Libby's Pink Vanity

Icing's After Party; No Hangover Necessary

2012-02-10T17:13:00.000-05:00

These two polishes are not terribly new but worth a review. I got a shimmer and a flakie and they work together perfectly.

I got both polishes at Icing, Claire's Boutique's sister store. First, here is the shimmer...

Even in real life, 'Orchid' is stingy with showing her shimmer. At first, I thought it was a creme. But when you can look closely at the area where the sun is shining really bright, that gives you a glimpse of it. The shimmer color is like 2 shades lighter than the base color so it is very demure.

Oh, just a tiny bit of shimmer showing here.

I have mentioned in previous posts that I'm just not a big pastel color lover. 'Orchid' is about as pastel as I care to go. I have on 3 coats but seriously, 2 would have been just fine.

This next polish I picked up was the only one left. It was so mine. You'll see why...

This is 'After Party', a multi-color flakie polish. The colors are not holo, just colored flakie glitter. Keep going to see what 2 coats look like.

Ready to see them together?

It isn't a perfect flakie; it tends to drag on up to the tips and it is bumpy. And let's not forget, a pistol to remove. I didn't need to do the foil method, just did some heavy rubbing.

But, I'm willing to lower my standards for a look like this. Yea, I had to work for it a bit however, I'm in love with the look.

'After Party' looks exactly like its name; glitter confetti everywhere!

Party on!

I know these are lillies, but I planted something and it bloomed! I planted a long row of these along the side of my front walkway. The purple in the lillies looks very similar to 'Orchid' polish...

I Spy...Themed Keyboard Stickers & French Glitz Manicure Set

2012-02-09T19:55:00.000-05:00

I do many merchandising jobs for several Walmart and Sam's Club stores. While looking for my project to do, I'll have something pop out the corner of my eye. Well, I've mentioned before what I magpie I am. And though this isn't really makeup related, I have made friends with enough of my readers that I know you'll dig this. I saw this today at a Sam's Club...

I took these photos with my cell phone, so they are not quality, naturally. But I so wanted to share these finds with you. I love the name 'FunKey Board'!!! Cute! These are themed stickers you can put on your computer keyboard.
These glow in the dark...

Perfect for when I stay up in the wee hours of the night reading blogs and hanging out on Twitter.

Libby would pick this one. That is, if they let cats in Sams.

Anyone here not like funky skull and crossbones? Ohhh, I just thought of something...I could mix the pink and the skulls!

Celestial theme and a zebra stripe board.

Can you imagine painting your nails to match? Crazy! I took photos of mostly feminine themes, but if you are a sports lover, they had some of those too. They had ocean, surfing and skateboarding too.

Here's what a completed keyboard looks like...

Sadly, this camera angle and camera don't do these justice. Here's what I don't think I'd like about them, however. One, they are stickers and are apt to come loose. And secondly, I don't think I have the patience to stick all those stickers on!! The investment is under $9. And, I'm not a Sam's Club member.

At Walmart, I found these new kits...

Nailene has come up with a French manicure kit that you can make the tips glittery. Not a new idea, but nice to have all the products in one kit. There are two different nail colors, pink and a light peach shade. I think the price is a good one for all that comes with it.

Having a job that takes me to different places everyday makes me very happy.

Tool Tuesday: Microfiber Cloths

2012-02-07T19:27:00.005-05:00

Today's Tuesday Tool is about microfiber cloths. Gosh, I love these!

First, let me tell you what I use these for. I use a clean one every night to wash my makeup off. Along with a good makeup remover, these clothes make my skin feel so clean and fresh.

I use a folded one, like the orange cloth you see in the photo, on my vanity to clean my makeup brushes after I use them. I use 'Brush Off' makeup brush cleaner and I reviewed that product here.The two work together fabulously.

You know that clumpy end of the mascara wand? If I find I can't swipe it off the top of the tube, I'll brush it on the cloth to clean it off. Should I get a bit heavy-handed with my blush, I'll gently wipe over my cheeks with a cloth to remove a bit of it. When I color my hair, I'll use a microfiber cloth to remove any excess hair color I might get on my skin.

When I do a facial scrub, I usually do that when I take a shower. To give that scrub maximum productivity, I'll use a microfiber cloth to wash it away.

For such a valuable tool, these cloths can be had very inexpensively. I got a set of 12 at Walgreens for $5. And they were in these cool, fun shades of bright green, yellow and orange.

Two points I want to point out; makeup can stain any type of material and that includes microfiber cloths. I save these cloths exclusively for what I have listed here. I do have some much thicker ones that I clean my house with and keep in my car to wipe off moisture. Just keep in mind that they will not always stay stain-free. Also, when you wash these, don't use a fabric softener or dryer sheets. That product will cling to the cloth and actually 'clog' up the fibers' grabbing ability. I wash mine in with my bath towels in hot water with just regular laundry detergent.

Here is a link to a site that not only talks about taking care of microfiber cloths but how to use them around the house; click here.

A couple of other things I use my cloths for: dusting my computer monitor, wiping the screen on my cell phone and my Kindle Fire. I use one to clean my sunglasses too, rather than a tissue that will leave scratches.

Pretty microfiber cloths get the Good Vanity Seal of Approval.

Jordana Nail Polish Glitter Polish Is All That!

2012-02-06T19:28:00.001-05:00

If you thought beautiful glitter nail polish melted away with the Winter Holidays, you are in for a big surprise! Jordana Cosmetics has come out with a mega collection of glitters. How does 24 shades grab ya?!

I found three from this new collection at KMart...

'Fairy Dust' is a perfect name for this pink glitter. I love it! Well, I guess you would have figured that one out. I love, love, love the sparkle. Check out 'Fairy Dust'...

Oh, take me back to the 70's and a funky Elton John outfit!!!

Get ready for some 'Fro Action!'

I couldn't resist putting on 3 coats. You know, more is, sometimes, better....

'Fairy Dust' isn't just glitter. The base color is pink, as well. That helps with wearing it alone rather than just as a top coat.

And if that isn't beautiful enough, here is 'Sequins'...

That bit of teal glitter makes this the 'Rocket Man'...

Goodness! I really like this one...

And the glitter love doesn't stop there. I got a blue/green one. This is 'Cosmic'...

Very flamboyant!

Ack! I used to skate at the roller rink to this song while I was junior high.

I wanted 'Cosmic' to be out of this world so, I used a couple of base polishes to see which one I liked best. On my index, I tried 'Skull and GlossBones' from OPI. On my middle finger I used an Icing's polish from a past pastel collection. My ring finger is without any base color.

True to glitter polish's behavior, these were pistols to get off. But, man, are they not fantastic! I am on the hunt for more from this collection. If you want to see all of them, visit my friend 'G' of Nouveau Cheap, she reviewed and swatched them here. There are so many in this collection, she had to have 3 separate posts!

'Fairy Dust', 'Sequins' and 'Cosmic'...how could I not think about Elton John? (Secret about Kimberly...she was in love with him in the '70's!) And have you noticed...Elton was more flamboyant when he was 'in the closet' than when he came out. Why's that?

'Sacrifice' is my all-time favorite Elton John song. What's your favorite?

Sample Saturday: Biore Restore Skin-Boosting Night Serum

2012-02-05T16:58:00.002-05:00

Beauty samples have to be popular. They are everywhere. I am finding more and more of these flat sample packages in my magazines. I get them in the mail. Companies that have a Facebook fan page often have sample lotteries. If I oreder a product, the company usually puts in a wee sample of another product they think I might like. We love samples!

I like them too. There's a bit of excitement in a miniature version of the large size. Try before you buy. Check it out with no financial investment!

Here is the full-size version of a sample I tried...

Biore's 'Restore' Skin-Boosting Night Serum. Biore is the same company that brings you those nose strips that you wet, apply, let dry, take off and get grossed out with the junk it gets out of your pores. I bet you've tried those samples!

Here's the scoop on the serum before I share my own story about it.

This has been my favorite part of my night time skin regimen for over a year. I love what serums do to my skin. Biore tops them all for me. When I apply this, it slides on so smoothly. My skin drinks it in. And in the morning when I touch my face, I cannot believe how soft and smooth it feels.

This serum is a creamy serum. It feels cool on the skin and the smell is a slight citrus fragrance. I'm showing you about 1/2 a pump from the bottle. A full pump takes care of my entire face and down my neck. I apply this after washing my face at night, I let it dry and then I touch it up with a heavier moisturizer if my skin feels a bit tight on the tops of my cheeks and forehead. I don't use 'Restore' under my eyes as I have another product I use there.

Taken from the box, Biore describes it as follows:

Nourishes & soothes skin as you sleep for a brighter, more rested appearance in the a.m. Oil-Free. (This product) infuses your skin with powerful antioxidants and skin regenerating vitamins A and C while you sleep. Featuring soothing chamomile and aloe, plus a blend of rosemary, sage and nettle extracts, this formula is designed to work overnight to help recharge skin's appearance so you wake up looking refreshed and ready to face the day.

All great and wonderful stuff, right? I love it. And when I finished a miniature sample bottle of this, I got more.

So, here's my story...
I have a habit of saving small samples like 'Restore' until I travel. These are perfect for packing into my makeup kit as I won't go without my skincare items. I got this one sometime back in a sampler kit from Target. Silly me, I saved it for my Christmas trip to my brother's in 2010.

I, then, discovered, how great this product was. My skin had never felt so smooth in the morning. And I was in Denver with practically zero percent humidity. My skin wasn't used to that at all, living in Florida!

Thus, I began to use it regularly when I got home. When it got down to the end, I went to buy more. I checked Target, nope. Then Walmart, Walgreens and Ulta. No. I got on the Internet and my heart dropped: they had discontinued it! Gasp! No!!!!

Now, just where do you go when you are looking for a hard to find (HTF) beauty product? Yes, I went to Ebay. There I got a lot of 3 bottles for around $12. The bottle in the photos is the end of the first of those three. It lasted about 10 months.

Moral of my story: don't hold onto samples because I might learn that I'm too late to purchase full sizes. While hunting for replacements, I see that Biore doesn't, currently, have any serums in its line of skin care. Biore, please come up with a serum again just like this one!

I have to know...has this ever happened to you?

Q Collection Nail Color: Mardi Gras Beads

2012-02-04T20:09:00.003-05:00

My good friend, Kim, sent me some surprise nail polishes. The.Best.Nail.Mail...

Q Collection Nail Color is totally new to me. They have named this one 'Glitter Multi Colors.' However, I'm thinking 'Mardi Gras Beads'!!

It was around noon when I took these photos so they are so over-saturated with light. Yet, I wanted to show off the sparkle! And I think it looks like a Mardi Gras parade...

'Mardi Gras Beads' is a glitter that probably should be a top coat. However, with the teal, purple and gold colors, I wanted them to show off without any distractions.

I have on 3 coats of this new polish. No top coat used. There is a hint of light blue to the base and it gave an interesting tinge to the look.

If you don't like visible nail lines (VNL), you'll want to use this as a top coat only. But it was quite nice without. Oh, and taking it off wasn't very difficult as the glitter is very small. It came off without a hard scrubbing with Zoya's Remove+.

Kim sent me several 'new to me' nail polish brands. I'm looking forward to sharing them here. Have you found any 'new to you' nail polish brands lately?

I Spy....Katy Perry False Eyelashes and a Neutral Palette

2012-02-02T20:21:00.000-05:00

Even though I haven't read anything new in the beauty world that has piqued my interest, I still look. Yet it can be like going into a candy store with a $20 bill! There are some coming soon products I want but I'm trying to wait....oh, please hurry!!!!

I did find a display of Katy Perry's false eyelashes at Ulta though...

There are four different styles and I don't think any of them are demure. But then, Katy isn't demure, herself!

I like falsies that are just a bit less dramatic. But if you want to bat some serious lashes, these are some to try.

Last week, I went into Forever 21. I had no business in there, as I'm trying to maintain a budget on products, but I had to see if they had any new, spring nail polishes. I did find some but, I also found this...

Rats! What do I need another shadow palette for!!? Well, here's how I talked myself into it. I would love to get the new Urban Decay Naked 2 set. But I'm too stingy to pay $49. However, this love & beauty palette of neutral shades was only $9.80. Wow! That's a bargain and it could quench my Naked 2 thirst. It has for the past 6 days...

I'd never tell you that this palette even comes close to an UD palette; I know better! But they are pretty. There are shimmers and mattes and I haven't found a chalky one yet. In fact, all that I have tried, so far, have blended really good.

Naturally, I could just fawn and drool over a new, unused palette, without touching any...

