Sally Hansen is proud to be the exclusive nail partner for 3.1 Phillip Lim and to create nail looks for the Fall 2016 fashion show during New York Fashion Week. “For Fall 2016, I was looking at a lot of Japanese influences so it was important to me that the nails were precise and simple. We went with graphic combinations of neutral and metallic creating a beautiful optical illusion effect,” explained Phillip Lim.

THE INSPIRATION

“3.1 Phillip Lim’s new collection was inspired by Japanese craftsmanship, elegant lacquered wood, samurai sword embellishment, and even lipstick packaging. The location is intimate, secretive and lit by red light, evoking an underground performance or fight club. I thought immediately about a tradition I had once heard from the Heian period in Japan when ninjas would paint the symbol of their clan on their thumb. I wanted the nail look to feel symbolic and to have a striking contrast, hence the use of metallic with the beige shade, but to also work with the palette of the collection – a traditional autumnal array of olive green, mustard and burgundy. We did a circular optical illusion in Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Commander in Chic and Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Gilty Party on half of the girls and an oval shape in Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Camelflage and Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Gilty Party on the other half. The oval shape was inspired by the hardware on the bags and belts.” – Madeline Poole, Sally Hansen Global Color Ambassador

Commander in Chic (which happens to be my favorite nail polish color ever!!), Gilty Party, & Camelflage are part of Sally Hansen’s award-winning Complete Salon Manicure collection that infuses trend-setting shades with an expert-quality formula to deliver salon-caliber results. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure delivers seven salon manicure steps in one bottle. Chip-resistant strength joins gel-quality shine. Runway-ready color meets nourishing benefits. Plus, with a built-in base and top coat, it’s all you need to achieve a professional manicure at home.

THE MANICURIST

Sally Hansen Global Color Ambassador Madeline Poole is a nail artist working in New York and LA. Trained as a painter, Madeline discovered the world of on-set manicuring, immediately recognizing that it was a culmination of all of her talent, interests and expertise. Her unique ability to craft innovative nail designs, impeccable execution, and emphasis on skin care has made her one of the most sought after names in the beauty industry. As part of her collaboration with Sally Hansen, Madeline helps set the artistic direction for a new generation of modern nail looks and collections globally with her fashion-forward vision.

To recreate this nail art yourself you can pick up the colors Commander in Chic, Gilty Party, & Camelflage on Amazon.

If you need nail art tools you can get a handful of them here for $3 and under shipped!

Are you looking for a new way to give your holiday manis a little more impact? Try this easy tutorial using polish from Julep’s new Mad For Metallics Welcome Box. All it takes is three quick steps:

1. Apply your base coat and let dry completely.

2. Use a striping brush to polish a thin line at the bottom of the color area and let dry.  (Amazon prices always change but right you you can get a striping brush set for $1.55 shipped here!)

3. Fill in the rest of nail with color. Apply your top coat and you are done!  Voila!

Did you know that when you join Julep’s beauty box, you’ll get a box of brand-new, full sized nail color and beauty products each month – and you deserve it!

• – Julep is affordable. Every month you get more than $40 of full-size products for just $24.99 per month (Tip: Prepay for three months at a time and save $15. Sweet!)
• – Julep is the only customizable box of full-size, limited-run nail colors and beauty innovations. That means no surprises, no dupes or colors you don’t like. You can see what is in your box each month and have the option of swapping out colors/products you already have or don’t want.  I rarely swap out colors myself but it’s nice to have the option.
• – Julep subscribers get 20% off all single product purchases, free shipping, early access to secret sales. If you are passionate about your polish, that adds up to some amazing savings!  Plus, they make great stocking stuffers!!

Join Julep and get the 4-piece Metallics Welcome Box FREE ($50+ value) – just pay $2.99 shipping with code MADLOVE. Want an even better deal? Pre-pay for your first three months of Julep and get the Welcome Box and shipping FREE. Either way, you are going to LOVE Julep.

