Thursday, June 30, 2011

NOTD: Essie Beach Party!

Two (2) Coats of Essie Beach Party & One (1) Coat of Seche Vite Top Coat

I swear, it's a total coincidence that my last three NOTD's have been Essie polishes - not to mention pink polishes. I guess I've been on a pink "kick" lately. I received this polish in a swap last week and it's my first day testing it out!

I couldn't find much info on this polish, but NO WONDER! It's from Essie's 2004 "A New Summertime" Collection. So yes, this particular shade is 7 years old. Whatever. It still applies good and it's pretty! 

Essie Beach Party is a light, neutral, cotton candy pink. It's a bit of a nude pink, as it has a hint of beige. There are some complaints that the formula applies streaky, but I didn't have a big problem. It applied streaky with the first coat, and then evened out nicely with the second coat. I didn't apply a third, but depending on your preference, there is room for one more coat. 

I love this polish, I think the color is very flattering on my hands. 

What's on your nails?

Tag: What's in my shower?

 Hey Everyone! 

I was asking for ideas of what to post about, and someone suggested doing a "What's in my Shower" post. I thought it would be a fun, quick and easy post, so here it is! Also, if you have any ideas for future posts, let me know in the comments!

CHI Ionic Color Protect Shampoo - I purchased this for a very discounted price at Marshalls. I always like trying out new Shampoos to find my "perfect one", but I still haven't seemed to come across one that I can't live without. I thought this shampoo was very average - nothing I'd probably re-purchase.
One n' Only Argan Oil Restorative Mask - I've used this mask for the past month, maybe more. I use it after I Shampoo my hair, typically 3 times a week, and I honestly don't really see any difference in my hair. It has so many raves, but it just didn't do anything for me. Another product I won't be re-purchasing. 
Beyond the Zone Protein Cocktail - I usually spray this in my hair after I get out of the shower as an added leave-in. I've had it for a few months now, and I think it's a decent product. I really like the scent, and it doesn't weigh my hair down or leave it looking greasy. I do think with continued use, it made my hair feel a little stronger. When I run out, I'll probably try a different product though, and maybe only re-purchase if I find a great deal on it.
Kiss my Face Moisture Shave - This is my favorite shaving cream to reduce razor burn. It does really work! (See my review here)
St Ives Oatmeal and Shea Butter Body Wash - I really love this body wash - it leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized. I have pretty dry legs, so this helps keeps them hydrated better than any other shower gel/soap I've used.
Earth Therapeutics Tea Tree Oil Refreshing Foot Scrub - I purchased mine at Marshalls, but they sell the whole line at Ulta. It's a really great gritty exfoliating scrub. It's for the feet, but I actually use it on my body prior to using self tanner, or to get rid of hard to remove self tanner. It's my favorite exfoliate! Even though it's harsh, it doesn't dry out my skin.
Bath & Body Works Sweet Pea Body Spray - I don't really keep this in my shower, but I keep it on an outside shelf. Once I get out of the shower and dry myself, I spritz it all over my body. Yum!
Olay Pro X Cleansing System - I usually use this in the shower once I've cooked up a little steam. I'll use it with whatever cleanser I have on hand, or African Black Soap. (See my review here)
Mr Pumice Pumice Bar - The one pictured is a brand new one I have on hand because I didn't wanna show you guys the actual gross one I have in my shower. Once my feet are a little softened from the hot water. I'll scrub the heck out of my heels with this to rid my feet of any dead skin. Everyone should own a Mr. Pumice!
African Black Soap - I usually take a shower at night while all of my makeup is on, so I'll lather a little soap in my hands and wash my face with it - or use it with my Olay Pro X. (See my review here)
Massage Mitt - For extra exfoliation of my body. I like using these or exfoliation gloves as opposed to wash cloths or loofahs. It helps a lot with rough skin and in-grown hairs.
Venus Breeze Razor - I've always liked men's razors better than women's razors because they give a closer shave - but I ended up purchasing this Venus razor with an awesome P&G coupon I had, and I haven't looked back since!

Are there any products in your shower you think I should try??! I'd love some suggestions of your favorite Shampoos and Leave in Conditioner!

I now tag the following bloggers to do this post! 
(Of course you don't have to.. it's just for fun!)

New shoes: Forever 21/Pink Duchess Leatherette Wedge Sandals!

Pink Duchess Erin-2/Forever 21 Leatherette Wedge Sandals
I usually don't like to purchase synthetic shoes because they are bound to give my feet blisters, but I typically have pretty good luck with shoes at Forever 21. I was looking for sandals that were trendy, not completely flat and could be worn every day.

Granted, I haven't raided all of the shoe departments at my local shopping centers, but I have done a bit of browsing online with no real luck. So, I was a little excited when I came across these sandals on the Forever 21 website last week. They have a short wedge, so they aren't completely flat, the style is trendy and they are casual, so I can wear them with any outfit - every day. Also, the price was really good at $19.80. It's really annoying when I find cute shoes I like at Forever 21 and they are close to $40 - Sorry, not paying that much for cheap quality shoes when I purchase high end brands at Marshalls for the same price. So with all of that said, I placed an order!

I was hoping they'd still be available on the website, but they must have just sold out of them in the last 48 hours. Several times, Forever 21 will re-stock items that sold out quickly, so if you're interested in them, keep your eyes out on the website! I did go to the mall Monday, and they had several pairs in stock, so you may be able to find them in-store.

My shoe size is an 8.5 - very true to size. An 8 is usually too small, and a 9 is usually too large. I do have wide feet (thanks Dad), so certain "M" styles don't fit correctly. Since Forever 21 doesn't stock half sizes, I purchased a size 8. They do (thankfully) fit my feet perfectly and comfortably. I wore them all day yesterday, and I did lots of walking and my feet didn't hurt in the least. They are pretty good quality for the low price.

DETAILS
These particular shoes aren't actually manufactured by Forever 21, but by the brand Pink Duchess, a wholesale shoe brand. The Forever 21 item number for these are: 78967669017 and are called the Leatherette Wedge Sandals. The cost of them is $19.80. The actual style name on the Pink Duchess shoe box is Erin-2, but I couldn't find any information on them from the brand directly.

Where do you usually have the best luck finding shoes that are affordable and trendy?

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Haul: Forever 21 Accessories!

Double Sided Heart Mirror - $4.80
Medium Face Brush - $2.80
Uneven Ring - $2.80
Vintage Spikey Bracelet - $7.80 (larger spikes)
Spike Bead Bracelet - $9.80 (small spikes)
Sunglasses - $5.80

Items that are still available on the website are click-able, and will re-direct you to the product page.

I'm pretty happy with everything. I lose stud earrings like there's no tomorrow, so I always purchase cheap ones that I can always re-purchase and won't feel guilty about losing. I'm excited to try out the face brush I purchased - it's a domed/pointed foundation brush. I've always wanted a dome foundation brush and would eyeball the Sonia Kashuk one at Target when I walk though the cosmetic aisles. The bristles are super soft and I think it would be a good brush to blend my foundation in small areas (near my ears, nose, under my eyes, etc.) 

I thought these bracelets were pretty cool. Typically, I would of never picked these up (if I saw them at Hot Topic per say..) but because I can't afford my much wanted Eddie Borgo bracelet, I had to have these. Isn't it funny how fashion trends make you like something you would of never liked before?
Gunmetal Pave Cone Bracelet $1,150