Have you ever played 'shadow roulette'? I randomly pick three shadows and make a look with them. I do cheat a bit and preselect a brow bone highlight color. It flexes my makeup creativity, all just for fun. And when I learn how to take decent look of the day photos, I'll share these with you.

Have you played 'shadow roulette'?...anyone?....no? (OK, forget that I told you about this and asked the question.....) But....

...how are you doing with your beauty/nail polish budget so far this year????

Ashes to Ashes; Charlotte Russe Smolder Nail Polish

2012-02-01T18:00:00.002-05:00

Spring is right around the corner (and so is my birthday...oye!) and there are bright, clean-color nail collections sprouting out everywhere. Yet, in a few collections, I am finding a dusty gray or ash color amongst the brights.

Here are a couple I just happened to swatch recently...

Charlotte Russe has nail polish on sale for $1.99. I rummaged through the collection to find something that I didn't have. I so did NOT need any nail polish, however, I couldn't resist the heart-shaped bottle. How cute!

This is 'Smolder'...

However, there is a trick going on here. My index and ring fingers have on a Forever 21 love and beauty polish called 'Grey'...

So, this polish is a gray that has a light gold shimmer to it.

But, 'Smolder' is a creme...

Check it out on my pinky here, that's 'Grey'. 'Smolder' is on my ring and middle finger.

Yet, it is really hard to see which is which on my left hand...

This angle got the gold shimmer shimmering!

It's all in the lighting, of course. But to my naked eye, they both looked very, very close in color and finish. I used 3 coats and a top coat of Seche Vite. Well, I didn't seem to pick out a shade that I didn't already have. But, that's OK. I love these dark, smoky grays.

Which way do you spell 'GRAY'/'GREY'?

Tool Tuesday

2012-01-31T19:19:00.003-05:00

Last Tuesday, I started a series I am calling 'Tool Tuesday'. I will share with you beauty tools that I use, where I got them, and how they work for me. Some of the items you may have seen and just want to hear from someone if it works are not. That's what I'm going to tell ya!

If you missed out on last week's inaugural post, you can check it out here.

Today I am going to write about my hair dryer holder...

My guest bathroom is where I 'do' my hair. The odd contraption you see is a hair dryer holder. It is used to free up both hands while drying your hair.

(Aside note: As in both of my full bathrooms, I have the yellow vanity lights which, you can see in the upper mirror reflection. So, with that in mind, that is why the photos have a yellow cast. I haven't, yet, learned how to adjust my camera to compensate for this. I hope to learn in the upcoming photo classes starting next month.)

I had wanted one of these for years. The arm that held the dryer would always get tired and it would slow me down while I either switched hands or just plain stopped. Luckily, when I won an Amazon gift card, I knew, instantly, what I wanted to spend it on. It was this...

Hair Dryer Stand

I have only had the stand about a year. However, I have had that hair dryer for, gads, 16 years!!! It still works perfectly. I guess I take really good care of my blow dryers, eh?

The stand makes it easier for me to dry my hair, of course. But it is really handy when I want to do a blow-out. Something about using both of my hands to straighten my hair makes it quick and easy.

Granted, it is not the most attractive object...

But I do like it. Can you see the velcro strap around the nozzle? The clamp doesn't 'clamp' hard enough to hold the dryer. As you can see, the motor end is so bottom-heavy that it wants to slip out. So the velcro strap, sort of, helps it stay in. And the stand does move up and down for different heights but, I leave it right like you see it.

The investment of around $15 wasn't killer. And my arms don't get as tired since using this allows for a quicker dry. My opinion, I like it and I'm glad I got it.

Now if I can just let go of my old blow-dryer!

Forever 21's Trickster Nail Polish

2012-01-30T18:27:00.000-05:00

If you have ever taken photos of a teal/green/blue polish, you know it can be a monster to try and capture the true essence of that shade. And since I am not even sure how to open a photo enhancing program, I'm just going to wing it. You know, like just about everything else I do and show on this blog. Luckily, it's just a hobby and not my living.

Let me show you...

Only the last photo can show you how cool (as in neat-o) the polish is and capture that shift of magenta in it. Even Forever 21 calls this 'Blue/Green'. I'm gonna name it 'Trickster' because that's what it is.

'Trickster' totally fits. Here, it looks like a dominantly greenish teal. But there is that flash of pink or magenta that catches the eye and makes you wonder if you really did see something else in the color.

And before I go on, I want to say that this is 3 coats. And it was dreamy to apply this polish from Forever 21. I am sporting 3 coats with a top coat of Color Club's Vivid Top Coat. There is an amount of visible nail, however, it isn't so evident on real life.

So I wonder, it really isn't the polish that I playfully am calling 'Trickser' that is deceptive. it might be the natural light, this time. Either way, you will have no problems enjoying the shifting shimmer in this Forever 21 polish.

Sample Saturday: L'oreal's Magic Lumi

2012-01-28T20:13:00.000-05:00

This idea has been brewing in my mind for a month. I am going to do a series on samples of products I have either bought, found in magazines or given to review. Since it is about samples, these won't be full-size items. I'll save the full reviews for when I use the product more than just once.

The goal is two-fold: The first is to let you know how a sample worked out for me and if it prompted me to purchase the full-size version. And, two, just to see how effective a sample can be. Is it enough to give me a good idea whether to purchase it? The rest will unfold as I move forward with the series.

Of course, please, do leave your impressions and thoughts in the comment section.

I'll start with the newest sample I received...

This was in my current issue of 'Elle' magazine. What's the first thing I do when I get a magazine in the mail? I rip out the perfume and the subscription cards. But, it is a pleasant surprise to get a card that has a smidgen of a sample on it.

This one is L'oreal's 'Magic Lumi'. This is a primer/highlighter that has 'subtle luminosity.'

I think I got robbed of part of my sample! Can you see where it has been rolled out of the top of the tab. But, there was enough left for me to try it.

Usually these sample cards have a coupon attached. This one has a $2 one for any of the Lo'real 'Studio Secrets Magic' collection. A $2 coupon is nicely generous.

Here's what I discovered in sampling. The texture of this is silky. When I put it on my skin, it made it feel silky too. Never did this product feel tacky, sticky or gooey.

I tried a bit under my eyes before applying my foundation. That gave me a look of what I call a reverse raccoon look; white rings around my eyes. I didn't use much, as you can see the sample is bitty. But anytime I use an under the eye lightener, it looks too light, thus, the white raccoon eyes.

Next, I wanted to see if I could use it on the apples of my cheeks and a small line down my nose. Here was my quandary...do I put it on before my foundation, like a primer? Or, do I put it on top of the foundation so the color shows on top?

I use a mineral powder foundation. So, I chose to put the foundation on top of the application under the eyes. Then, I used 'Magic Lumi' as highlights on my face AFTER putting on the foundation. This made sense as my foundation is matte and would put a kibosh on any shine the 'Magic Lumi' would create.

Interestingly enough, the luminator did work well with my foundation. But, 'Magic Lumi' gave me those white circles under my eyes. The luminating radiance on my nose and cheeks looked like I had forgotten to allow my skin moisturizer to soak in; I wasn't glowing. I was shining. Not in a good way.

Will I purchase the full-size product? No, not at this time. Since I use only powder foundation, this didn't really make sense for me. The luminosity didn't look healthy on my skin. It looked shiny and that is exactly why I use a translucent powder.

What I did like was the texture. That silky feeling on my skin made it feel so soft. Do I think it works? Yes. It does exactly what it says it will do; highlight or illuminate the skin.

Have you tried L'oreal's 'Magic Lumi'?

Testing the Waters with Butter London

2012-01-27T18:17:00.000-05:00

My first Butter London and it was given in a swap just like the post prior. I'm excited to swatch this and have been staring at this bottle, mesmerized by the color, for weeks. What I really wanted to know, is it worth all the hype?

This is Butter London's 'Wallis'...

It is a mysterious shade that just sort of grabs you. I don't even know what color this is. It's a gold (gilded?) green. Maybe?? It is more intriguing than beautiful. Maybe that is why it is called 'Wallis', the woman who got the King of England to abdicate his throne. (I'm going to read a book on Wallis Simpson after I finish my current book. I want to learn more about this woman.)

I have 3 coats on but I bet a skilled hand would only need 2. Now, for my take on the hype. I do agree that this polish applies grandly. I found no problems at all working with it. I mean, it turned out lovely...

This shade has mega-depth to it. It is a rather unique shade; not one you see every season.

'Wallis' wore well, for me, too. I did use a top coat of Color Club's Vivid so that gave it a bit of extra protection.

And, I love how the shade looks on me. I'm keeping this one for the time being.

Here is a photo taken in the shade. But, the question I posed earlier to myself: is it worth the hype? I will have to sit right on the fence with this. It is worth it for the unique color. However, it didn't go above and beyond some of the lesser costly polishes I use. At $14 a bottle, I find that price to be too steep. If it was $8 to $9, I think that would be a fair price. This has kept me from purchasing Butter London previously.

So, it will be an outstanding shade that will make me purchase Butter London, not the formula. The price makes me think twice and then again before I put a bottle of this in my shopping cart. I'm very happy I got the chance to swap with this one and just see what the hype was and, make a decision for myself.

Have you tried Butter London and what did you think about it?

You Don't Know Jacques! About Getting Ready For Spring

2012-01-26T19:49:00.001-05:00

The new spring 2012 nail collections are rolling out and most of them are bright and cheery shades. I'm not there yet.

So I took a drab shade, and enjoyed it quite a bit. Then I went on to twinkle it up.

Here's the beginning...

I got OPI's 'You Don't Know Jacques!' in a blogger trade. This is a polish that I saw on many of the nail blogs and actually, I do like it. It's just that I didn't purchase it for myself.

The 'greige' colors got me 2 years ago, right after I started blogging. I don't think I would have given these shades a second thought if it had not been for seeing them on blogs. But, I did a 'hmmmmm?' and tried them and yes, I can say I love greige!

I applied 3 coats here with Seche Vite as a top coat. If you know OPI and have sampled many of their polishes, you'll know exactly how this one did: beautifully.

Then, the next day, while I sat at my desk contemplating what shade to swatch next, I found I was actually staring at my Finger Paints FX collection. Sure! Why not?...

I chose 'Flecked' as I thought it would have the best contrast. Using one of the red flakies just seemed to obvious and I wanted something unusual. And, I achieved it...

Look, that's a weird angle on my thumb nail. Looks like it is lop-sided. But the photo above this one shows that it's square. My camera eye is getting more critical as I work on vamping up my skill level. I start my photography classes next week with the first class on just on learning my specific camera. I'm looking forward to it and, hope that my blog photos will bear the fruits of this endeavor.

Are you ready for the spring nail collections? Or, are you dragging your feet, like me?

J2 Squared; That's A Polish?

2012-01-25T19:01:00.002-05:00

You know what a magpie is, right? They are birds that are known to be drawn to shiny objects. I'm a magpie. I'm a shiny-seeking magpie and a new and unusual item-finding magpie.

When I saw this polish in a 'hair store', (isn't that so funny to go into a store and buy hair?) I nabbed it right up. I know there were more shades but this purple and square bottle caught my magpie eye...

This is J2's 'Plum'. And a big, juicy plum is exactly what this shade looks like.

I didn't have any problems applying this polish. I wish I would have purchased other shades now.

Shimmery and shiny, both. I used 3 coats here and no top coat. I'm surprised that after 24 hours, I didn't have any chips. It wore well.

I am trying out a gel nail product and am wearing it here. It was hard not to use too much because the product was super thick. In fact, too thick for my tastes. From a distance, it isn't so noticeable. But with up-close shots, like these, it's easy to see that my nails look thick. I'm slowly filing it down. That's dangerous stuff!

Now that is shiny!! I can see my reflection.

Can you see why J2 would make me a magpie? I still have this cute, square bottle sitting on my desk. There doesn't seem to be any other square/cubed bottles in my stash so I'm fascinated with this one. And, since I have had 'Plum' sitting around so long, I don't remember which hair store I got it at. Ack! (That's a sad magpie's call.) But, if I see it again, I'm sure my 'magpie' skills will kick right in.

What are you a magpie about?

Tool Tuesday

2012-01-24T19:24:00.001-05:00

I'm going to run a series on Tuesdays called 'Tool Tuesday'. This will be a review of beauty tools that I have and my thoughts on them. All items will be purchased by me unless I state otherwise. Let me know what you think about this series by sharing your comments below.

As I was running this series idea around in my head, I knew that I would share this tool first. For me, it's a must...

