Favorite Spring/Summer Nail Polishes

I admit it...I am a nail polish freak. I change my polish about every 3 days, chipping or not. I refile, buff, shape and paint them pretty consistently. In the spring and summer I gravitate towards bright, cheery colors that compliment a tan or give the illusion of sun kissed skin. Here are 5 of my favorite Spring/Summer Nail Polishes.

Always finished with Seche Vite Top coat, shown left.

China Glaze-"For Audrey". The perfect tiffany shade of blue, a flattering creamy robins egg blue. Opaque in 2 coats, long lasting and a fun and unexpected color.

China Glaze-"Spontaneous". This is a creamy purple, there is nothing pastel about this color. It's straight up purple. Lovely shade, different than other purples I've seen. Has the China Glaze quality I love and is long lasting.

Essie-"Mod Square". I'd describe this as a barbie pink. Cream formula, this one does take a good 3 coats to be completely opaque. It doesn't last quite as long as the China Glaze ones, but this color is one of my absolute favorites..

NARS-"Orgasm". Come on now, you know I love this one. Pinky, a ripe peach with golden shimmer. This lasts forever on my nails, is so flattering and bright without being obnoxious. Great polish.

Orly-"Passionfruit". This is riiiiiight on the verge of being neon. It's a bright orangey raspberry color, nice brush, dries quickly and is SO pretty with a tan. A go-to summer color for sure.

What are some of your favorite shades for summer?

Song of the Day: Alone With You-Jake Owen

Urban Decay Build Your Own Palette

MUST HAVE NOW!

Saw this online at UrbanDecay.com yesterday and am ordering ASAP. I am a complete fan of Urban Decay's eyeshadows and the proud owner of a heavily used Naked Palette. Now they have come out with this Build Your Own Palette. It comes in a cute tin and comes with a travel size Good Karma brush. You can currently purchase these at Urban Decay Build Your Own Palette

You buy the case for $18 which comes with one eyeshadow already (Walk of Shame), you can purchase the other 5 eyeshadows seperately and you can completely build your own palette. BEST IDEA...EVER. If you fill it immediately, this would cost you $108. But, if you are like me and want to go and see these colors at a Sephora and decide which ones you'd like in person, you could build your palette over time.

For the quality of these eyeshadows, this is an investment that would last an extremely long time and they are definitely worth the price. These can be worn wet or dry, they blend beautifully and are crazy pigmented, you don't need much.

Here is what the palette itself looks like along with the colors I'm thinking I'd like to fill it with eventually...Since I already own the Naked Palette I don't need anymore golden, bronzey brown shades. I want more pinks and taupes and definitely want a lighter highlight shade than Virgin.

Shades are: Pistol, Mushroom, Roach, X and Vanilla

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Song of the Day: Catch & Release-Silversun Pickups

Nail Of The Day

Fun spring mani. China Glaze "Spontaneous" with Essie "Shine of the Times" on my ring fingers. Seche Vite top coat. I really like the China Glaze nail polishes, they are good quality and this color was opaque in 2 coats. I love that! I really like how Shine of the Times looks over it, this flakie top coat can appear reddish or green depending on the light, but on top of the purple it looks like a sunset, it's beautiful!

Song of the Day: Time To Pretend-MGMT

Favorite Foundations

I am a complete foundation junkie. I am always on the hunt for the one that gives me full coverage where I need it, doesn't get cakey, won't oxidize or turn orange and doesn't cost me an arm and a leg. I used to be completely obsessed with Clinique SuperFit until they stopped making it. They market the Even Better foundation as it's sister formula but better, but I don't like it as much. So here are the top 5 foundations I've used, trusted and will continue to purchase.

First off is Neutrogena Healthy Skin. I ADORE this foundation. It gives great coverage, it's glowy but not sparkly, it's easy to blend, the colors are great and it lasts all day. This is a Holy Grail foundation for me, and the fact that it's drugstore and less than $12 is just icing on the cake.

Next is Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation. I purchased this when I was on the hunt for a long wearing foundation for a work event I had and boy does this live up to it's name. I wore it for a 12 hour work function in 98 degree weather and this stuff lasted! It is less than $7 per bottle, has a smaller color range, but the Soft Beige works perfect for my skin, it doesn't break up, it has AWESOME coverage and gives you flawless skin. Good stuff!

