Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Live Love Polish - Floss Gloss Swatches, Review & Nail Art


Happy New Year's Eve, all! I have some beautiful polishes from the Live Love Polish shop to share with you today! They were nice enough to send along four Floss Gloss polishes and I must say, I'm of the opinion that you need all needed these shades in your life like yesterday ;) they're they lovely.

For those who don't know, Floss Gloss is a cruelty free and vegan friendly polish, all wrapped up in an adorably unique bottle. I would love if they sold larger bottle sizes because I do think that 0.18 fl oz. is a bit small for a favorite polish, but oh well. Anyway, let's take a look, shall we?

Zoya - Wishes, Holiday 2014 Collection: Swatches & Review


Hello, all! Wow, it's been awhile, hasn't it! I've been so busy with work and the holidays the past two weeks that I haven't had a chance to take care of anything blog related aside from my few recurring responsibilities. I finally have swatches of the Zoya Wishes Holiday 2014 collection to share with you all!

I think everyone has seen this collection by now, but since Zoya recently announced that they will no longer be making their PixieDust polishes after this collection, I thought it was a great time share them in case people are in the market for a few more before they're gone for good.

We'll start of with the traditional finishes.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Pear Nova - Fall 2014 Collection: Swatches, Review & Nail Art

Press Sample

Hello, all! I've got a review of a new to me brand called Pear Nova to share with you today! They have a nice selection of creme polishes available in their line (which makes this girl HAPPY since I love my creme polishes oh so much), and they are 3 Free. So far I'm very impressed with the formula and pigmentation of the four fall polishes I have to share today.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Live Love Polish - Models Own Fruit Pastel Collection: Swatches, Review & Snowflake Nail Art

Hello all! I know it's winter, but that doesn't mean we can't still enjoy some fantastic pastel shades ;) I have lots of new goodies to share over the next few days from my favorite polish retailer, Live Love Polish and today I'm sharing swatches of some Models Own polishes! Live Love Polish has an amazing selection that is growing daily (including some indie brands which I seriously love and respect). They also offer free shipping on orders over $20 (International orders ship free for orders over $100). If you've got a polish lover on your holiday gift list, be sure to check out the shipping times to be sure you get your items in time for whatever holidays you celebrate! 
Anyway, let's take a look at these delicious shades...and the nail art I've done as well! 

Monday, December 15, 2014

Renaissance Cosmetics - The Modern Vamp Collection: Swatches, Review & Discount Code

Press Sample

Hello, all! I've got swatches of the amazing new Modern Vamp collection from Renaissance Cosmetics to share today and wow are they stunning. I always enjoy Renaissance polishes, but I have to say, this collection (as well as the Anniversary collection) is one of my favorite sets of polishes to date.

As I'm sure you guessed, this collection is inspired by Meghan's favorite modern vampires from TV shows and movies. While I only know who a few of the inspiration vampires are, I am in awe of how well each polish reflects it's model. If you head to the Renaissance Instagram page you can see the inspiration photos along with their respective polishes.

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Powder Perfect - Mysterium Magnum: Swatches & Review

Hello, all! Today I have some beautiful polishes to share with you from Powder Perfect! I've been drooling over Jacinta's polishes for so long so I'm beyond thrilled to get to try these stunners from the new Mysterium Magnum collection out and share them with you today. 

This collection was inspired by folklore and the various mythical creatures that make up some of our world's best stories. From the press release: 
 Something within me remembers and cannot forget. 
When legends stalked through the mist on the moor. 
When immortals were within the reach of our fingertips. 
When imagination was as strong as any force in the world. 
When belief outweighed fact.

Friday, December 12, 2014

The Digital Dozen does Winter Wonderland - Day 5: A Night Under the Northern Lights

Nothing to Disclose

Hello, all! We've made it to the end of yet another Digital Dozen week and I have to say, on the whole, I've really liked what I managed to come up with this week! I'm also proud of myself for staying on track with the challenge and getting my posts up on time (I've struggled with this in the past!).

For my final day, I've gone for something a bit more cutesy than my usual manis. I'm sure I am not in the minority when I say that one of my bucket list items is to see the Aurora Borealis (or Northern Lights) in person some day. Around this time last year I painted my first take on the Northern Lights, and when I saw this adorable painting on Pinterest, the idea of doing another (cuter) take on them would be perfect for Winter Wonderland.