This is a wig comb. Around 1990, I worked at one of those mall kiosks selling the banana clip-on hair pieces. Today, we may chuckle about them, but they were HOT during that time. Mall Hair!!!

So, this is where I got this comb. If I could only have one comb, I would pick this one. Here's why...

I have a lot of hair, however, it is fine. It is also curly. I have always had a problem with combing my hair out after I have washed it. If I'm not careful, I'll break off hair like a bad toupee.

Thinning hair can be an issue as we age. I have been experiencing some of it already. My hair is thinning out, very noticeably, right above my temples. And, I can just say 'Thanks, Mom' for passing that gene onto me. That gives me all the more reason to baby my hair. Also, my hair is long and that leaves even more of a chance for tangles.

Enter the 'wig comb'. I use this every morning after I shower. And I do wash my hair at least 6 days a week as I workout in the mornings and get sweaty. That means the possibility of snapping fine, wet hair from washing.

This is a photo to show you the relative size of the comb. I'll compare it to my husband's macho (read: balding) comb; so stylish...

It's the size of any comb with a handle. Not puny at all and those teeth tame the tangliest of tresses.

As you can see, this one is branded 'Max Factor'. They were the ones that made 'mall hair'. Them and Revlon. Now, it isn't fair to show you this and not let you know where you can get your own. So, with very little research, I found this link...
Get Your Very Own Tangle Tamer

Gosh, and it is affordable as all get out!

Do you have a comb just like this one? Is this a tool you think you might have to have? And, do share with my your thoughts on a series of posts on beauty tools.

A Positively Purple Polish

2012-01-22T18:28:00.001-05:00

This comparison is quite by accident. And so is much of the cool things I have discovered in my life. That's why I'm so big on things I call 'pleasant surprises.'

After I did this post on Cosmetic Arts nail polish, I went looking for a new polish to swatch. And wouldn't you know it, I found this one...

This one is purple. No doubt. Take a look at it side by side with the previous Cosmetic Arts I reviewed...

Now there is no doubt that the one I first reviewed, which I named 'Shifter', is a green. There's a lot less slate color present, as it showed alone in the previous post, when you match it up next to the purple.

So, I'm always thinking of a name for these no-namers whilst I polish. I have to, sometimes, really think it over. But most of the time, it will just pop into my thoughts. This is one I had to mull over...

I don't write down a bunch of names and pick from those. It isn't that important to decide, really. I don't get any money or even brownie points. It's just a fun game. So, here's the one I got: 'Positively Purple'.

And it has a LOT going on! This is 3 coats with Color Club's 'Vivid' Color Intensifying Top Coat.

It is a bit of a shifter, itself. Glimmery, gritty, glitzy all happening at the same time.

Depending on the light source, there are many looks/shades to this Cosmetic Arts 'Positively Purple' polish.

What do you think...a cool purple? Between 'Positively Purple' and 'Shifter', which is your favorite?

Not Just An Everyday Blue Shade of Polish

2012-01-20T19:27:00.002-05:00

It's Friday and no one should be blue. That is, unless you are nails...

Lots of blue! Pretty blue. love & beauty comes from Forever 21 retail stores and I love looking for new polishes in those stores. I haven't found anything recently. However, I did nab this one before Christmas.

In real life, this blue is just a bit darker. But the shimmer cannot be diminished. It is there but not in an over-kill way.

For $2.80, you are not breaking the bank for a really decent nail polish. This one applied like a dream. I did not have one bit of an issue with it. I have 3 coats here and I did put a top coat of Lumos on. (I really want to get more than just this little sample of Lumos. It's something I do want to share with you. love.)

Looks like a galaxy of stars. Even though love & beauty don't like to give their nail polishes 'real' names, as this one is just labeled 'Blue', it could do well with 'Blue Galaxy.' Anyway, I think it is out of this world.

It is pretty, don't you think?

I Spy....Wet 'n Wild Skinny Girls Being Chased By Zombies At Walmart

2012-01-18T17:43:00.001-05:00

Before I settle in for the evening to ~~play 'Stupid Zombies'~~ read an interesting book on my Kindle Fire, I want to share with you some products I saw last Monday at a Super Walmart.

(Side note: I was playing 'Stupid Zombies' on my phone waiting for a one-on-one conference call with one of the companies I do business with. When my phone rang, I saw that the screen for 'Answer' came up and I pressed it. The woman who was dispatching me to the caller asked me to hold. As I waited, the Stupid Zombies was still running and there were these zombie groaning away. I was laughing so hard thinking that the person I would be talking with would hear them as well and wonder what the hell? OK. I thought it was hilarious.)

The project I did on Monday at Walmart was a fun one. But the management wasn't. Totally another story. But, I managed to soothe myself by doing some shopping. I am intrigued by the products I'm going to show you, but I didn't make any purchases...I'm just sharing.

I have only read about this one in a quick blurp in a fashion magazine...

Skinny Girl makeup and skin line seems to have just about a bit of everything. The minimalist graphics on the packaging make me think of ELF. I didn't see anything here that I haven't seen before with other brands, though. Same with the shades they offered.

Did I know that Wet 'n Wild came out with a crackle nail polish?

Looks like there were quite a few shoppers wanting to try it, since this display was rather picked over.

And, lastly, this is a product that is new to me, as well...

Sensationail is a soak-off gel nail polish system. This is made by the Nailene Company. I've been testing out some of their soak-off nail products and I have to say, it is very easy to use and holds its own. I haven't used this particular product, however. And I don't have any of these gel shades, which are, by the way very pretty and fashionable. (I hope I'm not letting a zombie out of the bag about any upcoming giveaways....grrrrrroooooaaaaaannnnn)

Cluing you in...if you call me and hear any groaning in the background, don't think it's any funny business. I was just patiently waiting for you to call. :)

2 Winners of the Glitter Giveaways

2012-01-16T16:20:00.003-05:00

I've been remiss in announcing, on the blog, the names of the Glitter Giveaway winners.

Both of these ladies are from Europe and it is a pleasure to award them these collections as I know they are not found in their home countries.

1st Prize of Wet 'n Wild's Ice Baby collection goes to:

Nuusheftw of Slovenia

2nd Prize of L A Color's Glitter Bright collection goes to:

Gabrijela of Bosnia

Both ladies responded right back to me and to say they were a little bit surprised is not even close. But wait til they open their packages and find just a wee bit more...

Congratulations, Ladies! Thank you for being followers.
Thanks to all who entered. And boy, do I have another giveaway coming up! This is a goodie too. :D

A Mystery: By Cosmetic Arts

2012-01-15T19:01:00.000-05:00

There's something mysterious, to me, about Cosmetic Arts nail polish. I think it might be that I don't find the polishes anywhere but Ross Dress For Less and, that they don't have a name of the shade printed on them.

Then, naturally, they come out with a shade like this and really adds to the intrigue...

You know I'm going to name it...'Shifter'. This one went from drab green to smoky slate. And then there is a shimmer of gold running through it.

Here is a better look at the gold sparkles.

And here is the work for your review...

The sunlight was bold and strong. Lots of over-exposed lighting but it can't hide the buffed look of this one.

Too much light made it hard to capture the gold sparkle but you can see just a faint amount on the index finger.

And the shaded light even shows the buffed look. I didn't put on any top coat because I liked the suede appeal of 'Shifter'.

Sometimes nail bloggers will run across a shade that is just hard to pinpoint describing the essence of the shade. So, tell me...what would you say this shade is? Slate? Green?

How to Find Good Makeup Sales and Clearances

2012-01-15T14:46:00.001-05:00

I was contacted to feature a guest post. The following article came from my request for one on finding good makeup buys. Enjoy. LPV

Guest Post: This article was written by James Lander of couponing site, Couponing. The website is dedicated to sharing couponing tips, techniques and deals.

Humans have been painting their faces for as long as they’ve walked the earth. We’ve always been fascinated with temporarily altering our appearance – whether for spiritual, cultural or sexual reasons. As our society developed and modernized, women became the primary wearers of cosmetics and as a result, an extraordinarily lucrative industry has developed.

The Price of Powder and Potions

Taking into account that most girls start to wear makeup in their early pre-teens, the average woman will spend over 13,000 dollars on makeup in her lifetime. Cars can be bought for less. If you are attempting to live on a budget, you may be doubly shocked by the amount. You may have already let luxuries like department store or designer cosmetic brands fall to the wayside, but there’s no need to go barefaced in the meantime. You can still afford to wear your YSL lip-gloss; you just have to be a bit wily when it comes to acquiring it.

Be a Beauty Opportunist

Cosmetic companies and department stores make errors like the rest of us. After all, those in charge of buying and selling are human too. Their errors however, can be a budget-conscious beauty’s gain. Often times a company will either over-produce or over-order a product and be unable to move it in the stores. What results is a large amount of overstock that discount retailers descend upon and buy at very steep discounts. These outlets, such as TJ Maxx and The Cosmetic Company in America and Winners in Canada, sell these products at lower prices but nothing near the pittance they acquired them for. Of course, they are still making a considerable profit. Most women, however can disregard this discrepancy and enjoy the ability to use their favorite status moisturizer rather than stooping to drug store products.

Surf the Web Style-wise

The Internet is an excellent hunting ground for the hopelessly addicted. The small retailers and third party sellers working out of EBay and Amazon generally offer products with a discount of 30% or more. Whether this is because the designer lip-gloss was nicked off the back of a truck or snuck under someone’s raincoat, it really isn’t any of the consumer’s concern. Paying twenty dollars for a product that would have cost you fifty can go a long way in relieving any kind of third-degree guilt.

If buying from shady sellers doesn’t interest you, you might consider more reputable beauty discount sites such as Hautelook.com. This site is an absolute boon to the skint fashionista. Every day at 8am PST, the site posts luxury items for sale at 50% or more off the original price. In fact, the average discount a shopper can expect to enjoy is a whopping 75%. If you take the time to bookmark and check this site daily, you can easily acquire the kind of high-end cosmetics you lust after but might not be able to afford.

Time to Rely on the Kindness of Strangers

When it comes to shopping, there really is no better price than free. Being able to line your vanity table with top-notch brands without paying a dime might seem like a pipedream, but it’s not. Makeupalley.com is an extremely popular site where the beauty obsessed meet to share reviews of products, post in the forums and perhaps best of all, trade products. If you have a few incredibly pricey but ugly blushes in your makeup kit that you haven’t touched for years, you can post them in the swap forum and see who bites. Other women may be willing to trade a product that you are dying for but they themselves hate. All you need to pay for is postage. For less than a dollar you can trade all your cosmetic dust collectors for products that you honestly need.

You could analyze women’s obsessions with cosmetics to death and in the end you’ll probably come to the conclusion that it’s just something that girls like. Socio-cultural influences aside, the love of gorgeous things and feeling pretty may be just inherent for some women. There is no reason to abandon that joy simply because you are being more conscious with your spending. By sourcing out the cosmetic discounts in your area and online, you can enjoy being frugal, fabulous and perhaps best of all, clever.

I Spy...New Revlon and Maybelline at Bed, Bath and Beyond 1/14

2012-01-14T19:37:00.002-05:00

As promised, I am going to show you some of the new things I spotted at Bed, Bath and Beyond last week. It just so happens that the department associate was putting up new displays.

This is Revlon's jump into the trend of gel-like polishes...

I see a wide array of shades. Since I'm seriously behind on swatching, I didn't make a purchase. But, after pulling a couple of the bottles to show you up close, I'm thinking I'll probably change my mind...

Gosh, that's a pretty green. Being Irish and all, I would love that one around St. Patrick's Day.

And for those that have a warm spot in their heart for a peacock blue or a dark teal...

Ahhh...another lovely.

Then I found these lippies...

The sales associate, that was setting up the displays, was rather excited to tell me about this Maybelline lipstick. And, rightfully so. Gone are those two-step processes of putting on a drying lip color, waiting for it to dry, then putting another product over that to give the lips some moisture. This one states it does it all in one product. And even if it lasted HALF as long as it claims, I'm sold.

Again, I pulled out just a couple to give you an idea about packaging and shades...

I took these photos with my phone camera and all but this last photo (got blurry) have impressed me with what my phone can do. These colors are spot on, even under fluorescent lighting.

After I do some merchandising projects, I have to take a photo of the finished deal to send in with my report. I have to do this for the BB&B project I do. What I should make a point of doing is taking the photos of the makeup stuff BEFORE I do the merchandising work. My polish is chipped and shows in a couple of these photos. Blech.

If you don't know it, I have a Facebook fan page. The link to it is over in the right column; the one with Libby lounging on her couch. Click on that to be taking to the site so you can sign up.

