polish insomniac

DH and I try to take every Thursday off together. We hang out, run errands, and generally just spend time together - which is why I rarely blog on Thursdays. This past Thursday we needed to go to the mall, and I had an ULTA 20% off one item coupon burning a hole in my pocket, so off to ULTA we went!

I knew I wanted to pick up a new bottle of Not Your Mother's Kinky Moves Hair Defining Cream (longest name EVER), which ULTA just started carrying. It is one of my favorite make-my-hair-curly products (the other being DermOrganic Defining Whip) and it was only sale for $4.99! While browsing the salon polishes I came across Orly Pretty Ugly - I had been resisting picking this one up because I can't stand the hideous new Orly bottles, but when I saw the polish in person I caved.

Then I wondered over to the new drugstore displays, which were practically non-existent. I don't understand why my ULTA doesn't put out limited edition displays, it's like they pretend they don't exist! I did find a display of Sally Hansen Salon Effects that had a $2.00 coupon book attached to it, but none of the strips really sang out to me... that it until I found the clearance section. I found several boxes of InstaGel Strips marked down to $3.69! Take $2.00 off and I paid practically pennies for them!

On a whim I also picked up an Essence dotting tool on my way to the register. After my coupons my total was hovering near the $20 mark, but in a stroke of brilliance I remembered to use my ULTA points before they expired, bringing my total down to $6.00. Best ULTA trip in a very, very long time!

What drugstore products have you hauled lately?

Beauty Spotlight Team: Lisa's Fantasy Desert Island Experience

2013-05-18T09:01:00.000-05:00

Beauty Info Zone's Lisa has way more fun than a blogger should picking her 12 items for a fantasy desert island experience.

Layla Gel Effect Beige Evolution ♥ Swatches and Review

2013-05-16T13:22:00.001-05:00

Epic Fail: It’s actually called Beige Evolution!

What They Say

No UV lamp needed
Brightness and Luster similar to what you get in the salon
Semi-permanent gel polish
Scratchless
Acts as a ridge filler

How to Use Layla Gel Effect:

Add two coats of Layla Gel Effect Nail Polish
Let dry for 3 minutes
Add your favorite top coat (optional).
Easily remove with regular nail polish remover

What I Say

I applied this with a basecoat due to the fact that I am growing out some very, very damaged nails right now. I don’t really have ridges on my nails, so I can’t attest to that claim, but I can tell you I wore this for 5 days (and I kept layering and layering polishes on top) with absolutely no chips and very very minimal tip wear. In fact I could not believe that my nails didn’t chip with the disaster state my nails are in. I have peelies and a ton of splits that were the result of a very stressful afternoon where I peeled Sally Hansen Gel Strips off my nails.

Due to the long wearing nature of this polish, I highly recommend it to women who prefer to do their nails only once a week. I am so impressed I plan on picking up a few colors myself! I have my eye on Purity, Aria Blues and Tropical Island!

Layla Gel Effect is available at AveYou.com and Zappos.com and retails for $10.50.

Stamping Products from MoYou Nails

2013-05-14T10:16:00.001-05:00

I was recently sent a stamping kit to try from the UK company MoYou Nails. I received one stamper, one scraper, one bottle of black stamping polish and two plates (69 and 75) . For those of you not familiar with stamping polish, it is a thick creamy polish that cannot be used for painting your nails! The thickness and opacity of the color is what makes it transfer from the plate to your nails like magic.

Pro’s

The stamper worked fine, and I really really liked the plastic scraper (because it doesn’t scratch your plates like the metal (cough, Konad, cough) scrapers do.
The black stamping polish was excellent, I will NEVER use regular black polish again!
The plate designs were interesting, some of them I had never seen before.
The plate had a protective coating that was easy to identify (because it was blue!) and a permanent sticker on the back.
They ship worldwide
CRAZY FAST shipping! I received this package in under a week.

Con’s

A few of the images would not transfer to the nail fully - most likely because the image was not etched deeply enough onto the plate.
The image in the center of plate 75 was so large, I could not even have fit it on my thumb nail!

