Currently Loving: Gel Manicures

I may not be an expert hair guru, nor even the most skilled at applying makeup. I love doing it, but let's face it, I can barely trace my liner or coat my lashes in mascara without poking myself in the eyes. I do however have one special talent - I know how to give myself a good at-home manicure. My ex-manicurist mom taught me everything I know, and my endless drawer of nail polish, cotton balls, cuticle sticks, files, and tools can prove it.

Lately, I have been neglecting my plethora of polish and going to a manicurist that I absolutely love. I'm so comfortable around her that I've even told her my life story, unsolicited. I've never had a good experience with gel nails at other salons. I've been cut, sliced, diced and injured more often than I  ever have in my own kitchen! After my last terrible experience, I vowed never to do gel at all. Well for the past month, I've been getting gel manis and am currently in a state of shock.

In all of these pictures, I have gel on my nails. The first was for Vegas so I went a little more out of my comfort zone with glitter. The second and third are right up my alley, as I've come to accept that pinks, nudes, and reds are my go-to colors.

I think the takeaway from my current love is that you have to find the right manicurist. Not everyone will do what you tell them to, and some have more knowledge and experience than others. I plan on doing my own nails again after Hawaii so I don't feel too guilty about neglecting my collection of nail polish. But until then, I'm enjoying this fun little treat.

Happy Friday! Have a great weekend and I'll see you here on Monday!

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Mini Reviews {Fashion & Beauty}

With all of the fantastic sales taking place this Holiday season, it's safe to say that I've been doing my fair share of shopping. Temptation is always high around Thanksgiving and Christmas, so while I shop for others, I also sneak in a few treats for myself as well. That's allowed right?!

I have picked up a few things that I just have to share with you! I wanted to review them in case any of you are in need of some last minute gift ideas, or if you've been coveting them for yourself.

Sam Edelman "Felicia" flats

I wear flats every single day to work. I own a few pairs, so I can switch up my look fairly easily without sacrificing style. However, I was in desperate need of flats that were really comfortable, didn't rub my heels, and didn't pinch my toes. These Sam Edelman flats are a dream come true! Hands-down the best fitting and most comfortable I have ever worn. The foot bed is cushioned, and the elastic around the heel does not rub or cause friction. It also does not slide down either, which is something I know a lot of us have experienced with other flats. The toes have plenty of room. I feel like I'm wearing house slippers! They come in leather, but I preferred the wine colored suede because they will pair well with other neutrals. They also come in a multitude of colors, even metallics! I will never spend money on other higher-end flats. These are perfect!

Baublebar Crystal Zodiac Bracelet (Bottom)

Baublebar Mini Pave Links Bracelet (Top, mine is in silver but it comes in gold as well)

I've had quite the affinity for Baublebar since I first spotted their pieces on my favorite bloggers and friends. Honestly, the addiction is a little out of hand these days (I have more jewels on the way!) but I just can't feel guilty about it because the quality is incredible and the price is attainable for someone with such an obsession. I wanted to rave about these bracelets in particular because they are both still available (to my knowledge) on the website and because they are perfect for the holidays or anytime! I've worn both out and have received so many compliments. They look beautiful on their own, but they also layer with other bracelets to create whatever look you are going for. I like to wear mine with my watches for a classic combination. 

Nails Inc. Gel Effect Polish in Kensington High Street and Porchester Square

Always on the quest for nail polish with a great formula, I decided to see what all the fuss was about during the Sephora V.I.B. sale. Good thing I did! These are exactly what I want in a polish - smooth formula that goes on opaque in one coat, and absolutely stunning in two! The gel effect lives up to the name. I have worn both of these shades, and they lasted for a full week with little to no chipping. I see more shades in my future. 

Urban Decay Naked 3

Okay. How hyped up are Urban Decay naked palettes? The hype is always unbelievable, and before I even have a chance to catch a glimpse of one, they are gone! Sold out in a matter of minutes! That always frustrates me, and I spend the next week convincing myself that I don't care, and I don't need another eyeshadow palette filled with neutrals. Wrong. I hate to tell you this, but naked 3 lives up to the hype. I know, I'm sorry I have to be the bearer of bad news. If you can't get ahold of it yet, don't worry. The hype will die down after the holidays and they will become more available. I own a lot of eyeshadows but I really don't have much, if any, of these rosy toned hues in my collection. They are warm, but not overly so. They really are just beautiful.  

