Julep Nail Polish - Felicia

Just in time for spring, I decided to crack open one of my recent Julep purchases. The bright mint green is sprinkled with black glitter. It reminds me a bit of speckled eggs or those robin egg type of candy. Oh no, I am craving some candy again!

The nail polish did pretty fast and had a nice shiny sheen. It does have a bit of a raised surface but if you put on a top coat, it makes the surface smooth.  I got 3 to 4 days before my nails start chipping even without a top coat. I hope they come out with more special effect nail polishes soon :)

Allure September 2013

Editors’ Favorites

Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecstasy in Scarlatto

Benefit Gimmer Brow in Medium/Deep

Orly Matte FX Lacquer

Lancome DreamTone Corrector

Toni & Guy Shine Gloss Serum

Dior 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow in bonne Etolle

L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Eyeliner in Violet and Cobalt

Personalize Your Perfume

The Basics

1. Skin is not the place to experiment -  to be certain a scent combination works, test it on fine blotting paper - or even a tissue. The thin material absorbs fragrance similar to the way skin does, giving you an accurate idea of how it will smell once you dab it on

2. Sniff out olfactory bullies - spray two scents in your bathroom and walk away for a few minutes. If you can detect only one when you return, that perfume is most likely going to dominate on your skin, too.

3. Don’t decant several fragrances into one bottle  - instead, wear different scents on separate body parts. Instead, wear different scents on separate body parts. Confine heavier ones to pulse points [the base of the neck, crooks of arms, backs of the knees, and wrists] where body temperature is higher. Body heat diffuses and distributes fragrance more evenly.  Place lighter scents in prominent points, such as the tops of your shoulders.

4. Start strong - dip cotton swabs in the scents you’re combining, and apply the strongest one to skin first, giving it a chance to air. Finish with the lightest.

5. Combine different concentrations - apply a single drop of eau de parfum on your wrists or inner elbows. Spritz lighter eau de toilettes into the air and walk through.

6. Layer by lathering - pick a fragrance you love, then find bath products with a matching scent. Start with a body wash, apply moisturizer, and finish with perfume.

Tricks of the Trade

1. Give a sweet or ultra feminine scent more edge by layering  a fresh, clean men’s cologne like CK one on top.

2. Try transitioning your scent  from day to night. If you start out wearing an airy floral, like freesia, spritz on heady gardenia or tuberose to give it more depth and staying power. Warm, fleshy notes, such as amber and musk, also intensify lighter daytime fragrances.

3. Powerful raw materials, such as oud, and gourmand notes, like vanilla, are the most difficult to layer because they instantly overwhelm other scents.

4. Rose is one of the most versatiles, identifiable notes around. It adds decadence and a hint of romance to any scent, but for a real impact, use it to transform a familiar or iconic fragrance.

5. Found a combination you love? Dab pure almond oil on your skin, then layer those fragrances on top of it. The concentrated base helps it last longer.

6. You can turn up the sex appeal of any fragrance by blending it with vetiver, a woodsy - scented oil distilled from grass.

Dry Shampoo Surprises-

Dry shampoo sops up oil and preserves blowouts, but that’s just the beginning. Here, three uses you might not have considered .

1. Get a grip - coat bobby pins before slipping them into the hair. It gives them a rough, matte texture so they won’t budge.

2. Fake lift - spray it on roots and mist the rest of the hair with salt spray for amazing, tease-free volume

3. Add bulk - tousle dry shampoo through midlengths or on a ponytail to create fullness

Mastering Nail Sticker

1. Prep and clean nails just as you would for a manicure with regular nail polish

2. Pick or snip a sticker to fit every nail. Pick a sticker that’s larger than your nail. Before applying, cut away the excess from the sides using nail scissors and make the rounded end straighter or more curved depending on the shape of your nail. If you don’t have to trim, err on the small side, since a too-wide sticker will bunch.

