Fiore & Once Upon A Starry Night Review [#5]

Hi everyone! Sorry I have not posted in so long. It's been crazy busy at work this past month. I am actually going on Vermont tomorrow with my lovely boyfriend so I had a lot of projects to finish. I decided to post a review before I leave and go on an amazing adventure. I will be posting about my vacation when I get back.

Because I have so many nail polishes to review, I've been trying to combine different brands and figure out what goes well together. I decided to pair Fiore by Julep and Once Upon A Starry Night by I Love Nail Polish.

Here is the description given about these two:

Fiore  - "Espresso brown crème from the It Girl style."

Once Upon A Starry Night - "This dreamy nail polish was made using a variety of blue, silver, white, prism, and star glitters. Once Upon a Starry Night contains tiny silver stars to accent the lovely snow dusted evening effect the polish delivers. This nail polish looks absolutely stunning up close. You’ll love it!"

Here is two coats of Fiore.  It's a nice dark, rich color. It certain lighting it can be very brown or a blue-dark gray. It's a great color for Fall. It goes on smooth and glossy.

Here is a two coats of Once Upon A Starry Night. I didn't have to dab to get a good coat. There is a good amount of glitter in this polish.  It has fine glitter, circles and stars in white, silver and blue.  Also I love the rubberized handle on the brush. Makes it very easy hold the brush steady and paint evenly. 

I decided to use Seche Vite to top of my manicure. I think it really coats over glitter well and keeps them from sticking out too much. As you can see below, with the flash, it gives Fiore a blue-gray tint.  

My manicure lasted about two weeks. Taking it off wasn't terrible but you do have to scrub a little bit to get the glitter off. I think the combination was pretty and Fiore brought out the glitter. What do you think of this manicure? What do you think would go well with Fiore or Once Upon A Starry Night? 

Well that is it for my review. My next review will be an End of Summer combination. I hope you enjoyed readying and I will see you all when I get back. Happy Polishing!

Julep August Box 2013

I'm just writing a short post about my latest Julep subscription box, August It Girl. I have yet to really try the products so I just wanted to showcase what I received. 

Here is the outside of the box.

Maven is turning two!

Look how cute everything is packaged!

Here is what I received.

So I stuck with the It Girl style because I really liked the colors compared to the other ones and did not need the beauty product.

Julep Nail Polish - 

Nellie - Pink fuschia creme. $14.00 Regular / $11.20 Maven

Marjorie - Citrus orange frost. $14.00 Regular / $11.20 Maven

Fiore - Espresso brown creme. $14.00 Regular / $11.20 Maven

Also they send a pack of Forget-Me-Not flower seeds as a "Thank You" to all their mavens for helping them grow. I can't wait to plant them!

Anyone else receive the August Julep box? What style do you have? 

Julep Intro Box: It Girl

So I had posted that I signed up to become a Julep Maven and my intro box was FREE.  I took the survey and I was first placed in the Boho Glam style but I really liked the It Girl box so I changed it. I also purchased some add-ons to my box.  

If you are interested in become a Julep Maven, I'd appreciate it if you signed up through my refer a friend link. Here is what I got in my intro box plus the add-on purchases:

Here is the welcome letter inside the box.

Here is the It Girl Box. Everything was wrapped up carefully with pink and black paper.

Here is everything that came in my box.

1. Julep Nail Polish - 
I have yet to try most of these colors but I'm excited to have them. They are just unique and pretty.  Here's what I got:
Eden - Blue violet creme. $14.00 Regular / $11.20 Maven
Bunny- Crisp white linene with fine gold shimmer. $14.00 Regular / $9.99 Sale
Stefani - Gold flecked grey metallic. $14.00 Regular / $7.99 Sale

2. Julep Rock Star Hand Creme - Sample
"Anti-aging, emollient blend of shea butter, glycerin, coconut oil, and vitamin E keeps hands hydrated, even after washing. This non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula will leave you cheering for an encore. Rock on." Currently, a full 3 oz. bottle of this hand creme is out of stock online, but it's priced at $20.00 Regular / $16.00 Maven.  It has a light floral scent. It doesn't feel greasy on my hands and leaves a slight sheen on my hands after it was absorbed into my skin, giving them the look and feel of soft hands. I would definitely buy this hand creme the next time it is in stock.