Thursday, December 11, 2014

The Digital Dozen does Winter Wonderland - Day 4: Graphic Wonderland Mountain Range

Nothing to Disclose, though contains Affiliate Link

Hello, all! We're moving right along with Digital Dozen week, and though my work week seems to be dragging on forever, DD week is flying by! I'm really excited to have kept up with the challenge so far this month and I've really enjoyed what I've managed to create so far (as well as what all the other ladies have come up with!).


Wednesday, December 10, 2014

The Digital Dozen does Winter Wonderland - Day 3: Vintage Ornaments

Nothing to Disclose

Hello, all! We're moving right along with Digital Dozen week and I've got my Day 3 look to share with you today! I'm finding myself struggling to come up with manis that aren't pine trees covered in snow (like my day 1 and 2 looks...) so I decided to search the pinterest and my favorite pattern sites for some wintery themed patterns.


Tuesday, December 9, 2014

The Digital Dozen does Winter Wonderland - Day 2: Reindeer are Better Than People


Hello, all! Day 2 of the Digital Dozen does Winter Wonderland is here and I've got some black and white, stamp inspired nails to share with you! When I say stamp inspired, I mean a rubber stamp that you might use with an ink pad to gussy up any number of paper products.

In my search for winter wonderland-esque things to be inspired by, I came across this pin on Pinterest. Usually, when you see silhouettes like this, the colors are inverse of this (a white background with black silhouettes), so I was immediately drawn to how striking this image was. And then I realized it was the inverse of a rubber stamp and got very excited by the prospect of creating something like it!

Monday, December 8, 2014

Trust Fund Beauty - Swatches, Review & Wintery Nail Art

Press Sample - Products provided for an honest review

Hello, all! I've got a selection of polishes from Trust Fund Beauty to share with you today! Trust Fund is a relatively new to me brand (I've been following their Instagram for tongue and cheek humor and pretty polish photos for awhile now), but I'm really liking their products. For those who don't know the brand, they are all about women being able to add a little bit of glamour, sophistication and sass to their look. While their polish names may be a bit in your face, I find them refreshing and humorous. They are also non-toxic and cruelty free so it's safe to say that I'm totally smitten with this company! 

The Digital Dozen does Winter Wonderland - Day 1: Ice Skating

Nothing to Disclose

Hello, all! Today marks the start of another Digital Dozen week and since I wasn't able to partake last month, I'm really excited to be back for December's theme of Winter Wonderland! On top of that, I have officially been a member of the Digital Dozen for a year now!...well, my anniversary was actually last month, but we'll celebrate now! I love the ladies in this group so much and am always amazed and excited but what they manage to come up with each month.


Sunday, December 7, 2014

31 Day Challenge, Day 12 - Intricate: Free Hand Henna & Mandala Inspired Nail Art

Press Sample - Some Items used provided for honest review

Hello, all! Hope you are having (or had) a wonderful weekend. It always seems to fly by too quickly for me! Today I'm getting back into the swing of things with the 31 Day Challenge 2.0 that I'm doing with Will Paint Nails for Food and The Nail Polish Challenge (yes, we took about a two month hiatus...oops!). Today's mani is for the day 12 theme, intricate nails!


Friday, December 5, 2014

Guest Post for Mely of Rock Your Nails - 12 Days of Christmas: Christmas Song

Nothing to Disclose

Hello, all! Today I am guest posting for the insanely talented Mely of Rock Your Nails! She is doing a whole series of 12 days of Christmas and she and I tackled the "Christmas Song" theme. Head to her blog to read more about the look below and let us know what you think! :)

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

The Beauty Buffs - Holiday Theme: Deck the Halls Nail Art

Nothing to Disclose

Hello, all! It's time for another week with The Beauty Buffs! As it's now December, it is fitting for us to take on our first set of Holiday themed looks so for today, I'm showing my take on one of my favorite parts of the holiday seasons - decorating! Now, there are many (MANY) ways in which to decorate for this time of year, but my focus is on that very important pine tree, the Christmas tree!

