Monday, December 22, 2014

KBShimmer Men Are From Mars-ala

Hey guys!

Press Sample

Celebrate the New Year and Pantone’s 2015 Color of the Year with KBShimmer! “Men are from Mars-ala” is an earthy, red-brown shade that will make a fresh new addition to any neutral nail palette. Worn outdoors or in bright light, Men are from Mars-ala features a linear holographic and when indoors, this shade is rich and warm – just like a glass of Marsala wine should be!

Men are from Mars-ala’s luxurious formula applies like a dream and dries to a shiny, holographic finish. Wear it with a matte top coat for an ultra-modern look or a high-shine one for something a little more classic. Just make sure you don’t get caught without this year’s Color of the Year!


So yeah. Basically KBShimmer is just about the most amazing indie ever (in my opinion). I am consistently impressed with the colors, themes, names, formula's, and customer service! So when I was offered the chance to review the newest KBShimmer polish, I almost cried out in excitement!! 

Men Are From Mars-ala is the KBShimmer representation of the Pantone Color Of The Year: Marsala. I used two coats and had minimal cleanup. The formula was stellar, as I've come to expect from KBShimmer. I personally love the Marsala color; I know some people are not thrilled with it but I think it is lovely and this polish definitely showcases that fact! 

And please pardon my little nub pinky nail. I had a nail disaster and broke my nail about halfway down the nail so I had to patch it and it has grown out a bunch but it finally broke off a few days ago. So a tiny nub I have, ha! 

The first two pictures are in natural light.



These pictures are in direct sunlight <3


This polish will launch on KBShimmer.com on 1/1/15 and will retail for $8.75.


Talk to you soon!
Amanda

Friday, December 19, 2014

Top 14 from 2014!

Hey guys!

Nothing To Disclose Press Sample Affiliate Link

I bring you... My Favorite 14 Nail Manicures of 2014! Or 14 from 2014, as my biffle Amanda (@GlitterBadass) named it. This will be my first favorites post since I've been blogging!! It's unclear why I'm so terrible at making these lists; probably because I have a horrible memory and can never remember half of the things I use during the year, lol! So I am going down memory blogging lane and showing you my favorite posts from the year! I will be featuring polishes that were blogged about and polishes shown on Instagram!

These are in no particular order, except that I went back through my Instagram and started in January, so they appear in the order they originally did on IG! I will leave the captions for those photos, as they contain all of the pertinent information :-)














So yeah. Wow. That was much harder than I anticipated! I will have you know that I had at least 20 manicures in here originally, lol! I was going to attempt a Top 14 favorite nail polish from 2014 but I think even think that's possible! I always say this but next year, I will start keeping track at the start of the year!! Eek. We will see, lol!

What are some of your favorite manicures from 2014??
Talk to you soon!
Amanda

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Bestie Twin Nails with The Little Canvas: Round 7!

Hey guys!

Nothing To Disclose

It's that time again! Time for this month's edition of Bestie Twin Nails with Alaina of The Little Canvas!

This time, it was my turn to pick the manicure so I chose this beautiful manicure by Jary Nails. I just loved how this was wintery but not full on RED GREEEENNNNN CHRISTMAS!!!!! I love Christmas but I am just a little worn out from all of the super red and green designs, lol.

I used all Zoya polishes for my gradient, starting with Dove as the gray base. I then used Tao and Odette to complete the gradient and then used Trixie for the snowflakes. Clearly my brush was too large because I have some chunky snowflakes lines but it's okay. Every snowflake is different, right??

I matted the whole darn thing with..... eek. I can't remember! I think Essie Matte About You, because I'm trying to use up that bottle, lol. And I don't think Zoya has a matte topcoat... do they?? I honestly don't know.

ANYWAY, mine were no where near as good as Jary's or Alaina's, but I liked how they turned out! I even tried to pose like Jary does for some of her manicures, lol.




Now go check out Alaina's nails because you know that hers are amazing as always. Ugh, I hate that! Ha! I'm kidding!! And she knows I'm kidding too :-p

Any suggestions for future BTN???
Talk to you soon!
Amanda

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Teadora's Nourishing Body Polish - Review!

Hey guys!

Press Sample

Today's post is a bit different! I am reviewing a body polish!

