificate to Midnight Velvet!

Painted Ladies: Sheila has found a blush by Physicians Formula that gives good glow without breaking the bank.

Fabulous Awesomeness: Hey gorgeous, hold on to that old toothbrush! Mina Slater shares 7 ways to use a toothbrush for beauty!

My Highest Self: Enter to win a Vitabath Prize Pack (Body Wash, Lotion, and Fragrance Mist of your choice)!

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Ever on the quest for the best anti-aging powerbroker? If so, then meet The Organic Pharmacy Collagen Boost Mask! It's remarkable!

D.G.S.Beauty: Looking for a new pair of false eyelashes? Eylure has some awesome falsies perfect for anyone.

Beauty by Krystal: Summer isn't over yet, check out this glamorous teal and gold nail art how-to

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog shows us the IT Cosmetics Limited Edition 6 Piece Vanity Brush Collection.

Nuts 4 Stuff: If you're looking for a delicate scent to embrace seduction, Mary B. of Nuts 4 Stuff shares L'Occitane's fourth La Grasse fragrance review with Vanille & Narisse Eau de Toilette!

Beauty by Miss L: This week Miss L showed this very simple Fall manicure.

Pammy Blogs Beauty : Pammy Blogs Beauty has stumbled upon her new favorite skincare device!!! Another sonic/spinning brush? Not this time! Introducing the totally unique FOREO LUNA cleansing device!

Geniabeme: Do your own ombre dotted nails with my easy tutorial!

Midnight Manicures: Jeanie shares with you her swatches and review of the Zoya Cashmere Nail Polish Collection. Enter the giveaway to win a collection.

Lipgloss Break: It may take a little longer, but beauty school pedicures are relaxing! Check out my review from my latest trip to the Aveda Institute.

Icy Nails: Icy Nails shares a review of the Ageless Derma Stem Cell and Peptide Anti Wrinkle Cream.

Painted Ladies: Do you or someone you know have Celiac Disease? Sheila tells you why it's important to go gluten free with your beauty products.

The Advice Sisters Beauty/Fashion/Lifestyle: Braids were everywhere on the Fall runways at Fashion Week. The Advice Sisters offer you a how-to video fro, AVEDA, for an easy and sophisticated wrapped braid look that's appropriate for more than just schoolgirls!

In Her Makeup Bag: Stephanie shares her top four drugstore products for a totally flawless complexion!

Blushing Noir: The Fall 2013 Nail Polishes from Laura Mercier have me Bewitched!

Beauty 101: Looking for the best way to customize your Alcone at Home Palette? Casey from Beauty 101 explains the process and even shares a way to save big on products!

China Glaze Tranzitions Collection!

2013-08-11T10:55:00.001-07:00

Hello Beauties!

I am slowly working my way through my box of untried polishes, and I have been skipping over this interesting little collection. Today I have four shades from the China Glaze Tranzitions collection to share.

Ill be completely honest, this isn't that special of a collection, but it is kinda cool. So here is how it works, You paint your nails with any of the Transitions colors, and then when you add the regular China Glaze Fast Forward Top Coat, it will change the color of your polish. This can be handy for a quick and easy nail art like stripes or polka dots. What I think is neat - I don't typically change my polish during the week. So I now have a super fast and easy way to change it up mid-week if I want to.

These all still offer the same wonderful formula, as well as a nice gloss finish with out any top coat. Also the polishes dry fairly quickly on their own, with no top coat.

So on with the photos already!

Now all of these are 2 coats of the colored polish, and then the right half (darker) is one coat of the Fast Forward Top Coat.

China Glaze - Split Person-Nail-ity

A very pretty pink turns into an even prettier rose pink

China Glaze - Modify Me

My favorite from the collection - It starts as a lovely periwinkle and then changes to a bright violet

China Glaze - Altered Reality

A pretty green shimmer turns to blue

My least favorite of the bunch, although still very pretty. I feel like the transition is the least noticable

China Glaze - Shape Shifter

Another favorite. This starts out as a steel color with blue and purple tones and turns to this awesome bold dark blue/purple shimmer.

