May 30, 2014

Julep Blank Canvas Plumping Gloss Primer and Zinnia Lip Vernis Swatches & Review

Hello readers,
Today I have two makeup items I received in the Julep Speckled Mystery Box a couple months ago to show you.  First up in the Blank Cancas Plumping Lip Primer.


I don't usually opt for plumping products but since I already had this I figured I would give it a try.  It comes in a pen-like container and you click the button on the bottom to get the product to come out of the applicator.  I really didn't like this design because they was a big lag between when you click the pen and when the primer actually comes out.  As a result I always end up clicking too many times and have left over product.  Also, it took a lot of clicks to get any product on my initial use.  I was originally thinking I may have gotten a defective item until after what must have been like 30 clicks something finally happened.


The primer is a creamy nude pink.  It is rather light which means I can't wear it on its own since I have medium toned skin.  It is also quite thick and a little tricky to apply evenly.

Bare Lips

 Blank Canvas Plumping Gloss Primer applied to right side of lips
As you can see, the colour is quite patchy.  I tried really hard to even it out but just couldn't get it to do so.  I don't think this would look good worn on it's own even though the box claims you can do so.

Twenty minutes after application
 I don't really see any difference in terms of plumping.  I did feel a very slight tingle but it wasn't uncomfortable.

The gloss I used to test the primer part of this product is Julep's Lip Vernis in Zinnia.  It's a really pretty dark shimmery eggplant colour.  Don't let the dark colour scare you though, it is rather sheer when you apply it and doesn't appear nearly as dark on the lips as it does in the bottle.


Julep Zinnia gloss applied to lips
 I rather like the gloss. It adds a little colour and shimmer but is still subtle.  I don't like that I can see the patchyness of the primer though which means this primer doesn't play well with sheer glosses.

One hour after gloss application
 The primer seems to have evened out finally.

Two hours after gloss application
 No differences in gloss between sides with and without primer.

Four hours after gloss application
90% of the gloss has worn off.  There doesn't appear to be any difference in wear between th size with primer and without.  Most of the primer seems to have worn off too.

Conclusion
I really like this gloss but I really don't like the primer.  I don't really feel like it did anything except make my lips look pale and patchy.  I'd definitely consider buying some other colours of the Lip Vernis if they were on sale but I wouldn't recommend the Blank Canvas Plumping Gloss Primer to anyone.
Happy polishing,

Michelle

May 28, 2014

The Lacquer Legion May Challenge: Garden

Hello readers,
Another month has flown by which means it's time for another Lacquer Legion nail art challenge.  This month's theme was garden and I will admit I completely forgot about this whole thing until today a.k.a. the day to post this month's mani.  I whipped out some polishes from the stash, a nail art brush and a dotting tool to create this floral mani. I love it!!! Even my non dominant hand looks good!  Don't you love how unplanned manis can turn into your favorite ones?

Polishes used: China Glaze Sea Spray, China Glaze Refresh Mint, OPI Road House Blues, China Glaze First Mate, China Glaze Shower Together, OPI Fresh Frog Of Bel-Air, Nubar Meadow Sparkle and Julep Charlie.





Happy polishing,

Michelle

May 24, 2014

Moyou 10k Nail Art Challenge: Ice / Fire

Hello readers,
Today I have some stamped nail art which I am super proud of to show you.  This look was inspired by the Moyou 10k nail art challenge them of Ice / Fire.  I chose the ice aspect as one of the designs on the Moyou Pro XL 06 plate reminded me of the 'crackled' pattern of ice left on everything after an freezing rain storm we had last spring.  Here's a close up look at some spring leaf buds from my garden encased in that crackled ice.


I tried to translate that pattern into a cool icy mani.  I started with a base of Finger Lickin' Lacquer Moose.  Then I added a coat of Emerald & Ash Moonlit Snow.  I dabbed some OPI Lasy Friday Night on the tips and finally stamped the whole thing with Color Club What A Drag.


I love the final effect. In direct sunlight the holo from Moose and the flecks from Moonlit Snow shine through but in the shade the stamped patter really comes to life.  Photos show the mani described with one coat of CND Super Shiney top coat in natural lighting.





Happy polishing,

Michelle

May 20, 2014

Cult Nails Disciplined Swatches & Review

Hello readers,
Today I have a polish that walks the line between neutral and sparkly perfectly, Cult Nails Disciplined.  I even wore it to a job interview.



Disciplined is a grey crelly packed with pink and blue flecked shimmer.  It is seriously gorgeous.  The formula is a bit sheer though so if you want it to be 100% opaque I suggest layering it over a light grey cream.  Photos show 4 coats of Disciplined with one coat of CND Super Shiney top coat in natural lighting.





Bonus photo: I stamped over Disciplined using Cheeky jumbo plate C and China Glaze Liquid Leather.