Stamping skittles! I used a variety of plates to achieve this mani, which I totally loved!

Base Color - Rimmel 60 Seconds in Mintilicious
Stamping Polish - MoYou Black
Index - Konad m70
Middle - Konad m63
Ring - MoYou 75
Pinky - BundleMonster 20 (original set)
Top Coat - Nfu-Oh A&A Top Coat

Definitely check out MoYou Nails next time you place an order for stamping products! And for those of you with longer nails that usually have to double stamp, check out their Coming Soon section - I see some very interesting “long” stamps!

Julie G Gumdrops ♥ Swatches and Review

2013-05-13T09:38:00.001-05:00

Today I am excited to share the Julie G Gumdrops collection with you! These polishes need no introduction as I am sure you have all seen these polishes all over the interwebz. I can tell you right now that I have tried several brands of “textured” polishes so far (except the China Glaze) and these are my favorites by far!

This collection is divided into two halves. The first half, what I truly consider “gumdrop colors,” have a sugary texture without added glitter. The second half, what I call the “rock candy colors” have added silver glitter.

Hot Cinnamon is a gorgeous red with magenta and gold sparkle. Shown here with two coats.

Sugar Rush was my surprise favorite - an orangey-coral with gold sparkle. Shown here with two coats.

Tangerine Dream also surprised me. I am not typically drawn to light orange shades, but the gold sparkle in this one just made me so happy! Shown here with three coats.

Rock Candy didn’t look like much in the bottle, but on the nail this sage green (seafoam green?) polish really came alive. It also looks much darker on the nail after two coats - almost a teal shade.

Blueberry Fizz is a light blurple shade that certainly was pretty but didn’t remind me of blueberries! Please excuse the horrible job I did on my index finger! Shown here with two (badly applied coats).

Last but not least is Crushed Candy. None of the last three colors, including Crushed Candy actually remind me of gumdrops, but this shade is so pretty I don’t really care! In the bottle it appears to be a light purple color, but on my nails it pulled more pink.

If you can find them, the Julie G Gumdrops collection is definitely worth the money. When you compare the cost of the Julie G polishes ($3.99) to other brands - OPI, Nicole and China Glaze - they are half the price but the same quality! In fact my friend Karen of Frazzle and Anipolish did a wonderful comparison here, definitely go check it out!

As of right now the Julie G Gumdrops collection is still available on the Jesse’s Girl website, and they retail for $3.99 each.

Beauty Spotlight Team 5/11/13

2013-05-11T07:01:00.000-05:00

Want to jump on the bandwagon but fail at nail art? polish insomniac shows you how easy it is with nail tattoos!

If a luxury nude pink lipstick makes your heart skip a beat…then Lola's Secret Beauty Blog urges you to look at By Terry Rouge Terribly Age-Defense Lipstick #100 Terribly Nude! It's stunning!

Got dull, dry, lifeless or problems with aging hair? Prime Beauty found her solution with Nexxus Youth Renewal Hair Care. You're welcome :)

What products are you loving lately? Pammy Blogs Beauty shares her Spring Favorite Beauty Products!

The Pink Sith has finally found a hair treatment that moisturizes, shines and de-frizzes her hair without the use of silicones. The miracle product is the Deep Moisture Hair Elixir from Luxury Lane Soap.

Beauty Info Zone can't help but be enchanted by the spring Lush products. Whether you need a treat for your mom, a grad or yourself, Lush knows how to do it right.

Fresh, Luminous and with a touch of gold and coral zest, lets have a taste of some of the Sisley California Soul Collection for this Spring/Summer with Visionary Beauty.

If Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed was a Bond Girl she would be Fluffy Falaise (which incidentally is also her porn name) - we're sure it will be included in the next OPI Bond Girl collection - until then admire the current sans-Lisamarie one!

Perilously Pale is excited to announce that she has been asked to be a Spokesperson for Almay! As part of Almay's Makeup Moments With Mom campaign, with Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson, they are giving away a trip to NYC and Makeovers for two so be sure to check it out and enter!