Have you tried any of the polishes from this collection? What was your favorite?

*This product is an item I purchased with my own money. I was given no special consideration or compensation for writing about or using this product

Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Round Up - August 10th, 2013

2013-08-10T09:40:00.000-07:00

Fun Fierce Fabulous Beauty Over 50!: Find out why Sephora's $16 Black Magic Palette is getting rave reviews!

Mama Fashionista: Quinn shares her latest and greatest favorites from Smashbox Cosmetics!

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: The Organic Pharmacy Rose Plus Marine Collagen Complex is a potent and highly effective anti-aging product that REALLY beats the competition!

BeautyTidbits: A super-hydrating lip gloss and an anti-aging lip serum all in one? Say hello to the new Vitality Lip Flush Butter Glosses from It Cosmetics!

Painted Ladies: Find out how Summer's Eve makes it easy to be fabulously fresh and enter to win a $100 Spa Finder gift card.

Peppermint Lips Beauty Blog: MAC Impassioned Lipstick Review, Dupe & Swatches!

TheFabZilla: TheFabZilla officially ends her summer posts as she looks forward to fall. Check out what made it to her top 10 most loved products this summer!

Luminous Lacquer: Borrow and wear Designer Jewelry? Very awesome! Check out her review of RocksBox!

Midnight Manicures: Do you subscribe to monthly beauty boxes? Jeanie shows you her favorite, Wantable.com, and why she ended up with 2 boxes this month.

Beauty by Miss L: This week Miss L did a purple & golden manicure.

Geniabeme: The ladies of Makeup Wars are having a Color War! See what products I picked for the color purple!

D.G.S.Beauty: D.G.S.Beauty shares her customized wristbands. Learn where you could a wristband of your own.

Advice Sisters Beauty?Fashion/Lifestyle Website: Alison of the Advice Sisters explores a bunch of beauty tools to DRY For!

The Stepford Witch: Looking for a radiant setting powder that doesn't break the bank? Check out this week's review of Mary Kay's Translucent Loose Powder.

Beauty 101: Looking for the best products to create the perfect nude lip? Casey from Beauty 101 has you covered!

A designer jewelery try and buy? RocksBox Review!

2013-08-06T17:21:00.000-07:00

Hello Beauties!

While I was away I had the opportunity to sign up for RocksBox. If you're a subscription box junkie like I am, I know you're already interested! This one really is awesome!

With Rocksbox you receive 3 pieces of designer jewelry, averaging over $200 per set. These pieces are matched, so you can wear them all together or individually. You get up to 60 days to wear your jewelry, decide if you wish to purchase them, or send them back for a new set!

I think this is a very fun subscription to try out. I find that I tend to get bored with my jewelry, I will wear it constantly for a couple of weeks, and then I am looking for something new or different. So Rockbox is a much less expensive option for someone like me. If I do find something that I cant live without, as a member, I can purchase that item 20% off of the retail price.

When you open your envelope you find this super cute box!

These are the pieces I received in my last box!

GorjanaTaner Bar Small Necklace in Sterling Silver
CC Skye Double Header Pave Spike Bracelet in Silver
Lucas Jack Geometry Earrings in Rhodium

What makes RocksBox so fun, is that you can easily send your current box back for a new one anytime, up to 60 days. When you get your box, it comes with a prepaid postage return envelope. SO you just pack everything back up and withing a couple of weeks you have something fresh and new! They have a email notification system that is very handy as well, and you only get emails to let you know whats going on, such as; when your returned box was received, when your new one is on your way, and when you are near your 30 and 60 day marks.

The details? www.RocksBox.com

The Monthly membership fee is $19/month, $17/mo for 6 months, or $15/mo for a year. With any of these options you can cancel at anytime and they will refund the remaining share of your membership. You can also receive credits for your purchase by referring friends or family and also by sharing photos of you wearing your jewelry on Instagram or FaceBoox and tagging Rocksbox.

Have you tried RocksBox? What do you think of it?

This is a free sample given to me by the manufacturer or from a PR company. Affiliate links are used in this post. Affiliate links give Luminous Lacquer a commission when you click and purchase something from that link. It's just like a retail associate who works on a commission basis. When you shop through an affiliate link on Luminous Lacquer you help support the site.

