Saturday, May 31, 2014

Linear Holographic Thermals? Say WHAT?!?!

So if you remember a few weeks ago I had a post bout a conversation I had with Krys from Vapid Lacquer/Smelly Goods & Pretties. The conversation went something like this:

Me: I am so in LOVE with the holo in Grape Stomp Krys!

Krys: Oh thank you Amie, it really is quite beautiful isn't it?

Me: Yes! Know what would be even more amazing though? Thermals! Thermals with the holographic pop that Grape Stomp has. I would die and go to heaven if you could make those happen.

Krys: *goes off to research pigments and comes back* Prepare to die.


;) LOL Ok not really but she did say that she loved the idea and would send them to me for testing purposes! I did a major happy dance and received Betwixt in the mail after she did some testing at home, so I could test further. Completely past the test! Here is the post if you want to be reminded of the gorgeousness: Betwixt

Fast forward to recently. . . everyone was super excited about Betwixt so Krys experimented with some more thermal pigments and sent me THREE, yes THREE more beauties to test and show you lovelies.


This post will be super picture heavy. Also, you may need sunglasses.



You have been warned. ;)


First up: How'd You Do That?



"How'd You Do That?" is a thermal linear holographic polish. As with all Vapid Lacquer polishes, this polish is 4-Free! It's thermal change is heat activated. When warm it is light blue and when cold it is a darker blue. Both colors in the shift are absolutely stunning. Also, would you check out that gorgeous holo!? Do you have on your sunglasses yet? ;)



Would you check out that gorgeous holo?! Do you have on your sunglasses yet?

I bet you are wondering about the formula. Just like all Vapid Lacquer polishes (as with the rest of the thermals in this post) this one applied like a dream! For opacity I used 2 coats and of course topped it off with my handy Vapid Lacquer Quick Dry Top Coat!

Fan-freakin-tastic!


Watch "How'd You Do That?" in action!








Next up is: Misconfuxiated


Misconfuxiated is also a thermal linear holograhic polish that is 4-free. :) (Freaking gorgeous!)



Misconfuxiated is purple when cold.





And. . . pink when warm! (It actually has a middle color also, if your temp is somewhere between cold and warm the polish will have a lilac look! 3 for one! This polish is so amazing!)





Gorgeous isn't it? Mmmmhmmmm! (I love when the sun cooperates!)


Misconfuxiated only needed 2 coats of polish as well. Don't you love hearing that? I know I do!

You'll have to click on this link to my instagram page for the video of Misconfuxiated in action. I had a little issue where I needed to change phones so the video didn't transfer over for some reason: Misconfuxiated in action!




Last up: Misconfuzzled

(Also a gorgeous thermal linear holographic polish!)



Misconfuzzled is coral when cold! (AHHHH! LOVE!)



And. . . light yellow when warm!





Simply stunning isn't it?! I am so in love with thermal linear holographic polishes!!! My mind is blown!

Now, Misconfuzzled is not quite a 2 coat polish. I used 3 coats for the opacity in these pictures. You might be more satisfied with 2 coats, but I went with 3. :)

Again, fabulous formula! So in love!


Same situation with my phone so click this link to see: Misconfuzzled in action!



All of four of these thermals will be available for purchase sometime in June (Krys is perdicting mid-June). Full sizes will be $12, which is completely worth the price for the quality, thermal changes and LINEAR goodness that you will be getting!


Please feel free to stalk Vapid Lacquer/Smelly Goods & Pretties for updates:

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I'm supposed to die and go to heaven now right?



. . . What? ;)






Friday, May 30, 2014

ORANGE you glad it's the weekend?

Welcome back to another installment of "ORANGE you glad it's the weekend?"

AHA see I'm on time this time! ;)

So for this post I brought out one of my OLD nail polishes. I'm not quite sure how long I've had this specific one but I'm thinking it was high school or early college years! Considering I'm going to be 29 this year. . . that makes it kind of old. ;)


I used to wear this baby ALL of the time for summer. On my toes. . . on my finger nails. . . I wore it constantly. I'm surprised it isn't more empty!


