Nail News

CND Shellac

Hola!

(Let me try this again...accidentally published this before I was finished. Ooops! LOL)
Penny's back! Today I'm going to chat about nails. Some of you know Penny to be a bit fanatical about the nails. I quickly became a nail polish addict (harboring about 50 bottles at my peak). LOL! Well about 6 months ago I took a big step and stopped getting acrylic nail enhancements. Why is that a big deal you ask? Well for almost two decades I have worn some sort of nail enhancement...acrylics, silk wraps, gel nails (old skool kind), etc. So I was used to having 10 just about perfect nails every two weeks. Yes...for at least the last ten years or more I was getting my hands and feet done every two weeks...all year round. Like I said...a little fanatic about the nails. LOL!

Nailtiques Treatment Kit

After taking off my acrylics it was a major struggle. I couldn't stand to look at my hands. But I kept my nails super short and started the Nailtiques After Artificial Nails Treatment Kit ($20, ULTA). I realized I had to remain diligent and use the products as directed to see results.  I also did not wear colored polish for a few months (gasp!) LOL!  The Nailtiques kit had two polish treatments Formula A and Formula B, and a cuticle cream. I believe this product helped to strengthen my super thin, weak, and splitting nails in the following months and I'm glad I stuck to it. After I finished Formula A and moved on to Formula B, I was less consistent and ready for a professional manicure. Eventually I tried a strengthener by China Glaze but wasn't consistent so I don't know how well it worked.

Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy

I wasn't keeping track but after about 4 months my nails started looking better. I had an event to go to so my nail tech persuaded me to try a Dip Powder Gel polish. I liked it. It was easy; and required no UV light to cure it. The removal was the same as any other gel polish though. So I had to go back for removal. I tried 2 colors of the dip powder gel, but the range of colors wasn't enough for me, and I wanted something I could maintain myself so I started polishing my own nails at home. This was harder than I remembered. Who would have thunk it?! LOL! Practice makes perfect so I'll keep it up (besides, its saving me a lot of money). Zoya is still my favorite brand and I can't wait to get the new fall colors (Naturel Deux 2014)! http://www.zoya.com/

Vinylux Top Coat

More recently I've had professional manicures with the CND Shellac Gel Polish and liked that. My manicure lasted about a week and a half and that was okay. But Penny doesn't want to go back to being a slave to her nails again; having to go to the nail salon every two weeks. So I'm mixing it up. I've tried at home products like Revlon's Colorstay Gel Envy polish and top coat; as well as the CND Vinylux Top Coat over regular OPI and Zoya polishes.  The Revlon product was pretty good but I have to get used to the wide brush. The polish lasted about 4-5 days without chipping. I'm not as impressed with the Vinylux product, but I want to try it with the Vinylux Weekly Polish to see if it lasts longer. I found that I needed to use more than one coat of the top coat for a good shine pay off, and that it chips after a couple days. But I will give it another go since I heard that its a great top coat.  At the end of the day I want to keep my nails polished and nourished so that they stop splitting and breaking and become more healthy.

SpaRitual Cuticle Oil

 
My latest splurge is the SpaRitual Cuti-Cocktail Nail and Cuticle Oil ($17, ULTA). I love this stuff! It hides my rough, dry and peeling cuticles and smells heavenly. I haven't used it long enough to know how well it works, so I'll be sure to review it again later. It is "formulated with a conditioning blend of evening primrose, grape seed oils and aloe extract. Scented with aromatic extracts of ginger and Fuji apple to keep nails fresh." Thank goodness for my ULTA rewards coupon because this is going to become a Penny staple. :-)

What are your favorite polishes and how do you get a long-lasting manicure?

Be blessed. Be beautiful.
Penny

Foundation Feedback

Happy Summer to you all!