Im Back! And with wedding and honeymoon nails!

2013-08-04T11:10:00.001-07:00

Hello lovelies!

Would you look at this? I am finally back from my little hiatus! I am back for good, I guarantee it!
The events leading up to the wedding, and the few months after have been very busy, and crazy to say the least. Things finally slowed down and are back to normal, well, normal for us at least. I am back to a blogging schedule, its a little rocky, but I am just about back into the full swing of things.

So, what has happened? This post is to share a little bit of that! On March 31st, RJ and I got married here in Scottsdale, AZ. It was pretty freaking awesome! Here are a couple photos to share!

This photo was a lot of fun - We actually got to sit/lean on my dads car! Why do we have wedding photos with camaros? My parents are one of the founders of the Arizona All Gens Camaro Club. So, we tag along on some of the events, and trips, one of which being the annual Laughlin run. This specific event was where we spend our dating anniversary's, and happened to get engaged at as well! Needless to say, it was special to have some photos with the camaros!

I'm sure the next thing that comes to mind is, what did you do for your nails?! A lot of my friends sure asked me a lot while we were getting close to the day. Yes, I did my own nails for the wedding.

I used about 4 coats of OPI Care to Danse?, which is an amazing lilac sheer. I am very happy that I picked this one up while the collection was still out. The glitter gradient was done with Color Club Sugar Plum Fairy. It made for a very pretty and subtle mani that was just perfect for the day.

We left for our honeymoon the next day, Disneyland! Would you be surprised if I mentioned that I actually changed my mani in our hotel room in CA? Yup! I had nail polish, a dotting tool, and remover wipes on our packing list! I had to have some kind of awesome Disney related mani while we were there! Some of the ticket takers at the park gate comment on them several times!

I used all Zoya in Blaze, Storm, and Purity for this mani!

Theres some of the awesome of what has happened while I was gone. The rest was work, life, and just plain being crazy busy! I really appreciate all of your patience and sticking with me while we worked on getting things back to normal.

Holy cow! Where have I been?!

2013-05-02T20:17:00.002-07:00

Hello Lovelies!
I'm back...well trying very hard to get close to being back! The last few months have been every bit of crazy that you can imagine!

I wanted to type up a quick post to let you all know that I am just around the corner from being back in full swing again! RJ and I were married at the end of March, and its been insane since then! I think I am about 2 weeks away from being back into the routine again, and I cannot wait! I've been doing some crazy OT at work lately so by the time I am home, I'm exhausted and stressed - so I've been using what little personal time I can squeeze in to play.

I have some new tools to make my life a little easier. I've also got some great collections (holos and textured), and some lovely indies waiting to be swatched along with some fun little extras.

I should have some posts ready for next week, and more if I have some good "Me Time" this weekend! Thank you all for your patience and hanging in there with me! I can guarantee some fun posts about whats been going on all this time, with some photos too!!

Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Roundup!

2013-02-17T17:37:00.000-07:00

Blushing Noir: The Guerlain Spring 2013 Coup de Foudre Ecrin 4 Couleurs might just be more wearable than you think!

Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Check out an orange gloss and a lip pencil Destany got from Sephora!

Money Making Makeup Artist: Tips on ways to cut costs when stocking your kit as a makeup artist.

BeautyTidbits: BECCA's new Ultimate Colour Glosses are just the thing to add a subtle pop of color to your lips with a high glossy shine!

Peppermint Lips Beauty Blog: Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids Lipsticks Review and Swatches!

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Prestige Cosmetics has the perfect pink makeup to grace your lips, cheeks and eyes this Valentine's Day, but Lola's Secret Beauty Blog thinks that it should be worn far more frequently!

TheFabZilla: Yet another Target sighting! TheFabZilla reviews Pacifica Natural Minerals Eye Shadows Palette. See if it's something that will interest you.