3. Don’t skip basecoat - it helps nail stickers adhere. Press them on before the base coat completely dries and it acts a glue

4. Warm the stickers slightly by rubbing it between your fingers to make it more flexible

5. Anchor the round edges at the base of the cuticle. holding the tip, stretch it over the entire nail. Seal down the middle and perimeter with your fingers, and flatten any wrinkles or bubbles with an orange stick.

6. To remove the excess length, gently skim a nail file - downward only - over the tip of the nail. Sawing from side to side can tear the wrap.

7. Use a top coat - it locks in shine, keeps the edge from peeling, and generally from a quickie mani look a whole lot more ground.

Lucky October 2013

Ultra Violet Colors to spice up your Fall -

Maybelline Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadow in Painted Purple

Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Purple Dawn

YSL Dessin Du Regard Waterproof Eye Pencil in Violet Massa

Lancome Color Design Eyeshadow in Successorize

ELF Studio Pigment Eyeshadow in Passionate Purple

Harper’s Bazaar March 2014

What’s In-

1. Modern Art

2. Painterly Purses

3. Distinctive Ring

4. Statement bags

5. Sculptural heels

6. Brilliant Blings

7. Collage Pumps

8. Bright Bangles

9. Sharp Studs

What’s Out-

1. Canvas totes

2. Chokers

3. Wood rings

4. Peep-toes

5. Round bags

6. Woven bracelets

7. Moccasins

8. Feather earrings

The 10 new pieces for Spring

1. The sculpted crop top

2. The fringe bag

3. The blue button down

4. The mini bag

5. The cropped pant

6. The pleated skirt

7. The statement necklace

8. The mule

9. The cropped jacket

10. The sporty shoe

Glamour April 2014

How to Make Your Mani Last and Last

1. Skip the soak - it feels nice, but letting hands sit in a bowl of soapy water can actually reduce the bond between your polish and mails.  Instead, give nails a good wipe-down with a remover soaked pad.

2. Prep the surface - the newest base coats do more than fill in ridges and bumps; they make nail polish adhere better.

3.  Finish with gel - to lock in color and shine, paint your nails as your normally would, then finish with a gel topcoat. You’ll get long lasting gloss minus the time-consuming removal process of a salon gel manicure.

4. Seal the edges - don’t skip this step - it’s key to getting polish to last. After applying topcoat, run the brush along the tips to prevent chipping. Do an extra layer on thumbs and index fingernails. which tend to chip first.

5. Use cuticle oil - keep a bottle in your purse and apply it frequently to freshen up your main. When your cuticles are moisturize, your nails look better.

Cosmopolitan March 2014

[Sorry I lost the screenshot I had of this magazine, I guess I have too much of a backlog! :( ]

Look Amazing on Skype

1. Glow On - webcam pixelation can make skin appear dull and lifeless. Choose a illuminating foundation.

2. Don’t Over Hue-It - some computer screens oversaturate colors meaning anything highly pigmented can have clownlike effects. Choose sheer blushes and lip tints.

3. Go Au Naturel -  artificial overhead lighting casts not so cute overshadow under your eyes. Place your laptop next to a sunny window - natural light is far more flattering.

How to do a Face Massage - apply a thin layer of an oil or cream, then -

1. How to zap jawline tension - bend the pointer and middle fingers of each hand so the bent knuckles makes a V shape.

2. To de-puff eyes or cheek - sit with your elbows on your knees, then firmly press the hell of your hand against the affected area for 10 seconds; repeat three times.

3. To smooth your forehead - spread the tips of all eight fingers [not thumbs]  along the tops of your brows. From there, make slow zigzag motions upward to the hairline; repeat five times [each times starting at the brows so you’re not pulling down skin]

Woman’s Day August 2013

Pack Smart -

“1. Keep it to one swimsuit - you’re going only going to want to wear your favorite anyways, right?