I Spy...New Products at Walgreens 1/12/12

2012-01-13T19:40:00.001-05:00

This week I mostly did window shopping. In a resolution to lower my makeup budget and put more into photography classes and accessories, I put in some serious resistance this week.

There were some goodies out there. As always, these are new to me.

I dared myself to go into a Walgreens and not buy anything. Think I succeeded?...

Burt's Bees has started a new line called gud. I think it is pronounced like gouda...without the A. Anyhoo, the sales lady said that she had a $1.50 off coupon for them too. So I did some sniffing and made a pick...

I picked the Vanilla Flame wash to try. My verdict from one use...meh. For me, I felt it under-performed. I think because Burt's Bees is behind it, I was expecting more. So, this wasn't any better than a Sauve body wash. However, if you are so inclined to give it a try, there is a QR on the back of the product...

For kicks, I tried it. After sharing my email address, they emailed me a $1 off coupon. (As an aside, the sales lady said that these were not selling well at all.)

Next, I saw this. Now I almost bought this because I had not heard anything about it...

Wet 'n Wild has a lash kit that has a mascara and a lash booster in it. Seems they have been around as this one was the only one left. I can't tell you any more than that.

This week was an easy one for work. So, I had more spare time on my hands. I shopped around a bit more, going down different aisles and then I found this...

It was on clearance...

Can you tell what aisle it was on?

'Nuf said.

Sally Hansen's 'Moisture Twist' 2-in-1 Primer and Color. Looks like a color gloss. The swirly colors were what caught my eye. I felt my resolve weakening. Then I told myself to go home and look for a coupon first. :)

Now this one, I have read about on other cosmetic blogs...

Sally Hansen might be trying to give us a sucker punch because the above shown polish is named 'Hidden Treasure.' However, here is the original 'Hidden Treasure' I reviewed way back. Nothing even close. Oopsie!

I really like press-on nails. I love how perfect they make my nails look. But they have come a long way with the glue or adhesive. Man, that stuff works good! So I don't use them unless I want to keep them on for several days. Again, I found myself struggling to keep my debit card in my pocket when I saw these...

And again, with these!!!

Did you catch that sale price sticker? Buy one get one 50% off. Ooohhh!!!

I spied a LOT of stuff, didn't I? And I spied stuff today at Bed, Bath and Beyond. I'll post that this weekend.

China Glaze's Ginger; A Penny For Your Thoughts

2012-01-12T18:00:00.004-05:00

I'm going to brag a little bit about myself, in a minute. First, I'll show you the swatch. That way if you aren't ~~snooping~~ interested, you can bug out after the photos.

This China Glaze polish is from way back; like maybe Fall of 2010. That sort of tells you how deep my 'to be swatched' stash is. Pardon me for a moment while I shutter.

The goods...

'Ginger' is from the Vintage collection and I fell it love with the entire collection. This shade is no exception. Best way I can describe it is copper-y micro glitter with some iridescent/gold small glitter all tied up in a bow.

You'll have to squint your eyes to see this because it tends to be rather bright...

Uh-hmmm...yep. Shiny like a brand new, copper penny.

It's glitzy...not garish. I am surprised that this copper color goes well with my skin tone too.

I got the sun coming and going with these photos. However, you can still see the glitz.

OK, here's my story:

Many years ago, so many I can't even say, I had been toying with the idea of changing my blonde hair to red. I thought about this for a few months. Then, I made a new friend that just happened to be a hair dresser and I shared my secret with her. Her salon, which just happened to be in the same office building I worked in, made it really easy for her to come up to my office, ask me to join her for lunch, take me to her salon and turn my into a redhead. Just like that.

When I returned back from lunch, I shocked my co-workers, needless to say. But, amongst their gasps, they told me how cool it looked. I was pleased...and relieved that it did look OK.

Only after a couple of weeks, we all went out for Friday after work drinks. Stuffed in this Irish pub, we all yelled at each other to be heard. While hanging out with my friends, I got a tap on my shoulder and I turned around. This man, who I did not know, told me the following...'There are two types of redheads: those that are really ugly and those that are gorgeous. You are gorgeous. Just wanted you to know that.'

Insecurity of making the leap to being a redhead: slayed.

Reason for this story is two-fold: One, that some reds do look good on me. I was many different shades of red during the 12+ years I wore that color. And two, you just don't know what is in store for you unless you take a leap and entertain a sense of curiosity.

China Glaze's Blonde Bombshell Takes The Gold

2012-01-11T18:02:00.001-05:00

It has been mostly gloomy today in the Sunshine State. I know I'm not alone, during days like these, feeling like making homemade chocolate chip cookies, crocheting, painting my nails...or, all of them...just not at the same time.

I found this shade to perk me up...

China Glaze's 'Blonde Bombshell' is a dazzler. I don't know if I have ever met a gold glitter that I didn't like. And this one is a hottie.

Tons and tons of twinkle in this polish. You'll think you found the end of the rainbow with 'Blonde Bombshell'. Can you just tell that this polish is literally packed with gold glitter? In with all that micro-glitter are small dot glitter pieces. And they are all shiny because in the sunlight, they really do twinkle.

I only used 2 coats today as I wanted to keep it light and not feel like a left-over Christmas ornament. You can see that this polish could work as a top coat as well as a stand-alone shade.

Get in close and you can see that the small size glitter is just speckled about. Doesn't make me feel like a total glitter bomb...just a 'Blonde Bombshell'.

Which way would you wear this polish...as a top coat or as a single polish?

Zoya's Kylie: All Purpose Nail Polish Shade

2012-01-10T17:44:00.000-05:00

Zoya Nail Polish is one of those companies that can make their customers fall in with them. They have frequent giveaways, many deals and collections that are popular and fun.

I was not personally acquainted with Zoya until I started blogging. And, I must say, that I am more than pleasantly surprised with the quality of these polishes.

After a season of glitters and sparkles, my eye fell upon this cutie while looking for something different...

Zoya's 'Kylie' is a dusty pink that has a faint magenta shimmer.

In super bright sunlight, you can see the softness of this color. Need a polish for an interview? Check. Want to wear a polish, other than a French manicure, for a wedding, whether yours, you're in it or just attending? Check. Have a young lady going to her first junior high dance? Check. Want to look feminine and chic? Check.

As you can tell, I think 'Kylie' is a shade that works in about any situation.

This shade of pink works really good with my skintone...

Afternoon sun.

Afternoon shade.

Zoya's polishes are so smooth and easy to apply. I have 2 thin coats on (hence, you can see a tell-tale nail line) that dried quickly and evenly. When it came time for removal, 'Kylie' was easily removed with Zoya's own polish remover, Remove+.

It's sort of nice to wear a quiet and peaceful nail shade. How about you?

Got A Sweaty Butt? There's A Product For That!

2012-01-09T18:36:00.001-05:00

There were a LOT of entries for my Glitter Giveaway! Gracious! I'm about 1/3 of the way done verifying. Don't worry, though. I'm wanting to get it completed because I already have several giveaways lined up!!

Sadly, my nails are in no shape to swatch. I planted some crocus plants yesterday and that, for sure, took care of any healthy cuticles I have been nurturing.

Yet, I'm still out in the stores, malls and warehouse/club stores doing lots of work. Here's something I found while looking for my project's product...

Oh My! I'm sure there were a few elderly shoppers who gave me the sideways glance about my snickering.

I have never heard of this product. As a newbie runner, I have heard about chaffing issues. So, this probably could be one of those products that would solve such a situation.

Would this make you giggle too?

Glitter Giveaway Closed

2012-01-08T21:13:00.001-05:00

My, my, my....what a popular giveaway, glitter can be!

Now it's my turn to tally up the entries and announce the two winners.
My goal is to get it all done within the next 24 hours.
Check back for new posts and find out who the winners are!!

Thanks, everybody!!

Don't Use Your Sleeve Or...What I Saw Today

2012-01-07T20:06:00.001-05:00

My Glitter Polish collection'SSS' giveaway ends tomorrow at 8 PM EST. Then, I have yet another giveaway that I have been saving until I get 1000 followers. Well, I made it so, do keep coming back.

Why did the hanky dance across the room?

It had a little boogie in it.

As I have mentioned previously, when I'm out doing projects in the stores, it is just a given that I'm looking at displays and product placements and such.

Today, I want to share a funny product I saw at Sam's Club this week...

There you have it, folks. Find a need and fill it. Automatic success!

Uhm...oh...yea, uhm...you got something right there, uhm, by your nose, oh, yea...OK...right there, OK...yea, you got it. Good.

All That Glitters Is Not Gold...Unless It's Nail Polish

2012-01-06T18:08:00.002-05:00

Even though this is a beautiful gold glitter, it looks and feels like a Holiday leftover...

I got it on Ulta's clearance shelf. I'm always surprised when pretty polishes like this hasn't been scooped up.

This is a polish by Pop Beauty and I couldn't find a name or number on the bottle...

Other than that, I have nothing negative to say. This polish was super easy to apply...

This is 3 coats over Wet 'n Wild's base coat. Then I put on just one coat of Color Club's Vivid Top Coat.

Blingy Blingy! Look at all the colors!...

Even though it is a very dense glitter, it wasn't terribly gritty. The one coat of Color Club top coat made it relatively smooth. I'm still wearing it so I can't comment on the removal. This is wearing so good, I hate to take it off.

Does anyone else remember when the Solid Gold Dancers wore this glitter color?

Hey, don't laugh. I really liked this show and you can see those same moves in any Britney Spears show.

Flaky Flecked over Holly-Day Display

2012-01-05T19:15:00.000-05:00

Go ahead...say that title 3 times really fast. Hee hee.

Yes, the Glitter Giveaway is still going. You have to enter here before Sunday, 1/8 at 8 PM EST.

Did you get a ton and a half of Holiday polishes like I did? I still have some to swatch but don't want to seem like I'm not moving on, you know?

I am, however, still in love, and will be forever probably, with my Finger Paint's Special Effects (aka FLAKIES!) collection. So I am looking for ways to take the Winter collections and marry them with the Finger Paint polishes.

Gotta love me some dark green creme polish...

'Holly-Day' is from the 2011 China Glaze Holiday collection. This is a green that I would pick if I could only wear one green polish. It's a Goldilocks polish; not too dark, not too light, juuuuust right.

Next, I paired it up with the green flakie from Finger Paint's named 'Flecked'.

'Flecked' makes 'Holly-Day' look like it has lights blazing in it. And it was fascinating to flash my nails back and forth for the dazzle effect.

I didn't apply 'Flecked' on my thumb so as to show 'Holly-Day' standing alone. So, I have 2 coats of China Glaze's 'Holly-Day' and one lavishing coat of 'Flecked', then the Color Club's Vivid Color Intensifying top coat.

Yeah, I'm happy to have found a way to use 'Flecked' again.

Are you scouting out ways to use your Finger Paint's Special Effects?

Marry A Millionaire To Chase Away The Winter Blues

2012-01-04T19:15:00.004-05:00

My double glitter giveaway ends this Sunday. Go here to enter. Good luck!

Lost in the Holiday foray was a China Glaze collection called Eye Candy. Here's a smashing purple glitter from that collection...

I rather like this purple and silver glitter called 'Marry A Millionaire'.

It is depressing to find all the Holiday decorations whisked away and the world becomes a bit gray. 'Marry A Millionaire' is just the polish to brighten my day...

This polish is a complex collection of purple glitter in two different sizes; micro and super-micro. Even the bar glitter, which flashes from teal/green to silver, is tiny. There is just the right balance of these glitters, so on the nails, it fractals light and becomes very, very sparkly. I did need 4 coats to get this much coverage. And, even though I found the polish to be a tad thick, as many glitter polishes can be, it dried faster than many do.

Photos are not doing the sparkle justice...

Interestingly enough, I found that 'Marry A Millionaire' didn't eat (absorb) top coat as a lot of glitter polishes tend to do. I used one coat of Color Club's Vivid Color Intensifying Top Coat and the texture felt smooth to the touch. On the other hand, the second day of wearing this polish, it was chipping. Or rather, it was flaking off in large pieces on my index fingers and my right thumb. I was able to peel all the polish off my index finger but stopped there as I didn't want to take a layer off my own nail.

Of course, the peeling could have been due to the base coat I used from Wet 'n Wild. It's one I've had forever but still, I have been using it for weeks and haven't had that issue before.

So, as I mourn the end of cheery Holiday decorations, I find that I can easily find solace in glitters and pretty nail polishes. And those are things that never go away.

Am I the only one that finds the world a bit duller when the Holiday decorations come down?

