Friday, January 20, 2012

Jewelmint Metal Mosaic Ring Review!

jewelmint metal mosaic ring

Jewelmint Metal Mosaic Ring

Hey Everyone, quick Jewelmint post today - I purchased another ring that I've had my eyes on for a while. It's one of their older pieces that has been around since I joined a few months ago. It's the 'Metal Mosaic Ring'.

I decided to finally get it after realizing how well it would coordiante with my most recent Madison Avenue Ring. I do of course have other silver rings, but I'm a big fan of the quality of Jewelmint's rings. I have three, and they are all very sturdy, heavy, comfortable and haven't tarnished/discolored in any way.

The Metal Mosaic Ring is available in one color, silver, which is oxidized to give off an antique/grungy look. It's made up of a cluster of different sized squares that are all connected. It's a really unique and "different" ring. It really looks like a small piece of art on your finger.

Kate Bothworth says,

"This ring is the type of piece that will carry over so well from running around in the day to enjoying a night on the town. It's one of my favorite rings we've done so far. Channel Alexander Wang - a little tough, urban and very cool. "

jewelmint metal mosaic ring
Jewelmint Metal Mosaic Ring

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

NOTD: Pink and White Reverse French.



I know we're all familiar with the traditional french manicure, but the reverse french - also known as the half moon manicure, is something much less traditional. It was one of the most popular nail trends in 2011, and is still being seen on catwalks for Spring 2012. It's a very funky and trendy nail design that can be done easily with the help of a some stickers (or a steady hand!).

What's fun about the reverse french is that there's really no right or wrong way to do it! You can use any two colors you'd like, using contrasting colors or colors similar in tone for a more subtle effect. The "half moons" can be any size you want, there is really no standard.

For my manicure, I used two coats of Sally Hansen Salon Nail Lacquer in #320 All the White Stuff and one coat of ULTA Salon Formula Nail Lacquer in Heirhead. For a top coat, I used Seche Vite Top Coat.

  • First, pick your two nail polish colors.
  • (Optional) Apply a thin layer of a base coat.
  • Apply 1-2 coats of the color you want your reverse french/half moon to be. (I chose white)
  • Wait for your nails to dry completely. You want to make sure they are completely dry, otherwise, you can risk messing up your nails in the next step. You may want to add a coat of a fast drying top coat to seal the two coats of polish. I used Seche Vite Top Coat for this.
  • Stick paper reinforcement stickers to the base of your nail. Depending on your preference, you can stick them on higher up, or lower down. So they aren't too sticky, stick them on the back of your hand prior to applying them on your nails.
  • Paint 1-2 coats of your preferred top color, remove stickers. I removed them right away, so they wouldn't get stuck to my nails.
  • Apply a top coat.

    (Image Credit: Teen.com)




    Monday, January 16, 2012

    Current Products in my Rotation!

    I've always been one to carry tons of makeup with me in my handbag, but in the past year or so, I've been carrying a lot less makeup with me in my bag, and leaving more at home. I use to literally bring with me every item of makeup I'd be wearing on a certain day, just "in-case" something happens and I'll need to fix it. Nowadays, I only bring a few items with me - a powder compact for touch ups, a lipstick and gloss, eyeliner and a couple brushes. (I haven't been ruining the lining of my handbags either - yay!)

    My "every day" products change quite often, as I'm constantly trying new things. But to keep my most used products handy, I keep them all in one place for easy access. If a certain product isn't getting much use, I'll put it back in my storage system so I don't have a bin of overflowing products. 

    Here's a peek at what I've been using lately!
    NARS Pro Prime Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base (travel size) - I recently got this in a swap, and so far I like it. I don't find it much different than Urban Decay Primer Potion, but it's a good primer that keeps my eye shadow in place all day.
    YSL Eyeliner Effet Faux Cils Longwear Cream Eyeliner in Deep Black - (reviewed here). This is my current favorite cream liner, and I use it just about every day!
    Bobbi Brown Longwear Cream Eyeshadow in Stone - Stone is a light, taupe shade that is very soft and natural. I like using it smudged into my lash line for a very soft look. It's quite similar in color to MAC Groundwork Paintpot.
    MAC Paintpot in Constructivist - Constructivist is a gorgeous bronzed-brown with a reddish undertone. Many times I use it alone smudged into my lash line, or as a base for my brown eyeshadow.
    Chanel Illusion d'Ombre Long-Wear Luminous Eyeshadow in Epatant - (reviewed here) I haven't had this very long, but I've been wearing it just about every chance I get. It seems to blend really well with my every day brown shadows.
    MAC Brule Eyeshadow - Brule is a matte, soft ivory. I use it every day all over my lid before applying any other eyeshadow. It evens out the color on my lids and makes my lids a perfect blank canvas for my eyeshadow and liner.
    L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows in Endless Pearl, Iced Latte, Bronzed Taupe and Amber Rush - These are pretty new to my collection, but they are everything that everyone has been raving about. They are wonderful, dreamy-smooth and intensely pigmented shadows. I love using Endless Peal all over my lid (as it's just like MAC Brule, but more pigmented). Iced Latte as a highlight, and Bronzed Taupe and Amber Rush in my crease. (I'll do a separate post on these later!)
    Christian Dior Five Golds 5-Colour Eyeshadow Palette - (reviewed here) This is an older limited edition palette, but it's one of my favorite palettes. All 5 colors go together so wonderfully and when using this palette, I never need to reach for any additional colors. This palette has it all. If you can get your hands on one in a blog sale, swap, etc, I highly recommend it!

    Swatches
    From Left to Right: YSL Eyeliner Effet Faux Cils Longwear Cream Eyeliner in Deep Black, MAC Paintpot in Constructivist, Chanel Illusion d'Ombre Long-Wear Luminous Eyeshadow in Epatant, Bobbi Brown Longwear Cream Eyeshadow in Stone, L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows in Endless Pearl, Iced Latte, Amber Rush and Bronzed Taupe, MAC Brule Eyeshadow, Christian Dior Five Golds Quint.

    READ MORE!

    Friday, January 13, 2012

    Revlon Pink Light Age Defying Spa Face Illuminator Review, Photos and Swatches!

    revlon face illuminator pink light

    Revlon Pink Light Age Defying Spa Face Illuminator

    I love a good deal just like the rest of us, and when I see a clearance rack, I'm all over it. I love checking out my local drugstores - especially Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy for good deals. Granted, their cosmetics are higher in price than Walmart or Target per say, but their markdowns are awesome! Last week I spotted this Revlon Illuminator (being discontinued) for 75% off. I ended up paying around $3, which was a pretty sweet deal for a product with such high ratings. (Makeupalley has all shades rated 4.6/5!)

    Revlon Age Defying Spa Face Illuminator is a creamy, sheer liquid that works to brighten dry, tired dull skin. It has a pearl finish to cast light to the areas where it has been applied, to create a soft glow and to add definition to your face. It can be used under foundation as an illuminating base, over foundation in areas that need brightening (high points of the cheeks, corners of the eyes, etc), alone or on your neck & body.

    PRODUCT DETAILS:
    -Boosts natural radiance for a fresh, luminous glow
    -Light reflecting micronized crystals illuminate on contact
    -Sheer color in a lightweight, oil-free formula
    -SPF 18

    Revlon Age Defying Spa Face Illuminator is available in (4) shades: 010 Bare Light, 020 Pink Light, 030 Gold Light and 040 Bronze Light.

    I grabbed Pink Light, a pale, frosty pink. Similar to Benefit High Beam, but a little more sheer.
    revlon illuminator pink light