Nothing gets me in the mood for this time of year quite like getting the Christmas tree decorated. I especially love the smell of a real pine tree in the house during Christmas. It's one of the things I miss most about having a fake tree...so for today, I figured I would paint a little homage to the pine tree!


Tuesday, December 2, 2014

China Glaze - Holiday 2014, Twinkle Collection: Swatches & Review

Press Sample

Hello, all! Today I've got a big post to share! I have swatches of China Glaze's Twinkle collection to share with you! I'm absolutely in love with this set of polishes. I think they all work really well individually, as well as grouped together as a holiday collection. While the creme lover in me wishes there were more than two of that finish, the rest of these polishes are stunning in their own right and I think this might be one of my favorite holiday collections to date. Let's take a look!

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Delush Polish - Holidaze Collection: Swatches & Review


Hello, all! As I mentioned in my Nue Collection review, I've got another Delush Polish review to share with you today! This one is of the 2014 holiday collection called Holidaze Collection...I love puns :) I'm really loving these shades and how the collection looks as a whole together. I think there's something for everyone in this set of polishes and definitely worth adding to your collection. 

Delush Polish - Nue Collection: Swatches, Review & Nail Art

Press Sample

Hello, all! I have two different posts to share with you today, both from Delush Polish (the other is the Holidaze collection, found here)! The first duo I'm showing you is from Delush's collaboration with Nue Magazine! The Nue Collection is inspired by the hottest trends of the season, embracing classic bold shades, metallic touches, and, not to be forgotten, glitter! The shades I have to share with you are some classic and bold metallic shades so let's take a look!

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Black Friday Roundup - Sales Galore!

Hello All!

In just 3 short hours it will officially be Black Friday here in California so I figured I would write a little post that shares some my favorite polish brands' promos for this big weekend of shopping! Almost all of these promos run from Friday, November 28th through Monday, December 1st. Some of these I'm not sure about the entire run date so they may not work after Black Friday. This list is by no means comprehensive and includes brands that I like and/or have worked with before. Let me know if there are any brands you think I should include in this list (or if you're a brand let me know and I'll add you!). Hopefully this helps you out a little bit in your polish hunt! Here they are (in alphabetical order!):

Barielle
  • 40% off, plus free shipping. Runs Friday, 11/28- Monday 12/1
Beyond the Nail
  • 40% off orders of $30 or more. Use code BLKFRIDAY
Black Dahlia Lacquer
  • 25% off polish and jewelry on Black Friday with code BLACKFRIDAY
  • 35% off site wide on Cyber Monday with code CYBERMONDAY
Cirque Colors
  • 25% off site wide on Black Friday
  • 20% off Saturday, 11/29-Monday, 12/1
  • Free US shipping 12/2-12/31
Cupcake Polish
  • $3 off polish until 9pm CST, 11/30
Delush Polish
  • Free US Shipping on orders over $50 (through the end of 2014)
  • Two free full size polishes with a purchase of $60 or more (note which polishes you'd like in your order)
  • Free snowflake glitter for first 100 orders
Different Dimension
  • 25% off all products on Black Friday with code BLACKFRIDAY
  • 30% off orders of $30 or more 11/30-12/1with code SATSUNMON
Girly Bits
  • 25% off polishes
  • 25% off DIY polish supplies 
  • 50% off 'On the Way out' polishes
  • Free gift with purchase
Harlow & Co.

  • 10% off of Colors By Llarowe, Sweet Pea & Fay, China Glaze, Vivid Lacquer stamping plates
  • 15% off of Cirque Colors and  Lac Attach
  • 20% off of NCLA and Cult Nails
  • 30% off Appeal Cosmetics
  • Free US & Canada shipping on orders over $25. 
  • International shipping takes 25% off orders under $100. Free Shipping on orders over $100. 

KBShimmer
  • Free Shipping on orders over $40
  • Free bottle of 'Holly Back Girl' with $70 purchase. Use code HBGFREE
  • Free samples while supplies last
  • 30% off order of $20 or more on 11/28. Use code BFS30
  • Free shipping on 3 or more items on 11/29. Use code SBSFREESHIPPING
  • On 12/1, choose from: 
    • $10 off $40 purchase with code CM10OFF
    • $15 off $60 purchase with code CM15OFF
    • $20 off $80 purchase with code CM20OFF
    • $25 off $100 purchase with code CM25OFF
Live Love Polish
  • Up to 40% off polishes. Check here for sales!