Notice these are all positive reviews! I love it when that happens.

♥ Noelle

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Little pick-me-ups

A little retail therapy never hurt anyone, right? As long as you don't go overboard, little pick-me-ups can be a perfect solution to the doldrums. I think treating yourself to a bottle of nail polish or a new lipstick can be just as satisfying (if not more) than saving money for a big item.

Pretty Spring polishes

L'oreal has a new limited edition collection, and I had to have some! I got Creme Puffs and Lacey Lilac.

I also picked up Tart Deco and Maximillion Strasse Her by Essie.

Any of these colors would be great for Easter. I have yet to actually paint my nails with them, but I plan on wearing Creme Puffs this weekend. I'll report back on the opacity, and I have high hopes for all four.

Nivea Lip Butter in Raspberry Rose Kiss. I've heard great reviews about these new lip butters, and seeing as I'm a sucker for both raspberries and anything rose, I decided to try it. It has a soft, fruity scent and is really moisturizing.

NYX Butter Gloss in Vanilla Cream Pie is great! Non-sticky, very lightly scented (unlike most other NYX lip products) and smooth coverage. This shade is really natural so if you want more color, I'd go for a darker or brighter shade.

 

 

I finally plopped down for the Sephora 55 airbrush. I've been wanting this for what seems like ages, but I've never spent a lot of money on makeup brushes. I love my Sigma, Kirkland, and Eco Tools. However, I am so happy with this brush. I use it for blush, bronzer, and powder. Ultra soft and applies everything like a dream. I haven't washed it just yet, so I'm hoping the bristles flare out.  Right now they are quite tapered and I'd actually prefer a little fullness.

 

 

 

These delicate stone necklaces are so beautiful! I picked them up at a tiny boutique while in San Diego this past weekend and I'm just in love. Pretty layered or on their own, expect to see them appear in outfit posts very soon. I love my statement jewelry, but nothing is as sweet or as feminine as a dainty necklace around your neck.

What little pick-me-ups have you treated yourself to lately?

♥ Noelle



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Products Worth Trying

1) Elf Kabuki Brush - For three dollars at Target, I walked away with the softest (I mean bunny soft) kabuki brush that fits perfectly into my J. Crew makeup bag. I use it to apply my face powder during touch-ups. I thought about buying one from a high-end brand, but I'm so happy that I saved my money and bought this little guy instead.

2) California Mango Mend - This multi-purpose balm smells amazing! Like a trip to Bora Bora amazing. Or so I imagine :) Anyway, this can be purchased at Sally Beauty Supply for around nine dollars. I bought it specifically for my dry hands. I'm constantly washing them because I work with kids who love to put their germy little fingers all over me! I wash my hands so much that they get cracked. This mango balm is the perfect size to keep in your bag, your car, or next to the bathroom sink. I won't be without it this Winter.

3) ROC Daily Resurfacing Disks - If you try just one thing from this list, please try this! These disks are great for firming and exfoliating skin. I don't have deep wrinkles (yet) so I can't attest to their ability to help fight them, but I've noticed a real difference in the overall appearance of my skin. It's been much more radiant lately. Safe enough for daily use.

4) Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer - I'm not a fan of face primer, mainly because I think regular moisturizer works just as well. However, after months of reading rave reviews from many of you, I was happy to try this sample size in the Sephora All Stars set. Love it! This primer is the perfect texture and consistency - not too slick, not too heavy, and only a slight silicone feel. It helps my foundation go on more smoothly, diminishes the look of pores, and helps my makeup last longer.

5) Goldeneye nail polish from the O.P.I. Skyfall collection - The most gorgeous gold! I have worn it for almost an entire week and it's just now starting to chip. It's such a stark gold, it almost looks like real gold leaf.  I don't think I've ever seen anything like it. This will be my nail color of choice for New Years.