Hope everyone is enjoying one of my favorite seasons of the year! And most importantly, that you are never leaving home without your sunscreen.  :-) Most all of you lovelies should be sure to use a product with at least SPF 30 on your face and body, especially if you're going to be outdoors for any length of time. Keep a small travel tube in your purse or the car in case you forget to put it on at home (and my dermatologist said I should reapply every 2 hrs).
Penny has been trying to get back here for weeks to no avail, but I made it. (Not feeling the 'real job' that keeps getting in my way. LOL) Today I want to share my experiences with you as I tried two newly released cosmetics. I actually tried these when they were first released but couldn't find the time to blog about them.

bareMinerals bareSkin Serum Foundation  SPF 20 ($29, ULTA)


bareSkin Serum Foundation &
Perfecting Face Brush

Penny was not a fan of the original bareMinerals products even though I saw that they worked well on others. For some reason, the powders made me look ashen and just didn't work well with my skin tone. But when the new bareMinerals bareSkin Serum Foundation with SPF 20 was promoted it peaked my interest. Especially since I'm getting treatment for my melasma and my dermatologist wants me to be diligent about my sunscreen usage. I wear a full face of make-up every day to go to work so I promised her I would find make-up with  sun protection. I was excited about trying this product. 

Although I think this is a good foundation for some, it did not work well for Penny. I returned it after a couple days. The thin liquid formula was light weight and offered decent buildable coverage. I have to admit I did not use the Perfecting Face Brush recommended for this product (already have so many brushes).  ULTA's website describes the formula as: "ultra-thin, skin-perfecting fluid provides seamless adjustable coverage, a natural finish and the look and feel of beautiful skin while delivering a noticeably brighter, more youthful appearance." The foundation was easy to blend and I easily picked out my shade (they have 20 shades).  What didnt work for me was the wearability. By the end of the day my make-up was fading and I could see my dark under eye circles and a little of the hyperpigmentation on my cheeks. I always set my foundation with powder but that didn't seem to help. With the summer being so humid, I need a long-lasting foundation.

Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick ($44, Bloomingdales)

BB Skin Foundation Stick

As many know, Penny has been a fan of Bobbi Brown forever. So I was excited to see that they released a new and improved BB Foundation Stick. According to their website: "Foundation Stick gets an update with a transparent base plus skin tone correct pigments for an incredibly natural look. Its creamy yet weightless texture blends seamlessly so it mimics the look of healthy skin."  Right away I was curious to know how this new stick was different from the original formula. According to the website the new formula contains skin emollients like shea butter and olive extract as well as: " Light diffusing powders and oil-controlling minerals perfect the appearance of skin while reducing shine (even in sweat, water and humidity)." Penny likes this foundation for the portability, the creamy formula, and the lightweight feel. However, I need to try it a few more times to get the personal coverage I prefer. The coverage was better than I thought it would be but I was applying it on the run and didn't have the right brush or the proper cosmetic sponge. The wearability was good too; it did not run or fade (although I still have to try it 'all day' to confirm).

This BB Stick Foundation comes in 24 shades and I was able to pick the right one even though I ordered mine online at Sephora. I think it would be great for my friends who don't need a lot of coverage but want an even tone, natural look. Since its a creamy formula, and we are dealing with heat and humidity, be sure to set the foundation with a light dusting of setting powder. This formula blends and buffs easily into the skin and was non-irritating for me.

SUMMER TIPS:

• If you use foundation daily, try a setting powder with SPF for the summer. I have been setting my foundation with bareMinerals READY Touch Up Translucent Veil Broad Spectrum SPF 15 ($23, ULTA) powder.
• Use a make-up setting spray like Kat Von D's Lock-N-Load Make-up Setting Mist ($24) to make sure your look lasts all day. Urban Decay's All-Niter and Make Up For Ever's Mist & Fix are also good.
• If your mascara runs often, try a waterproof mascara.
• Set your eyeliner with powder. By that I mean use a powder shadow in the same color over it if you lined your top lid. If you line your bottom waterline, follow with eye shadow just below the waterline to help seal the liner.
• Use a lip liner if you find your lip gloss is not lasting as long as you would like, or if its moving outside the lip line as time passes.

