Nail Polish Review: Lisa Lacquer

If you follow me on instagram you may already have seen my love for Lisa Lacquer but wanted to do a quick review.  I've followed Lisa on instagram for awhile and when she announced her new line of nail polishes I was so excited for her.  When I got the package in the mail, I was beyond excited (she surprised me with the colors!) as I love love pastels on nails, I think it just looks so pretty.

 

LtoR: Island Breeze, Perfect Pink, Rise and Shine

 

Not only are the colors great, but the polish consistency is fantastic.  You only need two coats for the perfect amount of coverage (really one would be great but I like two to be safe) and I love that it finishes a bit matte rather than shiny.  It makes the nail polish really stand out.   Every day that I went out with these colors on my nails I got comments from almost every person that saw my nails.  Everyone just loved the colors and especially that blue which I love!  It's almost a tiffany blue but doesn't have that greenish undertone which is something that I've been looking for awhile now.  I generally like to do just an accent nail with a fun color but I saw this rainbow mani on Lisa's instagram that I may have to try out next!  The bottles are great as they are a normal shape and fit on my nail polish rack (I get annoyed with those odd shaped bottles these days as they don't fit into my nail polish organization!).  I love the simple sleek font on the bottle, they are pretty to leave out for decor on my dresser.

Check out her website to order the polishes (all the colors she has are so vibrant and pretty!) and follow her on instagram!

And just for fun... I thought I'd show you some behind the scenes shots of trying to take blog photos with a baby around :) It took many many shots to get the above shot as she wouldn't stop swiping my polishes! I love it though, these pics just make me smile!

Shoe and Polish Pairings

Every year Summer comes around, and it’s impossible to resist adding a cute new pair of sandals to your collection. Then you look down at your toes and realize you need a pedicure, which of course you treat yourself to, along with a few other polishes to update your Summer nail wardrobe. Sandals and nail polish are quite possibly my two favorite things so I love to do shoe and polish pairings.

Slide sandals are everywhere this season but can easily look overly bohemian. This rendition looks a little more modern with the stripes that play up the simple contrasting color palette. Adding a splash of so-classic-for-Summer coral to the mix punches up the neutrals for a little fun.

Sandal | Polish 

These are not my typical kind of shoes but I've learned with carrying a baby while out and about, heels are not the best choice but if I want a bit of height and comfort I needed to add a platform wedge sandal to my wardrobe. To accent the gold details on this cognac sandal, this polish features a complementary gold glitter top coat for layering generously on top of the creamy rose base color. It makes the overall effect a little special, even looking down from five feet away.

 Sandal | Polish 

When you’re running errands one minute then off shopping with the girls the next, a strappy flat sandal that secures your foot in a basic color is all you really want. This one has a particularly casual finish, so to add a little sparkle, this understated champagne nude polish with tiny flecks of glitter is a perfect pair.

Sandal | Polish

And as always, my shoe of choice is a high strappy heel, I'm loving these (and they come in red too).  The polish pairings I picked are all three of the colors in this adorable set.  Each color would look perfect with these sandals and change it up depending on your mood!

Sandal | Polish

Do you have a go-to Summer sandal and nail polish duo?

{Beauty} My Must—Have Summer Nail Polish

Full disclosure: I hated this nail polish when I first got it. Although I loved the look of the latex finish (the cap mimics how it looks on the nails), I found it went on gloppy and mega-streaky, and I came this close to returning it. But then I read a review online that said it has to be applied in light brushstrokes, allowing the first coat to dry before applying the next (who does that?)... After that, it was like a whole new world. The finish is amaaaazing, and although not exactly the most long-lasting, the colour speaks for itself. The verdict? If you buy one nail polish this summer, make it Nails Inc.'s Latex Effect polish in 'Bermondsey Street.'

Photo by Adventures in Fashion

{Nailed It} 4 Must-Try Holiday Manicures

I love a good manicure, and since there's no better time to fancy-up those fingertips than the holidays, here are four lovely lacquer looks to try... And if all else fails, you can always give this glitzed-up half moon mani a whirl. So throw on your favourite holiday movie (here's a great round-up of what to watch) and get your polish on. xx

Navy Nails and Nail Art

As I mentioned on my last Revlon post, I love red for fall but I'm also a huge fan of dark purples and blues.  There's something about a navy nail that I completely love so when Revlon sent me Urban, a gorgeous navy, I was excited to try it out.  They also sent over one of their Nail Art nail polishes in Night & Degas and I was inspired to do a navy and white polish design inspired by my Nike Sky Hi sneakers!

