Juicy-Nails First Giveaway

If you want to venture into some (well, OK...it's LOTS!) nail art, Juicy-Nails has THE giveaway for you.  This is her first giveaway, but by no means, is Juicy a beginner.  Check out her nail blog and you'll see what I mean.

Here's a picture of the haul that she has in store for the winner...

And this sweetheart is making this giveaway open for international folks as well.  (She's cool like that!)  Click here, check out her blog and sign up for her giveaway.

Fragrance Descriptions of B&BW Men's Collection

There is a question/comment on my previous post on the new Men's Signature Collection at Bath & Body Works. I got these descriptions off the B&BW website.  This gives you an idea at how complex these fragrances are.  Explaining them would be like giving you a synopsis of what the show Lost was about.

Our Noir fragrance is a bold, exotic blend of black cardamom and white musk.

• Top fragrance notes: Crisp Bergamot, Clary Sage, Rosemary, Coriander
• Mid fragrance notes: Fresh Lavender, Cardamom, Orange Flower
• Base fragrance notes: White Vanilla, Amber Wood, Vetiver, White Musk

Our Oak fragrance is a warm, woodsy blend of red oak, cedarwood & musk.

Top fragrance notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Crisp Aldehydes, Juniper, Clary Sage
Mid fragrance notes: Nutmeg, Clove, Pimento, Geranium, Orange Flower, Lavender
Base fragrance notes: Patchouli, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Coffee, Musk 

Our Ocean fragrance is a refreshing blend of cypress, vetiver and yuzu.

• Top fragrance notes: Bergamot, Armoise, Yuzu Zest, Elemi, Watermelon
• Mid fragrance notes: Lavendin, Cypress, Nutmeg
• Base fragrance notes : Orris, Olibanum, Patchouli, Cedarwood, Vettiver

Our Citron fragrance is a citrus blend of white woods & lemon zest.

Top fragrance notes: Crisp Bergamot, Pink Grapefruit, Fresh Sage, Lemon Zest
Mid fragrance notes: Lavender, Coriander, Hedione, Waterlily
Base fragrance notes: Brisk Woods, Oud-wood, Tonka Bean, Sandalwood, Cool Musk

I hope these descriptions help where I failed to be able to explain these.  As you can see, they are so complex that is is hard to describe.  And, it is the lead-end phrase that hooks you to these smells.

Bath and Body Works Haul

The new men's signature collection was released on May 27 at BBW.  Usually they will have baby samples you can get to try out before the full size release.  Just a quick smell of these and I knew I'd love them.  Got them into the shower and invited hubby to try them out.  I was actually surprised when he asked about getting some.  He's been into his Axe brands for some time.

BBW also has the new stuff at a good deal and I was hoping this would be the same with the men's collection.  Actually, they are having a buy 3 get 3 free on all signature collections.  Whoopee!  I was in!  And, I had a coupon for a free body product from the signature collection.  Now I had 4 free. :)

All of these fragrances come in a body wash, body deodorant and a cologne.  I got the Oak body deodorant as the lone wolf, but I'm sure I'll be back to get its body wash mate soon.

I cannot even begin to explain the fragrances.  They are masculine and sexy and I love them all.  Favorite is probably Noir.  Hubby said it was his too.  We are a good, clean couple.

Do you think you'll go check these out?  And, how about wearing guy's fragrances or body products?  Yes or no?

Makeup Divas Giveaway on Urban Cowgirl

Gee, more giveaways!  I'm going to have to get a 'giveaway sidebar' there are so many good ones.  Here's a giveaway by The Makeup Divas.  Check it out because it's some makeup from The Urban Cowgirl.  It's some seriously glamorizing cosmetics.

NOTD ~ Finger Paints Add and Abstract

This is the polish I did this morning.  This is Finger Paints 'Add and Abstract.'  I alternate colors and intensities each time I change out my polish.  Last time was a fiery red, this time, a tranquil, deep blue. 

                               Both of these are outside but with an overcast sky.
                                                Not good for Memorial Weekend. :(

                                          I have 2 Seche Clear coats on.

                                        

                               Top one is in sunny window light.  I'm seeing streaks and VNL.
Bottom thumb photo is outside, sunny.  I wanted to catch the shimmer.  This is without a top coat. 