What's your favorite summer foundation?

Be blessed. Be beautiful.
Penny

Talking Technique (Make-up)

Hi there!
Penny is no make-up artist and doesn't play one on TV, but I've learned quite a bit over the years. Friends and family often ask about my make-up looks, products, tools, and/or application. Here are some of the most common tips I get asked about.

Sephora Pro Stippling
Brush #41

Concealer - When choosing a concealer it is best to remember that various types of concealer work best depending on what you want to conceal. Liquid and more lightweight concealers work best for under eye circles. While cream or thicker formula concealers work better to cover blemishes and other areas of hyperpigmentaiton on the face. It is also important to have a good concealer brush, makeup sponge (or better yet, a clean finger tip). Start with less and then add more to build coverage. 

Foundation - Think about it...if you take the time to put on your concealer, why mess it up by dragging your foundation across your face and disturbing that concealer underneath. The same goes for blush over foundation (except for application w/ a super soft blush brush). Penny knows that some of you apply concealer on top of your foundation or BB cream, however, because I have so much to conceal (cheek area where I have melasma)...I put my concealer on first. The trick to the full, all-day coverage I get is my application technique. I use a flat kabuki brush (Sigma F80)to stipple/pat the concealer into the skin. So when I apply foundation to those areas, I use the same motion with a different stipple brush (Sephora Pro Large Domed Stippling Brush #41). When I set with powder I also 'press' the powder with a sponge into the skin instead of dragging a brush across the area and disturbing what's underneath.



MAC Paint Pot
in Groundwork

Eyeshadow - Penny has a few tried and true ways to apply long-lasting eyeshadow. My lids are dark from allergies, and not necessarily smooth, so I always need 3 things to make my eye make-up look last: 1) primer; 2) base (to even out skin tone and keep the shadow true to color); and 3) a good blending brush (i.e. MAC 224 or Sigma E40). My favorite primer is Too Faced Shadow Insurance and my favorite base is MAC's Paint Pot. But the real key to a good eyeshadow look is to BLEND. Remember less is always better, until you learn an application technique that compliments your eyes. Think about your eye shape when choosing a style and even when choosing colors. For example, if you have small eyes, but like darker shades, know that they may make your eyes look even smaller. It doesn't mean you can't wear a darker shade; but it could mean that you apply it lightly and maybe blend with another lighter color.

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New Meaning to Natural Nails

 

Hey!

This is a quick-n-dirty post from Penny reminding you all that tomorrow, April 22nd is Earth Day! "Earth Day is an annual event, celebrated on April 22, on which events are held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It was first celebrated in 1970, and is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network, and celebrated in more than 192 countries each year.^{" - Wikipedia}  


Irene

Kalista


What does all that have to do with Penny you ask? Well, it is only one of my most exciting times of the year...to buy Nail Polish! Ok...did  I lose you again? LOL!

Today kicks of Zoya's 2014 Earth Day Nail Polish Exchange! Zoya, as many of you know, is one of Penny's all-time favorite toxin-free nail polish brands!


I love the colors and wear-ability of their products. The beautiful, wide-array of colors and finishes are free of Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene and Camphor. Check out:  www.zoya.com.


Cole
(Spring 2014)

Here's how it works. For one week only (4/21 -4/28/2014):
" Exchange your old nail color for BIG5FREE** ZOYA Nail Polish and let us properly dispose of your unwanted bottles.  Only $4.50 per bottle OR $5 for PixieDust and special effect toppers. Shipping and handling fees apply." *Offer excludes ALL Summer 2014 Collection shades (Tickled, Bubbly & Summer Magical PixieDust).


