ORLY Bonder & No Chip Nailpolish Coats

I know I hardly write about nailpolishes, but trust me I have a good reason LOL. See, nailpolish and I, we have a love/hate relationship. I love them the first day I have them, and after that I hate them! They chip like crazy no matter what base or top coat I use (I know some of you ladies are nail goddesses so please feel free to give me some suggestions, techniques, or some good base/top coats you recommend!). I also find that I have no patience for doing my nails, I often get frustrated because I can't manage to stay 'in the lines' at times or they smudge and then my nails end up looking like a hot mess, but I am learning to get better at it. I envy those ladies that have nail blogs and their nails and hands look amazing- utter perfection!

Anyway, I went to Sally's the other day to buy a few small gifts for my best friend, and thought i'd make another futile attempt to put some nailpolish on and TRY to get them to last at least close to a week, so I bought ORLY Bonder (base coat) which claims to help nailpolish adhere to the base coat so it lasts longer and ORLY "Won't Chip" Top Coat w/ a protective polymer shield (both $6.99 each), they both suggested of course that for ideal results, it's best to use them together, hence why I ended up getting both.

They both say that they "prevent nail lacquer from wearing off for up to two weeks".

So Day 1, was last Thursday, I used the Bonder as a base, then Color Club nailpolish in "Pink Flame", and then Wet N' Wild's Craze Nail Color in "Glitz" (pink and purple glitter nailpolish with a clear base, it's so pretty in person!),  followed by the no chip top coat. [I used one coat of the pink flame and one coat of the glitter after the base coat, then one coat of the top coat.] For the sake of testing, I didn't bother to really clean up around my cuticles so I apologize!

On the second day, there was no chipping, and on the third day there was minimal chipping near the tips of the nail.

And on Day 5 (today), it looked like this:

Overall? Compared to other base and top coats I have used, these Orly base and top coats do not chip as much, but I was still a bit disappointed because I was hoping for minimal to no chipping until at least maybe Day 7. Especially because they say it prevents (as it's a fact, not help prevents...) nailpolish from wearing off for up to two weeks. Even around Day 3 I already started to see a bit of chipping near the tips on my right hand. However, I am giving it another shot by using it on flat nailpolish (no glitter) just to see if that makes any difference, so we'll see by the end of this week how it holds up. But at the moment, for $6.99 a pop, I'd like to believe there is something better that does the job at the same price; even if there is one that's a tad bit pricier, it might be worth it if it actually prevents them from chipping. We'll see!

On another note, the bestie (the boy BFF,  I have a girl BFF and a boy BFF haha) gave me a cute HK keychain (for some reason it reminds me of Tupac), he is doing the 12 days of Christmas so one small gift everyday, and it's all HK stuff, it's pretty funny. He has such a big heart! I have to do a post on that soon because I was amazed he found some of these things (such as an ice pop mold !)

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FOTD: Smoky Eyes for the Christmas Party

I haven't done smoky eyes in a long time so I thought id go with one of my old tutorials for the company Christmas Party last night. You can see this smoky eye tutorial HERE. The only difference is that I used MAC's greasepaint stick in "Slick Black" as the base. But still used my beloved "Black Ore" pigment. There was ice skating after dinner, but it was canceled due to the rain. :(

We did a Secret Santa thing at work which was fun, I got a Sephora gift card which I used to get the Hello Kitty Brush Set from the beauty insider private event on the Sephora website this morning, it's so cute! I love how the head comes off to reveal the brushes, MUCH better than th HK brush holder I bought from MAC's collection a couple years ago.

Anyway, I must finish up my Christmas shopping (my mom is so hard to shop for!), hope you all are having a great weekend!

Dress from Forever 21

 

What I used:
[Face]
- MAC Studio Fix Concealer in NC30
- MAC Pro LongWear foundation in NC35

[Cheeks]
- Korres Blush in Peach (#18)

[Eyes]
- MAC Greasepaint stick in "Slick Black" as eyeshadow base
- MAC "Black Ore" pigment on lower half of the lid
- Milani e/s in "Storm" on outer-v and a contour
- MAC e/s in "Vex" as highlight
- Revlon Liquid Eyeliner in "Black"
- Ardell lashes #106
- UD eyeliner in "Rockstar" on lower lashline

[Lips]
- HK lipstick (from MAC) in "Fashion Mews"
- NARS "Turkish Delight" lipgloss"

Dinner: Beef tenderloin with sourdough onion rings

Dessert!

