Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Carpe Noctem Cosmetics Fear: Swatch and Review

Carpe Noctem Cosmetics Fear: Swatch and Review 

*Purchased by Me*

Good morning! I hope that you had an amazing holiday, whatever you celebrate! Mine was pretty relaxed; I'm still kind of floating on Cloud Nine that I am officially finished my Master's Program!!! 

Today, I am sharing with you a color from Carpe Noctem Cosmetics. This color is named Fear, and it was a part of the June 2016 My Favourite Things Box, curated by Nail Whisperer. The theme for the June 2016 box was the movie Inside Out, and while I didn't purchase the entire box, I did buy Fear off of someone. Let's take a look at this beauty! 

Fear is a medium purple, between an orchid and eggplant, with loads of holo sparkle and blue shimmer. The formula was on par with other CNCs that I have tried, and it applied smoothly and evenly. I was able to get Fear opaque in three thin coats, and it dried to a satin finish; my pictures show it with one layer of glossy top coat, under artificial daylight lighting. 


I always love the complexity of Emily's polishes, and this baby is no exception! 

I have not seen any updates regarding a new, current release from My Favourite Things, so I am unsure if these boxes are still continuing. I will update this post if any news arrives, though! In the meantime, be please be sure to keep up with Carpe Noctem Cosmetics on social media!

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Thank you so much for stopping by, and I'll see you next time! 
♥ Megan

Friday, December 23, 2016

Tonic Polish Slitherin' and Light of Alexandria (Oops!): Swatches and Review

Tonic Polish Slitherin' and Light of Alexandria (Oops!): Swatches and Review 

*Purchased by Me*

Happy Friday!! Tonight, I am sharing with you two polishes that I picked up from Tonic Polish's website a bit ago. One is still available on the site, and one is not, but I will list info after the swatches. Let's take a look! 

Tonic Polish Slitherin' 

Lindsey describes Slitherin' as a metallic multichrome that shifts from acid-chartreuse to green to turquoise with scattered holo and silver holo microglitters. Let me tell you; this baby is INTENSE!! But, intense in a good way! When I applied it, I didn't think that it was a shifter; but, in fact, it does shift to blue in lower lights, and it is beautiful! In brighter light, the bright green comes out, and the holo glitters make it pop. Slitherin' was opaque in two medium coats, and it dried quickly. My swatches are shown with glossy topcoat, under an artificial daylight bulb. 


Slitherin' is still available in the Tonic Polish shop, and you can find it right here! The cost is $12.00 for a full-size, 15 mL bottle. 

Tonic Polish Light of Alexandria (Oops!)

This next polish is one that was an Oops! batch that Lindsey made, and it was dubbed Light of Alexandria. This beauty is a pink base with lots and lots of blue shimmer, which may make the polish appear purple-toned in some lights. The shimmer is very apparent in person, and it absolutely glows!  I was able to get this opaque in three thin coats, which applied and dried evenly. Shown is with glossy top coat, under a daylight bulb. 


Unfortunately, Light of Alexandria is no longer available in the shop. However, you can find her sister, Light of Lyra, right here; it costs $10.00 for a full size, 15 mL bottle. 

Please be sure to check out Tonic Nail Polish on social media! 
 
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Thank you so much for stopping by, and I'll see you next time! 
♥ Megan
 

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Leesha's Lacquer Fruity O's Cereal: Swatch and Review

Leesha's Lacquer Fruity O's Cereal: Swatch and Review 

*Purchased by Me*

Happy Saturday!! Today, I am sharing a polish from a brand that I was introduced to at Polish Con in Chicago. This new-to-me brand is Leesha's Lacquer! Alicia is the creative genius behind the brand, and she is a total sweetheart. Her brand began in 2013, and she creates some gorgeous glitters, flakies, jellies, crellies, and thermals; I am always drooling over the swatches that I see! I have some polishes in addition to the one presented in this post, and will have some up in the coming weeks! For now, let's get to today's post! 

The polish that I'm sharing with you is called Fruity O's Cereal. This polish is totally adorable, and it is a white crelly base with multi-colored small glitters scattered throughout. I decided to use a white base in my swatch, in order to make the colors pop! Shown are two coats over two coats of Lou It Yourself's Light Matter; everything is sealed in with one layer of glossy top coat. Fruity O's Cereal applied very smoothly and evenly, and I did not have to fish for any glitter, nor did I have to overly-manipulate their placement. 


You can find the listing for Fruity O's Cereal right here! The cost is $4.00 for a 5 mL mini, or $8.00 for a full-sized 15 mL bottle. 

Please be sure to check out Leesha's Lacquer on social media! 

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Thank you so much for stopping by, and I'll see you next time! 
♥ Megan 

Saturday, December 3, 2016

Tonic Polish Enchanted Elixir: Swatch and Review

Tonic Polish Enchanted Elixir: Swatch and Review

*Purchased by Me*

Happy Saturday! I should have a bit more time for blogging for a while, now; I officially finished submitting my materials for doctorate programs! Woo-hoo! 

Today, I am sharing a color from Tonic Polish with you! Tonic is quickly becoming another one of my favorite brands, and one from which I covet Every. Single. Color. 

