Thursday, August 25, 2016

Zoya Naked Manicure

After just placing an order of the new Urban Grunge polishes from Zoya, it feels a bit weird to type about the Naked Manicure set. But for when you need a break from the bold colours and holos, it's the perfect thing. I received this little set awhile back but had yet to give it a go. Now, that my nails are growing strong, I thought I'd give it a test. The minis I have didn't include the white polish for the tips, so I went without and just layered the base, perfector (here in pink), and glossy seal. I like having a layer for protection from breakage and scratches. I would like to test it out with the white tips and the lavender perfector. After I try all those fall shades from the new collection first....
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Sunday, August 14, 2016

Birchbox | August 2016

I wasn't quite feeling last month's Birchbox, so the urge to open this one wasn't as immediate. Usually when I see the pink box I am racing to open it. This month, I took my time (granted that was only maybe an hour). However, I was pleasantly surprised. I am excited for everything. Just goes to show you the nature of subscription boxes.

Box Breakdown
Manna Kadar Cosmetics The Day Dream Palette
Laura Gellar New York Color Luster Lip Gloss in Cookie Dough
R+Co Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste
Acure Organics Coconut & Argan Oil Cleansing Towelettes
Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray

For the sample selection, I chose the R+Co Dry Shampoo Paste. The idea of dry shampoo in a paste form was very intriguing. It has that distinctive dry shampoo smell. My plan is to throw this little tub in my gym bag. I was super excited to see the Acure Coconut & Argan Oil cleansing towelettes. I love the brand, and samples of make-up wipes are just so convenient. Another gym bag must have. The theme of this box is hair, so for my second hair sample, I received Oribe Anti-Humidity Spray. Definitely needed with this rainy, heat wave. I also received a couple of make-up samples including the Manna Kadar highlighter/bronzer duo and a Laura Gellar Lip Gloss.

What did you think of this month's BB?
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Thursday, August 11, 2016

Rainbow Nail Art

This was a very popular nail art style a few years ago when the nail art trend blew up. I had never done it before, and since it's been awhile since I've used so many different bottles of polish in one mani, I thought I'd test it out. It was a really fun look for these hot summer days.

Green: Zoya Josie
Blue: Zoya Sia
Purple: Zoya Serenity
Pink: wet n wild 1 Step Wonder Gel Coral Support
Orange: Zoya Sharon
Yellow: Butter London Pimms

I had a bit of difficulty blending with the Wet n Wild gel type polish. Even the Butter London was giving me a bit of difficulty, so I would probably stick to one brand of polish. I love my Zoyas!

What do you think of rainbow nails?
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Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Camping in the Catskills

I have had a pretty low-key summer this year. We usually go to our hometown in Florida, but with our trip to Taiwan in the spring, we decided to spend the summer more locally. We went camping with a group of friends to the Catskills, just a couple of hours away from the city. It was the weekend before Preston's birthday, so I went with the theme and got him a hammock which I wrapped in woodland animal paper-of course!

[Trail Mix (teehee) & the cutest little inch worm]

[a little creek]

[no issues roasting these vegan marshmallows-yum]

[long, rocky hikes]

[with beautiful views]

[you had me at brunch]

It was a quick weekend trip, but it was a blast. It was great to get together with our city friends in the wilderness: cooking up campfire burgers and breakfast, playing board games, and hiking.

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Saturday, August 6, 2016

Urban Decay Vice Lipstick Swatches

After placing an order on Urban Decay (more on that to come...), I received a sample booklet of Vice lipsticks. I decided I'd try them all on in a massive all day swatch-a-thon. Similar to when I had the Gwen Stefani sampler, but this time, I took pics and video clips. Hopefully this will help if you were considering picking up a few shades but couldn't decide which ones.




Nudes (top right to bottom left)
Gubby
Stark Naked
Backtalk 
Naked
ZZ
Amulet
Rapture
Conspiracy


Reds
Snitch
EZ
Blackmail
Disturbed
714
Gash
Manic
Rock Steady

Pinks
Psycho
Sheer Anarchy
Big Bang
Menace
Firebird
Jilted
Pandemonium
Seismic

What Vice shades are your favourites? Any other shades I should check out?
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