Want to know more about Paula from Older Girl Beauty? She was interviewed by Jamie at The Beauty of Life blog for her "First Look Fridays" series.

15 Minute Beauty found a great lip stain which she's obsessing over!

Today’s NOTD: CND Effects Ice Blue Shimmer over Layla Beige Revolution

2013-05-08T11:08:00.001-05:00

Why, why CND are you discontinuing the Effects line?

*Layla provided for consideration, review to follow.

CND and butter LONDON walk the Red Carpet at the 2013 Met Ball

2013-05-07T12:40:00.001-05:00

Model maven Joan Smalls donned a sultry yet demure look in CND Shellac™ Dark Lava.

Songstress Rita Ora rocked her frock with an edgy embellished nail using CND Shellac™ in Studio White in a half moon and CND Brisa Lite™ to secure the gold chains and Swarovski crystals.

Giuliana Rancic gave a nod to the nights punk theme with a dark yet glam nail look to complement her Falguni Peacock dress. Used on her nails: butter LONDON Horse Power as abase coat, two coats of butter LONDON La Moss and dollop of butter LONDON Nail Lacquer in The Black Knight at the cuticle of each nail and then slowly dragged the nail brush down the nail to create a cascading effect. The mani was finished with a layer of butter LONDON P.D. Quick Top Coat and butter LONDON Handbag Holiday Cuticle Oil around the nails to help them dry faster.

Emmy Rossum had a custom designed manicure to match her dress. Using extra pieces of lace – the same fabric from which her dress was created – supplied by Donna Karan. The designer also supplied Emmy with individual crystals, also used on her dress, to help enhance her nail look, adding a bit of punk rocker edge.

Nail Look How To:
· Katie began by painting Emmy’s nails with two coats of butter LONDON Nail Lacquer in Yummy Mummy followed by a layer of butter LONDON P.D. Quick Top Coat.
· She then cut individual pieces of lace to perfectly cover Emmy’s nails and placed them down on the wet nails, letting the lace dry on top of the nail.
· Once the nails were dry, Katie placed glue on random spots of the nail where the crystals would be adhered, and then placed each crystal onto the nail.
“Emmy knew she really wanted to incorporate the fabric from the dress somehow, but with a twist that gave it an unexpected edge,” said Katie Hughes, butter LONDON Global Colour Ambassador. “Together we decided to use both the fabric and the stones to create a nail that was both delicate and edgy. It looked awesome.”

My 15 Minutes of Fame on 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic!

2013-05-07T09:36:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I was lucky enough to be featured in 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic's "Favorite Products of an Expert" series. If you have never checked out her site before, you must be living under a rock! Not only is Christine herself a beauty expert, she is also a mommy, a wife AND a doctor! How many beauty blogging doctors do you know? Go check it out!

Barielle Tips to Toes Sweepstakes

2013-05-06T17:00:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share info from this awesome contest with you! Who wouldn't want to win nail polish AND a Michael Kors wallet???

Here are the official details:

Enter Barielle's Tips to Toes Sweepstakes for a chance to win a Michael Kors wallet plus over $100 worth of Barielle products. Check out the link below for full details. http://www.facebook.com/barielle/app_28134323652

If you are entering using a mobile device please use this link:http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/323659

Good Luck!

Fail at Nail Art? Try some Nail Tattoos!

2013-05-06T10:17:00.001-05:00

I was recently sent some awesome nail tattoos from the Swedish company Fake Tattoos (www.faketattoos.se/en) that design and sell temporary tattoos worldwide. They come in such cute designs!

I was able to apply them in less than 5 minutes!

For those of you, like me, who fail at nail art, these are awesome! If you aren’t into nail tattoos, they have regular temporary body tattoos as well. You can also design your OWN tattoo. I wish my blog logo would fit on my nails, LOL! The best part? Worldwide free shipping! (Love me some free shipping!)

Beauty Spotlight: polish insomniac's Desert Island Picks

2013-05-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

If you have been following the latest installment of the Beauty Spotlight Team, then you know each weekend we feature a member’s “Desert Island Picks.” These are 10 beauty related items that you absolutely could not live without if you were stranded on a desert island. Please note - it is already assumed that everyone has lip balm and sunscreen!

