Yup, same product!

LOL! Looking at the back of the package and right there it says Nail Savers. Well, looks like I'll have 2 sets if I find the other pair.

Older product, different concept? Nailmates & Nail Savers

Came across this review for Nailmates on Manic Talons and thought these looked similar to these Nail Savers nail protectors I used to use while tanning.  Not sure about the size difference, but I'm curious to compare the two.  I will be ordering the Nailmates and will find my old Nail Savers for size difference.

The concept of using the caps to remove gel polish looks easier and less messy than the foil method and you can reuse Nailmates for several uses, that includes the caps and the nail pads.  Saving time and money, I'm sold.  Think of all the waste every time you use the foil method to remove polish.

Images from shopnailmates.net & nailsavers.com

NOTW: DIY Hard Nails Color Changing Gel Polish in Pink Frost

This post on Chickettes.com sold me on wanting to try DIY Hard Nails Color Changing Gel Polish.  I was torn between Pink Frost and Pink Galaxy since both are so pretty and I love pink!  I decided on Pink Frost, I loved the subtle color change in her swatch.

From the bottle, the polish is a dark magenta, but as you apply on warm fingers, it changes to the frosty white.  I used Gelish Foundation for the base and Gelish Top It Off for the top coat after applying 3 coats of Pink Frost.  I wanted to get the color as opaque as possible and this leveled nicely leaving a smooth surface.  The color change mainly happens when my hands are exposed to cold water or cold air like in the car with the a/c on.  Pink Frost remains mostly the sheer white on me since my nails are short and there is not a lot of length  that would show the ombre effect.  After wearing for a week, there were no chips to the tips that were in good shape.  I had a finger with the nail peeling and that had a chip. Overall first impression, my nails are lovely and sparkly!

You can purchase DIY Hard Nails Gel Polishes from Amazon.  You can join their VIP Program after you have purchased and tried the polish & left an honest review on Amazon, they will send you a promo code for your next purchase and other products.

My next DIY Hard Nails purchase will be Heartbreaker.  Look at this gorgeous swatch!  Maybe if I grow my nails out a bit, you'll see the transition better.

Memebox: #23 Girls Night Out

Memebox is a Korean beauty retailer that carries non-subscription beauty boxes and has an online Memeshop to purchase full size items that come in their beauty boxes.  You can choose a theme or type of box and the description will give you an idea of what you will get in your box as well as a few spoilers. You can bundle up boxes and receive a promotional discount.  Currently for September, it is $5 off when you buy 3 and $8 off when you buy 4 or more.  Depending on if you are purchasing a box from Korea or one that ships from the US, shipping times will vary.  I ordered on 8/20 and received on 9/5, so just a little over 2 weeks.  They note that it can take 10-20 business days to receive if you utilize standard shipping.

For my first Memebox, I chose #23 Girls Night Out.  Lipstick, high heel and martini in pink sold me!

From the website:

Whether you’re dressing up for a sophisticated lounge party with your girlies or glamming for a clubbing night on the town with the crowd, this box is guaranteed to get you a double-take (or maybe 5!)

Nothing beats spending time with your besties! Who else is going to be there for you through your ups and downs, from your most unlovable moments to your most silliest. Now, glam up and make unforgettable Instagram-worthy memories with your best girlies with our Girls’ Night Out Box! Save the muted nude makeup for the office, and add some pizzazz to your look with bold look-at-me lashes, drama queen cheeks, and red carpet worthy lips for a never-ending clubbing night! Complete your clubing look with your favorite party dress and killer heels for an unforgettable night!

Spoiler #1 KEPACLUB Maxi Lip Tint Glow 3.5g Full Size -$23
Randomly selected from 01. Classic Pink, 02. Pure Pink, 03. Cherry Pink

Maxi Lip Tint Glow goes beyond simple lip coloring. It moisturizes, removes dead skin, and plumps up dry, chapped lips! With a long-lasting, silky finish, it glides onto your lips smoothly for long-lasting color.

Here's what I got:

These are definitely for going out.  I would not wear these to a daytime event since they look quite vampy!

Secret Star Girl Angel Lash - FULL SIZE!

This smelled like a light musk and roses.  I liked it and it worked well with my chemistry!

Kskin Bulgarian Rose Pheromone Perfume Pink Angel 10 ml - FULLSIZE!

