Milani's Spring Collection: Hot Pink Frenzy High Speed Fast Dry

Milani got in the brightest shades this Spring. Someone said 'make 'em bright this year.' And, so they did...

Milani's High Speed Fast Dry comes in 'Hot Pink Frenzy'. I would have called it 'Bright Idea'. 


This is the prettiest shimmer pink I own...

I have on three coats and have Sally Hansen's Teflon Tuff as a top coat. I love the way Milani's 'Hot Pink Frenzy' wore so well. The edges didn't chip during the two days I wore this shade.


'Hot Pink Frenzy' has such a color impact; I couldn't stop looking at this hottie...

This polish does a bit of a twist on a bright pink; there's a touch of coral to it and a bright, true pink as the shimmer. No streaks at all. And it applied smashingly. If you are into nail art, I think you would love this polish, as well.


Whoever came up with the shades for Milani's Spring collection had a Bright Idea!


It's bright, no? Which shades did you get of Milani's Spring collection?

This product was given to me for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Sample Sunday: Avon's Shine Attract Lipstick

Do you love Avon's mini sample lipsticks? I sure do! Take a look at this one; it's different...

This is Avon's Shine Attract Lipstick in 'Orchid'. Directly from the ordering website, this is what it says about it: 

'Lip color wrapped in a clear gloss. It's the perfect balance of luscious color, hydrating gloss and soft shine in one ingenious package. Glides on smoothly. Infused with vitamin E' 

Let me tell you, right off, I love 'Orchid'. It looks great on me. The lipstick is not sticky or overly slippery. It does feel dewy, and not dry at all.

It's sort of neat to see the lip color suspended inside the gloss ring. And the color payoff, I like it. It's got just the right amount of saturation for my preference...

The only downfall I could think of, since the color is in the center of the stick, when I apply it, that color doesn't get to the edges of my lips. But, I can use my finger and even it out. 'Orchid' plays out quite nice on me.


When I use Shine Attract Lipstick, it will last 3 hours. That is not only a good thing but, I am surprised considering how glossy it is.


You can purchase your own Shine Attract Lipstick at beauty blogger, Alyssa Eckhoff's  Avon site. The price is $9. However, there is always a special going on, so you could score yourself an even better deal.


Also, you can check out Alyssa's blog here.

This sample was provided to me. I have taken the opportunity to review it with my honest opinion.

China Glaze: Ray-Diant From The Prismatic 2012 Collection

China Glaze recently came out with a collection called Prismatic 2012. Here is 'Ray-Diant' from this collection...

Even though there is a strong pull of silver showing in this color, upon a closer look, it does have a green tinge to it.

This is three coats, but only 2 on my thumb...

I have no polish under 'Ray-Diant' so there is visible nail line.

This polish is nothing but jam-packed with glitter...

As I mentioned, the prominent color is a silvery-green. But, there is also a sprinkling of a darker green along with magenta too. It makes for a fun look...

The only downfall is that I am underwhelmed by the Prismatic 2012 collection. In fact, I almost passed on it, entirely. Even though I do feel the colors are fun and pretty, just like with 'Ray-Diant', I don't feel it is something all that unique to me. However, I did get enjoyment out of wearing this one.

I didn't apply a top coat so, the nails did feel slightly gritty. That doesn't bother me unless it starts snagging my clothes. As you may imagine, removal is a chore. Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time for that or, you will feel frustrated. I use Zoya's Remove+ as it is more gentle on my nails and cuticles than regular polish remover.

Share your thoughts with me about the Prismatic 2012 collection. Yay or nay?

Merchandising: How Not To Sell Anything

Even though I am in stores, for work, almost every day, I don't consider myself an expert on retail marketing. I know some stuff and I think I know a little bit more than a regular consumer. I know I know more than some of the folks who actually work in the stores. However, before I became a merchandiser, I didn't know a lot of the things I get to share with you here.

We all have heard that time is money. But also, space is money too. Mass merchandisers (like Walmart, KMart, Target) use several formulas to project their profits. One of those formulas is cost per area. This is the amount of sales they make in a particular aisle, shelf or endcap. They know how much product they need to sell in that one area to meet projected profits.

Here is an example of NOT doing this...

There are 2 completely empty displays. And the far right one is practically empty, as well. Too empty to be taking up profitable shelf space. This is not what a retail store should allow. This is a high-traffic store and this is the new product shelf and every hour this store is open, they are losing out on a huge opportunity to sell=make money. And, this is why companies will hire merchandisers, such as myself, to go into stores and assure that their product is out on the floor and visible.

This display gets a lot of kudos...

This is at Payless Shoes. They have a cosmetic line and their target audience is mid-teens to early twenties. I like that the price is front and center. And the shelf is stocked. Oh, and another plus, I think $5 is a great price for nail sticker polishes.

Companies pay a store extra, and I mean a LOT, to have their product in key/high traffic areas. And the companies expect them to look nice, have a variety of the items easily accessible, and full.

In a nutshell, that's my job description.

Then, I find things like this. Boy, I bet there is someone who is saying 'That isn't how we do things, blah, blah, blah.' Well, as a customer, I thought it was cute. And, this is a young girl's jewelry store. Things are supposed to be light-hearted...

And I saw this which not only gave me a chuckle but, was also putting smiles on everyone else. And, that was his purpose...

These are just a few things about retail merchandising that I have learned along the way. I hope you find it interesting. Let me know and I can share more.

Have a rich and light-hearted day!