Sunglasses - a great close fitting pair that will protect your eyes will also prevent squinting. Squinting = crows feet! Now I don't really own sunglasses that are this expensive, but a girl can dream!
A good cleanser - you have to get all the aforementioned sunscreen off somehow! This one from Neutrogena is effective yet gentle.
Argan oil - I don't really go for the name brand ones, but I do like that argan oil is multipurpose - you can use it on your skin, nails and hair. I especially like to use it under my eyes!
Cleansing conditoner - like a two-in-one shampoo, but better! I have pledged my love to this one from L'Oreal many, many times
Revlon Lip Butter - shade number 01 Pink Truffle is so moisturizing, I put it on before I go to bed!
I just picked up this wide floppy straw hat from Target. I look very dashing in it, according to my husband!
Dental floss wand thingies - because I wasn't going to give up two spots to a toothbrush and toothpaste! Though I would add a tongue scraper... (I know, TMI)
Borage oil is amazing! This lotion from ShaKai treats so many skin problems - eczema, sunburn, rashes... I have even used it on my face went I went overboard with retinol products!
A straw tote to fit it all in - you didn't think I was going to carry everything in my hands, did you? I found this one on the Target website... I am definitely checking it out next time I am in store!
Ok, this one is sappy... my hubby! Who else would I want to spend time on a desert island with? He helped me come up with all the "practical" items on my list - which is why I don't have glitter nail polish or Zoya Remove+ on here!

Me, DH, and our favorite ferret who passed away.

What would your desert island picks be???

Pixi Nail Color for Summer 2013 ♥ Swatches and Review

2013-05-01T09:37:00.001-05:00

New for Summer 2013, Pixi is bringing us three “full spectrum of nail shades that withstand wear and tear while providing saturated color with a high gloss finish.”

This is my first time using this nail polish from brand, though I have often thought about picking a few of them up at Target. (I have purchased other Pixi cosmetic items - they have such cute palettes!) One of the things that held me back was the bottle shape - tall and thin with a long brush. Little did I know that the bottle shape would be one of the things I liked about this brand!

Summer Sunset - What a gorgeous polish! If you had told me 3 years ago that I would love a coral polish this much I would not have believed you! It reminds me of a juicy papaya with a mesmerizing gold shimmer. The formula was fantastic- thin up not at all runny, and very pigmented, only two coats required. I am wearing this as a pedi right now!

Wakeup Wisteria - This polish makes me drool! Wakeup Wisteria is a cool medium lilac. The formula was a bit thin and streaky but evened out after the second coat.

Fluoro Flamingo - This shade is much more neon than my iPhone can capture! If you don’t have a bubblegum pink neon crème in your collection, this is the one to pick up!

Have you purchased any Pixi polishes in the past? I think I need to add more to my collection! Please let me know your recommendations in the comments!

Have you got your FREE Nicole by OPI polish from Special K yet?

2013-04-30T10:23:00.001-05:00

A little while ago I share with you how you could get your very own free Nicole by OPI polish from Special K. Have you got your free polish yet? If not, here’s the deets!

My favorite polish of the three is definitely Pros & Confidence! The formula was a dream to apply, thin yet richly pigmented and easy to control! Just a warning, while it did not stain my nails, it did stain some of the dry skin around my nails when I removed it. But that was easily remedied with a bit of cuticle remover!

Makeup Wars: Favorite Masks!

2013-04-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

I am so happy to be participating in another edition of Makeup Wars! I missed several weeks due to illness and work, so it feels good to be back in the swing of things! In this week's Makeup Wars, my friends and I will be showing you our favorite face masks! Will they be crazy expensive, or truly affordable? I can't wait to see what everyone else writes about!
And why am I using so many exclamation points?!?

I love face masks, but my favorite by far for my dry, breakout prone skin is the AmorePacific Moisture Bound Vitalizing Masque. I first purchased it as part of a set and then quickly snatched up a full sized bottle! Let me begin by sharing with you what the Sephora website has to say about this mask.

