Tool Tuesday: Hands-Free Blower Dryer Stand

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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?