  • 40% off entire order through 12/1. Use code CYBER40

Madam Glam

  • 40% off site wide with free shipping over $30. Use code BLACK40

Polish Me Silly

  • Free mini polish with purchase of $30 or more
  • Free regular polish with purchase of $50 or more
  • Free mini and regular polish with purchase of $100 or more
Polish My Life

  • 25% off on Black Friday. Use code BLKFRIDAYS25
  • Free shipping on 11/29. Use code SMBIZSAT
Renaissance Cosmetics

  • 25% off regular prices items 11/28-12/1
  • 40% off discontinued prices, 11/28-12/1
Shimmer Polish

  • Buy 2 get 1 Free, 11/28-12/1. Use code BLACKFRIDAY
Trust Fund Beauty

  • Various Sale prices. Use code TRUSTFUND
Zoya

  • $20 Pre-packaged Dream Box Trios, plus Free Shipping & Bow
  • $20 Build your own Dream Box Trio, plus Free Shipping & Bow 


Happy Polishing! :) 

Cirque Colors - Ultimate Holographic Gift Set: Swatches & Review

Press Sample

Hello, all! Happy Happy Thanksgiving to those of you celebrating with family and friends today! I have had a whirlwind of a week! Last Friday my boyfriend Bryce and I got engaged after 9 years of dating! We spent the weekend in Yosemite and I'm so beyond happy and excited to begin planning the next part of our lives together. If you spot a ring in the background of my photos now, that's why ;)

In honor of my exciting personal life news, I figured I better swatch some stunning polishes and products and share them with you all today! Cirque Colors has curated a few of their favorite holographic polishes to create the ultimate Holographic Gift Set! This set comes in a nice windowed box and would be perfect for the polish lover in your life. These polishes usually sell for $13/bottle, but in the set, it works out to just $10/bottle. Are you ready to drool over these?



Friday, November 21, 2014

ALIQUID Lacquer - Anniversary Trio: Swatches, Review & Link to Giveaway/Contests!

Press Sample

Hello, all! Today I've got swatches of the ALIQUID Lacquer First Anniversary trio of polishes! These were created by Alison in honor of all the hard work and improvements that she's made in her first year of having her shop open. Anniversaries are great times to reflect on resolutions of the past and update them for future ventures, so this collection is just that! These polishes were made to reflect some future goals for this indie brand. How cool is that??

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Polish Me Silly - Winter 2014 Collection + Keychain: Swatches, Review & Nail Art

Press Sample

Hello, all! Today I have a selection of polishes from the forthcoming Polish Me Silly winter releases! Today, November 20th (at 5pm PST), Polish Me Silly will be releasing 10 new holographic polishes, 8 flakies, 4 multichromes, 4 Christmas polishes, and a leopard spot glitter polish! In addition to these lovely new shades, they also have a series of fun new key chains that every polish lover will appreciate ;)

I have 4 of the 27 shades to be released tonight to share with you so I'll start with 2 from the Christmas collection, then one of the holos, and finally that leopard spot glitter!


Wednesday, November 19, 2014

The Beauty Buffs - Metallic: Galaxy Nail Art


Hello, all! Hope your week is going well! I'm finally (and excitedly!) able to get back into the swing of things and post with the talented ladies of the Beauty Buffs! This week's theme is Metallic! I'm not usually one to wear metallics, but I like challenges like this because it makes me think outside the box! In the end, I really like how this turned out!


Sunday, November 16, 2014

Live Love Polish - Various Color Club Shades: Swatches, Review, Nail Art & Tutorial


Hello, all! Today I have swatches of a few bright Color Club shades from the polish retailer, Live Love Polish, to share with you all! Now, I know it's fall, BUT, who doesn't love a few bright shades mixed in with the fall ones we've been seeing? Besides, our friends in the southern hemisphere are gearing up for their spring and summer so we can't forget about them! ;)

These 4 shades are a mix of Color Club polishes from previous summer and spring collections and while some of them are shades we've seen before, they're nice staple shades if you don't have them yet! I also put together a nail art look using these shades and did a little video showing my process so read through to the end for that :) 

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Guest Post for The Dalai Lama's Nails - Stained Glass Nail Art


