Beauty-Shoes-Nails-Fun: May 2012

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Tip Top Nails and Striping Tape Technique

I received this great duo from Tip Top Nails South Africa and I could not be happier. I have recently found their Facebook page and Love it. They have had several contests giving everyone an opportunity to win some of their goodies and most importantly, they are constantly posting top tips about nail care and techniques. Be sure to check them out. Their staff is super friendly to all of their Facebook fans and always answer your questions and concerns!

Tip top nail polishes are 4-free polishes, long wearing and chip resistant, I thought of it to be too watery at first, but then applied it and it is perfect. The size of the brush is perfect and its tip is shaped more like a square than the usual wide-end triangular shape other brushes have. I didnt mind this at all. Worked like a charm. They have a wonderful array of colors look at the Iced Almond below: 2 coats! has a pearly finish super elegant I had a brainstorm of ideas for bridal and other fun manicures.

Speaking of fun: Here's my first attempt inspired by Tip Top Nails as this technique has been featured on their page for a few days and they are currently having a candy-cane nail art contest.

First be sure to apply a good base coat. I am using Tip Top Nail Build, then apply the underlying color, I am using Tip Top Iced Almond. Now, the fun part... apply the stripping tape in whatever direction you want. Be creative!!

And cover you nails and the stripping tape with a second color. I am using the gorgeous "Sitting Pretty" from Tip Top! once dried, carefully remove the tape and ...

voila!!

I received this product in exchange for my 100% honest opinion. Regardless I only recommend products or services that I have personally tried and believe to be good for my readers.

The New Black: The Runway Collection

I received the Runway Collection from The New Black. It is an 8-piece collection (AWESOME) of must have colors for this season. The possibilities are endless, let your imagination flow and use straight or mix and match. All colors glide on your nail and are chip resistant. ALL colors with the exception of one needed only one coat. The size of the brush is a little small, however, they are small bottles, but it opens up nicely when gliding thorough your nails.

First up : I absolutely loved this color.. you can do almost anything, very neutral, rock it to work!! and earthy for awesome designs.

I have to say this Royal blue is my favorite!!! Blue is my favorite color but could never see it on my nails, I almost dont want to do too many designs with this one.. I dont want to finish it! I want it to last forever.

This is a purple-ish blueish required two coats, super cute with a frosty finish.

This green also a frosty finish required, surprisingly, only one coat. Adorable!

(sighs) I couldnt believe my nails transforming right before my eyes into this beautiful creamy bright orange.

This is more of a orangy-red not a bloody-red. Another gorgeous transformation. Perfect for a gradient.

This was another of my favorites, I took about 20 pictures and no picture gives it justice. It sooo cute in person with a shimmery finish and a pearly pinkish red.

Am terrified of yellows. I always think that my nails will turn the same color, but it it amazingly beautiful. Also has a shimmery finish. (am not so scared anymore-that's how much I liked it)

You can do ANYTHING with this collection!! Again, it has every must-have color of the season

You can get it at Sephora and it retails for $32.00

endless possibilities

For more of the amazing New Black

Subscribe to their YouTube Channel

Like them on Facebook and Pinterest

I received this product in exchange for my 100% honest opinion. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I have personally tried and liked.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Dry Divas: Stylish Shower Caps: A must have!

I have long (some say super long) curly hair that does not need to be washed everyday and when I straighten it, I need it to last for at least a week. My former shower cap is just one step above a disposable. It is hello kitty themed but only lasts a couple of months before I need to replace it. I also like hot showers and plastic shower caps let the steam in and my hair gets frizzy like a hissing cat!! I have had the marvelous opportunity to review one of these stylish shower caps from Dry Divas and what a great product.

Customer service is outstanding, and customer care get an A++++ and 5++++stars whichever rating system you use. Look at the awesome packaging.

It comes in fun patterns. You can also customize the ribbon colors and the embellishments vary. Now, that's attention to detail!! and comes in the most adorable packaging I have ever seen!! I almost did not want to open it. It came wrapped in a beautiful hot pink toolle with a bow matching my cap and a perfect embellishment.

