NOTD: Essie Resort Collection Part 2

Here is the second color in the Essie Resort Collection that I purchased.  This is Splash of Grenadine which is, like the other colors in the collection, very creamy.  It is a pink with purple undertones that would glow against tan skin.  (Sorry, my fair skin does NOT do this color justice!)  Even though I have a lighter complexion, the color still worked well for me. 

I got a great life out of the formulation, again, wearing 2 coats over China Glaze Base Coat and finishing with my normal 2 coats of Seche Vite Quick Dry Top Coat.  On the fifth day, I did get some chipping and wear on the tips, but for me, that is GREAT!  I am very hard on my nails taking even a fresh (home) manicure into the garden or working on the remodel.  I know it is a sin, but life goes on even after "new" nails.

I can't say it enough, Essie polishes are really starting to grow on me and the fact that they offer their collections in the mini bottles makes my life complete!  I am patiently waiting for the Summer collection that is coming in June (according to the sales associate at my local Trade Secret).  I have seen swatches in Allure and Glamour and cannot wait to share them here! 

If you didn't catch the first post in this four part series, click this link to check it out!  Stay tuned for the next two parts to this series coming in the next 2 weeks!

Great Markdowns @ CVS

Saturday afternoon, my daughter and I went into CVS to pick up some sodas that were on special this week.  I hadn't PLANNED on going NEAR the beauty wall, but a bright neon sign caught my attention so, of course, I HAD to go over and check it out!  The store had marked down some of their most phenomenal (and expensive, I might add) beauty products from every brand.  I believe they do this at the end of every spring season, but I was taken aback at some of the items I found.  Of course, I didn't purchase everything I wanted to, but since I am currently unemployed from what my family deems a "normal job", impulse shopping in high dollar amounts is pretty much out for me.  However, I knew that I could get away with a few things since the markdowns were for 50% & 75% off! 

Every brand had SOMETHING on clearance including Rimmel, Wet N Wild, Revlon, Sally Hansen, Loreal...you name it!  There were mascaras, eye shadow palettes, nail polish, I mean it was endless the bargains laid out before me.  This was very difficult for me, if you know me, since I am the queen of sale shopping!  I passed over H.I.P. shadow sticks and pigments, kohl pencils, summer polishes, and shadows I had been wanting to try for ages and only took home two items.  I know, I know, I was a good girl, I should be proud and hold my head up high! 

I generally begin in most places at the polishes and CVS carries Seche Vite, which I needed more top coat anyway so that was a necessary buy.  They had marked every Seche Vite product down to 50% off which made base coats $3.50 and the quick dry top coat that I needed $4.50.  This price is cheaper than I would have been able to get it at Sally's with my Beauty Club Card.  I should've got TWO!

I also picked up a Loreal Infallable Lipstick...one of those items I have been wanting to try for ages, but the $12 price tag kept me from doing so.  I'm sorry, I just don't spend that kind of cash on drugstore products and NEVER WILL.  More power to those of you that do, but if I know I can spend $2 on a MAC l/s, than I am going that route.  But, I got this one for 75% off which made it about $3!  Yeah, I can live with that.  AND it turns out it is GREAT!  The color really lasts and the conditioning top coat doesn't give you glassy lips which I really  prefer with my no makeup makeup looks on the weekends.  I picked this l/s up in the color Walnut, number 87, which I swatched for you below!  (I know its not the greatest pic, but of course the color swatch is on the right and the coditioning top coat is on the left.  The top coat looks super shiney in the pic but it really isn't.  It does have a little shimmer, but not too much so any age group will look great wearing it and be comfortable!)  I am in love with this color and the formula is great, in my opinion.  I also like the packaging in that you have  a built in mirror for on the go touch ups and both tubes each have a cozy spot together...no chance to lose either in the black hole of your bag!  LOL!  But, I still won't pay $12 for it (sorry Loreal, that's just a little rich for my blood considering this is a DRUGSTORE).  I WILL pick up more if I see them on clearance or on BOGO though.

My suggestion to you guys if you dig the drugstore makeup selection, is to check out your local CVS and see if they have the same markdowns going on right now!  The prices are only good while the products last, which won't be long!  They are also running some buy one, get on 1/2 off sales this week so make sure to check out their weekly ad online and let us know what YOU come home with in the comments below!

Love Your Cuticles & Stop Picking Them!

Hi, my name is Laura and I'm a...finger picker (as my family has so sweetly named me).  I know, I know, it is TERRIBLE for my nails and terrible to look at!  But, I am working to reform myself.  Actually, it is in my genes, so I was doomed from the beginning (my mom is a cuticle picker)!

So, she was at the dermatioligist last week and the doctor noticed.  After scolding her for 20 minutes about how bad it is for your skin and your nails, she gave her the best trick ever!  Of course, you can use moisturizer or cuticle oils to help with the dryness, but those are not always the most portible resolutions to this problem  The derm said to grab a hold of a tube of Vaseline Advanced Lip Therapy (at Wal-Mart, Target, or any corner drugstore).  It is the only lip balm that Valleline makes.  It is not in a stick but in a tube. 

Every time you feel a rough spot on or around your cuticles, reach in your pocket for this little gem in a tube!  Massage into the cuticles and any other dry spot on your nails/hands.  Let it absorb into your skin and viola!  It is a little greasy, so I wouldn't suggest just getting it all over your hands and typing out your novel, but it doesn't take much time to absorb.

Since I have been doing this little tip, I have had MUCH less cracking, peeling and bleeding of my cuticles and nail beds.  On top of this trick, I have kept my nails polished and that is always something that will curb my desire to pick at my cuticles or nails.  I am really impressed at my dedication to this.  Wish I could say the same for my mother!  LOL!  I am sure she is fiddling with her nails now!

Are you a nail/cuticle picker?  What other bad habits do you have that you will admit to us?  If you have a trick to help stop biting and grow longer nails, let us know in the comments below!  Remember, all comments get you an entry into the on-going quarterly giveaway!  I am rounding up some great prizes you probably won't want to miss out on!

NOTD: Nail of the Day - China Glaze ~ Breakin'

I LOVE this new nail polish I picked up! I got it when I went to Ulta the other day and couldn't wait to get it on! The color is (730) Breakin' by China Glaze. It is a gorgeous orange color with some shimmer in it. The shimmer is not too much, just enough to add a little subtle sheen to the finished application.
China Glaze makes some really great polishes and they are thick and only require two coats. This color is perfect for summer as are a number of the other colors they have been producing lately! Go to your local Ulta to pick it up at a steal for only $6.50! I don't know if they sell these online or not at www.Ulta.com. I know there are some brands of nail polish that they do not sell, but it is worth checking out, for sure!