The following information was provided in the press release from Teadora:

Winter and dry, dull skin go together like peanut butter and jelly, right? Think again! With a little exfoliation and the skin-loving ingredients found in Teadora’s Nourishing Body Polish, you can have summer time’s hydrated, gorgeously glowing skin all year round! Teadora’s Nourishing Body Polish is loaded with powerful, sustainably harvested natural and organic ingredients from the Amazon rainforest. The formula includes Teadora’s Icons of the Rainforest (Buriti, Pitanga, Cupuaçu, Andiroba and Açaí) and Rainforest Hydration Elixir (Babassu, Brazil Nut, Rose Hip Seed and Passion Fruit oils), plus a potent combo of Açaí Seeds for deep exfoliation and Amazonian Clay to help reduce blemishes for brighter, healthier, smoother skin.

Why should you exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week?
·Removing layer(s) of dead skin gets the blood flowing and helps revive skin’s radiance and glow
·When skin gets extra dry, it can start to flake - exfoliating keeps flakes and rough patches in check
·Allows lotions to penetrate and moisturize more effectively
·Unclogs pores of oil and dirt which means less breakouts
·When you remove surface dry skin, skin looks smoother, which means you look younger!

Teadora’s Nourishing Body Polish is available in two 100% natural fragrances, RAINFOREST AT DUSK and RAINFOREST AT DAWN.

RAINFOREST AT DAWN // Wake up in the rainforest. A bright and sparkling citrusy burst of bergamot and lemon swirls with woods, fresh florals, basil, and eucalyptus to awaken your senses and ready you for the day ahead. Hear the calls of colorful birds. Smell the lush, exotic flowers and juicy black currants. Feel the dark, fertile soil under your toes.

RAINFOREST AT DUSK // Relax in the rainforest. Smooth, floral notes of Rose Absolute and Geranium blend with hints of orange and coconut to soothe and revitalize your senses after a long day. Feel the cooling air against your skin. Hear the patter of rain on the leaves overhead. Smell the luscious Ylang, night blooming flowers and the rich warmth of cedarwood. Listen to the calls of night monkeys.


I am reviewing the Rainforest At Dusk scent.

I will say that I didn't care for the color of the body polish; it was reminiscent of...well....baby poop! LOL. Aside from the color, it was a nice, gentle scrub. It didn't feel abrasive or rough at all, just mildly exfoliating. The scent was pleasant and earthy but not strong. I don't feel that the scent remained on my skin during the day; I don't really think anything ever does!

As far as brightening goes... guys... do you really ever see a difference in the brightness of your arm and leg skin? Maybe I just pay zero attention to that but I've never looked at my arms (especially in the winter, I'm wearing 15 layers!) and thought "Wow my arms look bright!" IS THIS JUST ME?! So, no, I cannot say that this brightened my skin. I can also say that I've never purchased an item thinking that it would actually brighten my skin!! LOL

You can purchase Teadora products, and this body polish specifically, here.

Talk to you soon!
Amanda

Friday, December 5, 2014

Laquerlicious Holly Days

Hey guys!

Nothing To Disclose

Another quick post today, featuring Laquerlicious Holly Days from Michelle's Christmas 2014 collection.

This is sooo gorgeous! I was expecting a more sheer glitter, but this was completely opaque in 2 coats!


Laquerlicious polishes can be purchased here.

Talk to you soon!
Amanda

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Smitten Polish Nose So Bright

Hey guys!

Nothing To Disclose

I have a quick post today!

Smitten Polish Nose So Bright from the Holiday 2014 collection is a bright red linear holographic polish. I would not call this a true red, it looks a little more berry red to me but regardless, it's gorgeous! I used two coats, no top coat.


You can purchase Smitten Polish here.

Talk to you soon!
Amanda

Monday, December 1, 2014

Orly Sparkle for Holiday 2014!

Hey guys!
                                                                                                                                Nothing To Disclose

Uhhmmm ohmahgah it's already December?? How is this even possible? I literally have no idea!! Eek!!

Let's just talk about Orly and how they are basically killing it with their collections this year. I will be the first to admit that I kind of overlooked Orly in general and when they rebranded, I was not pleased with the new look. That being said... I purchased more Orly this year than I have my entire polish life, lol! And when I saw the Sparkle collection with A LINEAR HOLOGRAPHIC SILVER POLISH... I was like... yep.... come to momma.

