China Glaze Monsters Ball Review (Halloween 2013)

Press Sample

Hi guys!  It's almost Halloween!  Are any of you dressing up or doing special nail art? :D  For today's post I have three fun polishes from China Glaze's Halloween collection.  Let's get started!

OPI Miss Universe 2013 Collection Review & Swatches

Press Sample

Hi guys!  Whew, did October fly by or what?  Now that it's actually cold here, I'm so into the dusty, darker colors we're seeing for fall and winter - like the colors I'm showing you today!  These were released as 2013's Miss Universe collection. :)

Essie New York Fashion Week (Spring/Summer 2014)

Hi guys!  Essie sent me a rundown of the looks they did for New York Fashion Week.  If you're interested in seeing which colors made it down the runway, here's a collective look.  Enjoy! :)

Julep Maven: October 2013 Modern Beauty Box

I Bought This

Happy Friday!  Today I'm sharing with you the contents of my October Maven box!  Sorry about the washed out tube. :/  It says "Mask Noir" on it, which I'll talk about later.  There was also a packet of candy corn in here, but it was promptly gobbled up by my siblings.  I actually don't like the taste of candy corn.  Am I weird?  Haha.

I actually liked this month's selection of items in the beauty box.  Usually, there's only one product I really want to try, but this time I was excited about both products.  I adore masks and eyeliners, so this was perfect for me.

First, a closer look at the sharpener, included with the eyeliner.  You can pull both ends of the plastic cap off the sharpener, which I imagine would make it easy to clean.  The sharpener also comes with a little pick.  I haven't tried this sharpener yet, so I can't really comment on it.  Because I already have a good sharpener, I wasn't inclined to try it. ^^;  But I did try everything else in the box, so read on! :)

Kajal Eye Glider

Above is the new dual ended eyeliner from Julep.  Here is Julep's little blurb on it:

Two intensely pigmented colors—carbon black and brown shimmer—that glide on smoothly and blend like a dream. 

Features & Benefits of Kajal Eye Glider: Two colors Ideal for inner rims, tightlining, and smoky eyes. Blends like a dream—won’t drag or pull on delicate skin.

See below for swatches and comparison!

 1. Urban Decay Perversion / 2. Julep Kajal Carbon Black / 3. Julep Kajal Brown Shimmer

So the uppermost black is Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Perversion.  I believe it's one of the blackest black eyeliners out there, so I swatched it next to the Julep's Carbon Black for comparison.  I found that one swipe with Carbon Black was softer and less pigmented than Perversion, but still fairly pigmented.  The brown was a bit lacking however.  Several swipes later, Carbon Black came pretty darn close to Perversion.  The brown, on the other hand, reached about moderate pigmentation.

Formula-wise, the pencil is very soft and does not drag or pull as advertised.  I haven't worn the black on my eyes yet, but I have worn the brown.  While both the black and brown are very easy to blend, my main gripe with them is that they don't really set.  I did a rub test 5 minutes later (shown above), and as you can see, both pencils have easily smudged.  In stark comparison, UD's Perversion hasn't budged.  Granted Julep didn't make any long-wearing claims, but they did say that it would be great for tightlining and inner rims.  As the formula never really sets, this doesn't seem plausible (at least for my eyes).

So the great thing about my eyes is that they are mismatched. T__T  Sadness.  My left eye has a thick double crease, while my right eye has a thinner one that folds all the way in.  So while the brown liner wore well on my left eye (all eyeliners do), half of it smeared right off my right eye after a mere 5 minutes.  It also did not stay well on the waterline.

In the end, I would recommend this liner only if you have thick double-creased eyelids.  If you have eyelids that crease all the way in or monolids, I would stay clear.  People with oily lids may run into some trouble as well.

Mask Noir

Now the mask, which in my opinion is the highlight of this box.  Mask Noir is a "peel-off mask of gentle kaolin clay and black volcanic ash."  The features and benefits according to Julep: 

Black volcanic ash boasts anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial peptides. Kaolin Clay is as gentle as it is deep-cleaning. 

Incredibly clean, visibly brightened skin upon removal Enriched with Julep’s proprietary Power Cell Complex™, a trio of skin-boosting superstars: 

• Rosehip seed oil – a nourishing oil (and natural source of vitamins A and C) that helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and post-acne marks. 
• Contains natural fatty acids that bond moisture to skin Malvaceae Lipid Extract™ – a lipid complex that provides immediate and long-lasting hydration and works to rebuild skin structure from the inside out. 
• Green coffee bean oil – a natural anti-inflammatory that promotes cell turnover.

First off, no packaging worries with the mask.  It was completely full and there is a good amount in it.  When you squeeze it out, the mask is thick and has the consistency of, well, sludge.  However, it can be thinned out if you work with it.  Since it starts drying right away, I recommend working it onto your face in small sections.  Also, make sure to clean your hands by wiping the excess off onto a paper towel.  Then wash your hands.  It will be a lot easier to clean.

Once it's on your face, you'll feel it tighten as it dries.  There is a slight fragrance to it, but it just smells like clay.  I think I left mine on for about 30 minutes before taking it off.  This mask is super easy to peel off.  Even the thinner sections will peel right off in one piece.  Whatever's left is easily washed off with warm water, so you don't have to worry about making a mess.

