Banana Republic French Navy + Fingerpaints Flakies

Hi guys! 

The base for today's mani is Banana Republic French Navy. Love the name! It's a super dark blue shimmer. This picture was taken with flash to bring some of that out, but from a distance you would never guess this wasn't black!

My sweet husband recently picked me up the new Fingerpaints flakies for our anniversary. Below is a combo of Motley and Twisted layered over French Navy. I love the way this turned out and wore it for quite a while and still couldn't stop looking at it!

I love that flakies are becoming more easily available...but I feel like once you have one brand you don't need them all...like I don't feel like I need the new Zoya flakies because I have the Fingerpaints. I  kind of like it though because it's better for my wallet...well, my husband's wallet actually! haha

Blog and You Mix News!

Hi lovelies!

I just wanted to update you on a few things. I am having a blog sale! It's been open since last night, so there are still things left. Just click on my blog sale tab to check it out!

Also, You Mix Cosmetics has added a TON of magnetics to the site. There are still a few more to add, but they are mostly there. You can see them *here*. And to stay in the loop with us, go like the You Mix page on Facebook *here*.

I hope to be back later today with my regular posting! :)

Mod Stamping

I doubt many of you will actually read this tonight since you are all out having lives, but since I am a boring married person, this is what I'm doing on my Friday night! haha

Just a quick post today. The base for this look is from Born Pretty and it's a pretty kelly green creme. I am pretty sure I have nothing else this exact shade in my collection. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of this on it's own.

For stamping, I am pretty sure this design comes from one of the plates at You Mix Cosmetics, but I can't remember. ;) This reminds me of the 60's...what about you? Like I can see these nails being turned into a dress back then and it would be all the rage. haha But I have seen lots of kelly green skinny jeans popping up lately, so maybe they can count as trendy now too!

PS. If you like this polish, you can buy it *here*. You can also use code AJ10W21 for an extra 10% off.

Thank you for reading! You guys are the reason blogging is so much fun!

Born Pretty Bullion Beads and Pink Polish

Hey readers! I got really excited for a minute when I thought today was Friday...but then I realized it wasn't. haha One more day. Also, I just started a new workout DVD from Jillian Michaels and I am sore beyond belief. That woman doesn't play around! 

Anyway...I have some more Born Pretty items to show you today. I chose to review some bullion beads because I always love the looks I have seen done with them. However, these take patience and skill! The picture below shows how they arrived...a little mixed up. Which didn't bother me at first, but once you turn the wheel a few times they get really mixed up. Born Pretty also sells these beads in separate jars if you like more organization. You will see what I did with these in just a bit.

For the base color of this mani, I used Dearlee Nail Polish number 08. It's a super girly bubblegum pink creme. I really like how this one looks on me. This is 2 coats. I compared this to OPI's Pink Friday and although they are close, they are not dupes.

Now, I'm not sure I would do the bullion beads like I did in this design again, but I do like the idea of them...you just gotta be steadyhanded with some tweezers. ;)  

I used Sally Hansen Quick Color Pen in Pink Chrome for stamping. The design comes from Born Pretty plate M79. Kinda cute and funky, but not one of my total faves either.

Here is where you can buy the items mentioned in this post from Born Pretty Store:

Bullion Beads- *here*

Nail Polish- *here*

Stamping Plate- *here*

You can also get 10% off using this code: AJ10W21

*Some products from this post were sent for me to review in exchange for my honest opinions.

Born Pretty Color Changing Polish

Good morning lovely readers! 

It's been a while since I have shown you anything from Born Pretty Store. So if you feel like you've been missing out, there's more to come! :)

This is my first time using a mood/color changing polish. I like the idea of them and think it's a fun way to mix things up a little. The color I am showing you today shifts from lavender to pastel blue depending on the temperature. I used 2 coats. So this is what the polish looks like in cooler temperatures (it was probably in the 20's outside):

In order to get the full effect of the color change, I ran my hand under hot water. You can see the shift beginning to happen: 

And then the full effect:

Cool huh? The reason my hand is still wet in the last two pics is because the color change didn't last very long because the temperature outside the water made it change back really fast. So I had to hurry and snap a few pics! I think the blue shade would show more in the summertime when there is more heat.

Overall, I like this polish a lot and want to try more colors. I would be interested to see what nail art would look like on top of the color change. The formula was kind of thick, but still manageable. You can purchase this item *here* for $7.84. Don't forget Born Pretty has free worldwide shipping! Also, I have a new 10% off code to share with you: AJ10W21.

What are your thoughts on color changing polish?

*This item was sent for review in exchange for my honest opinions.

OPI Fly + Nail Art

Hey you guys! Life has been so crazy lately...my Paypal account was hacked yesterday...they took all my money and put my bank account over $300 in the negative. I am in the process of getting it all worked out, but fingers crossed I get all the money back!!

Today's post features a polish from OPI's Nicki Minaj collection. I'm not really a fan of her's, but I do love this collection! Although, all these polishes aren't swatched in this post, these were my picks in case I don't get around to swatching them all (I chose all but the shatter). One thing I am curious if you can help me with is why Save Me has a serial number on the lid and these others don't?

This is Fly, a gorgeous turquoise green/blue shade, which happens to be a favorite color of mine. This is 2 coats.

Back in December I found the Sally Hansen Quick Color Chrome Pens at a Dollar Tree. They had all the colors and I quickly picked them all up because I LOVE these for stamping! I chose Blue Chrome for this mani. The designs come from You Mix Cosmetics XL plate B. 

For an update on You Mix: We are shipping off all orders made since yesterday, today. We are going to put up more magnetics on the site and the magnets throughout today as well. Thank you SO much for your feedback on my last post...we have decided that we WILL be naming the polishes! :)

You Mix Cosmetics Magnetic Polish: First Look!

Hey guys! I hope your Sunday has been as uplifting and restful as mine has! :)

Today I have a special treat for you...I have been mentioning that our online venture, You Mix Cosmetics, will soon have magnetic polishes, so today I am showing you the shades we are in the process of putting up on the site right now!

We are offering 36 colors! It's hard to tell from the nail wheels, but they are all different even though a few are  very similar. Some have glitter, others have some sparkle or shimmer. 

So here are a few swatches to show the different magnet designs we are going to offer. These colors don't have names, we haven't decided if they will or not (thoughts welcome!!), so for now these are numbered.

This is #3. A deep red shimmer, with a cranberry hue highlighted by the magnet. The magnet used here is supposed to make the lines radiating from the center of the nail.

This next one is a favorite of mine, #31. This is a violet, almost periwinkle shade. There is some blue sparkle in there as well. As you can see, the magnet used makes diagonal lines in the polish.

This is #15, a toasted brown shimmer with golden glitter. The magnet used forms straight across lines.

Finally, here is #31. A gorgeous teal shimmer. The magnet pattern here creates an irregular wave throughout the polish.

These are the magnets. Right now, none come with the polish so you have to get these seperate, but that may change in the future. These will be about $3. If you order, your's won't be as beat up as these...these are my personal ones! :P

 

The polishes will be $8/bottle. We hope to have them all up in the very near future! Right now, there are a few up already, but no magnets. Thanks for being patient and I would love to hear your thoughts!