***

NOVEMBER BIRTHSTONE WELCOME BOX OFFER

OFFER: Join Julep beauty box and get the November Birthstone Welcome Box FREE ($58 value) – just pay $2.99 shipping

Ombre isn’t a new trend–it’s been around for a few years, on everything from clothing to nail art to hair. And yet, its popularity still isn’t fading! Why? Probably because ombre is so fun to create and so easy to DIY. Julep has shared a new ombre nail art tutorial that uses colors from their ‘Fall Into Ombre’ Welcome Box – FREE when you join Julep Maven.  I’ll have more info on that at the bottom of this post.

Here we go!  Let’s get started.

1. Choose three polishes that blend well together, spanning from dark to light. Not sure what to pick? You can’t go wrong with a deep, opaque color, a lighter shade of the same color, and white. Polish your nails with your darkest color. Allow them to dry.

2. Pour two small dollops of your medium and light colors on a smooth surface (like a piece of wax paper). The two dollops together should be about two-thirds the length of your nails. Use a toothpick or orangewood stick to swirl them together slightly so they mix in the middle, forming a gradient.

3. Dip the edge of a cosmetic sponge directly into your dollops of nail polish then align the sponge so that the lightest color is at the tip of your nail. Press the polish onto your nails with the sponge, dabbing and repeating until you achieve the desired effect. This doesn’t have to be precise!

4. Clean up the edges with our polish corrector pen or a thin brush dipped in polish remover. Finish with a top coat. Voilà!

Get the colors used in this look for FREE when you join Julep Maven, the subscription beauty box program. As a Julep Maven you’ll receive a box of brand-new, full sized nail color and beauty products each month – and you deserve it!  

Info on Julep Maven:

• – Julep Maven is affordable. Every month you get more than $40 of full-size products for just $24.99 per month (tip – prepay for three months at a time and save $15).
• – Julep Maven is the only customizable box of full-size, limited-run nail colors and beauty innovations. That means no surprises, no dupes or colors you don’t like. You can see what is in your box each month and have the option of swapping out colors/products you already have or don’t want.
• – Julep Mavens get 20% off all single product purchases, free shipping, early access to secret sales. If you are passionate about your polish, that adds up to some amazing savings!  This is a great way to save on Christmas gifts!!

LIMITED TIME OFFER! Join Maven and get the 4-piece Ombre Welcome Box FREE ($50+ value) – just pay $2.99 shipping with code FALLGIRL. Want an even better deal? Pre-pay for your first three months of Maven and get the Welcome Box and shipping FREE. Either way, you are going to LOVE being a Maven.

1. Tarte’s Limited Edition LipSurgence ($19)

This lip gloss (pictured in Envy) will keep your lips looking colorful and shiny all day.  I’m a huge fan of Tarte products and this new lip gloss is no exception.

2. Crabtree & Evelyn’s Nail Lacquer. ($6)

I’m in love with this soft and simple shade named Almond.  Something about is so calming and feminine.

3. XG Sunglasses ($125-$145)

Protect your peepers with fashionable shades.  I’ve just ordered a pair of the Zurich sunglasses with “Extreme Glare” technology.  I’m excited to give them a try!

4. Vionic Sandals ($45+)

If you know me personally I’ve complained for years about how there needs to be a company who will invent a lightweight sandal that has arch support – well, a company did that!!!  A company called Vionic.  Clarks’ flip flops have support but they are on the heavy side.  Chacos are fabulous sandals but they’re not meant to be dressy in the least.  Vionic sandals are the solution!  They are as light as can be and they have fabulous support to help protect the most important curve of your body –  the arch of your foot.  I just discovered these this summer and I’ve already bought two pair.  They are a little costly but oh so worth it!! Trust me! (and they’re having a 30% off sale right now! Yay!)

5. White Shorts ($24.50)

Okay, so white shorts aren’t new but I think everyone who walks should own at least one pair of white shorts during the summer.  White shorts can be a little intimidating for ladies during certain times of the month but have no fear, I know a new product from U by Kotex that will make white shorts wearable all summer long! U by Kotex pads w/ new 3D Capture Core has got your back…or should I say bottom?  Ha!  (Plus, while supplies last you can snag a free sample of U by Kotex Curve by clicking here. Oh and you can visit BringComfyBack.com and show your uncomfy face to enter to win BIG!)