I Spy...OPI Nicki Minaj Collection at Blooming Beauty 1/3/12

2012-01-03T18:48:00.001-05:00

This is a successful giveaway! Get in on the fun and enter here.

OK, Kimberly....breathe!!! I got my 1000th follower this morning. I'm giddy with excitement but, then I started to think...there have been at least 1000 people stop by and read my stuff. Eeps! If I could wrap my brain around it, I would get nervous.

But, luckily, I'm not and I'm getting really brave about taking photos in retail stores (ones that I'm not working in). For the most part, no one cares. On the other hand, there will always be people who I call 'gate-keepers'. They get a (false) sense of control by enforcing silly rules they don't know the reason for them.

But, I found some very nice, young ladies at Blooming Beauty today. They remember me from before as the nail polish blog lady that gets overly excited about new nail polishes.

But, I really do get excited. Like finding these today...

This is OPI's newest collection highlighting Nicki Minaj. After doing serious spending during the holidays, I refrained from buying any. But they are so pretty to look at.

I almost missed these with all the gawking I did on OPI...

Venique is totally new to me. I've never heard of them. With a quick Google search, I found that Nails Beautiqued did a post on this brand not to long ago. Nails Beautiqued is one of my 'go to' nail blogs for what's new and what is looking hot on her nails. Yes, do go look!

I used my phone camera to snap these photos. As in many cases, the colors are not true, but you can get a broad idea. Like that red in the lower right side...it is a Christmas red that sparkles. Think of Ruby Slippers.

These are a couple of shades that I liked...

Again, I didn't get any because I have a tremendous backlog of polishes to swatch and, I didn't see anything that was way different than stuff I already have. I popped off these photos to just share with you.

And, speaking about photos, I have set out to create better photos for myself, personally, and, for my blog. I have taken a class, will be taking more classes, have joined a photography forum and a local club. When I get into something, I don't dally around!

Reason for telling you this, I have an assignment this week. The photography club has started a weekly challenge: each week, starting with the letter 'A', take a photo of something starting with that letter.

I was scratching my head wondering what I could come up with. Funny how I was looking down as I was brainstorming...

Ammonite. Found in the floor tile at the mall I worked at today.

Whimsical Kool-Aid Manicure

2012-01-02T18:01:00.003-05:00

Who doesn't want glitter nail polish??? I'm giving away two prizes for the stuff! Enter here.

Revlon's 'Whimsical' polish is the newest polish to cause a ruckus...

It's funky-looking to me. But, in a cool way. 'Whimsical' has this milky-blue base with a scattering of pink and teal colored hex glitter. There's teal regular glitter in there too. What a unique soup of polish. Well, I understand that it is a 'dupe' of another high-end polish. However, this is a mixture that is totally new to me.

Since I find 'Whimsical' to be on the thin side, I wanted to pair it up with a base color that would show it off. I picked a favorite polish of mine, Cult Nail's 'My Kind of Cool Aid'. 'Whimsical' muted down the gray/lavender of 'MKOCA' just a bit, but I don't think it took away any of the charisma of either polish.

I used 2 coats of 'MKOCA' and two coats of 'Whimsical.' Darn sparse glitter!!! Y U No come off on nail!!!

I first tested 'Whimsical' out on an old OPI mini to see if I could make my nail line disappear. It worked, but I wanted something with a bit more character. That's why I went to 'My Kind of Cool Aid'.

Even with the unevenness of my nail length, I still got a compliment on them. And that was at Walmart, of all places! That young lady was paying attention. :)

Have you been able to find 'Whimsical'?

Who Died And Made You King Nail Polish?

2012-01-01T18:07:00.001-05:00

GIRL!! Those nails are STILL skanky!!!! What the...???!

Geesh, light a match, would ya?

This isn't going to be a post where I show a cute mani and say 'the polish stinks but it's still a cute look!' Uhm..no.

Scandal Nail Polish Company, YOU STINK! I'm not talking about your business ethics or finances; I don't know squat about that. What I do know is that your polishes smell horrible. Pee-U! The fumes burn my nose and hurt my brain.

Here is the offender...

I like the looks of this polish. It has a translucent lime green base. And I do like the iridescent lime and gold bar glitter. Add into the mix silver and lime green dot glitter and the recipe is neat. Well, not totally neat; it takes a long while to dry...completely. Too long for my hyper self.

'Lime Pearl' doesn't stand well by itself, in my opinion. So, who COULD stand by it, it reeks so damn bad! Moving along though, it needs a bit of help to be all it can be. I picked a creme base that would showcase it, hopefully, in the best way...

I chose a medium yellow creme by Color Club. Do I like this yellow? It's OK. (Insert fake smile.) I don't apply light color creme polishes very well. And after a couple of re-dos, I finally got one nail looking decent...

Here I have, on my ring finger, Color Club's creme yellow which I do not know the name of (Sunny Side of the Road?). I have 2 coats on as I didn't dare put on a third in fear I would muck it up again. Then I put on one coat of 'Lime Pearl'.

Juuuust a bit closer. There's two coats of 'Lime Pearl' on my pinky. This is why I felt the need to use a color base coat for it; the glitters are too sparse.

And, here is how far a regular view would be. So, my point is that this mani isn't a stand-out. It's OK. (Insert fake smile.)

And, whatever you do, don't get your fingers close to your nose!!! Man, it is going to be awhile before I show you another Scandal Nail Polish because I can't bear that stench.

Enough about stinky stuff! I have a double glitter giveaway going on. Go here and enter and tell your friends.

CLOSEDDouble Glitter Bomb Giveaways

2011-12-31T11:37:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year and all my very best to you!

I'm ending/starting things off on a fun note: A DOUBLE GIVEAWAY!
And not just any giveaway, but with my favorite type of polish: GLITTER! Two prizes to be given away.

First Prize: Ice Baby Collection from Wet 'n Wild

I want to make this very, very clear: FIRST PRIZE IS FOR ONE SET OF THE ICE BABY COLLECTION. (That's a total of 8 bottles.) That second set is mine. :) (Shoot me an email if you don't understand or have questions. When you enter this giveaway, it is understood that you know this is for just one set.)

Second Prize: Color Craze Glitter Brights from L A Colors

This set, as well as the Ice Baby Collection, are all brand new, never opened. I purchased these myself and want to share with my readers. (You are a reader, right?)

Here's how to enter the giveaway:

1) You must be a follower (MANDATORY). In the comments, let me know how you follow my blog and the name you use.

2) In that same comment, give me an email address so I can email you if you are a winner. If the address isn't valid, I'll draw another entry.

3) (OPTIONAL) One extra entry if you post this giveaway on Facebook. Put the site location in the same comment as your email addy. (Invalid entries are disqualified.)

4) Giveaway is international. WooT!

5) Giveaway ends Sunday, 01/08/12, 8 PM EST. (Hey, it starts right now; what are you waiting for!!?)

Good luck!!!

Snow Light Blues

2011-12-30T19:58:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I posted on a Sally's Girl polish that, even though has no name, is still a crisp and shimmery steel blue-gray. I gave it a make-over and it came out fairly better.

First, I want to show you the Cosmetic Arts polish that began this evolution...

Cosmetic Arts doesn't name their shades, but doesn't this one just scream for one? Screamin' Steel? Eh.

But, oh how lovely this steel blue is...

This is with four coats and I still didn't get the same opaque look I wanted. I just wanted it to look like it does in the bottle.

Here is a photo in the shade...

Too sheer for the look I was going for. However, as I was sitting there with a grimace, I glanced over and saw the Sally's Girl, again no name, that I had just swatched. I got a simple idea...

Check out the micro-glitter in the bottle, and there is the slightest of shimmer on my nail...

It's there, on the nail, but ooooh, so subtle. In the sunlight, and rolling my nail back and forth, I could see all the different colored glitter twinkling like a night sky.

Using Sally's Girl polish, as the base coat for Cosmetic Arts, gave me more of the look I was hoping to achieve and with less coats. I used 2 coats of Sally's Girl and just one coat of Cosmetic Arts.

If I was a Franken Fashionista, I would franken these two and see if I could get the wanted look in just a single polish.

I'm sort of partial to icy blues during the winter. I got a photo of this over Christmas...

A Grand Blue Christmas

2011-12-29T18:55:00.001-05:00

Here's something I got for Christmas...

Fresh, new-fallen snow. Living in Orlando, this was a wonderful Christmas gift. I went to Denver to see my family over Christmas and it snowed the evening I got in.

Before I left, I happened to pick up a new Sally's Girl polish. Alas, it has no name, but I think it is pretty...

Just a cute silvery, dusty blue that has a shimmer. But, I didn't stop there.
Here's what Sally's Girl polish looks like all by itself...

The second photo isn't as good as the first, but I wanted to show that the first one has a glare on it; not a ding.

However, I wanted to play with my new Finger Paint flakies some more and I thought this dusty blue was just the right pairing.

First, on my left hand, I used 'Flashy'...

Even though I did 3 coats of Sally's Girl, I only did one of 'Flashy.' I think another coat would have made the flakes show more.

On my right hand, I used 'Twisted'...

Remember, it is my ring finger, here, that has no flakies on it. Again, just one coat of 'Twisted.' I do wish I would have remembered to apply two coats.

Sally's Girl dusty blue is pretty. But if you have ever purchased one of these, you know the bottle is puny, the brush is sub par, and the top sometimes doesn't stay attached to the brush. If you know these things going in, then you'll know you get what you pay for, most of the time. I was, most definitely, wanting it for the color.

Tomorrow, I'll show you Sally's Girl with a different top coat and see how that strikes your fancy.

I had a grand time with my family this Christmas. My brother and his family live in Denver. My sister and her husband, my dad and step-mom, and my sister's daughter and family all came in. We had a house full. A lot of things happened during that week and one of the best things to come out of it...I realized that my sister-in-law is one of my best friends.

Did you have a grand Holiday too?

I Have Some Flakies On My Fingers And It Isn't Snow

2011-12-19T21:51:00.001-05:00

One of the best Christmas manicures I can remember...

Everything is early about this manicure. First, Finger Prints Special Effects Top Coat collection wasn't supposed to be released until next month. Today I spoke with a Sally's employee and she said that they got the go ahead from their office to put them out for sale. Lucky us!!!

Next thing that is early is that I'm leaving for vacation and this is the manicure I will sport for Christmas. And the last thing that is early is my sincere wish to you all a very Happy Holiday season.

OK, this is what I did; I started with China Glaze's 'Near Dark' because I wanted something dark and a creme. I thought that would best showcase the Special Effects. I didn't want to use just a simple black because I think you'll see a lot of that look with other bloggers. And, I wanted to, somehow, keep it close to a Christmas/Yule look.

'Near Dark' isn't quite near perfect, however. It was patchy. And even though I thought I got them all, sure enough, out in the sunlight and doing a macro shot, nothing escapes scrutiny!

Next, I slapped on those Special Effects. These polishes leave me feeling soooo giddy! I guess I have never purchased so many flakies at once and I'm in overload. Usually, we'll get one per collection. But an ENTIRE collection!!! I better sit down and fan myself!

So I could keep these all straight, I applied them in alphabetically order. (Don't laugh.) From the thumb over; Asylum, Flashy, Flecked, Molten and Twisted.
Look closely...

Asylum

Flashy

Flecked

Molten

Twisted

I posted about the first 4 here, and then today, I picked up 'Twisted' to round out the complete set.

And, to give you another look, I did the right hand the opposite direction...

Taking it from the thumb down: Twisted, Molten, Flecked, Flashy, and Asylum.

It's no secret that my middle finger on my right hand got a serious break. And I'm too stubborn to even them all out. It's just going to have to catch up.

If I had time, these would be fun to matte as well. Even still, these are mesmerizing.

My eyes bugged out of my head today at Sally's, though. The display for these was put on the bottom shelf!!! In merchandising, we call that the 'kill zone.' You do NOT put your best sellers or your newest items down at the bottom. That will 'kill' your sales, i.e., profits. Good thing I know what I'm looking for! And you will too. :D

It is too bad I'm not taking these lovelies with me. But I am not taking the chance with these at airport security. I got them on as a mani, I'm good to go!

Eck! No thumb!!!

Are you getting these? Will you get them all or is there just one or two you want?

I Spy....Sally Hansen Polishes at CVS 12/16/11

2011-12-18T20:01:00.001-05:00

I really wasn't looking for anything in particular when I went into CVS but I found some goodies.

First, I saw a display of Sally Hansen polishes that are new to me...

Looks to be polish that smooths out ridges on the nails. Now that would be a nice effect!

