Beauty Besties » OPI

Nail of the Day: “Five Shades of Grey” -Polka Dot nail art

beautybesties — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 12:43:08 +0000

Nail of the Day, “Five Shades of Grey” Polka Dot nail art

Colors used

CND Asphalt

Jessica On the Rocks

OPI Skull and Glossbones

OPI Suzi Takes the Wheel

OPI Your Royal Shineness

P.S. I used a paperclip end to do my dots – you can totally DIY!

St. Patrick’s Day CND Green Scene manicure and review

beautybesties — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:25:57 +0000

No one is going to pinch me this weekend because I’m going to be wearing my CND Green Scene polish.

It is pretty much impossible for me to say anything negative about this nail polish. Why, you ask? Because. It is CND, which is an amazing brand and formula. This polish was perfectly opaque in a single coat. It dried quickly and evenly.

Also, it is my favorite color in the entire world. And not just like oh green you’re my favorite color – down to the exact shade of green favorite. Most definitely the most appropriately perfect polish for me on the planet. I’m officially head over heels in love with this and highly suggest putting it in your collection if you are not afraid of green finger nails.

Green Scene retails for $9 and is available at cnd.com.

Do you paint your nails for each holiday? Let me know in the comments!

Product provided for 100% honest review

xoxo

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Subtle glitter half moon manicure

beautybesties — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:30:26 +0000

This manicure was another compromise. I wanted to try another half moon manicure but didn’t want to do a completely crazy combination because it was a work day.

FYI – I work in healthcare, there are no strict policies on nail art but I try to find a balance between business and party nails.

Anyways, I started off this manicure with OPI Road House Blues and then did some small half moons of Nicole by OPI Snowman of my Dreams.

The results were a nice crisp manicure with a touch of sparkle.

Next time I’m taking the contrast to the next level though, it just wasn’t enough oomph for me!

Happy polishing!

xoxo

Stay tuned for future beauty product releases, reviews, nail art, giveaways and more follow me on: Facebook. Twitter. Tumblr. Pinterest. YouTube.

Glam silver and black striped accent manicure

beautybesties — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:30:33 +0000

As I was painting this manicure I had a lot of weird things going on in my head. I knew that I wanted something funky – and me. But I also needed something that wouldn’t be way too outlandish should I end up on the VP’s office the next day. Luckily, the manicure came out looking great and I didn’t feel like I went overboard sitting in his office…

I started out with my favorite silver polish OPI Your Royal Shine-ness. Then I used some of my Born Pretty Store striping tape just to make the lines and painted over them with my special black Konad polish because it is opaque in a single coat and dries quickly. This is the final result:

I chose just my thumb and middle finger to do the accent stripes and I think it came out really fun. Again, one of my own dang ideas has me going crazy thinking about color combination options. This is going to be a blast for Spring and Summer. Yipee!

If you don’t have thin striping tape like this kind from Born Pretty Store, you can cut regular scotch tape or painter’s tape to make your stripes.

Happy polishing!

xoxo

Stay tuned for future beauty product releases, reviews, nail art, giveaways and more follow me on: Facebook. Twitter. Tumblr. Pinterest. YouTube.

EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone Brush Set and Bag Review

beautybesties — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:03:10 +0000

Sometimes you just want to try something new. So far in my short lived beauty obsessed lifetime I have used Sephora and Sonia Kashuk brushes.

However I was very excited to try out:

EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone

Cruelty free and environmentally friendly brush set.

The brushes themselves are quite soft and there is a nice variety within this particular set. I didn’t not experience any harshness or irritation after use. The only thing I found myself truly missing was a short flat liner brush, which I can purchase individually because…

You can also purchase a wide variety brushes individually to build whatever collection you need from liners to kabuki. They are reasonably priced – most for less than $10/each

EcoTools also makes some bath & body products as well!!

Some stores that carry these products are Target and Walgreens.

If you are interested in learning more about the brand and their products visit http://www.ecotools.com/

Get your “green” on! Have you ever used EcoTools products? Are there other cruelty free and environmentally friendly brands you recommend? Say so in the comments!

xoxo

Stay tuned for future beauty product releases, reviews, nail art, giveaways and more follow me on: Facebook. Twitter. Tumblr. Pinterest. YouTube.

Sally Hansen Salon Effects – How Romantic

beautybesties — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 12:30:01 +0000

This pattern was one that was part of the Valentine’s Day collection and it is called How Romantic.

The color scheme is shades of pink in alternating color block patterns.

Application was identical to the many others I have used before, and it keeps getting easier and easier with each set I apply.

I’m loving this design because it isn’t super cutesy and doesn’t induce vomiting to those that may be prone to cuteness overload sensitivity syndrome.

I love me some Sally Hansen decals. Bring on the new patterns, please!!!

xoxo

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INTRODUCING GEM CRUSH™ NAIL COLOR FROM SALLY HANSEN

beautybesties — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:30:52 +0000

THINK: High impact bling.

WHAT IT IS: Vibrant, full-color glitter polish. Always at the forefront of nail innovation, Sally Hansen presents the latest in statement-making manicures—the new Gem Crush™ Nail Color. Unlike other sparkle formulas, Gem Crush™ Nail Color delivers full-coverage, high-intensity glitter for a brilliant, multi-dimensional manicure that simply glimmers. Available in eight daring shades, each color brings a major dose of glitz and glamour to your nails.

