Jamberry Nails - My Review (and Giveaway!)

Last year I started seeing nails adorned with nail strips everywhere.  I fell in love with a set of mirrored silver nails that I later found out could only be done in a salon.  The cost was more than I wanted to spend and I started looking for a less expensive alternative.  I couldn't find anything close, until now.  I was contacted by Noel Giger, a Jamberry Independent Star Consultant.  Noel offered to send me a set of Jamberry Nail Shields.  I was thrilled to find out that Jamberry had the coveted silver mirrored nails I had been dying for!  This is a photo and video heavy post. Click below to check out the full post and enter the giveaway!

Fall Beauty Trends 2012 - Budget Options

The runway shows don't just start fashion trends, they also start beauty trends.  Designers use hair, makeup and nails to compliment their designs and create a complete look.  There are lots of trends to try this fall.  I selected a few of my favorites from the runway.

You don't have to spend a fortune to try a new beauty look.  There are products and tools available at your local drugstore or discount store. 

Texture and Volume
Many of the same tools and products that work for texture also work for volume and vice versa.  A root volumizer, dry shampoo, and a teasing brush topped with hair spray can create a style with texture or with retro volume. The techniques are also similar. With volume, you'll just need to smooth the outer surface layer.

Flushed Cheeks
Cheeks that are flushed have the look that you've been in the sun or out in the cold.  The color looks like it's coming from within.  Using a cream or gel blush or a stain will give you this look better than a powder.  These products will also last longer.

Deep Red Lips
Rich plums, burgundies and maroons are the colors of fall lips.  Prep is key when wearing dark lipstick.  Exfoliate your lips using a lip scrub or just your wash cloth.  Then add a light coat of lip balm.  These steps will help your lipstick to wear longer and will reduce feathering.  If you are wearing lip stain, exfoliate but skip the lip balm.

Winged Eyes
The beauty of a winged eye is that you can go subtle or bold.  You can get the same effect with liquid or gel eyeliner, depending on your personal preference.  This tutorial from The Beauty Department will help you with the basics. The drama is up to you.

Hair Accessories
Statement hair accessories are an easy way to dress up a simple hair style.  There are lots inexpensive options at discount and accessory stores.  Select something that fits your personal style. Sparkly or geometric, clips or headbands, the possibilities are endless.

Sophisticated Nail Art
This fall nail art is all about metallics, classic colors, reverse french manicures and half moons.  Nudes, navys, and chrome dominated the options on the runway.  The designs were sleek and simple. They'll fit in at the office as well as a night out. If you've shied away from nail art because it was too young and cutesy, these fall options may be right up your alley.

They key to any trend is to make it work for you.  It's also a fun chance to try something completely new.  Pick up some inexpensive products from your local drugstore and try a trend on for size.  I recommend CVS (if there is one in your area) because of their extremely liberal return policy. You can return any nonprescription item within 30 days, with your receipt (open or unopened).  I just tried out a new deep red lip stain.  After trying it out, I knew the color wasn't right for me. I returned it to CVS and got a full refund.  That's no risk shopping!

I'll be trying out lots of these trends over the next few months.  Will you be trying anything new?

Nail Art for the Time Crunched and Polish Challenged

There are lots of ladies out there who don't have time or the inclination to do nail art (including me, many days).  I have to admit that crystal and flower laden nails aren't for me. When I refer to nail art, I mean an interesting pattern or a little glitter.  There are products out there that can give you a nail art look easily.

Nail Polish Strips
Lots of companies are making nail polish strips but my personal favorite are by Sally Hansen.  They are easily found at your local drugstore, they come in tons of colors and patterns and they're affordable.  I've occasionally found coupons for them as well.  The bonus is that they last for about 7 days or more.

Incoco, Sephora, and Kiss also make strips. I've tried Incoco and Sephora.  In fact Incoco were the first strips I tried.  The Sephora strips are more like stickers. There were think and I didn't like them as much as the Incoco and Sally Hansen versions.

Magnetic Polish
One of the latest nail polish trends is magnetic polish.  The polish has metal particles in it. While the polish is wet, you hold the magnet cap over the polish and it creates a design.  The magnets with each brand have a different pattern (star, wave, stripes).  This post by Scrangie has details and shows the designs you can get with the China Glaze magnet.  The Sally Hansen version has a wave design.  The difference is the way you paint your nails.  You'll put a light base coat on you nails.  Then you'll need to paint a single nail and hold the magnet over the wet nail (without touching it). Then move onto the next nail.  The Sally Hansen version dried quickly.

Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color in Silver Elements

Glitter Polish
With a single swipe of glitter polish, you can turn a basic nail color into a fun, artsy manicure.  Almost every brand has glitter polish. I always go for the budget brands like Wet 'n Wild. They have lots of options and the polish costs 99 cents to $1.99 per bottle.

Spoiled by Wet n' Wild - Jewelry Heist over Show Me Some Skin

These are my quick ways to get a better than basic manicure without spending tons of time.  Do you have any quick manicure tricks?

Have a great Tuesday!

Pretty Kitty Update

It's day 8 of my Sally Hansen Nail Polish Strips manicure.  Today is the first day that I've seen noticeable chips. I had a very tiny chip a few days in but it wasn't noticeable at all. Last night I washed dishes and had to clear out a room in our basement for painting purposes.  I really believe the dish washing was the kicker.  The water and heat really messed with the polish.

Many times before I have spent $15 and up on a salon manicure, only to have it chip 2 days later.  This mani lasted a full 7 days. I'm happy and think that this product is definitely worth the money. I love the way my nails looked and got lots of compliments. It was a simple product to use and it lasted a long time. I highly recommend, Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips.

If you try them yourself, let me know how they work out.

Pretty Kitty

I have loved nail polish strips for a long time. A couple of years ago I stumbled across the Incoco brand. At the time they had some cool colors but no patterns. Sephora has a line but I think their strips are too thick. This year Sally Hansen came out with their version which included patterns an solids. I chose the leopard print, Kitty Kitty. My next choice will be Misbehaved. The fishnet pattern is so cool.

They are easy to apply and long lasting. The only downfall is the price. The $8 - $12 per package is a little steep for a home manicure. They last for about a week (or more) which helps with the cost. My salon manis usually only last a couple days. So I'm saving money with polish strips.

The kit comes with 16 strips, an orange stick, a nail file buffer and instructions. I have small nails and I was able to fit my nails or trim the strip to fit.

There are a few simple steps to application:

1. Select a strip for each nail.
2. Using the file, shape and buff each nail.
3. Clean your nails using polish remover.
4. Remove the protective coating from the strip and press on your nail.
5. Fold the strip over the end of your nail and trim by filing in a downward motion.
6. Repeat with each nail.

PROS

• Easy to apply.
• No drying time.
• Long lasting.

CONS

• Cost
• Limited solid shades

I have found coupons in the past, which help with the cost. I've gotten them from magazines and through Google searches. The Incoco brand has tons of solid shades. They are hard to find in stores but can be ordered. I think I will just save polish strips for manicures when I want a fun pattern.

I love the results. Have you ever used polish strips? If not, will you try them?