Sunday, June 30, 2019

UberChic Beauty Take Me Out To The Ball Game

(Press samples and affiliate links ahead!)

Hello!


Can you believe 4th of July is this week? I'm not ready. Nope, time needs to slow down, now!


Today we're gonna take a look at UberChic Beauty's Take Me Out To The Ball Game plate, which is all about baseball, which I think is perfect for 4th of July week, because baseball is considered to be such a symbol of America!


UberChic Beauty Take Me Out To The Ballgame


I did a quickie video on the plate, which you can find here:



And here are some test looks I did:




(You guys--how cute is that heart-shaped baseball image?!?!!!!)


I've loved baseball my whole life, it was one of the ways I was able to spend time with and connect with my step-father. I was lucky enough to grow up in an area with two baseball teams, the Oakland A's and the San Francisco Giants, so I decided to do two manis, each featuring the colors of one teams. First up, the San Francisco Giants colors:


UberChic Beauty Take Me Out To The Ball Game over Stella Chroma Hug The Road
Base Polish(es): Stella Chroma Hug The Road
Stamping Plate(s): UberChic Beauty Take Me Out To The Ball Game
Stamping Polish(es): Kaliedoscope White and Black


And here's the mani featuring Oakland A's colors:


UberChic Beauty Take Me Out To The Ball Game over Girly Bits Saffron, Saffroff
Base Polish(es): Girly Bits Saffron, Saffroff, Sally Hansen Get Mod, Moonflower Polish El Yunque
Stamping Plate(s): UberChic Beauty Take Me Out To The Ball Game
Stamping Polish(es): Moonflower Polish El Yunque, Girly Bits White Wedding and Saffron, Saffroff


What about you? Are you a baseball fan? Is there another sport you prefer, and would love to see in a plate?


You can find this plate on sale now in UberChic Beauty's store.


Big hugs,
M. xoxo

Follow me all the places! 

Friday, June 28, 2019

Dixie Plates Summer 03 and Boho 01

(Press samples and affiliate links ahead!)

Hello!


How are you guys? This week has flown by--I've been trying to catch up on everything I let slip while I met my deadline and I feel like I've only accomplished half of it, and it's already Friday! So much to do, so little time...But, I vacuumed, and that's the main thing, lol.


Anyway. Today we're going to take a look at two new plates from Dixie Plates, Summer 03 and Boho 01: 





Summer 03 is a fun blend of images to get you through all your summer and vacation fun, and Boho 01 has a ton of lovely henna type images that make it easy to create jewelry for your nails.


Let's jump right in to the manicures, 'cause we all know that's the best part!


For my first mani, I wanted to do something bright and fun and summery. I first sponged coordinating colors over white, then stamped my images in a range of citrus colors:


Dixie Plates Summer 03 over Sally Hansen Get Mod

Base Polish(es): Sally Hansen Get Mod
Stamping Plate(s): Dixie Plates Summer 03
Stamping Polish(es): Sally Hansen I-Rush Luck, Lightening, Orange Impulse, sponged with Zoya Bee, Tiana, and Sawyer



For the next mani, I went for Miami Vice meets Hawaii Five-O:

Dixie Plates Summer 03 over Sally Hansen Persis-Tint
Base Polish(es): Sally Hansen Persis-Tint
Stamping Plate(s): Dixie Plates Summer 03
Stamping Polish(es): Kaleidoscope Pink & Mint


For my third mani with the Summer 03 plate, I wanted to go a more elegant direction:

Dixie Plates Summer 03 over Sally Hansen Molten Mauve

Base Polish(es): Sally Hansen Molten Mauve
Stamping Plate(s): Dixie Plates Summer 03
Stamping Polish(es): Colour Alike Grenadine


I also had to see how this looked glossy, since that would bring out the holo of the stamping:


Dixie Plates Summer 03 over Sally Hansen Molten Mauve



For my first Boho 01 mani, I wanted something dramatic to really give a 'nail jewelry' feel:


Dixie Plates Boho 01 over Stella Chroma Hey, Sailor
Base Polish(es): Stella Chroma Hey, Sailor
Stamping Plate(s): Dixie Plates Boho 01
Stamping Polish(es): Colour Alike Hot Sand


I loved these colors and images together so much I did a second version, this one with an image from Summer 03:


Dixie Plates Boho 01 and Summer 03 over Stella Chroma Hey, Sailor
Base Polish(es): Stella Chroma Hey, Sailor
Stamping Plate(s): Dixie Plates Boho 01 and Summer 03
Stamping Polish(es): Colour Alike Hot Sand


For my final look I wanted to go a little softer:

Dixie Plates Boho 01 over The Lady Varnishes Make It Rain

Base Polish(es): The Lady Varnishes Make It Rain
Stamping Plate(s): Dixie Plates Boho 01
Stamping Polish(es): Moonflower Polish El Yunque


What do you think? I love how easy Boho 01 makes elegant looks, and Summer 03 is surprisingly versatile for a plate dedicated to a summer theme, which is always a good thing. :)

Both plates are available now in Dixie Plates' store, and anyplace Dixie Plates are sold. :)

Big hugs,
M. xoxo

Follow me all the places! 