Even HK is ready for the holidays!

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Product Review: Ring Guard Solution

When Jon proposed, I was the most happiest girl in the world. After calling both our families and after I stopped crying (LOL), I realized that my ring was really big on me. The ring was a size 7 (which is my fashion ring size), but fashion ring sizing is completely different than real ring sizing; and on top of that my ring finger is a lot skinnier than my middle finger (which is where I wear most of my fashion rings). 

He figured it would be a bit big so he already told the lady at the store before he proposed that I might have to come in to get it re-sized; of course it would take 2 weeks from the point of taking it in, getting measured, and picking up the "new" ring (which is now a size 5 1/2). But because the store was in Costa Mesa (about an hour from where we live), I couldn't take it in until that weekend. So I needed a temporary fix- something I can put around the ring so it can fit snugly (since I was so scared of losing it!). I ended up buying a ring bumper (those tiny flexible plastic tubes that are open on one side so you can place it over the band), however it was annoying and uncomfortable, and it kept coming off.

Leo Moody from Luc-Co.com (and is also the inventor of this genius product) was kind enough to send me the Ring Guard Solution to try out ($7.95 for clear, $3.95 for white, also available on QVC.com). You can click on the link to watch a video on their website of how it works. I totally wish I knew this existed when I was looking for a ring bumper to keep my rings from falling off my finger! I remember using tape or even little pieces of paper to keep my rings snug, but they never last long. :(

The Ring Guard Solution contains 5.5 grams which is enough to treat several dozen of rings. It can withstand dishwashing, hot water, baths, showers, swimming and more. The gel is strong enough to stay in place for months and months.

What it does: Solves the annoying problem of rings that slide, or fall off your finger. It's an alternative to expensive jeweler resizing, or having to buy bulky metal or plastic ring guards. Can also be used to bond 2 rings together (such as an engagement and wedding ring together). No risk of scratching or discoloration on your precious rings.

What it is: It's a clear gel solution that helps you re-size rings quickly and easily to keep them from sliding around or off your finger when typing, washing the dishes or your hands. Can also be used on the back of earrings for cushioning.

How it works: It comes in a small tube, ready to use, just apply a tiny even amount across the band of the back of your ring (like applying eyelash glue to falsies), it dries to a soft gel after 3 hours that slides over your finger and knuckles easily.

To remove: Simply just peel it off. Similar to that thick tacky glue you see holding credit cards on paper that get mailed to you, where you can easily peel it off and there's no residue or damage to the surface.

Apply a thin amount of gel along the ring band, let dry

 PROS:
- Affordable and is great when you are pressed for time and can't bring it to a jeweler for re-sizing, or if the jeweler cannot re-size it as they sometimes can't re-size certain ring/metal types
- Tube has a lot of product to last you a long time
- The best solution for temporary ring sizing on the market right now- because it stays on, keeps your ring snug, and it's very comfortable to wear,  it isn't obvious or obtrusive
- Comes in clear (so it's not visible to others) and white, dries to a soft plastic
- Great for those whose fingers swell and shrink with weather or weight change

CONS:
- Takes 3 hours to dry so be sure to allot time for this in case you are in a hurry, I dry it overnight though just to make sure it's fully dry.
- Smells sort of like nailpolish (Fiance says plastic), not strong, but some of you may not like the smell but this goes away once dry. You can't really smell it though unless you put the tube near your nose.
- Can get messy and sticky if you do not have a steady hand so apply it slowly
- Not available in retail stores (at least that I know of around where I live), online only 

Overall: Since I have tried the plastic ring tube sizers/wraps, it's easy for me to compare and see that the Ring Guard Solution is probably the best at-home solution to keeping rings comfortably snug and secure on your finger (you don't even feel like it's on). And you can use it on all types of rings, even fashion rings. It also lasts for months so no need to keep reapplying.

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Review: Neutrogena Makeup Remover Pads

Product: 5 out of 5

Packaging: 4 out of 5

Quality: 5 out of 5

Overall: 5 out of 5

Price: $5.99-$6.99, available at many drug and retail stores

Would I recommend/buy again: Yes, it's actually my favorite makeup remover

In relation to my last post, on the NYX Makeup Remover w/ Green Tea, I referenced these makeup remover pads as my go-to makeup remover, so I thought id review this one as well for comparison purposes.