Here are the shades...

Creamy and pastels. Not any that set the world on fire, for me. But I think they are going to be very popular for those that like a more quiet statement with their polishes.

Then I found a heck of a deal...

These Physician's Formula creme eyeliners are on clearance. They are normally priced at $10.99 each. They are clearance at $2.75 each. So I saved a total of $32.96. I'm a happy shopper. And, I have to mention, I purchased the green palette first. I loved it and went back for more. These have real staying power. And they are pigmented 'deluxe'. I highly recommend these! Get in on that savings.

What's your opinion on the new Sally Hansen bottles? And, yes...I mislabeled these as Essie. They sort of remind me of them. How about you?

Finger Paint's Special Effects Top Coats-FOUND!

2011-12-17T20:47:00.002-05:00

When my friend, Alli, tweeted, yesterday, that she found these...

at a Sally's close by her, I couldn't sleep! I was up early the next day (dear gawd, and it was a Saturday!), got my run in, showered, dressed and out the door I went!

Here's the poop...these babies are to be released in January...like, next year, 2012. For some reason, which I didn't ask because I wanted to get mine first, this particular Sally's store had made the excellent, and favorable, decision to put them out for sale. Even when I paid for these Finger Paints, the sales woman stated that they were out early and she had to put in another code so the register would 'take' it. All I could choke out was 'Oh!' I think I was actually having a panic attack getting them because I was afraid some mean Sally's worker was going to come out of the back room and scream 'You can't have those yet! Give 'em back!' I didn't feel safe until I got in my car and locked the doors. Then, I took them out of the bag and drooled all over them.

To anyone else, they may look the same. But to us, nail polish enthusiasts, do we NOT know better???!!!!

This is 'Flecked'. I'm not even going to pretend I know what this flakie color is. Well, I know it's WORRRRD!!

And, this one is 'Motley'. I know what a 'Motley Crew' is but why were they using it to name a polish? Googled it:

adjective

1. exhibiting great diversity of elements; heterogeneous (composed of parts of different kinds; having widely dissimilar elements or constituents): a motley crowd.

2. being of different colors combined; parti-colored: a motley flower border.

3. wearing a parti-colored garment: a motley fool.

noun

4. a combination of different colors.

5. a parti-colored effect.

6. the parti-colored garment of a jester.

7. a heterogeneous assemblage.

8. a medley.

Now I get it!

I have a couple more for ya...

This is 'Flashy'. I want to say a great, big 'DUH' to that one!

The last one I have to show is 'Asylum'. Wow, I'm sufficiently blown away.

They didn't have 'Twisted' so I will be looking forward to nabbing that one for the complete collection. And, at the moment, I am working on applying a dark green from China Glaze to show these off. I can hardly wait!!! But I want these to look out of this world!!!

In the meantime, if you'd like to see them swatched, click over here to my friend, Nail Polish MD's blog and she'll show you the awesomely over-the-top flaky top coat wonderland.

No one else wants these, right????

WINNER of My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software

2011-12-17T20:17:00.001-05:00

The giveaway for My Memories Digital Scrapbooking has closed.

The winner is Twitter's very own Somecrazedlady!!!!

Congrats, Kim! I'm emailing your addy to My Memories and they will send you your own code to download the software.

If anyone else would like to own this software to make your own digital scrapbook (and this is NOT your momma's scrapbooking!!!), I have a button on the side along with a code to give you $10 off AND $10 coupon to use in their store. This is a very good deal! Oh, and how about a COOL Holiday gift??!!! :D

Thank you all for being a part of my hobby. :) Be on the lookout for my next giveaway. I have two coming up that is sure to please!!!

Happy Holidays!!!!

Champagne Bubbles for the Holiday

2011-12-16T19:25:00.000-05:00

I love the Christmas decorations that are all gold. They look so rich, right from a storybook. And to think, I almost passed this golden polish up...

China Glaze blew the cork right out of glitters with their 2011 collection. This gold is named 'Champagne Bubbles.'

This is why, at the last minute, I decided I did, indeed, need this gold...

This gold has sparse silver glitter in it; like...bubbles in champagne!

And this gold is a buffed, softened gold...

Just a bit of an issue with the silver glitter making the polish look, well, bubbly. In person, it isn't quite this bad, just very noticeable in (my) photos.

I applied 3 coats and they didn't dry as quickly as other polishes do. And so, I nicked my pinky. But the last photo shows just how yellow 'Champagne Bubbles' is. This isn't a gold that usually goes well with my skin tone, but this one, somehow, works very well. No top coat needed.

I like to have one glass of champagne a year, but rarely make the attempt to get it. I posted about Verdi and that's what I enjoy. How about you? Champagne? Gold polish?

I Spy...New Stuff at Walgreens 12/14

2011-12-14T19:55:00.002-05:00

I have a giveaway going right now for digital scrapbooking software. This is more than your mother/grandmother's scrapbooking..check out MyMemories.com and see what all you can do with this program.

With just a few minutes to spare, I can get in a store, find a deal or something new, snap a photo (yea to my new smart phone!) and be on my way.

This is what I found at Walgreens today...

Rimmel has new eye shadows. This is for Glam'eyes HD. I guess because Rimmel is a British company, they made the design look like the British flag? It is a nice, eye-catching update from their regular palette design.

As is often the issue, my camera doesn't pick up the colors very well. The colors are much more saturated than the photo picks up.

The shades in this palette are much more vibrant than this photo shows.

I also saw these new press-on nails from Broadway Nails...

They have quite a mixture of crackle looks, lacy, animal, nail art, etc. Even though I don't wear them but rarely, I'm a fan of press-on nails. It gives you an instant professional manicured look on the fly.

I also saw at the Walgreens that I visited, they had $1 off all Revlon products. There were coupons for this at the cosmetic check out. The coupon says it is only good at Walgreens, and since they were photocopies, I'm confident that you can't use them anywhere else.

Are you finding any new displays at your Walgreens?

Santa's Gift For The Vanity: Bath and Body Works Candles

2011-12-13T21:00:00.000-05:00

What's in the bag, Santa?

Well, Kimberly, I see on my list that you have been nice just a couple more times than naughty. It was a close call this year. But you made more people laugh than cry. You hugged more people than you walked away from. You smiled at those that didn't have a smile. You've given away a lot of your unused stuff to charity. You still love your kitties and you didn't call your husband one bad name......to his face, anyway.

So, Kimberly, this year in your stocking, you get two, new 3-wick candles from Bath and Body Works. These are brand, new fragrances and I know you'll just love them. And, they haven't broken the bank too badly at 2 for $20.

Oh, thank you, Santa!!! I love both the Black Pepper Bergamont and Mahogany Teakwood!!! I don't think I'm going to wait until Christmas to use them. I plan on picking them up, hopefully, tomorrow when I have lunch with my nail blogger girlfriends.

Santa, you are the BEST! And I will always believe in you!!!!

Where's the Party? On Your Nails And Everybody's Coming!

2011-12-13T08:30:00.000-05:00

Have you just about had enough of the 'Happy Birthday' glitter polishes??!! Practically no brand has skipped this polish band wagon.

If you read enough nail blogs, you have, by now, read about Debra Lippman's 'Happy Birthday' nail polish. If not, and since I do not currently own this polish, here's Vampy Varnish's swatches of it. 'Happy Birthday' as been around at least a couple of years. Yet it is still popular.

Check out some of the dupes I have...

First, there is Icing's 'Birthday Beyotch', Milani's 'Gems', Ulta's 'Pinata-Yada-Yada', and Wet 'n Wild's 'Correction Tape'.

None of them are dupes, but they are all in the same neighborhood.

Icing's 'Birthday Beyotch' wins in the best name category. Hee hee. I spy red, gold, green, teal and fuchsia; some larger, some smaller. Then it is all swimming in a vat with teal micro-glitter.

Here's Milani's 'Gems'. This one has two sizes of hex glitter in it. And then that is all in a very translucent teal base that shares even more micro-glitter. Tons of red, silver, gold, green, and blue glitter. I found this one to apply the most glitter.

This is Ulta's 'Pinata-Yada-Yada.' Worst name here. :/ Gold and fuchsia hex glitter is surrounded by two smaller sized glitters in gold, teal, and red. The base is a slightly blue tinged color.

And this is Wet 'n Wild's 'Correction Tape.' I'm still scratching my head over that name. If you 'get it', would you leave me a comment? All the glitter seems to be the same size in gold, teal and fuchsia. Without getting out my microscope, I think there is some gold hex and fuchsia squares in this one. Not as rainbow colored at the others, it gives the feeling of Mardi Gras.

Are 'Party Hands' the same thing as 'Jazz Hands'?

On my thumb and middle finger, I swatches 'Birthday Beyotch'. On my index finger is 'Gems'. On my ring finger is 'Pinata-Yada-Yada' and that leaves 'Correction Tape' on my pinky. This photo shows 3 coats.

Here's where I started and this is 2 coats. So, you can do a little glitter or gobs. However, the polish you can pick to apply under these is all up for grabs. These are naked here, though.

Now, once you are ready to remove the glitters, you might want to read up on the foil removal method; no one wants to leave the party on your nails!

Confetti nails, I say. When I lived in Kansas City, KS, there was a dance bar on the Missouri side called 'Confetti's'. The next morning I always found confetti in my clothes that I had worn and even on the floor where I had changed into my jammies. It was everywhere! And you'll experience the same thing when you go to remove any of these glitters.

Great polishes for New Year's Eve parties? Which one do you like the best? Can you think of any other polishes that live in this neighborhood?

CLOSED Digital Scrapebooking Software Giveaway

2011-12-11T17:26:00.001-05:00

Are you a 'scrapbooker'? Have you ever wanted to start scrapbooking or thought about doing a scrapbook of your blog? How about being able to make scrapbook layouts, photo books, cards, videos, you make it! Seriously, you can do these things!

Not long ago, I was contacted by MyMemories.com regarding hosting a giveaway at the vanity. MyMemories.com has scrapbook software to create all sorts of fun things like the few I listed above. Using 'My Memories Suite' will put all these creative tools right on your own computer. And you can get a chance to win a free copy of their Digital Scrapbooking Software for yourself. :)

Take a look: Here is the first thing I made; our Christmas card!

I didn't just plug in my photo and print (though you can do this as well); I created this with a template. I cropped my photo to the size I wanted, adjusted the scrolling design where I wanted it, and picked the font, the colors and the words I wanted to put on it. Remember, this is my very first attempt and I'm using it right now!

So, let me tell you about this super-duper cool giveaway. The drawing is for one complete and up-to-date Digital Scrapbooking Software by MyMemories.com. (They just updated the software so you'll get the newest version.) The winner will be given a code that they will be able to use at MyMemories.com to download the scrapbook software, free!

We are going to give you LOTS of chances for entries, so here it goes:

(1) You can put all entries into one comment or one for each, either way will count.

(2) Be a follower of Libby's Pink Vanity and let me know how you follow and the name you use. (MANDATORY)

(3) Visit MyMemories.com and pick out your favorite digital paper pack or layout and comment on which one. (MANDATORY)

(4) Follow MyMemories.com Blog.

(5) "LIKE" Libby's Pink Vanity on Facebook.

(6) "LIKE" My Memories on Facebook.

(7) Comment on what you will use My Memories Suite to make.

(8) Give me your email addy so I can contact you. (MANDATORY)

That's a total of 8 entries you can get.

OK, I don't want to overwhelm you too much because this is truly a grand prize! So click here and check out My Memories YouTube channel.

Because this giveaway is a download software, it is open to everyone. Please do note: Some countries will not allow download software. I suggest you check with your Internet provider to find out if there are any restrictions.

Giveaway starts right now! It will end on December 18, 2011, Sunday at 8 PM EST.

Winner of Incoco Nail Strips

2011-12-11T14:59:00.001-05:00

We have a winner....Sarah Crawford!

I've sent a congratulatory email to Sarah.

A special something to add to her giveaway is a second set of Incoco strips! When Incoco saw my giveaway post, they contacted me and asked if they could send me another set to add to the giveaway. I said 'Why, yes!'

And, Sarah, you will be getting 2 sets of nail strips. How fun!!!

Of course, thanks to all my readers. You make me happy with hanging out with me. Oh, and there are more giveaways coming up. Keep checking. :D

Christmas Dance Nail Stickers

2011-12-09T19:45:00.001-05:00

I got these cute Christmas stickers at Sally's. The stickers I used on my thumb made getting these a given...

These remind me of the kids dancing on the stage in the Charlie Brown Christmas Show. Do you get up and dance with them?! What....no? I do.