I use it to keep my hair dry when I shower, to keep hair off my face while giving myself a pampering facial, applying make up or simply keep my updo UP! before I head out!! It does not smash my hair either.

The material is soft and breathable on the inside while the outside keeps, water and humidity AWAY! no more frizz when taking off your shower cap. ANNNND! it looks diva-worthy. I don't mind to be seen in a shower cap anymore around the house because it is sooo cute!! my family thought I was wearing a cute hat! in fact, that's what they said "what a cute hat" until I said it's my shower cap!

Check out the full collections here:
The Paisley Collection
The Designer Collection
and the Floral Collection

They shower caps run for $24 to $26 depending on size - TOTALLY WORTH THE MONEY

Sizes are as follows:

Choose Bouffant if you have medium to long hair or extensions.

Choose Classic for short to medium length hair.
Choose Little Divas for kids ages 5-10.

This is another A++++++ recommendation. Unique product, style and design. it does both, it looks good and does good!! another product I love because it does just what it says it will!

"I am so happy to be able to provide a shower cap that is made in the USA and adds a splash of sunshine and style to your everyday beauty routine to bring out the diva in you - Colleen Bellitti"

This product was provided in exchange for my 100% honest opinion. Regardless, I only recommend products that I have personally tried and liked and believe it to be good for my readers.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Dazzle Dry: Super Quick Dry Nail System

I was given the opportunity to review the Dazzle Dry Quick Dry Nail System which comes with a nail prep, base coat and super fast drying top coat. Their lacquer formula contains NO nitrocellulose, camphor, formaldehyde, toluene and phthalate. The instructions were very easy to follow: (1) prepare your nails by cleaning them with the nail prep; (2) Apply base coat; (3) apply 1-2 coats of color lacquer & 1 coat of top coat. (Here's comes my favorite part...I'll explain further) (4) air dries completely in 5 minutes

The nail prep doesnt look or smell like anything.., it just cleanses your nails. The base coat has a matte finish and a soft alcohol-like scent not a strong "polish" smell

For number 3, I applied two coats of the Calypso Romance. and to be honest did not like it at first but then applied it and now I dont want to take it off!!! I absolutely love it!!!!!!!!! I feel like a princess. A KEEPER!!!!!!!!!!! ANNNND! I get compliments everywhere I put my hands down!

About the drying time, I said it was my favorite part because I usually shake my hands from side to side so that my nails dry quicker. Well, for purposes of this review, I stayed still and started a stopwatch from the time I finished applying top coat to my thumb. Finished the rest of my nails and stayed still until COMPLETELY dried and then STOPPED the timer. and LOOK!!!!!!!!!!!! 3:30:84. UNDER 5 MINUTES! (these were MY results. Your results may vary*)

I am definitely satisfied with the brand and the system and HIGHLY recommend it!!!

To learn more and see all of their non-yellowing super fast drying colors go to Dazzledry.com and be sure to like them on Facebook

I received this product for free in exchange for my 100% honest opinion. Regardless, I only recommend products that I have tried and liked and believe them to be good for my readers.

Rainbow Honey Equestria Collection Contest WINNERS

Thank you ALL for the overwhelming support. I was the runner up for some time but ended up in second place... all the entries were amazingly adorable!!!

In 2nd place with a total of 171 votes: Beauty Shoes Nails & Fun!

I won the 7ml Equestria Collection!

for the list of all winners go to:

http://rainbowhoney.blogspot.com/2012/05/equestria-nail-art-contest-winners.html

As an extra thank you, all participants will receive a $5 Gift Certificate towards current or future orders! I'll be in contact with all participants later today! And thanks again to all of you!

And as a token of MY gratitude not knowing that I would actually win I set up this giveaway.. so MAKE SURE YOU ENTER!!!

THANK YOU!!!

http://beautyshoesnailsfun.blogspot.com/2012/05/follower-appreciation-giveaway.html

Saturday, May 26, 2012

eylure Naturalites Lashes

eylure 080

eylure is the UK's #1 false lashes brand and it finally premiered in the U.S. and I feel so lucky to have have received three sets for review. I must warn you. This was my first time attempting this fabulous trend.