Sinful Color's Greek Isles; I'm Ready For An Exotic Vacation

Sinful Colors came out, this Spring, with a collection called Cast Away. I really did like very single shade too. I wasn't expecting to like this one, but I do...

 'Greek Isles' is a light turquoise shade. I put it into the same shade family as a 'Tiffany Blue'. I know it isn't exactly like that, I just use that as a reference.

What a fine creme this is. And, the interesting thing is I don't like those 'Tiffany Blue' shades. Well, I have to back track now, don't I?

 My camera makes me very happy that this photo is very close to what 'Greek Isles' looks like in real life. So, even in the sun it looks great. And, in the shade...

Just sign me up for a relaxing vacation on the Greek Isles. I have already packed my nail polish!

This is three coats and I have a top coat of Sally Hansen's 'Teflon Tuff' Extra Strength Nail Protector. I'll say it again, normally I don't care for this shade. However, this one just clicks.

How do you feel about polishes this shade? Do you love 'em or hate 'em?

Tool Tuesday: Apparel/Body Tape For The Discreet

Today's Tool Tuesday is about how to avoid a wardrobe malfunction. I discovered these tape strips on QVC about 8 years ago. As a modestly-dressed lady, these help me not show off any more than I want to...

I picked up 'Fashion-Fix' apparel/body tape at Sally's Beauty Supply. However, I have found similar strips at Walmart, Target, Ross, Bed, Bath and Beyond, and Steinmart.

What are these tape strips for? Well, I use them for tops that have a low-cut neckline. I also use them to solidly close gaps on a button-down shirt. Pretty much, I use body tape to keep my boobs from view.

Here's what the tape looks like...

Essentially, it is double-sided sticky tape. But, these are super strong and allow one to keep their boobies to themselves! One side of the tape has a paper strip that you remove and apply the stick side to cleavage-showing area. What's neat is that these stick awesomely well on skin as well as clothing. Once you have the strip in place, you peel back the paper strips (there are two, it's sliced down the middle) and press the tape right were you want coverage. 'Fashion-Fix' comes in two different sizes so you can customize your peep-age.

I found this tape at Ross...

Here you can see the slit down the middle of the one side of the tape. Bending that in the middle, once the tape is first placed on your skin or garment, makes it very easy to peel back the paper.

'Problem Solved' body/clothing fashion tape is a bit more difficult to use than 'Fashion-Fix'. The papers that you remove to reveal the sticky tape are heavier and that makes somewhat harder to put the tape in place. And, I also feel I got more for my money with the individual strips.

When I originally saw this on QVC, they demonstrated how it could fix a skirt or pant hem in a pinch. I also liked that they used the tape to hold a scarf around the chest and neck area so it didn't slide down in a helpless heap.

Two of these fashion strips are in my purse makeup kit for emergencies. Safety pins can do the job but, using fashion strips are friendlier to your clothes and just look better.

Do you use fashion/body tape or do you let it all hang out? ;)

Just Beyond Neutral Shadows From Overall Beauty Store

Neutral tone makeup is always safe. But it isn't always exciting. However, I have noticed, in the past couple of years, how neutrals have evolved and are getting a bit of sizzle to them.

To prove my point, here are a couple of mineral eye shadows provided to the Central Florida Beauty Bloggers from Overall Beauty...

First, Kim, the owner of Overall Beauty, makes up the cutest packages. It's enough to make anyone that sits at the vanity squeal in delight.

Part of the package was these two square emery boards. Just perfect for keeping one in the car and the other one my nightstand.

And the mineral shadows...

On the left is 'Blink!' and, on the right is 'Summer Wheat'. I spoke with Kim regarded the colors and how well they work, not only together, but also with almost any combo. She told me that she picked these shades to share with the Beauty Bloggers as they were the most universal shades for all skin types.

Take a closer look at 'Blink'!...

It is peach tone with a bit of depth to it. I like how it looks on my eyelid.

And 'Summer Wheat'...

What a cool smoky brown. I use it for the crease but it works just as well on the lid too.

Some swatches for you to compare...

'Blink!' is on top and I have 'Summer Wheat' underneath. I used a light hand to swatch but both shades can be built up. 'Blink!' is soft and has just a hint of a shimmer. It's a pinky-peach on my skin. And 'Summer Wheat' almost looks like a brown matte. But there is a very subtle shimmer to this one as well. The shades blend easily and with a shadow primer, I was good to go for the day with my neutral look that dared to push the envelope.

I think Kim was right on the money in choosing both of these shades for a universal neutral look. You can order these shadows, check out even more shades and look at all the other beauty items at OverallBeauty.com.

These products were given to me for my honest review. All opinions are mine without promise of compensation.

Sample Sunday: Playing Around With Zoya Spoons

When I get my Zoya order, usually they put these 'spoons' in with it. Spoons are these plastic casts of polish where you can place your finger under the faux nail to see how it would look on you.

Below, you can see a set to the right...

I'm not really impressed with 'spoons'. My personal opinion is that I'd rather the company not spend the money on these. Save the expense.

However, when I get them, I'll stick my finger under a couple then, toss them away.  But, this time I thought I'd just play around with them...

On one side, I swatched Finger Paint's Special FX. On the other side, I matted the nails.

The Special FX was cool, but the matte...well, it fell flat...

I took some random top coat glitter polishes and practiced the 'sammich' look.

I found that these looked the prettiest...

I didn't keep track of which flakie I put on which color. I was totally just playing. However, I wanted to share with you this idea.

Have you done this already? Or, how about next time?