Perrie

Polishes regularly sell for $9 a bottle so this is a great deal! Follow their detailed instructions here on their blog: http://blog.zoya.com/  



Basically, once you place your order, they use the honor system in trusting that you will send back as many bottles as you purchased, of your old nail polishes (any brand except Zoya) for disposal. I've done this a few times.

Please be responsible and check online for the proper way to ship your polishes.  I'm pretty sure I have sent mine via the US Postal Service, but they have to be ship by Ground transportation only (since they are liquid and flammable). You know that question they ask you at the Post Office and the airport that most people just lie about to get through? LOL! Well, follow the rules and ship responsibly. Here is a website I found to be helpful.
http://www.chemwise.org/9-Simple-Steps-to-Mail-Nail-Polish.pdf


Dream

Happy Shopping!

Be blessed. Be beautiful.
Penny


Sephora VIB Rouge Event - Beauty Buys

 

Hello Beautiful!

Today I had the pleasure of shopping a private event at Sephora (Chevy Chase, MD location). The customer service was excellent! I found almost every thing I intended to shop for and more. They had beauty make-overs, refreshments, limited edition products, a free makeup bag and samples...the 15% off the entire purchase didn't hurt either. LOL! The 15% off sale for you and a friend starts today and ends April 11th, in store and online, so be sure to take advantage. Here are some of the goodies I picked up:

Cosmetics:
DIVERGENT Cosmetics, Multi-Piece Limited Edition (LE) Palette ($32.50-Sold Out) - This "...all-in-one face palette inspired by the worldwide bestseller, Divergent, now a major motion picture." Love the colors in this palette. It sold out in minutes this

Divergent Collection @ Sephora

morning in the store. I had to order it online ASAP. This kit contains: High-Pigment Eye Shadow in Candor Lace, Luminous Taupe, Envious Chocolate; Long Wear Blush; Matte Bronzer; and High-Shine Lip Gloss in Artistic Mauve.

There is also another LE Divergent Multi-Piece Collectors Kit "inspired by the traits of each Divergent faction" with High-Pigment Eye Shadows in 12 shades, two Long-Wear Blushes, Shimmering Bronzer, and a Radiant Glow Illuminator. Four High Shine Lip Glosses are also included to complete this kit of really cool colors for a variety of looks.


Spring 2014 Makeup Trends

Hello!
March is here and although we’re expecting snow (again) here in the mid-Atlantic Penny is determined to get in the mood for spring. How could you not be ready for all the beautiful colors in cosmetics and fashion in the forecast for the spring 2014?

Orchid is the color that you all may have seen in many of the ads and advertised as the SEPHORA+PANTONE UNIVERSE Color of the Year.  But not everyone is comfortable with the purple hues in it. Berry is a beautiful alternative that is also ‘in’ for lips, eyes and cheeks. Penny is thinking of maybe trying an orchid eye shadow, blended with darker colors of plums and purples, if I can’t pull off the lip color.

Speaking of eye shadow trends… Penny is not really feeling the spring runway looks for eye shadows as much...bright blue, a pop of light green, iridescent white, gilded gold and metallics are all “in” for lids. [Oh...and winged eyeliner is still in this season so have fun!].

Bright Orange was also seen on the runways for NY Fashion Week. Orange has made a big splash on lips for this coming season. Here is a quick guide I found on how to find the right orange lipstick for your skin tone. (see http://www.thefashionspot.com/beauty/180077-orange-lipstick/)

• Warm skin tones: If you have more yellow/golden tones to your skin, look for yellow based oranges. If the lipstick contains shimmer, look for those with gold, bronze or copper flecks.
• Cool skin tones: Does your skin have more of a pink or red tone to it? Lean towards red or coral based oranges for a more natural look. If there is shimmer in the lipstick, look for those with silver, opal or white shimmer.
• Light complexion: Keep your eyes out for true oranges or tones that are a bit lighter or more pastel.
• Medium complexion: Watch for shades that are slightly darker than your natural lip color. Want to go bold? Try a vibrant, bright orange!
• Deep complexion: Go for a browner or more brick base to your orange for your perfect hue.