By the way, the white shorts pictured above are from J. Crew Factory and are on sale for $24.50, from $39.50.

6. Jamberry Nail Wraps ($15)

Jamberry nail wraps are like stickers but with super holding power, that stay on your fingers for two weeks and your toes for four weeks.  These are just perfect for keeping a great mani while battling the surf or relaxing in the sun.  The color above is Icy Rose Polka.

JUST WAIT until Sept. 1st though!!!!  I have had an exclusive sneak peek at their newest TruShine gel polish and it is AMAZING!!!  I like Jamberry but I LOOOOOVE their gel polish.  In my opinion, every woman should own it (who wears polish at least).

What’s on your must-have fashion list this summer?

Jennifer Aniston is the epitome of classy and chic.  I love, along with many other women, love, love, love her style.  Her look last night at the Oscar’s was no exception!  Stunning!

Palladio’s Silk FX Palette in Debutante ($12, palladiobeauty.com) has the perfect eye shadow shades to replicate her makeup at home.  Use the top, champagne shade over the lid of the eye, into the inner corner, and on the inner third of the lower lash line.  Apply the second, ivory matte shade onto the brow bone to define and lift.  Use the third, matte taupe shade as a liner on the lower lash line as well as in the crease of the eyelid. Smudge the darkest shade into the upper lash line to accentuate your liner. Finish off the look with a swipe of Dermelect ‘ME’ Nail Lacquer in Moon Kissed ($14, Amazon.com). Celebrity manicurist Elle recommends using the Dermelect Memento Manicure Extender Top Coat ($16, dermelect.com) to achieve the perfect, long-lasting gel shine on your polish.

Now if I could only afford those shoes!

If you’re looking for affordable nail or nail care products look no farther than Amazon.  I’ve rounded up a list of nail tools, polishes, and nail art accessories all for under $3 each, including shipping!  As always with Amazon, prices fluctuate regularly so double check the prices before checking out.

• – Sally Hansen Mod About You Polish Strips $2.99 shipped!!!!!!
• – Nail Tip Guide Stickers $1.49 shipped
• – Nail Tape Hologram Strips $1.28 shipped
• – Rhinestones $1.59 shipped
• – Rhinestone Picker Pencil $1.35 shipped
• – Nail Art Gold Stickers $1.65 shipped
• – All Season Glass Dappen Dish $1.69 shipped
• – Artificial Nail Clipper $2.11 shipped
• – 10 Buffering Blocks $2.06 shipped
• – 5 Professional Bottles of Nail Glue $2.34 shipped
• – 15 Piece Nail Art Brush Set $2.41 shipped
• – 5 Practice/Display Fingers $2.49 shipped
• – 10 Piece Nail File $2.55 shipped
• – Nail Art Tweezers $2.99 shipped
• – Stainless Steel Cuticle Pusher/Trimmer $1.53 shipped
• – Wearable Nail Soakers $2.49 shipped
• – 2 Piece Nail Brush Set $1.36 shipped
• – 2 Piece Nail Polish Holders $2.33 shipped
• – Covergirl Nail Polish in Mint Mojito $2.99 shipped

These are a few that are juuuuust over $3.

• – Covergirl Nail Polish in NonStop Stone $3.14 shipped
• – Covergirl Nail Polish in Mango $3.12 shipped
• – Sally Hansen Hear Me Roar Polish Strips $3.30 shipped
• – Sally Hansen Commander in Chic Polish Strips (One of my favorite polish colors ever!) $3.39 shipped
• – Sally Hansen Perfect Poison Polish Strips $3.49 shipped
• – Sally Hansen Punch Drunk Polish Strips $3.16 shipped

If you want to learn more about the manicure in the picture above you can check that out here.  It’s an adorable Valentine nail art!

