Sunday Funday - Fall Nail Colors

Hey There!

I have to work a little bit at getting into Fall. I'm a Summer girl so when I see cold weather heading my way, I just want to hibernate. If it hits 66˚ in the morning, I feel like I need to pull out my parka and gloves! One of the saving graces is that Fall is so colorful. You just have to be happy with the warm, rich colors that Fall produces. The tops get longer sleeved and the colors get a muted, vivid tone. Jewel toned is what they say. Let me tell you, momma looks good in jewel toned colors.

Since we all know that I pretty much wear the exact same mauvey pink or brown hued lipstick/glosses, I have to branch out with color in clothing, eyeshadow (when I can get away with it) and nail polish. I love the fact that nail polish can really be transforming for a shy person (I didn't say that I was shy -- simmer down). You can paint your finger nails (or toe nails) in really "out there" colors and most people won't bat an eyelash. I find that the quietest people have so much fun with their nails.

I decided that for the month of October I'd pull out some of my Fall colors and show them off. I got as far as pumpkin colors, chocolate colors and cranberry colors. Then I got tired because I have A LOT of nail polish to go through. But I digress.  I pulled out Fall nail colors and decided to jump in a big pile of multicolor leaves (not really cause I have bad allergies and I can't be doin' stuff like that!) and show you what I currently have.

I started with pumpkin or orange colors. For some cray-cray reason,  I have a monkey load of orange nail polishes. These 9 are simply the oranges that looked the most pumpkinish to me. There were ten that I disqualified. TEN!!! Who needs nearly 20 orange nail polishes? I guess me. For some reason, orange polish looks good against my skin. Go figure.

Anywhosie, I have 2 creamy colors that I like to pull out...in the Fall. Yeah, yeah, I know. But, they are pumpkin colors! Revlon's Charismatic and SinfulShine's Mardi Gras are both very pretty colors that once my tan has gone away, I can get away with. Because they are cream colors, they are cool and shiny. The Revlon color is almost sheer but the SinfulShine color is totally opaque. Both colors are muted and soft and help me slip into cooler weather.

I've mentioned before that Kleencolor is a line that is totally overlooked. If you don't troll your local beauty supply stores like I do, you missed this brand and it's a shame. The formula is pretty dag-gone good and the color selection is crazy. They always have a new collection coming out. Anyway, I decided to temper my Kleencolor Sweet Orange (I love that name) with a more popular Rimmel London 60 Seconds in Golden Hour. These are lovely, perfect fall colors. The Kleencolor is an almost metallic orange and Rimmel is almost shimmery. Both are very opaque and give off great color. And, you can begin the Fall with them because even if you still have your summer tan, these colors are Fall rockable.

I often run away from textured nail polish but both SinfulColors and Zoya fooled me. I thought both of these colors were just glittery. Nope, they are textured BUT they are beautifully textured. SinfulColors in Orange Crush and Zoya in Dhara are party nails at their finest! If you are new round these parts (Welcome! Pull up a chair, pour some coffee [or wine, we don't judge] and enjoy), my ring finger is my party finger. I will decorate that finger, add sparkly, glittery, rock-filled polish colors on that nail. If I really like my party nail color, it sometimes get's promoted to all the nails. Orange Crush and Dhara are both party nail colors that I don't think will get promoted. They are pretty though. They scream Fall, don't you think?

My last three shimmers are heavy in Fall rotation people. They are so Fallish that they should stay on my desk in preparation for being worn. Wet n Wild's Luck a l'Orange, Maybelline Color Show's Orange Extreme and Revlon's Electrified Web are all such pretty colors. They really can be worn anytime of the year (as all nail polishes can) but they look so good when the weather is crisp, you have a warm pumpkin/mocha/white chocolate latte in your hand with the sleeve of your warm sweater just touching the cup. Ahhhh, one of the only good things about Winter -- cute sweaters. Back to the program. These are colors are delicious and should get worn often this season. Prepare to see them a lot.

Like I said in the beginning, orange polish just looks good on my little fingers. If you are like me and you have to be lulled or conned into welcoming the cooler weather, you need to go and pickup some Fall nail polish colors. Every brand of nail polish known to man puts out a Fall nail line. Once of those brands will have a collection that works for you. They will help you fall into that big pile of colorful leaves that is Fall.