TIP: Unsure about orange lipstick?  Try an orange lip gloss or lip stain. The sheer color will blend in with your natural lip color and give a softer, more subtle orange look. This tip will actually work for all the lip colors recommended this spring.

Nude Pink is also in for the spring. This beautiful color works on lips, cheeks and eyes. The color blush is hot this season in fashion so I wasn’t surprise to see nude pink in the mix.

 

Penny is excited to try some of these new trends. Since I tend to get more color to my skin in the warmer months I might have to get more than one shade to make these trends work for me (any excuse to shop) LOL! Winter forecast or not, I have my eyes on these beautiful products to get my spring started off right: 

• SEPHORA+PANTONE UNIVERSE Radiant Rush Matte Lipstick in Radiant Orchid
• Kat Von D Painted Love Lipstick in A-Go-Go
• Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Jilted
  
• EM Scribble Liquid Liner in Tattoo Black
• Clinique Cheek Pop Blush in Ginger Pop

What are you looking forward to wearing this spring?

Be blessed. Be beautiful.

Penny

 

Chemical-free Make-up

 

Happy New Year my Beauties!
Penny has been trying to get here for about a month now, but something called a job has gotten in the way. *sigh* I started a different piece for January but need to do more research so I thought I'd share this one instead.
In my usual search for new products and ideas I came across a cool video by someone I already follow on YouTube...SunKissAlba. This beautiful young lady always catches my attention whether she is talking about her curly hair care, sharing make-up tutorials, or offering healthy living tips. In particular I came across a video demonstrating Chemical-free, Organic Make-up.

I was intrigued because as I get older and my skin becomes more sensitive, I'm curious about gentler, less toxic products. I have a few friends whom I know would be interested in such products as well. Here is a link to SunKissAlba's video demonstration:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RaZfvWDV1U&list=UUhFtIFokGfWATn1Je7Cf6Vg&feature=c4-overview

Although her make-up look might not be for you, the products and where to find them might be helpful:

LeeAnni Eco 3 in 1 Revolotion:  (Skin Prep; toner, serum, moisturizer in one. $29.98)



Alima Pure Foundation

Nourish Organic Lightweight Moisturizing Face Lotion ($21.99)
http://nourishorganic.com/collections/face/?2

Alima Pure - Balancing Face Primer  ($20)
Alima Pure Satin Matte Foundation ($25)
Alima Pure Eyeshadow ($10-$12.50)
Alima Pure Satin Matte Blush ($15-$20)
http://www.hipapotheca.com or www.Amazon.com


Herbs Of Grace Foundation ($19.95)Herbs Of Grace Eyeshadow ($8.75)
http://store.livingearthbeauty.com/herbs_of_grace_s/43.htm



Lippy Girl Vegocentric Lipstick

Dr. Hauschka Volume Mascara ($29.95)
http://www.drhauschka.com

Eco Tools - Barely There Lash System ($4.95)
www.Amazon.com

LippyGirl Vegocentric Lipsticks ($16.99)
http://www.Amazon.com

Revolution Organics Beauty Balm (3-in-1) Stick ($13.60 on sale)
http://www.hipapotheca.com
 
Body/Facial Skincare:
Balanced Guru Balm Me Up Organic Sweet Cocoa & Tangy Body Balm ($45)
http://balancedguru.com/pages/ipsy-january

Scotch Naturals Nail Polish

Hair Care:
Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair!™ Deep Conditioning Mask ($26)
https://www.briogeohair.com/product/dont-despair-repair/?2
 
Nails:
Scotch Naturals Nail Lacquer ($13)
http://www.hipapotheca.com
- Base Coat
- On the Rocks Top Coat
- Color: Macbeth's Dream
*Must be used with base and top coats for better results. 