This had a strong fragrance.  Even though it is a soap scent, a couple of spritzes in my hair was more than enough.  I wouldn't use this everyday, maybe on a non-hair washing day or after a workout if I can't wash my hair right away.

Forest Story Water Essence Hair Perfume in Soft Soap Fragrance - FULL SIZE!

Prettiest of pinks that may be more suited for summer looks.  I would try this with the Laura Geller Cool Lids Cream Eyeshadow in Rose Gold that I received from the Ulta Summer Glam Beauty Essentials box.  I wonder if this is meant to say "mousse" rather than "moose," like the animal?

A.m.oK Cosmetics N.S.M. Soft Moose Waterproof Liquid Line in Roco Queen-FULL SIZE!

A dual concealer with different applicators.  You apply the anti-wrinkle concealer over fine lines and wrinkles and the spot concealer over imperfections.  This color is light for me right now, so maybe I'll give this a try in the winter.

Croquis Dual Concealer -FULL SIZE!

Two full size polishes in a peachy nude and orangey red.  Both are neutral shades that are seasonless in my opinion.  I will have to do a wear test and see how these go!  The card didn't list the colors I received so I had to look them up on other blogs to see what colors I got YL308 which is Oaky Sand.  The other one OR245 I couldn't find, but it is an orange based red.

A.m.oK Cosmetics N.S.M Special Nail Lacquer-FULL SIZE!

The packaging of this lip tint is reminiscent of Dior's Addict Lip Glow.  A pretty, creamy pink lipstick.

Kepaclub Maxi Lip Tint Glow in Pure Pink-FULL SIZE!

Cost: Varies by box. This one was $23 and is currently sold out.

Pros:
-Choose from a variety of products
-4-7 full size products in each box! (All of the items I received in this box were full sized!)
-Introduces you to brands not easily found in the US
-Memeshop allows you to purchase full size products of the items you find in your box.

Cons:
-Shipping can take 10-20 business days if selecting standard shipping ($6.99)
-Ingredients not listed (or if they are, it is in Korean).  I am not able to scan into the Think Dirty app to see how these products rate.
-Color matching for skin tone is not available.

Would I recommend this to a friend?  YAS! Goodies that are unique and from Korea/Asia, loves!  If you're interested in picking up your own Memebox click below for a deal!  These would also be great gifts as well!  Just be sure to order in advance since shipping does take awhile.

Sephora Favorites Summer Stash

*sigh* Summer is coming to a close here in Seattle.  The temps have cooled down, but I still want to feel the summer heat.  As a birthday treat, I ordered Sephora Favorites Summer Stash.

What the website says:
Get set on summer: From sun-kissed skin to popsicle-stained lips, this collection packs all your warm-weather must-haves in one place.

What you get:
-Buxom Divine Goddess Luminzer in Venus
-Deborah Lipmann Nail Lacquer in Mermaid's Dream
-Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee-
-Marc Jacobs Beauty Mini Lash Lifter in Blacquer
-Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in 12L
-Nars Travel Size Laguna Bronzing Powder
-Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Stained Gloss in New Wave w/lip brush
-Stila Cosmetics Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eye Shadow in Kitten
-Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray

Nine deluxe sized goodies in a cute metallic burlap make up pouch.  Not a bad deal for $45 and I get to try out items I've had my eye on before committing to a full size like the Marc Jacobs mascara, OCC Stained Gloss and UD setting spray.  I have 2 weeks until the official first day of Fall and to continue with shimmery, sparkly, sunny make up looks.

I did notice that the top seam on my bag is coming apart.  :(  I have a feeling that this will need repair later on.

Cost: $45 US

Pros:
-Great price for deluxe sample sized items
-Variety of products
-Cute, reusable bag

Cons:
-Just that my bag wasn't in good condition.

Would I recommend this to a friend?  Yes!  If you're looking to try any of these products, this is a great set to purchase.  Also, if these are products and shades you would use, its great to try.  This is limited edition, so if you have the chance to purchase, do so soon!

Beauty Mail: Memebox

Just arrived yesterday from Korea!  My first Memebox!  I was hoping to snag the Collaboration Box #3 Memebox x Coffee Break with Dani, but those sold out quick!  I choose another box to see what this service was all about.  1 word, dangerous.  I'll have a review soon! In the mean time you can check out Memebox via my link and see for yourself!