Explosion of Fun is a pink shimmer glitter. I used one coat over OPI MBSW. I was hoping this would be more dense and full coverage. Oh well, it's still pretty as a topper!


Bling is a gold holographic polish. It's beautiful. You need it, go buy it. I used 3 coats for opacity.



Tinsel is a red hex and green bar glitter. It sort of looks like holly! I used one coat with some placement over Bling.



Mirrorball is just freaking amazing and dude, seriously. GO buy it. This was 3 coats. There is some glitter in the holo and it's just fabulous. This picture does not even do it justice!! 



Glitterbomb is a multi-colored hex glitter. This was one coat over WnW Black Creme. It's pretty but definitely not anything new to my collection. Which isn't fair because... ya know... I have like eleventy thousand polishes :-p



Steal the Spotlight is a teal glitter polish. This was more sheer than I expected but I was able to build it up using 3 coats.


Overall, I liked this collection. I wish it were a little more opaque, rather than being primarily toppers but the holos in this collection are amazing and it's really awesome to see a mainstream brand doing such fantastic holographic polishes!! Mirrorball and Bling are FOR SURE must haves, in my opinion!!

Did you guys pick up any polishes from this collection? Are you loving Orly this year like I am? I'm excited to see what is ahead from Orly for next year!!

Talk to you soon!
Amanda

Friday, November 28, 2014

smART Nails Stencils Review + A Giveaway!

Hey guys!

Press Sample

I am just sort of getting into nail vinyls and such, since I can't stamp to save my life and when I was contacted my smART Nails to review their product, it sounded like something that even a simple nail arter like myself could handle!

smART Nail Stencils are just that: nail stencils. They are adhesive on the back so you lay the adhesive side against your dry nail and use the stencil like you would any other craft stencil. Then remove and you're good to go!

I was generously provided with 8 stencil sets to review. I'm not going to show you all 8 because that would be a lot of pictures, lol, but I will show you my favorite stencil :-)

The set I will show you is P014 - Flower. The stencils come in a cellophane package and in that is a cardboard booklet.



Guys. I cannot even explain how easy this was!! I literally peeled the stencil off the sheet, and plopped it on my nail. Painted the color I wanted to use and peeled it off. That's it. I did use the same stencil for all of the flowers you see below so they are definitely not a one time use deal! Obviously, the adhesive wasn't quite as strong towards the last few flowers but it still worked well enough that it didn't smear the polish.



Twitter: @smart_nails


smART Nails was also kind enough to provide a giveaway for my lovely readers! This giveaway is open to USA, Canada, The UK and Australia only.

- All you have to do is comment on this post with the 5 smART Nail designs that you like most (the entire product line is here), mentioning the catalog number or the designs name.
- If you are selected a winner, you will get the 5 stencils you commented as your choice!
- You must also Like the smART Nails Facebook page via the Rafflecopter giveaway below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Be sure to check out smART Nail on all of their social media platforms:
Twitter: @smart_nails

Talk to you soon!
Amanda

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

SinfulColors Holi-Dazzled

Hey guys!

Press Sample

SinfulColors is bringing you 22 radiant shades for Holiday 2014!

From the Decked With Glitter Flakes, I have SinfulColors Decadent, a red metallic flake glitter, over Julep Zelda. Easy application and one coat.



From the Blues and Hints of Gold section, I have 3 polishes.

The first is Ice Blue, which is an indigo shade of blue and quite sheer. This was 4 coats.



I added All About You, a sheer shimmering gold over Ice Blue. Love this combination!

Midnight Blue is more of a cobalt blue, but still completely gorgeous and my kind of color. This was two easy coats. 

I added one coat of All About You over Midnight Blue and I like this even more than I do the Ice Blue and All About You combination! It looks so different over the darker color.

Don't forget to follow SinfulColors on Facebook and Twitter:
Facebook: www.facebok.com/SinfulColors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/SinfulColors_NP

Talk to you soon!
Amanda

Monday, November 24, 2014

Gabriel Cosmetics Brooke Anderson Collection Swatches

Hey guys!

Press Sample

Today I have 2 polishes from the Gabriel Cosmetics Brooke Anderson collaboration to share with you!