3. Add-ons - 
I decided to add on a few more nail polishes since the intro box was free. I have yet to try these as well. I have a lot of nail polish to try and swatch but here's what I got:

a. 2013 Color of the Year Duo - $28.00 Regular / $18.00 Sale
Angelina - Emerald green with a silver shimmer frost. 
Esmeralda - Jeweled emerald multi-dimensional glitter.

b. Portia - Sheer tropical blue with opalescent glitter. $14.00 Regular / $7.99 Sale

c. Julia - Purple orchid with golden micro-glitter metallic. $14.00 Regular / $11.20 Maven

d. Drew + A FREE gift - 

I. Drew - Fabulous fuchsia creme. $14.00 Regular / $11.20 Maven
II. Julep Instant Warming Foot Scrub - $22.00 Regular / $12.99 Sale
"This cucumber mint scented scrub warms up on contact like magic. With natural pumice to exfoliate, chili pepper oil to stimulate circulation, and vitamin E to nourish, it's an all-in-one rejuvenating treat for your feet." It's says that you can use this 2-3 times a week. I have used this once so far. Even after the first use, I can feel a difference in my skin. They feel softter, clean, and have a very light mint scent. The scrub has just the right amount of grit; It doesn't feel like you are scratching your skin raw, but it scrubs off the dirt and excess dead skin off.  When you first apply the scrub, you feel this warm sensation instantly from the chili pepper oil, but it doesn't last long while scrubbing. When you dry your skin, you feel a slight tingly sensation from it.  I'll have to see how soft my feet get after using it a few more times.  

Point is...
I'm loving my Julep subscription.  So far I love the It Girl style but I love that I do have the option to switch styles around if I see something I rather have in a different box. The beauty products are very nice and the nail polish colors are gorgeous.  Though I'm on a no buy nail polish for the next three months, I'm super happy that this subscription box has a skip a month option or give to a friend.  We'll have to see what next month's box holds and how well I resist the urge to purchase. Wish me luck!

What do you think of the intro It Girl box? Have you tried or own any of these beauty products? Any colors you are dying to have? Let me know down below!

My Cotton Bunny Subscription Box - June & July

So I had posted that I signed up for My Cotton Bunny. (Click here.) It's a monthly subscription box for your "time of the month". Here is what I received so far.

First Box - Nail Spa Bundle:

Always Radiant Infinity Pads - Regular 16 ct.
It comes in a light clean scent. They are thin, don't bunch and absorb a lot.  Comes with a coupon on the inside.

Original Gourmet Lollipop - Cotton Candy
Yay for candy! This was gone in seconds.

Nail Wraps by Scratch - $12
I got Rococo Gold. It's a really pretty pattern. I have yet to use it. I'm trying to save it for a special occasion. 

A Glass Nail File - 
I've been wanting a glass nail file for a long time now.  This one is the perfect size and comes in this pretty blue gradient color. It really files down my nails smoothly without any rough edges and you barely feel the vibration of filing with it. Unfortunately, I've been using it so much this past month and a half that the sand surface that makes it a file is scratching off; Underneath is just smooth glass.  I'm wondering if there is a way to make it sand-like again, but this may just be a sign that I need to invest in a good glass nail file.

Second Box - The Night Out Bundle:

Again, I received Always Radiant Infinity Pads. 

Mirror Mints by Little I - 
This litte metal mint container has a little mirror when you slide the container open to double check your make-up or for food in your teeth. Plus it has these sweet and tangy citrus mints.

A Heart Shaped Coin Purse - 
I got this cute little purse in bronze/brown color.  The pattern on the front is in the shape flower petals. It also has a chain with a clasp and a heart charm. It's compact and it can hold the mint container, plus your ID and cash. The clasp can be hooked onto your purse or I hook it onto itself and make a little handle out of it.

Pros
You never have to worry about running out of products. Some people are forgetful. Some are dealing with  the daily stresses of life, it can really throw you off and that guest comes unexpectedly. This also gives me a chance to store them, not just at home, but at the office or in my car.

Also you get fun products to try out that you may not splurge on and I love that each box is themed to go together as a whole. And I love seeing what is coming up for the next month. It actually makes looking forward to that time of the month exciting.

Cons 
Understandably they are still an up and coming subscription box and are working towards expanding their products and an account management system. But here is a few things I hope they implement.

I'd love to be able to change the type of feminine products from month to month. I don't exactly go through a whole box of pads in a month but nothing wrong with stocking up either. If I wanted to change what I get, I'd probably have to contact them to change it or cancel this subscription and re-sign up. 