2. Wear a sun-shielding hat to the airport so it doesn’t get squashed in your suitcase.

3. Bring a few tunics that you can wear as coverups at the beach or as shirts when you’re around town.

4. A pretty sarong can double as a scarf if the temperature drops when you’re dining outside near the water.

5. Call ahead to see if your hotel provides beach towels so you don’t have to tote them from home.”

Like to volunteer? Visit http://www.rewardvolunteers.coop, which rewards volunteers with prizes.

Multitasking Facial Cleansers-

Garnier the Radiance Renewer Cleansing Gelee

Alba Botanica Good & Clean Daily Detox Foaming Cleanser

Maybelline Clean Express! The Flash 3 in 1 Makeup Removing Lotion

To stretch and soothe feet, freeze a bottle of water and roll it under your arches.

Happy, Healthy Feet -

“If you have dry, cracked heels -

The cause : the soles of your feet lack oil glands, making them prone to dryness. Hot showers and exposure to the sun can also zap moisture.

The fix : apply lotion to the tops and bottoms of feet daily, especially after showering. Even better: every few days, rub a generous amount of cream on clean feet before bed, then slip on cotton socks. You’ll wake up to softer heels.

If you have calluses or corns -

The causes : feet already have thick skin to help support your body. Add pressure to a specific area from tight shoes or a bunion, and the skin thickens even more, forming a callus [a hard, flat patch] or a corn [a raised circular patch].

The fix : exfoliate feet up to three times a week to keep corns and calluses pain free. Apply a sugar scrub or use a pumice stone.

If you have sore, tired feet -

The causes :  spending a lot of time on your feet and wearing shoes that lack arch support or fit poorly [too big and feet work hard to keep them on, too small and feet may cramp up] can cause pain.

The fix : aside from buying shoes that fit well, try a soothing footbath. Just add a few drops of peppermint oil to warm water. No time to soak? Swipes soles with a minty wipe.”

Boost your Food’s Benefits -

“1. Stir fry carrots or steam broccoli. Chopping and the heating them releases carotenoids, powerful antioxidants that may help from cancer.

2. Add a little oil as you saute or cook leafy greens. The good fats from oil help your body absorb the nutrients that are released as the vegetable is heated.

3. After you mince garlic, let it sit out for 15 minutes. Research shows that exposing garlic to air once you chop it up promotes an enzyme reaction that releases cancer fighting compounds.

4. Cut larger pieces or cook the vegetables whole.  Cooking bigger sections of vegetables like sweet potatoes or summer squash exposes less of the food’s surface to air and heat, which can destroy vitamins and nutrients.

5. When boiling potatoes, leave the peels on and cook them whole if possible. This will help preserve their high levels of vitamin C. Also, keep the lid on the pot so they cook more quickly. Longer cooking time leads to higher loss of water soluble nutrients like C.”

Jet July 1, 2013

Long Lasting Lipstick -

Maybelline SuperStay 14HR Lipstick in Infinite Iris

L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Balm in Plush Plum

Smashbox MegaTint Long Wear Lip Color in Punch

CoverGirl Outlast All - Day Lip Color in Faint Hue

Make Up For Ever Aqua Rouge in #20 Baby Pink

Everyday with Rachael Ray July/August 2013

Self Tanners to Try This Month -

St. Tropez Self Tan Tan Booster

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer, Fair to Medium

Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel

L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Airbrush Mist in Deep Natural Tan

Xen - Tan Moroccan Tan in Ultra Dark

VMV Hypoallergenics Illuminants + Face - Hand - Body Lotion

The sun, the ever fickle lover. Like a toxic ex-boyfriend, it showers you with bright love and then a couple years, you see the bad side of it’s love -- the wrinkles, the saggy skin and the sun spots! While, the body lotion can’t help with the wrinkles and saggy skin, it promises to help the sun spots.  Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, green tea, and rice phytic acid to clarify, lighten and brighten skin.  I have been using it religiously on my hands and on my sun kissed shoulders and while the spots didn’t disappear, they lightened and became less noticeable. A good product to stock up one when spending too many days with my toxic lover. On a side note, since this lotion has AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) that “may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn”, according to the book of instructions that came with the lotion.  So be sure not to skimp on the sunscreen!