As I said in my first post here, I’ll be judging them based on the following aspects:

• – Style/design
• – Ease of application
• – Shape of wraps
• – Cost
• – East of removal
• – Chemical components
• – Durability

– Style/Design

I chose the designs that I personally liked so yes, I liked them all but allow me to go into a little more detail.

• – Sally Hansen (white) – I love the script but due to the shaping of the wrap, which we’ll get to in a minute, I had to turn the wrap (and script) upside down.  I still like it though!
• – Jamberry (gold) – I like this wrap because I can wear it on my bare nails or over top of another wrap or polish.  While I like the diversity of it, the stripes made it easy to tell if it wasn’t EXACTLY straight (and unfortunately it wasn’t).
• – OPI (rattlesnake) – I adored this one!  The complexity of the colors and shimmer make it look much fancier in person than the picture captures.  When running your finger over the wrap you could even feel the snakeskin texture.
• – Kiss (black) – I wasn’t a huge fan of this one to begin with, it’s a touch gaudy for my style but I did like it.  The 3D gemstones have a metallic look to them.
• – Essie (grey) – This is another one that looks better in person.  The grey is a flat color while the pink behind it is fabulously shimmery.  This wrap is also textured.

Based on style/design my favorites are OPI & Essie.

– Ease of Application

• – Sally Hansen (white) – Came with orange stick and nail file.  Just peeled off and pressed on.  Easy peasy!!  After applying the nail wrap I used the enclosed nail file to remove the excess and it came off right away.  Very simple.  These wraps were very thin and were easy to stretch to get a good fit.
• – Jamberry (gold) –  This package only came with the wraps themselves.  If you’ve ever tried Jamberry wraps before you know that it’s kind of a complicated system.  I’ll skip the details here and let you google those on your own but I’ll say that this wrap took the longest to apply.  I’ve used Jamberry wraps several times before this application so you’ll have to trust me, I did apply them correctly and took my time to make sure they were done right.  This was by far the hardest to apply but not so difficult that I wouldn’t do it again.  They were also the thickest wraps of the ones I reviewed.
• – OPI (rattlesnake) –  Came with a small nail file.  This went on just like the Sally Hansen ones and were super thin and stretchy too.  Easy as could be.
• – Kiss (black) –  Came with a nail file.  These wraps were slightly thicker than the Sally Hansen and OPI ones but not as thick as the Jamberry wraps.  The gemstones made it difficult to press the nail wrap down so it took more time than a few others but not as long as Jamberry.
• – Essie (grey) – Came with a plastic orange stick and nail file.  These went on the same as the Sally Hansen and OPI wraps.  Very thin, stretchy, and quick and to apply.

– Shape of Wraps

My nails naturally have a square-ish shape so my reviews are based on my personal experience.  If you have different shaped nails, I’m sure you’ll like different wraps.

• – Sally Hansen (white) –  As I mentioned previously, I had to turn this wrap upside down to get a good fit and while I didn’t like that for this particular design I do love the fact that one side of the wrap was rounder and the other was more square.
• – Jamberry (gold) –  Jamberry is the wrap that I had to cut the most.  They’re wraps are very round on all edges and that’s something I wish they would change.  However, they also had more wraps so I had more size options to search through to find ones that really fit from side to side.
• – OPI (rattlesnake) –  This fit my nail the best!  It was like it was custom made for my nails.
• – Kiss (black) – These also had one side that was square and one that was round.
• – Essie (grey) –  These only had square sides but that worked in my favor.

– Cost

I bought all of these from Amazon.com so I’ll add my Amazon affiliate links here and a link to my friend’s Jamberry site.

• – Sally Hansen (white) – $7.13 w/ free shipping on Amazon.  Contains 16 strips.
• – Jamberry (gold) – $15.00 on Jamberry.  Contains 18 strips.
• – OPI (rattlesnake) – $12.99 on sale for $5.99 w/free shipping on Amazon.  Contains 16 strips.
• – Kiss (black) – TWO pack for $15.00 + $2.95 shipping on Amazon.  Contains 28 strips per pack.
• – Essie (grey) – $3.80 w/ free shipping on Amazon.  Contains 18 strips.