Also I hope for the ability to skip a month.  They do offer suspension of your box if you get pregnant, but I wish you could skip certain months if you don't like the products they are offering or more than one type of box for different items. Like a fashion box, beauty box, chocolate box (om nom), etc. It'd be cool to have options to select from.

Point is...

I think its a great little subscription box to make that time go by smoothly. It keeps you prepared without having to run out of your favorite product and makes you excited to get different items to try and forget about the overwhelming, emotional hormones and gut-wrenching pain that makes you want to rip your ovaries out. Anyway, I'm looking forward to the next box. If you are interested in signing up, just visit their website at www.mycottonbunny.com.

What do you think of the products that came? Any that you are interested in trying? Would you sign up for this box? If the implement an account system, would you give it a try?

Last Cheap Nail Polish Review [#4]

So I finally got a chance to review the last of my cheap nail polishes from Target. Here is Revlon's Scandalous.  I can't remember how much it was but it was under $5. I decided to pair it with Essie's Play Date.

Scandalous is a black nail polish with medium and small specks of red violet/purple glitter.  The ratio of glitter to polish is perfect; Just enough to really showcase the polish. And Play Date is such a nice light purple. Great for the summer.

I did two coats of Play Date first and then I decided to have a little fun with Scandalous. 

I coated my pinky twice with Scandalous. Then I decided to do some fun nail art with it. 

I topped it with Seche Vite, which made it rock solid. Though it was fun and pretty, I decided to take it off after a day.  I didn't think it was completely appropriate for work. My job is fun and they wouldn't have minded but I try to keep my manicure's simple at work.  Also with the work I do, they tend to chip quickly anyway.

Point is...

I really like Scandalous. It's a great combination of colors and the glitter is very pretty. Plus it was an inexpensive nail polish.  I can't wait to use it on it's own.

What do you think of the combo? Would you buy Scandalous? Happy Polishing!

Julep August Golden Mystery Box

Hello my readers and fellow bloggers.  I've been busy at work and haven't had too much time to sit and write lately. But today I was "blessed" with an upset digestive system. So as I sip on some iced Sakura Allure green tea from Teavana to help nurse it, I figured I'd write some reviews.  There was a recent Julep Secret Store sale and I decided to splurge and purchase the Golden Mystery Box.

I got Version 3!

It's all wrapped and packed nicely.

Everything is pretty!

1. Julep Everyday SPF Hand Creme (SPF 30)  - $28.00 Regular / $12.99 SaleThe most complete solution for beautiful hands. vitamin E hydrates skin and strengthens nails, while built-in SPF protects your hands from UVA and UVB sun damage and the related signs of aging such as fine lines and sun spots.
   
   I'm looking forward to using this hand cream.  I tend to have dry skin and this will be great to use during all season, especially winter. The packaging is very simple and modern with the black and white colors.  It's unscented and goes on smooth. You have to rub it in really well to get the suncreen feel off your hands or it will seem greasy. After you rub it in, your hands feel soft and smooth with a nice healthy sheen on your skin.
   
2. Oxygen Nail Treatment - $18.00 Regular / $14.40 Maven                           Complete nail care and make-up all in one bottle. Made with a patented Hexanal formulation, nails are restructured to a stronger, thicker, and smoother condition in just one stroke. Advanced plant stem cell complex provides anti-aging benefits, while ground-breaking oxygen technology forms a nonocclusive film on the nail, proving resistant to water penetration and improving the permeability to oxygen. Results are nails that are structurally stronger, and less prone to breakage and splitting.
   
   I'm really happy this came in the box. The nails on my toes tend to be brittle and chip easily. This creamy, translucent pink goes on very smooth. It dries quick and makes my nails look shiny and healthy. I hope they get stronger. :cross your fingers:
   
   
3. Julep Nail Polish: $10 - $25 (Some only come in sets, hence the higher price)
   I love the colors I got. They all would be ones I'd pick for myself. I already have Bunny and Drew from other purchases but they will go nice as a gift.
   
• Bunny - Crisp white linen with fine gold shimmer
• Layne - Sheer french pink
• Sheryl - Sheer butterscotch shimmer with a hint of golden bronze
• Drew - Fabulous fuchsia crème.
  
  
4. Dolle's Salt Water Taffy - < $1. World Famous from Ocean City, Maryland.
   I love salt water taffy! I got Lime, Chocolate and Strawberry. I will have to try them when my body is feeling better.
   