The results for me were pretty good.  My skin felt softer and smoother.  Not necessarily more hydrated, but definitely not dry.  Also, this may be a bit gross, but I was touching my nose after washing my face, and felt a few tiny beads come off it.  Looking at it closer, I realized that the mask had pulled free some of the gunk in my pores.  I know, gross, but it made me like the mask even more.  However, it doesn't do much for blackheads.

Overall, I would totally recommend this!  Especially if you love masks like me.  The only downside is that it is a bit pricey for the amount you're getting.  If you use this over your entire face, you may not get too many uses out of it.  I think mine will last me 1 or 2 months, since I only use it on my T-zone.

Phew, so much writing in this post.  If you read all of it, props to you! :D

Mavens, did you get your October box?  If you did, let me know what your favorite item from your box was!  Also, if you're not a Maven but want to be one, you can get your first box free through my referral link!  Sign up here. :)

♥ Liz

OPI Pink of Hearts 2013: Breast Cancer Awareness Promotion

Press Sample

Hi lovelies!  Today I have OPI's Pink of Hearts 2013 duo, which is a limited edition set for Breast Cancer Awareness month.  The set contains classic pink shade Pink-ing of You and new matte glitter More Than a Glimmer.  It also comes with pink ribbon and crystal nail decals (10 each) to decorate your nails.

A little more about this set:

This duo pack is designed to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and support. In 2013, OPI will donate $25,000 in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) to Susan G. Komen®. OPI will also donate $5,000 to Rethink Breast Cancer in Canada.

Now, on to the swatches!

Pink-ing of You, 3 coats: classic light pink creme-jelly.  This color looks like a creme when it's opaque, but has the consistency of a creme-jelly.  I found that formula was a tad too thin and streaky during application, however, the third coat took care of the streaks and made it opaque.

More Than A Glimmer, 2-3 coats: sheer pink matte polish with multicolored glitter.  This polish is jam packed with glitter, so it can get a little chunky when you're applying it.  I recommend working with thin coats for best results, especially if you're not layering this over another color.  The base is a very sheer milky pink, so it doesn't really offer much color.  However, the glitter is so dense that 2-3 coats should make it look opaque.  Above, I used two coats on some nails and three where I felt more coverage was needed.

Here are also a few pics of a mani done with both polishes.  Personally, I think More Than A Glimmer looks much better layered.  Don't you?  I used one easy coat over Pink-ing of You and left those nails matte.  On my ring finger, I used one of the pink ribbons and crystal decals included in the set.  Too cute!  Especially loving the differing textures in this mani. :)

Verdict:  It's a cute nail duo that comes with fun decals you can use to show your support during Breast Cancer Awareness month.  While I don't think the colors are too unique for those of us already knee deep in glitter nail polish, I do think this is nice set for people who are new to glitter.  Especially since you can test out the glitter+matte effect in one go.  (Welcome to the dark side.)  Plus, you'll know that some of your money will go towards breast cancer research - so that's pretty awesome too. :)

Availability:  Pink-ing of You and More than a Glimmer feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Pink of Hearts 2013 will be available September and October 2013 at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, jcp Salons, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, ULTA and ulta.com for $15.95 ($19.95 CAN) suggested retail.


Are you a fan of matte glitters?  Share your thoughts in the comments below! :D

Liz

Pretty Jelly Halloween 2013 Collection: Monster Night

Hi everyone!  I recently released a Halloween collection from my indie brand - Pretty Jelly.  Here's an overview of the new Monster Night collection! :D

Ghouls Night Out 

Let loose with this gorgeous multicolored layering glitter!  Ghouls Night Out is a sheer black jelly base packed with various shaped glitters in neon pink, neon yellow, blue, green, purple and iridescent colors.  1.5 coats over black (aka one coat and a little more to fill in some gaps).

Zombody To Love

Zombies want to be loved too!  Zombody To Love is a sheer swampy green jelly with green and gold green hexes, as well as some black hearts.  3 coats on its own over three of the nails, and 2 coats over a dark green creme on the ring finger.

Witch Outfit?

Seriously, which witch outfit is better?  Contemplate your party outfit while staring at the complex shimmers in this deep purple jelly polish!  Maybe the purple, green, red, and copper shimmers will spark some inspiration?  Swatches are shown with 3 coats on its own, and 2 coats over a black creme (ring finger).  This polish can be worn both alone or over another color.

Sexy Pumpkin

Who says pumpkins aren't sexy?  Don't hurt their feelings by wearing this yummy orange jelly filled with strong red shimmer and holographic sparkle.  This was the toughest polish to photograph from the Halloween '13 collection.  While the camera refuses to pick up the red shimmer and holographic sparkle, it is apparent in real life.  Swatches are shown with 2 coats on its own.

DJ B00gi3

Didn't you know the boogeyman had a side job? Come dance the night away with this beautiful dark grey scattered holo filled with orange spark-like shimmers! Swatches are shown with 2 coats and no top coat.

Yay - you made it to the end!

My Pretty Jelly Facebook page recently reached 6k likes!  To show my thanks for all the support my brand has been receiving, I am giving away two polishes from this Halloween collection!  If you'd like to enter, you can enter below using the Rafflecopter widget. :) 

Giveaway is open to all Pretty Jelly fans - US & international!  It starts today and ends on 10/13/13 at 12 am US central time.  Good luck! ♥

a Rafflecopter giveaway