The Advice Sisters Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle Website: For something really dramatic that you can DIY, try a "Fauxhawk" straight from the Fashion Week Runways for Fall 2103, Backstage report from the Advice Sisters

Pammy Blogs Beauty: Pammy puts Le Metier de Beaute's Ultra Hydration Eye Masks to the ultimate test as she tries them while in the midst of a bad cold. If these amazing eye masks can soothe Pammy's eyes in this condition, imagine what they could do for you!

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog reviews Anastasia Beverly Hills Bold and Beautiful Kit!

Mama Fashionista: Stay Glossy With Rimmel London!

The Lacquered Lady: The Lacquered Lady swatches the gorgeous Color Club Eternal Beauty from the Halo Hues collection.

Beauty Professor: While at the Neiman Marcus BH Trend Event last week, The Beauty Professor swatched all four shades of the latest Le Metier de Beaute lip gloss shades for Spring 2013!

Lipgloss Break: Check out this month's Glossy Box featuring The Man Repeller!

Layla Softouch Effect Turquoise Splash & Storm!

2013-02-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

Hello Beauties!

Today I have a couple more awesome shades from the Layla Souftouch collection. I still haven't been able to solve the mystery of weather or not Ulta still carries Layla or not. I've been on a no-buy with the wedding getting so close, so I avoid such stores at all measures! If any of you find out, let me know, please! I will have to start getting them online again.

Layla Softouch Effect - Storm 2 coats

No Base or Top coat

I really love this shade! Its a greyish lilac with an awesome shimmer. These photos really don't do this one justice! If you have a chance to try this out or pick it up, I recommend it!

Layla Softouch Effect Turquoise Splash - 2 coats

No base coat or top coat

Now most of you know that I am not the biggest fan of blues - but this one was really pretty! Though its a very bright blue the soft finish to it seems to keep it from screaming out, "HEY LOOK! I'M BLUE!!"

Do you have a favorite from this collection yet?

Zoya Ornate Collection - My 3 Favorites!

2013-02-12T16:30:00.001-07:00

Hello Beauties!

Today is a short and sweet post sharing 3 of my new top favorites from Zoya! They did a wonderful job with these shades and I seriously love them!! I love the holo glitter scattered throughout these, they remind me of the sparkle in a couple of my favorite OPI DS shades.

The formula of these are great. Very simple to work with, no dragging or pulling, and the wear is normal with a good base and top coat.These photos don't show how well these sparkle! If you have a chance to pick one of these up I really recommend it!

Lets get on with the photos already!

Zoya Aurora - 3 coats
No base or top coat

Zoya Blaze - 3 Coats
No top or base coat

Zoya Storm - 3 coats
No top coat or base coat

I wear these a lot! Especially the purple, for obvious reasons! What do you think of these 3 colors?

I would love to see Zoya do more of these, if not full holos! I think a nude color similar to these would just rock!

Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Roundup!

2013-02-10T16:44:00.000-07:00

Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Check out the new Milani COLORStatement Lipsticks orange and reds... and find out which are Destany's favorites!

Blushing Noir: The Urban Decay Theodora Palette just might be more great and powerful than OZ!

BeautyTidbits: Enter to win the brand new fragrance from Guess over at BeautyTidbits.

The Advice Sisters Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle Website: Sinfully cute and they smell delicious, but Alice & Peter's "cupcakes" are unique fragrances that won't pack on a single pound! Alison of advicesisters.net, checks out these sweet treats

Peek & Ponder: Ashley from Peek & Ponder shares her super easy Valentine's Day Heart Nails

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: If you love high quality hair oils and having glossy locks, then Lola's Secret Beauty Blog recommends trying Rodin by Recine Olio Lusso Luxury Hair Oil- because it is simply divine!

TheFabZilla: Have you joined the CC cream bandwagon yet? TheFabZilla shares her experience with Juice Beauty CC Cream!

Mama Fashionista: Looking for an innovative way to care for your skin? Quinn shares why Korean skin care brand, Amarte, is worth splurging on!

Painted Ladies : Holy grail alert! Check out Sheila's review of Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Powder in Etheral Light.

Beauty Info Zone: We all want to look our best for Valentine's Day. See what Beauty Info Zone has picked for a special look.

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog incorporates blue into her everyday makeup routine!