Or go get a pumpkin latte and some new boots. That's going to help too.

Spring Favorites

Hey there!

I thought I'd change it up and drop a fun faves post. I originally thought I'd do the sundress weather tag but I didn't really feel like it said anything about me in relation to makeup. I decided to just pull random spring questions from the web. While I like Spring, my favorite time of the year is Summer because it's hot. I live in Atlanta and normally Spring time means that the hot weather is coming soon. Of course this year it's been cooler than normal. Just 3 days ago I had on a coat. A coat people, on April 14 -- in Atlanta.

BTW, I keep saying hot weather because I'm not talking about comfortably warm weather that requires a light sweater in the morning. I'm talking hot weather. You wake up a tad bit sweaty cause the 2 fans on you didn't do the trick overnight and your ac bill triples but you don't care. And, you keep 2 full ice tray's in the freezer at all times because you are going to need an iced drink the second you get out of bed. I like that kind of hot. I really do.

Any who, Spring has sprung -- even if the weather doesn't say so. That means that Summer is around the corner.  So, let's talk about the things I like about spring.

Favorite Spring Candle Scent?

I have been loving my Target Sweet Spun Sugar scented soy candle. It fills the rooms with sweet, cotton candy scented goodness. I know that everyone rants and raves about the Bath & Body Works candles but really, this one is nothing to sneeze at. In my opinion, it's just as good but half the price.

Runner up? Yes, it's a Bath & Body Works scented candle. It's the one in Pink Bubblegum. I buy 3 for $10 mini's and it makes me feel better. But this one, I'd pay full price for a large one. So yummy smelling!

Favorite Spring Bubble Bath?

There are three that I've been loving. I picked up this Philosophy Strawberry Italian Soda bubble bath from Marshalls for $10. It smells like strawberry soda. I mean you can smell the bubbles. Yes, that sounds like crazy talk but you can, you really can.

Bath & Body Works Signature line has some of my favorites. I always have to wait for the special sales when these come out. My favorite of all time is the Signature Vanillas Shower Gel in Lemon. OMG. It is amazing. I'm using this one sparingly because I'm down to my last bottle. Next time it goes on sale you must grab one. You'll love it.

Another Bath & Body Works fave is Orange Ginger in the Aromatherapy line. It's a nice smelling body wash that I only use during the day. I just feel like this one wakes me up and leaves me feeling refreshed and ready for the day.

Top Row: Sally Hansen Hard as Nails in Poppy, Rimmel 60 Seconds in Golden Hour & Pulsating, Rimmel Sweetie Crush in Candyfloss Cutie & Violet Swizzle
Bottom Row: Sally Hansen Insta-Dry in Pumped Up Pink, Wet n Wild Megalast in Bite The Bullet & Revlon polishes in Strawberry Electric Spidey Sense & Charismatic

Favorite Spring Nail Polish Colors?

Yes, I know that pulling out 10 is probably over kill but I keep my finger nails and toe nails painted and that takes a lot of polish. Many of these are new (Rimmel 60 seconds in Golden Hour and Pulsating, Rimmel Sweetie Crush in Candyfloss Cutie and Violet Swizzle, Sally Hansen Insta-Dry in Pumped Up Pink, Wet n Wild Megalast in Bite The Bullet and Revlon polishes in Spidey Sense and Charismatic) but I have my old standbys (Sally Hansen Hard as Nails in Poppy and Revlon in Strawberry Electric). If I have to pick a favorite, favorite, it would be the Revlon nails in Strawberry Electric. I probably need to get a backup cause I would be so sad is this one ran out.

Favorite Spring Lip gloss?

You know how I love lip gloss. I have a lot. No, I don't know how many. I can't count that high. But, my favorite 3 are the Lancôme Gloss in Love in Cinema Cinnamon, Revlon Colorburst in Peony and Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Pinkissimo. These colors are light and beautiful on their own and when you add a liner with them or apply them over a light lipstick you get a BAM! for your lips. They are in my Spring rotation and I'm sure that I'll keep them in the Summer.

