$2 Polish Alert!!

Taupe Drawer by Pure Ice has been a favorite of mine since I first discovered it last year at Wal-mart.  I love the color, the consistency is smooth, and it only cost me $2 (full retail price)! You really do get more than you pay for with this polish because the smoky plum color is fantastic.

 At first I was confused as to why this polish was named Taupe Drawer since it clearly looks purple on the nails and in the bottle. But at night the color truly does look like more of a “taupe-ish” brown. So I guess it does have right namesake after all.

(Two coats, no base coat, no top coat)

The only fallback to Taupe Drawer is that it will chip in 3 days.  You can bet on this. There is a simple solution though, if you would like it to last longer. Just invest in a good quality top coat! (I like to change my nails every few days anyway, so a top coat in not necessary for me.) 

Considering the price and how amazingly easy and smooth it is to apply, this polish is a true gem in my collection and I am quite glad to have it.

November Birchbox 2011 - Getting Gifty!

I, like any other beauty junkie did not hesitate to sign up for a Birchbox subscription! It is this really genius program, where you pay ten bucks a month and you receive 3 to 4 deluxe sized beauty samples. Every month has a theme, and this month's was Getting Gifty. Since the Holiday season is upon us, Birchbox put together a collection of products that they deem as gift-worthy. 

(Sorry for the poor quality pics, have to use my blackberry until my new camera arrives)

 LaRocca Skincare Champagne & Shimmer Body Polish 

 Full size 6.76 oz ($35)

Deluxe sample size 0.05 oz ($0.26)

 Klorane Soothing Eye Makeup Remover with Cornflower

Full size 3.4 oz ($9) 

Deluxe sample size 0.8 fl oz ($2.12)

Oscar Blandi Jasmine Protein Mist

Full size 250ml ($18) 

Deluxe sample size 60ml ($4.32) 

Chuao Chocolatier Chocopod fire cracker

  Full size is 2.8 oz ($6) 

Deluxe sample size 0.39 oz ($0.84)

 Zoya nail polish in the color Noel

 Full size 0.5 fl ($8) 

Deluxe sample size 0.25 fl oz ($4)

BaubleBar Black Wood Pop Bracelet 

(Included as an extra for giving feedback and making a purchase from the store)

I had a little giggle when I looked this bracelet up and I saw it was tagged as seen on Justin Bieber….but I was delighted to see that it retails for $20 YAY! So the true value of my November Birchbox including the BaubleBar bracelet is $30.54!

All in all I have been quite pleased with the Birchboxes I have received so far and I am especially happy with this one. As I try out the products I will be sure to give my feedback. 

Essie Bordeaux

 I found this gem at Ulta in the clearance section for $2.99. Such a steal! Out of the 2 polishes I own with this moniker (the other is OPI's Bordeaux) I prefer this one. Essie describes the color as a deep red wine, and that is spot on.

Two coats, no base coat or top coat

The only thing that would make it better for me would be if it had a cream finish. Jelly based nail polishes are not my favorite, but I can make an exception in this case. It is such a classic color that I could honestly wear it all winter long. The initial application lasts about three full days before I notice any minor chipping. With touch ups it lasts about a week. I'd recommend Bordeaux for anyone looking for a good cranberry/wine polish.

China Glaze Secret Peri-wink-le

China Glaze's Secret Peri-wink-le is my hand's main squeeze this time of the year. Out of all of the polishes I have tried, this not only the easiest to apply but it is also one that I get complimented on most often. It is a creamy light blue color that also come's off as gray at times. I like it best as a transitional color from summer to fall, but I end up wearing it all of the time!

 The flash really brightens it up. In natural light it almost looks gray.

Two coats, no base coat or top coat

It shines so well on its own that I never find the need for a top coat.  I can usually go about four full days without any chipping. With minor touch-ups a single application of this polish will last me about a week. 

Who, What, and Why?

Welcome Welcome Welcome!

My name is Lindsey and I am a girly-girl to the core!  This blog is dedicated to any and everything beauty related, but there will absolutely be an emphasis on Lippies and Blushers because I have a sweet spot for them, and far too many of both!

I am just going to be blunt and honest. There are two reasons as to why I am starting this blog. 

1. I have found so many great products through reading beauty blogs and watching beauty videos, that I have decided now it is my time and duty to give back to the beauty community by way of swatches and reviews.

2. I have a hard time finding pictures and swatches of various products that I am interested in on people with my skin tone/complexion. I only run into this problem every once and awhile, but if my reviews help even one person then I will be happy. (Can the beauty blogosphere ever have too many pictures/swatches? I think not!)

Now let's get down to business, shall we?