20121223 FOTD + NOTW!

It's going to be pretty exciting to get back into the swing of things with you guys! I got a little sick and took an early holiday on ya. But I'm back, and I've got some double posts for today! First let's talk about the rolling FOTD shots:

 I'm really a fan of red lips. As if it wasn't obvious from my posts lately! I really need to find another shade that I love so I've decided to dedicate a the rest of my money to buying a lip palette. I know BH does a good lip pallete but I want to buy my palette in person, you know? So far my search hasn't turned up and notable prospectives (besides BH), but I'm still looking!

FACE:

E.L.F. MAKEUP SETTING MIST

E.L.F. SHEER TINTED MOISTURIZER IN SPICE

MAYBELLINE FITME PRESSED POWDER IN COCONUT

LIPS:

BEAUTIQUE LIP LINER PENCIL IN WINE

C.O. BIGELOW ROSE SALVE

MILANI LIP FLASH LIP CRAYON IN HOT FLASH 05

EYES:

E.L.F. LENGTHENING AND DEFINING MASCARA IN BLACK

So I'm not really working with much here; thus my face appears pretty bare. I am really abstaining from the use of shadows until I can find a good red for my skin. The temptation to experiment has got me and I won't be using the fun colors until I get my hands on a good red! I do however, believe that I'm completely in season with all the red I have on~ happy holidays!

 

Now for the NOTW:

Black french tips, that's what this is called right? I don't know honestly, I just know that I love the look! There are variations of this manicure that I really like too! The top two are the black chevron tips and the gradient-tip nails with a hint-of-pink top coat to give a nice accent to the whole look!

 

There are some nice tutorials on how to get this look without doing what I did on pinterest as well as tumblr, so don't be afraid to try them: I personally like all of the ones that I've found (and tried) but if I'm strapped for time, the band method is the easiest route to go, plus it give the most clean cut finish, and it can be done on top of existing nail polish!

 Now that I'm newly inspired to continue the trend of contrast-y french tips, I'm going to change it up next week! I hope you'll be coming back for a read of the write up, because I really haven't been keeping up like I should; thank you as always for reading and have a happy holiday!

 

20121206 NOTW + Product 411: Confetti Nail Lacquer!

 

     Well now that there's on dress code for me to abide by, I've gotten back into the groove of my weekly manicure ritual. It's a bit sloppy, but everybody's going to start from a different point, right? I wanted to get gels, but I realized that would be a bad idea since I've nothing in my current cosmetic arsenal that could remove them once I get tired of them. Anyway, Let's talk shop:

NAIL COLOR:

MAYBELLINE EXPRESSWEAR NAIL LACQUER IN MAUVE

CONFETTI NAIL LACQUER IN HINT OF PINK

NEW YORK COLOR MATTIFYING TOP COAT

That's it, I didn't use base coat and I usually don't do so. It's a bad habit of mine, but I also don't have any right now so there are reasons (excuses) for my unrefined mannerisms. I only like the Orly base coat so I refuse to use anything else until I can get my hands on it (but that still won't stop me from painting my nails on a weekly basis). I think I've gotten better at removing my cuticles, but I'm very dehydrated so my hands look very dry here, sorry!

Now to talk about my product crush: Confetti. They nail lacquers are very thick, but durable. I usually don't use top coat with their lacquers because I don't find that there is a need for it, but they're also a bit difficult to take off. I use pure acetone nail varnish remover and it still takes some tough love to wear this stuff down. I like it as a cheap go-to in between getting my nails done or if I just want a clear coat for the week! Still, my all time favorite is Orly for my base and finishing coat needs, but confetti comes in at a close second! These varnishes can be found at CVS (whom I've heard is having a clearance sale right now; everywhere but Vegas apparently).

 

That's it for this weeks NOTW, stop in next week for some fierce Fall color!