Even though my cuticles are dry, they are looking much more 'normal' than when I was chewing the heck out of them.  Yesterday I did a lot of driving for my work.  I struggled with not biting the hell out of them.  I do with there was a way to carry cuticle oil or butter with me.  But in the Florida heat and a closed car, not a good combination for most cosmetics. :(  I did have some hand lotion and I actually used up the rest of the tube which, has been in my car for some time.  I think that's my best bet is a tube of hand lotion.  Any recommendations?

What is your 'go-to' summer hand and nail product? 

PS...don't forget my giveaway.  It's going to end in approximately 48 hours!

Frazzle and Aniploish Giveaway

My nail buddy, Karen, is having a very generous giveaway.  Karen, at Frazzle and Aniploish; and they don't come any sweeter than her!, has surpassed 100 followers.  And, she's celebrating!  But you don't have to give her a gift, she wants to GIVE a gift!  Go here and check it out!

Emerald Sparkled's Konad Giveaway

I just discovered this nail blog and what a discovery.  It's Deniz from Emerald Sparkled.  She is hosting a super contest and I just had to share (knowing that I'd reduce my odds for winning but, eh, you're my friends!).  Jump over here and see what Konad goodies she's offering.  Oh, and she's looking for the craziest, wackiest nail art too.  Something you wouldn't wear out for others to admire (or see ;) ).

Good luck!

Candy Coated Tips Purple Giveaway

In our lovely world of nails, we like giveaways.  I mean REALLY like giveaways. :)  And the fever has been caught by Candy Coated Tips.  Check out her purple giveaway.  You know I love 'themes.'  Tell her we sent ya over!

NOTD and Toes Too

I made doubly sure that I didn't pick out a sheer this time.  When all other polishes fail, choose RED!  Vampy, steamy HOT RED!

Here are the shades I picked.  A red for the fingers; Sally Hansen's Lacquer Shine in Dazzling.  And the toes got Nina's Pro in Velvet Seas.  No sheers...yeeeaaaa!

Out in brilliant sunlight!  It's casting more of an orange hue here than it is in real life.  It's actually a burgundy red with a shine.  I have on 1 BS, 2 coats of Seche Clear, 2 coats of color, 1 coat of Seche Clear and Seche Vite as the finishing top coat.  Now, ultra shiny.

Back indoors, in a sunny window.  This shows a bit truer but, that orange-y-ness, wha???

Toes, outside, in the evening sun.  This is Nina's Pro Velvet Seas.  A color that looks like dusty green metal in the bottle but polishes to a green that is a smooth velvet.  The bit of shimmer it has is silvery green.  I have on a BC, 1 coat of Seche Clear, 2 color coats and 1 top coat of Seche Clear.  This bottle was on clearance at Sally's Beauty.  I believe it came from a collection that was out last fall or winter.  I know I have a couple of other velvets from that collection.  They are lush.

If you haven't checked out my post just previous to this one, run!  Go look!  It's a giveaway!

Revealing the 50 Followers Giveaway

After alluding to a giveaway, I wanted to give you the specs on mine.  Libby's Pink Vanity is closing in on having 50 followers.  It's quite an honor to know that there are folks out there that want to share their passion of nails and makeup and all that girly stuff with me.  This is so much fun to enter into a community that is sharing and fun and very supportive.  So, with all that in mind, I share with you the celebration of 50 Followers Giveaway!!

I've decide that each giveaway that I do (yes! there will be MORE!) will have a theme.  That makes it a bit more interesting to collect items for a giveaway.  And, since Libby and myself love PINK, that is the theme for this drawing. 

I find it a joy to shop at Bed, Bath & Beyond.  And I picked up these 3 cuties today.  The little makeup bag will hold smaller makeup items, makeup brushes, liners, gloss, etc.  This one is by allegro.  And then there is the Rimmel lip line.  This is from the Exaggerate line and, the color is EastEnd Snob.  The nail polish had to be the cutest pink I could find.  Color Club had a display and this oh, so pink polish was a part of it.  This one is called She's So Glam.

But wait....there's more!!!

