POPSUGAR Must Have Box: August 2013

Hey guys!

I don't normally post on the weekend but since this post isn't nail related, we will just consider this a bonus post. ;)

I was recently invited to become a POPSUGAR Select Blogger and a perk of that was to try out their Must Have Box, which is a monthly subscription box filled with home, fashion and beauty items that have been tested and selected by POPSUGAR editors.

Since August has just passed, I figured this box would just be a good intro to what the POPSUGAR must have box is all about! 

The first item in the August box was dehydrated Granny Smith apple rings. These were actually really good and had no added sugar which made them a healthy snack! This was a collaboration with NatureBox, another monthly subscription service that delivers healthy snacks to your door each month.

Next in the box was a necklace from Gorjana. This was included to celebrate the POPSUGAR Must Have Box one year anniversary! It's very simple and will go with just about anything.

Another item in my box was a planner from May Designs. I used to be obsessed with staying organzied with a planner like this. This one has a such a cute design.

Next up is a full size body wash from Lulah. Mine came in Citron scent. It's very fresh!

This cute apple dish is from Lunares. I can see myself using this to keep car keys in or some candy.

This little duo from Dermalogica is super nice. It's made up of a pre-cleanser and then a cleansing gel that are meant to be used together. Although this adds a step in my simple skincare routine, I really like how clean and soft my face felt after using it. These mini bottles will last me at least 3-4 weeks.

And finally, check out this cute lunchbox from Bentgo. It's pretty compact and has little compartments in the bottom piece. This also comes with it's own set of utensils! Definitely an upgrade if you use a lunchbox.

So that's it! Kind of a fun set of surprises and definitely full of items that are applicable to everyday life and use. If you want to subscribe, it's $35/month with free shipping for a worth of over $100 of items and you can get more info *here*.

Have you heard of the Must Have box from POPSUGAR?

Bundle Monster News!

It looks like Bundle Monster will be releasing another new set of plates this year, this time with fan determined designs! Previews will start on Sept. 3 and go until until mid/late September when the plates are available for purchase. I can't wait to see what images the plates will include! Like the Bundle Monster Facebook page to be able to see the designs as they are revealed. :)

Sally Hansen Sugar Coat Swatches

Hey polish friends!

I know these are nothing new to the polish world, but they are new to me! The Sally Hansen Sugar Coat line is my first creme texture polish experience. I have to say they are quite different from the glittery versions, which I can say that I prefer to these. I can still appreciate these ones though! Let's  take a look:

First is Sour Apple, a minty green.  

Bubble Plum, an almost pastel purple/magenta.

Cherry Drop, a bright, true red.

Laughie Taffy, a deep navy blue.

Gummy Grape, a dark purple.

Spare-a-Mint?, a bright teal.

Sugar Fix, a pure white.

These are just a few selections from the creme line, so if you like these there are more to be had! :) The formula for these was about the same for all, 2 coats, pretty easy to apply. The texture effect makes itself more apparent the longer they dry. 

I feel like most people either love or hate texture polishes. Which side of the fence are you on?

*Polish sent for review in exchange for my honest opinions.

Flocking Powder: A My Nail Graffiti First!

*press sample*

Good morning!

I had my first experience with flocking powder recently. I know it's nothing new in the nail world, but I had never got around to trying it until now! It's definitely an unconventional way to do your nails and I think that's what makes it so fun. I kept it simple with a bright pink powder.

The powder pieces are so tiny that they stay really well and create just a thin fuzzy layer on the nail that doesn't get in the way of everyday tasks.

This is the set I used from Born Pretty Store. The application method is super easy and not as messy as it might seem. I applied a matching pink polish (Zoya Lara) one nail at a time uand quickly added bunches of the flocking powder with the tweezer tool that came in the set. Once the nail was covered really well, I used the small brush to lightly sweep away the excess onto a piece of paper. The powder only stuck to the wet polish and not my skin so clean up was really easy! Once I was all done, I dumped the excess powder on my paper back into the jar!

Have you guys ever tried flocking powder before?

Again, you can find all kinds of flocking powder sets on the Born Pretty site. Use my code AMG10 to get an extra 10% off your order!

*Product sent for review in exchange for my honest opinions.