From their website: Ultra-Soft Eye Makeup Remover Pads enable you to effortlessly remove every last trace of eye makeup, even stubborn waterproof mascara.

Tested and safe for sensitive eyes, these pads won't irritate or leave any oily residue. Plus, they're bigger, thicker, and more affordable than many competitive brands.

No oily residue

Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers

Ophthalmologist & Dermatologist tested

Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, C13 15 Isoparaffin, Glycerin, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Palmitate, Ceteareth-20, Ceteareth 12, Coco Glucoside, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid, Fragrance (Parfum)

PROS: 

- Removes makeup so easily, even stubborn waterproof makeup such as mascara and eyeliner

- I like that it's in pad form and the makeup remover is already soaked in the pad (but it's not dripping or anything, just moist)

- 30 large pads in each tub, which lasts me a really long time, just use and toss. No need to carry makeup remover pads and makeup remover, this is all in one.

- It also is a great makeup brush cleaner (for small concealer brushes) on a whim (trust!)

- Tight screw on top keeps the pads moist, doesn't dry out

- Nice and light fragrance, nothing strong

- No oily residue or feeling, no need to rinse after

- Even though it says 'eye makeup remover pads' it's soft and gentle to use as a complete makeup remover for the entire face (as I do this at times, and I have sensitive skin and have had no issues).

- No stinging feeling

CONS:

- Tub may be a bit too big for travel (which is why I gave packaging 4/5), so I wish they made travel sized pouches of this stuff (I know they have makeup wipes as well but not the exact same product) but I still love it!

Overall: This is my favorite makeup remover (next to the Mandom makeup remover but that's in pump form). It removes all my eye makeup in one pad/step, and I like that it does not have any oils in it so there is no oily residue or feeling left behind. Light fragrance, which is what I like since I am sensitive to certain scents. There is also no stinging feeling that you may experience with other makeup removers. There is also the perfect amount of product on each pad, no dripping of product, or excess amount of product, so there is no mess. Again this is just from my experience and this is what works for me. Definitely recommend!

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Review: NYX Makeup Remover w/Green Tea

Product: 3 out of 5
Packaging: 4 out of 5
Overall: 3 out of 5
Price: $10, Cherryculture.com
Would I re-purchase? No

What it is: Makeup remover and cleansing oil in one infused with green tea extract, mineral oils, Vitamin A, Vitamin E to moisturize and condition skin while removing the heaviest and most resistant makeup. 

Ingredients: 
Poe(30) sorbitol tetraoleate, Isopropyl myristate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, Mineral oil, Melaleuca alternifolia, D&C green 6, BHA, Propylparaben.


PROS:
- I like the bottle, it doesn't leak, has a screwed on cap and has a normal hole stopper on top of the bottle so you can easily pour it on a makeup pad for easy removal.
- Has a nice soft scent of green tea 
- Does remove makeup, even waterproof makeup


CONS:
- I found it to be quite oily for my taste, where you can still feel it on your skin afterwards. Even though no additional rinse or wipe off is required after you remove your makeup, you can feel an oily residue left behind.
- Even though it does remove makeup, including some waterproof makeup, I felt like it was more of a struggle to make sure it really removed every last trace of makeup (had to constantly put more of the product on another makeup pad).


Overall: I currently use Neutrogena's Eye Makeup Remover Pads and I prefer that because it's less mess and you don't need to always carry the makeup remover and pads, it's an all-in-one and easy to use since it's already on each pad, just wipe and toss. And the best part is that it does not have an oily feel and you do not have to rinse anything off after. With the NYX remover, I just found it to be a tad but too oily for me and felt the need to wash my face or hands after because of that oily feel. I did like the soft scent of green tea and that the bottle wasn't overly huge, but I would not re-purchase this for myself. And the fact that it's $10, there are tons of other makeup removers out there that are cheaper and probably aren't as oily.

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Eco Tools 6 Piece Bamboo Brush Set

Product: 4/5
Packaging: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
Price: $12.99, Target, Ulta, Walgreens, and other stores
Would I recommend? Yes!

I have always enjoyed the Eco Tools line (you can see a previous review I did on another set HERE), they are easy to find (at least where I live), they are affordable and they are eco-friendly. This cute little 6-piece set is just one of the latest additions, albeit revamped- to the Eco Tools collection. I've had my eye on them since they first came out and even though they had great products at the time, they didn't have a lot of variety; so I was really pleased to see that they have expanded their line and are actively listening to their customers and what we would like to see.