Nars Sheer Matte. The most money I ever have and ever will pay for foundation ($42)...Was it worth it? Eh...It's nice enough, but like it's name says, sheer. When I'm having great skin days, this stuff can't be beat, it's glowy, natural, easy to blend, perfect color match and so pretty on. But that price would definitely keep me from buying it again. I feel like the Neutrogena gives the same effects for much less money. However, if you have the $$ to spend, the NARS is a gorgeous foundation.

Revlon PhotoReady. I keep this on hand for photo's. If we are going to bday parties, weddings, social events where I know I will be photographed, this is the foundation I reach for every time. It's good coverage, easy to blend and has a good range of colors, it does have some light reflecting shimmer to it which is what gives you that flawless glowy look so I don't like it for every day, but for photos, this foundation is amazing and was less than $12. The only downfall is that this stuff is HARD to clean out of your foundation brush. I ended up purchasing a seperate foundation brush JUST for this foundation.

Lastly, we have Origins Vitazing. I purchased this for $35. This is the wierdest most amazing thing ever. I'd describe it as a tinted moisturizer, but SO much more. It has an SPF of 15, comes out white and when you rub it onto your face these little beads burst with tiny little pigments that give you nice coverage and make your skin look like you just got back from vacation. Gives you a little glowy color, not orangey or fake, just a lovely glowy face. It's my weekend go-to. I feel like this is actually good for my skin, doesn't make me feel like I'm slathering on goop when I don't need it. I will repurchase this as long as they keep making it. The only thing I've found, is don't wear a powder over it. It's not sticky, but it's "moist" enough on your skin that putting anything else on top of it just looks dirty. If you are going for light, fresh, healthy look, this, an under eye concealer and some mascara are all you really need.

Song of the Day: Long Time Traveler-The Wailin' Jennys

Review: Elf Blushes and Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipsticks

Happy Monday Lovelies!

I ended up finding a few of the things I wanted this weekend. I didn't make it to the mall so the MAC and BUTTER London items will have to wait.

But...I did get my hands on the ELF Blush in Candid Coral, so gorgeous. It is a very peachy, golden shade but very subtle. I would describe this as buildable, a very pretty, flattering shade and good quality.
 

Next I purchased the ELF Blushing Bronzer Duo. I've heard that this is supposed to be a close dupe to the NARS Orgasm/Laguna duo. I wouldn't go that far. The bronzer does have some shimmer to it, so it's not a completely matte bronzer and it's a little bit more yellow toned than laguna. It actually looks kind of an odd color in the pan, but if used with a light hand it's a nice bronzer. The blush is actually pretty close to Orgasm. It's got the right pinky peachy undertones, golden shimmer and some larger flecks of sparkle (I wouldn't call it glitter, but larger than shimmer). Overall, the effect is very similar and for the price ($3), you can't go wrong. If you like the look of Orgasm/Laguna but can't afford the price, this is a VERY good alternative. Packaged nicely and good quality. Looks lighter in the photo than it actually is.

Lastly, I found the Revlon Super Lustrous Matte lipsticks I was on the hunt for. I thought they would be in their own section of the lipsticks, but they are just mixed in with the other Revlon lipsticks. You have to look for the matte black tube or the matte on the label to find them. I got Stormy Pink and Sky Pink. Stormy Pink is a lovely mix of fuchsia and hot pink, a little more purple toned than red. Sky Pink is a straight up baby pink. It's so pretty in the tube, but not my favorite on. I think the light shade mixed with the matte finish made Sky Pink look too "fake" on my lips. I really love Stormy Pink though, I think this will be a fun spring/summer lipstick. I'm wearing it here.

 

Song Of The Day: These Days-Foo Fighters

Nail Of The Day

Needed something bright and cheery after the weather we've had this week. SNOW...in March. And a ton of it. GROSS.

For this look I chose NARS Orgasm with CoverGirl Boundless Top Coat in Pink Twinkle on my ring fingers. Seche Vite top coat. This combination is a very long lasting one. I love the NARS nail polishes, they last really well on my nails. This one is just such a pretty, glowy peach shade with golden shimmer. Opaque in 2 coats. I find that the Seche Vite doesn't shrink NARS as much as it does some other polishes on me, so that's a great added bonus to a gorgeous color! In fact, I love this color so much and it made me so happy this morning that I busted out the NARS Orgasm lip gloss and wore that today too!!

Song of the Day: Cape Town-Young Veins

Weekend Wishlist

I also wanted to start a new series called "Weekend Wishlist". This will mainly consist of the things I'm planning on purchasing over the weekend to use and then will eventually post reviews on...a fun little shopping series!

  Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick: These look awesome. Supposed to be a saturated matte lip, but not a DRY matte lip. I want to try Stormy Pink (bright pink) and Smoked Peach (bright peach).

  ELF Studio Candid Coral Blush and Blushing Rose: I really like the quality and price of ELF blushes. I want to find a great coral/peachy golden blush for spring and this is the #1 candidate. Blushing Rose just looks like a lovely universally flattering shade and at $3 a pop, who can say no?!

  HOT Tools 1.25" Curling Iron: I have a 1 inch, a 1.5 inch and a 2 inch...nothing is getting the loose wavy curls I want. I think a 1.25 will be perfect. I need a new one anyway, mine are YEARS old.

  BUTTER london Trout Pout Nail Polish: It looks like the perfect salmon pink for spring and I'm dying to get my hands on it.

  MAC Springsheen Blush: Yes, I know. 3 blushes, you say?? YES, 3 blushes. This one is the holy grail. It looks STUNNING. My perfect shade, so flattering, a must have.

We'll see what I end up finding! Have a great weekend!!

Song of the Day: The Horse-Beach Fossils

Review: Lovely OPI Hand Lotion

This time of the year my hands are just crazy dry. I don't even know if it's normal how dry they get...my awesome friend got me some of these little OPI Avojuice Skin Quenchers hand lotions for my birthday last November and they are impressive.

My favorite of the bunch is the Jasmine scented one. It smells so delectible and different. It does not smell like anything I've smelled before, soft and feminine but not powdery. A very warm scent but not spicy. A little hint of violet is the only familiar scent I can pick out. It's just SO GOOD.

The lotion works so well on my hands, it doesn't just make them soft it actually feels like it's doing something to keep them from getting drier. It goes on light and doesn't feel greasy, absorbs quickly but the results are evident.

I really enjoy this lotion, so much so that I've bought 2 more to make sure I have plenty on (my not so dry anymore) hand!

Song of the Day: Put Me To Sleep-Porcelain Raft

Review: Drugstore Dupe for MAC Mineralize Skinfinish-Natural??!!

Well, wouldn't that just be the holy grail of all things beauty?? It's not quite a 100% match, but it's pretty darn close and for the price difference, it's a winner in my book.

Now I love the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural. My color is Medium Plus. However, I do not love the cost. It's almost $30 for this baby. It did last me 4 months, but still. THAT IS PRICEY. And I am lazy. I hate going to the mall for makeup unless I absolutely have to for things I can not get comparatively at my favorite local stores.

Which brings me to my little discovery. I have been on the hunt for a pressed mineral foundation to rival MSFN. I tried a few with chalkier than desired effects, tried a few with minimal to invisible effects and then...I found it. Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation.

I've been into the Neutrogena Healthy Skin line for a while and really love the Healthy Skin foundation so I thought I'd give this a whirl. I was honestly super impressed. It was around $12 at Target, it's got nice packaging with a mirror and it's very silky. I can either buff it on with a kabuki brush when I want minimal makeup or use the little puff that comes with it and apply it over my foundation on days when I need a little more coverage or shine control. It lasts all day, never cakes up, doesn't oxidize or get orangey and gives honestly good coverage. Ding Ding Ding, we have a WINNER!



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 Here is the product Description directly from Neutrogena:

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Mineral Sheers Compact Powder Foundation is the first purified mineral makeup in a compact. Neutrogena Mineral Sheers® Compact Powder Foundation enhances your skin through dermatologist-selected pure and gentle minerals. This convenient pressed powder foundation creates a naturally radiant and glowing complexion.

Featuring exclusive time-released antioxidants and SPF 20, new Mineral Sheers Compact Powder Foundation formula delivers extra soft and blendable pressed minerals, so you can build your desired coverage from sheer to medium without a heavy makeup look or feel. And, it's great for mess-free, easy touch-ups.

• Oil-free
• Non-comedogenic (won't clog pores)
• Fragrance-free
• Dermatologist developed

UPDATED: I have also heard recently that Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Protector Finishing Powder is a very comparable dupe for MSFN.

Song of the Day: Electric Feel-MGMT

Review: Nail Of The Day

Happy Monday! We had a nice family weekend this past weekend. Sunday involved lots of loafing, tv and removing my St. Patty's day manicure.