OMG Nail Stickers Review

*press sample*

Good morning, everyone!

So, I have a fun review for you today! I feature nail strips every once in a while here on the blog but I don't buy them very often mostly because I don't have very good luck with them. However, that was not the case with these strips from OMG Nail Strips...I had a really easy time with these which was refreshing!

These come with a plastic coating on top that is peeled off right before application. They are pretty sturdy, not too thin (I had this issue with the Incoco strips) but not so thick that they don't meld with the nail easily. My nails are very rounded so I require pretty wide strips to be able to get my nail fully covered. I did have a hard time getting a perfect fit for all of my nails but I could have done some trimming on the biggest strip to get a custom fit but I was afraid that would look even worse. haha

The strips applied very smoothly, very minimal bubble issues and no folding or creasing at the sides (big plus for me!).

I tried 2 designs, each applied just as easily as the other. You can find this design *here*.

I trimmed my nails down a little before putting on these strips. Thus the difference. haha I liked these ones a lot, very simple but fun.  This design can be found *here*.

I wore these stripey ones for about 3 days and they still looked pretty good...I could have squeezed out a few more days wear if I wanted to.

I would recommend these nail strips not only for the quality, ease of use, and large design selection, but for the price as well. One set will only set you back $6.89, which is cheaper than what most other strips go for. If you really want a good deal on these OMG Nail stickers, right now you can get 4 for $20 with coupon code “4pack” and 10 for $45 with coupon code “10pack”!

Also, you can find OMG Nail Strips on Facebook and Instagram!

Tell me your thoughts on these stickers! Do you plan to give them a try?

*Product sent for review in exchange for my honest opinions.

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fall 2013 Selected Swatches

*press sample*

Hey guys!

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Each new week means I'm that much closer to having my baby and I'm getting more and more nervous and excited! I have a little less than 4 weeks to go!

Anyway, I have half of Sally Hansen's latest Insta-Dri collection for fall to show you today. I have always loved the Insta-Dri line so I am excited for these!

First is Pink Fast. This is a metallic pink foil in one easy coat. Love how bright this one is!

No S-pear Time is a light olive green...sort of a mix between a metallic and a foil. I can't say that I have a green quite like this one...very pretty. This is 2 coats.

Next up is Chop Chop Copper. This is the enigma of the collection for me...actually the entire Insta-Dri line. We all know that these are great for stamping because they are nearly one coaters with a slightly thicker formula. However, Chop Chop Copper is SUPER thin. One coat could be a shimmer top coat over another color. Below is 4 coats. I definitely think the color is gorgeous, I just found it strange that the formula was so different from what the rest of the Insta-Dri line is all about. Check out the pink shimmer/glitter in here! Makes it very sparkly!

And the final polish from this half of the collection is Red-io Active. This is 2 coats and it practically glows! This is a bright red shimmer with an orange undertone that makes it really stand out. Lovely!

I hope to get the other half of this collection soon because I definitely am happy with these all of these shades!

Have any of you spotted these in stores yet?

*Products sent for review exchange for my honest opinions.

Tawdry Terrier Swatches and Review

*press sample*

Hi readers!

It's defnitely been a busy day for me today. Just when I think life can't get any busier it does and next thing I know my day is practically over. ;)

Anyway, I have a new indie brand to share with you today! The name is Tawdry Terrier. My package came so carefully and thoughtfully wrapped, there was no question that the polishes were going to be intact once I opened them. Look how cute!

Each polish came individually wrapped in tissue paper and then put in a cute box labeled as you can see below.

A little sneak peek...ready for swatches?

First up, is Bark the Sun Up. I layered one coat over Zoya Arizona. There is a slight pink-ish shimmer  in here that is super pretty!

 Preppy Puppy is one of my faves (surprise, surprise) for the pink color as well as the shimmer. I layered one coat over Zoya Lara.

Moondoggie is my other fave! I love how sparkly this is. One coat over Zoya Robyn. I feel like my pics don't do it justice!

Which polishes are catching your eye?

You can find the Tawdry Terrier shop on Etsy *here* and stay updated on their Facebook page *here*.   There are some previews of their upcoming fall collection to check out, too!

*Polish sent for review in exchange for my honest opinions.