These brushes have soft, cruelty-free taklon bristles that last a long time when well-taken care of, and Eco Tools uses natural and recycled materials; the handles are made from bamboo, and the ferrules are made out of recycled aluminum. The cosmetic bag is made out of natural cotton and hemp and I love that it's also a brush roll and great to tote along in your makeup bag or when traveling.

In addition to my sister's Christmas present (can't say what it is yet since she reads my blog LOL), I got her some Eco Tools brushes like these as a stocking stuffer because she is starting to get into makeup and thought this would be a great 'starter set' for her because it's great for the environment, has the essential brushes she needs, and it fits her budget. Not to mention the nifty cosmetic bag it comes with. Makes a cool gift idea.

What it comes with:

• Blush brush
• Eye shading brush
• Eyeliner brush
• Lash & Brow Groomer
• Concealer Brush
• Cosmetic bag

 I'll just let the pics do the talking!

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Good Read: Simple Skin Beauty Book

I like reading self-help books, they are usually interesting and fun to read, and I am always eager to learn a thing or two about something new, so thought id share in case any of you are looking for something to read up on during the holiday. I was happy to come across the 'Simple Skin Beauty' book by Ellen Marmur, MD ($15 USD), and it's available at bookstores everywhere. When it comes to my skin, I noticed that the best thing for me was to keep things basic. For me, less is more, and when it came to the sensitive skin on my face, I realized I didn't need a lot to maintain healthy skin. Back in high school I was always conscious to maintain clear skin and bought pretty much every cleanser in the drugstores, and they were just doing more damage, than good.

Even though it takes trial and error sometimes to really find out what works for you, why even play Russian roulette with your face when you can read about the skin, what ingredients work and what doesn't from the get-go to save you time and money. Moisturizers and cleansers are so expensive nowadays that I could kick myself in the butt for wasting so much money on those that didn't work for me.

I haven't finished the book yet, but it has a lot of really useful information and got awesome reviews on Amazon. And because the author is the Chief of Dermatology at a medical center in New York, it's comforting to know she has a lot of expertise about the skin.  She emphasizes that we need to learn more about our skin and what it needs as oppose to the creams that are shoved in our faces at the beauty counter or commercials; so we can make better decisions of the products we buy. Of course there are a few things we know already, such as sun tanning being bad for your skin, etc., but I like that she tells you WHY something is good or bad for your skin rather than just stating it. She answers top myth questions and breaks down tips and ingredients that are good and bad for you by skin type (dry, combo, oily, normal), making it easier to understand. She even covers skin disorders such as Rosacea and Psoriasis. And this book is filled with comparison graphs and illustrations.

Just to give you a bit of a preview of the tone of the book, this is an excerpt from the book regarding facial cleansers for dry skin (such as myself):
"Using warm water and a washcloth can be enough to clean your face. Dry skin lack excess oil on the stratum corneum, so the worst thing you can do is use a strong soap, you want less soap and more moisturizer. Try using a cleanser with extra gentle surfactant such as polysorbate 85 or 60 and make sure it has added emollients. Look for formulations such as creamy lotion or cleansing milk, or even a cleansing oil".

Definitely recommend! :)

Book: 5/5

Information: 5/5

Illustrations and Ease of Use (able to understand): 5/5

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Oh Christmas Tree!

The fiance and I LOVE Christmas, it's our favorite holiday so we definitely enjoyed decorating our place and the tree. I just love this time of the year, it reminds me of my childhood back in Canada; waiting for my dad to come home from work because he always had a little surprise for me, like a small toy or chocolate, and staring at the streets covered in snow. So it's the one holiday I love going all out for.

This year is particularly special because it's OUR first Christmas living together, our first Christmas in our new place, and because it's MY first real tree. I kid you not, I never had a real tree. My mom always bought the fake trees because they were so much easier to deal with. So the fiance and I went to the tree lot and picked out a nice tall noble fir tree. I originally liked the flocked tree but we decided to do the traditional green this year; we already bought all our ornaments before we got our tree so we were ready to decorate! Jon bought some twinkling lights too. And my goodness, the smell of pine filling up our house is intoxicating! I love it.

Any of y'all done decorating for the holidays?

Some of our ornaments (I love the candy canes!):

 

The flocked trees are so pretty!

Jon fluffing the tree!

 

Of course I was having fun haha

Starting to wrap some gifts!

 

Finished!

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