I give you: RIMMEL LONDON - Tequila Sunrise



Holy cow! Would you look at that orange!? I used only 1 coat of polish. Oh yes! You love to hear about one-coaters!


Check it out in the sun!

Summer fun color for sure! ;)

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Ruby White Tips - Dwarves in a Barrel

A while back I purchased a mystery bag from Ruby White Tips. I told Laura to surprise me, so lucky me she sent a few upcoming polishes. The polish in tonight's review is from her upcoming Hobbit Collection. The Hobbit Inspired Collection makes it debut on May 31st! (P.S. That is this Saturday!!)


Dwarves in a Barrel




Dwarves in a Barrel is a gorgeous copper colored scattered holographic polish. It has a bit of a color shift between copper and burnt orangish red. This polish is also 5-Free and cruelty free.






The formula on this one is great. I only used two coats of polish to achieve this look. I was super impressed with this color. Usually polishes with red tones do not suit my skin type well but this one was/is gorgeous! Don't you agree?

Do you see how beautiful Dwarves in a Barrel is in the sun? I am such a sucker for sparkle and shine! This one will leave you oOo-ing and awe-ing all day. Please take care to not wear it during any situation which calls for your full attention, because you are sure to be staring at your polish instead of doing whatever it is you need to be doing. ;)

Again, this polish will be available on Saturday, May 31st!








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Sunday, May 25, 2014

La Bella Vernice - Lip Balm

Did you know that starting tomorrow La Bella Vernice will be selling more than nail polish? What is this mystery new product? A minty lip balm in super cute packaging! Roni gave one to me as a gift and of course to share my thoughts with you!



I love the labeling. It is so pretty. :)



Look at the super cute slogan!


Ingredients include: Natural Sunflower Butter, Beeswax Pastilles, Aloe, Vitamin E and Natural Aromic Flavors.


My thoughts: it goes on smooth and leaves your lips feeling soft, and moisturized. Also, it smells AMAZING (minty!) and leaves your lips with a fun tingly feeling. Where was this during the winter when I was plagued with the dreaded winter chapped lips!?


This tingly minty lip balm will be available for purchase on the La Bella Vernice website tomorrow for only $3! I completely recommend adding one to your next order. It is great advertisement for when your friends ask where you got your gorgeous nail polish as well! ;)





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Saturday, May 24, 2014

Mentality Nail Polish Marmalade

Welcome back to another installment of Orange You Glad It's the Weekend? (Yes, I'm changing it because so far. . . I've been too busy for Friday). You may remember that I am on the search for an orange polish for my friend's wedding. I plan on swatching all of the orange polishes I own! :)

For this week's orange polish I have a beautiful orange that I won from Mentality Nail Polish in the fall.

Marmalade:


Marmalade is an orange jelly holographic polish. Almost a burnt orange color wouldn't you say? (Either way, I find it quite lovely!) The formula is a 3-FREE formula. Absolutely gorgeous in the sun!



Application of Marmalade was quite easy with the tall cap and flat brush. I am happy to say that this is also a 1-2 coat polish. For purposes of this post I used 2 coats of polish and topcoat.



If you go by seasonal colors, I'm not so sure it is best for spring wear. However, it is an amazing color for summer or fall. Although, if you are like me. . . you wear whatever you feel like. :)

I am pretty big fan of Mentality Nail Polish. They have amazing prices for quality polish. If you have not checked them out. . . what are you waiting for? Marmalade is available for purchase on the Mentality Nail Polish bigcartel site for only $7.25. Did I mention that shipping for Mentality Nail Polish is always free and FAST? How can you beat that?



I can see where it gets it's name! If you want a tasty marmalade recipe check out this post: HERE







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Thursday, May 22, 2014

La Bella Vernice Shitty Smitty

Green. . . Did you know that green is my favorite color?



