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Monday, December 16, 2013

piCture pOlish Collab-Fest 2013 (Paradise)



Hey all you lovely people! If you've been following my blog for a while, you'll probably recognize this polish from piCture pOlish. Paradise is a color I created with piCture pOlish as part of their blogger collaboration. Today I'll be showing you a few more shots of Paradise, in case you missed it the first time around. ^^

If you're curious about my inspiration, the process, and how this beauty applies, check out the following posts below. They pictures there also do the polish a lot more justice, since they were taken in sunlight. As always, this color is so hard to photograph!

piCture pOlish Paradise by Liquid Jelly - shade inspiration, in depth formula and finish description
Announcement ♥ piCture pOlish Paradise by Liquid Jelly - great macro shots of the glitters

But here's a quick break down of Paradise. :)


I'm wearing 3 coats here on my little stubby nails. Unfortunately I had a break in my nails last week, so I'm a little sad I didn't take my pics when my nails were longer. I think for me, each time I wear Paradise I'm a little surprised. My favorite part is seeing it apply on my nails because the shimmer glimmers across my nails and settles around the pink glitters. It can photograph a bit gritty looking, but I promise you it's smooth to the touch. Especially with a nice top coat!






And here's one last artsy photo of Paradise. Not really color accurate - just for fun. :)


You can purchase Paradise or any of the piCture pOlish shades at http://picturepolish.com.au/ or from one of their international stockists.  Don't forget to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest piCture pOlish news!

Also, if you own Paradise, please share your pictures with me on Facebook or Twitter! I love seeing all the lovely messages and pictures you send me. :]

♥ Liz

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Check out all the other blogger collaborations.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Zoya Zenith Winter/Holiday 2013 Collection Swatches



Hi everyone! When I think of holiday polish, I think of a lot glitter and sparkle. Today's collection is no exception. Zoya's Zenith collection features an array of deep jewel tones, glitters, and shimmery silvers.

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Precision Toxic Love Collection Swatches + Review



Hey guys! I recently got to try out this new collection by Precision and can't wait to share my experience with you.  First, a little bit about the brand. Precision is a line of polishes created by Lamoon Beauty. Lamoon means "the moon", representing the shape of our nail beds. I thought that was cute. :)

The collection I am showing you today consists of "six dark, seductive, and deep shades." Each polish is vegan, eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and 3-free.

Since this was my first time wearing Precision nail lacquers, I did conduct a wear test with a few of the colors. For the most part, I would say that these wore fairly well.  I had minimum tip wear on day 5 and a small chip on day 7.  This was without base coat and top coat, so I'm sure it would wear much better with them.

Now on to the swatches!

Monday, November 18, 2013

Nicole by OPI Modern Family Holiday 2013



Wow, it's been too long!  I swear I was going to post more frequently this month.  I think I'll start posting notds on my Instagram account, so that I can share more frequently without worrying about all the editing and writing.  So if you're not following me there, please do! :)

I'm also planning a holiday giveaway for you guys, so keep you're eyes peeled for that!  Speaking of holidays, let's talk about this new Modern Family collection. ^^

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

China Glaze Monsters Ball Review (Halloween 2013)



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!

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

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. :)

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

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! :)


Friday, October 11, 2013

Julep Maven: October 2013 Modern Beauty Box



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

Monday, October 7, 2013

OPI Pink of Hearts 2013: Breast Cancer Awareness Promotion



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

Sunday, October 6, 2013

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



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).






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.






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.






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.






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! 

Thursday, September 26, 2013

♥ Midwestern Beauty Bloggers Giveaway! ♥

Hi guys!  Hope you all like giveaways, because I have one for you today - a blogger giveaway!  Some of us ladies in the Facebook group, Midwestern Beauty Bloggers, wanted to put something together as a group for our readers.  We came up with this fun giveaway featuring 6 prizes - one from each blogger!

The 5 other blogs participating in this giveaway are:

Here are our prizes below!

Are you excited?  Here's how to enter.  Use the Rafflecopter widget below to get started.  The only mandatory entry is your email address to contact the winner.  You can earn additional entries after you enter your email address. :)

Some rules - important! One entry per person.  Duplicate entries will be deleted.  Winner must provide a shipping address (no PO Boxes, please), so that your winnings can be mailed to you.  We will contact the winners and he/she must reply to the e-mail within 48 hours or we will draw another winner.  Entries will be accepted until 12 a.m. on October 10, 2013.  US only.

OH, also if you're in the midwest (US) and want to join this group, please do!  We're all welcoming over here. :)

Alright, enough blabber.  Go out and win some nail treasure!  Good luck!

Monday, September 23, 2013

OPI DS Raw Granite Series Review + Swatches



Hey all!  Today I have the new OPI DS Raw Granite shades to share with you.  According to OPI, these granite-inspired hues feature a "matte textured finish with mineral-like reflections."  While these do dry matte, they are not the same as liquid sands.  They don't contain any of the grainy "sand" textures.  Instead they dry down like a regular matte glitter polish.


OPI DS Pewter, 2 coats: matte pewter gray packed with very fine and small silver glitter.  Above you can see how it looks on its own and with top coat.  Personally I like it with top coat, because it brings out all the glitters.  But when it's matte, it definitely has a much softer feel.  This is one of those shades that I'll probably wear differently depending on my mood.  In terms of dupes, it does feel very similar to OPI Metallic 4 Life (Nicki Minaj), which I actually prefer.  Again, it's really up to preference. ^^

no top coat
top coat

OPI DS Lapis, 1 coat: matte denim-blue with very fine silver glitter.  This is so pigmented, it really only needs one coat!  It's also my favorite of two, both matte and with top coat.  But I have to say that it's super gorgeous with top coat!  This one reminded me of China Glaze Skyscraper (Fall 2011), but it's much more blue while Skyscraper leans a bit more purple.

no top coat
top coat
Verdict:  They're both perfect for fall since they're darker colors, but they still lend some softness due to the matte finish and silver glitter.  Both shades had excellent formulas that covered in 1-2 coats.  If it wasn't clear in my review, my personal favorite is OPI DS Lapis.

Availability: OPI DS Pewter and DS Lapis are now available at professional salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, jcp Salons, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, ULTA and ulta.com for $12.50 ($14.95 CAN) suggested retail for each nail lacquer.


What do you think?  Do you like these matte or with top coat? :)

Liz