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Mani/Pedi

Beauty time saving solutions - all about it.  The last gel manicure I did took me over an hour to do with the cleaning up and curing time, not something I can commit to all the time.  I was excited to see Sally Hansen Miracle Gel polish system and hunted down for the set with Birthday Suit.  The set is a good deal for both items, but most of the sets that were left in stores were colors I was not feeling and waited until I was able to snag the last one with Birthday Suit at my neighborhood Walgreen's.

After removing my current gel manicure and polish on my toes, I applied 3 coats of the color allowing each layer to dry for about 5 minutes.  Maybe this color was just too streaky, but I still wasn't pleased with how this didn't level after 3 coats.  Then I applied a layer of the top coat and was out in the sun for 5 minutes. Even after the top coat, it didn't level off and the brush dragged on a nail during top coat application.  These were semi-dry to the touch after curing and was still careful throughout the rest of the day.

I can't wear the same polish for just over a week, so this test shows my nails over the course of  a week which was tough because it started to lift/chip.  Not too noticeable when its a nude color, but it still bugged me!

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

You can see a dent/mark on my index finger where the top coat brush dragged.

Day 6 This was when I really couldn't stand it because the nail growth was becoming more apparent and the edge lifted on the thumb.  Still pretty much intact, but not perfect.

Day 7 Barely made it 7 days, but I was so happy to take this off.  This was post shower, so the heat and water made it peel more.  This was an easy removal, just acetone and a cotton pad.

What the website says:

• Up to 14 Days of Color & Shine
• Easy Removal
• No light needed

The ONLY TRUE 2-STEP GEL Manicure with no light needed.  Over 45 shades that wow! And its only from Sally Hansen.

Pros:  -Easy 2 steps
          -No curing time needed
          -Great colors selection
          -Durable polish

Cons:  -Took 3 coats for desired opacity. Even then, it was still streaky, but I didn't want to put another coat             of color.
           -Dented & nicked - Day 2 I already had some dents and nicks.
           -Top coat not that shiny

Cost: $15.99 @ Walgreen's - I found a $2 coupon in the mail

Would I recommend this to a friend:  Sadly, no. :(  For the first time impression, I was not too pleased with the results.  I would like to try another color of Miracle Gel to see if that makes a difference and also see how the top coat pairs with other brands of color.

What was your impression of Sally Hansen's Miracle Gel polish?  Did it work for you?

I did enjoy these other reviews on Miracle Gel:

The PolishAholic: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Wine Stock Swatch, Review & Wear Test
This didn't work for her as well.  In a short amount of time, the wear was terrible.  On day 3, the top coat was extremely dull and you could see the nail bed lines.

beautygeeks: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel + Color Collection Swatches
This review kept me on the hunt for the Birthday Suit set, even though the swatch isn't there, this is a very complete write up of how the polish system works, tests she has done with other polishes and feedback from other testers.

HBD!

To me!  Welcoming 35 over the weekend with a shindig at the house, celebrating virgoness with my Soul Sistah Carmie.  We wanted to have a fun, family friendly backyard BBQ. A few snaps from the weekend with some of my favorite people.

We spent most of the day setting up & geezus that took a long time! Barely had time to get ready. I kept it simple and airy since it was a hot afternoon. 

Make-up: brows, mascara, blush & lip gloss

Hair: Julep Sea Salt Spray then tied to a low ponytail.

Dress: Free People

Shoes: Havaianas slippahs or none at all!

Mommy & me

This way to the Virgo Party

Some of my fave gals!

Cheers to another year of life! I can now say I am in my mid-thirties. *face palm* Hahaha! "Age ain't nuthin but a number."

Think Dirty

Not what you think!  Haha!  I came across an article linking the Think Dirty app that allows you to check what you have in your stash by scanning the barcode on a product to review in their database of stored items.  I did a post a couple years ago Safe Cosmetics - what we really put on and was happy to see an easy way to check products!  This free app can help you make better choices when shopping for personal and beauty care items on the go.  Sephora has done a great job in listing what a product is without (parabens, sulfates etc) in their product descriptions and on the Ulta website you can filter ingredients.  I do like Sephora's individual product call-out so I can zone in on a specific item.