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Matte Metallics

(Press samples and affiliate links ahead!)

Hello!


So I met my deadline Friday for the next book in my series--it's safely with my editor and I have time to breathe!


Today we're gonna take a look at some new Sally Hansen Insta-Dri polishes, this time matte metallics! I'm super excited about these because I love matte polishes, and because Insta-Dris tend to stamp really well (because they're often one-coat polishes). So let's take a look at how these hold up:




Sally Hansen Burnished Wine

Sally Hansen Burnished Wine

Sally Hansen Burnished Wine
 Coverage: 1-2 coats (I'm wearing 2)
Application: Like butter! Fast drying!

OMG you guys!! Burnished Wine is a multichrome purple-copper-pink scattered holo! It has all the awesome things--and it's matte! The color is sexy and vampy, like a yummy glass of wine in an atmospheric bistro. This is a must have, as far as I'm concerned.




Sally Hansen Gold Rush

Sally Hansen Gold Rush

Sally Hansen Gold Rush
 Coverage: 1-2 coats (I'm wearing 2)
Application: Excellent and fast drying!

Gold Rush is a rich gold with plenty of metallic sparkle. Bright and fun, perfect for summer, and goes with everything.




Sally Hansen Molten Mauve

Sally Hansen Molten Mauve

Sally Hansen Molten Mauve
 Coverage: One coat
Application: Like slipping into satin bedsheets, and dries fast!

Molten Mauve is a sexy berry that make me want raspberry-blackberry gelato right NOW. I've been wearing this on my toenails since I got this non-stop and I've had it on my hands three times now. Can you tell I adore it?




Sally Hansen Rose Flush

Sally Hansen Rose Flush

Sally Hansen Rose Flush

Sally Hansen Rose Flush
 Coverage: 1-2 coats (I'm wearing 2)
Application: Gorgeous and fast drying!

Rose Flush is another multichrome--this one a peach-coral-gold-pink. I didn't expect to love this one, but I fell head over heels--this is another must-have. It's soft and romantic and reminds me of a summer sunset. Gorgeous.



Sally Hansen Smokey Silver

Sally Hansen Smokey Silver

Sally Hansen Smokey Silver

Sally Hansen Smokey Silver
 Coverage: 1-2 coats (I'm wearing 2, but you'll likely just need one)
Application: Excellent and fast drying!

Smokey Silver leans a little toward a pewter, but not all the way--it's strong and steely and super versatile. A great neutral!


Sally Hansen Smouldering Teal

Sally Hansen Smouldering Teal

Sally Hansen Smouldering Teal

Sally Hansen Smouldering Teal
Coverage: One coat
Application: Fast-drying perfection!

Smouldering Teal is like the bright waters of the Caribbean, or the rich, mid-afternoon sky of a hot summer day. I'm always up for a good teal, and this one is fast, easy, and perfect for summer.


All of these polishes had lovely, fast-drying finishes, and the little extra surprises were very cool! I don't expect duochromes and scattered holos in Insta-Dris, and I'm very glad they're here.


So how do they stamp? Well, unfortunately, their success as stamping polishes were limited, both because they're matte polishes (and dry so quickly), and because of their specialty nature. They did stamp to a degree, but not as brilliantly as many other Insta-Dris:


From left to right we have: Burnished Wine, Smokey Silver, Smoldering Teal, Molten Mauve, Gold Rush, and Rose Flush. As you can see, Smokey Silver, Smoldering Teal, Molten Mauve, and Gold Rush all stamped visibly (Molten Mauve also did show over black, but my camera didn't want to capture it for some reason) and if you're going to by them anyway, you might get some use here depending on the look you're going for. But I wouldn't call them an overwhelming success. Of course, stamping isn't what they're designed for! They work beautifully as specialty matte metallics, well enough I don't care if they stamp or not. :)

You can find all of these polishes on sale wherever Sally Hansen polishes are sold. Or, if you don't like to drive around to a bunch of stores because you have to have ALL of them (nope, I'd never do anything like that), can find them on Amazon.


Big hugs,
M. xoxo

Follow me all the places! 

Thursday, June 20, 2019

Stella Chroma American Muscle Collection + Two Permanent Additions!

(Press samples ahead!)



Hello!