Yes we know my favorite polish colors are blue and purple, but GREEN. . . green is my actual favorite color. Did you also know that a green polish that works with me is few and far in between? I have been heartbroken so many times with green polishes not looking right on me. HOWEVER, I took a chance on this gorgeous green by La Bella Vernice. I'm so glad that I did. <3

This beauty is Shitty Smitty. (HAHAHA! Oh come on. . . don't tell me the name didn't have you giggling too?)



Shitty Smitty is a fabulous green polish with linear holo from the St. Patty's Day Collection. Like Neener Neener Neener, it dries matte. Again, I am a fan of shine so for purposes of this review I polished over Shitty Smitty with a topcoat. I see this as a two for one polish! You can keep it matte or add some shine like I did!


Also, like Neener Neener Neener this polish pleasantly surprised me in only needing two coats for opacity. In fact, the formula worked so well for me that I almost only needed 1 coat!


The full effect of the linear holo was a little hard to catch on camera, but I can assure you it is there. I found myself sticking my hand out in every patch of sunlight I could find. I'm pretty sure my neighbors think I'm looney. You can't blame me though. . . it's just so pretty!



Shitty Smitty is available for purchase in full size on the La Bella Vernice website for only $10. So if you are looking for a gorgeous green for St. Patrick's Day next year or just a fun green in general, this is your polish! While you are there you should check out some of the other gorgeous polishes there is to offer!




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Wednesday, May 21, 2014

La Bella Vernice - Neener Neener Neener

You all know that I am a huge supporter of La Bella Vernice polishes. (I just love her polishes so much!) I am so excited to be able to share a new polish from her Polish Sisters Collection. (ALL purple polishes!) Purple is becoming more and more one my go to polish colors (Yes right up there with BLUE!) This polish has the cutest name also! Neener Neener Neener! Ha! I love it!



Neener Neener Neener is a gorgeous purple polish with a strong scattered holo added into the mix. It dries matte but I am a fan of shine so for purposes of this review I topped Neener Neener Neener with a topcoat. I see this as a two for one polish! You can keep it matte or add some shine like I did!


As with The Devil Wears Purple by La Bella Vernice, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Neener Neener Neener is a two coat polish! The polish applied smooth and evenly after only 2 coats of polish. Also, dry time is fairly quick! I'm wondering if it has anything to do with the polish being more matte? I've noticed faster dry times when polishes are matte. (Just an observation!) Either way, I am impressed.

Check out the holo in these sun shots outside!



WOWWWWWW! I honestly stared at my nails every chance I could get! I was super sad to take this one off! Stashed in my favorite drawer!

Neener Neener Neener is available for purchase in full size on the La Bella Vernice website for only $10. Completely worth the price. While you are there you should check out some of the other gorgeous polishes there is to offer!




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Adovia Dead Sea Mud Soap review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.


I received Adovia Dead Sea Mud Soap a couple of weeks ago and have been showering with it everyday since. According to the box this soap is for all skin types. However, it does advertise to be very helpful to people with psoriasis, eczema, and acne. My husband has been known to call my skin, miracle skin or perfect so I can unfortunately (or fortunately?) not tell you the results in change against any of these three skin problems. I can however still give you my point of view from a "normal skinned" girl.

First let's start with a video explaining the beneficial aspects to Dead Sea Mud!



I would LOVE to go do this one day! Alas until then I will have to use my Adovia Dead Sea Mud Soap bar for now.


About the product:
Removes dirt and cleanses your skin, while simultaneously infusing it with minerals essential to keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized.
Enriched with century old Dead Sea mud, leaving your skin cleansed and nourished
Contains a unique combination of Dead Sea minerals derived from Dead Sea Mud
100% All Natural Moisturizing Soap
This soap has also been found effective at relieving acne.



As you can see the product has been used very well by me. I promise, presentation is much nicer when you receive it. ;)



Back of the box with information regarding the product, directions and ingredients. Directions say that you can use this on your face as well, I did not try this method as of yet but I will update when I do.