Spring Trend I'm Loving

Party accent nails are awesome! They let me get away with fun colors while wearing neutral colors on the other 8. I was like the whole nude lip thing but I think that was winter, not spring. I'm not 100% sure what else is happening but I'm on board with the party nail.

 

These are silver earrings. The lighting isn't the best!

Favorite Spring scarf or accessory?

Earrings. LOL. I know that sounds weird but I love earrings and my favorite type of earrings are hoops. How much do I love hoops? I own about 22 pairs of hoops right now. My favorites are these three. The large ones are fun and funky, the smallest pair are classic and the smooth pair are just awesome. I wear each of these at least once a week.

And there you have it! Those are my Spring Favorites. What are you liking this spring? What things are you avoiding like the plague? What Spring Faves are you willing to spend a lot on and what trend wouldn't  you purchase with a money making coupon?

It's A Haul Y'all!

I've been shopping!! I know, what's new? I had some drugstore cash and some really good coupons. I decided I needed to add to my makeup collection. It was getting low.

LOL! That was funny. Anyway, I needed to run into Target, Rite Aid and Wal-Mart and while I was there, well, I picked up one or two things.

At Target I picked up another eos lip balm in pomegranate raspberry. I have the watermelon wonderland one and in order to make a good assessment, I felt I needed two. Now that I have two, an EOS review is coming soon! I also picked up a Boots No. 7 Natural Blush Tint Powder in Spice. I hope that it's as good as my Sonia Kashuk blush in spice. At the full $9.99 price I never even looked at it but for $2.98, I'll try it out.

Because I had coupons I picked up some Rimmel London products. I got 60 seconds nail polish in Golden Hour, and Stay Glossy Last & Shine Lipgloss in All Night Long and Fuchsia Fever. The nail polish looks so pretty. I can't wait to paint my tootsies with it and I've already tested those lip glosses. Spoiler alert - they are delightful!!

I've been planning some face primer testing. So, I used my free Rite Aid money in conjunction with a NYC Buy One, Get One Free promotion to get the NYC Smooth Skin Perfecting Primer in clear. My free item was NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny. I figured if everyone else had it, I should have it too. I also purchased the NYC Show Time Volumizing Mascara cause, well, you know what March is! As my free item, I picked up NYC In a New York Minute Sparkle Top Coat in Big City Dazzle because it looked so pretty in the bottle. I can't resist a pretty nail polish. That's why my collection is so...well, never mind. We don't have the kind of time today.

I also purchased an Almay One Coat Get Up & Grow mascara. I've heard good things about this and because it was 40% off and I had $1.00 off coupon, I thought this would be a good time to try it.

I only purchased one thing at Wal-Mart. I needed (wanted) some eyeshadow brushes so I thought I'd give the Soho 6 Piece Color Expression Eye Set a chance. I've been touching the bristles since I got home. They feel pretty soft. I feel pretty good about them!

And then I came home. I figured I had sent enough money and I had a lot of toys to play with now!

But we all know tomorrow is another day!

TAG: What’s My Face Worth

I was reading through my beauty blogs and came across the "What's My Face Worth?" tag. I have to admit, I got a little scared. I don't feel that I wear a lot of makeup or that I spend a lot on it (well, never mind) but I as I saw from others, the cost can add up. I thought it would be interesting to see how much I spend on my everyday face products. It's probably scary!

So, I made a list of what I wore Tuesday morning and priced it out for you. The prices listed are the normal prices at the stores that I purchased them from. It doesn't include coupons or sales or samples and y'all know I like those!

  

Who can start their beautification process without concealer? Not me, that's for sure. I begin everyday with it. Right now I'm using Bare Minerals Concealer in Tan2 ($20). I then pull out my NYX Eye Shadow Base, skintone ($6). I just began using BB cream in the past 30 days but think I'm gonna love it! I am using the Lancôme BB Cream in 6 caramel right now ($45). I don't feel comfortable with just bb cream alone so I do a quick sweep of Bare Minerals Original Foundation ($27).