What it is: An overnight mask with a liquid-gel texture for improving internal hydration and antioxidant levels. What it is formulated to do: Restore tired, dehydrated skin overnight with this lightweight mask. AmorePacific's 5-Hydra Complex dramatically improves internal hydration and antioxidant levels. Cellular turnover and youthful metabolism are promoted while moisture loss is prevented, all from the inside out. What it is formulated WITHOUT: - Parabens - Sulfates - Synthetic Dyes - Petrochemicals - Phthalates - GMOs - Triclosan

Suggested Usage:-Apply in the evening. -After cleansing and treatment, apply an ample amount on the face and neck, avoiding the eye area. -Wait five minutes and retire. In the morning, rinse and follow with normal treatment routine.

OK, I've got a secret. I love the AmorePacific Moisture Bound Vitalizing Masque... But I don't use it as a "once a week treat" as you may think... I use it almost daily! That's right, I apply the Moisture Bound Vitalizing Masque every night. A little bit goes a very, very long way, and it dries down within 5 minutes. I wake up with wonderfully refreshed skin - without those dry lines around my eyes. Plus my husband thinks it smells divine!
Why don't I just use a moisturizer, you may ask? This moisturizing masque is actually less expensive than purchasing my beloved AmorePacific moisturizer! I have been using this routinely for about 6 months, at least 5 nights per week, and I am in love! Judging by the heft of the bottle, I have about one month left before I repurchase. I was testing another line of skincare in that time, so about one month went by that I didn't use it at all. That means if a bottle is $60, and I used it five times per week for 6 months, I will get approximately 120 uses out of the bottle. That's $0.50 a night! WINNING!
If you are like me and suffer from dry skin (or only occasional dry skin) I highly suggest you try out this masque! Even if you don't use it daily!

Beauty Blog Link Love 4/28/13

2013-04-28T14:12:00.002-05:00

Musicalhouses tries out a summer staple (yellow nail polish), and thinks she just might like it!

Phyrra brings you all of the new Silk Naturals Chromatics Cream Eye Colors. Will you fall in love with them?

There's makeup bases, and then there's makeup bases. Don't miss theNotice's review of the super-cool shu uemura POREraser & Brightening Mousses -- these are definitely the latter!

Jude reviews the WrinkleMD Eye Hyaluronic Filler Patch System. Is this really the No-Needle alternative to Botox and fillers?

Bun Bun Makeup Tips wonders why it took her so long to finally try, review, and swatch the awesome Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadows!

Check out the beauty products that Krasey Beauty used for her first bodybuilding competition!

At Musing on Beauty, Mariella discovers a well-kept secret: Laura Mercier Secret Finish. Definitely a secret you want to know!

Addicted to Beauty is in love with these amazing New York-inspired nail art designs. I heart NY!

You don't need to get all the latest and newest beauty tools. Handmade Reviews reveals the best type of kabuki makeup brush for your budget.

Have you ever written a fan letter expressing your love for a cosmetic? Read to find out what mascara has Beauty Info Zone excited enough to do this.

Beauty Reflections has swatches and a review of the new Dior Pink Glow Nude Tan Paradise Duo for you!

Gouldylox Reviews loves this new palette from Too Faced. It's developed by the Pro Artists at Sephora and each color is gorgeous. You won't want to miss it!

Want sparkly clean brushes in no time? Check out Sophie's cheap dupe for the Sigma Makeup Cleaning Glove!

Kim has joined the BB cream bandwagon & reviewed the Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Oil-Free B.B. Cream in shade 'Deep'.

Anita's loving the new Laura Mercier Illuminating Eye Colours, they're just perfect for the summer! Check them out over at Pleasureflush!

Jessika from polish insomniac falls in love with yet another stunning polish from butter LONDON.

Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed is now a Guerlain girl to the tips of her fingers thanks to the new Guerlain Colour Lacquers - check out her swatches and admire the luxurious shades!

Jenn from Spiced Beauty shows you her favourite lip gloss that costs under $3.00!