"Gabriel Cosmetics is doing a nail collaboration with a celebrity, Brooke Anderson. Gabriel Cosmetics is headed down South just in time for fall with Brooke Anderson by Gabriel Cosmetics Nail Collection! The collection of SIX “5-Free” Limited Edition shades are a wink and a curtsey to the Entertainment Tonight Host’s Southern Georgia roots infusing beloved Southern expressions from classic films like Gone with the Wind and everyday Southern terminology into a collection fit for a Southern Belle."

The polishes I have today are I Do Declare and Southern Belle. Let's get to it, shall we? 

I Do Declare is a graphite polish with silver glitter mixed throughout. I used two coats and had no trouble with application. 



Southern Belle is a berry colored creme. This is a really beautiful plumy color, it pulls a bit more purple in person than my camera is picking up. I used three coats for this shade, as it was a little bit patchy after two.

These are lovely fall colors and the other polishes in the collection look beautiful, as well!

You can purchase Gabriel Cosmetics at www.gabrielcosmeticsinc.com and the polishes retail individually for $8.50.

Talk to you soon!
Amanda

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

The Influenster Hub

Hey guys!

Nothing To Disclose Press Sample Affiliate Link

Over the last few years of blogging, I've gotten some great VoxBoxes from Influenster and been able to try some things that I wouldn't normally try!

Recently, Influenster upgraded their site and made it easier to search for things and added The Hub, which is exactly that: a hub for findings info on all things beauty, fashion, lifestyle, entertainment and food related!

There are tips, recipes, reviews, and loads more information that can be gleaned from The Hub; there's even a Word of the Day tile. Today's word is:

busker

BUS-kur
Noun
1. A person who entertains (as by playing music) in public places.
“In addition to his part-time job working in the university library, Jason also made a little extra money on the side with his grandfather's accordion as a busker.”

I don't know about you, but I did not know that. And let's be honest, we all need to improve our vocabulary in this age of shortening words and making up new words.


On the Food tab, there are healthy snack ideas, wine guides, dessert ideas and so much more!

Since one of my loves is obviously beauty, I was really enjoying reading some of the posts on that tab. 9 Ways To Avoid Breakouts was interesting, as that is my primary skin concern.

I would love to go over everything that is listed on The Hub but there simply isn't enough time to type it all up, lol!

I recommend you head on over to Influenster and check out The Hub for yourself! Learn something new and have a great day! :-)

Talk to you soon!
Amanda

Monday, November 17, 2014

e.l.f. Sale!

Hey guys!

Affiliate Link

I wanted to let you about an e.l.f. promo that's coming up! It's a great time to stock up on some favorites and you will get a mystery bag with any purchase over $20!!

Two Days Only! Get a Free Mystery Bag of Products with Any Purchase of $20 or more! Enter code MYSTERY at checkout. Offer valid 11/17 - 11/18/14.

Talk to you soon!
Amanda

Friday, November 14, 2014

Bestie Twin Nails with The Little Canvas - Round 6!

Hey guys!

Nothing To Disclose

It's time for another round of BTN with Alaina from The Little Canvas! Are you guys enjoying these posts?? I sure am! It's giving me something to do on my nails other than plain polish and glitter, as I am not always the most creative, lol!

This time, we chose this picture (i linked to the original poster) that I saw Nicole by OPI repost and we both immediately said "yes!! Let's do this!"

I used OPI's My Boyfriend Scales Walls (are you surprised? Seriously, people. It's the only white I use!) and Literary Lacquers Luggage for Your Journey. Then I added Zoya Maria Louisa on my ring finger. I. LOVE. This!! This is probably my favorite BTN we've done and one of my favorite manicures of the year! Love love love. I used striping tape the the lines because momma ain't got time for painstakingly



Ack! Do you love this?! I do!! Now go check out Alaina's manicure because hers is even more awesome :-)

Do you guys have any requests for future Bestie Twin Nail posts?? Let us know and we will try to oblige!

Talk to you soon!
Amanda

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Free 6 Piece Julep Gift with Purchase!

Hey guys!

Affiliate Link


The Holiday Glam Set includes: Sweep Eyeshadow, Eyeshadow brush, Charming Lip Gloss, Ava polish, De Ann polish, Gunmetal Sequin Clutch
Offer expires 11/24/2014 at 11:59pm PT, or while supplies last. Promotional code SHINETIME must be entered at checkout. To receive free gift, add a Shine Time Gift set to shopping bag in addition to $35.00+ of other julep.com products. Offer may not be combined with any other promotional code. Orders placed for the Monthly Maven Reveal (e.g. monthly Maven Boxes, Upgrade Boxes, and add-ons) are not eligible. No exchanges or returns on free gift. No adjustments on previous purchases. Taxes vary by location.