– Ease of Removal

All of the nail wraps were easy to remove.

– Chemical Component

I’ll be honest, I haven’t had time to go through and find out what all the chemicals mean in understandable terms.

For instance this is what is in the Sally Hansen wraps:

Nitrocellulose, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Triphenyl Phosphate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Butyl Acetate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Silica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Polyvinyl Butyral, Acrylates Copolymer, Benzoaphenone-3, Phosphoric Acid, Tin Oxide, [may contain +/-: Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77163), Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Aluminum Powder (CI 77000), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), D&C Red No 6 Barium Lake (CI 15850), D&C Red No. 7 Calcium Lake (CI 15850), D&C Black No. 2 (CI 77266), FD&C Yellow No. 5 Aluminum Lake (CI 19140), FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake (CI 42090), D&C Red No. 34 Calcium Lake (CI 15880), D&C Orange No. 5 (CI 45370), D&C Yellow No. 11 (CI 47000), D&C Red No. 22 (CI 45380), D&C Red No. 28 (CI 45410), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Violet No. 2 (CI 60725)].

I do know however that Jamberry wraps are free of formaldehyde, toluene, formaldehyde resin, camphor, and DBP.

– Durability

This is what everyone has been waiting for.  Drum roll please….

These pictures are taken 15 DAYS AFTER APPLICATION!  That’s pretty remarkable in my opinion.

– Essie – It lasted well.  Being my thumb nail it got a lot of use and endured well.  When it began to show wear it slowly wore away at the end of the nail a bit.  Around day 9 it started chipping at the end of the nail and the rest of the nail remained in tact.

– Sally Hansen – It held out for the long haul too.  It slowly wore away at the edges and around day 13 I noticed some cracking in the polish.  I guess my nail bent at some point and instead of giving the wrap just cracked.  It was hardly noticeable at all and that was almost two full weeks of wear.  Day 15 the top of the nail started showing chipping too.

– Jamberry – It lasted well but began “lifting” after three days.  Some have suggested that a base coat would have helped it initially adhere better or a gel top coat would help it last longer but I didn’t use either of these.  The slight lifting remained slight until day 9 when the left side started to lift as well.  Day 12 the right side was lifting but it held in place and still looked nice.  You couldn’t tell that the wrap wasn’t fully secure just by looking at it so I lifted the wrap with my other finger to show you that it wasn’t connected all around.  You may notice in the picture below that the nail wrap rotated on my nail a bit.

– OPI – This wrap did the best I would say!  It barely wore away at the edges even after 15 days.

– Kiss – The gemstones stayed on well until day 10 when two came off.  It started chipping ever so slightly on day 9.  It started lifting on day 12 and by day 15 it was barely hanging on and many of the gems had fallen off.  However, I have to point out that Kiss wraps only promised to stay 10 days and they did that!

I played, I painted, and I washed and washed my hands.  I wasn’t easy on these nail wraps by any means and I am impressed with them all.  Each of them hold up better than regular nail polish and I’ll likely use them all again.

*Extra Notes*

• – All of the wraps besides the Jamberry ones say that they are only good for one application because the rest of the wraps will dry out (they’re polish strips) BUT I stored them in a baggie right away and I’ve been able to use them again without any problem.
• – All of the nail wraps have a nail polish scent except for Jamberry.  If you hate the scent of nail polish you’ll want to go with Jamberry wraps.
• – Can you believe how fast my nails grew?  With that much growth in 15 days I’ll never need a nail wrap to last longer than a week!

What do you think?  Did you predict right?  PLEASE tell me if I didn’t answer a question that you had!  I want to be as helpful as possible.