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Do you change your beauty routine as the seasons change? Check out how Pammy Blogs Beauty tweaks her routine for spring and summer. Plus, enter to win $500 of Jergens products!

Want to take 10 years off your looks? Brighten that smile with the new Oral B Deep Sweep Electric Toothbrush and Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste.Prime Beauty is giving away 5 of them, so hurry and enter now!

Beauty Spotlight Team 4/27/2013

2013-04-27T17:47:00.000-05:00

If an unbelievably effective hair mask that gives you gorgeous glossy locks is on your wish list, then Lola's Secret Beauty Blog would love to introduce you to Gotukola Youth Spring Hair Mask! It is a truly amazing product that tames even the most unruly hair!

Want to take 10 years off your looks? Brighten that smile with the new Oral B Deep Sweep Electric Toothbrush and Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste. Prime Beauty is giving away 5 of them, hurry and enter now!

The Pink Sith has learned her lesson about taking Ambien and going on-line. See the Dior Diorshow Mono Eyeshadow in Choc Clair that she purchased in her dream like trance.

Do you change your Beauty Routine for the change of Season? Check out how Pammy Blogs Beauty tweaks her Beauty Routine for Spring and Summer. Plus, enter to win $500 from Jergens!!!

Have you ever written a letter expressing your love for a cosmetic? Read to find out what mascara has Beauty Info Zone excited enough to do this.

15 Minute Beauty shares how she curls her hair, and has it last for days!

Jessika from polish insomniac has the scoop on the Barielle Summer Brights collection!

Bathing suit time is coming fast and Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed has found something that might actually help her get into one this year - check out her newest find - Biotherm Celluli Eraser!

Gratuitous (almost) taupe swatch alert! Modesty Brown compares Rouge Bunny Rouge eyeshadow in Sweet Dust Seriema to some other similar matte taupe greys.

London MakeUp Girl contemplates a life without sludge in her post on Bright Winter eye makeup.

We all need a bit of Suqqu in our lives, Visionary Beauty reviews the blend colour eyeshadow quad in Akanezora.

Perilously Pale shares how Hourglass Cosmetics takes lip balm/treatments into a whole new territory with their incredibly indulgent, and EFFECTIVE, N0. 28 Lip Treatment Oil.

Paula, from Older Girl Beauty, is making good on one of her New Years' resolutions - she is on the hunt for her perfect foundation.

Deal Alert: butter LONDON on QVC TODAY (4/26/13)

2013-04-26T07:01:00.000-05:00

butter LONDON's Global Colour Ambassador Katie Hughes will be on QVC tomorrow, April 26^th between 10:00-11:00AM EST, with host Mary Beth Roe sharing butter LONDON’s latest QVC exclusive: the Summer Vacation Collection. The Summer Vacation Collection contains three butter LONDON Nail Lacquers in Two Fingered Salute, Bobby Dazzler and Tea With The Queen. This one-of-a-kind set is available for $28 (regular retail price $45) and is the perfect trio of colors to mix and match for fun, flattering summer nails.

This is a great deal, as each polish alone retails for $15! Check out my swatch of Two Fingered Salute (previously a Nordstrom Exclusive) here!

Barielle Summer Brights ♥ Swatches & Review

2013-04-23T07:01:00.000-05:00

For Summer Barielle is bringing us a collection of five Summer Brights! I am going to show you them in order, most loved to least loved. See my notes on formula at the end of the post.

Blue Capri is a creamy royal blue. My favorite color! It’s slightly softer than Nails Inc. Baker Street or Illamasqua Force, but in the same color family. And much less expensive!

Sweet Addiction is a wonderfully serene green crème. I ended up wearing this one as my NOTD for several days! It held up wonderfully well. Plus it was perfectly opaque in one coat!

Lemondrops is a bright yellow crème. The exact color of a crayon you would use to draw the sun! This polish did require 3 coats.

Cosmic Kiss is a smooth raspberry crème. Very flattering shade!

Poor Pink Flip Flops. I saved my least favorite for last. It is a very smooth, very pretty cotton candy pink. Rather “blah” in my book!