Talk to you soon!
Amanda

Monday, November 10, 2014

4 Piece Jingle Bells Themed Set!

Hey guys!

Affiliate Link

4-Piece Jingle Bells Welcome Gift Free for New Maven Subscribers 
(Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links.)
Photo is representative of the products included, however actual colors and bonus products may vary based on stock availability.

Are your nails ready for the holidays? The new Jingle Bells Welcome Gift from Julep Maven (a $58 value) has you covered - a bit of shine, a bit of sparkle and a top-rated beauty product as a bonus guarantees that you will be ready! Then as a Julep Maven subscriber, you get first access to trend setting colors and top-rated beauty products every month in addition to plenty more perks!
  • Julep Maven is the only customizable box of full-size, limited-run nail colors and beauty innovations. That means no surprises, no dupes or colors you don't like. You can see what is in your box each month and have the option of swapping out colors/products you already have or don't want.
  • Julep Maven is affordable. You get over $40 of full-size products in every box for just $24.99 per month.
  • Mavens get benefits all month long at Julep - like 20% off, free shipping, early access to secret sales and more - imagine what you can save on your holiday shopping!
  • A Maven subscription is also a great gift for the nail polish and beauty product lover in your life.
Become a Maven today, use the code TREAT to get your own 4-Piece Jingle Bells Themed Gift for New Maven Subscribers  .


Talk to you soon!
Amanda

Glitter Topper Spam!

Hey guys!

Here's a tiny spam post for you as I work like a crazy person to get posts ready for this week!! :-)

Starrily 2015, this is one coat over GlitterDaze Rolling In The Bay. 





KBShimmer Sand In My Stocking, created by Jen The Polishaholic over Revlon Midnight.
 I also included what is probably my favorite macro ever of life! <3


What are some of your favorite glitter toppers?

Talk to you soon! 
Amanda

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Barielle Jetsetter for Fall 2014

Hey guys!

Press Sample

I have another Fall collection from Barielle today. I believe this is the second or technically third, since the previous collection I reviewed had two parts.

Jetsetter embraces the cool tones that are perfect for this time of year.

Kiss Me Kate, 3 coats. This looks more pink in the bottle but on me, it was a perfect 'mannequin hands' shade.



Autumn in Seoul is a gorgeous coppery bronze. This had very good coverage and was 2 coats.



Irish Eyes is a medium green creme. I used 2 coats.



Rain in Spain is a light periwinkle color. 2 coats.



Gondola Ride was a little bit thin and patchy after two coats, so I did three.



Midnight in Paris was perfect and only one coat!

Overall, these were really great formulas, with the exception being Gondola Ride and that was only a little patchy. These aren't typically fall colors with the periwinkle and nude but I really like that these aren't blatantly "fall" colors!

You can purchase Barielle here.

Talk to you soon!
Amanda

Friday, October 31, 2014

China Glaze Loco Motive

Hey guys!
                                                                                                                                Nothing To Disclose

I have half of the China Glaze All Aboard collection for you today!! Whoo! Or should I say "choo choo!!"? Bahaha!

Let's start with the inspiration for my fantastic joke, Choo Choo Choose You. This is a lovely green to golden to purpleish multichrome and it's much prettier in person. When I saw promo shots for this, I didn't even pay attention to it but it's lovely! This was 3 thin coats.



Mind the Gap is a golden green bronzey color with some shimmer. This was 3 thin coats.

Well Trained is a dark teal creme. This was two easy coats.

One Track Mind is amazing and I love it and this was 2 coats. OMG THAT COLOR. I can't help it: I'm a sucker for blue!


Nice Caboose! is a fuchsia/berry color. This was 2 coats.


Stop That Train! is an red orange polish with golden shimmer. This was lovely and two coats.



Loco-Motive is a black and orange polish in a clear base. This was one coat over Stop That Train!

I liked this half of the All Aboard collection! The formula's were easy to work with, as per usual for China Glaze.

Have you picked up any from the All Aboard collection? What were your favorites?

Talk to you soon!
Amanda