6) Josie Maran Argan Oil - Another product that I can't recommend enough to everyone. Great for hair, cuticles, face, arms, legs...put some in your bath for softer skin. You can honestly use this product for practically any beauty need. The great thing about her argan oil is that it's very light. It soaks right into your skin while still providing so much moisture. The same goes for your hair. I used  Moroccan Oil for a long time, but stopped because it just felt so greasy and heavy. This is weightless.

♥ Noelle



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Zig Zag

Nail polish - Color Club Modern Pink  (accent nail) and Essie Bazooka

Seche Vite top coat

MakeitStickDesigns chevron nail decals

This was my first attempt at nail decals, and although my application looks a bit sloppy under a camera lens, I'm really happy with the overall effect. The chevron accent nail is the perfect way to spruce up a manicure. My only concern is the lasting power. The decals probably work best on larger, flatter nails. Mine are small and narrow, and they curve which makes the decal lift at the edges a bit.

It's alright with me, I'll just keep practicing.

Have you used nail stickers or decals before? Any tips?

♥ Noelle

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Retail Therapy

This is a shopping post. It doesn't get much deeper than that. I suppose no apologies are needed as I'm preaching to the choir ;)

Essie nail polish in: Bikini so Teeny, Bazooka, and Lights

Much brighter in person

M.A.C blush in full of joy
I had to try it after Laura's recommendation. Sadly, it is limited edition which reminds me why I don't even bother with collections anymore.

From the Nordstrom anniversary sale:

Frenchi Vanity Tweed Jacket
Doesn't have much hanger appeal. In fact, it looks sort of pathetic here. But it's very sweet in person, and I'm always a sucker for a little tweed jacket in the Fall. Paired with denim, it looks instantly pulled together. I was joking with my friend that this won't see the light of day until November.

Lily White Lace Shorts in Taupe
After lusting after lace shorts on countless bloggers (including this favorite ), I wanted to give them a try.

Ivanka Trump Abello Flat in Light Beige (Nordstrom Exclusive)

Chic and versatile.

Rose Oversized Link Strand - Baublebar

Beautiful statement necklace that doesn't need anything else!

Did you pick anything up from the anniversary sale? Share in the comments!

♥ Noelle

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Weekend Beauty

I did some beauty shopping this weekend at Sephora and MAC. This is what came home with me:

1) Viktor & Rolf La Vie En Rose (Sephora exclusive). Okay, I thought that this perfume had been discontinued. When I finished my previous bottle, my fiance searched high and low for it. It is his favorite scent on me, and I wore it when we got engaged so it holds a special place in our memories. Funny how powerful a certain scent can be! Although I love my Prada Candy, nothing can compare to La Vie En Rose. I thought I would never find it again, so I was shocked when I walked into Sephora and it was right there on a display! Sephora must have repromoted it because the bottle looks a bit different. However, it is definitely the same scent. I want to wear it when we get married next year.

2) MAC Fix + is a product I've mentioned on the blog numerous times. I like to use it before bed after applying my moisturizer and eye cream, as well as when I want a quick pick-me-up during the day. I don't use it to set makeup, as I prefer Urban Decay All Nighter for that purpose. But nothing is as refreshing as Fix +.

3) Buxom Lip Creme in White Russian. I used this as soon as I bought it! Best nude ever! It's everything I've looked for in a nude. It doesn't wash me out, it actually brightens my face and makes my lips look fuller (although I don't need much help in that department). I highly recommend it. I wouldn't say it tingles, just feels very cooling on the lips. If you're a fan of the Kim Kardashian nude lip, I think you'll find this one to be supremely wearable, especially if you have lighter skin.

4) DiorSkin Nude Hydrating Concealer. I haven't tried this just yet, but am looking forward to testing it out. I've read great reviews. I will update very soon!




While we are on the subject of beauty, I am quite pleased with the Color Club polish I picked up last week in Modern Pink. It's such a beautiful neon. It isn't too outlandish, if that makes any sense. It stands out, but still walks the fine line between trendy and chic.

♥  Noelle

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Nailing it

Just some nail polish looks I'm loving from Pinterest. I love brights, neons, pastels, and glitter. People are getting so creative these days! As I've stated before, I think as long as you keep your nails manicured and relatively short, you can get away with almost anything.