The Face Shop Cucumber Mask

The sheet mask is packed with soothing cucumber and hydrating minerals. The mask promises to provide moisture and nourishment for skin. It was very easy to use the mask and it was packed with good for you serum. The cutouts of course, did not line up with my face...I am yet to find one that actually does. I left the mask on for 20 minutes and when I took off the mask I pat on the excessive serum. My face was a bit sticky but I did it before going to bed and fell right asleep. When I woke up I had super soft skin that smooth and radiant and it lasted for three days afterwards.  I really loved how great my skin look and felt. I can’t wait to try the other mask in the line.

The Body Shop Strawberry Soap

My late paternal grandfather used to grow strawberries in his backyard. Although, the strawberries weren’t very fragrant well not as much as the figs. This soap reminds me of him and his garden every time I smell this soap. The sweet scented soap is vegetable base and is packed with strawberry juice, and derivatives of palm oil and glycerin. The soap did smell like strawberries but it smell more synthetic than actual strawberries. The soap provided a generous lather and left my skin softly scented.

3Lab Perfecting Cleansing Foam

Photo Source - Dermstore

As the older you get, the more you can’t skimp out washing your face before going to bed.  I have use been using this foam religiously with my Clarisonic before going to bed every night. It leaves my skin feeling soft, smoother and radiant.  The foam  also brightens, clarifies and evens skin tone. It also doesn’t leave my face tight or dried out afterwards. The  cream is packed with spherical vitamin E beads, green tea extracts, lipids, shea butter,  and Sodium Hyaluronate. While the cream is expensive, I noticed that even with a dime size I still noticed results. It also removed makeup in one go which unlike other cleansers I don’t have to follow up with a cleansing cloth.

Stila Lip Glaze - Grapefruit

This high gloss lip glaze is a soft pink with a gold shimmer.  While the gloss was a bit sticky, it didn't really leave much color on my lips. I think I will keep to use on top of a plain lipstick I want to Jazz Up.

Perricone MD Cosmeceuticals Nutritive Cleanser

The amber colored glass container that looks like it belongs in a laboratory is a potent cleanser that promises to remove impurities and delivers anti-aging benefits.  The gentle cleanser removes makeup and daily grime without stripping skin of its natural oils and improving skin’s tone and texture. While, the paraben free cleanser doesn’t offer much foam, it does leave skin feeling fresh, bright, and clean thanks to a healthy dose of antioxidants.  And, the best part is that look just at home on your bathroom shelf.

Kerstin Florian Krauter Chamomile Shower Gel

The lightly scented shower gel is packed with natural aloe, calendula and chamomile extracts. The shower gel promises to gently cleanses and moisturize the skin. The shower gel provides a  generous lather and leaves the skin lightly scented. The linden extract help calm tension and stress while chamomile helps reduce inflammation. Overall, I do like this shower gel made me feel like it was I having a nice spa experience until I realized I had to get out from the shower and the waterlogged look is not sexy.

BBW Butterfly Flower Shower Gel

The scent was a bit strong in the bottle so I was a bit hesitant to purchase this shower gel. I am glad, I did however. The scent is soft and stayed on my skin throughout the day. Like the any other BBW body wash, it gives a nice lather and leaves your skin feeling soft. I am curious, how they came up with the whimsical name. Was someone sitting on a field watching butterflies collecting nectar and pollen and  the butterfly got alarmed by  the passing wind or perceived enemy and it flaps away leaving a trail of soft scent in the air? Or did someone in the marketing team have one too many chardonnays and thought it was a cool and sophisticated name? It does say how they came up with the name on the bottle but I like my drunken theory better.