   
5. Belina Hair Ties - 3 ties (Unsure of price. They are not available on their website)
   I got black, tan, and bronze shimmery ties. Kind of sad because my hair is currently short so I can't tie my hair up, unless I do pigtails. I'll have to try them when my hair grows out more.

Point is...

I love this month's Golden Mystery Box! With the amount of stuff that came in it for the price of $30, I think it was well worth it.  I have so much nail polish to catch up on. I hope to use these colors soon. And I'll keep you posted on how the nail treatment is going!

What do you think of the products from this box? Have you tried any of them? Is Dolle's salt water taffy that good? 

For She's a Jolly Good Fellow, Which Nobody Can Deny!

I recently went to a retirement party for an amazing woman. She's worked for 37 years as a music teacher.  She has influenced so many people around her and inspired many to go for their dreams.  She's truly extraordinary!

As a present from her family and friends, I was asked to help create an amazing poster with different characters and objects to represent her 37 years.

My best friend Chris and I had about two and half days to complete this piece. It was short noticed because her daughter wanted these different images to be represented on a cake but it wasn't doable.

She suggested a hidden objects picture, like those found in the Highlights Magazine. 

Don't you miss these?

I tried to solve it. I don't know if I got all of them.

When I first heard this, I was freaking out in my head. I've been asked to do a hidden objects picture for a friend, but I learned that it is very complicated to come up with places to "hide" objects.  It would have taken at least a week or more to really figure out the whole picture and the placement of objects.

So they finally came up with the idea of a Character poster. The ones where the artist draws every single one of their characters into a poster.

After a lot of research, googling, re-tracing and drawing, we came up with this...

Disclaimer: All characters, logos and objects are owned, copyrighted,
trademarked and registered to their respective owners. 

Point is...
She loved it! And we were happy with the results, especially for such a short amount of time to pull something together. It was a great party with lots of laughter and smiles

Here's a picture of it at the retirement party. 

Also a picture of the cake that they got made with some objects with special meanings.

Nail Polish Collection

I have finally finished! I know you've all been waiting to see my nail polish collection. It isn't as massive as some of the ones I've seen, :cough: Kat from Thoughts At 1AM :cough:. I've been working on documenting my collection with pictures and a list of my stash. 

Here are pictures of my ever growing collection.

I've been storing my nail polish in these bins but because my collection is expanding, I will need to find another way to store my polish. Everyone sees to be using a Helmer from Ikea. This might something I will have to invest in as well. And it will go this vanity idea online.

Here is my I Love Nail Polish collection:

Here is my Rainbow Honey collection:

What do you think? I went a little crazy with Rainbow Honey. I have a lot to try out!

Here is a link to my whole entire list - Nail Polish Collection

Happy Polishing!

Neon - Nail Polish Review [#4]

Happy August! 

Just got through a big event at work and though we have more upcoming events that we have to plan and prepare for, I'm just super excited for the end of this month. I will be leaving for Vermont on August 24. I can't wait! :3

Anyway, I recently went to Target and I couldn't help but check out their Essie nail polish.  They had a few of the collections display and this one nail polish caught my eye. Bouncer, It's Me from their 2013 Neon Collection.

It's recommended to use a white base coat under their neon colors. I have Essie's Poppy-Razzi Neon Collection from last year. I have used a base of Essie's Blanc with them and without. I preferred it without the white base because it was time consuming and heavy feeling to paint a white base and then the neon plus a top coat. Also, it still looked neon without the white.

I figured I'd try and review Bouncer, It's Me with and without a white base coat to see what it looks like. The nail polish is very translucent. I put two coats of Blanc and two coats of Bouncer, It's Me on my left hand. I did a base coat and three coats of Bouncer, It's Me on my right hand. 

Do you see the difference?

Please don't mind the messy fingers. Didn't get a chance to them up.

It dries quickly and in a matte coat. My right hand is more of a deep, dark blue. My left hand had some streakiness. I could have done three coats but I was lazy and didn't bother. I like both version of them.  I put on a top coat of Essie's Good To Go. My left hand really pops in natural lighting but with the flash, both hands look the same.

With the flash on. They look very similar with only a subtle difference in hue.

At my office. You can see how the white base makes my left hand nails this bright blue.

After about a week, they've all chipped and cracked under the top coat. And I'm ready for the next manicure.

Point is...
If you use any of Essie's Neon Collection and have more patience than me, the white base coat really does bring out the bright color in the nail polish. Lighter neon colors can work well without a white base, but I'd stick to the white base with the darker neon colors. 

Happy Polishing!