The beauty that I have to share with you today is one that I picked up while I was at Polish Con in Chicago, and it is named Enchanted Elixir. Enchanted Elixir is described as a navy jelly base with strong pink/gold/green shifting multichrome shimmer and holographic gold microglitters. I was seriously "Oohing" and "Aahing" every second while I was applying this, and couldn't stop staring at it the entire time that I was wearing it! I was able to get it opaque in two coats, and it dried quickly and smoothly. Shown is with one layer of glossy top coat, under artificial daylight. 


Isn't it stunning?? You can find and pick up Tonic Polish Enchanted Elixir in Lindsey's shop right here. And, BONUS: Her new Holiday collection releases tomorrow, Sunday, December 4th, so you can pick up EVEN MORE!! Enjoy!! 

Please be sure to check out Tonic Nail Polish on social media! 
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Thank you so much for stopping by, and I'll see you next time! 
♥ Megan

Sunday, November 27, 2016

November 2016 Group Customs for Holo-Maniacs and Fantasmic Flakies: Swatches and Review

November 2016 Group Customs for Holo-Maniacs and Fantasmic Flakies: Swatches and Review

*Sent by makers for swatch and review*

Hey there! It's been about a month since I've actually sat down and written out a blog post; I guess that I didn't even realize that I needed a break, until I actually took one! Even though I've still been doing some of my own swatches and posting on Facebook and Instagram, I'm happy to be back! 

Tonight I'm going to be sharing the Holo-Maniacs and Fantasmic Flakies customs that were created for the month of November; these will be available for a few more days, so be sure to grab the ones that catch your eye! Let's take a look! 

Holo-Maniacs Customs

Seventy-Seven Nail Lacquer Holo-Maniacs Custom #10

Seventy-Seven Nail Lacquer's Holo-Maniacs Custom #10 is a medium green linear holographic base packed with a myriad of different colored holographic glitters. I used two coats for full opacity, and they dried down quickly and smoothly. Shown is with one layer of glossy top coat. 


You can find Seventy-Seven Nail Lacquer on social media at the links below! 

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DIFFERENT dimension Holo-Maniacs Custom #11

DIFFERENT dimension Holo-Maniacs Custom #11 is described by Missi as a vibrant spring green with a medium intensity linear holographic effect as well as gold flecks and iridescent gold to orange to green. As always, the formula was absolute perfection: It applied smoothly, and was opaque in two easy medium coats. Despite the flecks and glitter, it dried down smooth. Shown is with one layer of glossy top coat! 



You can find DIFFERENT dimension on social media at the links below! 

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Fantasmic Flakies Customs

Great Lakes Lacquer Emerald Waters

Great Lakes Lacquer Emerald Waters is described as An emerald green glowing with aqua to green crystal flake, lime to teal multichrome flake, and electric blue and gold microflake. The formula on Emerald Waters was smooth and buttery, and I used three thin coats for full opacity. Depending on the length of your nails, you can probably get away with two medium coats; however, I feel that using three thin coats will give you the dimension that comes along with all of the flakes and shimmer. Shown is with one layer of glossy top coat! 


You can find Great Lakes Lacquer on social media at the links below! 

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Ever After Polish Burnt Amethyst

And the final custom for November that I have to share with you is from Ever After, and it is named Burnt Amethyst! Burnt Amethyst is described as a brown crelly packed with blue to purple iridescent flakes and purple and chrome flakes. I was able to get this beauty opaque in two medium coats, and it dried smooth and shiny. Shown is with one layer of glossy top coat! 


You can find Ever After on social media at the links below! 

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So, do you plan on picking up any of these beauties before November is over? Let me know! 
Thank you so much for stopping by, and I'll see you next time! 
♥ Megan 

*Sent by makers for swatch and review*

Monday, October 24, 2016

Lipsticks and Nail Polish Hand and Cuticle Care Products: First Impressions and Review

Lipsticks and Nail Polish Hand and Cuticle Care Products: First Impressions and Review 

*Products provided for review*

Happy Monday!! Today, I have something a bit different for you, but still nail related. I was contacted by Cristina of Lipsticks and Nail Polish , and asked to review some of her newly created hand and nail care products, as well as some nail art products. I was happy to oblige, and have some things to show you today! And may I just say, I absolutely love it when bloggers begin their own indie brands! There are a bunch of products that I have to show you; let's get started! 

Soak Mani Bombs

There are various mani bombs that Cristina has available in her shop, but the directions for each are the same. When using mani bombs, drop it into a bowl of warm water. Allow the bomb to fizz up and then soak your hands in the water for as long as needed, but no less than 5 minutes. Pat hands dry and rub the remaining oils into your nail beds. 

All of the mani bombs that I received to review smell absolutely divine, and they fizz up really nicely! Each different type will be listed below. 

Mani bomb ingredients: Sodium bicarbonate, Chitric acid, Dead sea salt, Kaolin clay, jojoba oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, fragrance oil polysorbate 80, isopropyl alcohol, and colorant. 