Lipgloss Break: Lipgloss Break picks out her favorite Valentine's Day beauty gift sets. What's on your wish list?

Pammy Blogs Beauty: See where Pammy Blogs Beauty Blogs and find out about her blogging and organizatinal tips!

Endless Summer: Elena shares her wintertime essentials for body, hands, and feet.

Project Swatch: Emi thinks she may have just found her favorite eyeliners ever - and for less than $5 a piece!

Layla Ceramic Effect Changing Cherry & Butterfly Effect!

2013-02-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

I spent this morning finishing our wedding favors. I know, real exciting right? Well I am pretty happy about it. RJ sat down with me on the couch, we watched a movie, and finished them! One more thing off my list!

So today I have a couple of sparklies from Layla's Ceramic Effect collection. Lets get to it shall we?

Layla Ceramic Effect - Butterfly Effect - 3 coats

No base or top coat.

This is a really pretty bluish-purple full of fire colored flakies. The base on this one is much like a jelly, so it took that extra coat to cover my VNL.

Layla Ceramic Effect - Changing Cherry - 2 coats

No base or top coat

This is a very pretty bring pink packed full of silver shimmer. I really like this color a lot!

What are your thoughts on Laylas Ceramic Effect collection? Have a favorite color?

Layla Softouch Effect - Cherry Diva!

2013-02-07T18:06:00.002-07:00

Hello Beauties!

I have to admit, I am very happy that the week is almost over. I am ready for this weekend, and I am planning to actually have some "me" time somewhere in there! What does my "me" time plan consist of you ask? Pizza, cocktails, and some video games! Something that I haven't been able to do in a while! Of course we will see how things actually pan out. I would be happy with at least the video games part at some point!

So lets get to the photos! Today I have one of the Layla Softouch Effect polishes. I really like this collection! My local Ulta used to sell these, the Ceramic Effect, Magnetic, and Holos, and now they're all gone. I'm not sure what they've done with them, but I plan to inquire next time I am in there!

This shade is Cherry Diva, and I really love it! I usually feel strange with bright pinks on my nails, but the semi-matte finish seems to tone down the brightness. The gold shimmer really creates an awesome sheen in this finish as well.

Layla Softouch Effect Cherry Diva - 2 coats

No base or top coat

These hold up very well to wear. I wore this almost a week to work, and with all the typing I do polish tends to wear very quickly off the tips, especially my right hand. You could notice the matte-like finish start to have a slight shine at the tips and then it slowly starts to wear off. But there wasn't any annoying chipping or cracking at all.

Have you tried any of Layla's polishes? Whats your favorite line?

Urban Outfitters Holo Trio!

2013-02-06T20:33:00.001-07:00

Hello Lovelies!

First off I want to take a moment to apologize for my spaciness lately. I've been putting in overtime at work and the wedding is a month and a half away, and its started to take away from my home office time a little. It bums me out because I have so many wonderful polishes and products to share with you. I have a wide open weekend coming up, and I am trying really hard to keep it that way so I can catch up some! I don't want you all to miss out!

So to make up for some of the spaciness I have three awesome holos from Urban Outfitters! There really isn't much to say about these, as the photos really say it all!

In the terms of formula these are very easy to work with. They applied nicely to my ORLY Nailtrition Strengthening base coat. Additional coats also went very smooth, I has no dragging or pulling as many holos tend to do.

Now enough of the words - lets see the eye candy!

Urban Outfitters Green Holo - 2 coats

Urban Outfitters Pink Holo - 2 coats

Urban Outfitters Silver Holo - 3 coats

Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Roundup!

2013-02-04T16:14:00.000-07:00

Blushing Noir: OPI hits a high note this month with the Mariah Carey by OPI & Liquid Sand Lacquers!

datyorkLOVES: HTF Max MakeUp Cherimoya Devil's Kiss NVC001 Nail Polish Swatch and Review! Oh and dont forget to check out both giveaways datyorkLOVES is hosting.

The Advice Sisters: The best makeup and makeup application in the world won't be your best, if your lighting is not good. The Advice Sisters check out different types of makeup mirrors from Conair

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: If your lips are winter chapped, but you want more than a regular lip balm- then Lola's Secret Beauty Blog suggests having a closer look at the wonderful Korres Lip Butters!