The Sally Hansen Gem Crush™ Nail Color is easy to apply. Start with Sally Hansen Double Duty Strengthening Base & Top Coat then follow with two coats of Gem Crush™ Nail Color for a dazzling, edgy finish. Finish with a layer of Sally Hansen Double Duty Strengthening Base & Top Coat to seal and protect your ultra-glam sparkle color.

AVAILABLE SHADES: Lady Luck, Be-Jeweled, Glitz Gal, Cha-Ching!, Big Money, Razzle Dazzler, Bling-Tastic, and Showgirl Chic

WHAT THEY COST: Gem Crush™ Nail Color $6.95. Double Duty Strengthening Base & Top Coat, $4.50 each.

Big Money

Showgirl Chic

Glitz Gal

Lady Luck

Be-Jeweled

Razzle Dazzler

Cha-Ching!

Bling-Tastic

WHERE TO FIND THEM: Sally Hansen products are available at chain drug stores, food stores and mass merchandisers nationally.

I’m dying to try Showgirl Chic, Glitz Gal the most. Are you into these or are you all glitter-ed out? Let me know in the comments!

xoxo

Stay tuned for future beauty product releases, reviews, nail art, giveaways and more follow me on: Facebook. Twitter. Tumblr. Pinterest. YouTube.

Shea Terra Organic Argan and Coffee eye serum review

beautybesties — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:54:21 +0000

Good morning! While I am drinking my coffee I’m going to write about a product with coffee in it!

Shea Terra Argan and Green Coffee Around-Eye Serum is a 100% all-natural beauty serum that helps eliminate dark circles and fine lines while brightening the skin around the eyes.

I’ve been using two drops of this every night before bed and I have to say I have noticed quite a difference. My dark circles are far less noticeable, I have ZERO puffiness, and the small lines at the corners of my eyes are practically non-existent. I love that it is super easy to apply – just a few drops and massage into the skin around your eyes. There is no harsh smell and no feeling like, “What in the heck did I just put around my eyes… is it safe?” Because this product is organic.

Contains only: certified organic argan oil, certified organic shea nilotica, green coffee bean oil

Now since it is an oil, it’s a slick product. Luckily you don’t have to walk around looking like you just lubed up your face and any excess I rub into my hands with no worries.

The other great part is that you’re not spending a paycheck on the world’s tiniest bottle. You get 2 full oz for $38 – at 2 drops a day? This bottle is going to be with you for a while.

I’ve noticed as each day passes I’m using less make-up as cover-up and that they just look brighter over all – naturally.

This is the second Shea Terra product I’ve received and am now obsessed with. The other is one of their crazy amazing body butter omggggg to die for.

I’d like to take a second to THANK Shea Terra for making great products that are safe for our bodies – and our environment.

For more information on this particular product – click here.

Product received for 100% honest review

xoxo

Stay tuned for future beauty product releases, reviews, nail art, giveaways and more follow me on: Facebook. Twitter. Tumblr. Pinterest. YouTube.

Punky Brewster inspired funky french tip manicure

beautybesties — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:30:13 +0000

Yes. I am a product of the 80′s. I grew up watching Punky Brewster and wanting to wear two different color Converse. Sometimes I still get urges to it all over again. However, I have entered my thirties and work in corporate America so that would not be suitable for my business attire and even my 3 year old son would probably tell me I’m insane.

But, I can get away with it on my nails…

First I lined up the colors I was craving. Then when I couldn’t decide I went a little nuts…

From left to right: Planks a Lot, Kiss My Tulips, Did It On ‘Em, and Fly – all by OPI (Pirates of the Caribbean, Holland, and Nicki Minaj collections.)

The final manicure ended up as this:

Nothing ground-breaking but it made me smile. Every time I looked at my nails it reminded me to not take life so seriously, no one is perfect, and we need to have fun.

Now I’m brewing other color combos in my head, and some slight variations to make it a little bit more intricate next time.

I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s brief post.

Happy polishing!

xoxo

Stay tuned for future beauty product releases, reviews, nail art, giveaways and more follow me on: Facebook. Twitter. Tumblr. Pinterest. YouTube.

my first gradient manicure

beautybesties — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:30:20 +0000

Here it is – my first gradient manicure

Before you get too excited, I am warning you it is not perfect. I need to practice. But this is a super fun and easy way to get some manicure variety.

What polishes I used:

Essie – Not Just Another Pretty Face: base color, OPI – Skull & Glossbones: as my light grey, CND – Asphalt: as my dark grey

To achieve the gradient:

I used two coats of Not Just Another Pretty Face and let it dry to the point of tackiness. Then I chose an eyeshadow applicator with a sponge tip (never used) and lightly dabbed Skull & Glossbones onto the nails mid-nail to tip. Then dabbed with Asphalt onto the top quarter section of the nail. To finish it off I lightly dabbed a little more Skull & Glossbones over Asphalt to help blend it a bit more. Then finished off with a top coat of Seche Vite.

I got some compliments on it at work and surprisingly the whole manicure took less than 15 minutes. Now I’m curious to try some other color combinations to see how they turn out.

Have you ever done a gradient / sponge manicure? What is your favorite color combo? Got any tips for anyone else wanting to try this technique? Share in the comments!

xoxo

Stay tuned for future beauty product releases, reviews, nail art, giveaways and more follow me on: Facebook. Twitter. Tumblr. Pinterest. YouTube.