I just got this jeweled sweatshirt and I'm loving navy and gray together so would definitely pair my blue nails with this outfit.

Sweatshirt | Jeans | Nail Polish | Bracelets | Bag

I would also pair my navy and white nails with this pretty navy dress.  I'm usually not so matchy matchy but I think the combo of these with the neutral shoes and statement necklace is a super cute look!

Dress | Shoes | Nail Polish | Clutch | Necklace

I wish I was better at nail art but with the new Nail Art polishes, I'm totally inspired to try some new designs. Here's a few that I recently pinned that I love!

 

Revlon believes there is more than one way for women to be seen. Revlon's heritage as a color authority and its suite of innovative products inspires women around the world to express themselves through beauty each and every day.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Revlon Consumer Products via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Revlon Consumer Products.

Crimson Nails

I love the changing of the seasons and along with transitioning my wardrobe into fall appropriate clothes and shoes, I always change my nail colors as well.  During the summer I'm all about the neon and brights and for fall, reds, purples and darker tones come out to play.  Revlon sent me this gorgeous red called Seduce.  When I got it, I immediately painted my nails with it and loved it on! 

With a red like this you could wear it to complement your outfit with and instead of wearing red in your outfit, leave it as an accent like this outfit below.  I'm so excited for fall dressing and bringing out my jewel tone blazers, dark skinnies and booties!

Blazer

Shirt

Jeans

Revlon Seduce

Bootie

Necklace

Bracelets

Even though it's a bright color, I feel like red is such a fall staple that it's easily paired with so many things in my closet.  I'm loving any of these dresses and how pretty would they be paired with the red polish?

one | two | three

I would top dress #1 with a cozy cardigan (I own this in several colors - it's a fave!) and over the knee boots for a really cute day to night look.  The red in the dress would look cute with your red nails!

I love dress #2 as is and would just add some fun statement earrings and these gorgeous booties (I love all the colors they come in, the would look so cute in the blue!)  The red polish would look great against all that black.  This would be the perfect date night look for me!

Leopard and red always go together and I love the easy and fun shape of dress #3.  It's just the right dress for a girls night out, don't you think?  I'm actually loving it with a utility jacket like this for a cute day time look and then just transition it to night with a black blazer and heels.

Revlon believes there is more than one way for women to be seen. Revlon's heritage as a color authority and its suite of innovative products inspires women around the world to express themselves through beauty each and every day.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Revlon Consumer Products via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Revlon Consumer Products.

{Summer Week} The Nails...

{ SCRATCH Watermelon nail wraps, $12 }

{ Revlon "Minted" nail polish, $5.99 }

{ Joe Fresh "Amethyst" nail polish, $4 }

{ American Apparel "T-Shirt" nail polish, $6 }

{ American Apparel "Parakeet" nail polish, $6 }

{ Urban Outfitters "Hot Tub" nail polish, $5 }

It's no secret I love nail polish, and even if you spent three seconds on my Instagram, you would know that I have a serious sweet tooth as well... Luckily for me the two go together like nobody's business, and I certainly can't complain about having edible props for a change!

Above are my favourite shades/wraps for summer in the digit-department — And believe me when I tell you it was nearly impossible to narrow it down to just six. From sizzling shades of hot pink and neon green, to softer pallets brimming with mints and lilacs, I'm always down for a fun summer mani... Oh the possibilities.

So tell me friends, what are your favourite shades for summer? Spill! xx

Sandals + Nail Polish Pairings

One of the best things about summer: sandals + cute pedis. Once winter’s here, your toes go into hiding, so I’ve been taking advantage of the opportunity to show off my dressed-up toes (even though I can no longer paint them myself - thank you gigantic pregnant belly!).  Love these nail polish and sandal pairings:

1. Schutz Baldonera + Essie Full Steam AheadLove the edgy studs with the bright yellow color. The peep-toe gives you just enough room to show off this lovely pastel purple.