There's Indulgent Vanilla Sugar body wash and lotion by Body Image. There's Avon's Magix cashmere finish liquid foundation in Nude.  A little mini pink polish, with no name, from Forever 21.  Milani's dot.com polish.  Milani's 3D Holographic Hi-Res polish.  A Forever 21 love & beauty polish named Olive.  A little pot of natural, homemade tea tree lip balm (I didn't make it myself, purchased from maker at a craft fair)...notice the pink container.  There's an Ulta blush called  Adore.  An Avon My Lip Miracle lipstick named Totally Twig.  And another Avon product, this time mascara.  It's Extreme Volume in Brown/Black.

But it seems I left out a description of one item.  Hmmm...can you see it in the group picture?  Well, let me have Libby present it to you:

She's such a good sport. Yet, oh so prissy. :D  Now, on to the rules. 

1) Be a follower and not just to win the stash.  Leave me a comment on this post with your name and contact email address.  (1 entry)

2) Post the giveaway on your blog and make sure I'm on your blogroll.  Post here with the site address.  (worth another entry)

3) Giveaway is open to anyone in North America and you will need to contact me within 3 days when I email you about winning.  (Please share with me, fellow bloggers, how you are able to ship liquid cosmetics out of the country.  I'm told that they are considered hazardous chemicals and not allowed on planes.  The shipping store said that the items would be confiscated.  Help!)  Hopefully, I'll learn how to get around this for future giveaways.

4) The giveaway drawing will end on Monday, May 31, at 11:00 PM EST. Once the entries are verified, I will contact the winner.

All the items I have shown are brand new.  I may add some other surprises in before the package ships out, just because free surprises are so much FUN!

Thanks, again, for joining me.

Review of OPI's Butterfly Summer Collection

I LOOOOOVE 'Sneak Peaks.'  Whether it is movies, new fashions or new makeup trends, I'm always on the lookout.  So when I got the RSS from All Lacquered Up on her review of the new OPI Summer Collection, I read it TWICE!

You can always expect clear reviews, photo heavy and  comments on dupes with All Lacquered Up Click on the links and transport yourself to review heaven.

My First Blog Award

My cute follower and friend, Steph, who has Imperfectly Painted passed on to me my first blog award!  Whoo Hoo!  And it's soooo cute!

Check out all the 'pinkness!' :)

So, I'm passing on this award to 10 sweet bloggers.

Jeweled thumb
Babbling Brooke
My Simple Little Pleasures
Getcha Nails Did
Parokeets
Susie's Home and Hobbies
Lacquer Laine
Addicted To All Things Pretty
Concrete And Nail Polish
A Day In The Life Of Doll Face

Make a post about the award including the picture and mention the person who gave it to you.

Put the award on your blog.

Let your nominated 10 know you've awarded them by leaving a comment.

Daily Polish and Her ManGlaze Giveaway

Daily Polish Has a ManGlaze Giveaway and it's not to be missed.  If you haven't heard about ManGlaze, this polish has a serious cult following.  I'm looking to get my hands on it (heee heee!).  OK, I know I'm being silly.  But Sara, who runs Daily Polish is even sillier.  She makes me laugh whenever I read her newest posts.  

So, if you don't win, I hope I do, 'cuz I want to be lovin' my ManGlaze!

Oh, and Daily Polish has been running into the same issues I have about getting sheers to show.  Her newest post gives a solution.  Check it out  here.

Precious Princess Libbycakes approves of this post.

40 Followers, Better Get Ready For A Giveaway!!!

Libby is beaming with glee.  She has 40 followers as of today.  And even though she is delighted, it really poops her out.

That's her snoozing with her real-life brother, Sebastian.  Libby often hears her mommy, Kimberly, say that she wishes SHE had the life of a Ragdoll...sigh....

Thanks, dear readers!  Before the week is over I will post some of the giveaway items for reaching 50 followers.  Libby says to make it easy and that it will be more fun that way. :)

A Handful of Forever Lilac

I'm being a geek and too panglossian!!  The NOTD is yet another sheer!!  I'm trying not to be naive, I think I'm just being hopeful.  Well, it is a pretty color, but not giving me the coverage I want.