You so know you dance like 'Yellow Shirt'!!!!

I used a green creme from a Fall collection Icing put out...

No name, just awesome murky green. I have three coats on.

Then, I put on an assortment of Christmas stickers...

I used a coat of Seche Vite to protect them. However, these stickers are thin. I don't even feel them when I rub my finger over them.

They're so sweeeet! And just when I think no one notices my nails when I'm out working, I ended up with 2 compliments on them today.

Tomorrow, I'm going to an all-day workshop, so I'll be sporting these. This workshop is, actually, to learn how to use something that I will be doing a giveaway on!!!! Yes, it is that detail-oriented so before I review it and have it for the giveaway, I have to learn how to use it too. That's all I'm telling you...BWHAAAAHAAAHAAAA!

These stickers were fairly easy to apply. I did use a pair of needle-nose tweezers to remove them from their backing and place them on the nails.

Do you wear nail stickers? If you like these, you can find them at Sally's.

ENDED Super Flash Giveaway; Incoco Manicure Strips

2011-12-08T17:32:00.001-05:00

This flash giveaway is gonna be super fast! I have to get these to you so you'll have your Christmas manicure all done for the BIG DAY!

Super Christmas-y!!!

Says 'Passion' but it should say 'PRESENTS!'

Don't wait to enter on this one! It ends Saturday, 12/10 at 8 PM, EST.

Here's whatcha gotta do:

*The drawing is for a set of Incoco Nail Strips.
*You must be a follower of Libby's Pink Vanity to enter and list how you follow and with your name you use.
*Only one entry, please.
*You must give me a valid email address to notify you if you win.
*It's open to everybody!!!!
*Giveaway starts right now and ends Saturday, 12/10/11 at 8 PM, EST.

I checked Santa's 'Nice' list and I see a lot of names on there. The elves are working overtime to make more giveaways.

CLOSEDHair Romance and a FLASH Giveaway

2011-12-07T19:21:00.001-05:00

As a faithful reader, you know that I live in a sweltering swamp called Orlando. And sitting here at ehmmm...middle age, let me say that these two truths do not mix.

My hair is long and I like it. I have had enough bad haircuts to know that I do NOT like my hair short!
Currently, long...

Past, short, very bad hair cut...

You might not be able to tell, but I had been crying my eyes out. Two years ago, I went to get my hair cut just to the bottom of my collar bone. This is what I ended up with. I came home and put some mousse in my hair, messed it up and got this. Not so bad but, I NEVER got it to look like this again. :(

Since I like my long hair, during the summer, I wear it up, usually in a bun with a claw or a high ponytail. I get bored with these two styles so I googled blogs on hair styles. When I came across Hair Romance I noticed that her hair was similar to mine in length (at the beginning of this past summer), texture and color.

During the time that I began to follow Hair Romance, Christina, the blog owner, was showcasing a 30 days of up-dos. Perfect! Then I noticed that she was coming out with an e-book on all 30 styles showing step-by-step how to create them. :D

I think I was first in line when her e-book, '30 Days of Twist and Pin Hairstyles' went live. And I didn't have one boring day of up-dos all summer long!

Take a look at Hair Romance blog and read about all things hairstyles, trends, head scarves and more. And, of course, the '30 Days of Twist & Pin Hairstyles.'

Since I spoke with Christina about how her book made styling my hair so easy and fun, I asked her if I could share this wonderful book as a giveaway. Christina is delighted to sponsor one winner her own e-book!

This is a FLASH giveaway....quick and easy. Don't hesitate to enter!

The drawing is for one copy of the e-book '30 Days of Twist & Pin Hairstyles.'
*You must be a follower of Libby's Pink Vanity to enter and list how you follow and with your name you use.
*Only one entry, please.
*You must give me a valid email address to notify you if you win and where to send the pin number to access your e-book copy.
*Since this is all electronic, it's open to everybody!!!!
*Giveaway starts right now and ends Sunday, 12/11/11 at 5 PM, EST.

Get ready to learn some easy and quick up dos!!!

Orna-ment For Each Other, At Least Through Christmas

2011-12-07T18:30:00.001-05:00

Nicole by OPI is a brand I rarely pick up. I will check them out while shopping, but I only have 3 or now, 4. My reasoning is that they rarely have anything I find unique. And, I know, that is an odd remark coming from a nail blogger that will swatch 3 different brands that have similar colors. But, as a lot of nail/beauty bloggers know, we don't always have the most logical reasons for our choices.

Here's my latest Nicole addition...

A Christmas nail polish, if there ever was one. This is 'Orna-ment For Each Other.' Cute name! I do have to hand it to OPI, they come up with fun and definitely, unique names.

There is so much glitter in 'Orna-ment For Each Other' that it is opaque in just 2 coats. But I did the fail-safe 3...

This polish is heavy-laden with micro gold and red glitter. Very shiny; I'm swatching with no top coat. 'OFEO' is gritty, but it isn't difficult to remove like some glitters can be. It wore nicely for the 36 hours I had it on.

There's just a one thing I wasn't happy about with this polish. It makes my fingers look red. I think it is the combo of red and gold together. It combines to be an orange and my pallor can't handle it. Sadz.

However, besides that, it is a great Christmas glitter polish. It is feisty and cheery and just Christmas-y.

I'm just sad that the beautiful color 'OFEO' shows in the bottle didn't translate onto my nails. Interestingly enough, the color looks all the same in my photos.

Here, it shows a bit of patchiness, but I'm chalking that up to user-difficulty. There's enough glitter jammed in this polish to counter bald spots. I feel that this is the type of glitter polish that looks good on both short or long nails.

Are you a Nicole by OPI fan? Is 'Orna-ment For Each Other' for you?

Lash Em Product Reviews; Part 3

2011-12-06T18:05:00.001-05:00

This post will wrap up my review of the Lash Em products. If you didn't see the first two posts, here is the first and here is the second.

And today, I will review and share before and after photos of their mascara and lash gel/serum.

When I saw the commercials about Latisse, I'm thinking, what woman wouldn't want thicker eyelashes? That's what the entire industry of false eyelashes and mascara are about!

Soon after, there were the over-the-counter products and golly, they cost as much as two tickets to Disney World (that's to say 'a lot of money'). Still, I was wondering could these products even work?

I got my chance to find out. The product I tried is Lash Em's Measurable Difference Lash Gel...

Let me explain about Lash Gel; think of this as a conditioner for your eyelashes. Just like hair conditioner makes your hair soft, flexible, strong and shiny; Lash Em's Lash Gel does the same thing with your eyelashes. It doesn't make you grow more lashes, but what it does is condition your current lashes so they become stronger, thus less breakage; thicker so they look more voluminous, and hold moisture so they are more durable and shiny.

This is my eye before I started using Lash Gel, and using 3-in-1 Bright Eye as well as Picture Perfect...

I do not have any makeup or lotions on. The line you see at my lashes is my attempt at permanent eyeliner. (Some day I'll do a post on this. In the meantime, don't do it. Email me first and we can talk about it.)

My lashes are long and actually thick, considering I'm 49 when a lot of women will start to get breakage and grow less lashes. Fortunately, I don't have a lot of wrinkles showing when I relax my face and just gently close my eyes. This is a feature I am proud to show.

After using all three products for 30 days, here is my after photo...

Yes, I know the lighting is different, I only wish I was a professional photographer. :) But, there is no trick here that shows my lashes to be longer and a bit thicker. This is noticeable at the inner corner of my lash line. Many years back, my lashes grew right to the corner of my line. Can you see that they have returned?

And, my skin is brighter at the side of the bridge of my nose too. The fine lines are finer, not gone, but less noticeable. Happy blogger!

Additional thoughts on Lash Gel...it is a serum, but not thick. You apply this like a liquid eyeliner. It is applied before any makeup and you allow it to dry first. I found that when I put the Lash Gel on first, then did all my other lotions and potions, I had given Lash Gel plenty of time to dry. The instructions say you can use it once in the morning and once at bedtime. However, since I felt I wasn't totally starting out with really bad lashes, once a day would be sufficient.

A few times, it felt like the serum was stinging my eyes. It wasn't terrible, but it was noticeable. The serum may have ran into my eyes, as this only happened about 3 times. Other than that, it felt cool and wet. When it dried, you couldn't see where it had been applied and it didn't interfere with any of my eye makeup.

The directions say to apply in one stroke meaning, don't coat it on like an eyeliner. I found it easier to apply one line from the inside corner to the middle and then, from the outer corner to the middle. At a price of $69.99, this is not a product I want to waste. (However, stay tuned and you'll find a sweet savings.)

In conjunction with using Measurable Difference Lash Serum, I tested Lash Em's mascara called Double Trouble Mascara...

Cutting to the chase, I reeeeeaaaallly like this mascara!

It is double-ended wand. One side is the volumizing mascara that makes the lashes thick and separates them easily. This wand brush has shorter bristles and is very flexible...

The other end is for lengthening. This brush is more like the standard wand...

First, use the volumizing end, then use the lengthening end. Here's what I got...

This photo is using both ends and, with full eye makeup. My eyelashes are much longer. The brushes coated each lash well and there was no clumping or fallout. It even made my bottom lashes more noticeable...

I surely do not like this picture angle as it distorts the nose, however, it shows off the bottom lashes as well, and how there are hardly any wrinkles around my eye.

OK, let's talk cost. As I mentioned above, the Lash Gel is $69.99 on Lash Em's website. The mascara is $19.99 on the site. I see these two products at the Bed, Bath and Beyond, locally, that has the Harmon Department. That's the ones that have all the beauty/health products. They sell the serum for $49.99 and the mascara for $16.99.

Lash Em has a special on their website, til December 30, for a set of both of these for $35. (shipping is extra) That is a savings of $54.98; more than 60% off. Very good deal.

A very good deal because I'm endorsing both of these products. Both the Lash Gel and the Mascara exceeded my expectations. I will continue to use both of these. And, I am getting in on the December special too. For a savings of almost $55, I'll jump at that!

These products have been sent to me for my personal review and honest opinion.

An Accident Just Waiting To Happen

2011-12-06T17:56:00.001-05:00

Before I finish up my Lash Em reviews and do an 'I Spy' post, I wanted to share this sighting separately.

Mostly, it is a warning. Not all beauty products are smart nor safe.

Take, for instance, this product I saw today at Sally's...

Just in case, this product is NOT on my wish list.

Lash Em Product Reviews; Part 2

2011-12-05T16:18:00.001-05:00

This is Lash Em product #2 of the four I tested; 3-in-1 Eye Bright...

It is recommended to use 3-in-1 Eye Bright after washing your face before bedtime. I have always used a night creme and another one for around my eyes. This made for an easy switch for me.

This product is a serum rather than a cream. I usually use a cream at bedtime so the serum was a change. However, 3-in-1 serum still gave me the same, great results.

While I used the product for 30 nights, I noticed that, occasionally, I'd feel a very slight tingling sensation where I applied it. And, every time I used it, it gave me a cool, refreshing feeling.

The purpose of 3-in-1 Eye Bright is to not only decrease puffiness and dark areas under the eyes, but to decrease fine lines and increase collagen production. The product does this by increasing the oxygen circulation in that area.

Here are my thoughts on this product. I have always found it a good idea to apply an eye cream at night. I've never used one that was listed as a brightener because I don't have dark circles under my eyes, and rarely any puffiness. But after 30 days (or nights) of using 3-in-1, I did notice a lighter reflection of my skin under my eyes. Interestingly enough, I noticed it the most after I had finished doing all of my makeup the next morning.

My skin drank in the product. I looked forward to that cooling sensation. Using 3-in-1, along with Picture Perfect, I have found my skin, below my eyes, to feel soft, pliable and in the best shape possible for me.

I have the same issues with the packaging as I did with Picture Perfect; this is a pump dispenser and one full pump is more than I need for both eyes. At a price tag of $39.99, I want to be prudent and not waste any!

I do recommend this to practically anybody who uses a bedtime night cream. And, if you are NOT using an under the eye product at night, do start! The serum isn't heavy and doesn't have a smell. It might not be right for someone who has ultra-sensitive skin under the eyes, though.

In the next post, I will be reviewing Lash Em's mascara and the lash boosting serum. If you can't wait, and I will recommend getting in on this sale, there is a special offered through December 30 on the mascara and lash serum for $35. That is more than 60% off! Very, very good deal. Check it out here.

These products have been sent to me for my personal review and honest opinion.