I decided on China Glaze "Pink Voltage" and then Nicole by OPI "Follow Me On Glitter". I really love the idea of the Nicole one, it's a dark charcoal grey with sparse multi colored flecks. But...once painted on the nail, the colors become practically invisible leaving just a grey nail with silver sparkles. Which makes it not worth the $8/bottle in my opinion.

Pink Voltage is awesome. Seriously, HOT PINK. But it does take 3 coats to become opaque. This color tends to dry a little matte, almost like a satin finish so I top it off with Seche Vite top coat.

Excuse the photo quality...I was lazy and used my Iphone.




Song of the Day: Awake My Soul-Mumford and Sons

Giant Metal Chicken Friday!

Recieved this from my aunt today and it completely made my Friday!

15 years SHOULD be a giant metal chicken dammit.

Learn To Pick Your Battles

Review: AcneFree-24 Hour Acne Clearing System Review

Oh Acne...I HATE YOU.

But seriously, it's so inconvenient! I never really had skin problems until after I had our son. I started getting these cystic beasts on my cheeks, one at a time but each one left a lovely little dark spot on my cheek. Nothing really on my forehead, nose or chin. Which made makeup a neccesity and I became obsessed with finding the perfect foundation rather than fixing the problem.

I started using ProActiv about 6 years ago with great success until they changed the formulation. The new "gentler" formula does not work for me at all. It just is too "gentle" I guess. So I've been back to square 1 with minimal success for the past year and a half or so trying everything under the sun (Clinique, Clean & Clear, Clearasil, Dr. Bonners, Aveeno, you name it, I've tried it.). Nothing worked.

Cut to me, one Saturday night after the boys had gone to bed googling "drugstore dupes for ProActiv". I came across a link for AcneFree at Target. I read the reviews there and then read reviews on other sites and literally bought it the next day. I got mine at Target for $17.99 for the 3 peice kit. I've been using it for about 3 weeks now and WOW. It's still working on clearing up some existing spots I was having issues with but almost overnight the overall tone of my skin improved vastly. It looks fresh and glowy again. The spots I did have are noteably smaller and lighter and almost gone, I have not had a new breakout since I started using it. I use mine twice a day, in the morning and before bed and I am super impressed with this. The convenience factor alone in being able to pick it up at Target really goes far with me. But the best part is, THIS STUFF ACTUALLY WORKS for me!!

Please note, this has a higher benzoyl peroxide level than ProActiv does. So if your skin responds better to salicylic acid, that might be something to consider. Also, it can be drying as that's how it clears the skin. I only noticed the "tightness" for about the first 3 days and now that has subsided. If you do experience drying that bothers you, I'd use it once a day to start with.




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Song of the Day: Sweetest Kill-Broken Social Scene

Review: Maybelline Dreamlumi Touch Highlighting Concealer

Holy coverage! I have been on the hunt for a while now for a drugstore "highlighter". What I really want is something like NARS Albatross, but I have not been super impressed with their blushes for the price. I wanted something in a powder form. So a few days ago I was strolling through the makeup aisle at Target and saw this pen. It reminded me of the YSL Touche Eclat. I have been impressed with some of the new releases from Maybelline lately. Specifically the Bouncy Blushes and the 24 Hour Color Tattoo cream shadows.

Anywhoo...I saw the DreamLumi Touch Highlighting Concealer and decided I had to have it even though it's gel based and not a powder. I was actually suprised how much I liked it. If you've tried the Maybelline Age Rewind concealer, it's kind of like that but less pink toned and more yellow which works better for me. It does give a bit of a luminous glow and I can use it under my eyes, around my nose and even on top of my cheekbones for a little extra "glow". Definitely impressed with this one!



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Song of the Day: Barton Hollow-The Civil Wars

Here we goooo!!

So, first blog!! If I'm being honest, I've wanted to do this for a really long time. But I can be crazy private about my personal life and so I've held back. However, a recent love with Pinterest that started last fall has made me start thinking about blogging again. It's one thing to pin all of the things I love for me to remember, it's a whole other thing to give people my opinions on the things I really like.

I am no expert or anything, just a girl who wants to share the things I love. Let's see where it takes us!

For the first post...how about something I'm recently obsessed with. Upcycled pallet construction. Anyone else into this? I feel the desire to hoard all kinds of ratty old pallets and make funky new things with them. For starters, I really want to build shelves with them. I saw some on CraigsList going for $50/shelf and thought..."nice, but I can totally do that myself". I'm the kind of person who once I decide I need something, I need it like yesterday. So I'm sure I'll be posting some pallet projects here soon.