I posted these on Instagram: New polishes in Flip Flop Fantasy by China Glaze and Modern Pink by Color Club. My girlfriends and I are long overdue on pedicures, so I'm bringing one of these along on our next pamper session.

I hope this gave you some ideas!

♥ Noelle

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New Season

A new season means...

Pretty blouses from Forever 21

Spring-worthy nail polish in feminine, fresh shades

Small pictures hanging on my wall that remind me where I'd love to go (Paris and New York, again)

What is getting you in the mood for Spring?

♥ Noelle

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Little Treats

Butter London "Disco Biscuit" & O.P.I. "Pedal Faster Suzy"

Wearing O.P.I.

RichRocksNYC smoky pear earrings

 I love treating myself to little treasures when I need a good pick-me-up. As much as I love shopping for bigger items like clothes and handbags, there's nothing quite as sweet as small trinkets that will undoubtedy brighten my day. The nail polishes I just picked up are feminine and shimmery. I usually gravitate towards cream finishes, but lately I've been loving shimmer, glitter, and lots of shine. The earrings I ordered from RichRocksNYC are beautiful. I lost a somewhat similar pair in Vegas over my birthday, and I've been looking for a replacement ever since. Although these aren't as inexpensive as those were (they were F21), these have that same light-catching appeal.

♥ Noelle



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electric feel

Illamasqua nail varnish in "Rare"

Thoughts:

* Please excuse the messy application. I did my nails right before leaving for a concert! It was rushed

* This is three coats. Now, rare is NOT as opaque as I had hoped it would be. The first couple of coats went on quite streaky, and that was frustrating. However, I tried for a third coat and that really made a difference.

* Despite the somewhat lack luster formula, I LOVE this color! It really does make a statement. I can't even tell you how many compliments I have recieved. The hubs? I don't think he's a huge fan, but that's ok.

* The color changes according to lighting. I think Emily from Emily Loves said it best when she commented that it must glow. Well it does! In the evening and at night, it is a fun almost lime green. During the day in bright sunlight, it is a lot more of a highlighter yellow.

* Overall, I am happy to have it and I know I'll wear it a lot, especially against neutral clothing so it really stands out. I can't wholeheartedly recommend this polish in particular because it is expensive (about 16 dollars) and I'm sure you can find a dupe for it for a lot less money.




Of course, the title of this post comes from one of my favorite bands. I dare ya to listen to it without at least doing a little wiggle-shimmy-shake.

MGMT

Happy Friday!

♥ Noelle

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Winter Wonderland

I ordered these shoes from LOFT about two weeks ago, and they were 40% off. They are an insanely sparkly mass of charcoal colored glitter.

Most definitely the prettiest (and highest) heels I own. They will be on my feet NYE :)

OPI polishes in Designer...De Better! & Crown Me Already



I'm still not tired of the "accent nail." I painted my ring fingers with the silvery glitter polish, and the rest of my nails glistened with the silvery taupe. Other colors like milky pink, deep purple, and mint are on my list to pair with the silver glitter accent nail. Mere's nails are also on my radar. I think it's so festive for the Winter season, don't you? Again, my nails will be painted this way for New Years.

On another note, I think I'm going to finally give in and get a professional manicure. I pride myself on my ability to take good care of my nails, but this weather is wreaking havoc on my poor, dry hands. I slather them in oils, salves, and lotion but nothing seems to cure the dryness. I think I overwash my hands, but I am terrified of germs and illness this time of year. Any suggestions for me, or any standout products that you girls use?

Thanks!

♥ Noelle

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The Perfect Red Nail

I have so many different reds in my nail polish collection, and this is probably no news to anyone. However, most of my reds lean a bit; coral-red, burgundy, merlot, fuschia-red, orange-red. I love them all, but nothing is as truly red as this:

 Essie Winter 2011 shade in Size Matters ;)

Without flash

                                                                           With flash

Isn't it such a true red? I love it because it goes opaque in one coat! I highly recommend this.

Speaking of perfect, here are two more shades for Fall:

O.P.I. "Muppets" collection in Designer...De Better! and Warm & Fozzie

♥ Noelle

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