This is eylure 080, a very natural super full lash look.

I went from this

bare/naked eye

eylure 080

To this with only these lashes and an eyeliner

It turned out to be very easy to put on, I was worried if I failed I'd have no chance and wouldnt be able to try again. The good news is that they are reusable, just pull them off (I did it carefully) and put them back on the case. The glue is super easy to apply then just place the lashes right above your own lash line. If this seems complex, dont worry eylure also has pre-glued lashes for your convenience.

Put them AFTER all your make up is done. It is also recommended that you curl your real lashes before applying these as fake lashes are curled and if you have your natural ones pointing in a different direction, your eyes will look weird. I didnt do that becuase my own lashes are pretty curly.

eylure 120

Next up is my second favorite, the eylure 120 Evening Wear, check me out!!! I felt like Betty Boop!! super sexy lashes.

bit of make up my natural lashes

eylure 120

Imagine these looked great with a smokey eye look!! super flirty, just cool!!!

eylure 116

The eylure 116 were my favorites for the simple reason that my boyfriend didnt notice them (I know what you're thinking-men dont notice these things) he happens to be very observant and just thought I had a new mascara... I love the natural look for every day affairs and these were cool enough for the trend and natural looking enough for everyday. My eyes were smiling like Tyra Bank's =) FAVS!!!

I'd love to try the eylure party perfect for night out and the double lash for an intense-Katy Perry look =)

You can get them at Ulta stores, Ulta.com, Fred Meyer and Meijer stores across the country for $5.99 and the party perfect for $6.99.

Also be sure to like them on Facebook

Again, this was my very first time and promise it will get better with practice ;) I think I did ok!! =)

I received these for free in exchange for my 100% honest opinion. Regardless I only recommend products that I have tried and believe to be good for my readers.

Brightening Facial Scrub from Acure Organics

I received this product for review from Acure Organics. Acure Organics is a family owned and operated company founded on sustainable principles to provide the highest quality, fair trade, natural and certified organic personal care products with a WONDERFUL cause.

I founded Acure Organics as a way to honor my grandmother, who battled breast cancer for over 10 years. I wanted to help raise money for breast cancer research and awareness while also providing healthy products that promote healthier living and a greener planet. We are proud to donate to Bright Pink and to help provide free mammograms to at risk women. —Kristy Guerra

Earlier this week I read from Marissa of Youhadmeatmakeup.com that when you don't wash your face to clean all the make up off your face your skin ages 13 days!!!!!!!!!!! 13 DAYS!! that over two weeks older by not washing your face ONE night. I couldnt let that happen to me any more, I needed to take a step and took the Acure Brightening Facial Scrub comes in an easy to pour squeeze bottle that gives you just the right amount with a soft squeeze. Has tiny beads that help exfoliate your skin while French Green Clay and Organic Lemon Peel remove impurities from your pores. It also has Chlorella Growth Factor and Raspberry that help stimulate growth while deep cleaning and brightening your face. I have been using the product for almost two weeks applying a dime-size amount onto my face, neck and (recently) chest. I noticed the difference from the first application. Am not a morning person, so whatever time I get up I always look like I had a rough night. This scrub really brightens and wakes me up. The tiny beads are gentle unlike a body scrub that needs to be tougher, it is gentle and effective. It has a herbal (not strong) very pleasant and relaxing scent and washes off very easy.

I love their slogan "Acure for your skin. Acure for the Planet. Acure for a Cure" Acure donates 5% to Bright Pink.

To learn more and to purchase go to www.acureorganics.com
You can also find them on Facebook

I received this product for free in exchange for my 100% honest opinion. Regardless, I only recommend products that I like and believe that are good for my readers

Certain Dri-72 hour protection

I love the outdoors, dancing, working out, walking (not running), enjoying a day on the beach (not necessarily the water), there are days I feel sexy and love my tight fitted clothes, eating out and love foods high in garlic and onion (don't judge me) but ALL of the above are activities and foods that increase perspiration and even smells and not very pleasant smells.
I was given the opportunity to review Certain Dri the strongest available formula without a prescription and the #1 over-the-counter antiperspirant recommended by doctors for controlling excessive underarm sweat so I tried it hesitant of course as it claimed that I would not need to re-apply for 72 hours!!! too good to be true??