None of these polishes are original, but they have a GREAT FORMULA. If I hadn’t been sent them for review, I would have bought Blue Capri and Sweet Addiction anyways - they are just that great! And if you haven’t found a sunny yellow polish with a great formula, you should definitely pick up Lemondrops! Plus the name is just too cute!

I will leave you with another picture of my favorite polish!

Barielle Shades polishes retail for $8 and they are usually BOGO 50% on www.barielle.com!

butter LONDON Poole ♥ Swatches & Review

2013-04-22T07:01:00.000-05:00

I recently got my hands on Poole from the butter LONDON Summer Holiday collection, and I was ecstatic! If I was to pick one polish from the one collection to own, it would have been Poole! You can check out the rest of the collection here.

Poole is a robin’s egg blue crème inspired by this seaside resort town in high summer. Although the formula was slightly thin it, the coverage was perfect in just two coats! I am definitely glad to have this gem in my collection - it’s my current NOTD!

Poole can be picked up on the butter LONDON website, Nordstrom and Beauty.com, where it retails for $15/bottle. After eyeing the rest of the Summer Holiday collection, I’ve got my eyes set on Champers!

Beauty Spotlight: Visionary Beauty Desert Island

2013-04-20T12:10:00.004-05:00

Its now Visionary Beauty's turn to be stranded on the desert island; having not been on holiday for years this was actually a welcomed turn of events. However being allowed a mere 12 beauty items was very tricky, let's see what made her list of essentials.

Coming Soon: OPI San Francisco Collection (Fall/Winter 2013)

2013-04-18T16:21:00.001-05:00

It’s snowing here in Iowa, but I already have a preview of the OPI Fall/Winter collection! San Francisco by OPI includes the following shades:

A-Piers to Be Tan

I shore do like this chocolaty tan.

Dining al Frisco

Just feast your eyes on this fresh-air blue!

Haven’t the Foggiest

Can’t tell you why I love this misty gray...I just do!

Peace & Love & OPI

This holographic sage and eggplant is far out!

Keeping Suzi at Bay

There’s no holding back this assertive navy blue.

Incognito in Sausalito

You better keep this almost-black blue under wraps.

Lost on Lombard

Oh garn-et! I’m all turned around!

I Knead Sour-Dough

Are you bready to wear this toasty warm brown?

Muir Muir on the Wall

This trailblazing plum is the fairest of all.

In the Cable Car-Pool Lane

Good golly, Miss Trolley, this rich burgundy takes me away!

Embarca-Dare Ya!

Betcha can’t pass up this marvelous magenta.

First Date at the Golden Gate

You and me and this shimmery ruby make three.

It’s All San Andreas’s Fault

I’d move mountains to get this textured earthy taupe!

Wharf! Wharf! Wharf!

Dog-gone it...fetch me that textured matte blue!

Alcatraz...Rocks

There’s no escaping this arresting textured gray.

Fall is far away, but I already have my eye on a few of these colors! I can’t wait to see Peace & Love & OPI, Muir Muir on the Wall and Keeping Suzi at Bay in person! What do you think about more Liquid Sands polishes? Are you over them yet?

San Francisco nail lacquer shades each feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Liquid Sand nail lacquers should always be worn without top coat.San Francisco by OPI will be available August 7, 2013, at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, jcp Salons, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, ULTA and ulta.com for $9.00 ($10.95 CAN) suggested retail for each nail lacquer.
For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan!

How I Whip My Hands Back In Shape

2013-04-18T12:29:00.001-05:00

polish insomniac's nail saviors with The Body Shop, Salon Sciences, Sally Hansen

The weather, combined with being sick and having a job which is rough on my hands, has lead to turn to my number one favorite products to whip my hands back in shape. I have been using this trio of products consistently for two weeks and I have seen dramatic results! I am even on my second tub of the Sally Hansen Cuticle Remover + Balm (that I purchased myself). Check out my original review of the Sally Hansen Cuticle Remover + Balm here!

Two More Bond Girls… One for Keeps and One to Skip

2013-04-11T19:53:00.001-05:00