Kiss Nail Dress: An Alternative to Sally Hansen Salon Effect Nail Strips?

The blog post that led to me working with Graceful Chic Magazine was this. An entry about my beloved Sally Hansen Nail Strips.

image via sallyhansen.com

I never really felt compelled to try other nail strips or wraps because I was quite content with the quality of the Sally Hansen ones. However, my pal Joni had some Kiss Nail Dress packs at her house, and it just seemed like the perfect after-crab-cracking activity (we love to eat seafood!)

Read on for our experience...

Blue Apron: It's What's For Dinner!

Good morning! Isn't this so cool?! Blue Apron is a service that delivers just enough high quality food for 3 meals. And it teaches how to create healthy dishes that take less than 35 to cook! Friends are trying this and loving it!

http://www.blueapron.com/

Review: Sally Hershberger Hyper Hydration Super Keratin Spray

Before I got my ends chopped off, they would get crunchy if I didn't blow dry them after a shower. I got this complimentary bottle of Sally Hershberger Hyper Hydration Super Keratin Spray, and I'm in need of a new one because it's so good! I love the smell and the moisturizing/defrizzing powers. Protects from heat, too!

$12.99 at http://sallyhershberger.com/shop/product.php?do=detail&productid=31

Cheaper at Amazon, but the bottle looks different so I'm a bit suspicious like an old person.

Extravagant Liner

Craziest thing: I was in LA for a shoot and the makeup artist recommended laying it thick on the eyeliner for my monolids. Then I come to NY and do a shoot, and the makeup artist says the same thing AND used the same eyeliner. AND she knew who the other makeup artist was! If the look is extreme for you, you MUST at least try the eyeliner they were using. Cake eyeliner from Mud. It does not smudge! 

You can check out and purchase the product here.

image via shop.mudshop.com

Removing Temptation

Remember my advice to remove store sales emails to avoid temptation? I just unsubscribed to Express..and it hurt my heart. Ha! #savingmoney

DIY Natural Home Beauty Remedies

AH! I'm so excited to try these Natural Beauty Remedies from this web site. Reducing fine lines and crow's feet with green grapes? AWESOME. Also, the design of the site is so cute. 

Check it out here!

image via picklee.com

My Fishtail Braid

I showed you all the tutorial for the fishtail braid. Did any of you try it??

I decided to take a stab at it...in the car ride to San Diego! No, I wasn't driving. But I sure didn't have a mirror.

Here is the result!

You Say Potatoes, I Say Eye Depuffer

Did you know that you can de-puff eyes and reduce dark circles with potatoes? 

Cut two slices and place over eyes for 10 minutes. Potatoes are astringent, so they can help decrease water retention and therefore, puffy eyes. Their liquid starch contains an enzyme called catalase that can help lighten dark circles. Sometimes you see it in the over-the-counter skin lightening products – appearing as an enzyme called catecholase. You can also wrap up a bit of grated raw potato in something like cheesecloth or gauze for more contact to the surface of your eyes.

image via wikihow.com

H & M Cares!

Time for Spring Cleaning out that closet! Did you know dropping off a bag of old clothes to H&M gives you a 15% off a single item voucher to shop there? 

Learn more about the recycling program here.

H & M also has a line of clothing made from recycled old clothes. Nice!

image via hm.com

Celebrity Trend: Fishtail Braids!

Celebrity Hair Trend: Fishtail Braids! Stacy Keibler kept it simple while Bella Thorne added a ribbon for a pop of color.

image via bellasugar.com.au

Check out this cute tutorial on how to do a fishtail braid by Lauren Conrad to get the look! Click here!

Enter to win a FREE Urban Decay Primer Potion from Me

Contest time! 

Enter to win Urban Decay's #1 selling product Eyeshadow Primer Potion. Just share in the comments below what shadow you love (brand and color). And if you don't wear shadow, which one are you interested in trying out? Winner will be picked by a randomizer. Contest ends Thursday March 14, 11:59 PM EST. Good luck!

Hot Lip Trend!

Celebrities like Zooey Deschanel and Jessica Alba are wearing the orange lipstick trend. Would you?

images via pinterest

Messy Middle

That's where I am. Getting everything in order and trying out new systems. Lots of trial and error (trials and errors?)  The details are haphazardly strewn about...but the overall picture seems to be making more sense. I'll be seeing you soon.

Another thing to add to my hair regimen!

Another key to beautiful hair: scalp toners! You've probably heard of face toners, but scalp toners like the ones from Philip Kingsley and Kiehl's remove excess oil, prevent itchiness, and promote hair growth. DIY homemade scalp toners include coconut oil/lemon juice and mint/rosemary mixtures.

Review of MAC Paint Pot

I've always been terrified of cream shadows because my monolids always get oily in the crease and makeup slides around. I used MAC's Paint Pot in Painterly which is used as a primer and a shadow. I use it as a primer on one eye, and it picked up a lot more shadow (left side). But by the end of the day, my shadow disappeared in both creases!

Review: Clinique High Lengths Mascara

Heard great things about the Clinique High Lengths Mascara. I was not a fan of the short bristles even though my lashes would get pulled upward through them. The formula didn't smudge, but my lashes looked cakey after 2 coats. I won't be buying this again.

Fantastic Katniss!

Does this bring fairy tale fantasies to anyone else's mind? So pretty!

source

Looking forward to trying this scarf look!

Put a scarf on it! These Dolce & Gabbana Sicilian-inspired scarves were spotted on runways in Milan. You can use your own colorful scarf to quickly tie back your hair and look perfectly retro.

image via vogue.uk

Tip of the Day!

Loving Robert Pagliarini's daily life tips! 

Here's one to share: "Write a Thinking of You card or love letter to your significant other. Hide a note for your kids in their lunchbox. Having solid personal relationships gives you a solid foundation for your career."

More at http://www.richerlife.com/!

Concealer Quick fix!

When you're short on time and can't do your whole makeup routine, dabbing concealer under your eyes and on the sides of your nose and mouth (where it's prone to redness) will freshen you up!

image via totalbeauty.com