Painted Ladies : Ever wondered how to contour and highlight? Sheila from Painted Ladies shows you how in the latest Breaking Down Beauty.

BeautyTidbits: Add some glamour to your styling routine with the ghd Gold Series Rich Ruby Metallic Styler!

Mama Fashionista: Get an introduction to L'Oreal's new EverCurl line! Quinn gives her first impressions...

Beauty Professor: The Beauty Professor got a sneak peek at Le Metier de Beaute's brilliant new eyeshadow palette for Spring 2013!

TheFabZilla: The verdict is in. TheFabZilla got the hot stuff on Wet n Wild Fegie Centerstage Collection To Reflect Shimmer Palette.

Emily Hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist d: Quick and Easy 1 minute Makeup Look. Get out the door FAST!

The Lacquered Lady: The Lacquered Lady tries Olay's Smooth Finish Hair Removal Duo

Endless Summer: Elena couldn't even imagine kombucha is beneficial for the skin until she tried EmerginC Scientific Organics Kombucha Cleanser.

Be Beautilicious: Have you ever tried Red Eyeshadows? Shalini from Be Beautilicious has come up with a wearable look using Red Eyeshadow.

Peek & Ponder: Ashley from Peek & Ponder shares her recent polish purchase from Zoya.

Midnight Manicures: Are you ready for Spring? Zoya's Lovely Collection is sure to chase away those Winter blues!

Pammy Blogs Beauty: Pammy Blogs Beauty's dry and damaged blond hair gets some much needed help with Pureology's amazing new Perfect 4 Platnium line!

Beauty Info Zone: Nail polish is big business these days but not all polishes are created equal. See what Beauty Info Zone thinks stands out this month.

My first nail polish ring!

2013-01-31T17:01:00.000-07:00

Hello Beauties!

A while back I received this awesome little ring in one of my Julep Maven boxes. I have been wanting to take a shot at making nail polish jewelry, and have some other items to make rings and necklaces.

So I finally went for it! I used a duo-chrome franken that I have for this one. I love it!!

What do you think?

Have you tried making any polish jewelry yet!

China Glaze Cirque Du Soleil Collection!

2013-01-29T18:30:00.000-07:00

Hello Beauties! Wow, I thought the holidays were going to be crazy, But I thought wrong! Its only getting crazier with the wedding getting closer! I cant wait for the big day, but I also cant wait for the week vacation afterwards!

I have some awesome polishes to share with you over the next couple of weeks, alone with some very cool products!

If you haven't, be sure to check out the giveaway I am running right now to celebrate the 1 year blogiversary of Luminous Lacquer! I joind up with some fabulous bloggers and have some great prizes to offer!

See the Giveaway HERE!

Today I have a few of the polishes from China Glaze Cirque Du Soleil Collection!

China Glaze Creative Fantasy - 3 coats

No base or top coat

This is a really pretty neon purple. It does dry to a finish similar to neon polishes. This one would be very fun for a gradient manicure!

China Glaze Igniting Love - 2 coats

No base or top coat

This is a very bring red-orange. I an just in love with how this tries to such a high shine! I did not use any kind of top coat on this!

China Glaze Whirled Away - 2 coats

Base: China Glaze Igniting Love

No top coat

Remind you of something? Yep, me too! This is a very fun black and white matte glitter. This one looks awesome over pastels, and gives a great retro look! I picked up two of these when I was in the store to give a bottle to my friend for Christmas!

China Glaze Get Carried Away - 3 coats

No base or top coat

This was the last of the collection that I picked up. I was really interested to see this one in action! This is a black tinted syrup-like base full of black matte and silver and red glitters. This was kind of neat to try out. I want to try our some other things with this one for sure!

Whats your favorite from this collection?

Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Roundup!

2013-01-28T16:51:00.001-07:00

Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Check out Destany's review of Nail Candy pens...one of the most inventive things to happen to Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom!

Blushing Noir: The Chanel Raffinement Quadra Eye Shadow is anything but boring! This palette will be your new Spring staple!