I followed the instructions and applied it after my evening shower (**sighs** I love my evening shower) as to allow it to penetrate into the pores overnight. I am sooo used to applying deodorant that for the first few days I kept re-applying (I seriously carry a travel size deodorant in my purse). I finally noticed that I kept re-applying all for being accustomed not because I needed it. So I took the 72 hour challenge and was willing to abide by it. and Yeap!!! it worked... it looks just like a regular antiperspirant and has a fresh powdery pleasant scent, not strong powder nor smells like medication.

I can raise my arms with confidence and wear my pretty silky blouses without the underarm wet look (yuck).

Where to buy? mass market retailers, supermarkets and drug stores nationwide, as well as online at www.certaindri.com.

How much does it go for?? $5.50 to $5.99 (typically 40% less than "clinical strength " antiperspirants*)

Learn more at www.CertainDri.com and join their sweat-free community at www.facebook.com/certaindri for offers and giveaways.

I received this product for free in exchange for my 100% honest opinion. Regardless, I only recommend products that I like and believe that are good for my readers

Enter here for a chance to win Certain Dri YOUR choice of solid or roll-on.

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* information provided by Cetain Dri

Thursday, May 24, 2012

5000 fans giveaway by Beauty Marks the Spot

Fan's Giveaway! by Beauty Marks The Spot

I have teamed up with yet another successful blogger and she's celebrating BIG go!! ENTER NOW!!!!!

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Follower Appreciation GIVEAWAY

I love to have a place to go and show off my shoes, nails, shoes (oh I mentioned it?) and all applied beauty tips I've learned through time. If you're anything like that YOU LOVE TO DINE OUT. Here in appreciation of your continued support, I am giving away a $25 Restaurant.com Gift Certificate. Through Restaurant.com you can select the restaurant of YOUR choice Nationwide.

Good Luck! and thanks a mill!! for being around.
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**There are no business sponsoring this giveaway! I am a member and user of Restaurant.com and have purchased the certificate being given away**

*Restaurant.com has rules and regulations that may apply to your choice of restaurant and I have no control over this.**

The New Black:Haze

I received this wonderful The New Black Haze set. What a wonderful idea to make ombre sets. Such an awesome trend and yet so difficult to achieve as not everyone has all the shades, I have had to combine collections with a friend so that we can get "in" on the trend

The colors are simply gorgeous, and blend so well together. They are creamy with a high gloss and fast drying (which I love) look at the picture below: ONE coat and NO top coat. I decided to take the picture outside as I was headed to work as opposed to a "posed" edited picture. I think it gives you a better idea of how every-day life resistant these polishes are.

One Coat - No Top Coat

The next day LOOK!!!!!!!!!! I just added the polka dots still NO top coat.

My favorite color is on my pinkie super sophisticated for an elegant event. I love it!! I have so many ideas, I can't wait to marble these colors.

This set can be purchased at Sephora and it retails for $22.00.

Be sure to check out all other ombre sets.

Subscribe to their YouTube Channel YouTube

Like them on Facebook and Pinterest

The New Black really is the new black. <3

I received this product for free in exchange for my 100% honest opinion. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I like and believe to be good for my readers.

Flat Iron Experts

I have super curly, frizzy, long hair and if you're anything like me you know you like to save ($$) as much as you can, getting your hair done or under control costs money sometimes it felt like a weekly rent so I decided to take the DIY (Do It Yourself) approach and learned to do my own hair. In order to do this, I need the best tools in the market that can pay for themselves in only a few uses.