Dress: J.Jill currently on sale for only $44.99 from $79 | Cardigan: Worthington from JCPenney currrently on sale for $24.99 from $36 | Necklace: Liz Claiborne from JCPenney currently on sale for $21 from $30 |Nails: Crabtree & Evelyn in Almond $6

Happy Monday!  Today, I am wearing one of my favorite dresses that J.Jill sent me (currently on sale for just $49.99 from $79.00).  The bold geometric pattern is perfect for summer and will still be great as we head into fall.  I thought about adding a pop of color to my outfit but decided to play it more low-key with some matching black sandals, black jewelry, and cardigan.

What are you wearing right now in between seasons?

It’s that time of year again!  It’s time for the bi-annual Ulta Beauty 21 Days of Beauty Steals!  It’s back and you can score some killer deals on the hottest beauty products!  The sale started on Sunday and every day they will feature deals in store and online.  Each deal and event will last for one day only, so plan ahead and check back often.

You can take a look at the full calendar on Ulta Beauty’s website.  I’ll be shopping this sale online since I’m sure the stores will sell out of the items fast.  Get your wallets ready, this is going to be good!  Here are my favorites from the sale:

Week 1

Friday 9/12 – Smashbox 24-Hour Shadow Primer $10 (reg. $20, Ulta.com) – I love Shashbox primers.  They are worth every penny and at 50% off, it’s a huge steal!

Saturday 9/13 – butter LONDON 2 for $15 (reg $15, Ulta.com) – This is great one, guys. I’m a big fan of butter London and this is a phenomenal price.  Shop early for the best selection!

Week 2

Sunday 9/14 – Tarte Lights Camera Lashes! Mascara $10 (reg $20, Ulta.com) – This is a great one!!  If you don’t buy anything else, buy this!  You won’t be sorry.  I have a review of this product in the works right now. : )  It’s good, trust me!

Monday 9/15 – LORAC Front of the Line Pro Liner 50% off (reg $23, Ulta.com) – This is a lovely liquid eyeliner with a felt tip.  If you’re a fan of liquid eyeliners or if you’ve wanted to give them a try now is the time!

Wednesday 9/17 – Clarisonic BOGO Brush Heads BOGO (reg $27, Ulta.com) – I’ve been putting off buying a new Clarisonic brush head and I’m so glad I did.  I’ll be stocking up on Wednesday!

Thursday 9/18 – Too Faced Shadow Insurance 50% off (reg $20, Ulta.com) – I’ve wanted to try this for a while so I might take advantage of the 50% off sale and give it a try.  It’s Too Faced, how could I go wrong?

Week 3

Friday 9/19 – Urban Decay Naked Beauty Balm (reg $34, Ulta.com) – I’m all about BB creams lately instead of pure foundations.  I think I might have to try this!

Wednesday 9/24 – Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel 50% off (reg $22, Ulta.com) – When it comes to brow products, Anastasia is tops.  I highly recommend all of their gels, powders, etc. etc.

Thursday 9/25 – Stila One Step Correct Primer $20 (reg $36, Ulta.com) – This is a fabulous primer that calms your skin if you’re prone to redness and irritation.

Friday 9/26 – IT Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner $10 (reg $22, Ulta.com) – I absolutely adore IT Cosmetics’ make up and brushes but I’ve never tried their eyeliners.  For $10, why not, right?

Check out ALL of the great deals on Ulta.com!  Happy shopping!

What deal are you most looking forward to?

I’m only on day two and they look the same as they did on day one, pictured above.  I’m going to be wearing these for a full week and I’ll report back to you with the results.  I’ll be judging them based on the following aspects:

• – Style/design
• – Ease of application
• – Durability
• – Ease of removal
• – Chemical components
• – Shape of wraps
• – Cost

Do I have a dog in the fight or am I pulling for a specific brand?  No, not really.  When I post my full review I’ll have affiliate links to all of the wraps so you can buy them if you’d like {except for Jamberry and that will link to my friend’s site where I make no profit at all}.  You’ll be getting my full, honest, 100% authentic opinion, just like always but sometimes I feel that it’s important to point that out.

I’m anxious to see how they’ll hold up!  Are you?  Which design is your favorite?

UPDATE: You can now go and see our Nail Wrap Review!