BeautyTidbits: Harshleen swatches and reviews the new Maybelline Color Whisper Lipsticks.

Portrait of Mai: Missed out on IMATS LA 2013? Check out this recap of all the booths and some of the brand new releases from Sigma Makeup and Sugarpill Cosmetics

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Lola's Secret Beauty Blog loves the entire vbeaute skincare line, and therefore wasn't surprised by how effective their Lite Up Intense Brightening Agent proved to be!

Emily Hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist: Quick and Easy 2 Ingredient DIY Sugar Scrub. Great for Dry Lips!

Beauty by Miss L: Miss L reviewed Lavera Basis Sensitive Organic hand cream.

TheFabZilla: Love coffee and tea? they're culprit to teeth stains. Remember, if you're not whitening you're yellowing. Will Crest 3D White Strips be the answer?

Beauty Info Zone: Beauty Info Zone puts Revlon Colorstay Suede Lipstick to the test. Was it a pass or fail?

Beauty Professor: Forever a foundation fiend, the Beauty Professor swatches and reviews Dolce & Gabbana's Perfect Finish Creamy Foundation!

Polarbelle: Sally Beauty has the Fingerpaints Candy Coated Collection nail polishes and caviar nail beads that is perfect for springtime!

Endless Summer: Elena reviews Estee Lauder Lash Primer Plus and mascaras, and shows how they look on her lashes.

Painted Ladies: Sheila from Painted Ladies works a bold, red lip with purple and silver eyes in 365 Days of Makeup.

Lipgloss Break: Angela reviews KISS Nail Dress nail stickers.

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog shares her review on the Laura Mercier Creme Eye Liners in Indigo and Espresso.

Pammy Blogs Beauty: The MAC Matters "Build a Core Collection with $21 a Month" Continues! Check out what Pammy Blogs Beauty got in January for the challenge!

Calvin Klein ck one Coal Swatches!

2013-01-25T05:11:00.001-07:00

Hello Lovelies and Happy Friday!

I hope you all had a wonderful week! Mine...well it started out pretty rough, but ended with some awesome news last night before I left work. I have today off, and come to think of it, my last day off until the wedding. I better make it good!! haha! Actually we have the annual Run to the Fun with the Arizona All Gens Camaro club this weekend. We are also celebrating 3 years together, and this was when we got engaged last year. So needless to say, its something we really look forward to every year!

Last week we were in Ulta and RJ was looking for something in the men's production section when I noticed an all new display next to it.,Calvin Klein's cosmetic line. They has nail polish! Well being the sucker for lacquer that I am, I had to investigate. I decided to pick one up to try out, just for the heck of it. I originally picked up a purple shade, big surprise, and then RJ pointed out a few from a LE set, specifically this one, Coal. Its interesting, and it is very possible I will pick up another to try out in the near future.

CK One Coal - 3 coats

No base or top coat.

This turned out to be a very pretty black full of fine multi-colored glitters. I'm not sure how this was named Coal, aside from being black, but I really liked how it turned it. You definitely see the glitters more on the nail than you do in the bottle. RJ picked this one out, and I when with it, though I wasn't completely sold on it - but being LE, I knew I had time to try the other shade later. In the end, I really like this polish. I can see using this a lot in the future.

Have you tried any of the CK One line polishes or cosmetics? What are your thoughts?

LuminousLacquer.com Turns One Giveaway!

2013-01-24T05:30:00.000-07:00

Hello Lovelies!!!

Can you believe it?! Its been a year since I decided to make a New Year's Goal to start a blog about something I enjoy. It has been an awesome year since then! I have learned so much and made some fantastic friends along the way! This has become something that I am truly passionate about!

As a big THANK YOU to all of you, I have put together a HUGE giveaway with some amazing fellow bloggers! All they ask in return is for a few follows and likes!

Prize Number 1

Jamie of Kawaii Nail Lacquer was kind enough to made this duo a trio of her amazing lacquers!

Kawaii Nail Lacquer - Birthday Surprise, Beriwinkle, and Let is Shine (A spectraflair top coat!)

FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/KawaiiNailLacquer

Etsy Store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/KawaiiNailLacquer

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Prize Number 2

Sally Hansen HD Laser and Hi-Res

1 pack of OPI Pure Lacquer Nail Polish Strips

1 Glass Nail File (sleeve not puctured)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Prize Number 3

Zoya Carly & Reagan ( Both of my favorites!)

1 Sally Hansen Cuticle Eraser + Balm (I LOVE this stuff!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Prize Number 4

From the lovely Kathy of Fusion of Color Cosmetics

3 - .50gm Eye Shadows from Fusion of Color

Winner of this prize may choose their colors, and with, or without sifter.

FusionofColor.net Eyeshadow

Blog: http://fusionofcolorcosmetics.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FusionofColor

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fusion-of-Color-Cosmetics/72051690452

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Prize Number 5

From the awesome Dahlia of datyorkLOVES

Rimmel Celebrity Bash & Grape Sorbet

Plus some awesome Heart Glitter!!

Blog: http://datyorkloves.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/datyorkloves

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/datyorkloves

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Runner-Up!

From the amazing Justina of Justina's Gems

One Light Up Lipglosses in the shade of Kiss Me will be awarded to 10 lucky runners-up!

Blog: www.justinasgems.com

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/justinasgems

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Details

All products in this giveaway are new and unused.
Prizes are awarded in the order that they are drawn via Rafflecopter. After all 5 prizes are drawn, 10 additional winners will be chosen for the lip gloss.
US Entries only
There are only 3 mantatory entries. Your free to submit any additional entries after that. Winning entries WILL be verified. If the information is incorrect, a new winner will be drawn
You must be a follower of www.luminouslacquer.com via Google Friend Connect
An email address needs to be provided. Emails will ONLY be used to:

Contact the Winner
Emails will be given to Beauty for Real for marketing purposes. As a return for offering 10 of their lip glosses they ask that they receive emails to share their newsletter with. They WILL NOT share or sell the information, and will be using it for these purposes only.

In return for the 10 lip glosses, Beauty for Real asks that we Like their Facebook page.
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email, or another winner will be chosen.
Giveaway ends on Feb 1st at midnight. Winners will be drawn and contacted shortly after.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Julep's January Maven Box - The Swatches!

2013-01-22T18:51:00.002-07:00

Hello Beauties!

Today I have part 2 of my Julep January Maven Box! The first part shared everything that was inside and a review of the products I received. You can view that post HERE. I split them up to avoid one post overflowing with photos!

I found it a little odd that Julep is kicking the New Year off with a collection of summer neons. I mean, Its still cold and snowy in places other than AZ, our highs are in the 80's (no we aren't lucky - it's ridiculous for temps that warm in January!) I do have to admit though. Its nice to see neons, in the middle of the usual pastel lines releasing for spring. So enough of this before I get into a rant! On with it already!

So when I saw the previews to select my box and any add ons, I was pretty excited to add some neons to my collection. After using them a little, I was a little disappointed. The reason why I don't have many neons is because the formula is different, and with some, difficult to work with. While I used thin careful coats and allowed ample time between to prevent bubbling - they all still bubbled. This became a little frustrating. I am afraid that, while I do love the colors, that these will be used for "Jelly Sandwich" style manis and bases for glitters to hide the almost unavoidable bubbles. Another thing with a lot of neons, is that they don't dry to a shine. They have more of a rubber-like finish to them. I didn't use a top coat on and of these so you can see how they dry.

Julep Teresa - 2 coats

No Bast or Top Coat

This was a very pretty nude shimmer polish. While Im not the biggest nude fan, this one was pretty, and I can use it as a base for some glitters!

Julep Bette - 3 coats

No Bast or Top Coat

I am a fan of this shade. This one seemed to give me the least trouble with the bubbling as well. I can see having some fun with this and gradients!

Julep Fiona - 2 coats

No Bast or Top Coat

I really enjoyed this green! And as many of you have read - I don't care for green fingernails! It was very appropriately named, and makes me wonder if they intended the Shrek reference.

Julep Madison - 2 coats

No Bast or Top Coat

Have you tried out any of Juleps new neons?