I have had the privilege of reviewing the above Avanti Flat Iron from Flat Iron Experts together with an iron holder and KQC Thermal Shine Spray, rated #1 heat protectant not only because it does the job but also leaves your hair shiny, smells great, is not oily and it does not weight your hair down. ALWAYS USE THERMAL PROTECTION, it creates a shield between your hair and the heat of a blow dryer, flat iron or curler to avoid frying your hair, literally.

About the Avanti Flat Iron, it is very light weight, very sleek and great ergonomics making it very easy to maneuver however long it takes you to do your hair. Has a minimum temperature of 280 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum temperature of 480 degrees Fahrenheit. I used it at 320, as I was looking for a more voluminized look. Look at the pictures below, as to the picture on the right, please note that I brushed the right side before I remembered to take a picture of the "before" see the curls on the left are more defined.

The "after" picture is the results of a great flat iron at work for 45 minutes. 45 MINUTES!!! record time! I twisted the flat iron upwards for the curly ends.

I definitely recommend Flat Iron Experts. They are experts indeed.

I received these products for free in exchange for my 100% honest opinion. Regardless, I only recommend products that I like and believe that are good for my readers.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Fog Free Shaving Mirror

I received the Fog Free Shaving Mirror from The Shave Well Company for review, I gave it to my boyfriend to try and this is what he had to say:

"My girlfriend got the Fog Free Shower Shave Mirror to review it and, I was assigned with the mission to test it and provide my personal opinion of the mirror. I should start by saying that I didn’t used to shave in the shower, but thanks to this review I started doing so, and so far I got to say I like it. It is really a softer, more comfortable and closer shave. Another plus is that I have really sensitive skin in my neck and I have to deal with irritation when shaving regularly, but shaving in the shower really has helped a lot with that.

All that you need to have a good shave in the shower is a good razor and a good mirror and here is where the Fog Free Shower Shave mirror comes to play.
First thing you have to do once you get the mirror out of the box is to install the plastic hook that comes with it. There are clear and easy to follow instructions of how to do it in 3 simple steps and I followed them. I installed the hook and the mirror at a location in the shower I thought was the best for it. The only thing is that my girlfriend didn’t think it was the best place for it off course and she relocated the hook after that, twice. Well, I was afraid the glue was not going to hold the mirror as it did the first time but surprisingly it did. Anyway I would recommend consulting with your girlfriend, wife or significant other, if any, about whether or not she agrees
with the location you are thinking to place the hook is the best, so that way you don’t have to relocate it, because even though it worked for me after relocating it, I am pretty sure it was not meant to be used like that.
Now after installing the hook you are basically ready to start using it. Now, the manufacturer’s website claims that it is fog free. I followed the directions that came with it about holding the mirror under the shower for 3 seconds and it actually worked as it was supposed to.
The mirror is 6” height and 4” wide, and my first impression when I saw it was that it was too small but after using it I got to say that it is small enough to hold it comfortable with one hand and shave with the razor in the other hand, and big enough to have a full reflection of the entire face.
Its design is simple and functional. It has rounded corners and it is made of some sort of plastic which makes it really safe to have inside a humid environment with soapy hands and so far has helped me to have really comfortable and faster shaves with less irritated sensitive skin.

It works as promised and I would definitely recommend it."

LOL! he's awesome!!! what he didn't realize is that he's over 6 ft tall and am just 5'5 so we had to find an in-between point to hang it. I sooo need one at my height!!! The mirror is also great for ME! when exfoliating, I can now make sure all make up (mascara especially) is off my face and I don't look like a raccoon when I leave the shower. I simply love it and what I LOVE THE MOST is that his mess after shaving is no longer on my sink YAAY!!!

I received this product for free in exchange for my honest opinion. Regardless, I only recommend products that I like and believe to be good to my readers.

ANYWHO!!

HERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY TO WIN YOUR VERY OWN AND JUST ON TIME FOR FATHER'S DAY. ALSO, EVERY ENTRANT WILL RECEIVE A SURPRISE FROM THE SHAVE WELL COMPANY !!!

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To learn more visit www.shavewellcompany.com
Like the on Facebook facebook.com/ShaveWell
Follow them Twitter @shavewell
Check out their Blog shavewell.wordpress.com