Lash Em Product Reviews; Part 1

2011-12-04T19:45:00.001-05:00

I have enjoyed testing out four products by Lash Em. Lash Em is a beauty company that specializes in products for the lashes and the eye area. I have seen the eyelash gel and the mascara, by Lash Em at a Bed, Bath and Beyond that carries beauty products. However, Lash Em is having a special right now that is way better! Keep reading for info on that in an upcoming post. Or better yet, study ahead and check out the website!

Here are the items I got...

The Picture Perfect creme is for daytime use. Below that is the 3 in 1 Eye Bright. This is used before bedtime. The Double Trouble Mascara has two difference products that I used together for some knocked-out lashes. And on the right, that's the Measurable Difference Lash Gel, which thickens and conditions eyelashes.

I'll start with the Picture Perfect item first.

This is an eye cream that I used after taking a morning shower. I haven't used a product like this before. I have heard about them so, here was my chance to see how it would work on me.

The dispenser is a pump and if I have one beef, it's that too much comes out with one full pump. Wasting products is not in my blood! So, I struggle to get out a half pump which is enough for both eyes. It was difficult to get just a half pump, but I would use all the product that was dispensed not only under my eyes, but out to the temples.

Once I apply Picture Perfect, it starts to feel cool and a bit tingly. And when I look into the mirror, I see that this product has smoothed out my fine lines. If you can imagine taking a thin solution of white glue and dabbing some on your skin; as it dries, it will smooth out the skin. Even if you crinkle the skin, it will go back to its smooth state when you let it go. This is how I can best describe Picture Perfect. But, I am not saying that is how it felt; like glue. No, it made my skin feel soft and still pliable.

Luckily, I don't have hardly any wrinkles beyond fine lines, so this product works for me. For someone who has deeper wrinkles, I think it would work up to a point. However, I don't think it is going to hide them, just lessen them.

One tip to consider, after I applied Picture Perfect, I learned I needed to be more gentle in applying my mineral foundation. If I buffed too hard, the product around my eyes would start to ball up. This only happened once as I really do use a very light hand in buffing on my foundation. I've always done that as I don't want the minerals to settle into the lines and exaggerate them.

Picture Perfect doesn't have an odor and doesn't feel sticky or gummy. After it completely dries, which is quickly, I didn't feel it on my face.

This product can be purchased on Lash Em's website. It is $38 and, for .5 oz, now I think you can see why I didn't want to waste any of the product!

I used Picture Perfect for 30 days. It did everything that the website stated as an anti-wrinkle cream. I would recommend this product to those that have fine lines they would like to diminish on a temporary basis. My skin is dry and even though Picture Perfect was moisturizing, I could have used a bit more moisture for my taste. Someone I would not recommend this for would be those that have very oily skin around their eyes and anyone who has very sensitive skin. Bottom line: I will continue to use it and do recommend it.

Tomorrow I will share with you my review and thoughts on Lash Em's 3-in-1 Eye Bright.

These products have been sent to me for my personal review and honest opinion.

Fast and Furious Glitter Drive-by Glitter Manicure

2011-12-03T21:15:00.001-05:00

Fast and Furious! I did this mani the other evening and was out the door early the next morning. I usually take my photos before I leave for work. But, not this time. This is after I got home.

As you can tell, a lot happens to my nails from the start of the day to when I get home...

I started out with a base color from Color Club. This is 'Pretty in Platinum.' And I am in love with this platinum. It wasn't one bit streaky and was actually set to go after just one coat.

I used 'Pretty in Platinum' to showcase this glitter overlay...

Forever 21's love & beauty polish called 'Red/Black/Silver.' Well, I guess that doesn't leave me taking up any time describing it, does it?

I tried the glitter over a medium green creme, wanting to stay within a Christmas color theme, but I had to go so light with a green for the glitter to show, that it wasn't even close to Christmas. In fact, it seems weird-looking.

Here's what a platinum shade did...

Two issues! One, I had to dab the glitter on as it was just bunching up at the tip. Second, this made the glitter coat so thick it took more than forever to dry. As I mentioned, I polished my nails the night before and they were still tacky the next day.

The expression, cool. The play out, meh, could be better...

And I'm not even giving my thumb any face time. Notice on the middle finger how thick the polish is. And that nail seems to have the least amount of glitter too. I did do two coats of 'Red/Black/Silver.' I didn't do a top coat over the glitter so it was a bit gritty too.

What color would you use to show off this glitter?

Nubar Has Great Glitter Just Not Great Names

2011-12-01T18:26:00.001-05:00

When I started blogging, almost 18 months ago, I learned about Nubar nail polish. What I read was it was held in high regard. So, in June of this year, I went to the Orlando Premiere and when I visited the Nubar booth, I dropped some bucks.

Now, I don't read about Nubar so much. I don't know why. However, here is one that I bought and it works sort of nicely for the Holidays...

Nubar's 'Green/Silver Glitter' isn't a bold glitter. And I'm liking that after swatching a lot of SCREAMING glitter.

This polish has micro-glitter, and though it looks like there is so much in there that it would apply opaque...let me set you straight. Nope.

I have on 4 coats. Yet, I'm happy with this lighter look. I can still appreciate the softer looks of glitter as well. The silver seems to be more iridescent than just plain silver. It casts off many different colors in the sunshine. I can somewhat see that happening on my ring finger.

Take a closer look, I want to show you something...

This is what 4 coats looks like. Not bad. And, yes, it is gritty. It's hungry like Santa is for cookies. But, there is something else I want you to see. A nail and its cuticle in DAMN GOOD shape!!! WORD!!!!!

After a super easy work day, I came home excited to swatch a new polish. But a light bulb went off...how would it look matted?

I gave it a try. It dulled it some, but not like I thought it would. That glitter is determined to sparkle!!!

I used China Glaze's 'Matte Magic'. I don't think it changed it enough to bother.

Is 'Green/Sliver Glitter' something you like too?

Del Sol's Christmas Polish: Tinsel Toes

2011-11-29T17:35:00.001-05:00

This just in...Holiday Del Sol polish!!!

'Tinsel Toes!' I love it! I visited clients that have businesses out at the airport and this is where there is a Del Sol store. Since I found a Halloween polish and I blogged about it here, I stopped in to see if they had any Christmas polishes.

OK, the novelty is neat but I like the colors a lot. The fun of this brand is to show people that haven't seen it. Kind of like magic!

'Tinsel Toes' is a softened gold that is slightly sparkly and understated. It is not an 'in your face' flashy gold. These photos were taken in the shade.

Now watch it change...

A little more red....

Getting darker and redder...

And here it is a magical golden red. However, it comes off a bit like a salmon color on the nails. It's not so noticeable in real life. However, you can see how it makes my fingers look like the infamous 'lobster fingers' where the contrast between nail color and flesh tone collide.

I was surprised, and I don't know why, that this wasn't more opaque. I have on 2 coats and I just finished there because I knew it would take many more to get it opaque.

So, Del Sol's 'Tinsel Toes' is a more subtle sparkle, and after flashy glitter manis and polishes, it is nice to wear something more demure.

Share with me your thoughts on 'Tinsel Toes.'

Is Bigger Better For Glitter? What If I Said Flaky Glitter?

2011-11-28T17:48:00.001-05:00

I just have to face the facts. I'm going to wake up and it is going to be Jan 2, time to start a new year and new business contracts. That means Christmas and New Year's Eve will have flown by me and I'll be sitting here with a lot of Holiday polishes I never got to swatch. So, I better get busy!

Realizing this situation, I dug around the to-be-swatched drawer in the vanity. I was all set to pick out my favorite one and get crackin'. My first choice was China Glaze's 'Snow Globe' from their 2011 winter collection. In staying with the comparison theme, I dug some more and found Cosmetic Arts no-name flaky that is now 'Super Size Me Flaky'.

'Snow Globe' is the perfect name for this polish. You'll find a mix of holo micro-glitter along with a bit of holo hex glitter.

Sparkle-dazzle holiday. Yes, it does, indeed, look like a snow globe...

I picked this photo because it reminded me of the kid that got double-dog dared to lick a metal pole. You know, from 'A Christmas Story.' I can only guess that the little people in this snow globe are playing hide-and-seek.' But they must really suck at it.

Done digressing...
Cosmetic Arts is missing the fun by not naming their polishes. But, they are giving me some fun. When I first laid eyes on this one, I really did yell out 'Oh, shit!' I couldn't grab this polish fast enough when I found it at Ross'...

I don't think I have another polish that has flakes this size. Thus, 'Super Size Me Flaky.'

There was nothing that could suffice to showcase these topcoats other than a rich creme. I picked out 'Velvet Box' from China Glaze's current holiday collection. And, I think this one did the job...

On my thumb, middle and pinky finger, you see 'Super Size Me Flaky.' That leaves 'Snow Globe' for the index and ring finger. Now tell me, if you had 4 seconds to pause at a red light, wouldn't you stare at these?

Good grief, those flakes are on steroids. And I was flat out thrilled that this polish applied in a very well-behaved manner. 'Snow Globe' was thick and it wanted to bunch up at the tip of the nail. After patience with laying it down and going back over it before it dried, it fell into that scattered look.

I'm gong to play favorites all over this post...

I'm not a fast-food girl; I gave it up 9 years ago. But this is one time I have no regrets at all to ask for a Super Size.

Opinions? Envys? Revulsions?

Libby's Pink Vanity

Icing's After Party; No Hangover Necessary

I Spy...Themed Keyboard Stickers & French Glitz Manicure Set

Tool Tuesday: Microfiber Cloths

Jordana Nail Polish Glitter Polish Is All That!

Sample Saturday: Biore Restore Skin-Boosting Night Serum

Q Collection Nail Color: Mardi Gras Beads

I Spy....Katy Perry False Eyelashes and a Neutral Palette

Ashes to Ashes; Charlotte Russe Smolder Nail Polish

Tool Tuesday

Forever 21's Trickster Nail Polish

Sample Saturday: L'oreal's Magic Lumi

Testing the Waters with Butter London

You Don't Know Jacques! About Getting Ready For Spring

J2 Squared; That's A Polish?

Tool Tuesday

A Positively Purple Polish

Not Just An Everyday Blue Shade of Polish

I Spy....Wet 'n Wild Skinny Girls Being Chased By Zombies At Walmart

2 Winners of the Glitter Giveaways

A Mystery: By Cosmetic Arts

How to Find Good Makeup Sales and Clearances

I Spy...New Revlon and Maybelline at Bed, Bath and Beyond 1/14

I Spy...New Products at Walgreens 1/12/12

China Glaze's Ginger; A Penny For Your Thoughts

China Glaze's Blonde Bombshell Takes The Gold

Zoya's Kylie: All Purpose Nail Polish Shade

Got A Sweaty Butt? There's A Product For That!

Glitter Giveaway Closed

Don't Use Your Sleeve Or...What I Saw Today

All That Glitters Is Not Gold...Unless It's Nail Polish

Flaky Flecked over Holly-Day Display

Marry A Millionaire To Chase Away The Winter Blues

I Spy...OPI Nicki Minaj Collection at Blooming Beauty 1/3/12

Whimsical Kool-Aid Manicure

Who Died And Made You King Nail Polish?

**CLOSED**Double Glitter Bomb Giveaways

Snow Light Blues

A Grand Blue Christmas

I Have Some Flakies On My Fingers And It Isn't Snow

I Spy....Sally Hansen Polishes at CVS 12/16/11

Finger Paint's Special Effects Top Coats-FOUND!

WINNER of My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software

Champagne Bubbles for the Holiday

I Spy...New Stuff at Walgreens 12/14

Santa's Gift For The Vanity: Bath and Body Works Candles

Where's the Party? On Your Nails And Everybody's Coming!

*CLOSED* Digital Scrapebooking Software Giveaway

Winner of Incoco Nail Strips

Christmas Dance Nail Stickers

**ENDED** Super Flash Giveaway; Incoco Manicure Strips

**CLOSED**Hair Romance and a FLASH Giveaway

Orna-ment For Each Other, At Least Through Christmas

Lash Em Product Reviews; Part 3

An Accident Just Waiting To Happen

Lash Em Product Reviews; Part 2

Lash Em Product Reviews; Part 1

Fast and Furious Glitter Drive-by Glitter Manicure

Nubar Has Great Glitter Just Not Great Names

Del Sol's Christmas Polish: Tinsel Toes

Is Bigger Better For Glitter? What If I Said Flaky Glitter?

CLOSEDDouble Glitter Bomb Giveaways

CLOSED Digital Scrapebooking Software Giveaway

ENDED Super Flash Giveaway; Incoco Manicure Strips

CLOSEDHair Romance and a FLASH Giveaway