Today I used Sally Hansen's Diamond Strength 'Forever Lilac.'  This is one of the polishes that I got at CVS during their current 75% off cosmetics promotion.

                                             This picture is next to a sunny window.

                                           Mani and Bottle taken in a sunny window.

This shows the polish at it's most true color.  A lilac color that is actually darker than a lilac flower; this is more pink.  There's a silver shimmer to it.  On the nail, the shimmer really shows off.  

                              This picture is taken outdoors, sunny.  Very true to the color.

A nail on my right hand broke, so I put on extra layers of polish today for re-enforcement.  This mani has one layer of Base-Ics Ultimate Base Coat by Olan Labs, followed with a coat of Seche Clear.  Then 2 layers of the Forever Lilac.  I think I would have gotten a bit more opaque-ness if I would have used one more coat, but I just stopped at 2.  Then I used 2 more coats of Seche Clear, with Seche Vite to finish it all off.  The Seche Vite gave it an even glossier look.

Forever Lilac is a beautiful color, don't get me wrong.  Maybe next time a coat of white or opaque pink first, will keep the VNL at bay and give me a better feeling to the FL look.  This SH says that it is a 'no chip nail color.'  Let's see!

Tell me what you think of this color?  Good idea to put a more opaque color underneath?  Have you ever heard of, or used Base-Ics Ultimate Base Coat?  I get mine at Ulta.

Today's Haul and A Stamped Look

What would a weekend be without going to the Dollar Tree?  I got more than I expected.  One of former classmates works there.  I haven't seen her since last semester.  We didn't want to stop hugging each other.  It's a whole story about why I am not in college right now.  A story for another day...  

But I could NOT get over what I found to purchase!!

These are suppose to be used to help clean up after polishing.  However...I am thinking they will be good for SPONGING!  Of course, it would be much cheaper to use a makeup sponge.  But, don't these look cool?  Stay posted, dear readers, for that update. :)

I had to stop in to Walmart to get some household supplies and, since Sally's Beauty is in that same strip mall, it goes without saying I stopped in.  They usually don't have any new items out until the beginning of each month.  However, there was a new display of Savvy, Femme Coulture. 

                                                                Outside lighting.

                                                  Inside lighting by the sunny window.

The one on the left is 'Glass Slipper.'  It is a very pale blue with iridescent turquoise shimmers.  I'm purchasing way too many of this type of color.  I'll have to do some side by sides.  Good for a future post!  But as many, I'm thinking this is going to go on sheer.

Now, to the right, is Pink Fairy.  The outdoor picture is more true to the pink color.  The indoor picture makes it look too orange.  Another shimmer that shows flashes of reddish purple.  Looks like a sheer polish too.

I think there were at least half a dozen colors in the display.  I limited myself to 2 colors to try out before I get any more.  I need to remember to take along my camera to snag some on the fly pictures.

And, lastly, I did my first Monster Bundle stamping.  Monster Bundle!!  Now I see what all the rage is about!!

21 stamping plates from Monster Bundle.  Get them here from Amazon.  For $18, and 21 plates...well, the Konad plates are going for $12-13 at the mall, for just ONE!  And, my order from Amazon took less than a week to arrive.

As I have read on several nail blogs, the pattern size is on the smaller size.  I have very small nail beds and these didn't cover my thumb or my pointer finger.  See my practice stamping here:

                                             Monster Bundle BM20 in Konad Dark Slate

Sort of a lacey look with the Ring My Shell Professional Manicure SH line.  It got dark outside and I didn't get to do a new mani.  I hope to do that tomorrow.

Have you seen the newest line from Savvy?  What color caught your eye?  And, do you have the Monster Bundle?  Do you like it too?

Konadlicious' Grand Australian Giveaway

It doesn't get any better than Konadlicious.  Just the cutest Aussie!  And, check out how generous this chickie is.

Here's what she has to giveaway:

My Giveaway! YAY!!

I have decided to do a giveaway cause I LOVE giving presents! This giveaway is focused on Australian branded polishes and it includes 13 of them!