Hello, all! Today I've got a guest post to share with you over on The Dalai Lama's Nails! Hannah is celebrating 3 years of blogging all month long and she's asked a few ladies to guest post for her to help celebrate. I ended up recreating a fabulous design that Hannah did a year back...and then something extra special happened! Another one of my favorite bloggers (it may or may not be Adventures in Acetone ;)  ) also recreated the same design so it became an awesome collaborative post between all 3 of us! Head over the the Dalai Lama's Nails to read our full post! 
Happy Polishing :) 

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Habit Cosmetics - Winter 2014 Collection: Swatches, Review & Nail Art

Press Sample

Hello all! Happy Veteran's Day (and a big thank you to those who are/have served our country)! I have polishes from one of my all time favorite brands to share with you today, Habit Cosmetics! My first experience with Habit was over a year ago with a few of Aja's original shades and she has since released a dozen or so more beautiful polishes that will make anyone drool. The three I have today are apart of this year's Winter collection which is inspired by the ocean...so naturally it is absolutely stunning.

For those who don't know, Habit polishes are all natural and use Myrrh extract to help naturally strengthen the nail. It is vegan friendly, cruelty free, gluten free and 5-free and in my opinion they have some of the most unique, chic and beautiful bottles around. Read through to see what I think of these and let me know your favorites!


Monday, November 10, 2014

ncLA - Runway Collection: Swatches, Review & Nail Art


Hello, all! I hope where ever in the world you are, that your Monday is going smoothly! It's actually my birthday today! I'm the ripe old age of 24 and I'm still not sure what I'm doing with my life! Yikes! 

Today I have some swatches and a review of the ncLA Runway collection to share with you all! I have been in love with ncLA for so long and I'm so excited to share this collection with you today! 

For those who don't know, ncLA is a 5-free nail polish company and they hail from good ole Los Angeles, California (only about an hour from where I live!). They also create some fantastic nail wraps in an unlimited number of designs for those who might not enjoy creating the nail art as much as wearing it (and there's nothing wrong with that!). I love the mix of high fashion and sophistication that ncLA exudes, while still keeping true to the laid back and trendy feel of Southern California. 

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Delush Polish - Scream Supreme, American Horror Story: Swatches, Review, and Nail Art

Press Sample

Hello, all! Wow, it has been awhile since I've blogged and I've been missing it so much. I've been crazy busy with work and personal life and I am in serious need of this weekend to get stuff taken care of get back on track. Today I've got swatches of 4 polishes from the Delush Scream Supreme collection to get back into my groove!

All the polishes in this collection are inspired by the TV Series American Horror Story, and while I've only watched the first and second season, I can totally appreciate each and every one of these shades and their inspiration.

I love how fun the polishes are and I think they're great for fall and beyond. These polishes are stunning on their own, but I also couldn't resist doing a bit of nail art with each polish :) Let's read through and see more swatch goodness! 

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Bundle Monster - 20 Piece Nail Art Design Tools: Review and Nail Art


Hello, all! I've got a review of a very popular Bundle Monster brush set to share with you all today! When you first start getting serious about nail art, one of the most exciting purchases is your first set of nail art brushes! My first set of nail art brushes seriously opened up my nail art world. Until brushes, I had been using striping tape or fumbling my way through using toothpicks...and while there is nothing wrong with using those tools, they are definitely limiting. 

The first brush set I owned actually looked very similar to the Bundle Monster brush set shown here, though the one I purchased was a super cheap version that took the long boat from China to get here. I remember spending a good amount of time comparing the two sets online, but since I was just starting out and already spending too much on nail polish, I settled on the cheaper set of brushes over the pricier Bundle Monster set. So, my review today has my experience with that original set in mind; basically, I wanted to see if the BM set was worth the price tag. 

Barielle - Jetsetter Fall Collection: Swatches, Review & Nail Art

Press Sample

Hello, all! I've got another great collection from Barielle to share with you today! I'm really excited about some of the shades in this collection and think the colors as a whole look wonderful together. Let me know what you think about this as a fall collection - I personnally quite like it! If you missed it, I posted Barielle's other Fall collection, the Me Couture collection, a few weeks back and was so in love with that one. I'm excited that they've got two great fall collections to choose from!