This was the first Cult Nails polish I've tried and I really liked it.  It will be a brand that I will be keeping my eye on in the future.

Happy polishing,

Michelle

May 17, 2014

Beauty Box 5 May 2014 Review

Hello readers,
It's time for another Beauty Box 5 review.  This month's box's theme is 'fresh and focused'.  Here's what I got and here's what I thought.


Harvey Prince Hello | Retail $55.00 5.7oz
"This pretty floral is the perfect way to transition from spring to summer! A smile in a bottle, each spritz boasts refreshing notes of mandarin, grapefruit, forsythia, and plumeria for a sunny and subtle signature."
I'm not big into perfume.  I have my one favorite for special occasions but it's not a product I use on a regular basis.  This will end up on the swap board.

Ban Total Refresh Cooling Body Cloths | Retail: $2.97 10 Cloths
"Stay calm and cool! Break out these cloth wipes after the gym, during a long day at work, or before a hot date to ensure you smell fresh and feel smooth! Just unfold and give yourself a quick rub down!"
These will be perfect for traveling.  I always feel gross after plane rides and these will be the perfect temporary fix until I reach the final destination.  Even better, they're not liquid so they can go in my carry on.

H2O Plus Aqualibrium Marine Cleansing Gel | Retail $18.00 120ml
"Put your best face forward! Made with sea salt and energizing marine botanicals, this oil-free cleanser gently exfoliates while protecting your pretty cheeks from free radicals and environmental damage."
I'm always open to trying new cleansers to this is something I'll definitely use.  The only downside is that this sample is really tiny and will only last a couple uses.

CATTIVA Precisione Eye Liner | Retail: $20.00 0.012oz
"Can't live without liner? We understand! Waterproof and retractable, this pencil is a must-have for minimalists and smokey eye queens, delivering smooth, smudge-resistant lines.  And it's paraben-free!"
Black eye liner is a staple make up item for me so this will definitely get used eventually.  I also love that it's a full sized item.

MaskerAide Hydrating Facial Sheet Mask | Retail: $5.99 1 Mask
"Perfect for a quick lunch-time facial, these hydrating sheet masks are paraben-free, vegan friendly, and aren't messy at all! Bonus: they're also 100% biodegradable, making them great for your face AND for the planet."
I'm really looking forward to trying this mask.  I have never used a sheet mask before so this will be something new.

Conclusion
I'm happy with this month's box.  I'll be able to use most of the items.  We have gotten some sort of wipe two months in a row though so I hope there won't be more of those in June's box. If you want to sign up for BB5 check out their website.  I definitely think it's the best bang for your buck out of all the beauty subscription boxes out there.

Happy polishing,

Michelle

Broadway Nails imPress Press-On Manicure Review

Disclaimer: I received this product for free from Influenster as part of the imPRESS Manicure Canada VoxBox. All reviews are fair, honest and reflect my personal opinion.

Hello readers,
Last week I received the imPRESS Manicure Canada VoxBox from influenster to try and review. They sent me two patterns.  Over The Moon is a pink cheetah print and Dancing Queen is a black and white zebra print.  Out of the two, I liked Dancing Queen better so it is the set I did the rest of the review on.


Each set of imPRESS nails comes with 24 nails in varying sizes that already have adhesive applied to them.  First, find the 10 nails that fit your natural nail shape best.  Then you just pull of the backing and stick it on your nail.  My problem was that there weren't any in the set that fit my natural nail shape.  The ones that fit the bottom of my nail bed were too narrow at the top.  I ended up compromising with ones that were a little too wide at the bottom and still a little too narrow at the top.



They just look so... fake.  There's no other way to describe it.  The adhesive is quite thick so they aren't really flush with the nail bed.  It also leaves gaps at the edges that I could see getting very grungy very quickly.  Another problem I had is that my natural nails are much more curved than the press-ons so those gaps were even more pronounces.  This also contributed to the corners of my natural nails poking out from behind the press-ons.


I will admit.  These nails were driving me slightly insane so I had to take them off after an hour.  Though they felt quite secure I can't tell you how long they last before popping off on their own.  The one positive thing I found with these nails was ease of removal.  I just dabbed some acetone polish remove under the side edge with an angle brush and then gently peeled them off.  The photos below show my nails right after removal.  As you can see, there was no damage to my nail beds and no residue to deal with.


The other positive with this product was the packaging.  The cute little nail polish bottle container would be great for packing small items while traveling.  I think it would be great for earrings, hair elastics, bobby pins, etc.  Unfortunately overall, I am not a fan of this product and would not purchase it.  It just doesn't work my nail shape and I actually enjoy the process of creating nail art myself.  However, if you think this is a product that would work well for you there is more info available at www.imPressmanicure.com.

Happy polishing,

Michelle
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