The bar can be used with a loofah (like I do) or it lathers up well on it's own also. I just prefer the loofah on a daily basis because I am a creature of habit.


Don't worry about scent. It does not smell like mud! ;) I was actually very concerned that the soap would when I applied to review it, however, I can safely say that it merely has a fresh soap smell. I have read other reviews where some smelled like lemons from lemongrass, but I'm assuming they received a different bar than myself.


Here are my thoughts:

The scent is pleasant. My skin was left feeling clean, moisturized but not oily.


Will I continue to use this product? Yes! I love that it has lasted me so long as opposed to my liquid soaps. I also love the fresh clean feeling I have after showering with this product. It feels great especially after a sweaty workout or run!


I'm also a fan of the ingredients. This product is not packed full of crazy ingredients and chemicals. It is all natural! It is really good to know what I am putting on my skin.

This product is available on Amazon for $12 (actually currently it says $11). If you have Prime, shipping is free!



I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Monday, May 19, 2014

La Bella Vernice Tana swatch and review

A while ago I bought a few minis from La Bella Vernice (please note minis are not being sold currently). One of the colors I bought is the perfect spring green! Now that the weather is feeling like spring, I felt it appropriate to FINALLY use it and share with you! :)



Tana is a gorgeous sea foam green polish packed full of gorgeous scattered holo. This baby REALLY sparkles in the sun! This polish is from La Bella Vernice's Best Friends Collection. I am so glad I snagged this beauty.



To achieve opacity with this polish you will need to apply about 3 coats. This 4-Free formula does not disappoint though! I'm curious to see how 1 coat would look over a base color and I promise to show you in the future when I try it out. I'm thinking it will look striking over black. (I could be wrong but I doubt it).



I was not able to catch a lot of the holo in my photos due to partly cloudy days but you can see a hint of it. Again, this color is PERFECT for spring. It will also be a great color to bring out in the summer.


Tana is available for purchase in full size on the La Bella Vernice website for only $10. Completely worth the price. While you are there you should check out some of the other gorgeous polishes there is to offer!



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Saturday, May 17, 2014

ORANGE you glad it's the weekend?

So I've been fiddling around with the idea of starting a new theme for the blog on Fridays. I was going to start it this Friday but I got caught up in meeting up with a friend and then when I got home I watched this week's episode of Grey's Anatomy (OMG I cried!). So for the first post we will have to go with "Orange you glad it's the weekend?!"


My wonderful friend Tabby is getting married to my cousin in October and her colors are a really pretty almost turquoise blue and then a orange. She is unsure what she wants us to do for our nails on her big day so I told her I would start swatching orange nail polishes for her. (I have a few). Well if I'm doing that. . . I might as well share with you lovelies!!!


This week's featured orange color is an Essie I snagged at Tjmaxx last summer for $3.00!! While it is a fun orange color (great for summer). We've decided it is probably too in your face for the wedding. ;)


This is Essie: Fear or Desire




I am a big Essie fan. The quality is usually awesome and formulas are great. Also, they are a 3-Free formula. I used 2 coats of polish to achieve this level of opacity. For an accent nail I used Colores de Carol - Holo Blast.


Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Chevron nail art

Every once in a while I hold get togethers with my friends. This past Saturday we had a Moscato and Mani Night complete with snacks, nail art, wine and a gift exchange. These get togethers never fail to be full of laughter (chatting and cracking up over youtube videos) and memories.


I decided to search pinterest for inspiration and found many similar ideas to what I finally chose to attempt.



Here is my progress.


First I polished on my base colors.




Then two accent nails! That wasn't quite enough though so. . .



I added a heart nail stud. :)

The polishes I used were:

Essie-First Timer
Shimmer Polish- Star Dust
Color Club - Look, Don't Tusk
Opi- Nein Nein Nein OK Fine
Vapid Lacquer quick dry top coat.



A few more things from out fun night! :)