From the website:

THINK DIRTY® METHODOLOGY

Think Dirty® is committed to helping consumers identify the potential risks associated with the personal care products they use every day. Unlike other ingredient databases, we focus exclusively on the chemical content of the products in question. We have consciously avoided the widely-used practice of “greenwashing”, whereby the environmental or social responsibility of a product’s manufacturer is factored into the assessment allowing a product to receive an artificially low toxicity rating. We are solely concerned about the possible impact of a given product on an individual’s health, and our ratings methodology reflects that singular commitment.

Our ratings are determined based on publicly available data released by non-profit and government agencies in North America regarding the health and safety of the individual components found in your personal care products. A list of our data sources can be found in Appendix A.

We assess the overall risk of a given product based on the potential health impacts of its published ingredients. Each ingredient listed on the product label or manufacturer’s website is evaluated for documented evidence ofCarcinogenicity, Developmental & Reproductive Toxicity and/or Allergenicity & Immunotoxicity, as show in the table below.

Evaluations are performed by Think Dirty’s Founder and Advisory Board, all of whom have extensive experience in relevant fields such as Medicine, Biochemistry, Biology, Physiology, Environmental Toxicology, Environmental Health & Safety and Chemical Engineering, and a track record of working with Health Canada, the US Food & Drug Administration, the European Medicines Agency, Environment Canada, the US Environmental Protection Agency and other related government and not-for-profit agencies.

What I like about the scaling is that this is based on their own evaluations with an extensive background.  The scoring also includes suggestions for safer product alternatives which is a bonus. This may or may not reflect in your purchasing habits, but it is helpful to know what is going into the products you put on your face, body and potentially ingest (lip products).  How scary it is to think that while we may be beautifying ourselves, we could be possibly be causing more harm.

I checked some items in my stash and from the most recent FOTD in this post to see where these land.

Face:

Julep Blank Canvas Mattifying Primer - No rating

Maybelline Fit Me! in 240 Golden Beige

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Medium/Matte Bronzer

MAC Fleur Power Blush

Eyes:

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Sin - Did not have Sin, so based on the original formula.

Based the following on MAC shadow rating

MAC Shroom Eyeshadow

MAC Unsquare Eyeshadow
MAC Browshader Maple/Soft Charcoal

Physician's Formula Organic Wear Fake Out Mascara in Ultra Black

Lips:

Maybelline Baby Lips Electro Lip Balm in Strike A Rose

I was sad to see some of the most commonly used items have poor ratings.  Price point did not matter as both higher and lower end items showed up with higher number ratings.  Will this change your mind about products you buy?

Lemming: Makeup Storage - Ikea Nordli

This could be a potential addition for make up and beauty storage.  Initially wanted the Alex 9-drawer, but it looks like it is no longer produced.  I will have to head down to Ikea and check this out myself to see how big this actually is and if this will work in the space I'm thinking of putting this in.  

Reference Love: Total Beauty - Nails & Review: China Glaze Son Of A Peach

I love the emails from Total Beauty and can always find great articles. This caught my eye and I wanted to give this a try.

Say What? Sloppy Manicures Last the Longest

Let's give test this out. I messily applied polish on my toes and then cleaned up with remover and an angled brush.

This was before. Super messy and it was kind of fun.  What wasn't fun was the clean up.  It took a bit of time to get this cleaned up.  I already do clean up my manicures and pedicures with acetone and an angled brush.

Products used:
Base Coat - Butter Nail Foundation Flawless Base Coat
Color - China Glaze Son Of A Peach
Top Coat - Butter P.D. Quick Top Coat
Drying Drops - Julep Ta Da! Quick Dry Polish Drops
Acetone
Angled liner brush

This is after 2 weeks.  So far chip free with just grow out at the cuticles, but the tips stayed just fine.  I already seal the free edge with color and top coat when I paint my nails.  I don't think I'll make such an effort to paint sloppily the next pedicure.

Love, love, love this color on my toes!  I haven't tried this color on my hands yet, but I'm sure it will be just as gorgeous.  I found that with most neon polishes, they dry to a matte finish.  It took about 3 coats to level for an even out, then topped off with top coat.

Pros:  -Amazing color
          -Staying power; lasted 2 weeks without any chips

Cons:  -Takes 3 coats to get the opaque color

Cost: $7.50 at Ulta (I picked this up during Bellevue Fashion Focus and paid the show promo price $2.50)

Would I recommend this to a friend?  YES! Tan skin, plus creamy neon polish makes the color pop!