2. Kate Spade ‘Intro” Sandal + Butter London Trout PoutSuch a great neutral sandal – pair it with this cute cantaloupe color to brighten up your toes! I’d wear this with all my LWDs!

3. Zara Leather Mini Wedge + Nars ArabesqueThis black sandal is super versatile – it can be tough and edgy or sleek & sexy. I’d pair this with this glittery pink polish to make it a bit girlier.

4. Tory Burch Kailey Sandals + Sephora Hot & SpicyThe bows on these sandals are irresistible. Pair this with a bright orange color for a fun look.

5. Joie Jaclyn Ankle Strap Sandals + Deborah Lippman Mermaid’s DreamThis is a gorgeous berry color and would transition well into fall. Love pairing this luxurious color, with this metallic seafoam polish for a cool look.

6. Dolce Vita Delmy + Dolce & Gabanna Peachy NudeSuch a fun color! Since the color’s so bright, I’d complement it with this pretty peachy nude color.

7. Asos Fall Back Sandal + Essie Peach DaiquiriComplement these cute turquoise sandals with this neon fruit punch color. Pair it with your summer dresses and you’re good to go.

8. Zara High Heel Shiny Shoe + L’Oreal Crazy for Chic Remember when oxblood was THE color? This is a similar hue, and would look great on all your date nights.

9. J Crew Allie Gladiator Sandals + Essie Turquoise & CaicosThe perfect gladiator sandal that will go with everything! Pairing it with one of my favorite colors – mint!

10. Saint Laurent Tribute Sandal + NARS SchiapPerfect neutral sandal for all your summer outfits. Amp it up with this gorgeous pink shade from Julep.

{Nailed It} Manicure DIY Roundup...

I love nail polish as much as the next girl, but lately it seems like there are more nail trends and jazzy Pins out there than I can keep up with... Man it's tough being a girl. Because I need constant reminders of things I want to try or need to do (believe me, it's a never-ending list), I decided to put together a roundup of my top five nail trends to try (helloooooo, watermelon wraps!). Hopefully this inspires you to jazz up those digits of yours, but if nothing more, it'll help keep me accountable when I deviate back to my standard red, black or neon polish... You guys keep me so honest.

1. Watermelon wraps by Scratch, $12
2. Vintage-inspired florals via The Beauty Department
3. Geometric pastels via Pshiiit
4. Nautical nails via The Beauty Department
5. NCLA Ikat nail wraps via Pshiiit, $16

At home gel manicure - Couture Gel Nail Polish

Melissa, the president of Couture Gel Nail Polish contacted me to see if I wanted to do a review of her at home gel nail polish kit and of course being nail polish obsessed I said yes!  I was definitely intrigued to try it out.

The lamp to cure your nails (I was silly and didn't take off the blue sticker before I took this photo but you are suppossed to take it off before using it which I did.)

The Base and Top coat that helps seals the nail polish

The five colors I chose:

Amethyst Crush
Chic

Cashmere 
Cranberry Cosmo

Pretty in Pink

I went for mostly pinks but a mix of creme, shimmers and glitter polishes.

I've done a manicure about 3 times with this kit and I love it every time.  The steps are super simple.  Basically, base coat - cure under lamp for 2 mins. Paint your color and then cure for 2 mins.  Top coat and then cure for 2 mins.  That's it!  Of course you need to prep your nails before hand like with filing and getting your cuticles nice and clean but I do that with any manicure.  I love how fast the process is AND it's instantly drying so you never have to worry about smudging.  Oh and one last step after you're done is to just run a cotton pad with rubbing alcohol on it over the tops of the nails and it removes the stickiness and creates an extra shiny coat for your nails.

Pros:

• Super fast painting to drying time
• No smudges
• Last up to 3 weeks without chips
• 75 colors to choose from 
• Not having to paint and repaint your nails every week if you don't feel like it.
• Auto timer on the lamp so you don't have to sit there and watch the clock, just push a button to start and the light will turn off when it's done.

Cons:

• You have to be really good at cleaning up your polish mistakes before you cure it, otherwise you are stuck with polish on your cuticles and it's not so pretty and not as easy to make clean lines like with regular polish.
• Peel off - I think this comes with practice too but I think I overpainted my base or top coat onto my fingers so one of the edges started curling up and then got caught on a shirt and then the whole gel polish ripped off my finger nail like a press on nail (don't worry it didn't hurt)
• Storage - I already have so much nail polish and little room to store it so to have to store the lamp is not helping but it's totally worth it for the chip free nails.
• The kit is pricey but if you get enough salon manicures it may be worth the savings.