Today we're gonna take a look at Stella Chroma's American Muscle Collection, a vibrant collection inspired by Pam's love of classic cars! I'm also going to show you two additions to her permanent collection, so let's jump right in...First up, the American Muscle Collection:




Stella Chroma All Charged Up

Stella Chroma All Charged Up

Stella Chroma All Charged Up

Stella Chroma All Charged Up

Stella Chroma All Charged Up

Stella Chroma All Charged Up

Coverage: 2-3 coats; I'm wearing 2 coats, and 1 coat over undies
Formula & Application: Excellent! Sometimes neons can be patchy, but this applied like a dream.
Maker's description: This gorgeous neon green-yellow was inspired by the late 60's Dodge Charger. Super fast and super noticeable. This color will get attention. It screams summer with just a touch of "Look at me!"

I couldn't agree more with the description on this--I love a good lime green neon for summer, and this is super cute. Stella Chroma All Charged Up is bright and attention grabbing--it's summer fun in a bottle. $10 per 15 mL bottle.



Stella Chroma Crazy For Speed 


Stella Chroma Crazy For Speed

Stella Chroma Crazy For Speed

Stella Chroma Crazy For Speed

Stella Chroma Crazy For Speed

Stella Chroma Crazy For Speed

Coverage: 2 coats
Formula & Application: Perfect!
Maker description: The 70's Barracudas in Plum Crazy still get me! Deep purple with gorgeous shimmer that shines through! This one will take 3 coats for opacity for most folks, and that was intentional because I want the himmer to shine! $12 per 15 mL bottle.

Stella Chroma Crazy For Speed is a beautiful royal purple shimmer. I only needed 2 coats for coverage, and loved all the shimmer! I love that the collection has a bright jewel-tone, and such a versatile one at that.



Stella Chroma Grab The Wheel


Stella Chroma Grab The Wheel

Stella Chroma Grab The Wheel

Stella Chroma Grab The Wheel

Stella Chroma Grab The Wheel

Stella Chroma Grab The Wheel

Coverage: 2 coats
Formula & Application: Excellent! No problems.
Maker's Description: The classic Ford Mustang gets a nod with this creamy, eye-grabbing blue. Goes on like butter and shines bright at 2 coats! This one will be great for nail art and imagine the beauty of it as a pedi while sitting poolside... $10 per 15 mL bottle.

Stella Chroma Grab The Wheel is another perfect-for-summer polish. She's right that this is perfect for nail art--a great base for tons of looks, it'll also mix and match well (pair it with a gorgeous red for some patriotic nail art--and there might be some coming up in the post here...). Oceans, clear skies, swimming pools--this calls up so much of what's great about summer.



Stella Chroma Hug The Road


Stella Chroma Hug The Road

Stella Chroma Hug The Road

Stella Chroma Hug The Road

Stella Chroma Hug The Road

Stella Chroma Hug The Road

Coverage: 2 coats
Formula & Application: Excellent! None of the issues you can sometimes get with jellies. Perfectly smooth. :)
Maker's Description: You can't talk classic American muscle cars and not have a late 60's Chevy Camaro represented. Not quite neon, but definitely not quiet. This orange cream applies beautifully and will get those nails noticed at 2-3 coats. $10 per 15 mL bottle.

This orange!!!! I plan on wearing this all summer long. It's the center of the sun, it's orange popsicles, it's chilled mandarin orange segments on a hot day. This is more a tangerine jelly than an orange cream, in my opinion--it straddles the line between jelly and creme in my opinion.



Okay, so we've gone through the sexy muscle cars...but Pam also has two new additions to her permanent collection:





Stella Chroma Classic Red


Stella Chroma Classic Red

Stella Chroma Classic Red

Stella Chroma Classic Red

Stella Chroma Classic Red

Stella Chroma Classic Red

Coverage: 2 coats
Formula & Application: Perfection
Maker description: A true red creme with blue undertones that is opaque yet squishy at 2-3 coats. Dries with incredible shine as well. $10 for 15 mL.

The name on this one says it all--this is classic glamour in a bottle. Sexy, hot, and universal. Everybody needs this polish in their collection--and probably more than one bottle.



Stella Chroma Hey, Sailor


Stella Chroma Hey, Sailor

Stella Chroma Classic Red

Stella Chroma Classic Red

Stella Chroma Classic Red

Stella Chroma Classic Red

Coverage: 2 coats
Formula & Application: Perfect, no issues!
Maker's Description: This one looks black in the bottle, but you see on the nails that it is a perfect navy creme. Super easy application with it's best look at three thin coats. $10 for 15 mL bottle.

I got the look I liked with two coats on this one. I disagree with the description a little on this; I'd call it more of an inky midnight blue that definitely leans black in many lights. But the blue is there, for sure! So if you're looking for a dark blue for your patriotic nail art this summer, pair this with Classic Red, and you'll be good to go!


Both the American Muscle Collection and the two additions to her permanent Basics Collection go on sale tomorrow, June 21st at noon EST. The American Muscle collection will be available as a set at the discounted price of $37 from 6/21 to 7/5, then available only at regular price. Same with the two basics: they will be available as a set for $18 from 6/21 to 7/5 only, then available only at regular price. So go go go grab that discount!


Big hugs,
M. xoxo

Follow me all the places!