  

Then I take a sip of coffee or two or I may pick out a pair of earrings and I put on some Maybelline Baby Lips in Grapevine ($3.49) to moisturize my lips and get them ready for lipstick.

  

Just this December I discovered Revlon Photoready Bronzed & Chic bronzer ($7.99) and fell in love. It's the perfect bronze for my skin. I'm currently using my Sonia Kashuk Beauty Blush in 52 Spice ($9.79) This too was a surprise find. Sometimes taking chances works out.

  

I've been testing Milani Brow Fix in 02 ($6.99) and like it. The brow powder is a bit redder than I like but I can blend it and make it work. The highlighter that it's paired with is a great color. It's just enough sparkle and a good color for the brow bone. To complement my fabulous brows (well, I think so) I've been using the Wet n Wild eye trios ($2.99). My faves right now are Knock on Wood and Walking on Eggshells. I also add a swipe of Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeshadow Stick ($3.97) and some Almay Intense i-color Purple Amethyst Eyeliner ($4.99).

  

I've been trying the trick I saw on YouTube to keep my eyeliner in place. When I add my Bare Minerals Well Rested ($18) under my eyes I make sure that I get it close to eyeliner. It's supposed to help minimize oils under your eye. Works so far. I add some Jordana Best Lash mascara ($3.99) on my lashes, fill in my lips with a Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Pencil ($6.29) and add a touch of Revlon Pinkisimo ($7) gloss over that and whaa-la! Perfection.

Well, close, you know.

And the total cost for perfection? $173.49

Not bad considering the many of the products last at least 6 months. Some items last as long as a year so doing some quick math, we're talking about $.63/day.

Now THAT's not bad!

Valentine's Day Chocolate

My first thought was to post about red lipsticks. I thought I'd do a post about 7 red lipsticks and tell you what I thought of them.    

But then I remembered. I don't like red lipsticks. I like fuchsia and I can work a reddy brown but I'm not really partial to red. I'm a brown or nude kinda girl. I can go for a warm brown shadow or cocoa colored lip maybe even a chocolaty bronzer on my cheeks. 

Not red. Not really. 

But chocolate...hey wait minute!!

You probably don't know this but I loooove chocolate. I love hot chocolate, milk chocolate brownies, even white chocolate candy. So, it's understandable that I'd wear it on my face. 

Of course!

So these are some of my favorite "chocolates".

My face has fallen in love with the Revlon Photoready Bronzer in 100 Bronzed & Chic. A natural look on my skin. So pretty. My eyes are very simple. They like the Wet n Wild Coloricon trios Knock on Wood & Walking on Eggshells. Warm chocolate with a touch of pink, some deep plum and a swipe of white chocolate. I sometimes mix it up with CoverGirl Eye Enhancers single in swiss chocolate, Maybelline Expert Wear single in cinnamon spice or L'Oreal Wear Infinite Studio Secrets single in Gilded Bronze. My eyes love NYX retractable eyeliner in brown and Rimmel Scandaleyes Eye shadow stick in Bad Girl Bronze. They glide like butter (a component in cooking some of the best chocolate treats!).

Lips, you know, are the part of the body that chocolate touches first. I have my favorite candy liners by Jordana and Rimmel Exaggerate lip liners. I also like my Kate by Rimmel (Rosetto) and Milani (Candied Toffees) lipsticks. Now I know that I said I don't do red but this L.A. Colors Luscious Wine is an exception. It's a chocolaty red that is oh so pretty. I wear it when I need a strong lip color.

Now, you know I like my gloss. I have several favorite glosses, NYX Lip Cream in Buttery Nude, Femme Couture Lip Luster in Creamy Copper, Make Up For Ever Lab Shine gloss in Metal Shine M10 (a nice cherry chocolate), and Almay Liquid Lip Balms in Rosy Lipped and Truffle. They make lips feel nice and warm.

My fingers like to be dipped in chocolate as well. I've been using Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro in 200 Bare Naked and L'Oreal Collection Privee colors in doutzen's nude & juliane's nude. They are softer shades of chocolate but still just as sweet!

So there you have it. No red lips but lots of chocolate. Ahhhh, the joy of Valentine's Day. I hope your day is just as sweet.

Kisses & Chocolate!!