These products have not yet been tested by Penny (but I've already ordered a couple of things). I hope the color pay-off and the wear of these products are similar to the chemical-infused products that I currently use and love. Some of these products are a bit pricey but so are other more popular brands. I have not checked to see if these products are sold in any of the local stores. If any of you have seen these in store, or have other chemical-free products you use, please share.

Hope this was helpful.

Be blessed. Be beautiful.
Penny

2013 Beauty Buys

Happy Holidays!
Hopefully you are enjoying your holiday season and are in the best of health and spirits. I just wanted to take a moment to share 'some' of my 2013 beauty buys now that the year is coming to a close. Pardon the lengthy post. Hope its helpful.

Skin Care:
Sephora Face Complexion Brush ($7, Sephora.com) - Love the gentle exfoliation I get daily from this brush (used with the Purity cleanser usually).  It is also an inexpensive way to stimulate your circulation and improve skin texture. My skin feels clean but never dry.

Simple Sensitive Skin Expert Cleansing Facial Wipes  ($6.49, CVS) - This is a great make-up remover wipe that doesn't irritate my skin. I use this before a work out; to clean up mistakes; or if I'm in a hurry and don't have time for the Boscia cleanser. It is also great for travel.

Clarins Toning Lotion ($22, Sephora.com) - I never liked to use toner because my skin is so dry, but this tones and leaves my skin super clean without any drying or irritation. It has chamomile in it and is alcohol-free. I got a free sample from Sephora and I plan to buy a regular size bottle. Will work great in the summer when my skin is more oily in the t-zone area.

First Aid Beauty Anti-Redness Serum ($34, Sephora) - Its all about trial and error for Penny but this was an error. Not only did it not do anything for the redness (caused by my eczema) but it smells awful. And for the price it was a big fail. It happens.

Make-Up:
L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara ($9, CVS) - Love this mascara with its unusal wand. It separates my lashes easily and catches even the shortest and finest of lashes. Works great on top and bottom lashes.

NARS Pro Prime Multi-Protect Primer SPF 30 ($34, Nordstrom) - I love that this foundation primer has SPF; it gives me that extra protection I need since I don't touch up my make-up during the day. Its a light weight liquid that absorbs quickly.

MARC JACOBS BEAUTY, Lust for Lacquer Lip Vinyl Sheer ($28, Sephora.com) - Was so disappointed with this purchase. I really wanted to love this gloss but is was too gooey (is that a word?). LOL! It didn't stay put long enough and the peppermint oil in it dried out my lips. Bought it in beautiful shade called 306-Sweet Escape (well it was beautiful in the ad).

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC) Lip Tar Stained Gloss ($18, Sephora.com) - Bought this in a beautiful deep berry color called Rhythm Box. Its a great stain to use alone or under lipstick for a long lasting effect.

Kat Von D Lock-it Tattoo Concealer ($25, Sephora) - This has become my staple. As described by the brand, this concealer is a "heavy duty, highly pigmented, transfer- and water-resistant, multitasking concealer." After trying many other brands, I find that this covers my hyperpigmentation better than any other, and stays put all day.  I apply this with my Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki Brush ($21) in a stippling motion for full coverage.

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot ($20, Maccosmetics.com) - This cream eye shadow is what I use daily as a 'base' to neutralize the dark color of my lids and allow my eye shadow colors to show true. I use eye shadow primer underneath this for longer lasting looks. Comes in a variety of colors but I didn't find the one that matches my skin tone until I went into the MAC store; its hard to tell how the color will show on your skin online. Layin Low is the best match for me.

NARS Radiant Cream Compact Foundation Refill ($38, Nordstrom) - This is a really good lightweight cream foundation with medium-full coverage. The texture of this cream almost feels gel-like when you apply it. I've never had a cream feel so light. For me it wears best when set with powder; lasts all day. The empty compact case is sold separately ($10).

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