I painted the majority of my nails with Pretty in Pink (my favorite so far) and an accent nail with Cranberry Cosmo.

I highly recommend it.  I've been so busy lately and haven't been able to pay attention to my nails so this has been a great solution for me to still have nice looking nails without having to take time out for a full on manicure every week.  You can get it here!

{DIY} Neon Rope Bangle with Pendant...

I've been sitting on this DIY for weeks now because I haven't had any spare time to craft... I know, I know, tisk tisk. Anyway, I thought it would be fun to bring life to an old, thrifted bangle, so after picking up some neon thread and a pretty little pendant from Michael's, I was in business. This project was super easy and inexpensive to make, and I'm obsessed with the result... Hey, anything neon is fine by me!

Want to make a bracelet of your own? Here's what you've got to do:



1. Start by securing the rope to your bangle with some glue to hold it in place while you work. The nature of the materials make them hard to adhere, but it will help to have the end temporarily secured.
2. Start wrapping the rope around the bangle, pulling tight as you go around.
3. Continue to tightly wrap the bangle until you get about three quarters of the way around the bracelet.
4/5. Weave the end of the rope through the pendant and out the other side, pulling it through and positioning it on the bangle.
6. Keep wrapping the bangle until the base is no longer visible.



7. Release the glued end and tie a double knot to secure the rope in place.
8. Cut the ends off closely.
9. Singe the ends of rope slightly to avoid fraying.
10/11. Paint the pendant with nail polish in colours of your choosing. Add two or three coats depending on the thickness of the polish used.
12. While your bracelet dries, use the leftover rope to play with your cat or any other willing participant... How cute is Meows?!

And that's it! Thanks for reading, lovelies! xx

{Glitter Week} Glitter Half Moon Manicure...

No theme week is complete without a manicure, and since I've been meaning to try a glitter half moon mani after seeing one on Emily last month, I figured there was no time like the present. The verdict? It's pretty much the greatest manicure known to man. The end result is just so chic and fun, and the glitter really takes it up a notch. I think I'll have to try it again with pastel base, perhaps a nice mint... Oh the possibilities.

Happy Thursday, friends! xx

Get the look: Deborah Lippmann 'Boom Pow' glitter polish // OPI 'Chick Flick Cherry' polish

Latest Beauty Buys

Just a few new beauty loves that I had to share.

I passed by this Revlon display for their new polish called "Moon Candy" and I loved the creme polish with the glitter, except this isn't regular small pieces of glitter, more like flakes of glitter!  I brought two home and they are gorgeous and so different than all my other polishes.  I love the effect. 

I didn't get a chance to take pics of my nails before they chipped so they look terrible right now but as you can see from the pictures from The PolishAholic, the glitter is a bit piece-y but it looks so great in the natural light as the colors reflect differently.

go to her post to see the rest of the colors!

Absolutely loving this "liquid lipstick" from NYX.  The lip creams go on like lipstick but very creamy and last for a really long time!  $12 for all 3, you can't beat that!  (Nordstrom Rack is now selling NYX if you guys didn't know.  I know for me it's hard to come by in our drugstores so I was glad to see it at Nordstrom Rack.)

Laura Mercier Creme Cheek Color and Lip Stain is a staple in my every day routine.  Just the right colors, I have the Cheek color in Praline and the Lip Stain in Shy Pink and are perfect for the "I'm wearing make up but not" kind of days.

For awhile now I've use the Anastasia brow powder for my eyebrows but recently discovered the TouchBack Brow Marker and it's awesome!  It totally blends in and is a bit easier in application than powder.  I never thought I'd use a "marker" for my brows but they totally fill in my sparse brows and looks really natural.

 It comes in lots of different colors to perfectly match your brows.

I don't really use lip liners as I usually just slap on a lipstick or lip gloss and be done with it, however the Smashbox Nude Lip Liner completely changed my mind about needing a lip liner.  It really is a "nude" to match your lip color and once I apply it, it doesn't change the color of my lipstick or lip gloss but it does help the color stay a lot longer.