Calavera Mani Bomb (0.5 oz, $2.00)



 These myrrh, amber, sandalwood and patchouli scented ghoulish little skills can be used for one mani, one skull per hand. Limited Edition for Halloween. 

The Great Pumpkin Mani Bomb (1 oz, $2.00)





These cute little pumpkin spice scented pumpkins can be used for two manicures, one for each pumpkin. They've been painted orange for the season. Limited Edition for Halloween. 

These little pumpkins smell amazing, and the scent stays with you for a long while, even after washing your hands! Here's a picture of how it fizzes up in a bowl of warm water (picture taken using flash).  


Cherry Sno Cone Mani Bomb (1.2 oz, $2.00)


These cherry scented little Italian ice bombs are perfect for those of us who can't let go of summer just yet. 

How adorable is this?! I love the cute little shape and packaging, and it smells amazing! 

Don't Worry Be Happy Jellyless Donut Mani Bomb (0.7 oz, $2.00)


These jelly donut scented little suckers are super yummy smelling and amazing for your hands

Yes, it DOES smell like a jelly donut! 

Donut Worry Be Happy Chocoholic Donut Mani Bomb (0.7 oz, $2.00)


These chocolate scented donuts are just as yummy smelling as their jelly counterpart and just as good for you. 

I am a sucker for anything chocolate scented, and these babies totally fit the bill! I definitely need to stock up on them! 

This is Halloween Mani/Pedi Bomb (1.3 oz, $3.00)


These Jack-O faces are perfect for a pedicure. You can also break these in half or even fourths for a nice pumpkin spice scented mani bomb. Limited Edition for Halloween. 

Acid Heart Mani Bomb (0.8 oz, $3.00)

These concentrated mani bombs are raspberry lemonade scented and go bright pink in the water. They can be halved for a mani bomb and can also be mixed and matched with 1 or 2 other heart bombs for a full tub experience. 

Yep, you heard correctly: RASPBERRY. LEMONADE. This baby smell so, so good!! 

Electric Heart Mani Bomb (0.9 oz, $3.00)


These concentrated mani bombs are lemonade scented and go bright yellow in the water. They can be halved for a mani bomb and can also be mixed and matched with 1 or 2 other heart bombs for a full tub experience. 

 Bath Bombs

Immerse Bath Bomb

 Directions: Drop bomb into a clean tub of warm water. Allow bomb to fizz up and then step in to soak. Relax and enjoy. Rinse off after bath, spritzing tub with cleaner if necessary. 

Shown is the Big Dipper Bath Bomb (2.6 oz, $8.00), which is jam packed full ofinky dark goodness and glittery silver mica. Peach sparkling citrus rose plum and a musk scented blend is perfect for an escaping little dip. Available in store for Christmas 2016.    
 
**Black bath bombs are amazing, but can be messy. Though these bath bombs do not stain or leave residue, please make sure to clean tub properly before and after use.

Ingredients: Sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, dead sea salt, kaolin clay, avocado oil, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, sweet almond oi, fragrance oil, grapeseed oil, fragrance oil, polysorbate 80, isopropyl alcohol, colorant. 
  

Quench Cuticle Oil ($6.00)


This cuticle pen is jam packed with oils that benefit the health of your nails and nourish growth and strength. Use multiple times a day for maximum benefit. 
Directions: Rub oil into cuticles and nail beds 3 times a day or as needed
Ingredients: Jojoba oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, fragrance oil.    
 The scent that Cristina sent me was Raspberry Lemonade and, just like the mani bomb, it smells amazing! The oil soaked in extremely quickly, and was very moisturizing, with no extreme oily residue. The applicator is a click pen, with a very soft top; it took me about 15 clicks of the pen to get the oil to begin to advance, in order to be used. 

  



In addition to the products listed above, Cristina also offers two other products, which include cocoa butter (I did not review these, as I have a cocoa butter sensitivity). These include Drench Mani Truffles ($8.00 for a set of 4) and Slough Lip Balm Scrub ($4.00). Also debuting around holiday time will be sugar scrub cubes ($8.00 for a set of 16).

Nail Art Products

In addition to the hand and nail care products, Cristina is also offering nail art products, including nail stickers ($5.00), stencils ($4.00), and water slide decals ($5.00). 

 The nail stickers and vinyls were very easy to peel off of the backing, and they stuck well to the nail. While applying the stickers, I was able to top them with 1-2 layers of glossy topcoat, and they lay flat. The vinyls allowed for crisp and even images when they were peeled off of the nail. 

Before my package arrived, Cristina told me that she received an email from her distributor, stating that the decals were accidentally made with a matte paper, rather than glossy paper. This did affect my final look, but did not adversely affect the application; the decals still removed/slid off of the backing with great ease, after soaking in water for about 15 seconds. 

Here are some looks that I made with all three of the Nail Swag products! 


Thank you so, so much to Cristina for allowing me to review these products! These are all an absolute dream to work with, and I most definitely recommend trying them out in your hand and nail care routine. Let me know below if you have any question! 

Please be sure to check out Lipsticks and Nail Polish on social media! 

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Thanks for stopping by, and I'll see you next time! 
♥ Megan 

*Products were provided for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!*