6 Metallic BYS colors
Ulta3 Nail Color in Gooseberry
BYS Cracked Polish in Purple
BYS Grey Matte
3 Jay Jay's Nail Polishes in Ablaze, Thrillseeker and Raven
Rimmel I love Lasting Finsh in Funky Diva (yes, I know that one isn't Aussie but I bought it here!)
And a yummy selection of Australian candy! Which I won't purchase until closer to the end of the giveaway as I want YOU guys to tell me what to buy ( and also if it's sitting here I will end up eating it all). But I'll post a pic of it later on so please send in your requests on what chockies or candy you have wanted to taste from Australia.

There is a total of 7 possible entries per person.
Please only comment ONCE with all your entries and links or my poor brain will get too confused.

You must be a follower. Leave me a comment on this post saying you are a follower and please include your email address. (1 entry)

Add me to your blogroll. Please confirm this in your comments with your blog address.(1 entry)

Post about my giveaway on your blog, and leave a comment with a link. (2 Entries)

Tweet about my giveaway and let me know in the comments along with the Twitter link. (2 entries)

Include your Australian candy requests you want to taste. (1 entry)

Everyone can enter as this is an International giveaway.
I will check all links and blogrolls.
Giveaway ends on May 30th and winner will be announced on June the 1st. I will draw a name out of a hat, as I haven't figured out that computer Random thingy.

Yummy And Vegetarian

A quick detour to something very YUMMY!  My friend, Ivy, heads up this blog on vegetarian meals.  She's quite a 'Betty Crocker' too.

Here's a repost of her most recent recipe.  Read it and salivate!

Yummy Lentil Tacos

I enjoy cooking new recipes. I came across this recipe last week and when I saw it was "Lentil Tacos" I wasn't sure if I wanted to make it or not. I've tried Lentils before, but in soups, but as tacos? Nope. I decided to make these today for dinner and I was blown away by the taste! It was DELICIOUS! I would have never thought that lentil tacos could taste this good. This recipe is a keeper! It was very easy to make too. This one is a must try! 

You can find the recipe on the link below: If you try it out, please let us know what you thought of it. Enjoy!

Intense Collection from XXI and Lemon Flutter

One of the projects I work on is to visit retail stores, which, just HAPPEN to be in malls.  Yea, poor me.  Normally, I don't have to work on Saturdays, however, due to car technical difficulties, I wasn't able to make all my visits on Friday.  I finished up today driving around in the hubby's car.

I juuuust so happened to pass by XXI on the way into the mall.  And, here's one of the things I picked up.

Neither picture truly shows the vividness of the colors.  I'm looking forward to trying these out and sharing....soon, I hope.

And because of Lacquerized's post, I had to check out Lemony Flutter from Lush.

This was $15 for the container.  A bit more than I'd pay for a cuticle butter.  But, because Lacquerized ranked it just a point higher than Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme (which it the one I was using), I had to take it up a notch.  I've only tried it once but, will get more test drives, surely.  It performs as good as she says.

I'm justifying it because I have stopped picking and biting my cuticles.  They need a bit more TLC after all the years I had abused them.

Have you tried this one?  Have you ever left Lush without spending over $50? (me neither)  What do you use as a treatment for your cuticles?

Beatz Has A Cute Giveaway Underway

Here's a repost from Beatz.  I just <3 that name!  She's giving away a dotting set.  You KNOW you need these if you are going to do some smashing nail art.  So...I need 'em! :D

Click on the Giveaway title below and it will pop you right over to her blog.  Here's her lowdown:

GIVEAWAY!!!!

I am having a VERY small giveaway to celebrate having 25 subscribers!! Even though I totally have 35 now.... haha (I ordered the prize at 25 subscribers but I gained 10 in transit lol)

I am giving away a dotting set - just like the ones I use!

THE RULES
1) MUST BE a follower or e-mail subscriber (1 entry). Let me know which way you subscribed :)

2) Create a post on your blog, youtube video, or tweet with a link to the giveaway. Then add the link in the comments. (this will earn you an extra entry so this is optional but will only increase your chances of winning)

3) Add me to your blogroll and add the link in the comments (this will earn you an extra entry so this is optional but will only increase your chances of winning)

4) Be 18 years or older OR have parental permission

5) Leave a VALID email address so I can contact you if you win!!

The contest will run from 5/22-5/29 and is open to followers and e-mail subscribers worldwide.
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!

Posted by Beatriz at 12:16 PM

NOTD

This is, so far, the worst two, new to me, polishes I have tried.  If it was just one or the other, I'd be a bit more upbeat about it.  However, these two are downers.

Let me show you.  Here's the two polishes I picked out.

Color Club polish is Wild and Willing.  It will be on my toes.  The Sally Hansen is from the new Salon Manicure collection and this one is called Ring My Shell, it will go on the hands.

This picture is taking on a sunny day.  

                                 Ring My Shell photo taken in my office with no flash.

                                                     Here it is outside on a sunny day.

A big dragonfly that stopped by to see what I was up to.  It's a big one, for sure.  Not one of those 'whispy' little babies.

Toes with indoor lighting, no flash, at top.  Bottom, outside on a sunny day.

So, the hands are almost what I expected.  A sheer polish, but I thought it would become more opaque with a couple more coats.  This one is with a BC, two coats of Seche Clear and then 3 coats of the color.  Visible nail lines and red-stained cuticles.  I'll take the blame on the stains.  Wild and Willing is a shimmery, ultra light lavender that has the tiniest of pink and green glimmers.  If it would have coated as lovely as the color in the bottle, I would be more of a happy camper.  (Come to think of it, I don't like camping, PERIOD!)  I think a black or deep blue stamp, of some sort, might be the winning grace for this polish.  Stay posted.

The toes are a BC, two coats of Seche Clear and two coats of the Color Club.  Wild and Willing is a chunky copper color that has copper glitter.  What I didn't like about this one is that the glitter didn't lay out to the end of the nail.  Something about painting my big toes doesn't seem right.  Maybe there are ridges in the nails that I'm not buffing out.  But the polish is going on gloopy, like painting over already wet polish.  Granted, I can tell that this polish is suspended in a lot of clear, but I had to lay it on rather thick for the second coat to even show up.

And so, I am not bananas about either color or how the mani turned out.  There is one positive about the SH; I love the width of the brush.  It made polishing very easy.

Have you ever did both your hands and toes and thought 'ehh'?  How long would you leave these two colors on before changing them out?

Buckle Up

It is without a doubt, I need to continue to practice nail stamping.  I've had this stuff for over 6 years and I haven't played with it enough to get it to be 'nice.'  More practice!

Maybe knowing that I'm putting myself out there will help me do better.  However, I'm only going to show one nail.  Yep, all the rest are worse.  So you'll only get a glimpse.

                                   Wow...it's even scarier in a close-up.

Well, it was a cute IDEA!  Next time, I won't try to make the buckle like a french tip.  It would be better placed 1/4 of the way down.

I reviewed the SH polish  here. It's from the Lacquer Shine line and called 'Brilliant.'  The Konad plate is m9.  I used Konad white polish.

Off to moisturize those cuticles.  But I'm still bite/chew-free!

More on Maybelline's Moisture Extreme Lip Liner

I know I am NOT the only one who finds more is better with makeup, polish, skincare, etc.  Why else would there be soooo many blogs like this one?

I posted here about getting three Maybelline lip liners at Big Lots this past week.  I loved them so much that I shopped at two different BL to see if there were more colors of this brand.  Maybelline's Moisture Extreme Lip Liner.  I'm in looooveeee!  

Yippee!  I was able to score two more different colors.

                                                Here's Cocoa and Toast.

And here is how it looks over 2 hours later and at least two hand-washings.  Plus, I tried rubbing it off with my index finger to boot.

                                               Light from a sunny window.

                                                Here's a look with outside light.

                               (Eeps!  I notice that even the freckles [that's the story I'm sticking to] show                                   up in macro shots.)

And now, 6 hours later, more hand-washings and cooking up a dinner.  Just in case you have doubt, I do wash the back of my hands!  I'm using hand soap and dish soap.  

I was so impressed with the first three, I had to get more.  I'm sure you understand. :)

Now if I could just find a pink shade, I could throw away all other liners.  But then that wouldn't be much fun, would it?

                                            Libby's fun.  She has permanent 'pinky' lips.

What's it take for you to say 'good-bye' to cosmetics you've used?  Have you had any new cosmetic discoveries yourself?